Geochemical Characteristics and Organic Matter Provenance of Shale in the Jurassic Da'anzhai Member, Northeastern Sichuan Basin

Rock pyrolysis, organic petrology, vitrinite reflectance, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and biomarker compound analysis were performed to comprehensively analyze the organic geochemical characteristics of the Jurassic Da'anzhai Member (J(1)da) shale strata in Yuanba and Puguang areas in the northeastern Sichuan Basin. Then the organic matter provenance and sedimentary environment were further analyzed. Finally, the significance of oil and gas exploration in J(1)da shale strata was discussed. Results show that the second section of the Da'anzhai Member (J(1)da(2)) has relatively high organic matter abundance (1.24%TOC), type II-dominated organic matter type, which is the most favorable section of wells Y1 and T1 in the study area. The organic matter maturity and the hydrocarbon phases are quite different, which is 1.01%R-o dominated by oil generation in Puguang area, while it is 1.67%R-o dominated by gas generation in Yuanba area. Content and chromatograms of biomarkers including n-alkanes, tricyclic terpanes, C-24 tetracyclic terpanes, and C-27-C-28-C-29 regular steranes show that the organic matters of J(1)da shale strata derive from both terrestrial higher plants and lower aquatic organisms, with slightly differentiated mixed ratio of each sublayer. Characteristics of Pr/Ph, gamma-cerane and hopanes compounds indicate that the overall depositional environment of J(1)da is a freshwater lacustrine environment, with saline lake deposits in local areas and intervals in the study area. The rapid changes of sedimentary environment have resulted in obvious stratification of water body, frequent interbeds, and strong heterogeneity of J(1)da shale strata. Comprehensive analysis shows the shale/mud microfacies in the semi-deep lake subfacies and shale/mud interbedded with siltstone and shell bank microfacies in the shallow lake subfacies are the most favorable sedimentary facies for J(1)da hydrocarbon enrichment. Deeper burial depth and higher maturity make for oil and gas enrichment with higher gas/oil ratio (GOR); moreover, the thicker intervals with organic-rich shale are favorable targets for geochemical evaluation.

Automated summary

Comprehensive analysis of the Jurassic Da'anzhai Member shale strata in the northeastern Sichuan Basin reveals the organic geochemical characteristics, organic matter provenance, and sedimentary environment. The J(1)da(2) section is identified as the most favorable for hydrocarbon enrichment. The organic matters in the J(1)da shale strata are derived from both terrestrial higher plants and lower aquatic organisms, suggesting a freshwater lacustrine environment overall.