Distribution Patterns and Controlling Factors of Axial Submarine Fan Sandbodies in the X Oilfield, North Sea, UK

doi:10.11885/j.issn.1674-5086.2025.02.21.03

Abstract

Abstract: Submarine fan reservoirs are a hotspot for oil and gas exploration and development in the world. The distribution pattern and genesis of sand bodies are complex. At present, there is a lack of research on the axial submarine fan sand bodies in deepwater grabens. Taking the B Formation of Upper Jurassic of the X Oilfield in the North Sea, UK as an example, this paper attempts to investigate the distribution patterns and controlling factors of axial submarine fan in the deep-water graben environment, by well and seismic data mining. The results show that submarine fan sand bodies are mainly of proximal bypass type, presenting banded, lobate or tongue shapes. Lobate sandbodies are thick and wide with a low length-width ratio of 5, which were formed by lateral migration or retrogradation superposition, commonly seen in B4 Oil Group. In contrast, banded sandbodies are relatively thin and narrow with a high length-width ratio of 10, which were formed by vertical superposition. This type of sandbodies is developed in the B2 Oil Group. The distribution of submarine fan sand bodies is mainly controlled by paleogeomorphology. The longitudinal steep slope (greater than 6°) driven by the differential subsidence of the graben, causes the submarine fan sand bodies to present proximal bypass type. The limitation of the internal graben affects the morphology and superposition style of the submarine fan. Compared with the thin mud-rich submarine fan sand bodies, the thick sand-rich submarine fan sand bodies are relatively less restricted, which are mostly lobate and tongue-shaped, and are lateral superposed. The lateral symmetry of the graben landform affects the lateral development position and migration direction of the submarine fan.

Key words: North Sea, submarine fan, paleogeomorphology, graben, distribution pattern

CLC Number:

P624
TE02

CAO Shuchun, YU Jitao, QI Mingming, BU Fanqing, WU Shenghe, SHEN Mo. Distribution Patterns and Controlling Factors of Axial Submarine Fan Sandbodies in the X Oilfield, North Sea, UK[J]. Journal of Southwest Petroleum University(Science & Technology Edition), 2025, 47(6): 47-59.

0
/ / Recommend

Add to citation manager EndNote|Ris|BibTeX

URL: http://journal15.magtechjournal.com/Jwk_xnzk/EN/10.11885/j.issn.1674-5086.2025.02.21.03

http://journal15.magtechjournal.com/Jwk_xnzk/EN/Y2025/V47/I6/47

References

[1] TALLING P J, CARTIGNY M J B, POPE E, et al. Detailed monitoring reveals the nature of submarine turbidity currents[J]. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 2023, 4(9): 642-658. doi: 10.1038/s43017-023-00458-1
[2] 温志新，王建君，王兆明，等. 世界深水油气勘探形势分析与思考[J]. 石油勘探与开发， 2023， 50（5）: 924-936. doi: 10.11698/PED.20230415 WEN Zhixin, WANG Jianjun, WANG Zhaoming, et al. Analysis of the world deepwater oil and gas exploration situation[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2023, 50(5): 924-936. doi: 10.11698/PED.20230415
[3] 刘小兵，窦立荣. 国际大油公司深水油气勘探实践及启示——以圭亚那斯塔布鲁克区块为例[J]. 中国石油勘探， 2023， 28（3）: 78-89. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2023.03.007 LIU Xiaobing, DOU Lirong. Practice and enlightenment of deepwater petroleum exploration of international major oil companies: A case study of Guyana Stabroek Block[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2023, 28(3): 78-89. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2023.03.007
[4] 李佳，周伟，叶青，等. 海底扇浅海重力流气藏储层内部结构精细表征[J]. 天然气勘探与开发， 2023， 46（2）: 20-29. doi: 10.12055/gaskk.issn.1673-3177.2023.02.003 LI Jia, ZHOU Wei, YE Qing, et al. Fine characterization for inner structure of shallow-sea gravity flow gas reservoirs in submarine fan[J]. Natural Gas Exploration and Development, 2023, 46(2): 20-29. doi: 10.12055/gaskk.issn.1673-3177.2023.02.003
[5] 张光亚，马锋，梁英波，等. 全球深层油气勘探领域及理论技术进展[J]. 石油学报， 2015， 36（9）: 1156-1166. doi: 10.7623/syxb201509015 ZHANG Guangya, MA Feng, LIANG Yingbo, et al. Domain and theory technology progress of global deep oil & gas exploration[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2015, 36(9): 1156-1166. doi: 10.7623/syxb201509015
[6] 王陆新，潘继平，杨丽丽. 全球深水油气勘探开发现状与前景展望[J]. 石油科技论坛， 2020， 39（2）: 31-37. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1002-302x.2020.02.005 WANG Luxin, PAN Jiping, YANG Lili. Present conditions and prospect of global deepwater oil and gas exploration and development[J]. Petroleum Science and Technology Forum, 2020, 39(2): 31-37. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1002-302x.2020.02.005
[7] 张功成，屈红军，赵冲，等. 全球深水油气勘探40年大发现及未来勘探前景[J]. 天然气地球科学， 2017， 28（10）: 1447-1477. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2017.08.008 ZHANG Gongcheng, QU Hongjun, ZHAO Chong, et al. Giant discoveries of oil and gas exploration in global deepwaters in 40 years and the prospect of exploration[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2017, 28(10): 1447-1477. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2017.08.008
[8] READING H G, RICHARDS M. Turbidite systems in deep water basin margins classified by grain size and feeder system[J]. AAPG Bulletin, 1994, 78(5): 792-822.
[9] 贾承造，王祖纲，姜林，等. 中国油气勘探开发成就与未来潜力:深层、深水与非常规油气——专访中国科学院院士、石油地质与构造地质学家贾承造[J]. 世界石油工业， 2023， 30（3）: 1-8. doi: 10.20114/j.issn.1006-0030.20230626001 JIA Chengzao, WANG Zugang, JIANG Lin, et al. Achievements and future potential for oil & gas exploration and developmentin China: deep-formation, deep-water and unconventional reservoirs——Interview with JIA Chengzao, Academician of the CAS, geologist in petroleum geology and structure[J]. World Petroleum Industry, 2023, 30(3): 1-8. doi: 10.20114/j.issn.1006-0030.20230626001
[10] MIRAMONTES E, PENVEN P, FIERENS R, et al. The influence of bottom currents on the Zambezi Valley morphology (Mozambique Channel, SW Indian Ocean): In situ current observations and hydrodynamic modelling[J]. Marine Geology, 2019, 410: 42-55. doi: 10.1016/j.marg eo.2019.01.002
[11] MIRAMONTES E, THIÉBLEMONT A, BABONNEAU N, et al. Contourite and mixed turbidite-contourite systems in the Mozambique Channel (SW Indian Ocean): Link between geometry, sediment characteristics and modelled bottom currents[J]. Marine Geology, 2021, 437: 106-502. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2021.106502
[12] GERVAIS A, SAVOYE B, MULDER T, et al. Sandy modern turbidite lobes: A new insight from high resolution seismic data[J]. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2006, 23(4): 485-502. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2005.10.006
[13] 于星，赵红岩，邱春光，等. 东非海岸盆地第四系深水沉积特征、过程及沉积模式[J]. 断块油气田， 2024， 31（2）: 257-265. doi: 10.6056/dkyqt202402010 YU Xing, ZHAO Hongyan, QIU Chunguang, et al. Quaternary deep-water deposition in coastal basins of East Africa: Characteristics， processes， anddepositional model[J]. Fault-Block Oil & Gas Field, 2024, 31(2): 257-265. doi: 10.6056/dkyqt202402010
[14] SPYCHALA Y T, EGGENHUISEN J T, TILSTON M, et al. The influence of basin setting and turbidity current properties on the dimensions of submarine lobe elements[J]. Sedimentology, 2020, 67(7): 3471-3491. doi: 10.1111/sed.12751
[15] CHEN M, WU S, WANG R, et al. Sedimentary architecture of submarine channel-lobe systems under different seafloor topography: Insights from the Rovuma Basin offshore East Africa[J]. Petroleum Science, 2024, 21(1): 125-142. doi: 10.1016/j.petsci.2023.11.021
[16] 林煜，吴胜和，王星，等. 深水浊积朵叶储层构型模式研究[J]. 天然气地球科学， 2014， 25（8）: 1197-1204. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2014.08.1197 LIN Yu, WU Shenghe, WANG Xing, et al. Research on reservoir architecture models of deep-water turbidite lobes[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2014, 25(8): 1197-1204. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2014.08.1197
[17] NYANTAKYI E K, LI Tao, HU Wangshui, et al. Structural and stratigraphic characteristics on distal parts of the outer fold and thrust belt of southern Niger Delta, Nigeria[J]. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2015, 8(9): 6677-6695. doi: 10.1007/s12517-014-1727-x
[18] 张佳佳，吴胜和. 海底扇朵叶沉积构型研究进展[J]. 中国海上油气， 2019， 31（5）: 88-106. doi: 10.11935/j.issn.1673-1506.2019.05.010 ZHANG Jiajia, WU Shenghe. Research progress on the depositional architecture of submarine-fan lobes[J]. China Offshore Oil and Gas, 2019, 31(5): 88-106. doi: 10.11935/j.issn.1673-1506.2019.05.010
[19] HOWLETT D M, GE Z, NEMEC W, et al. Response of unconfined turbidity current to deep-water fold and thrust belt topography: Orthogonal incidence on solitary and segmented folds[J]. Sedimentology, 2019, 66(6): 2425-2454. doi: 10.1111/sed.12602
[20] 侯云超，樊太亮，李一凡，等. 盐构造与深水重力流的相互作用及响应——以墨西哥湾Sureste盆地中新统为例[J]. 沉积学报， 2022， 40（1）: 22-33. doi: 10.14027/j.issn.1000-0550.2020.123 HOU Yunchao, FAN Tailiang, LI Yifan, et al. Interactions and responses between salt structures and deep water gravity flow: A case study from the Miocene strata in the Sureste Basin, Gulf of Mexico[J]. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 2022, 40(1): 22-33. doi: 10.14027/j.issn.1000-0550.2020.123
[21] HOWLETT D M, GAWTHORPE R L, GE Z, et al. Turbidites, topography and tectonics: Evolution of submarine channel-lobe systems in the salt-influenced Kwanza Basin, offshore Angola[J]. Basin Research, 2021, 33(2): 1076-1110. doi: 10.1111/bre.12506
[22] BELL R E, MCNEILL L C, BULL J M, et al. Evolution of the offshore western Gulf of Corinth[J]. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2008, 120: 156-178. doi: 10.1130/B26212.1
[23] BELL R E, MCNEILL L C, BULL J M, et al. Fault architecture, basin structure and evolution of the Gulf of Corinth Rift, central Greece[J]. Basin Research, 2009, 21(6): 824-855. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2117.2009.00401.x
[24] SPYCHALA Y T, HODGSON D M, FLINT S S, et al. Constraining the sedimentology and stratigraphy of submarine intraslope lobe deposits using exhumed examples from the Karoo Basin, South Africa[J]. Sedimentary Geology, 2015, 322: 67-81. doi: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2015.03.013
[25] TILLMANS F, GAWTHORPE R L, JACKSON C A L, et al. Syn-rift sediment gravity flow deposition on a Late Jurassic fault-terraced slope, northern North Sea[J]. Basin Research, 2021, 33(3): 1844-1879. doi: 10.1111/bre.12538
[26] TIAN Dongmei, LIANG Chao, JIANG Tao, et al. Architecture and depositional processes of a submarine channel during the Late Miocene in the Yinggehai Basin, northwestern South China Sea[J]. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2024, 167: 106964. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2024.106964
[27] 刘政，何登发，童晓光，等. 北海盆地大油气田形成条件及分布特征[J]. 中国石油勘探， 2011， 16（3）: 31-43， 7. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2011.03.004 LIU Zheng, HE Dengfa, TONG Xiaoguang, et al. Formation and distribution of giant oil and gas fields in North Sea Basin[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2011, 16(3): 31-43, 7. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2011.03.004
[28] STUART G A, HENK K, STEFANO P, et al. Cross-border themes in petroleum geology I: The North Sea[M]. London: Geological Society of London, 2022.
[29] EVANS D, GRAHAM C, ARMOUR A, et al. The millennium atlas: Petroleum geology of the central and northern North Sea[M]. London: Geological Society of London, 2003.
[30] 朱伟林，杨甲明，杜栩. 欧洲含油气盆地[M]. 北京:科学出版社， 2011. ZHU Weilin, YANG Jiaming, DU Xu. Petroleum basins in Europe[M]. Beijing: Science Press, 2011.
[31] MCKINNON M. Depositional character of “syn-rift” deep-water deposits: A case study from the upper Jurassic Buzzard turbidite system[D]. Aberdeen: University of Aberdeen, 2013.
[32] RAY F M, PINNOCK S J, KATAMISH H, et al. The Buzzard Field: Anatomy of the reservoir from appraisal to production[J]. Petroleum Geology, 2010, 7: 369-386.
[33] TAYLOR E E, WEBB N J, STEVENSON C J, et al. The Buzzard Field, Blocks 19/5a, 19/10a, 20/1 and 20/6a, UK North Sea[J]. Geological Society Memoir, 2020, 52: 691-704. doi: 10.1144/M52-2019-17
[34] 蔺鹏，吴胜和，张佳佳，等. 尼日尔三角洲盆地陆坡逆冲构造区海底扇分布规律[J]. 石油与天然气地质， 2018， 39（5）: 1073-1086. doi: 10.11743/ogg20180421 LIN Peng, WU Shenghe, ZHANG Jiajia, et al. Distribution of submarine fans in the thrust fault zone of continental slope, Niger Delta Basin[J]. Oil & Gas Geology, 2018, 39(5): 1073-1086. doi: 10.11743/ogg20180421
[35] 王建国，蒋传杰，常森，等. 克拉通盆地微古地貌恢复的构造趋势面转换法[J]. 石油学报， 2007， 38（1）: 77-83. doi: 10.7623/syxb201701008 WANG Jianguo, JIANG Chuanjie, CHANG Sen, et al. Structural trend surface conversion method for micro-amplitude paleotopographic restoration of cratonic basins[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2007, 38(1): 77-83. doi: 10.7623/syxb201701008
[36] 金民东，谭秀成，童明胜，等. 四川盆地高石梯——磨溪地区灯四段岩溶古地貌恢复及地质意义[J]. 石油勘探与开发， 2017， 44（1）: 58-68. doi: 10.11698/PED.2017.01.07 JIN Mindong, TAN Xiucheng, TONG Mingsheng, et al. Karst paleogeomorphology of the Fourth Member of Sinian Dengying Formation in Gaoshiti-Moxi Area, Sichuan Basin, SW China: Restoration and geological significance[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2017, 44(1): 58-68. doi: 10.11698/PED.2017.01.07
[37] LI Wei, YUE Dali, WU Shenghe, et al. Characterizing meander belts and point bars in fluvial reservoirs by combining spectral decomposition and genetic inversion[J]. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2019, 105(1): 168184. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2019.04.015
[38] HESSELBO S P, DECONINCK J, HUGGETT J M, et al. Late Jurassic palaeoclimatic change from clay mineralogy and gamma-ray spectrometry of the Kimmeridge Clay, Dorset, UK[J]. Journal of the Geological Society, 2009, 166(6): 1123-1133. doi: 10.1144/0016-76492009-070
[39] HESSELBO S P. Sequence stratigraphy and inferred relative sea-level change from the onshore British Jurassic[J]. Proceedings of the Geologists Association, 2008, 119(1): 19-34. doi: 10.1016/S0016-7878(59)80069-9
[40] POHL F, EGGENHUISEN J T, CARTIGNY M J B, et al. The influence of a slope break on turbidite deposits: An experimental investigation[J]. Marine Geology, 2020, 424: 106160. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2020.106160