Available online at www.sciencedirect.

com

ScienceDirect
Natural Gas Industry B 4 (2017) 81e90
www.elsevier.com/locate/ngib

Research Article

Hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics and enrichment laws of

multi-layered reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin
Yang Guang, Li Guohui*, Li Nan, Chen Shuangling, Wang Hua, Xu Liang
Exploration and Development Research Institute, PetroChina Southwest Oil & Gas Field Company, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
Received 26 September 2016; accepted 25 December 2016
Available online 1 September 2017

Abstract

The Sichuan Basin represents the earliest area where natural gas is explored, developed and comprehensively utilized in China. After over 50
years of oil and gas exploration, oil and gas reservoirs have been discovered in 24 gas-dominant layers in this basin. For the purpose of predicting
natural gas exploration direction and target of each layer in the Sichuan Basin, the sedimentary characteristics of marine and continental strata in
this basin were summarized and the forms of multi-cycled tectonic movement and their controlling effect on sedimentation, diagenesis and
hydrocarbon accumulation were analyzed. Based on the analysis, the following characteristics were identified. First, the Sichuan Basin has
experienced the transformation from marine sedimentation to continental sedimentation since the Sinian with the former being dominant.
Second, multiple sourceereservoir assemblages are formed based on multi-rhythmed deposition, and multi-layered reservoir hydrocarbon
accumulation characteristics are vertically presented. And third, multi-cycled tectonic movement appears in many forms and has a significant
controlling effect on sedimentation, diagenesis and hydrocarbon accumulation. Then, oil and gas reservoir characteristics and enrichment laws
were investigated. It is indicated that the Sichuan Basin is characterized by coexistence of conventional and unconventional oil and gas res-
ervoirs, multi-layered reservoir hydrocarbon supply, multiple reservoir types, multiple trap types, multi-staged hydrocarbon accumulation and
multiple hydrocarbon accumulation models. Besides, its natural gas enrichment is affected by hydrocarbon source intensity, large paleo-uplift,
favorable sedimentary facies belt, sedimentaryestructural discontinuity plane and structural fracture development. Finally, the natural gas
exploration and research targets of each layer in the Sichuan Basin were predicted according to the basic petroleum geologic conditions,
enrichment laws and exploration status.
© 2017 Sichuan Petroleum Administration. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND
license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Keywords: Sichuan Basin; Sedimentary characteristics; Structural evolution; Multi-layer; Natural gas; Hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics; Enrichment laws;
Exploration domains

Oil and gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin has been carried
out for more than half a century [1]. Oil and gas reservoirs, both
conventional and unconventional, were discovered from the
Sinian to the Jurassic, with the dominance of gas reservoirs,
including 24 oil and gas pay zones (of which 18 pay zones are
marine facies). In 2005, the proven reserves of natural gas were
more than 1
1012 m3, and the annual natural gas production
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: lgh@petrochina.com.cn (Li G.).
Peer review under responsibility of Sichuan Petroleum Administration.
exceeded 100
108 m3. Within the subsequent ten years, both
reserves and production increased rapidly.
In order to predict the targets in future exploration and
researches in multi-layered gas reservoirs in the Sichuan
Basin, we systematically analyzed the general characteristics
of deposits in marine and continental formations in the
Sichuan Basin. We also investigated the different forms of
multi-cycle tectonic movements since the Sinian and their
controlling effects on sedimentation, diagenesis, and hydro-
carbon accumulation, and discussed the accumulation features
and enrichment laws of conventional reservoirs in this area.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ngib.2017.07.012
2352-8540/© 2017 Sichuan Petroleum Administration. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
82 Yang G. et al. / Natural Gas Industry B 4 (2017) 81e90
1. Sedimentary characteristics
Since the Sinian, the Sichuan Basin has witnessed sedi-
ments of nearly ten thousand meters [2e4], with diverse rock
types and sedimentary systems. Marine carbonates were
mainly deposited (with a thickness of 4e7 km) during the
SinianeMiddle Triassic, marineecontinental transitional
facies (with a thickness of 300e400 m) were dominant in the
early period of Late Triassic, and continental clastic sediments
(with a thickness of 2e5 km) were predominant after the
middle period of Late Triassic.
1.1. Marine deposits
In the SinianeMiddle Triassic, the Sichuan Basin was a part
of the Upper Yangtze Platform with a relatively stable sedi-
mentary environment. Carbonate sediments were predominant,
and clastic rocks were also developed in some formations.
1.1.1. Multi-cycled, multi-rhythmed
In the SinianeMiddle Triassic, multiple sedimentary cycles
of transgressioneregression occurred [5]. In the transgression
period, when the continental shelf or open sea platform was
predominant, source rocks were formed. In the regression
period, when the restricted sea platform was predominant and
shoal facies and lagoons were developed, shoals were formed.
Multiple sedimentary cycles formed several sets of sour-
ceereservoir assemblages in the Sichuan Basin, and they are
the basis for the formation of multi-layered reservoirs.
1.1.2. Vast neritic environments and carbonate platform
deposits
The SinianeMiddle Triassic deposits were mostly of neritic
or tidal flat facies. Deep-water deposits also existed, but they
Fig. 1. Model of marine deposits in the Sichuan Basin.
were not predominant. Carbonate deposits were dominant,
forming a vast platform deposition environment. Generally,
the platform contained relatively gentle geomorphology, broad
sedimentary facies belts, and small facies belt differentiation.
However, this does not mean that the platform was flat;
instead, some positive protrusions are favorable for the for-
mation of shoals, while relative depressions are more likely to
form a lagoon environment (Fig. 1).
1.1.3. Wide distribution of tide belts
The shore tidal flat was often formed and developed in
association with terrigenous province. Long-standing paleo-
continents resided in the periphery of the Upper Yangtze re-
gion. On the one hand, these paleo-continents provided a
source for the sedimentary basins; on the other hand, the
paleo-continents, to some degree, controlled the distribution of
sedimentary facies. Along the side of paleo-continent, tidal flat
deposits were developed in variable scales, generally consist-
ing of debris components.
1.1.4. Extensive development of shoals and reefs in the
platform
The margin and inner high-energy belt in the carbonate plat-
form are favorable for the development of reef and shoal bodies.
Based on the available data, reefs were developed in the Silurian
and Late Permian, while shoals were deposited in several ages,
such as Sinian, Cambrian, Ordovician, Permian, and Triassic
[6e10]. In general, marginal-platform shoals are large and
regular, while intra-platform shoals are dispersive and small.
1.2. Continental deposits
Since the Late Triassic, the Sichuan Basin entered the stage
of intra-continental basin evolution, when the continental
 Yang G. et al. / Natural Gas Industry B 4 (2017) 81e90
rocks were deposited, consisting of clastic rocks. In the Early
Jurassic, the lacustrine carbonate rocks were developed.
1.2.1. A multi-provenance supply system
Constrained by the periphery paleo-continents or paleo-
uplifts, the intra-continental basin showed diverse prove-
nance systems. Since the Late Triassic, the western and
northern parts of the Sichuan Basin were respectively
controlled by the ancient Longmen Mountain and Dabashan
tectonic belts, the eastern part might be controlled by the West
Hubei paleo-continent and the Xuefeng Mountain nappe tec-
tonic belt, and the southern part was controlled by the Guiz-
houeYunnan paleo-continent. Various natures of paleo-uplifts
and paleo-continents, supply intensities and rock types corre-
spond to different types of debris in the sedimentary basin.
1.2.2. Obvious control of tectonics on sedimentation
Irregular and differential activities of tectonic belts in the
periphery of the sedimentary basin resulted in the differences
in sediment responses. The subsidence center was in the
western Sichuan Basin during the Late Triassic, the northern
Sichuan Basin during the Jurassic, and the western Sichuan
Basin during the Cretaceous.
1.2.3. Large-area distribution of sandstones
In the tectonic quiet period, the sedimentary basin was
mainly composed of large-scale lacustrine sediments, such as
the Xu 1, Xu 3, and Xu 5 Members of the Upper Triassic
Xujiahe Fm, and the Lower Jurassic Ziliujing Fm. In the
period when tectonic activities were intense, the provenance
supply in the periphery was sufficient, and the basin was
dominated by glutinite, such as the Xu 2 Member, Xu 4
Member, Xu 6 Member, the MiddleeUpper Jurassic, and the
Cretaceous, with glutinite in a large and continuous
distribution.
1.2.4. Development of a large superimposed delta system
From the margin to the center of the basin, the
sedimentary system represented a regular variation from al-
luvial fanefluvial faciesedeltaelacustrine system, with fan
delta system locally. In the Late Triassic, the sedimentary
basin was generally high in the east and low in the west, and
there was a large superimposed delta in the central Sichuan
Basin. In the Jurassic, the basin presented a paleogeography of
high south and low north, and the large deltas were mainly
distributed in the southern and central part of the Sichuan
Basin. Exploration operations have proved that the delta sys-
tem is the favorable reservoir facies belt.
2. Superimposed reworking of multi-period tectonic
movements
The Sichuan Basin has undergone multi-period of tectonic
movements, which brought thorough impacts on the deposi-
tion, diagenesis and hydrocarbon accumulation in the Sichuan
Basin [11e13]. Depending on the types of tectonic
83
movements (e.g. extension, compression, and vertical lift),
such impacts are variable.
2.1. Extension
During the NanhuaeSilurian period, and especially before
the end of the Cambrian, tension was dominant, leading to the
DeyangeAnyue intra-platform rifting belt which controlled
the assemblage of the Sinian Dengying Fm source rocks, the
Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi Fm reservoir rocks, and Den-
gying Fm cap rocks. Due to the differential movement be-
tween the tensional faults, the Tongwan movement at the end
of Sinian made the Dengying Fm uplift and erode to form a
karst-type reservoir in the Dengying Fm. The very thick source
rocks in the Qiongzhusi Fm formed in the rifting zone could
provide hydrocarbons for the Dengying Fm, and also serve as
the regional cap rock of the Dengying Fm.
The tensional movement of the Hercynian period began in
the Middle Permian, which to some degree controlled the
deposition and reservoir-forming of the Middle Permian Qixia
and Maokou Fms. Especially, in the early period of Late
Permian, intensive basalt eruptions occurred in the south-
western part of the basin, and invasion of basic rocks was
observed in the eastern part. In the late period of Late Permian,
the KaijiangeLiangping trough was formed in the northern
part of the basin (Fig. 2), which controlled the distribution of
reefs in the Upper Permian Changxing Fm and the deposition
of shoals in the Lower Triassic Feixianguan Fm.
2.2. Compression
Compression is a common form of tectonic movement.
Such a movement in the Sichuan Basin mainly occurred in the
late Caledonian and IndosinianeHimalayan, giving rise to the
tectonic pattern consisting of the Caledonian Central Sichuan
paleo-uplift, the Indosinian LuzhoueKaijiang paleo-uplift, the
Indosinian Western Sichuan foreland basin, the Yanshanian
MicangshaneDabashan foreland basin, and the Himalayan
current basin.
The Caledonian Central Sichuan paleo-uplift controlled
significantly the formation and distribution of the
SinianeLower Paleozoic gas reservoirs [14]. The Indosinian
LuzhoueKaijiang paleo-uplift controlled the distribution of
the CarboniferouseTriassic gas reservoirs (Fig. 3). The
IndosinianeYanshanian foreland basin controlled the distri-
bution of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe tight gas reservoirs and
the Jurassic tight oil reservoirs.
2.3. Vertical lift
Vertical lift is a kind of common tectonic movement. It
plays an important role in the continuous distribution of strata
and the inheriting evolution of sedimentary facies, and often
induced good sourceereservoirecaprock assemblage along
with the sea level eustacy. In addition, this movement occurred
frequently during extension or extrusion tectonic stages.
84 Yang G. et al. / Natural Gas Industry B 4 (2017) 81e90

Fig. 2. Features of extensional movement in the MiddleeLate Permian, Sichuan Basin. Note: 1) The distribution of the Middle Permian Maokou Fm dolomite is
related to the deep large thermal fluid; 2) The Late Permian trough is the product of extension.

3. Accumulation characteristics Silurian Longmaxi Fm (shale gas), the Upper Triassic Xujiahe
Fm (tight sandstone gas), and the Jurassic Ziliujing Fm (tight
3.1. Coexistence of conventional and unconventional oil). Up to now, unconventional gas and conventional gas go
reservoirs fiftyefifty in proven reserves (Fig. 4).

In the Sichuan Basin, there are multi-layered reservoirs that
are diverse in types. Most of the layers are characterized by
conventional gas reservoirs. Conventional reservoirs are
dominant in most formations, while unconventional reservoirs
are distributed in the Cambrian Qiongzhusi Fm (shale gas), the
3.2. Multi-period structure superposition and
accumulation
As mentioned above, the Sichuan Basin has experienced the
superimposition of multiple periods of tectonic movements

Fig. 3. Relationship between the Indosinian paleo-uplift and the distribution of Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Fm and Carboniferous gas reservoirs.
 Yang G. et al. / Natural Gas Industry B 4 (2017) 81e90
since the Sinian, which significantly influenced the hydrocar-
bon accumulation, represented by the consistency between the
multi-period tectonism and multi-period accumulation
[15e18]. Nevertheless, the strata are continuously super-
imposed to provide good overall preservation conditions, which
is the key factor in the distribution of multi-layered reservoirs.
3.3. Multi-layer hydrocarbon supply and multiple
sourceereservoir assemblages
3.3.1. Hydrocarbon source layer
In the Sichuan Basin, there are many sets of hydrocarbon
source layers. Regionally, major hydrocarbon source layers are
the Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi Fm, the Silurian Longmaxi
Fm, and the Permian in view of marine rocks, and the Upper
Triassic and Lower Jurassic in terms of lacustrine rocks, all of
which are characterized by wide distribution, stable thickness
and better quality (Table 1). Locally, some source layers were
mainly formed along with the changes of sedimentary facies
belt, such as the Lower Cambrian Canglangpu Fm, and the
Upper Permian Longtan Fm. Additionally, some layers are
capable of preservation and also hydrocarbon generation,
making them supplementary source rocks, such as the Sinian
Dengying Fm and the MiddleeLower Triassic.
3.3.2. Sourceereservoir assemblage type
In the Sichuan Basin, there are multiple sets of sour-
ceereservoir assemblages, such as Zeε1q, ε1qeε11, SeC,
P2eP3, and P2eT1. There are also self-generation & self-
preservation reservoirs, such as P2, P3, T3, and J1 (Fig. 5).
However, this does not mean that there is one-to-one corre-
sponding relationship between source layers and reservoirs.
According to an analysis, a set of reservoirs often receive
materials from several source layers. For example, natural gas
in the Sinian Dengying Fm is sourced from both the Lower
Cambrian Qiongzhusi Fm and the Doushantuo Fm. The
Middle Permian gas reservoirs have their hydrocarbons from
themselves and also from the underlying source rocks. The
Middle and Lower Triassic Feixianguan gas reservoirs, the
Jialingjiang Fm gas reservoirs and the Leikoupo Fm gas res-
ervoirs are mostly sourced from multiple underlying source
layers. The Jurassic gas reservoir has its hydrocarbons from
the Upper Triassic source layers. Therefore, natural gas in gas
reservoirs is multi-sourced. This feature is related to the su-
perposition of multi-period tectonic movements in the Sichuan
Fig. 4. Distribution of proven gas reserves in the Sichuan Basin.
85
Basin, and faults serve as critical channels for hydrocarbon
supply [19].
3.4. Multiple reservoir types
According to statistics, in the Sichuan Basin, marine car-
bonate rocks have an average porosity of 3.24% and an
average permeability of 1.45 mD; continental clastic rocks
have an average porosity of 5.3% and an average permeability
of 0.19 mD. Reservoirs were induced by karstification, facies
controlling, dolomitization, and composite effect.
Due to karstification, reservoirs were mainly reworked by
supergenic karstification. These reservoirs are mainly distrib-
uted tens of meters below the erosion surface, such as the
Sinian Dengying Fm associated with the Tongwan erosion
surface, the Lower Paleozoic and Sinian reservoirs associated
with the Indosinian erosion surface, the Middle Permian
Maokou Fm reservoir associated with the Dongwu erosion
surface, and the LowereMiddle Triassic reservoirs associated
with the Indosinian erosion surface.
Due to facies-controlling, reservoirs are mainly related to
the distribution of high-energy facies belts, such as reef or
shoal facies, and large delta. They are mainly distributed in the
Sinian Dengying Fm algae shoal, the Lower Cambrian
Longwangmiao Fm granule shoal, the Upper Permian
Changxing Fm reef, the Lower Triassic granule shoal, and the
Upper Triassic Xujiahe Fm delta.
Dolomitization occurs in several sets of strata of marine
deposits, and it is an important diagenetic effect on the for-
mation of porous reservoirs. Genetic types include evaporation
pumping and capillary enrichment, infiltration backflow,
mixed water and buried dolomitization.
Composite reservoirs were formed after reworking by a
variety of geological factors, such as interlayer karstification
on reef-facies-controlling reservoirs, dolomitization on shoal
facies reservoirs, and supergenic karstification on shoal res-
ervoirs. The Lower Cambrian Longwangmiao Fm, Carbonif-
erous, Middle Permian, Lower Triassic Feixianguan Fm and
Middle Triassic Leikoupo Fm are typical examples.
3.5. Diverse trap types
Early exploration in the Sichuan Basin focused on fractured
oil and gas reservoirs and structural traps. Since the 1990s, it has
turned to composite traps. Several gas reservoirs have been
discovered, including the stratigraphicelithologic composite gas
reservoirs in the Sinian Dengying Fm, the lithologic gas reser-
voirs in the Lower Cambrian Longwangmiao Fm, the lithologic
and structuralelithologic composite gas reservoirs in the
Carboniferous, the reef lithologic gas reservoirs in the Permian
Changxing Fm, the oolite shoal lithologic and structuralelitho-
logic gas reservoirs in the Feixianguan Fm, and the lithologic and
structuralelithologic gas reservoirs in the Xujiahe Fm.
3.6. Multi-period accumulation
Multi-period tectonic movements lead to multi-period hy-
drocarbon accumulation. Either the Sinian gas reservoirs or
86 Yang G. et al. / Natural Gas Industry B 4 (2017) 81e90

Table 1
Statistics on average TOC contents (%) for source rocks in multiple formations of the Sichuan Basin.
Strata Z ε1 ε2þ3 O S P2 P3 T1þ2 T3 J1 J2
Argillaceous rock 1.18 1.24 / 0.15 0.14 0.34 0.49 0.13 1.83 1.07 0.25
Carbonate rock 0.29 0.13 0.10 0.14 0.17 0.44 0.47 0.17 / / /

the Jurassic oil and gas reservoirs were not formed in one time
(Fig. 6). Oil and gas reservoirs formed early would inevitably
suffer tectonic movements. In this process, original oil and gas
reservoirs experienced adjusted evolution, or damages in
different degree [20].
3.7. Diverse accumulation models
The plays in the Sichuan Basin can be divided into five
types: lower-generation & upper-preservation, side-generation
& lateral-preservation, upper-generation & lower-preservation,

Fig. 5. Comprehensive column of sourceereservoirecaprock assemblage in the Sichuan Basin.

 Yang G. et al. / Natural Gas Industry B 4 (2017) 81e90
Fig. 6. Distribution of homogenous temperature in the Sinian Dengying Fm inclusions in the GaoshitieMoxi area.
self-generation & self-preservation, and other-source &
secondary-generation. The accumulation models are diverse
(Fig. 7).
For either lower-generation & upper-preservation type or
upper-generation & lower-preservation type accumulations,
the source rocks and reservoir rocks contact extensively in a
form of superimposition, and hydrocarbons charged into the
nearest rocks, demonstrating higher probability of oil and gas
accumulation. For example, the hydrocarbons from the Lower
Cambrian Qiongzhusi Fm charged the Sinian Dengying Fm to
form the Dengying Fm gas reservoir. The hydrocarbons from
the Silurian charged the Carboniferous to form the Carbonif-
erous gas reservoir. The superimposed sourceereservoir
assemblage in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Fm induced the gas
reservoirs in the Xu 2 Member, Xu 4 Member, and Xu 6
Member.
Side-generation & lateral-preservation type accumulation is
mainly observed in the Dengying Fm gas reservoir and the reef
gas reservoir in the Upper Permian Changxing Fm in the
GaoshitieMoxi area. The basic geological condition is man-
ifested in paleogeomorphologic dissimilarity, which is
demonstrated in three aspects. First, structural paleo-
geomorphology, as a result of tectonism, controls the sedi-
mentary dissimilarity of overlying strata, such as the sour-
ceereservoir assemblage at the sides of the rifting facies of the
Dengying Fm. Second, the karstification dissimilarity leads to
ancient residual hills. Third, sedimentary facies belts change
laterally, such as the sourceereservoir assemblages in reef
bodies and non-reef source rocks [21]. Due to close contact
between source rocks and reservoir rocks, oil and gas can
charge and accumulate in the adjacent rocks.
For other-source & secondary-generation type accumula-
tion, source rocks are far away from reservoir rocks, and
natural gas generated migrates via faults to and accumulate in
the traps. For example, the Xixiangchi Fm gas reservoirs
communicate with the Qiongzhusi Fm hydrocarbon sources by
faults, and the Longwangmiao Fm gas reservoir communicates
with the Qiongzhusi Fm gas sources by erosion surface.
Natural gas of the Jialingjiang Fm gas reservoir was sourced
from the Permian, and the Leikoupo Fm gas reservoir was
derived from the Permian the Upper Triassic.
87
Self-generation & self-preservation type accumulation is
mainly found in the Middle Permian Maokou Fm gas reser-
voirs [22], the Xujiahe Fm tight sandstone gas reservoirs, and
the Jurassic tight oil reservoirs.
4. Enrichment law of natural gas
4.1. High-quality hydrocarbon sources control the
distribution of large and medium oil and gas fields
Exploration indicates that hydrocarbon source is always the
key material base for oil and gas accumulation, especially for
largeemedium oil and gas reservoirs. The hydrocarbons of the
bulk large-scale gas reservoirs in the Sinian Dengying Fm and
the Longwangmiao Fm were sourced from the high-quality
source layers in the Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi Fm. The
hydrocarbons of the high-abundant Carboniferous gas reser-
voirs were sourced from the Silurian source layers with high
hydrocarbon generation intensity. The formation of reefeshoal
gas reservoirs in the Changxing Fm and the Feixianguan Fm
was related to the Permian source layers.
4.2. Large paleo-uplift control the formation and
enrichment of gas reservoirs
Large paleo-uplifts play an obvious role in controlling the
formation and enrichment of oil and gas reservoirs. The
Caledonian Central Sichuan paleo-uplift controlled the gas
reservoirs in the Sinian Dengying Fm and the Cambrian
Longwangmiao Fm. The Indosinian Luzhou paleo-uplift
controlled the gas reservoirs in the Lower Triassic Jia-
lingjiang Fm. The Kaijiang paleo-uplift controlled the gas
reservoirs in the Carboniferous.
4.3. Favorable sedimentary facies belts are the
foundation for the development of high-quality
reservoirs
The shoal facies deposits (bioclastic shoal and granular
shoal) of marine carbonate rocks are mainly developed in the
horizons such as Dengying Fm, Longwangmiao Fm, Xixiangchi
88 Yang G. et al. / Natural Gas Industry B 4 (2017) 81e90

Fig. 7. Oil and gas accumulation models of multi-layered reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin.

Fm, Tongzi Fm, Middle Permian, and Lower Triassic, being
dominantly algae debris shoals, bioclast shoals, and oolite
shoals. Reef deposits (reef) are mainly distributed in the Silurian
and the Upper Permian Changxing Fm [23,24]. Facies-
controlled gas reservoirs have been proved by exploration,
such as the gas reservoir in the Longwangmiao Fm, and the reef
gas reservoir in the Upper Permian Changxing Fm. Delta facies
of the continental sedimentary facies are favorable sedimentary
facies belts, such as the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Fm gas reser-
voir, and the Jurassic Da'anzhai Fm tight reservoir.
4.4. Sedimentaryestructural discontinuity plays an
important role in reservoir reworking
Discontinuities include structural discontinuities and
sedimentary discontinuities. Structural discontinuities often
represent sedimentation discontinuities, but not necessarily
the vise versa. Structural discontinuities are the results of
tectonic movements. On one hand, erosion surfaces were
formed. On the other hand, related karst type reservoirs were
formed along the erosion surfaces. Thus, oil and gas transport
channels and reservoirs are developed near the structural
discontinuity, enabling the formation of gas and oil reser-
voirs. For example, the gas reservoirs in the Sinian Dengying
Fm, the Carboniferous, and the Middle Permian Maokou Fm
are usually related to structural discontinuity. The sedimen-
tary discontinuity was formed during the sedimentation, or
due to fluctuation of sea level or structural changes. In this
process, surficial karstification occurred to induce large-scale
layered reservoirs. Given other geological conditions satis-
factory, accumulation is possible at the sedimentary
discontinuity.
 Yang G. et al. / Natural Gas Industry B 4 (2017) 81e90
4.5. Tectonic action effectively improves reservoir
seepage capacity and the formation of transport
channels
Faults and fractures formed due to tectonism serve as the
migration channels for oil and gas accumulation. They are
useful in two aspects. First, in the plays with separate source
rocks and reservoirs, where the source layer is distant to the
reservoir, the accumulation of oil and gas needs the commu-
nication via fractures, such as the gas reservoir in the Xix-
iangchi Fm, the Jialingjiang Fm, the Leikoupo Fm, and
partially the Jurassic. Second, for the intra-source accumula-
tion or self-generation & self-preservation type tight reser-
voirs, sufficient hydrocarbon sources could not accumulate in
the tight reservoir space; however, e fractured reservoirs and
low-porosity reservoirs can cooperate to form a fracture sys-
tem with a certain scale. The representatives of such reservoirs
are the fractured gas reservoir in the Middle Permian Maokou
Fm, the tight sandstone gas reservoir in the Xujiahe Fm, and
the tight oil reservoir in the Lower Jurassic Da'anzhai
Formation.
Of course, in most cases, the development degree of frac-
tures and faults controls the differentiation of oil and gas. In
the fracture-rich zone, the production of oil and gas is high.
Therefore, for tight oil and gas reservoirs, or conventional oil
and gas reservoirs, faults and fractures play a very important
role in controlling the hydrocarbon accumulation and oil and
gas production.
5. Future oil and gas exploration targets
Over half a century, great progress has been made in oil and
gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin. The oil and gas industry
base has been established to provide a grand support for the
national economic construction.
5.1. SinianeLower Paleozoic
There are two sets of best source layers in SinianeLower
Paleozoic, i.e. the Cambrian Qiongzhusi Fm and the Silurian
Longmaxi Fm. The regional distribution of source layers laid a
foundation for oil and gas accumulation.
At present, the exploration of the SinianeLower Paleozoic
is mainly carried out in the marginal zones of the Central
Sichuan paleo-uplift and the DeyangeAnyue rift trough,
where there is still potential of exploration. Nevertheless, it is
necessary to find new exploration targets beyond the paleo-
uplift. For example, in the eastern Sichuan Basin and Daba-
shan area with nappe structures, in Chengkou County with
outcrops of the Sinian Doushantuo Fm and the Cambrian
Shuijingtuo Fm (equivalent to the Qiongzhusi Fm), and in the
Yudu area of Zhenba County with dozens of meters of Den-
gying Fm dolomite discovered (similar to the Dengying Fm in
the basin) and also the Lower Cambrian Longwangmiao Fm.
These large scale and complicated structures may be
constructive or destructive to the accumulation of oil and gas.
It is worthy of consideration to seek large traps in large nappe
89
structures. Once any breakthrough is made, the oil and gas
exploration of the SinianeLower Paleozoic in northern and
eastern Sichuan Basin can be triggered.
5.2. Upper Paleozoic
Exploration of the Carboniferous in the eastern Sichuan
Basin has been carried out for more than 30 years. Strati-
graphicelithologic traps can only be found in the vicinity of
the Carboniferous pinching-out belts, but it is difficult and
risky to explore these traps. More efforts should be made to
work on the DevonianeCarboniferous on the Longmenshan
nappe belt. Favorable reservoirs exist in the Devon-
ianeCarboniferous, and may correspond to multi-layered hy-
drocarbon sources due to the presence of fractures. However,
the preservation conditions and traps should be ascertained
firstly.
The Middle Permian is mainly a set of open sea platform
deposits, consisting of limestone, as well as dolomite in
banded distribution. Early exploration in the southern Sichuan
Basin stressed on fractured oil and gas reservoirs, with good
results achieved. Recently, exploration of pore-type dolomite
reservoirs in the northwestern Sichuan Basin has obtained
fruitful results. As for oil and gas exploration in the Middle
Permian, it is necessary to envisage the basic geological
conditions, strengthen the basic geological research (espe-
cially fine description of sedimentary systems), and investigate
the distribution of internal troughs and the change of deposi-
tional systems on both sides.
Permian reef exploration focuses on expansion. Under-
standing of the distribution law of reefs is generally uniform,
but reef identification and characterization technology needs to
be further studied.
5.3. Mesozoic
Due to their sedimentary characteristics, the Jialingjiang
Fm and the Lekoupo Fm rely on external hydrocarbon sources.
Therefore, the study on reservoirs and structures is of partic-
ular importance [25e27]. The basic geological knowledge of
the tight sandstone gas in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Fm is
clear. The large-scale beneficial exploration is critical
[28e31], especially in the deep burial conditions in western
Sichuan Basin. The same problems exist in the exploration of
the Jurassic tight oil.
In summary, there are multi-layered reservoirs in the
Sichuan Basin, but they are significantly different in explora-
tion degrees. Some layers correspond to less geological
recognition, while others are subject to limited exploration
technologies. Therefore, different layers should be treated
differently.
6. Conclusions
1) Since the Sinian, the Sichuan Basin has experienced the
transformation from marine deposits to continental de-
posits, with the former being predominant. Multi-
90 Yang G. et al. / Natural Gas Industry B 4 (2017) 81e90
rhythmic sediments formed multiple sets of sour-
ceereservoir assemblages. Vertically, oil and gas accu-
mulation is found in multi-layered reservoirs.
2) Multi-cycled tectonic movements represent diverse pat-
terns, which have obvious controlling effect on the
deposition, diagenesis and accumulation in the Sichuan
Basin.
3) Hydrocarbon accumulation in the Sichuan Basin is
characterized by the coexistence of conventional and
unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, multi-layered
hydrocarbon supply, multiple reservoir and trap types,
and multi-periods of accumulation with various models.
4) Enrichment of natural gas in the Sichuan Basin is
affected by such factors as hydrocarbon source intensity,
large paleo-uplift, favorable sedimentary facies belts,
discontinuities, and structural fractures.
References
[1] Kang Yuzhu. Palaeozoic hydrocarbon exploration achievements and
strategies in China. Nat Gas Ind 2015;35(9):1e7.
[2] Ma Yongsheng, Chen Hongde, Wang Guoli. Sequence stratigraphy and
palaeogeography in Southern China. Beijing: Science Press; 2009.
[3] Feng Zengzhao, Peng Yongmin, Jin Zhenkui, Bao Zhidong. Lithofacies
palaeogeography of the Cambrian and Ordovician in China. Beijing:
Petroleum Industry Press; 2004.
[4] Chen Hongde, Guo Tonglou. Sedimentary filling process and regulation
of sedimentary distribution of the middleeupper Yangtze superimposed
basins. Beijing: Science Press; 2012.
[5] Zhao Pengda, Wu Chonglong, Guo Tonglou, Chen Jianping, Cai Xunyu,
Tang Dazhen, et al. The analysis and evaluation of petroleum geologic
condition in Southern China. Beijing: Science Press; 2010.
[6] Zhou Jingao, Yao Genshun, Yang Guang, Zhang Jianyong, Hao Yi,
Wang Fang, et al. Genesis mechanism of the SinianeCambrian reser-
voirs in the Anyue Gas Field, Sichuan Basin. Nat Gas Ind
2015;35(1):36e44.
[7] Li Yalin, Wu Furong, Liu Dingjin, Peng Yong, Chen Sheng,
Deng Xiaojiang, et al. Distribution rule and exploration prospect of the
Longwangmiao Fm reservoirs in the LeshaneLongnüsi Paleouplift,
Sichuan Basin. Nat Gas Ind 2014;34(3):61e6.
[8] Li Wenzheng, Zhou Jingao, Zhang Jianyong, Hao Yi, Zeng Yiyang,
Ni Chao, et al. Main controlling factors and favorable zone distribution
of Xixiangchi Formation reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin. Nat Gas Ind
2016;36(1):52e60.
[9] Huang Fuxi, Yang Tao, Yan Weipeng, Guo Bincheng, Ma Hong. Com-
parison and analysis of reef-bank gas reservoirs in Longgang and Yuanba
areas in Sichuan Basin. China Pet Explor 2014;19(3):12e20.
[10] Liu Yong, Deng Hui, Yang Xuefeng, Feng Xi, Zhu Zhanmei, Bie Qin.
Reservoir description for complex bioreef-shoal gas reservoir in LG area.
Nat Gas Explor Dev 2014;37(3):41e4.
[11] Xu Chunchun, Shen Ping, Yang Yueming, Luo Bing, Huang Jianzhang,
Jiang Xingfu, et al. Accumulation conditions and enrichment patterns of
natural gas in theLower Cambrian Longwangmiao Fm reservoirs of the
LeshaneLongnüsi Paleohigh, Sichuan Basin. Nat Gas Ind
2014;34(3):1e7.
[12] Yang Yueming, Wen Long, Luo Bing, Wang Wenzhi, Shan Shujiao.
Hydrocarbon accumulation of Sinian natural gas reservoirs,
LeshaneLongnüsi Paleohigh, Sichuan Basin, SW China. Pet Explor Dev
2016;43(2):179e88.
[13] Li Wei, Yi Haiyong, Hu Wangshui, Yang Geng, Xiong Xuan. Tectonic
evolution of Caledonian Paleohigh in the Sichuan Basin and its rela-
tionship with hydrocarbon accumulation. Nat Gas Ind 2014;34(3):8e15.
[14] Wei Guoqi, Yang Wei, Du Jinhu, Xu Chunchun, Zou Caineng,
Xie Wuren, et al. Tectonic features of GaoshitieMoxi paleo-uplift and its
controls on the formation of a giant gas field, Sichuan Basin, SW China.
Pet Explor Dev 2015;42(3):257e65.
[15] Li Jian, Wang Yifeng, Ma Wei, Wang Dongliang, Ma Chenghua,
Li Zhisheng. Evaluation on occluded hydrocarbon in deepeultra deep
ancient source rocks and its cracked gas resources. Nat Gas Ind
2015;35(11):9e15.
[16] Liu Wenhui, Zhang Jianyong, Fan Ming, Gao Bo, Zhang Dianwei,
Zheng Lunju. Gas generation character of dissipated soluble organic
matter. Pet Geol Exp 2007;29(1):1e6.
[17] Gu Zhidong, Li Zongyin, Yuan Miao, Huang Pinghui, Liang Dongxing,
Zhang Li, et al. Influences of regional uplifting during the Late
SinianeEarly Cambrian on the development of karst reservoirs in the
Sichuan Basin and its peripheral area. Nat Gas Ind 2014;34(8):37e45.
[18] Liu Shugen, Sun Wei, Zhao Yihua, Wang Guozhi, Song Linke, Deng Bin,
et al. Differential accumulation and distribution of natural gas and their
main controlling factors in the Upper Sinian Dengying Fm, Sichuan
Basin. Nat Gas Ind 2015;35(1):10e23.
[19] Xie Yuan, Wang Jian, Wang Zhengjiang, Liu Jianqing, Li Xubing,
Wang Chuanshang, et al. Advance of comprehensive hydrocarbon
geological survey and research of SinianeLower Paleozoic within the
mountainebasin transition zone of west side of Xuefeng Mountains, in
MiddleeUpper Yangtze region of Southern China. Geol Bull China
2012;31(11):1750e68.
[20] Huang Wenming, Xu Qiukang, Liu Shugen, Zeng Dongfang,
Zheng Rongcai, Ma Wenxin. Coupling relationship between oil & gas
accumulation process and reservoir bitumen of marine system: taking
Sichuan Basin as an example. Geol Sci Technol Inf 2015;34(6):159e68.
[21] Su Wang, Jiang Qingchun, Chen Zhiyong, Wang Zecheng, Jiang Hua,
Bian Congsheng, et al. Sequence stratigraphic features of Middle
Permian Maokou Formation in the Sichuan Basin and their controls on
source rocks and reservoirs. Nat Gas Ind 2015;35(7):34e43.
[22] Xia Maolong, Wen Long, Wang Yigang, Hong Haitao, Fan Yi,
Wen Yingchu. High-quality source rocks in trough facies of Upper
Permian. Pet Explor Dev 2010;37(6):654e62.
[23] Zheng Bo, Zheng Rongcai, Zhou Gang, Wen Huaguo. Sedimentary
characteristics of platform margin reef reservoir of Upper Permian
Changxing Formation in Wubaiti area, eastern Sichuan. Lithol Reserv
2011;23(3):60e9.
[24] Liu Shu, Tang Jianming, Ma Yongsheng, Zhao Shuang. Prediction of reef
and shoal facies reservoirs in ChangxingeFeixianguan Formations in
northeastern Sichuan Basin. Oil Gas Geol 2006;27(3):332e9.
[25] Tan Xiucheng, Zou Juan, Li Ling, Zhou Yan, Luo Bing, Liu Hong, et al.
Research on sedimentary microfacies of the epicontinental sea platform
of Jia 2 Member in Moxi Gas Field. Acta Pet Sin 2008;29(2):219e25.
[26] Ding Xiong, Chen Jingshan, Tan Xiucheng, Luo Bing, Wu Jiajie,
Du Benqiang. Structural characteristics of intra-platform shoal in the
Leikoupo Formation (T2) in the transitional zone of the central and
southern Sichuan Basin. Pet Explor Dev 2012;39(4):444e51.
[27] Ning Meng, Liu Shu, Gong Wenping. Prediction of dolomite reservoir
distribution on top of Triassic Leikoupo Formation in Chuanxi Depres-
sion. China Pet Explor 2015;20(3):30e7.
[28] Zheng Rongcai, Li Guohui, Dai Chaocheng, Li Nan, Wang Changyong.
Basinemountain coupling system and its sedimentary response in
Sichuan analogous foreland Basin. Acta Geol Sin 2012;86(1):170e80.
[29] Li Guohui, Li Nan, Xie Jirong, Yang Jiajing, Tang Dahai. Basic features
of large gas play fairways in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation of the
Sichuan Foreland Basin and evaluation of favorable exploration zones.
Nat Gas Ind 2012;32(3):15e21.
[30] Zheng Rongcai, Li Guohui, Lei Guangming, Li Nan, Luo Qinglin,
Chen Hu. Sequence analysis and stratigraphic correlation of the Xujiahe
Formation in the Sichuan Basin. Nat Gas Ind 2011;31(6):12e20.
[31] Jiang Yuqiang, Zhang Chun, Zhang Benjian, Xu Changhai, Wang Meng,
Fang Long, et al. Characteristics and identification of lithofacies in
complex siliceous elastic reservoirs: a case study from Northwestern
Sichuan Basin. Nat Gas Ind 2013;33(4):31e6.