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Volume 16
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10.3390/min16010057
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Article

Sedimentary Processes and Source-to-Sink System of the Zhuhai Formation in the Southern Steep Slope Zone of the Zhu III Depression Offshore SE China

by
Ming Li
1,2,*,
Yong Man
2,
Li Wang
2,*,
Yue Chen
2,
Shouli Xu
2,
Jianxin Zhang
2 and
Daojun Zhang
2
1
College of Geophysics, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
2
Zhanjiang Branch, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), Zhanjiang 524057, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Minerals 2026, 16(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010057
Submission received: 28 October 2025 / Revised: 14 December 2025 / Accepted: 18 December 2025 / Published: 6 January 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep-Time Source-to-Sink in Continental Basins)
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Abstract

The Pearl River Mouth Basin is a significant hydrocarbon basin in the northern part of the South China Sea, where deep hydrocarbon exploration has become increasingly important research in recent years. However, the current understanding of the source-to-sink and depositional systems of the Paleogene Zhuhai Formation is still limited, which restricts the exploration and discovery of large-scale sand bodies. Based on core observation, heavy mineral analysis, and well-seismic integrated analysis, this paper clarifies the development of a fan delta-tidal flat depositional and the source-to-sink systems of the Zhuhai Formation. The bedrock in the source region primarily consists of granite, Mesozoic sandstone, and tuff. The source region is divided into five parts (A1–A5), with seven main valleys (V1–V7) developed, supplying sediments to five depositional areas (S1–S5). Additionally, a fault-slope type coupled valley–fan depositional model is established for the study area, revealing the spatiotemporal distribution and main controlling factors of the fan delta system in a steeply dipping boundary fault environment. Catchment area, valley length, and cross-sectional area show a strong positive correlation with sedimentary system scale. Increased elevation difference enhances sediment transport potential energy, while reduced width-to-depth ratio strengthens hydrodynamic forces, promoting sedimentary sand body development and sedimentary system expansion.
Keywords: Pearl River Mouth Basin; deep hydrocarbons; Zhuhai formation; sedimentary system; source-to-sink system; fan delta; tidal flat Pearl River Mouth Basin; deep hydrocarbons; Zhuhai formation; sedimentary system; source-to-sink system; fan delta; tidal flat

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MDPI and ACS Style

Li, M.; Man, Y.; Wang, L.; Chen, Y.; Xu, S.; Zhang, J.; Zhang, D. Sedimentary Processes and Source-to-Sink System of the Zhuhai Formation in the Southern Steep Slope Zone of the Zhu III Depression Offshore SE China. Minerals 2026, 16, 57. https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010057

AMA Style

Li M, Man Y, Wang L, Chen Y, Xu S, Zhang J, Zhang D. Sedimentary Processes and Source-to-Sink System of the Zhuhai Formation in the Southern Steep Slope Zone of the Zhu III Depression Offshore SE China. Minerals. 2026; 16(1):57. https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010057

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li, Ming, Yong Man, Li Wang, Yue Chen, Shouli Xu, Jianxin Zhang, and Daojun Zhang. 2026. "Sedimentary Processes and Source-to-Sink System of the Zhuhai Formation in the Southern Steep Slope Zone of the Zhu III Depression Offshore SE China" Minerals 16, no. 1: 57. https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010057

APA Style

Li, M., Man, Y., Wang, L., Chen, Y., Xu, S., Zhang, J., & Zhang, D. (2026). Sedimentary Processes and Source-to-Sink System of the Zhuhai Formation in the Southern Steep Slope Zone of the Zhu III Depression Offshore SE China. Minerals, 16(1), 57. https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010057

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