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A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312). This special issue belongs to the section "Geological Oceanography".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 January 2026) | Viewed by 14148

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Mianmo Meng

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Guest Editor

College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: pore structure characterization; fluid occurrence; water–rock interaction; nuclear magnetic resonance; unconventional oil/gas
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Wenming Ji

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Guest Editor

School of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
Interests: shale oil and gas geology; petroleum migration and accumulation; shale reservoir characterization; shale pore system; organic matter accumulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Guodong Cui

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: CO₂ geological storage; CO₂ flooding; heavy oil recovery; thermal recovery; gas hydrate
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In today’s world, energy consumption is at an all-time high, necessitating the development of new energy sources. Offshore strata contain vast reserves of oil and gas, providing an important solution to address the global energy shortage. However, our understanding of efficient offshore oil and gas resource development remains limited. Some key challenges should be addressed in the exploration and development of these resources, including, but not limited to, pore structure characterization, oil occurrence, oil mobility, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Pore structure encompasses aspects like pore size distribution, porosity, permeability, and pore connectivity. A larger pore volume can accommodate higher amounts of oil and gas, and higher permeability facilitates their flow. Good pore connectivity enhances the movement of oil and gas out of the mineral matrix. Oil occurrence involves both adsorbed oil and free oil, with the latter being more readily extracted. Oil mobility distinguishes between movable oil and irreducible oil, with a higher fraction of movable oil leading to increased production rates. EOR techniques, such as imbibition, CO₂ displacement, and chemical displacement, have the potential to significantly boost oil and gas productivity.

This Special Issue proposes a collection of state-of-the-art research on the exploitation of offshore oil and gas resources. We invite prospective authors to submit high-quality original articles or comprehensive reviews that investigate the efficient development of oil and gas from both geological and engineering perspectives.

Prof. Dr. Mianmo Meng
Dr. Wenming Ji
Prof. Dr. Guodong Cui
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

pore size distribution (PSD)
porosity measured by multiple methods
permeability determined by steady-state and pulse-decay methods
pore connectivity
oil occurrence
oil mobility
EOR by imbibition
EOR by CO₂
EOR by chemistry
gas hydrate

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Related Special Issue

Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development, 2nd Edition in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (3 articles)

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

4 pages, 154 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

by Mianmo Meng, Wenming Ji and Guodong Cui

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(9), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14090812 - 29 Apr 2026

Viewed by 230

Abstract

Oceans cover nearly 71% of the Earth’s surface, and their underlying sedimentary strata hold vast oil and gas reserves that can alleviate global energy shortages [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

25 pages, 17541 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tectonic Control on Intrabasinal “Source-to-Sink” Systems and Sedimentary Responses: A Case Study of the Weixinan Low Uplift, Beibuwan Basin

by Peixi Jiang, Yuantao Liao, Jianye Ren, Dianjun Tong, Ziyi Sang and Zongli Song

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(6), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14060554 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 384

Abstract

Intrabasinal low uplifts in lacustrine rift basins are key targets for sedimentological and petroleum geological research, as they can act as local source areas and exert critical controls on intrabasinal “source-to-sink” systems. Due to the discontinuous sediment supply, these systems often demonstrate the subtle and intermittent nature, and their roles in the development of depositional systems are usually overlooked. To clarify the controlling effect of intrabasinal local provenances on sedimentary system evolution, this study reconstructed the dynamic tectonic evolution of the Weixinan Low Uplift in the Beibuwan Basin, and systematically analyzed its control on “source-to-sink” systems and sedimentary filling using integrated high-resolution 3D seismic, core, well logging and geochemical data. Our results demonstrate that the activity of Fault 3 dominated the paleogeomorphic evolution of the Weixinan Low Uplift and its surrounding areas, which further governed the spatiotemporal development of the “source-to-sink” system and the distribution of sedimentary systems, with distinct evolutionary stages as follows: During the Ls2 Member stage (48.6–40.4 Ma), Fault 3 was inactive, the Weixinan Low Uplift was manifested as a gently dipping subaqueous slope under the influence of regional lacustrine transgression, and only small-scale braided river deltas were developed on the slope belt with weak sediment supply from the Qixi Uplift. During the Ls1 Member stage (40.4–33.9 Ma), the Ls13 Sub-member stage (lower Ls1 Member stage) was characterized by initiation of Fault 3 with segmented activity, triggering the formation of the Eastern Sub-sag of the Haizhong Sag and subaqueous uplift of the Weixinan Low Uplift; clastic sediments from the central Qixi Uplift were transported northeastward, developed braided river deltas and large-scale basin-floor lacustrine fans. In the Ls12 Sub-member stage (middle Ls1 Member stage), Fault 3 continued to propagate and was gradually linked, leading to further uplift of the Weixinan Low Uplift and expansion of the Haizhong Sag; Clastic materials from the central Qixi Uplift were almost entirely trapped in the Eastern Sub-sag of the Haizhong Sag. During the Ls11 Sub-member stage (upper Ls1 Member stage), further intensification of Fault 3 activity caused the Weixinan Low Uplift to be subaerially exposed and evolve into an intrabasinal local provenance, which supplied clastic sediments to surrounding sags and developed braided river deltas on the gentle slope belts and small-scale lacustrine fans on the lower slope. This study demonstrates that the tectonic evolution of the Weixinan Low Uplift has induced prominent changes in the basin paleogeomorphology, which in turn triggered dynamic shifts in the provenance and sediment transport pathways, and thus gave rise to complex local “source-to-sink” systems and depositional styles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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12 pages, 2465 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strike-Slip Activity of the Tinjar–West Baram Fault in the Southern South China Sea: Implications for Sedimentation in the Zengmu Basin and Hydrocarbon System

by Kunsheng Qiang and Guangxue Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(5), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14050491 - 4 Mar 2026

Viewed by 413

Abstract

The Tinjar–West Baram Fault in the southern South China Sea is a major NW-trending strike-slip fault that has remained tectonically active since the Oligocene. It forms a key structural boundary between the Zengmu, Beikang, and Nansha Trough basins. Multi-phase strike-slip movements have strongly controlled sediment provenance dispersal pathways, and reservoir development in the Zengmu Basin, yet the sedimentary response to these tectonic processes remains poorly understood. This study integrates 2D seismic profiles to analyze the fault geometry, kinematics, and impact on deep-water sedimentary systems. Results indicate that Oligocene right-lateral motion directed sediment supply from the southwest, mainly sourced from Kalimantan, forming fluvial–deltaic systems with depocenters in the southern basin. Since the Late Miocene, a transition to left-lateral motion reoriented sediment provenance toward the southeast, leading to delta-front complexes and northward migration of depocenters. Strike-slip activity deformation enhanced rock fragmentation and sediment supply, producing fan delta, fluvial, and shallow lacustrine facies near the fault. Associated uplift and subsidence induced relative sea-level fluctuations, resulting in alternating transgressive–regressive sequences. From the Late Eocene to Miocene, the basin evolved from a land–sea transitional system to a deltaic–carbonate complex controlled by the paleo-Sunda River. During the Pliocene–Quaternary, sedimentation was dominated by shallow-marine shelf and semi-deep-marine deposits. Fault-related fracturing significantly enhanced porosity and permeability, creating favorable conditions for hydrocarbon migration and entrapment in both sandstone and carbonate reservoirs. These findings demonstrate a strong coupling between strike-slip fault activity and sedimentary system evolution, providing important insights into sedimentary processes and hydrocarbon potential in strike-slip fault-bounded basins globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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28 pages, 6250 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrocarbon-Generating Assemblages and Organic Matter Accumulation Patterns from the Basal Silurian Renheqiao Formation in Western Yunnan, China

by Shucan Zheng, Qinglai Feng, Xuesong Lu, Ronghe Jin and Xiaomei Nie

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(5), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14050436 - 26 Feb 2026

Viewed by 388

Abstract

The organic-rich shales of the Upper Ordovician–Lower Silurian Renheqiao Formation in Yunnan, China, represent a valuable target for understanding marine hydrocarbon systems and offshore oil and gas exploration. To decipher its organic matter (OM) accumulation patterns and offer perspectives relevant to the assessment of marine resources, this study employs an integrated petroleum geological, sedimentological, and palynological approach. Our findings indicate that organic-rich intervals (cumulative thickness 74–84.5 m) are concentrated in the R1–lower R6 and upper R6–R9 graptolite biozones, exhibiting high total organic carbon (TOC) content and graptolite reflectance values indicative of high to post-maturity thermal evolution, which confirms significant shale gas potential. Sedimentary evolution shows broad similarities with the Yangtze region’s Longmaxi Formation but with finer-scale differences. Due to its restricted paleogeographic setting on the Sibumasu Block, the Baoshan region responded to global sea-level changes with a lag, favoring sustained OM accumulation. Palynological analysis identified microphytoplankton, acritarchs, macroalgae, and animal-derived OM. Hydrocarbon-generating assemblages are divided into three stages: the first (R1–lower R6) and third (upper R6–R9) stages are favorable intervals with high TOC, dominated by microphytoplankton and acritarchs; the second stage (middle R6) shows lower enrichment, with increased macroalgae/animal-derived debris. Our analysis indicates that high abundances of primary producers (microphytoplankton/acritarchs) are strongly associated with organic enrichment. In contrast, higher abundances of secondary consumers (e.g., graptolites) show a significant negative correlation with TOC, suggesting their presence may coincide with conditions less favorable for accumulation or that they actively inhibit it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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36 pages, 11192 KB

Open AccessArticle

Orbital Forcing of Paleohydrology in a Marginal Sea Lacustrine Basin: Mechanisms and Sweet-Spot Implications for Eocene Shale Oil, Bohai Bay Basin

by Qinyu Cui, Yangbo Lu, Yiquan Ma, Mianmo Meng, Xinbei Liu, Kong Deng, Yongchao Lu and Wenqi Sun

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(3), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14030273 - 28 Jan 2026

Viewed by 784

Abstract

Investigating how climatic and hydrological conditions in ecological resource-enriched zones of marginal seas respond to external forcing, particularly during past greenhouse climates, holds considerable significance for understanding current environmental and resource challenges driven by global warming. In marginal seas, climatic hydrological states, including salinity, redox conditions, and productivity, are key environmental parameters controlling organic matter production, preservation, and ultimately the formation of high-quality shale. Herein, high-resolution cyclostratigraphic and multi-proxy geochemical analyses were conducted on a continuous core from the upper part of Member 4 of the Eocene Shahejie Formation (Es4cu) in Well NY1, Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. Based on these data, a refined astronomical timescale was accordingly established for the studied interval. By integrating sedimentological observations with multiple proxy indicators, including elemental geochemistry (e.g., Sr/Ba and Ca/Al ratios), organic geochemistry, and mineralogical data, the evolution of climate and paleo-water mass conditions during the study period was reconstructed. Spectral analyses revealed prominent astronomical periodicities in paleosalinity, productivity, and redox proxies, indicating that sedimentation was modulated by cyclic changes in eccentricity, obliquity, and precession. It was hereby proposed that orbital forcing governed periodic shifts in basin hydrology by regulating the intensity and seasonality of the East Asian monsoon. Intervals of enhanced summer monsoon associated with high eccentricity and obliquity were typically accompanied by increased sediment supply and intensified chemical weathering. Increased precipitation and runoff raised the lake level while promoting stronger connectivity with the ocean. In contrast, during weak seasonal monsoon intervals linked to eccentricity minima, basin conditions shifted from humid to arid, characterized by reduced precipitation, lower lake level, decreased sediment supply, and a concomitant decline in proxies for water salinity. The present results demonstrated orbital forcing as a primary external driver of cyclical changes in conditions favorable for resource formation in the Eocene lacustrine strata of the Bohai Bay Basin. Overall, this study yields critical paleoclimate evidence and a mechanistic framework for predicting the spatial-temporal distribution of high-quality shale under comparable astronomical-climate boundary conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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17 pages, 2618 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Mechanism of Using Complex Nanofluid Dispersions to Enhance Oil Recovery in Tight Offshore Reservoirs

by Zhisheng Xing, Xingyuan Liang, Guoqing Han, Fujian Zhou, Kai Yang and Shuping Chang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14020126 - 7 Jan 2026

Viewed by 476

Abstract

Horizontal wells combined with multi-stage fracturing are key techniques for extracting tight oil formation. However, due to the ultra-low permeability and porosity of reservoirs, energy depletion occurs rapidly, necessitating external supplements to sustain production. During the hydraulic fracturing process, large volumes of fracturing fluid are injected into reservoirs, increasing its pressure to a certain extent. However, due to the oil-wet nature of the formation, the fracturing fluid cannot penetrate the rock, failing to enhance oil recovery during the shut-in period. Surfactant-based nanofluids have been introduced as fracturing fluid additives to reverse rock wettability, thereby boosting imbibition-driven recovery. Although the imbibition has been studied to inspire the tight oil recovery, few studies have demonstrated the imbibition in enhanced fossil hydrogen energy, which further promotes the imbibition recovery. In this paper, complex nanofluid dispersions (CND) have been proved to enhance the tight reservoir pressure. Through contact angle and imbibition experiments, it is shown that CND can transform oil-wet rock to water-wet, reduce the adhesion of oil, and improve the ultimate oil recovery through the imbibition effect. Then, core flow testing experiments were conducted to show CND can decrease the flow resistance and improve the swept area of the injected fluid. In the end, pressure transmission tests were conducted to show CND can enhance the formation energy and production after fracturing. Results demonstrate that CND enables the fracturing fluid to travel further away from the hydraulic fractures, thus decreasing the depletion of tight formation pressure and maintaining a higher oil production rate. Results help optimize the design of the hydraulic fracturing of tight offshore reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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23 pages, 2467 KB

Open AccessArticle

Remaining Useful Life Prediction and Operation Optimization of Offshore Electric Submersible Pump Systems Using a Dual-Stage Attention-Based Recurrent Neural Network

by Xin Lu, Guoqing Han, Bin Liu, Yangnan Shangguan and Xingyuan Liang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14010075 - 30 Dec 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 766

Abstract

Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) serve as the primary artificial lift technology in offshore oilfields and play a crucial role in ensuring stable and efficient marine oil and gas production. However, the harsh offshore operating environment—characterized by high temperature, complex multiphase flow, and frequent load fluctuations—makes ESPs highly susceptible to accelerated degradation and unexpected failure. To enhance the operational reliability and efficiency of offshore production systems, this study develops a Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction method for offshore ESP systems using a Dual-Stage Attention-Based Recurrent Neural Network (DA-RNN). The model integrates an input-attention mechanism to identify degradation-relevant offshore operating variables and a temporal-attention mechanism to capture long-term deterioration patterns in real marine production data. Using field data from a representative offshore oilfield in the Bohai Sea, the proposed method achieves an average prediction error of less than 28 days, demonstrating strong robustness under complex offshore conditions. Beyond prediction, an RUL-driven operation optimization strategy is formulated to guide controllable parameters—such as pump frequency and nozzle size—toward extending ESP lifespan and improving offshore production stability. The results show that combining predictive maintenance with operational optimization provides a practical and data-driven pathway for improving the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of offshore oil and gas development. This work aligns closely with the goals of marine resource development and offers a valuable engineering perspective for advancing offshore oilfield operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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23 pages, 15009 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Submarine Methane-Rich Fluids on Gas Hydrate Production During Depressurization

by Peixiao Mao, Wanjun Lu, Yizhao Wan and Nengyou Wu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(11), 2166; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13112166 - 17 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 721

Abstract

Submarine methane-rich fluids migrating through geological conduits significantly influence gas hydrate production during depressurization. However, the coupled effects of methane, water, and heat delivered by these fluids on hydrate dissociation and methane recovery remain unclear. This study establishes a conceptual coupled numerical model of “pressure reduction–fluid response–reservoir evolution” based on reservoir parameters from Well W11 in the Shenhu area, South China Sea (SCS), and representative conduit characteristics. Hydrate dissociation and gas production are simulated under steady pressure reduction conditions with varying fluid invasion scenarios. Results show that the invasion of methane-rich fluid into gas hydrate systems exhibits a three-phase impact on gas production dynamics. Initially, the invasion has little effect on gas production; in the intermediate stage, it temporarily inhibits gas production; and under sustained invasion, it significantly enhances gas production. Limited water inflow with enhanced heat input promotes efficient hydrate-derived gas recovery. High methane flux enhances gas production while limiting hydrate dissociation. Excessive methane input may induce secondary hydrate formation, with the amount of newly formed hydrate exceeding that of the dissociated hydrate in the reservoir. A strong synergistic “1 + 1 > 2” effect occurs under low water or methane invasion, increasing gas output up to 4.3 times compared with a no-invasion case. These findings enhance understanding of dynamic hydrate exploitation systems and support the safe and efficient co-production of gas hydrates and associated deep gas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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24 pages, 48333 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Progradational and Migratory Source-to-Sink Systems and Reservoir Characteristics in the Steep-Slope Zone of Wushi Sag, Beibuwan Basin, South China Sea

by Sheng Liu, Hongtao Zhu, Ye Li, Hongyu Yan, Wenhui Zhang, Zhiqiang Li and Xin Yang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(10), 1911; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13101911 - 5 Oct 2025

Viewed by 759

Abstract

Predicting favorable reservoirs controlled by source-to-sink systems in rift basins is a current research focus. Using seismic, core, drilling, logging, and thin-section data, this paper systematically identifies fan types and their reservoir characteristics controlled by two boundary faults in the southern steep-slope zone of Wushi Sag, Beibuwan Basin, South China Sea. The analysis compares differences in (1) source–channel–margin–sink systems and (2) diagenetic facies, dividing the sink area into migratory and progradational fans. Results show that migratory fans are associated with denudation. Sediments migrate through wide, deep “V”-shaped valleys, forming fan deltas that are large in area but short in progradation. Lithology is dominated by fine sandstone with siltstone interbeds, reservoirs’ diagenetic evolution is weak, pores are mainly primary, and Type I–II reservoirs are developed. In contrast, progradational fans reflect weaker source area denudation, with sediments prograding through narrow, shallow “U”-shaped valleys. These form broom-shaped fan deltas that are small in area but long in progradation, with lithology dominated by fine sandstone interbedded with mudstone. Reservoirs show strong diagenetic evolution, well-developed secondary porosity, and Type II–III reservoirs. Reservoir prediction models indicate that high-quality migratory reservoirs are large, with excellent physical properties and oil-bearing capacity, mainly in fan stacking zones. High-quality progradational reservoirs are concentrated in the fan midsections, with strong cementation and secondary porosity. These findings provide a theoretical basis for reservoir prediction and oil and gas exploration in the southern steep-slope zone of Wushi Sag. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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20 pages, 11244 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pore Structure Characteristics and Genesis of Low-Permeability Sandstone Reservoirs in the Eocene Wenchang Formation, Huizhou Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin, Northern South China Sea

by Guanliang Zhang, Jiancheng Niu, Zhiling Yang, Qibiao Zang, Qingyu Zhang, Haoxian Liu, Qamar Yasin and Mengdi Sun

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(9), 1620; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13091620 - 25 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1079

Abstract

Porosity and permeability are critical parameters in petroleum exploration and development. The relationship between pore structure and permeability in near-source reservoirs is more closely correlated than in other types of reservoirs. This study investigates the pore structure and formation processes of low-permeability sandstone reservoirs in the Wenchang Formation, Huizhou Depression, Pearl River Mouth Basin (Northern South China Sea). We collected ten core samples of low-permeability sandstone reservoirs at various depths from the key well (A). Multiple analytical techniques were employed, including mercury intrusion capillary pressure (MICP), constant velocity mercury injection (CMI), Wood’s metal impregnation (WM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and quantitative evaluation of minerals via scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN). Pore-throat types were classified using fractal theory, followed by analyzing the physical and structural characteristics of interconnected pore-throat reservoir systems. This study examined the impact of various pore types on the physical properties of reservoirs, providing a comprehensive classification and characterization of pore structures in low-permeability sandstone reservoirs. Our findings provide significant insights and recommendations for future developmental initiatives in this region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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26 pages, 13999 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development Characteristics of Natural Fractures in Metamorphic Basement Reservoirs and Their Impacts on Reservoir Performance: A Case Study from the Bozhong Depression, Bohai Sea Area, Eastern China

by Guanjie Zhang, Jingshou Liu, Lei Zhang, Elsheikh Ahmed, Qi Cheng, Ning Shi and Yang Luo

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(4), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040816 - 19 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1568

Abstract

Archaean metamorphic basement reservoirs, characterized by the development of natural fractures, constitute the primary target for oil and gas exploration in the Bozhong Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China. Based on analyses of geophysical image logs, cores, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and laboratory measurements, tectonic fractures are identified as the dominant type of natural fracture. Their development is primarily controlled by lithology, weathering intensity, and faulting. Fractures preferentially develop in metamorphic rocks with low plastic mineral content and are positively correlated with weathering intensity. Fracture orientations are predominantly parallel or subparallel to fault strikes, while localized stress perturbations induced by faulting significantly increase fracture density. Open fractures, constituting more than 60% of the total reservoir porosity, serve as both primary storage spaces and dominant fluid flow conduits, fundamentally governing reservoir quality. Consequently, spatial heterogeneity in fracture distribution drives distinct vertical zonation within the reservoir. The lithological units are ranked by fracture development potential (in descending order): leptynite, migmatitic granite, gneiss, cataclasite, diorite-porphyrite, and diabase. Diabase represents the lower threshold for effective reservoir formation, whereas overlying lithologies may function as reservoirs under favorable conditions. The large-scale compressional orogeny during the Indosinian period marked the primary phase of tectonic fracture formation. Subsequent uplift and inversion during the Yanshanian period further modified and overlaid the Indosinian structures. These structures are characterized by strong strike-slip strain, resulting in a series of conjugate shear fractures. During the Himalayan period, preexisting fractures were primarily reactivated, significantly influencing fracture effectiveness. The development model of the fracture network system in the metamorphic basement reservoirs of the study area is determined by a coupling mechanism of dominant lithology and multiphase fracturing. The spatial network reservoir system, under the control of multistage structure and weathering, is key to the formation of large-scale effective reservoirs in the metamorphic basement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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17 pages, 7526 KB

Open AccessArticle

Facies-Controlled Sedimentary Distribution and Hydrocarbon Control of Lower Cretaceous Source Rocks in the Northern Persian Gulf

by Yaning Wang, Wei Huang, Tao Cheng, Xuan Chen, Qinqin Cong and Jianhao Liang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030576 - 15 Mar 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1542

Abstract

The two-phase source rocks deposited during the Lower Cretaceous in the Persian Gulf Basin play a pivotal role in the regional hydrocarbon system. However, previous studies have lacked a macroscopic perspective constrained by the Tethyan Ocean context, which has limited a deeper understanding of their developmental patterns and hydrocarbon control mechanisms. To address this issue, this study aims to clarify the spatiotemporal evolution of the two-phase source rocks and their hydrocarbon control effects, with a particular emphasis on the critical impact of terrestrial input on the quality improvement of source rocks. Unlike previous studies that relied on a single research method, this study employed a comprehensive approach, including time series analysis, sequence stratigraphy, lithofacies, well logging, well correlation, seismic data, and geochemical analysis, to systematically compare and analyze the depositional periods, distribution, and characteristics of the two-phase source rocks under different sedimentary facies in the region. The goal was to reveal the intrinsic relationship between the Neo-Tethyan Ocean context and regional sedimentary responses. The results indicate the following: (1) the late Tithonian–Berriasian and Aptian–Albian source rocks in the Northern Persian Gulf were deposited during periods of extensive marine transgression, closely aligning with the global Weissert and OAE1d anoxic events, reflecting the profound impact of global environmental changes on regional sedimentary processes; (2) in the early stages of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean, controlled by residual topography, the Late Tithonian–Berriasian source rocks exhibited a shelf–intrashelf basin facies association, with the intrashelf basin showing higher TOC, lower HI, and higher Ro values compared to the deep shelf facies, indicating more favorable conditions for organic matter enrichment; (3) with the opening and deepening of the Neo-Tethyan Ocean, the Aptian–Albian source rocks at the end of the Lower Cretaceous transitioned to a shelf–basin facies association, with the basin facies showing superior organic matter characteristics compared to the shelf facies; (4) the organic matter content, type, and thermal maturity of the two-phase source rocks are primarily controlled by sedimentary facies and terrestrial input, with the Aptian–Albian source rocks in areas with terrestrial input showing significantly better quality than those without, confirming the decisive role of terrestrial input in improving source rock quality. In summary, this study not only reveals the differences in the depositional environments and hydrocarbon control mechanisms of the two-phase source rocks, but also highlights the core role of terrestrial input in enhancing source rock quality. The findings provide a basis for facies selection in deep natural gas exploration in the Zagros Belt and shale oil exploration in the western Rub’ al-Khali Basin, offering systematic theoretical guidance and practical insights for hydrocarbon exploration in the Persian Gulf and broader tectonic domains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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26 pages, 13949 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanisms of Uranium and Thorium Accumulation in the Lower Ediacaran Marine Sediments from the Upper Yangtze Platform, China: Implications for Helium Exploration

by Yi Zou, Qingyong Luo, Huayao Zou, Jianfa Chen, Wenming Ji, Jin Wu, Tao Du, Xintong Liu, Zilong Fang, Wenxin Hu, Ye Zhang and Jinqi Qiao

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030413 - 23 Feb 2025

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Abstract

The ocean is a significant global reservoir of uranium (U) and thorium (Th). These elements can be incorporated into marine sediments through processes involving organic matter (OM), redox conditions, terrigenous inputs, and mineral interactions. Helium generated through the radioactive decay of U and Th within geological formations represents a critical potential resource. Marine black shales, which are rich in U and Th, are widespread in the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation of the Upper Yangtze Platform, making them a key target for helium exploration. However, there is limited research on the mechanisms behind U and Th accumulation in these shales. This study focuses on shales from the Doushantuo Formation in Chongqing, China, aiming to explore the mechanisms of U and Th accumulation and assess the potential for helium generation, and argillaceous dolomites are included for comparative analysis. The results show that the average U and Th content in the black shales (17.58 and 9.78 ppm, respectively) is higher than that of argillaceous dolomites (3.52 and 2.75 ppm, respectively). Uranium mainly comes from authigenic precipitation and hydrothermal inputs, while thorium is primarily sourced from terrigenous and hydrothermal inputs. The semi-humid climate in the provenance area facilitated parent rock weathering, with atmospheric precipitation and river systems transporting U and Th to the ocean. However, excessive terrigenous input can dilute the U and Th content in the sediments. In the shales, uranium is primarily adsorbed and/or complexed by organic matter (OM), with the anoxic–euxinic sedimentary environment and high OM content (TOC = 0.06–34.58 wt.%, r = 0.95) promoting U accumulation. Thorium accumulation is largely controlled by adsorption onto clay minerals. The total amount of helium generated from the Doushantuo shales is estimated to be 7.20 × 10¹⁰ m³. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development)

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