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Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Sedimentary Geology of Lacustrine Basins, 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 4199

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Prof. Dr. Jingchun Tian

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Institute of Sedimentary Geology, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Interests: sedimentary geology; sedimentary geochemistry
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Dr. Qingshao Liang

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Institute of Sedimentary Geology, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Interests: event sedimentary geology; sedimentary geology
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Prof. Dr. Qinlian Wei

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School of Earth Science and Engineering, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi’an 710065, China
Interests: sedimentary geology; reservoir sedimentary geology
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Prof. Dr. Zhonggui Hu

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School of Geosciences, Yangtze University, Wuhan 434023, China
Interests: reservoir sedimentology; sequence stratigraphy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following the fruitful outcomes of the first edition, which published a series of high-quality contributions on sedimentary evolution, reservoir characterization, diagenetic processes, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction in lacustrine basins, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Second Edition of the Special Issue on Lacustrine Sedimentology and Reservoir Systems.

In recent years, research on lacustrine basins has made significant progress by integrating sedimentary facies analysis, pore structure characterization, mineralogical and geochemical proxies, and advanced sequence stratigraphy. The first edition featured diverse case studies from major basins in China, South Asia, and beyond, highlighting the global significance of lake basins in unconventional oil and gas exploration. Building on this foundation, the second edition aims to further expand the scope by encouraging cross-disciplinary approaches and comparative studies across different basins worldwide.

We welcome contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

High-resolution reconstruction of sedimentary cycles and stratigraphic architecture in lacustrine systems;
Quantitative characterization of diagenetic processes and pore structure evolution in tight reservoirs;
Multi-scale coupling between tectonics, climate, and sedimentary processes in lake basins;
Geochemical and mineralogical proxies for paleoenvironment and reservoir quality assessment;
Innovations in methodologies, including digital outcrop modeling, isotopic tracers, and big-data analytics;
Comparative case studies from different basins that highlight global diversity in lacustrine systems.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for the latest advances in theory, technology, and practice, thereby fostering collaboration among sedimentologists, reservoir geologists, and geochemists. We look forward to receiving your contributions and continuing to advance research in this vibrant field.

Prof. Dr. Jingchun Tian
Dr. Qingshao Liang
Prof. Dr. Qinlian Wei
Prof. Dr. Zhonggui Hu
Guest Editors

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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. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

sedimentary environment and sedimentary model
diagenesis types and diagenetic evolution
shale oil and gas in lacustrine basins
characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs in lacustrine basins
high-resolution sequence stratigraphy of lacustrine basins

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Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Sedimentary Geology of Lacustrine Basins in Minerals (12 articles)

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Research

28 pages, 64460 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sediment-Routing Reorganization and Associated Sedimentary Responses Across the Es3–Es2 Syn-Rift Stage Transition in the Qinan Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China

by Yibo Zhao, Shengli Li, Shunli Li, Jianxun Qin, Bo Han, Chengpeng Tan, Chao Fu and Yun Luo

Minerals 2026, 16(6), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060624 - 10 Jun 2026

Viewed by 113

Abstract

Transitions within the syn-rift stage provide a key window for examining sediment-routing changes and associated sedimentary responses in lacustrine rift basins. In the Bohai Bay Basin, the interval from the third member (Es3) to the second member (Es2) of the Eocene Shahejie Formation records a transition from early strong rifting toward relatively stable rifting. The Qinan Sag, a secondary sag along the Qikou Sag margin, was sensitive to this transition. Using cores, well logs, three-dimensional (3D) seismic data, and heavy-mineral data, this study reconstructs the source configuration, palaeogeomorphology, depositional-system evolution, and Es3–Es2 source-related sediment-dispersal domains. The results show that the supply pattern shifted from coeval supply by a southern regional source and northern and western local sources during Es3 to southern regional-source dominance during Es2. Accordingly, Es3 contains strongly differentiated braided-delta, fan-delta, and subaqueous-fan assemblages. Es2 contains weakly differentiated shallow-water delta and beach-bar assemblages. Three source-related sediment-dispersal domains coexisted during Es3. During Es2, the northern domain was no longer identified, and the western gentle-slope belt evolved into a high-sand-ratio beach-bar belt. This reorganization was mainly controlled by the combined effects of source-configuration changes, geomorphic segmentation, and contrasting slope–A/S conditions (A/S = accommodation/sediment supply). Supply-pattern simplification and weakened geomorphic segmentation shifted sediment routing after basin entry from multiple, dispersed pathways to dominant-source-controlled focused routing. Moderate-to-steep slopes and higher relative A/S proxy values during Es3 favoured discrete, segmented sandy-deposit preservation; gentle slopes and lower relative A/S proxy values during Es2 promoted focused routing and preservation of sandy deposits along the dominant direction, with local shallow-water enrichment. Across the Es3–Es2 syn-rift stage transition, regional-source-related sediment routing showed stronger persistence; local-source-related routing more often weakened or terminated, with corresponding areas tending to show shallow-water redistribution and enrichment signals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Sedimentary Geology of Lacustrine Basins, 2nd Edition)

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28 pages, 8483 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development Mechanism and Pattern of the Microscopic Pore Structure in Deep Tight Sandstone Reservoirs: Xihu Depression, East China Sea Basin

by Yunpeng Jiang, Xianguo Zhang, Xiao Li, Dongping Duan, Junyang Cheng, Chuangxin Liu, Bo Xu and Binbin Liu

Minerals 2026, 16(6), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060617 - 9 Jun 2026

Viewed by 110

Abstract

Deep tight sandstone reservoirs are characterized by strong microscopic pore structure heterogeneity and commonly exhibit a high-porosity, low-permeability profile, posing significant challenges for effective reservoir evaluation and “sweet spot” prediction. The microscopic pore structure of 209 tight sandstone samples from the deeply buried Huagang Formation in the Xihu Depression, East China Sea Basin, was systematically characterized by integrating multiple analytical techniques, including casting thin sections, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high-pressure mercury injection (HPMI). The results indicate that the reservoir space is dominated by mesopores (55.48%) and transition pores (32.39%), with macropores (2.09%) and micropores (10.04%) being relatively underdeveloped. A significant vertical heterogeneity in reservoir quality is observed. The H4 member exhibits superior properties, characterized by a higher average movable fluid saturation (averaging 46%) and better pore connectivity. In contrast, the H5 member is more compact, with a notably higher proportion of bound fluid (averaging 47%). The differences in reservoir quality are controlled by a sedimentary–diagenetic coupling mechanism. High-energy, coarse-grained facies underwent a constructive pathway involving chlorite coating protection and dissolution enhancement, forming high-quality pore networks. In contrast, low-energy, fine-grained facies experienced a destructive pathway dominated by intense compaction and cementation, leading to the deterioration of pore structure. The petrophysical properties of the deep reservoirs are primarily governed by the three-dimensional connectivity and spatial distribution of effective “pore-throat assemblages” composed of dominant throats. Accordingly, a “binary” pore structure development pattern is established for the deep tight sandstone reservoirs in the study area. This pattern posits that the reservoir space is heterogeneously composed of a minority of connected “effective percolation assemblages” and a majority of isolated “ineffective assemblages”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Sedimentary Geology of Lacustrine Basins, 2nd Edition)

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35 pages, 9033 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geochemical and Mineralogical Evolution of a Hydrologically Dynamic Mixed Carbonate–Siliciclastic Lacustrine System: Insights from the Late Miocene–Pliocene Alagöz Formation (Central Anatolia)

by Elif Akiska

Minerals 2026, 16(6), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060580 - 27 May 2026

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Abstract

Marginal lacustrine systems are highly sensitive archives of hydrological fluctuations, climatic variability, and changes in sediment supply in continental basins. The Alagöz Formation (Late Miocene–Pliocene) exposed in the Haymana–Polatlı Basin, Central Anatolia, was investigated through integrated sedimentological, mineralogical, geochemical, and stable isotope analyses to constrain provenance, weathering history, and lacustrine hydrological variability. Facies analysis reveals a transition from alluvial–fluvial systems to a shallow marginal lacustrine environment subjected to short-term hydrological fluctuations. Mineralogical and geochemical data indicate that sedimentation occurred within a mixed carbonate–siliciclastic lacustrine system controlled by variable lake-water chemistry. Detrital mineral assemblages indicate contributions from metamorphic source rocks. Trace-element and REE signatures suggest derivation mainly from felsic-to-intermediate continental sources. Reworked carbonate fragments and fossil debris indicate recycling of older carbonate units. The occurrence of calcite, dolomite, and protodolomite reflects variable Mg/Ca ratios, whereas clay mineral assemblages record shifts between detrital input during relatively humid phases and chemically concentrated conditions. Palygorskite occurrence indicates localized and episodic alkaline conditions associated with short-lived evaporative concentration. Weathering indices (CIA, CIW, PIA, and ICV) suggest low-to-moderate chemical weathering and compositionally immature sediments, consistent with transitional humid to semi-arid climatic conditions. Trace-element systematics also indicate a minor mafic contribution to the detrital source. Stable isotope values (δ¹³C: −7.05‰ to +2.82‰; δ¹⁸O: −8.60‰ to −2.94‰ VPDB) and their weak correlation (r = 0.34) support a shallow, hydrologically dynamic lacustrine system dominated by freshwater input but episodically influenced by evaporative concentration. Taken together, the Alagöz Formation records a sensitive marginal lacustrine system shaped by short-term hydrological fluctuations. These findings provide a useful analog for understanding hydrologically sensitive marginal lacustrine systems developed in post-collisional continental basins under fluctuating semi-arid climatic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Sedimentary Geology of Lacustrine Basins, 2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 23471 KB

Open AccessArticle

Disentangling Primary Climatic Signals from Burial Diagenetic Overprints in Tibetan Paleosols Using Clumped and Triple Oxygen Isotopes

by Jiayao Li, Shuning Li, Lijuan Sha, Ruiyao Zhang, Chunju Huang and Yong-Fei Zheng

Minerals 2026, 16(6), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060560 - 22 May 2026

Viewed by 288

Abstract

Paleosol carbonate nodules may preserve environmental information despite later burial alteration, yet disentangling original signals from diagenetic overprints remains a central challenge. Here we apply paired clumped and triple oxygen isotope analyses (Δ₄₇–Δ’¹⁷O) to microsampled Eocene paleosol carbonates from the Gonjo Basin, southeastern Tibet. Intra-nodule TΔ₄₇ values of 9–58 °C define a spectrum of microscale thermal heterogeneity, spanning lower-temperature to more strongly burial-modified domains. In contrast, carbonate Δ’¹⁷O does not vary systematically with TΔ₄₇ (R² < 0.6), whereas reconstructed diagenetic-water compositions (δ¹⁸O_w and Δ’¹⁷O_w) covary with TΔ₄₇, suggesting progressive fluid–rock exchange during burial. Together with petrographic and geochemical observations, these data are most consistent with fluid-limited, rock-buffered recrystallization at low-water–rock ratios, with modeled solutions for most micritic domains falling at W/R < 0.05. Reconstructed Δ’¹⁷O_w values of diagenetic fluids range from −77 to −27 per meg, consistent with interaction with isotopically evolved meteoric waters and plausibly reflecting prior evaporative modification, although alternative fluid histories cannot be fully excluded. Rather than fully erasing environmental information, burial recrystallization in these carbonates appears to preserve a quantifiable record of fluid–rock interaction and hydroclimatic conditions. Our results show that paired Δ₄₇–Δ’¹⁷O approach can help distinguish lower-temperature domains from more strongly burial-modified domains and trace diagenetic fluid evolution in ancient terrestrial carbonates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Sedimentary Geology of Lacustrine Basins, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 5315 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mineralogical and Diagenetic Controls on Reservoir Quality in Mixed Sedimentary Systems: Neogene Youshashan Formation, Western Qaidam Basin

by Siyuan Yang, Jiongfan Wei and Qi Li

Minerals 2026, 16(3), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030296 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 428

Abstract

Reservoir quality in shallow lacustrine-mixed siliciclastic–carbonate systems is commonly governed by mineral assemblages and diagenetic modification. Here we investigate the Neogene Youshashan Formation (Oil Groups III–V) in the Nanyishan area, western Qaidam Basin, to quantify mineralogical and diagenetic controls on pore systems and flow. We integrate whole-rock XRD and log-derived mineral profiles with thin-section/SEM petrography, NMR T2 spectra, mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP), and a water-drop test. Dissolution-related pores and dolomitization-related intercrystalline pores dominate the pore space, whereas cementation and clay-related filling/coating locally restrict pore throats and connectivity. Algal limestones (average porosity 23.17% and permeability 54.3 mD; MICP r50 = 0.085 μm) show better reservoir quality than dolomitic rocks (average porosity 17.24% and permeability 15.13 mD; MICP r50 = 0.039 μm), consistent with more effective pore throat networks. In Oil Group III (Well NQ2-6-2), higher dolomite content is generally associated with higher porosity but shows no systematic relationship with permeability, highlighting the primacy of connected pore throats. Water-drop behaviors (beading, semi-beading, infiltration) provide a rapid, semi-quantitative screening indicator when interpreted together with pore throat metrics, and support a four-class reservoir-typing scheme (Types I–III and non-reservoir) for sweet-spot identification in mixed lacustrine reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Sedimentary Geology of Lacustrine Basins, 2nd Edition)

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27 pages, 20165 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Genetic and Sealing Mechanisms of Calcareous Sandstones in the Paleogene Zhuhai–Enping Formations, Panyu A Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin

by Yong Zhou, Guangrong Peng, Wenchi Zhang, Xinwei Qiu, Zhensheng Li, Ke Wang, Xiaoming Que and Peimeng Jia

Minerals 2025, 15(12), 1285; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15121285 - 7 Dec 2025

Viewed by 905

Abstract

Calcareous sandstones, acting as sealing layers, play a crucial role in hydrocarbon accumulation of formations with high sand content (sand content > 80%). However, the genetic mechanisms, sealing mechanisms, and effectiveness of calcareous sandstones remain unclear. This study takes the Zhuhai–Enping formations in the Panyu A Sag as an example. By comprehensively analyzing data from well logs, cores, cast thin sections, elemental geochemical analysis and carbon–oxygen isotopes, the genetic mechanisms, development patterns, and controlling effects on hydrocarbon accumulation of calcareous cement layers are investigated. The main findings are as follows: (1) The calcareous sandstone cements are mainly composed of dolomite, ankerite, and anhydrite. With increasing burial depth, dolomite transitions from micritic dolomite to silt-sized and fine-crystalline dolomite, and finally to coarse-crystalline dolomite. (2) The local transgression provided ions such as Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, forming the material basis for early dolomite formation. As burial depth increased, the diagenetic environment shifted from acidic to alkaline, leading to the dolomitization of early-formed calcite and the formation of ankerite. (3) The high source-reservoir displacement pressure difference effectively seals hydrocarbon accumulation. Vertically interbedded tight calcareous sandstones and thin marine transgressive mud-stones collectively control efficient hydrocarbon preservation and enrichment. This research addresses the current limits in the study of “self-sealing sandstone layers,” and provides new geological insights and predictive models for hydrocarbon exploration in sand-rich settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Sedimentary Geology of Lacustrine Basins, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 22813 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sedimentary Characteristics and Formation Mechanisms of Fine-Grained Sediment Lamination: A Case Study from Well A in the Lijin Sub-Sag, Dongying Sag

by Siyuan Fan, Wanbin Meng, Mingshi Feng, Wenneng Zhao and Yanyu Gao

Minerals 2025, 15(12), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15121262 - 28 Nov 2025

Viewed by 994

Abstract

Lacustrine fine-grained sediments commonly exhibit well-developed laminations, with significant variations in structural characteristics such as thickness and continuity, which are closely related to depositional environments and genetic processes. This paper focuses on the characteristics and formation mechanisms of the upper Es4 to lower Es3 members of the Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Sag. Through polarized light microscopy, field-emission environmental scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), we systematically analyzed the types, characteristics, and genetic mechanisms of laminations in fine-grained sedimentary rocks. Results indicate that the mineral composition of these rocks is dominated by carbonates and clay minerals, allowing classification into calcareous and argillaceous mudstones. The types of laminae include calcareous laminae, argillaceous laminae, and silty laminae, which are formed by chemical precipitation, suspension settling, and low-density turbidity currents, respectively. The primary lamination associations are argillaceous–calcareous interbeds and argillaceous–silty interbeds, exhibiting rhythmic cyclicity. In the upper Es4 member, variations in climate, sediment supply, and seasonal factors caused fine-grained sediments to transition from flocculent suspension settling to chemical precipitation, forming periodic intercalations of argillaceous and calcareous laminae. In the lower Es3 member, seasonal turbidity currents triggered the deposition of normally graded silty layers and fine-silty laminae, followed by a return to suspension deposition, resulting in argillaceous–silty interbeds. This study reveals diverse transport and depositional mechanisms of fine-grained sediments under varying hydrodynamic conditions. It provides a new case for understanding the genesis of fine-grained sedimentary rocks and offers geological insights for shale oil exploration and development in the Dongying Sag. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Sedimentary Geology of Lacustrine Basins, 2nd Edition)

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