Tectonic-sedimentary evolution of the Shizigou and Qigequan Formations in Qigequan Anticline in Qaidam Basin: implications for the mineralization of sandstone-type uranium deposits
SHI Yuan1, LIU Weihong2, QIU Longwei1, GAO Xuefeng3, DONG Daotao4, WANG Yuzhe5
1 School of Geosciences,China University of Petroleum(East China),Shandong Qingdao 266580,China; 2 PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development,Beijing 100083,China; 3 Exploration Enterprise Department of Qinghai Oilfield Company,PetroChina,Qinghai Dunhuang 736202,China; 4 Sanya Offshore Oil & Gas Research Institute,Northeast Petroleum University,Hainan Sanya 572025,China; 5 Exploration and Development Research Institute of Daqing Oilfield Company,PetroChina,Heilongjiang Daqing 163712,China
Abstract：It is of great significance for understanding the initiation and evolution of sandstone-type uranium deposits from the perspective of tectono-sedimentary evolution. In this study,based on a literature review,fieldwork,logging and seismic data,the tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Shizigou and Qigequan Formations in Qigequan Anticline in the Qaidam Basin and its links to the mineralization of sandstone-type uranium deposits are revealed. Our findings indicate that: (1)The Shizigou Formation is characterized by argillaceous-sandstone-rich stratum associated with retrogradation,while the Qigequan Formation is characterized by conglomerate-rich stratum associated with progradation. The Neogene-Quaternary angular unconformity developed between the Shizigou and Qigequan Formations and the Intra-Quaternary angular unconformity developed inside the Qigequan Formation. Large-scale alluvial fans,composed of debris flow,incised-valley-fill,and sheet flow deposits,were developed in the Shizigou and Qigequan Formations,and the sandy earthquake-induced soft-sediment deformation layers were frequently developed in the Shizigou and Qigequan Formations. (2)The most intensive uplift and denudation events occurred between the Neogene and the Quaternary,resulting in the initiation of the Neogene-Quaternary angular unconformity and the tectonic setting of the Qigequan Anticline. (3)It can be inferred that these potential uranium mineralization columns of the Shizigou Formation in the Qigequan Anticline developed in the uplift and denudation events between the Neogene and the Quaternary. The uplift and denudation events led to the initiation and evolution of the uranium-bearing structure,and increased the uranium flux from the source area and dominated the spatial distribution of the potential uranium mineralization columns ultimately. The Neogene-Quaternary angular unconformity can be used for the spatial distribution predicting of the potential uranium mineralization columns as a key tectonic identification mark. In addition,the thin interbeds of sandstone(including the conglomerate)and mudstone in the middle and distal parts of alluvial fans,with sand(including the conglomerate)percentage ranging from 20% to 50%,can be used for the spatial distribution predicting of the potential uranium mineralization columns as a key sedimentary identification mark. This research provides sedimentary and stratigraphic evidence for the basin analysis of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and is of great reference value for the exploration of sandstone-type uranium deposits in other anticlines in the Qaidam Basin.
SHI Yuan,LIU Weihong,QIU Longwei et al. Tectonic-sedimentary evolution of the Shizigou and Qigequan Formations in Qigequan Anticline in Qaidam Basin: implications for the mineralization of sandstone-type uranium deposits[J]. JOPC, 2024, 26(3): 700-713.
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