Depositional model of fan deltas based on analysis of sedimentary processes: a case study of the Lower Cretaceous Xiguayuan Formation in Sangyuan outcrop of Luanping Basin
ZHANG Wenmiao1, XIAN Benzhong1,2, JI Hancheng1,2, MA Guofu3, XIAO Wenhua3, TIAN Rongheng1, CHEN Sirui1, YANG Baizhi1
1 College of Geosciences,China University of Petroleum(Beijing),Beijing 102249,China; 2 National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering,China University of Petroleum(Beijing),Beijing 102249,China; 3 Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development of Yumen Oilfield,PetroChina, Gansu Jiuquan 735019,China
Abstract：Flood flow types and variable discharge are the critical controls on fan delta morphology and depositional characteristics. However,characteristics of depositional units formed by variable flow types are still poorly understood. This study focuses on the well-exposed Sangyuan outcrop of the Lower Cretaceous Luanping Basin,which was measured in detail. Based on the classification of lithofacies,flow types and depositional processes are interpreted,with corresponding depositional units determined. Depositional models are constructed in response to various types of flood flow. Three types of flood flow are identified based on the classification of lithofacies associations,containing debris flow,hyperconcentrated flood flow and sheet flood flow. According to the processes and geometry,eight types of depositional units are identified,including subaerial debris-flow tongue deposits,hyperconcentrated flood flow-dominated braided channels,subaqueous debris-flow tongue deposits,high-density turbidite channels,subcritical-flow dominated subaqueous distributary channels,high-density turbidite lobes,subaqueous sheet flood dominated lobes,and slump deposits. During the debris flow-dominated phase of fan delta development,multistorey debris-flow tongue deposits gradually prograded into the lacustrine basin. In the hyperconcentrated flood flow-dominated phase,braided channels were formed in the fan delta plain,while high-density turbidity currents,transformed from hyperconcentrated flood flow,generated high-density turbidite channels and lobes in the fan delta front. During the sheet flood flow-dominated phase,unconfined sheet flood flow is developed when flood flows exit the incised channels,generating subaqueous sheet flood dominated lobe in the fan delta front. The rapid deposition of sandstones in the fan delta front during flood flow stage leads to the instability of sediment and the development of slumps. During base flow stage,subaerial braided channels and subaqueous distributary channels dominated by subcritical-flow structures are developed. This study sheds light on the sandbody geometry and depositional architecture of fan delta formed by variable types of flood flow.
ZHANG Wenmiao,XIAN Benzhong,JI Hancheng et al. Depositional model of fan deltas based on analysis of sedimentary processes: a case study of the Lower Cretaceous Xiguayuan Formation in Sangyuan outcrop of Luanping Basin[J]. JOPC, 2024, 26(6): 1352-1371.
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