Hydrocarbon Accumulation Conditions of Ordovician Carbonate in Tarim Basin

Abstract:Based on comprehensive analysis of reservoir‐forming conditions, the diversity of reservoir and the difference of multistage hydrocarbon charge are the key factors for the carbonate hydrocarbon accumulation of the Ordovician in the Tarim Basin. Undergone four major deposition‐tectonic cycles, the Ordovician carbonate formed a stable structural framework with huge uplifts, in which are developed reservoirs of the reef‐bank type and unconformity type, and resulted in multistage hydrocarbon charge and accumulation during the Caledonian, Late Hercynian and Late Himalayan. With low matrix porosity and permeability of the Ordovician carbonate, the secondary solution pores and caverns serve as the main reservoir space. The polyphase tectonic movements formed unconformity reservoirs widely distributed around the paleo‐uplifts; and the reef‐bank reservoir is controlled by two kinds of sedimentary facies belts, namely the steep slope and gentle slope. The unconventional carbonate pool is characterized by extensive distribution, no obvious edge water or bottom water, complicated oil/gas/water relations and severe heterogeneity controlled by reservoirs. The low porosity and low permeability reservoir together with multi‐period hydrocarbon accumulation resulted in the difference and complex of the distribution and production of oil/gas/water. The distribution of hydrocarbon is controlled by the temporal‐spatial relation between revolution of source rocks and paleo‐uplifts. The heterogenetic carbonate reservoir and late‐stage gas charge are the main factors making the oil/ gas phase complicated. The slope areas of the paleo‐uplifts formed in the Paleozoic are the main carbonate exploration directions based on comprehensive evaluation. The Ordovician of the northern slope of the Tazhong uplift, Lunnan and its periphery areas are practical exploration fields. The Yengimahalla‐Hanikatam and Markit slopes are the important replacement targets for carbonate exploration. Gucheng, Tadong, the deep layers of Cambrian dolomite in the Lunnan and Tazhong‐Bachu areas are favorable directions for research and risk exploration.