Formation Conditions and Sedimentary Model of Over‐Flooding Lake Deltas within Continental Lake Basins: An Example from the Paleogene in the Jiyang Subbasin, Bohai Bay Basin

AbstractA large quantity of drilling core, paleontology, geochemistry and geophysics data revealed several features of the Jiyang subbasin during the deposition of the Ek1‐Es4x members: (1) the paleotopography of the gentle slope belt had an extremely low gradient; (2) the paleoclimate frequently alternated between dry and wet periods in a generally arid setting; (3) there was strong weathering around the periphery of the basin; (4) the lake was very shallow; (5) the lake level frequently rose and fell; and (6) the sedimentary environment of the gentle slope belt was an over‐flooding lake. All of these factors provided favorable geological conditions for the development of an over‐flooding lake delta. The lithologies of the continental over‐flooding lake delta deposits are complex and diverse. The compositional maturity is moderate to low, and the grain size distribution curves and sedimentary structures indicate the presence of both gravity and traction currents. The sedimentary microfacies associations consist of a combination of ordered superposition of flood channels, distributary channels and sheet sands. The delta exhibits a weak foreset seismic reflection. The over‐flooding lake delta deposits are laterally extensive. The sandstone content is high, and the individual sandstone beds are thin. The flood channel and distributary channel deposits exhibit evidence of bifurcation and lateral migration. The distribution of the sandbodies and the oxidation color of the mudstones provide evidence of cyclic deposition. The paleoclimate was the dominant factor controlling the development of the over‐flooding lake delta. Due to the frequently alternating wet and dry paleoclimates, the over‐flooding lake delta is characterized by the development of a broad upper plain and a lower delta plain. The upper delta plain is characterized by flood channel deposits, whereas the lower delta plain is represented by distributary channel deposits. The transition zone is characterized by the interaction of flood channels and distributary channels. Due to fault activity, the sandbodies of the over‐flooding lake delta were juxtaposed against hydrocarbon source rocks, which was favorable for the development of lithologic reservoirs or structural‐lithologic reservoirs. The lower delta plain deposits comprise the most favorable reservoirs.