Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Influence on lacustrine source rock by hydrothermal fluid: a case study of the Chang 7 oil shale, southern Ordos Basin

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Acta Geochimica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Hydrothermal fluid activity during sedimentation of the Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin and the impact of said activity on formation and preservation conditions of source rocks have received little attention. Oil yield, major element, trace element, rare earth element, and total sulfur (TS) data from the oil shale within the Yanchang are here presented and discussed in the context of hydrothermal influence. Oil shale samples returned relatively high total organic carbon (TOC), in the range of 4.69%–25.48%. A high correlation between TS and TOC suggests TS in the oil shale is dominated by organic sulfur and affected by organic matter. The low Al/Si ratio of oil shale samples implies quartz is a major mineralogical component. Si/(Si + Al + Fe) values suggest close proximity of the oil shale to a terrigenous source. δEu; Fe versus Mn versus (Cu + Co + Ni) × 10; and SiO2/(K2O + Na2O) versus MnO/TiO2, Fe/Ti, and (Fe + Mn)/Ti are evidence of hydrothermal fluid activity during oil shale sedimentation, and δU and U/Th of the oil shale indicate reducing conditions. The Sr/Ba of oil shale samples suggests fresh-water deposition. The high correlations of Fe/Ti and (Fe + Mn)/Ti with δU, U/Th, and TS demonstrate that hydrothermal fluid activity promotes reducing conditions. Sr/Ba ratios had low correlation with Fe/Ti and (Fe + Mn)/Ti, implying that hydrothermal fluid activity had little impact on paleosalinity. Fe/Ti, (Fe + Mn)/Ti, δU, U/Th, and Cu + Pb + Zn all exhibited high positive correlation coefficients with TOC in oil shale samples, suggesting that more intense hydrothermal fluid activity improves conditions in favor of formation and preservation of organic matter.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bischoff JL (1969) Red Sea geothermal brine deposits: their mineralogy, chemistry, and genesis. Hot Brines and Recent Heavy Metal Deposits in the Red Sea. Springer, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen JF, Sun XL (2004) Preliminary study of geochemical characteristics and formation of organic matter rich stratigraphy of Xiamaling-Formation of later proterozoic in North China. Nat Gas Geosci 15(2):110–114 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen JF, Sun XL, Liu WH, Zheng JJ (2004) Geochemical characteristics of organic matter-rich strata of lower Cambrian in Tarim Basin and its origin. Sci China Ser D Earth Sci 34(S1):107–113 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chu CL, Chen QL, Zhang B, Shi Z, Jiang HJ, Yang X (2016) Influence on formation of Yuertusi source rock by hydrothermal activities at Dongergou section, Tarim Basin. Acta Sedimentol Sin 34(4):803–810 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Deng HW, Qian K (1993) Sedimentary geochemistry and environmental analysis. Gansu Science and Technology Press, Lanzhou (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ernst TW (1970) Geochemical facies analysis. Elsevier, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Fu X, Wang J, Zeng Y, Tan F, Chen W, Feng X (2010a) Geochemistry of rare earth elements in marine oil shale-a case study from the Bilong Co area, Northern Tibet, China. Oil Shale 27(3):194–208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fu X, Wang J, Zeng Y, Tan F, Feng X (2010b) REE geochemistry of marine oil shale from the Changshe Mountain area, Northern Tibet, China. Int J Coal Geol 81(3):191–199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • GB/T 14506.1 ~ 14-2010. Methods for chemical analysis of silicate rocks (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • GB/T 14506.30-2010 Methods for chemical analysis of silicate rocks-part 30: determination of 44 elements (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • GB/T 6730.17-2014 Iron ores-determination of sulfur content-combustion iodometric method (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Hakimi MH, Wan HA, Alqudah M, Makeen YM, Mustapha KA (2016) Organic geochemical and petrographic characteristics of the oil shales in the Lajjun area, Central Jordan: origin of organic matter input and preservation conditions. Fuel 181:34–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haskin LA, Haskin MA, Frey FA, Wildeman TR (1968) Relative and absolute terrestrial abundances of the rare earths. Orig Distrib Elem 72:889–912

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He ZX (2003) Evolution history and petroleum of the Ordos Basin. Petroleum Industry Press, Beijing (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • He C, Ji L, Wu Y, Su A, Zhang M (2016) Characteristics of hydrothermal sedimentation process in the Yanchang formation, South Ordos Basin, China: evidence from element geochemistry. Sed Geol 345:33–41

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He C, Ji LM, Su A, Liu Y, Li JF, Wu YD, Zhang MZ (2017) Relationship between hydrothermal sedimentation process and source rock development in the Yanchang Formation, southern Ordos Basin. Earth Sci Front. doi:10.13745/j.esf.yx.2016-11-29

  • Jia ZB, Hou DJ, Sun DQ, Huang YX (2016) Hydrothermal sedimentary discrimination criteria and its coupling relationship with the source rocks. Nat Gas Geosci 27(6):1025–1034 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones B, Manning DAC (1994) Comparison of geochemical indices used for the interpretation of depositional environments in ancient mudstones. Chem Geol 111(1–4):112–129

    Google Scholar 

  • Lai XD, Yang XY, Gao P, Wu BL, Liu CY, Sun WD (2010) Geochemical study on U-rich tuffs in Yanchang Group in the southern Ordos Basin: implications to their forming mechanism. Chin J Geol 45(3):757–776 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li JL, Chen DJ (2003) Summary of quantified research method on paleosalinity. Petrol Geol Recover Effic 10(5):1–3 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li HZ, Zhai MG, Zhang LC, Gao L, Yang ZJ, Zhou YZ, He JG, Liang J, Zhou LY, Voudouris PC (2014) Distribution, microfabric, and geochemical characteristics of siliceous rocks in central orogenic belt, China: implications for a hydrothermal sedimentation model. Sci World J 4:1–25

  • Li ZC, Li WH, Lai SC, Li YX, Li YH, Shang T (2015) The Palaeosalinity Analysis of Paleogene Lutite in Weihe Basin. Acta Sedimentol Sin 33(3):480–485 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li DL, Li RX, Wang BP, Liu Z, Wu XL, Liu FT, Zhao BS, Cheng JH, Kang WB (2016) Study on oil–source correlation by analyzing organic geochemistry characteristics: a case study of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the south of Ordos Basin, China. Acta Geochim 35(4):408–420

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu XW, Wang XF, Shi BG, Wang ZD, Yang X, Zheng JJ, Liu CY (2010) Influence of abnormal geothermal on hydrocarbon-generation: case study on the diabase intrusion of the Santanghu Basin. Acta Sediment Sin 29(4):809–814 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu XJ, Liu YQ, Zhou DW, Li H, Cheng XH, Nan Y (2013) Deep fluid tracer in Ordos Basin: characteristics and origin of high natural gamma sandstone in Triassic Yanchang formation. Earth Sci Front 20(5):149–165 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Qi HW, Hu RZ, Su WC, Qi L, Feng JY (2004) Continental hydrothermal sedimentary siliceous rock and genesis of superlarge germanium (Ge) deposit hosted in coal: a study from the Lincang Ge deposit, Yunnan, China. Sci China Ser D Earth Sci 47:973–984

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qi FC, Li ZX, Zhang ZL, Wang WQ, Yang ZQ, Zhang Y (2015) Hydrothermal decarburization and uranium-polymetallic ore-mineralization in marine phosphorite, northwestern. Earth Sci Front Hum 22(4):188–199 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Qiu XW, Liu CY, Li YH, Mao GZ, Wang JQ (2009) Distribution characteristics and geological significances of Tuff interlayers in Yanchang formation of Ordos Basin. Acta Sedimentol Sin 27(6):1138–1146 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Qiu XW, Liu CY, Mao GZ, Wu BS (2011) Petrological-Geochemical Characteristics of Volcanic Ash Sediments in Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin. Earth Science-Journal of China University of Geosciences 36(1):139–150 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Qiu X, Liu C, Mao G, Deng Y, Wang F, Wang J (2014) Late Triassic tuff intervals in the Ordos basin, Central China: their depositional, petrographic, geochemical characteristics and regional implications. J Asian Earth Sci 80:148–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qiu X, Liu C, Mao G, Deng Y, Wang F, Wang J (2015) Major, trace and platinum-group element geochemistry of the upper triassic nonmarine hot shales in the Ordos Basin, central China. Appl Geochem 53:42–52

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rona PA, Bostrom K, Laubier L, Smith KL (1983) Hydrothermal Processes at Sea floor Spreading Centers. Springer, US, New York

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • SH/T 0508-1992 The test method for oil yield from oil shale-The method of low temperature carbonization (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Sun XL, Chen JF, Liu WH, Zhang SC, Wang DR (2003) Hydrothermal venting on the seafloor and formation of organic-rich sediments –evidence from the Neoproterozoic Xiamaling formation, North China. Geological Rev 49(6):588–595 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun XL, Chen JF, Liu WH, Wang DR (2004) Geochemical characteristics of cherts of Lower Cambrian in the Tarim Basin and its implication for environment. Petroleum Exploration and Development 31(3):45–48 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun SS, Liu RH, Bai WH (2011) Effect Factor Analysis of Oil Content of Upper Triassic Oil Shale in Tongchuan Area. Ordos Basin. China Petroleum Exploration 16(2):79–83 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor SR, McLennan SM (1985) The continental crust: its composition and evolution, an examination of the geochemical record preserved in sedimentary rocks. Blackwell, Palo Alto, p 312

    Google Scholar 

  • Teng GE, Liu WH, Xu Y, Chen JF (2004) Identification of effective source rocks of Ordovician marine sediments in Ordos Basin. Prog Nat Sci 14(11):1249–1252 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Teng GE, Hui LW, Xu YC, Chen JF (2005) Correlative study on parameters of inorganic geochemistry and hydrocarbon source rocks formative environment. Adv Earth Sci 20(2):193–200 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tribovillard N, Algeo TJ, Lyons T, Riboulleau A (2006) Trace metals as paleoredox and paleoproductivity proxies-An update. Chem Geol 232(1–2):12–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tu QJ, Xu SQ (2016) The REE geochemistry of the Lucaogou formation in the Southern Junggar Basin and analysis of parent rock and tectonic setting in sediment-source region. Xin Jiang Geol 34(3):345–349 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang SM (2011) Ordos basin tectonic evolution and structural control of coal. Geological Bull China 30(4):544–552 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang YY, Wu P (1983) Geochemical criteria of sediments in the coastal area of Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces. J Tongji Univ Nat Sci 4:82–90 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang YY, Guo WY, Zhang GD (1979) Application of some geochemical indicators in determing of sedimentary environment of the funing group (Paleogene), Jin-Hu depression, Kiangsu Provience. J Tongji Univ 7(2):51–60 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang CY, Zheng RC, Liu Z, Liang XW, Li TY, Zhang JW, Li YN (2014a) Paleosalinity of chang 9 reservoir in longdong area, Ordos Basin and its geological significance. Acta Sedimentol Sin 32(1):159–165 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang DY, Xin BS, Yang H, Fu JH, Yao JL, Zhang Y (2014b) Ziron SHRIMP U-Pb age and geological implications of tuff at the bottom of Chang -7 member of Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin. Sci Chin Earth Sci 44(10):2160–2171 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu FL, Li W, Li Y (2004) Delta sediments and evolution of the Yanchang formation of upper triassic in Ordos Basin. J Palaeogeogr 6:307–315 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xie XM, Teng GE, Qin JZ, Zhang QZ, Bian LZ, Yi LM (2015) Depositional environment, organisms components and source rock formation of siliceous rocks in the base of the Cambrian Niutitang Formation, Kaili, Guizhou. Acta Geologica Sin 89(2):425–439 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang JJ, Li KQ, Zhang DS (1992) Petroleum geology of China. Petroleum Industry Press, Beijing (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zeng ZG, Zhang W, Rong KB, Wang XY, Chen S, Cui LK, Jiang SL, Qi HY (2015) Seafloor hydrothermal activity and polymetallic sulfide resources potential in the East Pacific Rise. Bull Mineral Petrol Geochem 34(5):938–946 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang WH, Jiang LJ, Gao H, Yang RD (2003) Study on sedimentary environment and origin of black siliceous rocks of the lower Cambrian in Giuzhou Province. Bull Mineral Petrol Geochem 22(2):174–178 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang WZ, Yang H, Xie LQ, Yang YH (2010) Lake-bottom hydrothermal activities and their influences on the high-quality source rock development: a case from Chang 7 source rocks in Ordos Basin. Pet Explor Dev 37(4):424–429 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang WZ, Yang H, Xie LQ, Xie GW (2011) Discovery of micro- and nannofossils in high grade hydrocarbon source rocks of the Triassic Yanchang Formation Chang 7 member in Ordos Basin and its scientific significance. Acta Palaeontol Sin 1:109–117 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao J, Jin Z, Jin Z, Geng Y, Wen X, Yan C (2016) Applying sedimentary geochemical proxies for paleoenvironment interpretation of organic-rich shale deposition in the Sichuan Basin, China. Int J Coal Geol 163:52–71

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported with funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41173055) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 310827172101).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Earth Sciences and Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710054, China

    Delu Li, Rongxi Li, Xiaoli Wu, Futian Liu & Bangsheng Zhao

  2. Shaanxi Center of Geological Survey, Xi’an, 710068, China

    Zengwu Zhu

  3. Yanchang Oilfiled Co., Ltd, Yan’an, 716000, China

    Baoping Wang

Authors
  1. Delu Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rongxi Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zengwu Zhu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xiaoli Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Futian Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Bangsheng Zhao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Baoping Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rongxi Li.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Li, D., Li, R., Zhu, Z. et al. Influence on lacustrine source rock by hydrothermal fluid: a case study of the Chang 7 oil shale, southern Ordos Basin. Acta Geochim 37, 215–227 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-017-0203-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-017-0203-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation