The paleosedimentary environment and paleoclimate of the Neogene Guantao Formation in the Liaodong sub-uplift of Bohai Bay Basin in China, which is an important oil and gas exploration horizon, are not clear owing to the lack of quantitative analysis. The paleosedimentary environment and paleoclimate can be qualitatively or semi-quantitatively reconstructed by sedimentary geochemical indicators sensitive to the environment and climate. Based on the evaluation of whether the elements and isotopes can effectively record paleosedimentary environment and paleoclimate information or not, the paleoclimate (temperature and humidity), paleoenvironment (salinity, water depth, redox conditions), and evolution of the paleoenvironment and paleoclimate are studied by analyzing the trace elements, carbon and oxygen isotopes, strontium isotopes, whole-rock mineral compositions, and clay minerals of mudstones of the Guantao Formation in the Liaodong sub-uplift, Bohai Bay Basin. The study results show that (1) according to the trace element distribution patterns, high concentrations of continental elements (Ti, Zr, Th), clay minerals, and detrital content, the Guantao Formation is a product of proximal deposits, and the provenance mainly originates from the intermediate–acidic magmatic rocks near surrounding uplifts. (2) The paleoclimate during the sedimentation of the Guantao Formation was mainly semi-arid and semi-humid, as revealed by the Sr/Cu ratio. However, the high Rb/Sr and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios demonstrate that the paleoclimate is relatively warm and humid. (3) The paleosedimentary temperature calculated by the Sr content and δ¹⁸O is roughly 30 °C, indicating that the Guantao Formation was deposited in a subtropical to tropical climate. (4) The Guantao Formation was deposited in continental freshwater according to the Li, Ni, and Sr content, Sr/Ba ratios, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, and salinity index Z. (5) The water depth of the paleoenvironment of the Guantao Formation is mainly in nearshore shallow water, reflected by the Mn/Ti ratio and calculated by the Co content, and the oxidizing condition of the paleoenvironment of the Guantao Formation, reflected by the U/Th, V/Cr, and Ni/Co ratios, is in a good coupling relationship with this environment. (6) As revealed by the variations in the geochemical data in the section, the temperature, humidity, and water depth of the Guantao Formation gradually increased from the early to late period, while the salinity gradually decreased, and the chemical weathering effect gradually increased.

Exploring for hydrocarbons in a pyroclastic-affected reservoir is an important research topic. Previous studies have mainly focused on laminated pyroclastic. A large number of dispersed pyroclastic is present in sedimentary rocks, and dispersed volcanic ash strongly influences the diagenetic evolution of sandstone reservoirs. However, these aspects remain understudied. We studied the mechanism of the diagenetic evolution of the Jurassic tuffaceous sandstone reservoir in Qikou Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin by performing inclusion temperature measurements, rock slice identification, and scanning electron microscopy, and using electron microprobes and microzone isotopes. We determined the mechanism of water-rock interaction. Based on microscopic observations, we determined that the main diagenesis included two-stage dolomite cementation, two-stage calcite cementation, quartz cementation, and transformation and dissolution of clay minerals. The hydrolysis and chemical transformation of pyroclastic during burial not only provided an alkaline environment in the early stage of diagenesis but also supplied ions for the formation of microcrystalline quartz and early dolomite and the transformation of clay minerals. Leaching and denudation generated early dissolution caused by a tectonic uplift. Following the epigenetic stage, microbial activity stimulated the formation of early calcite during the shallow burial stage. When the burial temperature of the stratum was 80 °C, the acidic fluid discharged from the thermal evolution of organic matter was neutralized by the soluble components in the pyroclastic, which prevented the formation of a large-scale acidic environment. When the burial temperature exceeded 100 °C, the acidic fluid generated by thermal catalytic decarboxylation of organic matter formed a large quantity of dissolution. The dissolution of plagioclase promoted the overgrowth of quartz and the growth of kaolinite.

In order to clarify the pore evolution and coupling characteristics with hydrocarbon charging in the deep-buried ultra-tight sandstone reservoirs of the second member of Xujiahe Formation (hereinafter referred to as the Xu 2 Member) on the eastern slope of the Western Sichuan Depression, this study integrates burial history and thermal history with analytical methods including core observation, cast thin section analysis, scanning electron microscopy, carbon-oxygen isotope analysis, and fluid inclusion homogenization temperature measurements. The Xu 2 Member reservoirs are predominantly composed of lithic sandstones and quartz-rich sandstones, with authigenic quartz and carbonates as the main cementing materials. The reservoir spaces are dominated by intragranular dissolution pores. The timing of reservoir densification varies among different submembers. The upper submember underwent compaction during the Middle-Late Jurassic period due to the high ductility of mudstone clasts and other compaction-resistant components. The middle-lower submembers experienced densification in the Late Jurassic period. Late Cretaceous tectonic uplift induced fracture development, which enhanced dissolution in the middle-lower submembers, increasing reservoir porosity to approximately 5%. Two distinct phases of hydrocarbon charging are identified in the Xu 2 Member. The earlier densification of the upper submember created unfavorable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation. In contrast, the middle-lower submembers received hydrocarbon charging prior to reservoir densification, providing favorable conditions for natural gas enrichment and reservoir formation. Three sweet-spot reservoir development patterns are recognized: paleo-structural trap + (internal source rock) + source-connected fracture assemblage type, paleo-structural trap + internal source rock + late-stage fracture assemblage type, and paleo-structural trap + (internal source rock) + source-connected fracture + late-stage fracture assemblage type.

The West Lake Sag is abundant in oil and gas reserves, primarily in the Huagang Formation reservoir which serves as the primary source of production. The level of exploration is rather high, but there are still some unresolved issues, such as an unclear understanding of pore evolution features and reservoir growth mode. To tackle the aforementioned problems, this study employs optical microscopic examination, scanning electron microscope analysis, inclusion analysis, isotope analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and other techniques to elucidate the primary factors governing reservoir development and establish an analytical model regarding the cause of the sandstone reservoir. The results are as follows: (1) The sandstone reservoirs of the Huagang Formation of the Yuquan (abbreviated to YQ) Structure are now in the mesomorphic A stage as a whole, and minerals such as 4-phase authigenic quartz, 2-phase illite, 2-phase chlorite, 1-phase kaolinite, 1-phase ammonite mixing layer and 2-phase carbonate were formed during the diagenesis. (2) Feldspar and carbonate solution pores make up the majority of the reservoir space. About 10% of the porosity is made up of carbonate solution pores, which are the most prevalent reservoir space. Carbonate solution pores are primarily made up of metasomatic carbonate solution pores and cemented carbonate solution pores. Feldspar solution pores come next, contributing roughly 6.2% of the porosity. At 1.8%, residual intergranular holes are the least common. (3) The four main processes listed below are responsible for the creation of pores in the sandstone of the Huagang creation. The early carbonate cements resist the destruction of mechanical compaction and effectively preserve intergranular volume. The high content of feldspar provided a material basis for later dissolution. Early chlorite surrounding the edges of particles reduced the damage of authigenic minerals to porosity. The faults and cracks formed by the later structural inversion connected to the acidic water in the atmosphere, causing the dissolution of carbonate minerals and feldspar in the sandstone of the Huagang Formation. (4) Carbonate dissolution + feldspar dissolution type, carbonate dissolution type, and feldspar dissolution type are the three main types of reservoir formation in the Huagang Formation; the first two types mainly develop in the Upper Huagang Formation, while the latter mainly develops in the lower part of the Huagang Formation. The research results are conducive to the establishment of a geological prediction model for high-quality reservoirs of different geneses in the Huagang Formation and promote the exploration process of deep-seated hydrocarbons in the West Lake Sag.