Sinopec Corp., China’s largest oil refiner, saw its oil and gas output rise 4.83 percent year-on-year in 2012 to 427.62 million barrels of oil equivalent, according to preliminary data released recently by the oil gi...Sinopec Corp., China’s largest oil refiner, saw its oil and gas output rise 4.83 percent year-on-year in 2012 to 427.62 million barrels of oil equivalent, according to preliminary data released recently by the oil giant. The company’s crude oil production grew 2.04 percent to 328.28 million barrels in 2012. About 93.4 percent展开更多
Based on rock mineral and geochemical analysis, microscopic observation, physical property measurement, and thin laminae separation test, etc., the characteristics of typical laminae of the Paleogene Shahejie Formatio...Based on rock mineral and geochemical analysis, microscopic observation, physical property measurement, and thin laminae separation test, etc., the characteristics of typical laminae of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation carbonate-rich shale in the Jiyang Depression were analyzed, and the organic matter abundance, reservoir properties, and oil-bearing properties of different laminae were compared. Typical shale storage-seepage structures were classified, and the mobility of oil in different types of shale storage-seepage structure was compared. The results show that the repeated superposition of mud laminae and calcite laminae are the main layer structure of carbonate-rich shales. The calcite laminae are divided into micritic calcite laminae, sparry calcite laminae and fibrous calcite vein. The mud-rich laminae are the main contributor to the organic matter abundance and porosity of shale, with the best hydrocarbon generation potential, reservoir capacity, and oil-bearing property. The micritic calcite laminae also have relatively good hydrocarbon generation potential, reservoir capacity and oil-bearing property. The sparry calcite laminae and fibrous calcite vein have good permeability and conductivity. Four types of shale storage-seepage structure are developed in the carbonate-rich shale, and the mobility of oil in each type of storage-seepage structure is in descending order: sparry calcite laminae enriched shale storage-seepage structure, mixed calcite laminae enriched shale storage-seepage structure, fibrous calcite vein enriched shale storage-seepage structure, and micritic calcite laminae enriched shale storage-seepage structure. The exploration targets of carbonate-rich shale in the Jiyang Depression Shahejie Formation are different in terms of storage-seepage structure at different thermal evolution stages.展开更多
The control of micro-wettability of pore-throat on shale oil occurrence in different types of reservoir spaces remains unclear.Take the shale oil reservoir of the Permian Lucaogou Formation in the Jimusar Sag,Junggar ...The control of micro-wettability of pore-throat on shale oil occurrence in different types of reservoir spaces remains unclear.Take the shale oil reservoir of the Permian Lucaogou Formation in the Jimusar Sag,Junggar Basin as an example,the reservoir space in laminated shale and the control of micro-wettability of pore-throat on shale oil occurrence were studied by using scanning electron microscope(SEM),multi-stage pyrolysis,quantitative fluorescence,nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)and other techniques.The results show that there are mainly two types of laminated shale in the Lucaogou Formation,namely laminated shale rich in volcanic materials+terrigenous felsic,and laminated shale rich in volcanic materials+carbonate.The former type contains feldspar dissolution pores and intergranular pores,mainly with felsic mineral components around the pore-throats,which are water-wet and control the free shale oil.The latter type contains carbonate intercrystalline pores and organic pores,mainly with oil-wet mineral components around the pore-throats,which control the adsorbed shale oil.The oil-wet mineral components around the pore-throats are conducive to oil accumulation,but reduce the proportion of free oil.In the Lucaogou Formation,free oil,with high maturity and light quality,mainly occurs in the laminated shale rich in volcanic materials+terrigenous felsic.展开更多
Fracturing fluid property play a critical role in developing unconventional reservoirs.Deep eutectic solvents(DESs)show fascinating potential for property improvement of clean fracturing fluids(CFFs)due to their low-p...Fracturing fluid property play a critical role in developing unconventional reservoirs.Deep eutectic solvents(DESs)show fascinating potential for property improvement of clean fracturing fluids(CFFs)due to their low-price,low-toxicity,chemical stability and flexible designability.In this work,DESs were synthesized by mixing hydrogen bond acceptors(HBAs)and a given hydrogen bond donor(HBD)to explore their underlying influence on CFF properties based on the intermolecular interactions.The hydrogen-bonding,van der Waals and electrostatic interactions between DES components and surfactants improved the CFF properties by promoting the arrangement of surfactants at interface and enhancing the micelle network strength.The HBD enhanced the resistance of CFF for Ca^(2+) due to coordination-bonding interaction.The DESs composed of choline chloride(ChCl)and malonic acid show great enhancement for surface,rheology,temperature resistance,salt tolerance,drag reduction,and gel-breaking performance of CFFs.The DESs also improved the gel-breaking CFF-oil interactions,increasing the imbibition efficiencies to 44.2%in 74 h.Adjusting HBAs can effectively strengthen the intermolecular interactions(e.g.,HBA-surfactant and HBD-surfactant interactions)to improve CFF properties.The DESs developed in this study provide a novel strategy to intensify CFF properties.展开更多
The origin and source of the petroleum in the Jurassic reservoirs within the eastern Fukang sub-depression were geochemically investigated.They show thermal maturities matching the peak generation stage,while the cond...The origin and source of the petroleum in the Jurassic reservoirs within the eastern Fukang sub-depression were geochemically investigated.They show thermal maturities matching the peak generation stage,while the condensates are at the early stage of intense cracking.Oils and condensates may have experienced mild evaporative fractionation,while mixing of severely biodegraded with non-biodegraded oils has occurred.Using biomarkers and isotopes,petroleums were classified into GroupⅠ,ⅡandⅢgenetic groups,with GroupⅢfurther divided intoⅢa andⅢb subgroups.GroupⅠpetroleum displays heavy carbon isotopes,a strong predominance of pristine over phytane,high C_(19)and C_(20)tricyclic and C_(24)tetracyclic terpanes,low gammacerane,and dominant C_(29)steranes,while GroupⅡshows light carbon isotopes,a predominance of phytane over pristine,high C_(21)and C_(23)tricyclic with low C_(24)tetracyclic terpanes,high gammacerane and dominant C_(27)steranes.GroupⅢa petroleum shows mixing compositions of GroupⅠandⅡ,while GroupⅢb displays similar compositions to Group I,but with significantly higher Ts,C_(29)Ts and C_(30)diahopane proportions.Oil-source rock correlation suggests GroupⅠandⅡpetroleums originate from Jurassic and Permian source rocks,respectively,while GroupⅢa are mixtures sourced from these rocks andⅢb are mixtures from Jurassic and Triassic source rocks.展开更多
Based on core observation, thin section examination, fluid inclusions analysis, carbon and oxygen isotopic composition analysis, and other approaches, the structural and burial evolution histories were investigated, a...Based on core observation, thin section examination, fluid inclusions analysis, carbon and oxygen isotopic composition analysis, and other approaches, the structural and burial evolution histories were investigated, and the diagenetic evolution process and genetic/development models were systematically discussed of the Upper Paleozoic Permian clastic rock reservoirs in the Bohai Bay Basin, East China. The Bohai Bay Basin underwent three stages of burial and two stages of uplifting in the Upper Paleozoic. Consequently, three stages of acid dissolution generated by the thermal evolution of kerogen, and two stages of meteoric freshwater leaching occurred. Dissolution in deeply buried, nearly closed diagenetic system was associated with the precipitation of authigenic clay and quartz, leading to a limited increase in storage space. Different structural uplifting–subsidence processes of tectonic zones resulted in varying diagenetic–reservoir-forming processes of the Permian clastic reservoirs. Three genetic models of reservoirs are recognized. The Model I reservoirs with pores formed in shallow strata and buried in shallow to medium strata underwent two stages of exposure to long-term open environment and two stages of meteoric freshwater leaching to enhance pores near the surface, and were shallowly buried in the late stage, exhibiting the dominance of secondary pores and the best physical properties. The Model Ⅱ reservoirs with pores formed in shallow strata and preserved due to modification after deep burial experienced an early exposure-open to late burial-closed environment, where pore types were modified due to dissolution, exhibiting the dominance of numerous secondary solution pores in feldspar and the physical properties inferior to Model I. The Model Ⅲ reservoirs with pores formed after being regulated after multiple periods of burial and dissolution experienced a dissolution of acidic fluids of organic origin under a near-closed to closed environment, exhibiting the dominance of intercrystalline micropores in kaolinite and the poorest physical properties. The target reservoirs lied in the waterflood area in the geological period of meteoric freshwater leaching, and are now the Model Ⅱ deep reservoirs in the slope zone–depression zone. They are determined as favorable options for subsequent exploration.展开更多
Supersonic separation technology is a new natural gas sweetening method for the treatment of natural gas with high CO_(2)(carbon dioxide)content.The structures of the Laval nozzle and the supersonic separator were des...Supersonic separation technology is a new natural gas sweetening method for the treatment of natural gas with high CO_(2)(carbon dioxide)content.The structures of the Laval nozzle and the supersonic separator were designed,and the mathematical models of supersonic condensation and swirling separation for CO_(2)-CH4 mixture gas were established.The supersonic condensation characteristics of CO_(2) in natural gas and the separation characteristics of condensed droplets under different inlet pressures were studied.The results show that higher inlet pressure results in a larger droplet radius and higher liquid phase mass fraction;additionally,the influence of centrifugal force is more pronounced,and the separation efficiency and removal efficiency of CO_(2) are higher.When the inlet pressure is 6 and 9 MPa,the liquefaction efficiency at the Laval nozzle outlet increases from 56.90%to 79.97%,and the outlet droplet radius increases from 0.39 to 0.72μm,and the removal efficiency is 31.25%and 54.52%,respectively.The effects of inlet pressures on the removal efficiency of the supersonic separator are complicated and are controlled by the combined effects of liquefaction capacity of the nozzle and centrifugal separation capacity of the swirl vane.展开更多
In the natural gas liquefaction process,the mixed refrigerant natural gas liquefaction process is widely used in LNG liquefaction plants because of its advantages of low energy consumption.This paper focuses on the in...In the natural gas liquefaction process,the mixed refrigerant natural gas liquefaction process is widely used in LNG liquefaction plants because of its advantages of low energy consumption.This paper focuses on the influences of important parameters in the C3/MRC liquefaction process,that is,the comparison between propane precooling temperature and the number of moles of methane in mixed refrigerant,power consumption and loss.In addition,the total process was optimized with the optimizer and manual adjustment in HYSYS software to minimize the total power consumption.The results show that with increasing propane precooling temperature,the propane flow rate is almost unchanged,while the mixed refrigerant flow rate decreases significantly,and the loss of the heat exchanger increases significantly.The power consumption of the propane precooling cycle and hybrid refrigeration cycle increases with increasing methane content in the refrigerant,so the power consumption of the whole process increases accordingly.The effect of the methane content in the mixed refrigerant on the process evaluation index is more significant than that of the propane precooling temperature.展开更多
With increased exploration in the faulted basins of eastern China,petroleum exploration in this region has been challenged by unclear remaining petroleum resources distribution,complex reservoir and hydrocarbon enrich...With increased exploration in the faulted basins of eastern China,petroleum exploration in this region has been challenged by unclear remaining petroleum resources distribution,complex reservoir and hydrocarbon enrichment patterns,and lacking of suitable exploration techniques.Aiming at resolving these problems,studies on source rocks,reservoirs,hydrocarbon accumulation and geophysical prospection were carried out by laboratory analysis,reservoir anatomy,and seismic analysis.A highlyefficient hydrocarbon generation/expulsion model of source rocks in saline environment was established,which aided in the discovery of a new set of source rocks in the Jiyang Depression.This study also reveals the formation process of high-quality reservoir by alternating acid and alkaline fluids during deposition and diagenesis,and pattern of secondary pores development in deep clastic rocks.Through the fine anatomy of the oil reservoirs,an orderly distribution pattern of the oil reservoirs is established,and the potential exploration targets in the undrilled area are identified.In addition,single-point highdensity seismic acquisition and high-resolution imaging technologies are developed,enabling fine and efficient exploration in areas with high exploration maturity.The research result plays a leading and demonstrative role in the fine and efficient exploration of faulted basins in eastern China.展开更多
Significant differential hydrocarbon enrichment occurs in depressions in a petroliferous basin.There are multiple depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin, and each depression as a relatively independent unit of hydrocarbon...Significant differential hydrocarbon enrichment occurs in depressions in a petroliferous basin.There are multiple depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin, and each depression as a relatively independent unit of hydrocarbon generation, migration and accumulation, contains significantly different hydrocarbon generation conditions and enrichment degree. On the basis of previous documents and a large number of statistical data, this work comparatively analyzed the differential hydrocarbon enrichment and its major controlling factors in depressions of the Bohai Bay Basin. The results show that depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin have various hydrocarbon enrichment degrees, and can be categorized into four types, namely enormously oil-rich, oil-rich, oily and oil-poor depressions. In general, the enormously oil-rich and oil-rich depressions are distributed in the eastern part of the basin along the Tan-Lu and Lan-Liao faults, whereas depressions in the western part of the basin are poor in hydrocarbons. Moreover, the vertical distribution of hydrocarbons is also highly heterogeneous, with Pre-Paleogene strata rich in hydrocarbons in the northern and western depressions, Paleogene strata rich in hydrocarbons in the entire basin, and Neogene strata rich in hydrocarbons in the off-shore areas of the Bohai Bay Basin. From early depressions in onshore areas to the late depressions in offshore areas of the Bohai Bay Basin, the source rocks and source-reservoir-cap rock assemblages gradually become younger and shallower, and the hydrocarbon resource abundance gradually increases. Hydrocarbon supplying condition is the key factor constraining the hydrocarbon enrichment for different depressions,while the main source-reservoir-cap rock assemblage, sufficient hydrocarbons and the transportation capacity of faults control the vertical distribution of hydrocarbons. The main factors controlling hydrocarbon enrichment are different for different layers. The hydrocarbon supplying condition of source rocks is the key controlling factor, whereas the source-reservoir configuration, the main sourcereservoir-cap rock assemblages, and the fault transportation are the main factors of hydrocarbon enrichment in the Paleogene, Paleogene and Neogene, respectively.展开更多
The Bohai Bay Basin contains many depressions with varying degrees of hydrocarbon enrichment associated with the geological structures of different depressions. This study discussed the relationship between the geolog...The Bohai Bay Basin contains many depressions with varying degrees of hydrocarbon enrichment associated with the geological structures of different depressions. This study discussed the relationship between the geological structures and hydrocarbon enrichment of the depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin. Based on the Paleogene strata distribution and the length to width ratio of different depressions, their geological structures are divided into three types in plan-view: open(length/width < 2), narrow(length/width > 4) and transitional types(length/width 2–4). In cross section, the geological structures can be divided into dustpan I, dustpan II and double-faulted types. Based on tectonic evolution and sedimentary characteristics, the depressions are classified into early-formed, inherited and late-formed categories. Generally, narrow depressions are mainly located in the northeast and southwest of the Bohai Bay Basin, while open depressions are dominantly distributed in the central area of the basin; late-formed depressions are mainly around the Bohai sea area, and early-formed depressions are mostly located in the periphery of the basin. Geological structures of the depressions control the formation of the source, reservoir and cap rocks as well as hydrocarbon accumulation setting, and further influence the pay zones and oil-bearing sequence. In detail, dustpan II and doublefaulted depressions mainly have A-type sags, which often possess better hydrocarbon generation conditions than dustpan I ones; hydrocarbons in open dustpan II depressions tend to accumulate in the central uplift areas or buried hill, while those in narrow dustpan I depressions always accumulate in gentle slope belts. The oil-bearing sequence for different evolutional depressions corresponds well with the sedimentary strata of the main development stages of depressions. In early-formed depressions, hydrocarbons are mainly enriched in deeply buried reservoirs, while in late-formed depressions hydrocarbons are abundant in the relatively shallow traps. In summary, most inherited and late-formed dustpan II depressions are enriched in hydrocarbons due to their extensive source rocks and good source–reservoir–seal assemblages, whereas dustpan I and early-formed depressions are relatively poor in hydrocarbons.展开更多
Reservoir wettability plays an important role in various oil recovery processes.The origin and evolution of reservoir wettability were critically reviewed to better understand the complexity of wettability due to inte...Reservoir wettability plays an important role in various oil recovery processes.The origin and evolution of reservoir wettability were critically reviewed to better understand the complexity of wettability due to interactions in crude oil-brine-rock system,with introduction of different wetting states and their influence on fluid distribution in pore spaces.The effect of wettability on oil recovery of waterflooding was then summarized from past and recent research to emphasize the importance of wettability in oil displacement by brine.The mechanism of wettability alteration by different surfactants in both carbonate and sandstone reservoirs was analyzed,concerning their distinct surface chemistry,and different interaction patterns of surfactants with components on rock surface.Other concerns such as the combined effect of wettability alteration and interfacial tension (IFT) reduction on the imbibition process was also taken into account.Generally,surfactant induced wettability alteration for enhanced oil recovery is still in the stage of laboratory investigation.The successful application of this technique relies on a comprehensive survey of target reservoir conditions,and could be expected especially in low permeability fractured reservoirs and forced imbibition process.展开更多
The effect of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), an anionic surfactant used widely in household products and industrial processes, on saturated hydraulic conductivities (Ksat) of an Anthrosol saturated with sodium...The effect of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), an anionic surfactant used widely in household products and industrial processes, on saturated hydraulic conductivities (Ksat) of an Anthrosol saturated with sodium (Na-soil) or calcium (Ca-soil) was analyzed in a laboratory experiment using the constant head method, and adsorption and dispersion experiments were also conducted to infer the possible mechanisms of Ksat fluctuations. The results showed that SDBS was more intensely adsorbed in the Ca-soil than in the Na-soil. With an increase in the SDBS concentration, the stability of the Na-soil suspensions decreased when the SDBS concentration was less than 1.2 mmol L-1 and then above this concentration, increased markedly, while the stability of the Ca-soil suspensions increased gradually at all SDBS concentrations studied. With an increase in the SDBS concentration, the Ksat of the Na-soil increased, which resulted mainly from the increase of water channels in the soil because of the coagulation of the soil particles, while the Ksat of Ca-soil decreased mainly on account of the clogging of partial water channels by precipitated Ca(DBS)2 and the fine soil particles generated.展开更多
The distribution and genetic mechanisms of abnormal pressures in the Bohai Bay Basin were systematically analyzed. Abnormal pressures are widely developed in the Bohai Bay Basin,primarily in the Paleogene E_(2s_4),E_(...The distribution and genetic mechanisms of abnormal pressures in the Bohai Bay Basin were systematically analyzed. Abnormal pressures are widely developed in the Bohai Bay Basin,primarily in the Paleogene E_(2s_4),E_(2s_3),E_(s_1),and Ed formations. From the onshore area of the Bohai Bay Basin to the center of the Bozhong area,the top depth of the overpressured zone in each depression increases gradually,the overpressured strata in each depression gradually move to younger formations,and the pressure structure successively alters from single-bottom- overpressure to doublebottom-overpressure and finally to double-top-overpressure. The distribution of overpressured area is consistent with the sedimentary migration controlled by the tectonic evolution of the Bohai Bay Basin,which is closely related to the hydrocarbon-generation capability of active source rocks. The overpressured strata are consistent with the source-rock intervals in each depression; the top of the overpressured zone is synchronous with the hydrocarbon generation threshold in each depression; the hydrocarbon generation capability is positively correlated with the overpressure magnitude in each formation. Undercompaction was the main mechanism of overpressure for depressions with fluid pressure coefficients less than 1.2,whereas hydrocarbon generation was the main mechanism for depressions with fluid pressure coefficients greater than 1.5.展开更多
The concept of the three-layer structure of continental basins is presented based on the characteristics of layered structure of basins.The reservoir could be classified into accumulation system assemblage,accumulatio...The concept of the three-layer structure of continental basins is presented based on the characteristics of layered structure of basins.The reservoir could be classified into accumulation system assemblage,accumulation system,accumulation assemblage and reservoir.This paper discusses the characteristics of hydrocarbon accumulation system assemblages of the Zhanhua Depression,which include four kinds of genetic patterns:(1)buried-hill hydrocarbon accumulation system assemblage; (2)self-sourced accumulation system assemblage from the upper interval of member 4 to member 1 of Shahejie formation;(3) transition accumulation system assemblage from member 1 of the Shahejie formation to Dongying formation and(4)externally sourced accumulation system assemblage in the late Tertiary.The hydrocarbon-source transport network layer consisted of faults and unconformities,which connected with the reservoir layer.展开更多
Microscopic seepage characteristics are critical for the evaluation of tight sandstone reservoirs.In this study,a digital core approach integrating microscopic seepage simulation and CT scanning was developed to chara...Microscopic seepage characteristics are critical for the evaluation of tight sandstone reservoirs.In this study,a digital core approach integrating microscopic seepage simulation and CT scanning was developed to characterize microscopic seepage and fracture effectiveness(the ratio of micro-fractures that contributes to fluid flow)of tight sandstones.Numerical simulations were carried out for characterizations of tight sandstones.The results show that the axial permeability of the investigated cylindrical tight sandstone from Junggar Basin in China is 0.460μm~2,while the radial permeability is 0.3723μm~2,and the axial and radial effective fracture ratios are 0.4387 and 0.4806,respectively,indicating that cracks are not fully developed and the connectivity between micro-cracks is poor.Directional permeability that is difficult to measure by laboratory experiments can be obtained readily using the proposed method in this paper.The results provide important information for improving the exploration and development of tight sandstone reservoirs.展开更多
Fracability is a property that indicates how easy reservoir rocks can be fractured in hydraulic fracturing operations.It is a key parameter for fracturing design and evaluation.In order to utilize continuous logging d...Fracability is a property that indicates how easy reservoir rocks can be fractured in hydraulic fracturing operations.It is a key parameter for fracturing design and evaluation.In order to utilize continuous logging data to predict fracability,synchronous tests of dynamic and static mechanical parameters of rocks under different confining pressures were conducted on13 tight sandstone samples derived from the central Junggar Basin,China.A modified formula between dynamic and static mechanical parameters was established.Fracability of the tight reservoir in the Junggar Basin was then evaluated based on brittleness index,fracture toughness,and fracability index.The effectiveness of fracturing was analyzed combined with the oil testing curve after hydraulic fracturing.The results show that:(1)The distribution of oil-bearing formations in the studied area coincides well with stratum of higher fracability index.(2)The critical fracability index is determined to be 0.3,three formations are selected as fracturing candidates,and a thin mudstone interbed is identified in the oil-bearing formation.(3)Well testing curve verifies the reliability of the fracability evaluation method and the accuracy of the modified formula between dynamic and static mechanical parameters.This study provides useful information for improving fracturing operations of tight oil and gas reservoirs.展开更多
Structure of porous media and fluid distribution in rocks can significantly affect the transport characteristics during the process of microscale tracer flow.To clarify the effect of micro heterogeneity on aqueous tra...Structure of porous media and fluid distribution in rocks can significantly affect the transport characteristics during the process of microscale tracer flow.To clarify the effect of micro heterogeneity on aqueous tracer transport,this paper demonstrates microscopic experiments at pore level and proposes an improved mathematical model for tracer transport.The visualization results show a faster tracer movement into movable water than it into bound water,and quicker occupancy in flowing pores than in storage pores caused by the difference of tracer velocity.Moreover,the proposed mathematical model includes the effects of bound water and flowing porosity by applying interstitial flow velocity expression.The new model also distinguishes flowing and storage pores,accounting for different tracer transport mechanisms(dispersion,diffusion and adsorption)in different types of pores.The resulting analytical solution better matches with tracer production data than the standard model.The residual sum of squares(RSS)from the new model is 0.0005,which is 100 times smaller than the RSS from the standard model.The sensitivity analysis indicates that the dispersion coefficient and flowing porosity shows a negative correlation with the tracer breakthrough time and the increasing slope,whereas the superficial velocity and bound water saturation show a positive correlation.展开更多
<div style="text-align:justify;"> Based on the detailed interpretation of high-accuracy 3D seismic data, the characteristics of regional unconformities, fracture systems, sedimentary filling and paleo-...<div style="text-align:justify;"> Based on the detailed interpretation of high-accuracy 3D seismic data, the characteristics of regional unconformities, fracture systems, sedimentary filling and paleo-stress field in Zhu 1 depression were comprehensively analyzed. The results showed that 2nd episode of Zhu-Qiong movement was an important tectonic transformation that occurred during rifting, basin structure patterns above and below the regional angular unconformity caused by 2nd episode had distinct differences. The orientations of those basin-controlling faults changed from NE, NEE to EW, NWW, which indicated that the paleo-stress field veered from NNW extension clockwise to sub-NS extension and basin structures patterns transformed from NE, NEE strong rifting to sub-EW, NWW weak rifting. The depocenter showed seesaw-like migration from S to N. And the sedimentary systems transformed from semi-deep-deep lacustrine facies to braided river delta facies developed in shore-shallow lacustrine. Combined with its tectonic recombination of periphery plates that period, the mechanism of above tectonic transformation had direct correspondence to the readjustment of the Indian plate and the Pacific plate. The southward subduction of the pro-to-south China Sea is the direct cause of this tectonic transformation. </div>展开更多
文摘Sinopec Corp., China’s largest oil refiner, saw its oil and gas output rise 4.83 percent year-on-year in 2012 to 427.62 million barrels of oil equivalent, according to preliminary data released recently by the oil giant. The company’s crude oil production grew 2.04 percent to 328.28 million barrels in 2012. About 93.4 percent
基金Supported by the China National Science and Technology Major Project(2017ZX05049-004)Sinopec Project(P22083,P23084).
文摘Based on rock mineral and geochemical analysis, microscopic observation, physical property measurement, and thin laminae separation test, etc., the characteristics of typical laminae of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation carbonate-rich shale in the Jiyang Depression were analyzed, and the organic matter abundance, reservoir properties, and oil-bearing properties of different laminae were compared. Typical shale storage-seepage structures were classified, and the mobility of oil in different types of shale storage-seepage structure was compared. The results show that the repeated superposition of mud laminae and calcite laminae are the main layer structure of carbonate-rich shales. The calcite laminae are divided into micritic calcite laminae, sparry calcite laminae and fibrous calcite vein. The mud-rich laminae are the main contributor to the organic matter abundance and porosity of shale, with the best hydrocarbon generation potential, reservoir capacity, and oil-bearing property. The micritic calcite laminae also have relatively good hydrocarbon generation potential, reservoir capacity and oil-bearing property. The sparry calcite laminae and fibrous calcite vein have good permeability and conductivity. Four types of shale storage-seepage structure are developed in the carbonate-rich shale, and the mobility of oil in each type of storage-seepage structure is in descending order: sparry calcite laminae enriched shale storage-seepage structure, mixed calcite laminae enriched shale storage-seepage structure, fibrous calcite vein enriched shale storage-seepage structure, and micritic calcite laminae enriched shale storage-seepage structure. The exploration targets of carbonate-rich shale in the Jiyang Depression Shahejie Formation are different in terms of storage-seepage structure at different thermal evolution stages.
基金Supported by the National Natural Scienceof China(42072161,41821002)Central University Basic Research Project(22CX07008A)。
文摘The control of micro-wettability of pore-throat on shale oil occurrence in different types of reservoir spaces remains unclear.Take the shale oil reservoir of the Permian Lucaogou Formation in the Jimusar Sag,Junggar Basin as an example,the reservoir space in laminated shale and the control of micro-wettability of pore-throat on shale oil occurrence were studied by using scanning electron microscope(SEM),multi-stage pyrolysis,quantitative fluorescence,nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)and other techniques.The results show that there are mainly two types of laminated shale in the Lucaogou Formation,namely laminated shale rich in volcanic materials+terrigenous felsic,and laminated shale rich in volcanic materials+carbonate.The former type contains feldspar dissolution pores and intergranular pores,mainly with felsic mineral components around the pore-throats,which are water-wet and control the free shale oil.The latter type contains carbonate intercrystalline pores and organic pores,mainly with oil-wet mineral components around the pore-throats,which control the adsorbed shale oil.The oil-wet mineral components around the pore-throats are conducive to oil accumulation,but reduce the proportion of free oil.In the Lucaogou Formation,free oil,with high maturity and light quality,mainly occurs in the laminated shale rich in volcanic materials+terrigenous felsic.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52120105007,51834010)the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(No.52222403).
文摘Fracturing fluid property play a critical role in developing unconventional reservoirs.Deep eutectic solvents(DESs)show fascinating potential for property improvement of clean fracturing fluids(CFFs)due to their low-price,low-toxicity,chemical stability and flexible designability.In this work,DESs were synthesized by mixing hydrogen bond acceptors(HBAs)and a given hydrogen bond donor(HBD)to explore their underlying influence on CFF properties based on the intermolecular interactions.The hydrogen-bonding,van der Waals and electrostatic interactions between DES components and surfactants improved the CFF properties by promoting the arrangement of surfactants at interface and enhancing the micelle network strength.The HBD enhanced the resistance of CFF for Ca^(2+) due to coordination-bonding interaction.The DESs composed of choline chloride(ChCl)and malonic acid show great enhancement for surface,rheology,temperature resistance,salt tolerance,drag reduction,and gel-breaking performance of CFFs.The DESs also improved the gel-breaking CFF-oil interactions,increasing the imbibition efficiencies to 44.2%in 74 h.Adjusting HBAs can effectively strengthen the intermolecular interactions(e.g.,HBA-surfactant and HBD-surfactant interactions)to improve CFF properties.The DESs developed in this study provide a novel strategy to intensify CFF properties.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.20CX02108A)the Development Fund of the Key Laboratory of Deep Oil&Gas,China University of Petroleum(East China)。
文摘The origin and source of the petroleum in the Jurassic reservoirs within the eastern Fukang sub-depression were geochemically investigated.They show thermal maturities matching the peak generation stage,while the condensates are at the early stage of intense cracking.Oils and condensates may have experienced mild evaporative fractionation,while mixing of severely biodegraded with non-biodegraded oils has occurred.Using biomarkers and isotopes,petroleums were classified into GroupⅠ,ⅡandⅢgenetic groups,with GroupⅢfurther divided intoⅢa andⅢb subgroups.GroupⅠpetroleum displays heavy carbon isotopes,a strong predominance of pristine over phytane,high C_(19)and C_(20)tricyclic and C_(24)tetracyclic terpanes,low gammacerane,and dominant C_(29)steranes,while GroupⅡshows light carbon isotopes,a predominance of phytane over pristine,high C_(21)and C_(23)tricyclic with low C_(24)tetracyclic terpanes,high gammacerane and dominant C_(27)steranes.GroupⅢa petroleum shows mixing compositions of GroupⅠandⅡ,while GroupⅢb displays similar compositions to Group I,but with significantly higher Ts,C_(29)Ts and C_(30)diahopane proportions.Oil-source rock correlation suggests GroupⅠandⅡpetroleums originate from Jurassic and Permian source rocks,respectively,while GroupⅢa are mixtures sourced from these rocks andⅢb are mixtures from Jurassic and Triassic source rocks.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation(42222208,41821002)China National Science and Technology Major Project(2016ZX05006-007)Mount Taishan Scholar Young Expert Project(201909061).
文摘Based on core observation, thin section examination, fluid inclusions analysis, carbon and oxygen isotopic composition analysis, and other approaches, the structural and burial evolution histories were investigated, and the diagenetic evolution process and genetic/development models were systematically discussed of the Upper Paleozoic Permian clastic rock reservoirs in the Bohai Bay Basin, East China. The Bohai Bay Basin underwent three stages of burial and two stages of uplifting in the Upper Paleozoic. Consequently, three stages of acid dissolution generated by the thermal evolution of kerogen, and two stages of meteoric freshwater leaching occurred. Dissolution in deeply buried, nearly closed diagenetic system was associated with the precipitation of authigenic clay and quartz, leading to a limited increase in storage space. Different structural uplifting–subsidence processes of tectonic zones resulted in varying diagenetic–reservoir-forming processes of the Permian clastic reservoirs. Three genetic models of reservoirs are recognized. The Model I reservoirs with pores formed in shallow strata and buried in shallow to medium strata underwent two stages of exposure to long-term open environment and two stages of meteoric freshwater leaching to enhance pores near the surface, and were shallowly buried in the late stage, exhibiting the dominance of secondary pores and the best physical properties. The Model Ⅱ reservoirs with pores formed in shallow strata and preserved due to modification after deep burial experienced an early exposure-open to late burial-closed environment, where pore types were modified due to dissolution, exhibiting the dominance of numerous secondary solution pores in feldspar and the physical properties inferior to Model I. The Model Ⅲ reservoirs with pores formed after being regulated after multiple periods of burial and dissolution experienced a dissolution of acidic fluids of organic origin under a near-closed to closed environment, exhibiting the dominance of intercrystalline micropores in kaolinite and the poorest physical properties. The target reservoirs lied in the waterflood area in the geological period of meteoric freshwater leaching, and are now the Model Ⅱ deep reservoirs in the slope zone–depression zone. They are determined as favorable options for subsequent exploration.
基金supported by the Research Project of Technical Inspection Center of Sinopec Shengli Oilfield Company“Research of Energy Flow Optimization Analysis and Application Technology of Oilfield Production System”and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(Grant No.ZR2021QE030).
文摘Supersonic separation technology is a new natural gas sweetening method for the treatment of natural gas with high CO_(2)(carbon dioxide)content.The structures of the Laval nozzle and the supersonic separator were designed,and the mathematical models of supersonic condensation and swirling separation for CO_(2)-CH4 mixture gas were established.The supersonic condensation characteristics of CO_(2) in natural gas and the separation characteristics of condensed droplets under different inlet pressures were studied.The results show that higher inlet pressure results in a larger droplet radius and higher liquid phase mass fraction;additionally,the influence of centrifugal force is more pronounced,and the separation efficiency and removal efficiency of CO_(2) are higher.When the inlet pressure is 6 and 9 MPa,the liquefaction efficiency at the Laval nozzle outlet increases from 56.90%to 79.97%,and the outlet droplet radius increases from 0.39 to 0.72μm,and the removal efficiency is 31.25%and 54.52%,respectively.The effects of inlet pressures on the removal efficiency of the supersonic separator are complicated and are controlled by the combined effects of liquefaction capacity of the nozzle and centrifugal separation capacity of the swirl vane.
基金supported by the Research Project of Sinopec Shengli Oilfield Company“Research of Energy Flow Optimization Analysis and Application Technology of Oilfield Production System”.
文摘In the natural gas liquefaction process,the mixed refrigerant natural gas liquefaction process is widely used in LNG liquefaction plants because of its advantages of low energy consumption.This paper focuses on the influences of important parameters in the C3/MRC liquefaction process,that is,the comparison between propane precooling temperature and the number of moles of methane in mixed refrigerant,power consumption and loss.In addition,the total process was optimized with the optimizer and manual adjustment in HYSYS software to minimize the total power consumption.The results show that with increasing propane precooling temperature,the propane flow rate is almost unchanged,while the mixed refrigerant flow rate decreases significantly,and the loss of the heat exchanger increases significantly.The power consumption of the propane precooling cycle and hybrid refrigeration cycle increases with increasing methane content in the refrigerant,so the power consumption of the whole process increases accordingly.The effect of the methane content in the mixed refrigerant on the process evaluation index is more significant than that of the propane precooling temperature.
基金This study is funded by the National major science&technology special project entitled Critical Technologies for Fine Exploration in the Bohai Bay Basin(No.2011ZX0500).
文摘With increased exploration in the faulted basins of eastern China,petroleum exploration in this region has been challenged by unclear remaining petroleum resources distribution,complex reservoir and hydrocarbon enrichment patterns,and lacking of suitable exploration techniques.Aiming at resolving these problems,studies on source rocks,reservoirs,hydrocarbon accumulation and geophysical prospection were carried out by laboratory analysis,reservoir anatomy,and seismic analysis.A highlyefficient hydrocarbon generation/expulsion model of source rocks in saline environment was established,which aided in the discovery of a new set of source rocks in the Jiyang Depression.This study also reveals the formation process of high-quality reservoir by alternating acid and alkaline fluids during deposition and diagenesis,and pattern of secondary pores development in deep clastic rocks.Through the fine anatomy of the oil reservoirs,an orderly distribution pattern of the oil reservoirs is established,and the potential exploration targets in the undrilled area are identified.In addition,single-point highdensity seismic acquisition and high-resolution imaging technologies are developed,enabling fine and efficient exploration in areas with high exploration maturity.The research result plays a leading and demonstrative role in the fine and efficient exploration of faulted basins in eastern China.
基金granted by the Important National Science&Technology Specific Projects(grants No.2011ZX05006-003 and 2016ZX05006-003)the National Natural Science Foundation(grant No.41372132)
文摘Significant differential hydrocarbon enrichment occurs in depressions in a petroliferous basin.There are multiple depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin, and each depression as a relatively independent unit of hydrocarbon generation, migration and accumulation, contains significantly different hydrocarbon generation conditions and enrichment degree. On the basis of previous documents and a large number of statistical data, this work comparatively analyzed the differential hydrocarbon enrichment and its major controlling factors in depressions of the Bohai Bay Basin. The results show that depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin have various hydrocarbon enrichment degrees, and can be categorized into four types, namely enormously oil-rich, oil-rich, oily and oil-poor depressions. In general, the enormously oil-rich and oil-rich depressions are distributed in the eastern part of the basin along the Tan-Lu and Lan-Liao faults, whereas depressions in the western part of the basin are poor in hydrocarbons. Moreover, the vertical distribution of hydrocarbons is also highly heterogeneous, with Pre-Paleogene strata rich in hydrocarbons in the northern and western depressions, Paleogene strata rich in hydrocarbons in the entire basin, and Neogene strata rich in hydrocarbons in the off-shore areas of the Bohai Bay Basin. From early depressions in onshore areas to the late depressions in offshore areas of the Bohai Bay Basin, the source rocks and source-reservoir-cap rock assemblages gradually become younger and shallower, and the hydrocarbon resource abundance gradually increases. Hydrocarbon supplying condition is the key factor constraining the hydrocarbon enrichment for different depressions,while the main source-reservoir-cap rock assemblage, sufficient hydrocarbons and the transportation capacity of faults control the vertical distribution of hydrocarbons. The main factors controlling hydrocarbon enrichment are different for different layers. The hydrocarbon supplying condition of source rocks is the key controlling factor, whereas the source-reservoir configuration, the main sourcereservoir-cap rock assemblages, and the fault transportation are the main factors of hydrocarbon enrichment in the Paleogene, Paleogene and Neogene, respectively.
基金granted by the National Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.41372132)Important National Science&Technology Specific Projects(Grant No.2011ZX05006-003)
文摘The Bohai Bay Basin contains many depressions with varying degrees of hydrocarbon enrichment associated with the geological structures of different depressions. This study discussed the relationship between the geological structures and hydrocarbon enrichment of the depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin. Based on the Paleogene strata distribution and the length to width ratio of different depressions, their geological structures are divided into three types in plan-view: open(length/width < 2), narrow(length/width > 4) and transitional types(length/width 2–4). In cross section, the geological structures can be divided into dustpan I, dustpan II and double-faulted types. Based on tectonic evolution and sedimentary characteristics, the depressions are classified into early-formed, inherited and late-formed categories. Generally, narrow depressions are mainly located in the northeast and southwest of the Bohai Bay Basin, while open depressions are dominantly distributed in the central area of the basin; late-formed depressions are mainly around the Bohai sea area, and early-formed depressions are mostly located in the periphery of the basin. Geological structures of the depressions control the formation of the source, reservoir and cap rocks as well as hydrocarbon accumulation setting, and further influence the pay zones and oil-bearing sequence. In detail, dustpan II and doublefaulted depressions mainly have A-type sags, which often possess better hydrocarbon generation conditions than dustpan I ones; hydrocarbons in open dustpan II depressions tend to accumulate in the central uplift areas or buried hill, while those in narrow dustpan I depressions always accumulate in gentle slope belts. The oil-bearing sequence for different evolutional depressions corresponds well with the sedimentary strata of the main development stages of depressions. In early-formed depressions, hydrocarbons are mainly enriched in deeply buried reservoirs, while in late-formed depressions hydrocarbons are abundant in the relatively shallow traps. In summary, most inherited and late-formed dustpan II depressions are enriched in hydrocarbons due to their extensive source rocks and good source–reservoir–seal assemblages, whereas dustpan I and early-formed depressions are relatively poor in hydrocarbons.
文摘Reservoir wettability plays an important role in various oil recovery processes.The origin and evolution of reservoir wettability were critically reviewed to better understand the complexity of wettability due to interactions in crude oil-brine-rock system,with introduction of different wetting states and their influence on fluid distribution in pore spaces.The effect of wettability on oil recovery of waterflooding was then summarized from past and recent research to emphasize the importance of wettability in oil displacement by brine.The mechanism of wettability alteration by different surfactants in both carbonate and sandstone reservoirs was analyzed,concerning their distinct surface chemistry,and different interaction patterns of surfactants with components on rock surface.Other concerns such as the combined effect of wettability alteration and interfacial tension (IFT) reduction on the imbibition process was also taken into account.Generally,surfactant induced wettability alteration for enhanced oil recovery is still in the stage of laboratory investigation.The successful application of this technique relies on a comprehensive survey of target reservoir conditions,and could be expected especially in low permeability fractured reservoirs and forced imbibition process.
基金Project supported by the Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai Municipality (No.02DJ14046).
文摘The effect of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), an anionic surfactant used widely in household products and industrial processes, on saturated hydraulic conductivities (Ksat) of an Anthrosol saturated with sodium (Na-soil) or calcium (Ca-soil) was analyzed in a laboratory experiment using the constant head method, and adsorption and dispersion experiments were also conducted to infer the possible mechanisms of Ksat fluctuations. The results showed that SDBS was more intensely adsorbed in the Ca-soil than in the Na-soil. With an increase in the SDBS concentration, the stability of the Na-soil suspensions decreased when the SDBS concentration was less than 1.2 mmol L-1 and then above this concentration, increased markedly, while the stability of the Ca-soil suspensions increased gradually at all SDBS concentrations studied. With an increase in the SDBS concentration, the Ksat of the Na-soil increased, which resulted mainly from the increase of water channels in the soil because of the coagulation of the soil particles, while the Ksat of Ca-soil decreased mainly on account of the clogging of partial water channels by precipitated Ca(DBS)2 and the fine soil particles generated.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.41502129)the Important National Science & Technology Specific Projects(grant No.2016ZX05006-003)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(grant No.14CX05015A)
文摘The distribution and genetic mechanisms of abnormal pressures in the Bohai Bay Basin were systematically analyzed. Abnormal pressures are widely developed in the Bohai Bay Basin,primarily in the Paleogene E_(2s_4),E_(2s_3),E_(s_1),and Ed formations. From the onshore area of the Bohai Bay Basin to the center of the Bozhong area,the top depth of the overpressured zone in each depression increases gradually,the overpressured strata in each depression gradually move to younger formations,and the pressure structure successively alters from single-bottom- overpressure to doublebottom-overpressure and finally to double-top-overpressure. The distribution of overpressured area is consistent with the sedimentary migration controlled by the tectonic evolution of the Bohai Bay Basin,which is closely related to the hydrocarbon-generation capability of active source rocks. The overpressured strata are consistent with the source-rock intervals in each depression; the top of the overpressured zone is synchronous with the hydrocarbon generation threshold in each depression; the hydrocarbon generation capability is positively correlated with the overpressure magnitude in each formation. Undercompaction was the main mechanism of overpressure for depressions with fluid pressure coefficients less than 1.2,whereas hydrocarbon generation was the main mechanism for depressions with fluid pressure coefficients greater than 1.5.
文摘The concept of the three-layer structure of continental basins is presented based on the characteristics of layered structure of basins.The reservoir could be classified into accumulation system assemblage,accumulation system,accumulation assemblage and reservoir.This paper discusses the characteristics of hydrocarbon accumulation system assemblages of the Zhanhua Depression,which include four kinds of genetic patterns:(1)buried-hill hydrocarbon accumulation system assemblage; (2)self-sourced accumulation system assemblage from the upper interval of member 4 to member 1 of Shahejie formation;(3) transition accumulation system assemblage from member 1 of the Shahejie formation to Dongying formation and(4)externally sourced accumulation system assemblage in the late Tertiary.The hydrocarbon-source transport network layer consisted of faults and unconformities,which connected with the reservoir layer.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41972138)the Technology Major Project of China(Grant No.ZD2019-183007,2016ZX05002-002)。
文摘Microscopic seepage characteristics are critical for the evaluation of tight sandstone reservoirs.In this study,a digital core approach integrating microscopic seepage simulation and CT scanning was developed to characterize microscopic seepage and fracture effectiveness(the ratio of micro-fractures that contributes to fluid flow)of tight sandstones.Numerical simulations were carried out for characterizations of tight sandstones.The results show that the axial permeability of the investigated cylindrical tight sandstone from Junggar Basin in China is 0.460μm~2,while the radial permeability is 0.3723μm~2,and the axial and radial effective fracture ratios are 0.4387 and 0.4806,respectively,indicating that cracks are not fully developed and the connectivity between micro-cracks is poor.Directional permeability that is difficult to measure by laboratory experiments can be obtained readily using the proposed method in this paper.The results provide important information for improving the exploration and development of tight sandstone reservoirs.
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2016ZX05002-002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41972138).
文摘Fracability is a property that indicates how easy reservoir rocks can be fractured in hydraulic fracturing operations.It is a key parameter for fracturing design and evaluation.In order to utilize continuous logging data to predict fracability,synchronous tests of dynamic and static mechanical parameters of rocks under different confining pressures were conducted on13 tight sandstone samples derived from the central Junggar Basin,China.A modified formula between dynamic and static mechanical parameters was established.Fracability of the tight reservoir in the Junggar Basin was then evaluated based on brittleness index,fracture toughness,and fracability index.The effectiveness of fracturing was analyzed combined with the oil testing curve after hydraulic fracturing.The results show that:(1)The distribution of oil-bearing formations in the studied area coincides well with stratum of higher fracability index.(2)The critical fracability index is determined to be 0.3,three formations are selected as fracturing candidates,and a thin mudstone interbed is identified in the oil-bearing formation.(3)Well testing curve verifies the reliability of the fracability evaluation method and the accuracy of the modified formula between dynamic and static mechanical parameters.This study provides useful information for improving fracturing operations of tight oil and gas reservoirs.
基金funded by National Science and Technology Major Projects(2017ZX05009004,2016ZX05058003)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(2173061)and State Energy Center for Shale Oil Research and Development(G5800-16-ZS-KFNY005).
文摘Structure of porous media and fluid distribution in rocks can significantly affect the transport characteristics during the process of microscale tracer flow.To clarify the effect of micro heterogeneity on aqueous tracer transport,this paper demonstrates microscopic experiments at pore level and proposes an improved mathematical model for tracer transport.The visualization results show a faster tracer movement into movable water than it into bound water,and quicker occupancy in flowing pores than in storage pores caused by the difference of tracer velocity.Moreover,the proposed mathematical model includes the effects of bound water and flowing porosity by applying interstitial flow velocity expression.The new model also distinguishes flowing and storage pores,accounting for different tracer transport mechanisms(dispersion,diffusion and adsorption)in different types of pores.The resulting analytical solution better matches with tracer production data than the standard model.The residual sum of squares(RSS)from the new model is 0.0005,which is 100 times smaller than the RSS from the standard model.The sensitivity analysis indicates that the dispersion coefficient and flowing porosity shows a negative correlation with the tracer breakthrough time and the increasing slope,whereas the superficial velocity and bound water saturation show a positive correlation.
文摘<div style="text-align:justify;"> Based on the detailed interpretation of high-accuracy 3D seismic data, the characteristics of regional unconformities, fracture systems, sedimentary filling and paleo-stress field in Zhu 1 depression were comprehensively analyzed. The results showed that 2nd episode of Zhu-Qiong movement was an important tectonic transformation that occurred during rifting, basin structure patterns above and below the regional angular unconformity caused by 2nd episode had distinct differences. The orientations of those basin-controlling faults changed from NE, NEE to EW, NWW, which indicated that the paleo-stress field veered from NNW extension clockwise to sub-NS extension and basin structures patterns transformed from NE, NEE strong rifting to sub-EW, NWW weak rifting. The depocenter showed seesaw-like migration from S to N. And the sedimentary systems transformed from semi-deep-deep lacustrine facies to braided river delta facies developed in shore-shallow lacustrine. Combined with its tectonic recombination of periphery plates that period, the mechanism of above tectonic transformation had direct correspondence to the readjustment of the Indian plate and the Pacific plate. The southward subduction of the pro-to-south China Sea is the direct cause of this tectonic transformation. </div>
