Chen Xiang

Chen Xiang
Characteristics and genesis of fractured reservoir bodies in tight sandstones of the fourth member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation, Sichuan Basin

Chen Xiang

Speakers Day 1
University / Institution

China University of Petroleum (Beijing), College of Geosciences 102249, China

Representing

China

To address the unclear classification and genesis of fractured reservoir bodies (FRBs) in tight sandstones of the fourth member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation (Xu 4 Member), Sichuan Basin, this study integrates field outcrops, cores, well-log–seismic data, production data, calcite U-Pb dating, and fluid-inclusion temperature–pressure constraints to characterize their geometry, formation mechanisms, and temporal evolution. The results show that fractures in the Xu 4 Member are predominantly tectonic and jointly controlled by multi-stage, hierarchical faults and related folds. Three FRB types are identified: fault-fracture-type FRBs, fold-fracture-type FRBs, and fault-fold-fracture-type FRBs. Fault-fracture-type FRBs were mainly formed by early low-order faulting and occur in proximal fault damage zones. They show belt-like geometries along fault strikes, with vertical distribution controlled by fault-cut stratigraphic intervals, and are dominated by high-angle shear fractures and partly open fractures whose effectiveness rapidly decreases away from faults. Fold-fracture-type FRBs formed during middle-stage fold growth and are concentrated in anticline hinges, high-curvature fold limbs, and local flexural zones. Their fracture development is controlled by fold amplitude, curvature, sand-body thickness, and mechanical-layer thickness, with fracture density increasing in strongly bent positions. Fault-fold-fracture-type FRBs resulted from the superposition of multi-stage faulting and structural bending and consist of faults, associated folds, and multi-set fracture networks. They are characterized by proximity to faults, large fold amplitude, high fracture density, multiple fracture sets, and strong connectivity. This study provides a geological basis for FRB classification, genetic interpretation, and fracture sweet-spot prediction of structural fractured tight sandstone reservoirs in the Xu 4 Member.