Lü Xinrui, Wu Xingwei, Li Hongkai, et al. Development characteristics and characterization methods of deep paleokarst conduit systems in Tahe oilfield,Tarim Basin[J]. ACTA PETROLEI SINICA, 2026, 47(8): 1545-1561.
Lü Xinrui, Wu Xingwei, Li Hongkai, et al. Development characteristics and characterization methods of deep paleokarst conduit systems in Tahe oilfield,Tarim Basin[J]. ACTA PETROLEI SINICA, 2026, 47(8): 1545-1561.DOI: 10.7623/syxb202608002.
Development characteristics and characterization methods of deep paleokarst conduit systems in Tahe oilfield,Tarim Basin
The paleo-subterranean river system represents one of the three principal genetic types of paleokarst reservoir in the Ordovician strata of Tahe oilfield. Drilling data reveal that these systems exhibit complex morphologies and architectures
characterized by the co-occurrence of collapse structures and infillings
strong reservoir heterogeneity
significant variations in well productivity
and substantial challenges for efficient development. To address these issues
this study integrates multidisciplinary datasets
including outcrop observations
drilling data
seismic interpretations
and production data
applying theoretical methods from karst geology
structural geology
geophysics
and geostatistics. The work aims to define the types
architectural elements
filling types
and filling sequences of paleokarst conduit systems
and further elucidates their main controlling factors
development models
distribution features
and favorable combination patterns
thereby establishing a systematic characterization framework for the morphology
architecture
and infillings of the systems. The results indicate that:(1) The paleo-subterranean river systems are mainly classified into single- or multi-layered reticulated conduits
single conduits
structural corridors
discontinuous conduits
and suspended conduits. The architectural elements comprise trunk channels
branch channels
hall caves
and inlet/outlet ports. Three principal types of infilling are identified
composed mainly of sandy-muddy deposits
collapse breccias
and chemical precipitates. (2) Three paleokarst conduit systems with distinct features are developed in study area. The paleokarst geomorphology governs the overall flow direction and spatial distribution of subsurface conduits
while paleo-water table fluctuations dictate the tiered development levels and the dimensional scale of the conduit systems. Fault assemblage patterns control the morphology and structural architecture of subsurface conduits. Specifically
the western S81-S85-S74 system
controlled by slope geomorphology and networked fault systems
is dominated by reticulated conduits with frequent collapse breccia infillings. The central TK672-S65-S67-T615 system
controlled by a graben-like geomorphology and bowed fault systems
mainly develops single conduits
with locally developed multistorey channel systems
and is predominantly filled with sandy-muddy mixtures or interbedded deposits. The eastern TK422-S64-S46 system
controlled by peak-cluster geomorphology and λ-shaped faults
is dominated by discontinuous tectonic corridor-type karst channels
frequently filled with sand-mud mixtures and hybrid deposits . (3) Seismic attributes such as spectral decomposition energy
frequency-partitioned inversion
and coherence gradients can effectively predict the geometry and infilling characteristics of subsurface conduits. Multiple-point geostatistical modeling constrained by geological patterns and seismic attributes enables fine-scale characterization of the complex architectural features of the paleokarst conduit system. Application of this method to multiple key units in Tahe oilfield demonstrates the prediction accuracy exceeding 80 % for conduit geometry
architecture
and fill characteristics
providing a robust geological basis for efficient reservoir development.
Characterization of dissolution facies belt in fracture-cavity carbonate rocks mainly controlled by fault-controlling karst: a case study of Ordovician reservoirs in the Block 10 of Tahe oilfield
Reservoir characteristics of Longwangmiao Formation under different productivity conditions in the Anyue giant gas field, Sichuan Basin
Experiment and evaluation of extraction effect of nitrogen on light components of crude oil in Tahe oilfield
Controlling effect of tectonic deformation unit on vertical hydrocarbon migration and its exploration significance:a case study of Neogene oil and gas exploration in circum-Bozhong sag,Bohai Bay Basin
Accumulation characteristics and main controlling factors of helium-rich gas reservoirs
Related Author
Shang Xiaofei
Duan Taizhong
Zhang Wenbiao
Cheng Hong
Liu Yanfeng
Zhang Tianfu
Fu Xiaodong
Li Wenzheng
Related Institution
Sinpoec Northwest Oilfield Company
Sinpoec Exploration & Production Research Institute
Tarim Research Center, PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Xinjiang Korla
PetroChina Hangzhou Institute of Geology
College of Safety and Ocean Engineering, China University of Petroleum