Abstract:
Deep-water turbidity deposits developed in the Upper Ordovician Lashenzhong Formation of Zhuozishan area, northern part of western margin of Ordos Basin, and its sedimentological study is of great significance in oil and gas geology. Based on detailed field observations, in combination with lithological characteristics and sedimentary structures (especially convolute lamination), this study performs the fine paleocurrent analysis of directional sedimentary structures (large flute cast and small cross lamination) in the turbidity current deposits of Lashenzhong Formation. The results show that the paleocurrent of large flute cast flows mainly to the southwest, with the average azimuth of 230°, which can represent the direction of regional slope during deposition; the small cross lamination has complex paleocurrent patterns. Based on the relationships between principal and secondary dominant paleocurrent directions and the direction of regional slope, the paleocurrent can be divided into downslope current (turbidity current), deflecting superposition current, oblique reflection current, and normal reflection current. Comprehensively based on the lithological characteristics, the geneses of convolute laminations and the complex paleocurrent patterns, it can be judged that Lashenzhong Formation in Zhuozishan area presents the sedimentary characteristics of ponded turbidity. The discovery of ponded turbidity current deposits is of great significance to better guide deep-water oil and gas exploration in the western margin of Ordos Basin.