Mechanisms of fine-grained sedimentation and reservoir characteristics of shale oil in continental freshwater lacustrine basin: A case study from Chang 73 sub-member of Triassic Yanchang Formation in southwestern Ordos Basin, NW China

Based on recent advancements in shale oil exploration within the Ordos Basin, this study presents a comprehensive investigation of the paleoenvironment, lithofacies assemblages and distribution, depositional mechanisms, and reservoir characteristics of shale oil of fine-grained sediment deposition in continental freshwater lacustrine basins, with a focus on the Chang 7₃ sub-member of Triassic Yanchang Formation. The research integrates a variety of exploration data, including field outcrops, drilling, logging, core samples, geochemical analyses, and flume simulation. The study indicates that: (1) The paleoenvironment of the Chang 7₃ deposition is characterized by a warm and humid climate, frequent monsoon events, and a large water depth of freshwater lacustrine basin. The paleogeomorphology exhibits an asymmetrical pattern, with steep slopes in the southwest and gentle slopes in the northeast, which can be subdivided into microgeomorphological units, including depressions and ridges in lakebed, as well as ancient channels. (2) The Chang 7₃ sub-member is characterized by a diverse array of fine-grained sediments, including very fine sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and tuff. These sediments are primarily distributed in thin interbedded and laminated arrangements vertically. The overall grain size of the sandstone predominantly falls below 62.5 μm, with individual layer thicknesses of 0.05–0.64 m. The deposits contain intact plant fragments and display various sedimentary structure, such as wavy bedding, inverse-to-normal grading sequence, and climbing ripple bedding, which indicating a depositional origin associated with density flows. (3) Flume simulation experiments have successfully replicated the transport processes and sedimentary characteristics associated with density flows. The initial phase is characterized by a density-velocity differential, resulting in a thicker, coarser sediment layer at the flow front, while the upper layers are thinner and finer in grain size. During the mid-phase, sliding water effects cause the fluid front to rise and facilitate rapid forward transport. This process generates multiple “new fronts”, enabling the long-distance transport of fine-grained sandstones, such as siltstone and argillaceous siltstone, into the center of the lake basin. (4) A sedimentary model primarily controlled by hyperpynal flows was established for the southwestern part of the basin, highlighting that the frequent occurrence of flood events and the steep slope topography in this area are primary controlling factors for the development of hyperpynal flows. (5) Sandstone and mudstone in the Chang 7₃ sub-member exhibit micro- and nano-scale pore-throat systems, shale oil is present in various lithologies, while the content of movable oil varies considerably, with sandstone exhibiting the highest content of movable oil. (6) The fine-grained sediment complexes formed by multiple episodes of sandstones and mudstones associated with density flow in the Chang 7₃ formation exhibit characteristics of “overall oil-bearing with differential storage capacity”. The combination of mudstone with low total organic carbon content (TOC) and siltstone is identified as the most favorable exploration target at present.