# Research on the Oil-Bearing Difference of Bedding Fractures: A Case Study of Lucaogou Formation in Jimsar Sag

Authors: Jia Lu; Chen Zhang; Jianhui Zeng; Haowei Yuan
Journal: Geofluids
 (2021)

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## Abstract

Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag is host to large quantities of bedding fractures which are known to play a critical role in the enrichment, accumulation, and efficient development of tight oil. In this paper, we examine and finely characterize the development of the bedding fractures found in the upper and lower sweet spots of Lucaogou formation of tight oil reservoir through field outcrop and core observation, cast thin section analysis, and imaging log recognition and investigate the factors affecting their differentiated oil-bearing by means of inclusion temperature measurement, TOC testing, physical property testing, high-pressure mercury injection, and physical simulation experiment. By comparison with the linear density, bedding fractures are more developed in the lower sweet spot. These fractures occur in parallel to the formation boundary and have small aperture. Most of bedding fractures are unfilled fractures. Among the few types of fractures found there, bedding fractures have the best oil-bearing property, but the oil-bearing can differ from one bedding fracture to another. The factors affecting the differentiated oil-bearing of bedding fractures include the temporal coupling of the formation of these fractures with the hydrocarbon generation of the source rocks and the spatial coupling of the bedding fractures with the source rocks. In terms of temporal coupling, mass hydrocarbon generation in Jimsar sag began in Late Jurassic. Inclusion temperature measurement indicates that the bedding fractures there formed in or after Early Cretaceous. Hence, by matching the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks with the formation period of the bedding fractures, we discovered that the bedding fractures formed within the mass hydrocarbon generation period, which favored the oil-bearing of these fractures. The spatial coupling is manifested in TOC, porosity, permeability, and pore throat, with TOC being the main controlling factor. For TOC, the higher the formation TOC, the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures. For porosity, subject to the TOC level, if the TOC is adequate, the larger the porosity, the larger the chloroform asphalt “A,” accordingly the higher the oil content of the formation, and the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein. In this sense, in terms of spatial coupling, TOC constitutes the main controlling factor of the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Over the past years, as the exploitation of conventional oil and gas intensifies, global oil and gas exploration and development has gradually shifted toward unconventional oil and gas resources. Tight oil, as a very important unconventional oil and gas resource, is a very realistic alternative for conventional oil [1–3]. Inside tight reservoirs, fractures not only provide seepage channels for oil and gas migration, but also serve as important oil and gas storage spaces. They are one of the important factors affecting the oil-bearing property of tight oil reservoirs. For this reason, studying the natural fractures in tight reservoirs is highly instructive for the efficient development of tight oil reservoirs [4]. Bedding fractures are strongly associated with hydrocarbon generation and migration in tight reservoirs. Previous authors have made extensive studies into structural fractures, but few have paid attention to bedding fractures.Previous studies have tended to categorize bedding fractures as a part of structural fractures or diagenetic fractures [5–8]. Regarding the origin of bedding fractures, assumptions include tectonic origin [9–11], hydrocarbon generation–acid expulsion-dissolution [10, 12], pressure fracturing of authigenic fluids inside reservoirs [13, 14], and tectonic plus hydrocarbon generation–acid expulsion [15, 16]. The earliest assumption of the origin of bedding fractures in tight reservoirs was the self-generation–self-storage–postfracturing of oil and gas proposed by Wu and Yin [17], whose target formation was Upper Shaximiao formation in Xinchang of western Sichuan where the oil and gas reservoirs are tight sandstone reservoirs. At the time when natural gas enriched and accumulated in Upper Shaximiao formation, the reservoirs were conventional natural gas reservoirs. Over time, after reservoir tightening and tectonic processes, Upper Shaximiao formation became a tightly closed system. When the pressure of the natural gas and other fluids inside the formation is greater than the breaking strength of the bedding plane of tight sandstone, the bedding plane can be pressed open by the natural fluids in the closed body to form bedding fractures [18, 19]. Later on, their assumption was echoed by some other authors, who suggested that for a bedding to break open, there should exist a critical strength. Only when the stress acting on the bedding boundary is greater than this critical strength will the bedding be pressed open to form bedding fractures [20–22]. Among the many discussions supporting the tectonic origin of bedding fractures [12, 18, 20–22], one common belief is that water flow direction, lithologic alternation, sand body distribution, and sedimentary processes such as sedimentary facies control the development of beddings [20, 22], while subsequent tectonic processes, such as faulting, compression by horizontal in situ stress, and basin uplifting, caused the weak plane of the beddings to break and form bedding fractures. As to hydrocarbon generation–acid expulsion, it is commonly believed to be an auxiliary factor, since dissolved pores are present on some of the bedding planes. The hydrocarbon generation–acid expulsion of organic matter is obviously a pore adder for the formations [23]. The dissolution effect of organic acids when migrating along the bedding boundary [24] is possibly the main controlling factor for the formation of bedding fractures. The assumption of tectonic plus dissolution origin includes for the interaction among various factors. It suggests that single factors can become the main controlling factor of the formation of bedding fractures in a specific historic period or a certain block, such as fracture creation by tectonic stress, the dissolution of acid fluids, or the release of abnormally high pressure. Some authors have conducted research specific to the fractures developed in Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag [19, 25–27]. They discovered that tectonic processes are quite weak in this area. Hence, for the formation of bedding fractures, the hydrocarbon generation–acid expulsion bedding plane of the source rocks makes play a critical role. The acidic matter generated by the hydrocarbon generation of the source rocks may have migrated along the already formed bedding boundary. The joint action of tectonic processes with the dissolution effect of hydrocarbon generation–acid expulsion is more likely to have caused the formation of bedding fractures.Among existing studies around bedding fractures and oil and gas migration, the opinions of most of the authors are advocating and superficial, assuming that bedding fractures are conducive to tight oil enrichment and occurrence. For example, in 2016, in a study of Chang6 reservoir in Heshui of Eros Basin, Yang and his colleagues discovered that bedding fractures, massive beddings, and graded beddings exist on millimeter scale in the tight reservoirs there; the development of bedding fractures has led to tight oil enrichment, and massive beddings are the most conducive to oil enrichment [28, 29]. In 2017, Zhang et al. noticed that bedding fractures are commonly present in tight reservoirs. Preliminary core observation also revealed that these fractures play a critical role in tight oil accumulation and enrichment. They recommended employing more effort in the research of bedding fractures, especially their aperture and closure, as well as their oil filling and enrichment efficiency [26]. They also put forward some ideas and methods in this respect for the first time. Some other authors have looked at how bedding fractures affect tight oil migration and accumulation. They deemed that the extensive development of bedding fractures increases the saturation of movable oil in tight oil reservoirs, thus contributing positively to tight oil migration and occurrence. For example, Dou et al. investigated how the Jurassic bedding fractures in Yongjin of Junggar Basin affect the reservoirs there. They concluded that bedding fractures bridge the matrix pores, provide seepage channels for oil and gas, and enhance the permeability of low-permeability reservoirs. Besides, the development of bedding fractures also helps increase the number of dissolution pores and further expands the storage spaces [30]. Bai et al. and Wang et al. yielded roughly the same conclusion in their study of the double-medium reservoirs in the tight sandstone of Chang3 member of Triassic Yanchang formation in Junggar Basin: the number of bedding fractures present has a significant impact on the saturation of movable oil. That is, the more developed the bedding fractures, the higher the saturation of the movable oil in the reservoir. Bedding fractures are a great contributor for tight oil accumulation and enrichment [31, 32]. However, despite the wide consensus that fractures make a great difference to oil and gas migration, studies specific to the relationship between bedding fractures and tight oil accumulation have rarely been read. In general, many findings have been made with respect to fractures in conventional reservoirs [33, 34] and low-permeability reservoirs [35]. The few reports on bedding fractures in tight oil reservoirs that do exist are mostly descriptive, qualitative studies, let alone research specific to the relationship between bedding fractures and tight oil accumulation, especially the oil-bearing difference and oil accumulating pattern of bedding fractures.Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag, Junggar Basin, has a rich stock of tight oil. In fact, it is a very important tight oil reservoir in China [19, 36, 37]. Over the past few years, industrial oil flows have been yielded from a number of boreholes in Jimsar sag, demonstrating vast exploration and development potential [1, 4, 19]. Tight oil reservoirs are low-porosity, low-permeability reservoirs. For the commercial development of tight oil, the enrichment and development of fractures is of fatal significance. The fractures in reservoirs, as both important oil and gas storage spaces and seepage channels, are an important determinant for the mobility of oil and gas [6, 7, 11]. The presence of natural fractures is conducive to oil and gas accumulation [1–3, 7, 8] and to the formation of sweet spots in tight oil reservoirs. Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag is host to large quantities of bedding fractures, yet research on the relationship between the bedding fractures in tight oil reservoirs and tight oil accumulation is still quite weak [19, 20, 36]. For this reason, investigating the development characteristics and oil-bearing property of bedding fractures and their impact on tight oil accumulation is both theoretically and practically useful for understanding the development characteristics of Lucaogou formation tight oil reservoir, evaluating its development potential and feasibility, and looking for engineering development sweet spots.In the following sections, we are going to elaborate on and finely characterize the development of bedding fractures in the upper and lower sweet spots of Lucaogou formation tight oil reservoir, discuss the factors affecting their differentiated oil-bearing, determine their oil accumulating pattern, and eventually establish the tight oil accumulation pattern of the bedding fractures in the study area.


## 2. Geological Setting

Junggar Basin is a typical giant inland superimposed basin located at the junction between Kazakhstan plate, Siberia plate, and Tarim plate [38–40]. It is well known for its rich oil and gas resources. Within the basin, Jimsar sag contains a large stock of tight oil that is well worth exploration and development [37, 41]. Jimsar sag is located in the southeast margin of Junggar Basin, covering an area of approximately 1300 km2. Tectonically, this basin has very distinct boundary features (Figure 1). Its north, west, and south are controlled by faults, while its east transitions into Guxi uplift [37, 40, 41]. Since basin evolution began in Permian, Jimsar sag has undergone a number of tectonic movements. Among them, the one most closely related to its present tectonic architecture is the Himalayan movement in Cenozoic, when the uplifting of its east boundary turned the sag into a dustpan-like monocline that is high in the east and low in the west, with formation dip angle of 3°–5° for the main part and no obvious faulting inside [26, 41].Figure 1
The Tectonic setting map of Jimsar sag [42].From bottom to top, Lucaogou formation can be divided into two members: first member (P2l1) and second member (P2l2) of Lucaogou [42]. Each of the two members can be further divided into two sublayers. Inside Lucaogou formation, there are two sweet spots. The upper sweet spot lies in the second sublayer of the second member of Lucaogou (P2l22). This sweet spot mainly sits in the center of the sag and the slope location in the east, covering an area of approximately 398 km2. Its thickness spans from 0 to 45 m with an average of 37.2 m. The lower sweet spot sits in the second sublayer of the first member of Lucaogou (P2l21). This sweet spot is widely distributed across the area, covering an area of approximately 1278 km2. Its thickness spans from 0 to 65 m with an average of 50 m. The mineral composition of the Lucaogou formation rocks is complicated, and most of the rocks are lithologically transitional [36, 43]. High-content minerals in the Lucaogou formation rocks include dolomite, quartz, and plagioclase, which account for 26.2%, 20.2%, and 19.7%, respectively, and 66.1% together. Calcite and clay minerals account for 11.5% and 14.2%, respectively, and 25.7% together. Other minerals account for 8.2% (Figure 2). In general, the observed lithologies can be grouped into three categories: mudstone, carbonate rock, and siltstone.Figure 2
Mineral composition fan chart of Lucaogou formation.The entire Lucaogou formation consists of saline lake facies dark-colored, fine-grained sediments [44]. Taking the maximum flooding surface as the boundary, the formation can be divided into an upper member (second member of Lucaogou) and a lower member (first member of Lucaogou). The upper member is a transgressive sedimentary system as a whole, while the lower member is a regressive sedimentary system as a whole. The sedimentary facies type of Lucaogou formation at large is lacustrine delta. For the second member of Lucaogou (P2l2), the sediment supply mainly came from the southeast. The majority of the terrestrial clastic materials were injected from the south of the sag. The main sedimentary facies is shore-shallow lake facies. The microfacies types include sandy bar, dolomite mudflat, sandy beach, dolomite sandflat, and shallow lake mud. For the first member of Lucaogou (P2l1) at large, the sediment supply came from two directions. In the south, deltaic sediments were adequately supplied. The deposited sand bodies stand in great thicknesses. The microfacies types in this member include distal bar, sheet sand, sandy beach, and shallow to semideep lake mud.


## 3. Characteristics of Bedding Fractures

Bedding fractures are the most frequently found type of fractures in Jimsar sag. Statistical analysis of the development characteristics, oil-bearing property, and horizontal distribution of the bedding fractures in the study area is the basis for examining these fractures. Extensive statistics, documentation, and analysis were conducted on the quantity, development characteristics, and oil-bearing property of these fractures through field outcrop observation, core observation, thin section observation, and imaging log recognition. On this basis, the overall development of the bedding fractures in the study area was identified and finely characterized.


### 3.1. Characteristics of Field Outcrops

Fracture observation and description on field formation outcrops is a fairly straightforward means of fracture research. It offers a systematic understanding of the vertical distribution of fractures, consequently a general idea of the development of fractures inside the formation. The study area Jimsar sag in Junggar Basin is simply structured dustpan-like sag that is faulted in the west and onlapped in the east. Without considering the influence of weathering, outcrop fractures can give a true picture of the development conditions of fractures underground. For the present study, field outcrops were observed across the oil shale section of Baoming Mining 10 km southeast of Santai county of Jimsar county, Xinjiang (Figure1(c)). The target formation was Lucaogou formation. In general, the exposed part of the formation consists of very thick black oil shale that contains silty mudstone. The exposure dip angle is 70°–80°. Overall, the section has undergone a level of weathering. However, our observation was mainly focused on the bedding fractures developed therein (Figure 3(a)).Figure 3
(a) Macroscopic photograph of Lucaogou outcrop 10 km southeast of Santao town of Jimsar county, Xinjiang; (b) local photograph of Lucaogou outcrop 10 km southeast of Santai town of Jimsar county, Xinjiang; (c, d) core photographs of bedding fractures in Lucaogou formation, Jimsar sag.
(a)(b)(c)(d)By observing the Lucaogou formation outcrop, we found that bedding fractures are the most frequently found type of fractures in Lucaogou formation—they are actually the prevailing type of fractures there. In the photographs, the fractures occurring roughly in parallel to the formation plane are mostly bedding fractures, while those straighter ones intersecting with the formation plane at large angles are mostly structural fractures (Figures3(a) and 3(b)). The densely distributed bedding fractures and the groups of structural fractures developed there have cut the rock layers into broken rhombic fragments. For the large-thickness rock layers, the cutting disruption is not so intense and the formation is more complete. Lithologically, the exposed stratum is composed of mud shale, with occasional presence of silty mudstone or dolomitic rocks. Some of the bedding fractures have been filled by gypsum or calcite. The filling thickness is very small, roughly 1–3 mm. Closer to the section, a further look at the outcrop will find that lamina is highly developed in the formation, with a density of approximately 5–10/cm (Figure 3(b)). Smaller-scale bedding fractures are also densely distributed, with approximately 4–10 bedding fractures per 10 centimeters, and most of them are half-filled or filled ones (Figure 3(b)). In summary, the most intuitive feature of the Lucaogou formation outcrop is the high development of formation beddings and the extensive presence of bedding fractures.


### 3.2. Characteristics of Cores

To obtain a better understanding of the development of fractures in the formation, compared with field outcrop research, direct observation, description, and statistics of fractures using formation cores are very effective methods. As cores have not been exposed to weathering denudation on earth’s surface, they give a more realistic picture of fracture development in the rock layers underground. Extensive core observation was carried out in the core library of Xinjiang Oilfield. From these photographs, we can easily see that the bedding fractures typically occur in parallel or almost in parallel to the bedding plane (Figures3(c) and 3(d)). They generally formed at the interface between strata of different lithologies, and their apertures are limited. Some of the cores are badly disrupted by bedding fractures, which cut off the cores transversely, breaking them into separate segments. The majority of the bedding fractures have poor filling property and are either unfilled or half-filled. The filling materials are generally pelite, calcite, or asphalt. The oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures is commonly good. Oil immersion and oil spotting are extensively observed.


### 3.3. Characteristics of Thin Sections under Microscope

86 samples were collected from 24 exploration wells in the middle Permian Lucaogou formation in southeastern Junggar Basin, China. Generally, the bedding fractures observed in cast thin sections and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are microscale fractures. They are therefore referred to as microfractures. Under thin sections, the bedding fractures generally occur along the lamina. Their lithology usually differs between the upper and lower layers, and they will bypass mineral particles. We can observe the bedding fractures in argillaceous siltstone, mudstone, dolomitic siltstone, and gray sandstone (Figure4). The bedding fractures have small aperture, limited extension, and large magnification. Morphologically, these fractures are not as straight as they appear on the cores. Instead, they will make curved extension. The extent of extension is not as large, and they will pinch out. The aperture of the bedding fractures is 0.1–5 μm. The length is 0.1–10 mm. The bedding fractures are mostly unfilled ones. For the filled ones, the filling degree is roughly 20%, leaving a large empty space (Figure 4). The filling materials include some pelite, calcite, and quartz.Figure 4
Photographs of bedding fractures in casting thin sections of rocks from Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag. (a) Ji31, argillaceous siltstone, 2730.2 m; (b) Ji37, mudstone, 2853.9 m; (c) Ji251, dolomitic siltstone, 3769.3 m; (d) Ji251, gray sandstone, 3606.5 m.
(a)(b)(c)(d)On the microscale, the quantity of bedding fractures is modest. The fractures observed include not only bedding fractures, but also other types of fractures such as structural fractures and dissolution fractures. The bedding fractures observed are rated higher than pore throat in size. They constitute good oil and gas migration channels. In the study area, micro bedding fractures—a kind of microfracture—are also present. However, microfractures are a separate research hotspot, and the present study is more focused on macro bedding fractures.


## 3.1. Characteristics of Field Outcrops

Fracture observation and description on field formation outcrops is a fairly straightforward means of fracture research. It offers a systematic understanding of the vertical distribution of fractures, consequently a general idea of the development of fractures inside the formation. The study area Jimsar sag in Junggar Basin is simply structured dustpan-like sag that is faulted in the west and onlapped in the east. Without considering the influence of weathering, outcrop fractures can give a true picture of the development conditions of fractures underground. For the present study, field outcrops were observed across the oil shale section of Baoming Mining 10 km southeast of Santai county of Jimsar county, Xinjiang (Figure1(c)). The target formation was Lucaogou formation. In general, the exposed part of the formation consists of very thick black oil shale that contains silty mudstone. The exposure dip angle is 70°–80°. Overall, the section has undergone a level of weathering. However, our observation was mainly focused on the bedding fractures developed therein (Figure 3(a)).Figure 3
(a) Macroscopic photograph of Lucaogou outcrop 10 km southeast of Santao town of Jimsar county, Xinjiang; (b) local photograph of Lucaogou outcrop 10 km southeast of Santai town of Jimsar county, Xinjiang; (c, d) core photographs of bedding fractures in Lucaogou formation, Jimsar sag.
(a)(b)(c)(d)By observing the Lucaogou formation outcrop, we found that bedding fractures are the most frequently found type of fractures in Lucaogou formation—they are actually the prevailing type of fractures there. In the photographs, the fractures occurring roughly in parallel to the formation plane are mostly bedding fractures, while those straighter ones intersecting with the formation plane at large angles are mostly structural fractures (Figures3(a) and 3(b)). The densely distributed bedding fractures and the groups of structural fractures developed there have cut the rock layers into broken rhombic fragments. For the large-thickness rock layers, the cutting disruption is not so intense and the formation is more complete. Lithologically, the exposed stratum is composed of mud shale, with occasional presence of silty mudstone or dolomitic rocks. Some of the bedding fractures have been filled by gypsum or calcite. The filling thickness is very small, roughly 1–3 mm. Closer to the section, a further look at the outcrop will find that lamina is highly developed in the formation, with a density of approximately 5–10/cm (Figure 3(b)). Smaller-scale bedding fractures are also densely distributed, with approximately 4–10 bedding fractures per 10 centimeters, and most of them are half-filled or filled ones (Figure 3(b)). In summary, the most intuitive feature of the Lucaogou formation outcrop is the high development of formation beddings and the extensive presence of bedding fractures.


## 3.2. Characteristics of Cores

To obtain a better understanding of the development of fractures in the formation, compared with field outcrop research, direct observation, description, and statistics of fractures using formation cores are very effective methods. As cores have not been exposed to weathering denudation on earth’s surface, they give a more realistic picture of fracture development in the rock layers underground. Extensive core observation was carried out in the core library of Xinjiang Oilfield. From these photographs, we can easily see that the bedding fractures typically occur in parallel or almost in parallel to the bedding plane (Figures3(c) and 3(d)). They generally formed at the interface between strata of different lithologies, and their apertures are limited. Some of the cores are badly disrupted by bedding fractures, which cut off the cores transversely, breaking them into separate segments. The majority of the bedding fractures have poor filling property and are either unfilled or half-filled. The filling materials are generally pelite, calcite, or asphalt. The oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures is commonly good. Oil immersion and oil spotting are extensively observed.


## 3.3. Characteristics of Thin Sections under Microscope

86 samples were collected from 24 exploration wells in the middle Permian Lucaogou formation in southeastern Junggar Basin, China. Generally, the bedding fractures observed in cast thin sections and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are microscale fractures. They are therefore referred to as microfractures. Under thin sections, the bedding fractures generally occur along the lamina. Their lithology usually differs between the upper and lower layers, and they will bypass mineral particles. We can observe the bedding fractures in argillaceous siltstone, mudstone, dolomitic siltstone, and gray sandstone (Figure4). The bedding fractures have small aperture, limited extension, and large magnification. Morphologically, these fractures are not as straight as they appear on the cores. Instead, they will make curved extension. The extent of extension is not as large, and they will pinch out. The aperture of the bedding fractures is 0.1–5 μm. The length is 0.1–10 mm. The bedding fractures are mostly unfilled ones. For the filled ones, the filling degree is roughly 20%, leaving a large empty space (Figure 4). The filling materials include some pelite, calcite, and quartz.Figure 4
Photographs of bedding fractures in casting thin sections of rocks from Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag. (a) Ji31, argillaceous siltstone, 2730.2 m; (b) Ji37, mudstone, 2853.9 m; (c) Ji251, dolomitic siltstone, 3769.3 m; (d) Ji251, gray sandstone, 3606.5 m.
(a)(b)(c)(d)On the microscale, the quantity of bedding fractures is modest. The fractures observed include not only bedding fractures, but also other types of fractures such as structural fractures and dissolution fractures. The bedding fractures observed are rated higher than pore throat in size. They constitute good oil and gas migration channels. In the study area, micro bedding fractures—a kind of microfracture—are also present. However, microfractures are a separate research hotspot, and the present study is more focused on macro bedding fractures.


## 4. Fine Characterization of Bedding Fractures

Fine characterization of fractures, namely, fine, detailed description of the characteristics of fractures, typically uses qualitative and quantitative parameters to characterize and reflect the development of fractures [45, 46]. As bedding fractures are fractures that formed by rupture along the beddings and occur roughly in parallel to the formation, their strike and dip angle are roughly the same as the strike and dip angle of the formation. In this consideration, our characterization of bedding fractures herein is made mainly with respect to the density, aperture, and filling property of bedding fractures.


### 4.1. Linear Density of Bedding Fractures

Fracture density is an important parameter for characterizing the development quantity of fractures [47, 48]. The linear density of fractures, namely, the number of fractures per unit of length, is calculated by the formula below:
(1)Dlf=nl,where n is the number of fractures in the measured interval, l is the length of the measured interval, and Dlf is the linear density of fractures in the measured interval. The linear densities of the fractures present in the study area were counted and calculated. Data used for that purpose mainly included imaging log data, which are highly continuous and can provide a full, more objective view of the basic conditions of fracture development on a large scale. Fullbore Formation MicroImager (FMI) is a recently developed new logging technology. The formation information obtained with this technology is more intuitive and provides more precise measurement results [49]. In an FMI diagram, the color represents the resistivity of the borehole wall. High-resistivity portions are marked in white while low-resistivity portions are marked in black. The imaging log data are displayed as individual pictures. Therefore, the results are more intuitive and more convenient for investigation. FMI has already demonstrated satisfactory application results in determining the formation and fracture attitude and recognizing fractures, especially in the development and exploration of complicated oil and gas reservoirs [45, 47, 48, 50].In imaging logs, fractures undulate as sinusoidal curves. However, our focus herein is mainly on bedding fractures. Compared with structural fractures, the sinusoidal curve undulation of bedding fractures in imaging log diagrams is smaller. Their aperture is mostly smaller than that of structural fractures. Bedding fractures are approximately parallel to the bedding plane, while structural fractures mostly penetrate the bedding plane. On imaging log diagrams, the bedding fractures in the study area present themselves as low-angle, continuous, dense, and dark fine strips with the same attitude. They also look obviously darker than the adjacent bedding planes due to either the presence of organic matter inside them or the intrusion of drilling fluid (Figures5(a)–5(c)).Figure 5
Imaging log identification diagrams of bedding fractures in Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag. (a) Ji31, 2722.9 m; (b) Ji22, 2542.8 m; (c) Ji172, 2930 m. Note: (d) Ji174, 3272.54–3272.87 m, carbonaceous mudstone.
(a)(b)(c)(d)The locations of fractures were determined according to the signatures of fractures in the imaging log data and verified against real cores (Figure5(d)). The result showed good matching. According to the imaging log data, microscopically, Lucaogou formation is host to mainly structural fractures and bedding fractures, with bedding fractures existing in the largest quantity.The fractures in the upper and lower sweet spots were, respectively, counted according to the imaging log recognition result. Although the bedding fractures recognized by imaging logs were verified against real cores, there were still instances where beddings were misrecognized as bedding fractures. However, as a bedding plane is a structurally weak plane and locations with excessive beddings can easily rupture to produce bedding fractures in subsequent tectonic movement, the number of beddings in a formation is positively correlated with the number of bedding fractures therein. The number of bedding fractures measured by imaging log data is representative. It can reflect the development of bedding fractures in the formation on the macroscale.Fractures present in the upper sweet spot were extensively recognized and counted according to the FMI data and some core data of 17 boreholes therein. Table1 gives the counting result for the upper sweet spot. There, a total of 1468 bedding fractures were recognized. Their average linear density is 2.23/m.Table 1
Statistic of linear density of bedding fractures in the upper sweet spot of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
Borehole nameStatistical initial depth (m)Statistical cutoff depth (m)Statistical thickness (m)No. of bedding fracturesLinear density of bedding fracture (fractures/m)Ji1722917.492955.6738.181173.06Ji1733077.653116.0338.38792.06Ji1743115.203152.4037.201283.44Ji1763022.643063.0340.39972.40Ji222540.072575.9035.83591.65Ji232318.582379.3460.76831.37Ji253393.803429.7035.90411.14Ji272281.842316.8134.97872.49Ji292336.662370.1033.44962.87Ji304018.804054.6035.80531.48Ji312707.642749.2441.60932.24Ji323548.613596.0247.411092.30Ji333517.863568.0450.18641.28Ji343651.763691.5739.81952.39Ji353972.973985.1312.16211.73Ji364117.004150.0033.001133.42Ji372829.392871.9742.581333.12Fractures present in the lower sweet spot were counted and calculated according to the FMI data and some core data of 9 boreholes therein. Table2 gives the counting result for the lower sweet spot. A total of 1147 bedding fractures were recognized in the lower sweet spot of the study area. Their average linear density is 2.65/m.Table 2
Statistic of linear density of bedding fractures in the lower sweet spot of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
Borehole nameStatistical initial depth (m)Statistical cutoff depth (m)Statistical thickness (m)No of bedding fracturesLinear density of bedding fracture (fractures/m)Ji1743262.353311.5549.201783.62Ji1763174.413230.1855.771672.99Ji304161.864203.8341.97892.12Ji312874.872934.2859.411502.52Ji323711.263745.5334.271153.36Ji333667.373714.9347.56871.83Ji343801.253861.9160.661512.49Ji354041.864085.9244.06912.07Ji364229.314269.4440.131192.97Compared with the average linear density of fractures in the upper sweet spot, the linear density of fractures in the lower sweet spot is greater in general (Figure6). That is, bedding fractures are more developed in the lower sweet spot.Figure 6
Comparing column chart of bedding fracture linear densities between the upper and lower sweet spots of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.The horizontal distribution of bedding fracture linear density was, respectively, predicted for the upper and lower sweet spots according to the linear densities of bedding fractures at each borehole location. As illustrated by the horizontal distribution charts of bedding fracture linear density for the two sweet spots (Figures7(a) and 7(b)), across Jimsar sag, the predominant development area for bedding fractures falls in the central south. The development of bedding fractures is closely associated with the sedimentary beddings, which in turn are controlled by the sedimentary microfacies. Lucaogou formation is a continental deltaic sedimentary system as a whole having received quite a lot of material supply from the south. This also associates the development of bedding fractures with sedimentary environment.Figure 7
(a) Linear density prediction map of bedding fractures in the upper sweet spot of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag. (b) Linear density prediction map of bedding fractures in the lower sweet spot of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
(a)(b)


### 4.2. Aperture of Bedding Fractures

Cores from 13 boreholes, including Ji174, were observed in the core library of Xinjiang Oilfield (Table1). The color, lithology, type, and oil-bearing property of these core samples, as well as the type, aperture, and filling property of the fractures therein, were described and documented in great detail. As our focus was on bedding fractures, the aperture, filling property, and oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures were finely characterized (Table 3).Table 3
Statistical table of number of bedding fractures observed in cores from Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
Borehole nameTotal coring length (m)No. of bedding fracturesJi2325.4137Ji2513.6029Ji274.304Ji3034.1383Ji3132.1840Ji3227.2553Ji363.566Ji17212.7630Ji17314.9228Ji17497.20216Ji25145.1691Total310.47617Next, we are going to describe the aperture distribution of the bedding fractures. Fracture aperture, namely, the distance between fracture walls, is an important measure of the seepage and storage capacity of fractures [49, 48, 50]. Due to the release of confining pressure during sample collection, the apparent aperture of the fractures is usually greater than the true aperture of fractures underground. Hence, to obtain the true aperture of fractures, an aperture correction formula will be needed to convert the apparent fracture aperture observed in the cores into the true aperture of fractures underground. The following formula is used:
(2)bu=2bscos2θπ,where bs is the apparent aperture of fractures on the core, bu is the true aperture of the fractures, and θ is the angle between the fracture surface and the measured surface [51, 52]. After measuring, correcting, and counting the aperture distribution of the fractures in the cores, a fan chart of the true aperture distribution of the fractures in the study area was drawn (Figure 8). From this chart, the aperture of the fractures in the tight reservoirs of Jimsar sag is quite small as a whole, with figures mostly concentrated in the 0–1.0 mm interval, which accounts for 72.13%. Fractures with aperture in the 0.5–1.0 mm interval are the greatest contributors with a share of 48.95%. Fractures with aperture greater than 1 mm are less developed.Figure 8
Fan chart of bedding fracture aperture distribution of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.


### 4.3. Filling Property of Bedding Fractures

The filling property of fractures is an important measure of the effectiveness of fractures. As the filling degree of fractures increases, their effectiveness gradually reduces, and the formation porosity and permeability degrade.After extensive core observation, the filling conditions of 617 bedding fractures were documented. By filling degree, these bedding fractures can be categorized as unfilled fractures, half-filled fractures, and fully filled fractures. By filling material, they can be categorized as calcite-filled, pelite-filled, asphalt-filled, pyrite-filled, others, and unfilled. Statistics discovered that the majority of the bedding fractures in Lucaogou formation are unfilled ones, accounting for 76.3% (Figures9(a) and 9(b)). In the filled bedding fractures, the filling materials are primarily calcite, pelite, and asphalt.Figure 9
(a) Fan chart of bedding fracture filling of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag. (b) Stacked bar graph of bedding fracture filling condition in each borehole in Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
(a)(b)


#### 4.3.1. Oil-Bearing Property of Bedding Fractures

From core observation of Ji174 and other boreholes, bedding fractures and structural fractures are important controlling factors for the oil-bearing property of a reservoir. Bedding fractures are present in the greatest quantity and with the best oil-bearing property (Figures10(a) and 10(b)). From the photographs, we can easily see that locations with densely distributed bedding fractures have good oil-bearing property. Besides, the oil-bearing can also differ from one bedding fracture to another.Figure 10
Core photographs of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag. (a) Ji174, 3305.8 m; (b) Ji174, 3307.2 m; (c) core photograph of Ji174, 3305.1 m; (d) interpreted core photograph of Ji174, 3305.1 m.
(a)(b)(c)(d)Two fracture network oil-bearing patterns were recognized in the densely fractured locations: bedding fracture network and bedding-structural fracture network (Figures10(c) and 10(d)). Cores under both fracture network oil-bearing patterns have good oil-bearing property. In the fracture networks, we can see more distinct oil-bearing difference among bedding fractures.The oil-bearing grades of the observed fractures were counted. From the charts, we can easily see that bedding fractures have the best oil-bearing property whether for the oil-immersed or oil-spotted grade. Among the oil-immersed fractures, the number of bedding fractures is approximately 2.5 times that of structural fractures (Figure11(a)). Among the oil-spotted fractures, the number of bedding fractures is approximately 1.4 times that of structural fractures (Figure 11(b)). The other types of fractures, such as water release fractures, are both poor in oil-bearing property and small in quantity. Statistics of the oil-bearing indication grades also confirms the differentiated oil-bearing among individual bedding fractures of Lucaogou formation.Figure 11
(a) Statistical chart of number of oil-immersed fractures in cores from Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag; (b) statistical chart of number of oil-spotted fractures in cores from Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
(a)(b)


## 4.1. Linear Density of Bedding Fractures

Fracture density is an important parameter for characterizing the development quantity of fractures [47, 48]. The linear density of fractures, namely, the number of fractures per unit of length, is calculated by the formula below:
(1)Dlf=nl,where n is the number of fractures in the measured interval, l is the length of the measured interval, and Dlf is the linear density of fractures in the measured interval. The linear densities of the fractures present in the study area were counted and calculated. Data used for that purpose mainly included imaging log data, which are highly continuous and can provide a full, more objective view of the basic conditions of fracture development on a large scale. Fullbore Formation MicroImager (FMI) is a recently developed new logging technology. The formation information obtained with this technology is more intuitive and provides more precise measurement results [49]. In an FMI diagram, the color represents the resistivity of the borehole wall. High-resistivity portions are marked in white while low-resistivity portions are marked in black. The imaging log data are displayed as individual pictures. Therefore, the results are more intuitive and more convenient for investigation. FMI has already demonstrated satisfactory application results in determining the formation and fracture attitude and recognizing fractures, especially in the development and exploration of complicated oil and gas reservoirs [45, 47, 48, 50].In imaging logs, fractures undulate as sinusoidal curves. However, our focus herein is mainly on bedding fractures. Compared with structural fractures, the sinusoidal curve undulation of bedding fractures in imaging log diagrams is smaller. Their aperture is mostly smaller than that of structural fractures. Bedding fractures are approximately parallel to the bedding plane, while structural fractures mostly penetrate the bedding plane. On imaging log diagrams, the bedding fractures in the study area present themselves as low-angle, continuous, dense, and dark fine strips with the same attitude. They also look obviously darker than the adjacent bedding planes due to either the presence of organic matter inside them or the intrusion of drilling fluid (Figures5(a)–5(c)).Figure 5
Imaging log identification diagrams of bedding fractures in Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag. (a) Ji31, 2722.9 m; (b) Ji22, 2542.8 m; (c) Ji172, 2930 m. Note: (d) Ji174, 3272.54–3272.87 m, carbonaceous mudstone.
(a)(b)(c)(d)The locations of fractures were determined according to the signatures of fractures in the imaging log data and verified against real cores (Figure5(d)). The result showed good matching. According to the imaging log data, microscopically, Lucaogou formation is host to mainly structural fractures and bedding fractures, with bedding fractures existing in the largest quantity.The fractures in the upper and lower sweet spots were, respectively, counted according to the imaging log recognition result. Although the bedding fractures recognized by imaging logs were verified against real cores, there were still instances where beddings were misrecognized as bedding fractures. However, as a bedding plane is a structurally weak plane and locations with excessive beddings can easily rupture to produce bedding fractures in subsequent tectonic movement, the number of beddings in a formation is positively correlated with the number of bedding fractures therein. The number of bedding fractures measured by imaging log data is representative. It can reflect the development of bedding fractures in the formation on the macroscale.Fractures present in the upper sweet spot were extensively recognized and counted according to the FMI data and some core data of 17 boreholes therein. Table1 gives the counting result for the upper sweet spot. There, a total of 1468 bedding fractures were recognized. Their average linear density is 2.23/m.Table 1
Statistic of linear density of bedding fractures in the upper sweet spot of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
Borehole nameStatistical initial depth (m)Statistical cutoff depth (m)Statistical thickness (m)No. of bedding fracturesLinear density of bedding fracture (fractures/m)Ji1722917.492955.6738.181173.06Ji1733077.653116.0338.38792.06Ji1743115.203152.4037.201283.44Ji1763022.643063.0340.39972.40Ji222540.072575.9035.83591.65Ji232318.582379.3460.76831.37Ji253393.803429.7035.90411.14Ji272281.842316.8134.97872.49Ji292336.662370.1033.44962.87Ji304018.804054.6035.80531.48Ji312707.642749.2441.60932.24Ji323548.613596.0247.411092.30Ji333517.863568.0450.18641.28Ji343651.763691.5739.81952.39Ji353972.973985.1312.16211.73Ji364117.004150.0033.001133.42Ji372829.392871.9742.581333.12Fractures present in the lower sweet spot were counted and calculated according to the FMI data and some core data of 9 boreholes therein. Table2 gives the counting result for the lower sweet spot. A total of 1147 bedding fractures were recognized in the lower sweet spot of the study area. Their average linear density is 2.65/m.Table 2
Statistic of linear density of bedding fractures in the lower sweet spot of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
Borehole nameStatistical initial depth (m)Statistical cutoff depth (m)Statistical thickness (m)No of bedding fracturesLinear density of bedding fracture (fractures/m)Ji1743262.353311.5549.201783.62Ji1763174.413230.1855.771672.99Ji304161.864203.8341.97892.12Ji312874.872934.2859.411502.52Ji323711.263745.5334.271153.36Ji333667.373714.9347.56871.83Ji343801.253861.9160.661512.49Ji354041.864085.9244.06912.07Ji364229.314269.4440.131192.97Compared with the average linear density of fractures in the upper sweet spot, the linear density of fractures in the lower sweet spot is greater in general (Figure6). That is, bedding fractures are more developed in the lower sweet spot.Figure 6
Comparing column chart of bedding fracture linear densities between the upper and lower sweet spots of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.The horizontal distribution of bedding fracture linear density was, respectively, predicted for the upper and lower sweet spots according to the linear densities of bedding fractures at each borehole location. As illustrated by the horizontal distribution charts of bedding fracture linear density for the two sweet spots (Figures7(a) and 7(b)), across Jimsar sag, the predominant development area for bedding fractures falls in the central south. The development of bedding fractures is closely associated with the sedimentary beddings, which in turn are controlled by the sedimentary microfacies. Lucaogou formation is a continental deltaic sedimentary system as a whole having received quite a lot of material supply from the south. This also associates the development of bedding fractures with sedimentary environment.Figure 7
(a) Linear density prediction map of bedding fractures in the upper sweet spot of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag. (b) Linear density prediction map of bedding fractures in the lower sweet spot of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
(a)(b)


## 4.2. Aperture of Bedding Fractures

Cores from 13 boreholes, including Ji174, were observed in the core library of Xinjiang Oilfield (Table1). The color, lithology, type, and oil-bearing property of these core samples, as well as the type, aperture, and filling property of the fractures therein, were described and documented in great detail. As our focus was on bedding fractures, the aperture, filling property, and oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures were finely characterized (Table 3).Table 3
Statistical table of number of bedding fractures observed in cores from Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
Borehole nameTotal coring length (m)No. of bedding fracturesJi2325.4137Ji2513.6029Ji274.304Ji3034.1383Ji3132.1840Ji3227.2553Ji363.566Ji17212.7630Ji17314.9228Ji17497.20216Ji25145.1691Total310.47617Next, we are going to describe the aperture distribution of the bedding fractures. Fracture aperture, namely, the distance between fracture walls, is an important measure of the seepage and storage capacity of fractures [49, 48, 50]. Due to the release of confining pressure during sample collection, the apparent aperture of the fractures is usually greater than the true aperture of fractures underground. Hence, to obtain the true aperture of fractures, an aperture correction formula will be needed to convert the apparent fracture aperture observed in the cores into the true aperture of fractures underground. The following formula is used:
(2)bu=2bscos2θπ,where bs is the apparent aperture of fractures on the core, bu is the true aperture of the fractures, and θ is the angle between the fracture surface and the measured surface [51, 52]. After measuring, correcting, and counting the aperture distribution of the fractures in the cores, a fan chart of the true aperture distribution of the fractures in the study area was drawn (Figure 8). From this chart, the aperture of the fractures in the tight reservoirs of Jimsar sag is quite small as a whole, with figures mostly concentrated in the 0–1.0 mm interval, which accounts for 72.13%. Fractures with aperture in the 0.5–1.0 mm interval are the greatest contributors with a share of 48.95%. Fractures with aperture greater than 1 mm are less developed.Figure 8
Fan chart of bedding fracture aperture distribution of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.


## 4.3. Filling Property of Bedding Fractures

The filling property of fractures is an important measure of the effectiveness of fractures. As the filling degree of fractures increases, their effectiveness gradually reduces, and the formation porosity and permeability degrade.After extensive core observation, the filling conditions of 617 bedding fractures were documented. By filling degree, these bedding fractures can be categorized as unfilled fractures, half-filled fractures, and fully filled fractures. By filling material, they can be categorized as calcite-filled, pelite-filled, asphalt-filled, pyrite-filled, others, and unfilled. Statistics discovered that the majority of the bedding fractures in Lucaogou formation are unfilled ones, accounting for 76.3% (Figures9(a) and 9(b)). In the filled bedding fractures, the filling materials are primarily calcite, pelite, and asphalt.Figure 9
(a) Fan chart of bedding fracture filling of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag. (b) Stacked bar graph of bedding fracture filling condition in each borehole in Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
(a)(b)


### 4.3.1. Oil-Bearing Property of Bedding Fractures

From core observation of Ji174 and other boreholes, bedding fractures and structural fractures are important controlling factors for the oil-bearing property of a reservoir. Bedding fractures are present in the greatest quantity and with the best oil-bearing property (Figures10(a) and 10(b)). From the photographs, we can easily see that locations with densely distributed bedding fractures have good oil-bearing property. Besides, the oil-bearing can also differ from one bedding fracture to another.Figure 10
Core photographs of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag. (a) Ji174, 3305.8 m; (b) Ji174, 3307.2 m; (c) core photograph of Ji174, 3305.1 m; (d) interpreted core photograph of Ji174, 3305.1 m.
(a)(b)(c)(d)Two fracture network oil-bearing patterns were recognized in the densely fractured locations: bedding fracture network and bedding-structural fracture network (Figures10(c) and 10(d)). Cores under both fracture network oil-bearing patterns have good oil-bearing property. In the fracture networks, we can see more distinct oil-bearing difference among bedding fractures.The oil-bearing grades of the observed fractures were counted. From the charts, we can easily see that bedding fractures have the best oil-bearing property whether for the oil-immersed or oil-spotted grade. Among the oil-immersed fractures, the number of bedding fractures is approximately 2.5 times that of structural fractures (Figure11(a)). Among the oil-spotted fractures, the number of bedding fractures is approximately 1.4 times that of structural fractures (Figure 11(b)). The other types of fractures, such as water release fractures, are both poor in oil-bearing property and small in quantity. Statistics of the oil-bearing indication grades also confirms the differentiated oil-bearing among individual bedding fractures of Lucaogou formation.Figure 11
(a) Statistical chart of number of oil-immersed fractures in cores from Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag; (b) statistical chart of number of oil-spotted fractures in cores from Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
(a)(b)


## 4.3.1. Oil-Bearing Property of Bedding Fractures

From core observation of Ji174 and other boreholes, bedding fractures and structural fractures are important controlling factors for the oil-bearing property of a reservoir. Bedding fractures are present in the greatest quantity and with the best oil-bearing property (Figures10(a) and 10(b)). From the photographs, we can easily see that locations with densely distributed bedding fractures have good oil-bearing property. Besides, the oil-bearing can also differ from one bedding fracture to another.Figure 10
Core photographs of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag. (a) Ji174, 3305.8 m; (b) Ji174, 3307.2 m; (c) core photograph of Ji174, 3305.1 m; (d) interpreted core photograph of Ji174, 3305.1 m.
(a)(b)(c)(d)Two fracture network oil-bearing patterns were recognized in the densely fractured locations: bedding fracture network and bedding-structural fracture network (Figures10(c) and 10(d)). Cores under both fracture network oil-bearing patterns have good oil-bearing property. In the fracture networks, we can see more distinct oil-bearing difference among bedding fractures.The oil-bearing grades of the observed fractures were counted. From the charts, we can easily see that bedding fractures have the best oil-bearing property whether for the oil-immersed or oil-spotted grade. Among the oil-immersed fractures, the number of bedding fractures is approximately 2.5 times that of structural fractures (Figure11(a)). Among the oil-spotted fractures, the number of bedding fractures is approximately 1.4 times that of structural fractures (Figure 11(b)). The other types of fractures, such as water release fractures, are both poor in oil-bearing property and small in quantity. Statistics of the oil-bearing indication grades also confirms the differentiated oil-bearing among individual bedding fractures of Lucaogou formation.Figure 11
(a) Statistical chart of number of oil-immersed fractures in cores from Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag; (b) statistical chart of number of oil-spotted fractures in cores from Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.
(a)(b)


## 5. Discussion

### 5.1. Definition of Factors Affecting the Differentiated Oil-Bearing of Bedding Fractures

Core observation revealed differentiated oil-bearing among individual bedding fractures, as results from the differentiated influences of factors affecting the oil-bearing of these fractures. In this section, we are going to discuss factors affecting the oil-bearing of bedding fractures from the temporal and spatial perspectives. The former mainly addresses the temporal coupling between the mass hydrocarbon generation of the source rocks of Lucaogou formation and the formation of the bedding fractures therein. The latter mainly considers the spatial coupling between the development location of the bedding fractures and location of the source rocks.


### 5.2. Temporal Coupling

By temporal coupling, we refer to the matching of the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks of Lucaogou formation and the formation period of the bedding fractures therein in time. Here, our focus is on two periods: the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks of Lucaogou formation and the formation period of the bedding fractures therein. For purpose of examining the formation period of bedding fractures, fluid inclusion temperature measurement represents an effective method [19].The fluid inclusions in the fracture-filing materials preserve a variety of information of the environment wherein the fracture filling materials formed [53–55], including the temperature at the time the inclusions were captured. By heating the inclusions and yielding their homogenization temperature, the paleotemperature of the fluids can be identified. At the time when inclusions formed, their phase was just single. As the burial depth changes, so do the environmental conditions, including temperature and pressure, around the inclusions. While the external environment changes, the volume of the inclusions remains the same. Hence, the phase of the fluids inside the inclusions will change with the external environment, turning the inclusions from single phase to multiphase. By heating these multiphase inclusions until they are restored to a homogeneous liquid phase, we can yield the homogenization temperature of the inclusions, which approximately represents the temperature of the fluids contained in the inclusions when they had just formed and accordingly the temperature of the formation when the inclusions formed [56, 57]. By combining this temperature with the burial history and geothermal history of Jimsar sag, the geological time of the inclusions, namely, the upper limit of the formation period of the fractures, can be determined. Further, by identifying the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks based on the hydrocarbon generation history of the source rocks in the basin, the coupling between the formation period of the bedding fractures and the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks in time can be investigated.Inclusion temperature measurement specific to bedding fractures was performed on samples from 39 spots of the study area (Table4). The bedding fracture filling materials are primarily calcite veins. The inclusions selected are typically large-volume, easily identifiable gas-liquid inclusions with distinct internal fluid phases. The inclusions are smaller than 1 μm in volume. Most of the inclusions have a gas/liquid ratio between 10% and 20%. They are homogeneously captured inclusions. In the samples, they are mostly elliptical or circular in shape. After they were heated to the homogenized temperature, the air bubbles disappeared and they all turned out to be liquid phase.Table 4
Fluid inclusion parameter table of bedding fracture fillers in Lucaogou formation.
SNHost mineralOriginTypeGas/liquid ratio (%)Homogenization Temp. (°C)1CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion10862CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1585.63CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion10744CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion15875CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion10816CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1088.27CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1585.98CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion580.39CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion108910CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1087.211CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion159212CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1582.213CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion209114CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion106215CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion2094.216CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1587.517CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1080.818CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1589.519CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1590.520CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1072.521CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion158822CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1082.623CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1087.324CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1586.525CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion108426CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion159127CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1089.128CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1579.429CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1085.530CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion108331CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion159332CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1083.633CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion561.534CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1089.335CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1076.236CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1088.137CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion158238CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1086.339CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1589The homogenization temperature of the inclusions was yielded through experiment. From the homogenization temperature distribution histogram (Figure12(a)), the homogenization temperature of the samples spans from 60 to 95°C. For most of the samples, the homogenization temperature is between 80 and 95°C, with the largest number of samples falling in the 85°C–90°C interval.Figure 12
(a) Homogenization temperature distribution histogram of samples from Lucaogou formation. (b) Burial history and thermal history diagram of Jimsar sag. (c) Burial history and hydrocarbon generation history diagram of Jimsar sag.
(a)(b)(c)By combining the homogenization temperature of the inclusions with the paleogeotemperature of Jimsar sag, the formation period of the bedding fractures can be established. Regarding the paleogeotemperature of Jimsar sag, some authors have already attempted to reconstruct the geothermal history of this sag [19] (Figure 12(b)). From the diagram, we can easily see that the geotemperature of Lucaogou formation reached 80°C in Early Cretaceous. After that, it has stayed between 80 and 90°C most of the time. In light of the thermometric interval of the inclusions, the formation period for the majority of the bedding fractures should be in or after Early Cretaceous.Regarding the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks of Jimsar sag, some authors have investigated the hydrocarbon generation history of Lucaogou formation based on the burial history and thermal history of Jimsar sag [58, 27] (Figure 12(c)). They discovered that Lucaogou formation began hydrocarbon generation in Late Triassic (Ro=0.5%) and mass hydrocarbon generation in Late Jurassic (Ro=0.7%, the portion in red). In that case, Late Jurassic should mark the beginning of mass hydrocarbon generation for the source rocks of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.By correlating the thermal history, hydrocarbon generation history of Jimsar sag with the homogenization temperature of the inclusions therein as described above, we discovered that the formation began mass hydrocarbon generation in Late Jurassic. Based on the inclusion temperature measurement result, the bedding fractures formed in or after Early Cretaceous. As Jimsar sag is simply structured, its exposure to tectonic movement has been quite modest. Hence, by matching the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks with the formation period of the bedding fractures therein, we found that the bedding fractures formed within the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks, which favored the oil-bearing of the bedding fractures.


### 5.3. Spatial Coupling

Regarding the factors affecting the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures, apart from the temporal coupling of the formation of these fractures with mass hydrocarbon generation of the source rocks, their spatial coupling with the source rocks is also important [59, 60]. That is, the development location of the bedding fractures in the formation matches and interacts with the location of the source rocks. Source rocks normally have a high abundance of organic matter. If the bedding rocks occur close to or right inside the source rocks, they can easily accumulate oil. Hence, TOC constitutes an affecting factor. For bedding fractures far away from the source rocks, migration will be needed for them to accumulate oil. Hence, porosity, permeability, and even the size of pore throat are affecting factors. Here, we are going to discuss the spatial coupling between bedding fractures and source rocks from the perspective of TOC, porosity, permeability, and pore throat.


#### 5.3.1. Determination of the Oil-Bearing Indicator of Bedding Fractures

Regarding the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures, through core observation, we can easily tell how good the oil-bearing property is for individual fractures [61, 62]. However, as the number of cores available is limited, so is the number of bedding fractures observable therein. To investigate the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures in the entire Lucaogou formation, we have to find a proper indicator. Through correlation in terms of time, we established that in Lucaogou formation, mass hydrocarbon generation occurred before the formation of bedding fractures. In that case, the oil and gas generated should have been stored in the pores of the formation. Furthermore, after extensive core observation, we also found that if the oil-bearing property of a bedding fracture is good, that of the surrounding formation matrix will be good, too. So the oil content of the formation matrix would be an ideal indirect indicator for the oil content of the bedding fractures developed therein. In the absence of coupling with other fractures, we suggest that the greater the oil content of the matrix, the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein. As the oil contained in bedding fractures is free petroleum, here we used chloroform asphalt “A” to represent the oil-bearing of bedding fractures. Chloroform asphalt “A” is the organic matter dissolved and extracted from rocks using chloroform. Generally, the mass percentage of chloroform asphalt “A” in the rock is used to represent the content of chloroform asphalt “A.”


#### 5.3.2. TOC

After analyzing the TOC levels of the rock samples [63], we discovered that all three types of rocks are high in organic matter, with average TOC of 2.83%. For dolomite, the TOC range is 0.39%–4.65% with an average of 2.27%. For siltstone, the TOC range is 0.57%–4.16% with an average of 2.47%. For mudstone, the TOC range is 0.91%–8.50% with an average of 3.99% (Figure 13). Among the three types of rocks, the mudstone has the highest TOC.Figure 13
Box diagram of TOC value distribution of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.By examining the relationship between chloroform asphalt “A” and TOC, we can easily see that overall, the chloroform asphalt “A” of the formation matrix (the oil content of the strata) is positively correlated with TOC. That is, the larger the TOC, the larger the chloroform asphalt “A,” accordingly the higher the oil content of the formation and the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein (Figure14). However, in the diagram, we also observed three anomalous spots (as marked by red ellipses) that show very high TOC but very low chloroform asphalt “A” (Figure 14). Moreover, the rocks of all three spots are mudstone and dolomite, which are both a type of rock with low overall porosity. Further analysis revealed that the porosity of all three spots is very low. The porosity of the dolomite sample is 4.33%. That of the two mudstone samples is 1.25% and 3.18%, respectively. The low chloroform asphalt “A” of these spots is caused by their low porosity and limited storage spaces inside themselves, which limit their respective oil content. However, in Lucaogou formation, mudstone is the main source rock with great hydrocarbon generation potential [64]. All these spots have very high TOC. They have great hydrocarbon generation potential and the ability to generate hydrocarbon continuously. Hence, for the oil-bearing of bedding fractures, high TOC is a good contributor. In this sense, TOC is positively correlated with the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures.Figure 14
Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and TOC value of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.


#### 5.3.3. Porosity

Pores are important storage spaces for tight oil. In this paper, we also examined the relationship between porosity and the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures. From the porosity distribution diagram, we can also see that dolomite, siltstone, and mudstone all exhibit a fairly broad porosity range, with siltstone having the highest average porosity, followed by dolomite and mudstone (Figure15). For siltstone, the porosity range is 3.29%–19.60% with an average of 11.02%. For dolomite, the porosity range is 3.64%–15.71% with an average of 8.28%. For mudstone, the porosity range is 0.69%–14.90% with an average of 6.09%.Figure 15
Box diagram of porosity distribution of samples from Lucaogou formation.As discovered from analysis above, porosity affects the level of chloroform asphalt “A.” In the present study, we also investigated the relationship between chloroform asphalt “A” and porosity (Figure16). From the relationship diagram, we can see that overall, porosity is positively correlated with chloroform asphalt “A.” That is, the larger the porosity, the larger the chloroform asphalt “A,” accordingly the higher the oil content of the formation matrix and the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein. After further analysis, we also discovered a couple of anomalous spots (as marked by red ellipses) that have fairly high porosity but very low chloroform asphalt “A.” A closer look at the TOC of these spots revealed that the TOC of both spots is very low—0.61% and 0.57%, respectively, (Figure 16). This indicates that the hydrocarbon generation potential of these spots is very low, which explains why these anomalous spots should exist. The TOC is low. Their own hydrocarbon generation potential is low. The oil and gas generated could not fill up their own pores, and the tight oil outside did not migrate in. Accordingly, the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed in the formation will be poor. Existence of these anomalous spots suggests that porosity is essentially controlled by TOC.Figure 16
Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and porosity of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.At large, the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures is positively correlated with the formation porosity, since pores are the storage spaces for tight oil. As most of the rocks in Lucaogou formation have a level of hydrocarbon generation potential and the tight oil generated will fill up the whole pores, high-porosity bedding fractures there will have good oil-bearing property. However, this does not apply to all bedding fractures. If the host formation has very high porosity but very low TOC, the bedding fractures will have to rely on migration to bear oil. Then, porosity and pore throat will make a difference to the oil-bearing of the bedding fractures. However, tight oil migration is not likely to happen in Lucaogou formation given its tight strata.


#### 5.3.4. Permeability and Pore Throat

Permeability and pore throat are key parameters affecting tight oil migration. In strata with large porosity but small TOC, for tight oil to migrate into the bedding fractures, permeability and pore throat will become key factors affecting the oil-bearing of these bedding fractures. The relationship of chloroform asphalt “A” with permeability (Figure17(a)) and with maximum pore throat radius (Figure 17(b)) was, respectively, analyzed. From the scatter diagrams, we can see that the correlation coefficient between permeability and chloroform asphalt “A” is 0.1315, and that between maximum pore throat radius and chloroform asphalt “A” is 0.0147. Chloroform asphalt “A” is almost not correlated with either permeability or pore throat. That is, permeability and pore throat make little difference to the oil-bearing of bedding fractures.Figure 17
(a) Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and permeability of rock samples from Lucaogou formation. (b) Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and maximum pore throat radius of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.
(a)(b)After examining the permeability and pore throat data, we discovered that samples with permeability smaller than 0.1 mD account for more than 90%. After excluding anomalous values, the average permeability is 0.07 mD, suggesting a typical tight reservoir. For the majority of the samples, the maximum pore throat radius is smaller than 0.4μm. According to the pore throat classification criteria for low-permeability sandstone [65, 66] (Table 5), the pore throats are basically all microthroats.Table 5
Classification criteria for pore and throat in low permeability sandstone [66].
Throat size ratingPrevailing throat radius (μm)Coarse throat>4Medium throat2–4Fine throat1–2Tiny throat0.5–1Microthroat0.025–0.5Adsorption throat<0.025According to the mercury injection statistics, for the rock samples tested, the average displacement pressure is 9.22 MPa; the average saturation median pressure is 31.72 MPa; the average maximum pore throat radius is 0.18μm; the average median radius is 0.08 μm. These figures strongly confirm that tight oil migration is not likely to happen in Lucaogou formation unless there is a huge pressure difference. Hence, the influence of permeability and pore throat on the oil-bearing of bedding fractures is quite modest. Only when the formation porosity is large and the TOC is small will the bedding fractures rely on migration to bear oil. Accordingly, only then will permeability and pore throat become the deciding factors for the oil-bearing of bedding fractures.Among the factors considered for spatial coupling, for TOC, the larger the formation TOC, the better the oil-bearing of the bedding fractures. For porosity, subject to the TOC, if the TOC is adequate, the larger the porosity, the larger the chloroform asphalt “A,” accordingly the higher the oil content of the strata and the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein. If the TOC is inadequate and the porosity is large, the bedding fractures will have to rely on migration to bear oil. In that case, permeability and pore throat will make a difference to the oil-bearing of the bedding fractures. However, as the strata of Lucaogou formation are tight, tight oil migration is not likely to happen there. Hence, in terms of spatial coupling, TOC is the main controlling factor for the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures.


## 5.1. Definition of Factors Affecting the Differentiated Oil-Bearing of Bedding Fractures

Core observation revealed differentiated oil-bearing among individual bedding fractures, as results from the differentiated influences of factors affecting the oil-bearing of these fractures. In this section, we are going to discuss factors affecting the oil-bearing of bedding fractures from the temporal and spatial perspectives. The former mainly addresses the temporal coupling between the mass hydrocarbon generation of the source rocks of Lucaogou formation and the formation of the bedding fractures therein. The latter mainly considers the spatial coupling between the development location of the bedding fractures and location of the source rocks.


## 5.2. Temporal Coupling

By temporal coupling, we refer to the matching of the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks of Lucaogou formation and the formation period of the bedding fractures therein in time. Here, our focus is on two periods: the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks of Lucaogou formation and the formation period of the bedding fractures therein. For purpose of examining the formation period of bedding fractures, fluid inclusion temperature measurement represents an effective method [19].The fluid inclusions in the fracture-filing materials preserve a variety of information of the environment wherein the fracture filling materials formed [53–55], including the temperature at the time the inclusions were captured. By heating the inclusions and yielding their homogenization temperature, the paleotemperature of the fluids can be identified. At the time when inclusions formed, their phase was just single. As the burial depth changes, so do the environmental conditions, including temperature and pressure, around the inclusions. While the external environment changes, the volume of the inclusions remains the same. Hence, the phase of the fluids inside the inclusions will change with the external environment, turning the inclusions from single phase to multiphase. By heating these multiphase inclusions until they are restored to a homogeneous liquid phase, we can yield the homogenization temperature of the inclusions, which approximately represents the temperature of the fluids contained in the inclusions when they had just formed and accordingly the temperature of the formation when the inclusions formed [56, 57]. By combining this temperature with the burial history and geothermal history of Jimsar sag, the geological time of the inclusions, namely, the upper limit of the formation period of the fractures, can be determined. Further, by identifying the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks based on the hydrocarbon generation history of the source rocks in the basin, the coupling between the formation period of the bedding fractures and the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks in time can be investigated.Inclusion temperature measurement specific to bedding fractures was performed on samples from 39 spots of the study area (Table4). The bedding fracture filling materials are primarily calcite veins. The inclusions selected are typically large-volume, easily identifiable gas-liquid inclusions with distinct internal fluid phases. The inclusions are smaller than 1 μm in volume. Most of the inclusions have a gas/liquid ratio between 10% and 20%. They are homogeneously captured inclusions. In the samples, they are mostly elliptical or circular in shape. After they were heated to the homogenized temperature, the air bubbles disappeared and they all turned out to be liquid phase.Table 4
Fluid inclusion parameter table of bedding fracture fillers in Lucaogou formation.
SNHost mineralOriginTypeGas/liquid ratio (%)Homogenization Temp. (°C)1CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion10862CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1585.63CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion10744CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion15875CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion10816CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1088.27CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1585.98CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion580.39CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion108910CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1087.211CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion159212CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1582.213CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion209114CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion106215CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion2094.216CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1587.517CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1080.818CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1589.519CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1590.520CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1072.521CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion158822CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1082.623CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1087.324CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1586.525CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion108426CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion159127CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1089.128CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1579.429CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1085.530CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion108331CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion159332CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1083.633CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion561.534CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1089.335CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1076.236CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1088.137CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion158238CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1086.339CalciteSecondaryLiquid inclusion1589The homogenization temperature of the inclusions was yielded through experiment. From the homogenization temperature distribution histogram (Figure12(a)), the homogenization temperature of the samples spans from 60 to 95°C. For most of the samples, the homogenization temperature is between 80 and 95°C, with the largest number of samples falling in the 85°C–90°C interval.Figure 12
(a) Homogenization temperature distribution histogram of samples from Lucaogou formation. (b) Burial history and thermal history diagram of Jimsar sag. (c) Burial history and hydrocarbon generation history diagram of Jimsar sag.
(a)(b)(c)By combining the homogenization temperature of the inclusions with the paleogeotemperature of Jimsar sag, the formation period of the bedding fractures can be established. Regarding the paleogeotemperature of Jimsar sag, some authors have already attempted to reconstruct the geothermal history of this sag [19] (Figure 12(b)). From the diagram, we can easily see that the geotemperature of Lucaogou formation reached 80°C in Early Cretaceous. After that, it has stayed between 80 and 90°C most of the time. In light of the thermometric interval of the inclusions, the formation period for the majority of the bedding fractures should be in or after Early Cretaceous.Regarding the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks of Jimsar sag, some authors have investigated the hydrocarbon generation history of Lucaogou formation based on the burial history and thermal history of Jimsar sag [58, 27] (Figure 12(c)). They discovered that Lucaogou formation began hydrocarbon generation in Late Triassic (Ro=0.5%) and mass hydrocarbon generation in Late Jurassic (Ro=0.7%, the portion in red). In that case, Late Jurassic should mark the beginning of mass hydrocarbon generation for the source rocks of Lucaogou formation in Jimsar sag.By correlating the thermal history, hydrocarbon generation history of Jimsar sag with the homogenization temperature of the inclusions therein as described above, we discovered that the formation began mass hydrocarbon generation in Late Jurassic. Based on the inclusion temperature measurement result, the bedding fractures formed in or after Early Cretaceous. As Jimsar sag is simply structured, its exposure to tectonic movement has been quite modest. Hence, by matching the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks with the formation period of the bedding fractures therein, we found that the bedding fractures formed within the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks, which favored the oil-bearing of the bedding fractures.


## 5.3. Spatial Coupling

Regarding the factors affecting the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures, apart from the temporal coupling of the formation of these fractures with mass hydrocarbon generation of the source rocks, their spatial coupling with the source rocks is also important [59, 60]. That is, the development location of the bedding fractures in the formation matches and interacts with the location of the source rocks. Source rocks normally have a high abundance of organic matter. If the bedding rocks occur close to or right inside the source rocks, they can easily accumulate oil. Hence, TOC constitutes an affecting factor. For bedding fractures far away from the source rocks, migration will be needed for them to accumulate oil. Hence, porosity, permeability, and even the size of pore throat are affecting factors. Here, we are going to discuss the spatial coupling between bedding fractures and source rocks from the perspective of TOC, porosity, permeability, and pore throat.


### 5.3.1. Determination of the Oil-Bearing Indicator of Bedding Fractures

Regarding the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures, through core observation, we can easily tell how good the oil-bearing property is for individual fractures [61, 62]. However, as the number of cores available is limited, so is the number of bedding fractures observable therein. To investigate the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures in the entire Lucaogou formation, we have to find a proper indicator. Through correlation in terms of time, we established that in Lucaogou formation, mass hydrocarbon generation occurred before the formation of bedding fractures. In that case, the oil and gas generated should have been stored in the pores of the formation. Furthermore, after extensive core observation, we also found that if the oil-bearing property of a bedding fracture is good, that of the surrounding formation matrix will be good, too. So the oil content of the formation matrix would be an ideal indirect indicator for the oil content of the bedding fractures developed therein. In the absence of coupling with other fractures, we suggest that the greater the oil content of the matrix, the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein. As the oil contained in bedding fractures is free petroleum, here we used chloroform asphalt “A” to represent the oil-bearing of bedding fractures. Chloroform asphalt “A” is the organic matter dissolved and extracted from rocks using chloroform. Generally, the mass percentage of chloroform asphalt “A” in the rock is used to represent the content of chloroform asphalt “A.”


### 5.3.2. TOC

After analyzing the TOC levels of the rock samples [63], we discovered that all three types of rocks are high in organic matter, with average TOC of 2.83%. For dolomite, the TOC range is 0.39%–4.65% with an average of 2.27%. For siltstone, the TOC range is 0.57%–4.16% with an average of 2.47%. For mudstone, the TOC range is 0.91%–8.50% with an average of 3.99% (Figure 13). Among the three types of rocks, the mudstone has the highest TOC.Figure 13
Box diagram of TOC value distribution of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.By examining the relationship between chloroform asphalt “A” and TOC, we can easily see that overall, the chloroform asphalt “A” of the formation matrix (the oil content of the strata) is positively correlated with TOC. That is, the larger the TOC, the larger the chloroform asphalt “A,” accordingly the higher the oil content of the formation and the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein (Figure14). However, in the diagram, we also observed three anomalous spots (as marked by red ellipses) that show very high TOC but very low chloroform asphalt “A” (Figure 14). Moreover, the rocks of all three spots are mudstone and dolomite, which are both a type of rock with low overall porosity. Further analysis revealed that the porosity of all three spots is very low. The porosity of the dolomite sample is 4.33%. That of the two mudstone samples is 1.25% and 3.18%, respectively. The low chloroform asphalt “A” of these spots is caused by their low porosity and limited storage spaces inside themselves, which limit their respective oil content. However, in Lucaogou formation, mudstone is the main source rock with great hydrocarbon generation potential [64]. All these spots have very high TOC. They have great hydrocarbon generation potential and the ability to generate hydrocarbon continuously. Hence, for the oil-bearing of bedding fractures, high TOC is a good contributor. In this sense, TOC is positively correlated with the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures.Figure 14
Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and TOC value of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.


### 5.3.3. Porosity

Pores are important storage spaces for tight oil. In this paper, we also examined the relationship between porosity and the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures. From the porosity distribution diagram, we can also see that dolomite, siltstone, and mudstone all exhibit a fairly broad porosity range, with siltstone having the highest average porosity, followed by dolomite and mudstone (Figure15). For siltstone, the porosity range is 3.29%–19.60% with an average of 11.02%. For dolomite, the porosity range is 3.64%–15.71% with an average of 8.28%. For mudstone, the porosity range is 0.69%–14.90% with an average of 6.09%.Figure 15
Box diagram of porosity distribution of samples from Lucaogou formation.As discovered from analysis above, porosity affects the level of chloroform asphalt “A.” In the present study, we also investigated the relationship between chloroform asphalt “A” and porosity (Figure16). From the relationship diagram, we can see that overall, porosity is positively correlated with chloroform asphalt “A.” That is, the larger the porosity, the larger the chloroform asphalt “A,” accordingly the higher the oil content of the formation matrix and the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein. After further analysis, we also discovered a couple of anomalous spots (as marked by red ellipses) that have fairly high porosity but very low chloroform asphalt “A.” A closer look at the TOC of these spots revealed that the TOC of both spots is very low—0.61% and 0.57%, respectively, (Figure 16). This indicates that the hydrocarbon generation potential of these spots is very low, which explains why these anomalous spots should exist. The TOC is low. Their own hydrocarbon generation potential is low. The oil and gas generated could not fill up their own pores, and the tight oil outside did not migrate in. Accordingly, the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed in the formation will be poor. Existence of these anomalous spots suggests that porosity is essentially controlled by TOC.Figure 16
Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and porosity of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.At large, the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures is positively correlated with the formation porosity, since pores are the storage spaces for tight oil. As most of the rocks in Lucaogou formation have a level of hydrocarbon generation potential and the tight oil generated will fill up the whole pores, high-porosity bedding fractures there will have good oil-bearing property. However, this does not apply to all bedding fractures. If the host formation has very high porosity but very low TOC, the bedding fractures will have to rely on migration to bear oil. Then, porosity and pore throat will make a difference to the oil-bearing of the bedding fractures. However, tight oil migration is not likely to happen in Lucaogou formation given its tight strata.


### 5.3.4. Permeability and Pore Throat

Permeability and pore throat are key parameters affecting tight oil migration. In strata with large porosity but small TOC, for tight oil to migrate into the bedding fractures, permeability and pore throat will become key factors affecting the oil-bearing of these bedding fractures. The relationship of chloroform asphalt “A” with permeability (Figure17(a)) and with maximum pore throat radius (Figure 17(b)) was, respectively, analyzed. From the scatter diagrams, we can see that the correlation coefficient between permeability and chloroform asphalt “A” is 0.1315, and that between maximum pore throat radius and chloroform asphalt “A” is 0.0147. Chloroform asphalt “A” is almost not correlated with either permeability or pore throat. That is, permeability and pore throat make little difference to the oil-bearing of bedding fractures.Figure 17
(a) Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and permeability of rock samples from Lucaogou formation. (b) Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and maximum pore throat radius of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.
(a)(b)After examining the permeability and pore throat data, we discovered that samples with permeability smaller than 0.1 mD account for more than 90%. After excluding anomalous values, the average permeability is 0.07 mD, suggesting a typical tight reservoir. For the majority of the samples, the maximum pore throat radius is smaller than 0.4μm. According to the pore throat classification criteria for low-permeability sandstone [65, 66] (Table 5), the pore throats are basically all microthroats.Table 5
Classification criteria for pore and throat in low permeability sandstone [66].
Throat size ratingPrevailing throat radius (μm)Coarse throat>4Medium throat2–4Fine throat1–2Tiny throat0.5–1Microthroat0.025–0.5Adsorption throat<0.025According to the mercury injection statistics, for the rock samples tested, the average displacement pressure is 9.22 MPa; the average saturation median pressure is 31.72 MPa; the average maximum pore throat radius is 0.18μm; the average median radius is 0.08 μm. These figures strongly confirm that tight oil migration is not likely to happen in Lucaogou formation unless there is a huge pressure difference. Hence, the influence of permeability and pore throat on the oil-bearing of bedding fractures is quite modest. Only when the formation porosity is large and the TOC is small will the bedding fractures rely on migration to bear oil. Accordingly, only then will permeability and pore throat become the deciding factors for the oil-bearing of bedding fractures.Among the factors considered for spatial coupling, for TOC, the larger the formation TOC, the better the oil-bearing of the bedding fractures. For porosity, subject to the TOC, if the TOC is adequate, the larger the porosity, the larger the chloroform asphalt “A,” accordingly the higher the oil content of the strata and the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein. If the TOC is inadequate and the porosity is large, the bedding fractures will have to rely on migration to bear oil. In that case, permeability and pore throat will make a difference to the oil-bearing of the bedding fractures. However, as the strata of Lucaogou formation are tight, tight oil migration is not likely to happen there. Hence, in terms of spatial coupling, TOC is the main controlling factor for the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures.


## 5.3.1. Determination of the Oil-Bearing Indicator of Bedding Fractures

Regarding the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures, through core observation, we can easily tell how good the oil-bearing property is for individual fractures [61, 62]. However, as the number of cores available is limited, so is the number of bedding fractures observable therein. To investigate the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures in the entire Lucaogou formation, we have to find a proper indicator. Through correlation in terms of time, we established that in Lucaogou formation, mass hydrocarbon generation occurred before the formation of bedding fractures. In that case, the oil and gas generated should have been stored in the pores of the formation. Furthermore, after extensive core observation, we also found that if the oil-bearing property of a bedding fracture is good, that of the surrounding formation matrix will be good, too. So the oil content of the formation matrix would be an ideal indirect indicator for the oil content of the bedding fractures developed therein. In the absence of coupling with other fractures, we suggest that the greater the oil content of the matrix, the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein. As the oil contained in bedding fractures is free petroleum, here we used chloroform asphalt “A” to represent the oil-bearing of bedding fractures. Chloroform asphalt “A” is the organic matter dissolved and extracted from rocks using chloroform. Generally, the mass percentage of chloroform asphalt “A” in the rock is used to represent the content of chloroform asphalt “A.”


## 5.3.2. TOC

After analyzing the TOC levels of the rock samples [63], we discovered that all three types of rocks are high in organic matter, with average TOC of 2.83%. For dolomite, the TOC range is 0.39%–4.65% with an average of 2.27%. For siltstone, the TOC range is 0.57%–4.16% with an average of 2.47%. For mudstone, the TOC range is 0.91%–8.50% with an average of 3.99% (Figure 13). Among the three types of rocks, the mudstone has the highest TOC.Figure 13
Box diagram of TOC value distribution of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.By examining the relationship between chloroform asphalt “A” and TOC, we can easily see that overall, the chloroform asphalt “A” of the formation matrix (the oil content of the strata) is positively correlated with TOC. That is, the larger the TOC, the larger the chloroform asphalt “A,” accordingly the higher the oil content of the formation and the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein (Figure14). However, in the diagram, we also observed three anomalous spots (as marked by red ellipses) that show very high TOC but very low chloroform asphalt “A” (Figure 14). Moreover, the rocks of all three spots are mudstone and dolomite, which are both a type of rock with low overall porosity. Further analysis revealed that the porosity of all three spots is very low. The porosity of the dolomite sample is 4.33%. That of the two mudstone samples is 1.25% and 3.18%, respectively. The low chloroform asphalt “A” of these spots is caused by their low porosity and limited storage spaces inside themselves, which limit their respective oil content. However, in Lucaogou formation, mudstone is the main source rock with great hydrocarbon generation potential [64]. All these spots have very high TOC. They have great hydrocarbon generation potential and the ability to generate hydrocarbon continuously. Hence, for the oil-bearing of bedding fractures, high TOC is a good contributor. In this sense, TOC is positively correlated with the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures.Figure 14
Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and TOC value of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.


## 5.3.3. Porosity

Pores are important storage spaces for tight oil. In this paper, we also examined the relationship between porosity and the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures. From the porosity distribution diagram, we can also see that dolomite, siltstone, and mudstone all exhibit a fairly broad porosity range, with siltstone having the highest average porosity, followed by dolomite and mudstone (Figure15). For siltstone, the porosity range is 3.29%–19.60% with an average of 11.02%. For dolomite, the porosity range is 3.64%–15.71% with an average of 8.28%. For mudstone, the porosity range is 0.69%–14.90% with an average of 6.09%.Figure 15
Box diagram of porosity distribution of samples from Lucaogou formation.As discovered from analysis above, porosity affects the level of chloroform asphalt “A.” In the present study, we also investigated the relationship between chloroform asphalt “A” and porosity (Figure16). From the relationship diagram, we can see that overall, porosity is positively correlated with chloroform asphalt “A.” That is, the larger the porosity, the larger the chloroform asphalt “A,” accordingly the higher the oil content of the formation matrix and the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein. After further analysis, we also discovered a couple of anomalous spots (as marked by red ellipses) that have fairly high porosity but very low chloroform asphalt “A.” A closer look at the TOC of these spots revealed that the TOC of both spots is very low—0.61% and 0.57%, respectively, (Figure 16). This indicates that the hydrocarbon generation potential of these spots is very low, which explains why these anomalous spots should exist. The TOC is low. Their own hydrocarbon generation potential is low. The oil and gas generated could not fill up their own pores, and the tight oil outside did not migrate in. Accordingly, the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed in the formation will be poor. Existence of these anomalous spots suggests that porosity is essentially controlled by TOC.Figure 16
Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and porosity of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.At large, the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures is positively correlated with the formation porosity, since pores are the storage spaces for tight oil. As most of the rocks in Lucaogou formation have a level of hydrocarbon generation potential and the tight oil generated will fill up the whole pores, high-porosity bedding fractures there will have good oil-bearing property. However, this does not apply to all bedding fractures. If the host formation has very high porosity but very low TOC, the bedding fractures will have to rely on migration to bear oil. Then, porosity and pore throat will make a difference to the oil-bearing of the bedding fractures. However, tight oil migration is not likely to happen in Lucaogou formation given its tight strata.


## 5.3.4. Permeability and Pore Throat

Permeability and pore throat are key parameters affecting tight oil migration. In strata with large porosity but small TOC, for tight oil to migrate into the bedding fractures, permeability and pore throat will become key factors affecting the oil-bearing of these bedding fractures. The relationship of chloroform asphalt “A” with permeability (Figure17(a)) and with maximum pore throat radius (Figure 17(b)) was, respectively, analyzed. From the scatter diagrams, we can see that the correlation coefficient between permeability and chloroform asphalt “A” is 0.1315, and that between maximum pore throat radius and chloroform asphalt “A” is 0.0147. Chloroform asphalt “A” is almost not correlated with either permeability or pore throat. That is, permeability and pore throat make little difference to the oil-bearing of bedding fractures.Figure 17
(a) Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and permeability of rock samples from Lucaogou formation. (b) Relation diagram of chloroform asphalt “A” and maximum pore throat radius of rock samples from Lucaogou formation.
(a)(b)After examining the permeability and pore throat data, we discovered that samples with permeability smaller than 0.1 mD account for more than 90%. After excluding anomalous values, the average permeability is 0.07 mD, suggesting a typical tight reservoir. For the majority of the samples, the maximum pore throat radius is smaller than 0.4μm. According to the pore throat classification criteria for low-permeability sandstone [65, 66] (Table 5), the pore throats are basically all microthroats.Table 5
Classification criteria for pore and throat in low permeability sandstone [66].
Throat size ratingPrevailing throat radius (μm)Coarse throat>4Medium throat2–4Fine throat1–2Tiny throat0.5–1Microthroat0.025–0.5Adsorption throat<0.025According to the mercury injection statistics, for the rock samples tested, the average displacement pressure is 9.22 MPa; the average saturation median pressure is 31.72 MPa; the average maximum pore throat radius is 0.18μm; the average median radius is 0.08 μm. These figures strongly confirm that tight oil migration is not likely to happen in Lucaogou formation unless there is a huge pressure difference. Hence, the influence of permeability and pore throat on the oil-bearing of bedding fractures is quite modest. Only when the formation porosity is large and the TOC is small will the bedding fractures rely on migration to bear oil. Accordingly, only then will permeability and pore throat become the deciding factors for the oil-bearing of bedding fractures.Among the factors considered for spatial coupling, for TOC, the larger the formation TOC, the better the oil-bearing of the bedding fractures. For porosity, subject to the TOC, if the TOC is adequate, the larger the porosity, the larger the chloroform asphalt “A,” accordingly the higher the oil content of the strata and the better the oil-bearing property of the bedding fractures developed therein. If the TOC is inadequate and the porosity is large, the bedding fractures will have to rely on migration to bear oil. In that case, permeability and pore throat will make a difference to the oil-bearing of the bedding fractures. However, as the strata of Lucaogou formation are tight, tight oil migration is not likely to happen there. Hence, in terms of spatial coupling, TOC is the main controlling factor for the oil-bearing property of bedding fractures.


## 6. Conclusions

(1)
Bedding fractures are extensively present in Lucaogou formation tight oil reservoir in Jimsar sag. In fact, they are the most frequently found type of fractures there. Statistics and calculation show that the linear density of the bedding fractures is 2.23/m for the upper sweet spot and 2.65/m for the lower sweet spot. By comparison, bedding fractures are more developed in the lower sweet spot(2)
The favorable area for the development of bedding fractures lies in the central south of the sag. Overall, these fractures occur in parallel to the formation boundary. Their aperture is quite small. Most of them are unfilled fractures. For the filled fractures, the filling materials mainly include calcite, petite, and asphalt. Among the few types of fractures found in Lucaogou formation, bedding fractures have the best oil-bearing property, but the oil-bearing can differ from one bedding fracture to another(3)
The factors affecting the differentiated oil-bearing of the bedding fractures include temporal coupling and spatial coupling. In terms of temporal coupling, the majority of the bedding fractures in Lucaogou formation formed in or after Early Cretaceous, while the source rocks of this formation began mass hydrocarbon generation in Late Jurassic. By matching these two periods, we suggest that the bedding fractures formed within the mass hydrocarbon generation period of the source rocks, which favored the oil-bearing of these fractures. In terms of spatial coupling, the influencing factors include TOC, porosity, permeability, and pore throat, with TOC being the main controlling factor



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*Source: 5567491-2021-06-01.xml*