The Source-to-Sink Character of the Shahejie Formation in the Shulu Slope, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Abstract

—Erosion and sedimentary landforms are linked through sediment transport pathways, which forms a source-to-sink system (S2S). The coupling relationship of different components in the clastic sediment system is emphasized by the S2S concept. A new method for characterizing the sedimentary process of continental rift basins is also provided. It has been proven that there is rich exploration potential in the third member of the Shahejie Formation (Es3) in the Shulu Slope of the Bohai Bay Basin in China but with relatively low production. With the complex structural background of the Es3 of the Shulu Slope, conventional research methods are ineffective in guiding the current development strategies. Therefore, this study adopts the S2S theory, and its elements in the study are characterized using core, logging, and seismic data. The results suggest that the S2S in this study area was supplied by the Ningjin Uplift in the western region, and a fan delta and lake sedimentary systems were formed by the sand transported through valleys and fault troughs. The S2S coupling model, “the Ningjin Uplift sand supply–fault trough, valley transport–fan delta, and shore–shallow lake sedimentation,” is established. This research field permits prediction of sand bodies in continental rift basins with similar structural backgrounds.