Factors controlling reservoir quality of a retreating delta-front in shallow-water lacustrine in the Songliao Basin, Northeast China

Shallow-water lacustrine delta sand bodies with large areas of high-quality reservoirs are widespread in the first member of Yaojia Formation (k2y1) of the Upper Cretaceous in Qijia–Gulong area, central depression of the Songliao Basin. The analysis of elements affecting reservoir quality has always been a focus and difficulty of oil and gas exploration and development. Seismic profile interpretations, well log analysis, lithological associations, core observations, and heavy mineral assemblage determinations are used to interpret sequence stratigraphic framework and sedimentary evolution of K2y1. The latter is interpreted as a transgressive systems tract comprising three fourth-order sequences (SQ1–SQ3). Based on core observations and wireline logs, K2y1 primarily contained a shallow lake, distal bars, sand sheets, interdistributary bay, and subaqueous distributary channel deposits. The sand ratio and scale of the channels in the formations from SQ1 to SQ3 decreased which was reflecting the continuously retrograding sedimentary evolution of deltas to the lakeshore, as observed based on mutual calibration of single well sedimentary facies and root mean square amplitude attributes. Based on petrographic analysis of thin sections, particle sizes, scanning electron microscope (SEM) as well as X-ray diffraction, the effects of diagenesis and sedimentary facies on reservoir quality are investigated. In the process of delta-front retrogradation, the changes in reservoir quality in different sequences are primarily a result of the following factors: (1) the fine sandstone has better reservoir quality and more primary pores than the siltstone, which has higher argillaceous content. Additionally, in the fine sandstone, more primary pores can be preserved in the compaction process with higher reservoir quality. (2) Less authigenic illites have little influence on reservoir quality. When the authigenic illite content is >6%, the flocculent characteristics of authigenic illite crystals easily separate the intergranular pores into tinier micropores, thereby reducing the reservoir physical properties. (3) More than 3% of Pompon-like authigenic chlorites may occupy the pore throats of sandstone reservoirs. (4) The feldspars and rock fragments in the sandstone reservoir adjacent to the source rock easily form numerous secondary dissolution pores and improve the reservoir quality. The present study reveals that large-areas of subaqueous distributary channel sand bodies with stable lateral distribution, high reservoir quality, and significant petrophysical characteristics are the best-qualities of reservoir within the early stage of retreating delta-front system.