Lacustrine beach ridge reservoirs have become valuable targets for oil exploration due to their proximity to oil sources and their high reservoir porosity and permeability. However, the formation process and sedimentary architecture of embayed beaches within these reservoirs remain unclear.
A team of researchers from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has conducted a study to investigate the sedimentary architecture and geomorphology of an embayed beach located on the southern part of Qinghai Lake in northwest China. The study utilized ground penetrating radar, trenches, and modern beach observation, and the findings were published in the Journal of Paleolimnology on July 6.
The researchers discovered that the deposits on the embayed beaches consisted of three main sedimentary facies: washover deposition, fair-weather swash deposition, and lagoonal deposition.
Based on variations in the sedimentary facies, the formation of the embayed beach could be divided into two stages: lake-level highstand and lake-level lowstand. These stages featured hydrodynamic changes that resulted in heterogeneity in sediment distribution, reflected in variations in morphology and sedimentary architecture.
During the lake-level highstand stage, the geomorphic changes primarily occurred in the cross-shore direction. In contrast, during the lake-level lowstand stage, the sediments were mainly transported alongshore within the embayed beach.
As the lake level declined, the topography and hydrodynamics of the embayed beach constantly changed. The interaction between topography and hydrodynamics played a crucial role in the formation and evolution of the embayed beach.
“Our study not only enhances our understanding of the sedimentary processes involved in embayed beaches but also provides valuable insights for oil exploration in beach ridge reservoirs,” said Dr. Hao Lewei, the first author of the study from NIEER.
More information:
Lewei Hao et al, Sedimentary evolution of the embayed beach from Qinghai Lake, northern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China, Journal of Paleolimnology (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s10933-023-00293-w
Citation:
Study reveals sedimentary architecture and hydrodynamic processes involved in lacustrine embayed beach (2023, July 14)
retrieved 14 July 2023
from https://phys.org/news/2023-07-reveals-sedimentary-architecture-hydrodynamic-involved.html
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Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
