Dynamics of hydrocarbon accumulation in the west section of the northern margin of the Qaidam Basin, NW China

Studies were conducted on the dynamic processes of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation in the west part of the northern margin of the Qaidam Basin, based on previous studies on basin evolution and hydrocarbon system. Based on the dynamics of petroleum accumulation, basin analysis and the numerical stimulation method were applied to reconstruct the basin evolution. Simulation analysis of petroleum accumulation in the main reservoir-forming stages were conducted in the light of source rock properties in different stages, fluid potential field and physical property distribution of carrier beds. Controlling factors of reservoir formation in the northern margin of the Qaidam Basin were summarized. Studies showed that the Miocene is the main period of oil generation for the Jurassic source rocks in the studied area. The oil generation and migration volume were large. However, Saishiteng Sag was just on the slope in the northern part of Yiliping Sag. Structural traps were distributed at the margin of the basin. There was abundant oil migration to the north margin and a dissipation of the oil there during the later strong tectonic activities. During the late reservoir formation stage after the Pliocene, the source rocks generated mainly gas and not oil, and structural traps were well developed and provided good conditions for the natural gas reservoir formation. Deep structural traps in the basins were conducive to the formation of a large-scale low-permeability gas reservoir.