Influence of tectonic uplift-erosion on formation pressure

The formation of abnormally low-pressure hydrocarbon reservoirs in petroliferous basins has a close relationship with tectonic uplift and the consequent erosion. In order to understand abnormally low-pressure reservoirs and to provide a scientific basis for exploration and development, we established, through numerical simulation and theoretical analysis, a set of equations for the formation pressure in a closed system influenced by uplift-erosion, discussed the relationship between the genesis of abnormal pressure and uplift-erosion, and put forward the concept of balance pressure (P b ). The results showed that abnormally high pressure coefficient may form when the current formation pressure was higher than P b , and abnormally low pressure may form when the current formation pressure was lower than P b . In the Santanghu Basin, the current formation pressure of abnormally low pressure reservoirs is lower than P b , so tectonic uplift-erosion leads to the decrease of the pressure coefficient. There is a positive correlation between the pressure drop caused by the decrease of fluid temperature and the rebound of rock porosity and strata erosion. Calculation results indicated that the reservoir pressure of Jurassic strata in the Santanghu Basin was decreased by 11.6-17.1 MPa due to tectonic uplift-erosion during the Late Yanshanian period.