Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Outcrop modeling of flow units and reductant within a sandstone uranium reservoir in the Zhiluo Formation, eastern Ordos Basin: implications for the uranium mineralization mechanism

  • Article
  • Published:
Geosciences Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The spatial distribution of flow units and reductant within a sandstone uranium reservoir is very beneficial for exploring the uranium mineralization mechanism; however, such studies have been almost neglected. As such, this paper aims to provide the sedimentological interpretation and heterogeneity models of the sandstone of the Middle Jurassic Zhiluo Formation at Shiwan outcrop area, in the eastern Ordos Basin. The outcrops are sandstone-dominated subaqueous distributary channel successions, in which five distinct architectural elements are identified and interpreted: channel units (CU), downstream accretion elements (DA), lateral accretion elements (LA), sandy bedforms (SB) and no-channelized fine-grained sediments (NFS). Within the sandstone succession, six flow units are present in the middle and lower parts of CU, or the lower parts of DA and SB elements, with their geometry to be controlled by the fourth- or third-order bounding surfaces. Moreover, the carbonaceous debris-rich zones (CDZ) are places with the highest abundance of reductant and preserve exclusively upon the basal erosional surfaces of CU and DA elements. Based on those results, a prediction model is established and shows that the formation of interlayer oxidation zone is strongly selective and confined within the CU and DA elements. The favorable site of uranium mineralization is preferentially distributed in the transition zone between the front of flow unit and the CDZ.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahmed, S., Bhattacharya, J.P., Garza, D.E., and Li, Y., 2014, Facies architecture and stratigraphic evolution of a river-dominated delta front, Turonian Ferron sandstone, Utah, U.S.A. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 84, 97–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akhtar, S., 2016, Formation of sandstone-hosted uranium deposit in the Ordos Basin, northwest China. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 124 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen, J.R.L., 1983, Studies in fluviatile sedimentation: bars, bar complexes and sandstone sheet (low-sinuosity braided streams) in the Brownstones (L. Devonian), Welsh Borders. Sedimentary Geology, 33, 237–293.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bridge, J.S., 1993, The interaction between channel geometry, water flow, sediment transport and deposition in braided rivers. In: Best, J.L. and Bristow, C.S. (eds.), Braided Rivers. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 75, p. 13–71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cant, D.J. and Walker, R.G., 1978, Fluvial processes and facies sequences in the sandy braided South Saskatchewan river, Canada. Sedimentology, 25, 625–648.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collinson, J.D., 1996, Alluvial Sediments. In: Reading, H.G. (ed.), Sedimentary Environments: Processes, Facies and Stratigraphy. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, p. 37–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dai, M.J., Peng, Y.B., Wu, C.J., Jiao, Y.Q., Liu, L., Miao, A.S., Zhang, C.Y., Zhang, Z.L., and Chen, S., 2017, Ore characteristics of the sandstone-type daying uranium deposit in the Ordos Basin, northwestern China. Canadian Journal of Earth Science, 54, 893–901.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, S.F., Yang, J.Y., Ward, C.R., Hower, J.C., Liu, H.D., Garrison, T.M., French, D.H., and O’Keefe, J., 2015, Geochemical and mineralogical evidence for a coal-hosted uranium deposit in the Yili basin, Xinjiang, Northwestern China. Ore Geology Review, 70, 1–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dalrymple, R.W. and Rhodes, R.N., 1995, Estuarine dunes and bars. In: Perillo, G.M.E. (ed.), Geomorphology and Sedimentology of Estuaries. Developments in Sedimentology Book Series, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 53, p. 359–422.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ebanks, W.J., 1987, Flow unit concept-integrated approach to reservoir description for engineering projects. American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 71, 551–552.

    Google Scholar 

  • Folk, R.L., Andrews, PB., and Lewis, D.W., 1970, Detrital sedimentary rock classification and nomenclature for use in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 13, 937–968.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao, H.R. and Wang, W.L., 2017, The newly discovered Yanchang gas field in the Ordos Basin, central China. Journal of Earth Science, 28, 347–357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghazi, S. and Mountney, N.P., 2009, Facies and architectural element analysis of a meandering fluvial succession: the Permian Warchha sandstone, Salt Range, Pakistan. Sedimentary Geology, 221, 99–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghiasi-Freez, J., Kadkhodaie-Ilkhchi, A., and Ziaii, M., 2012, Improving the accuracy of flow units prediction through two committee machine models: an example from the south Pars gas field, Persian Gulf Basin, Iran. Computers & Geosciences, 46, 10–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hall, S.M., Mihalasky, M.J., Tureck, K.R., Hammarstrom, J.M., and Hannon, M.T., 2017, Genetic and grade and tonnage models for sandstone-hosted roll-type uranium deposits, Texas Coastal Plain, USA. Ore Geology Reviews, 80, 761–853.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hearn, C.L. and Ebanks, W.J., 1984, Geological factors influencing reservoir performance of the Hartzog Dra field, Wyoming. Journal of Petroleum Technology, 36, 1335–1334.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, J.B. and Li, S.X., 2007, Metallogenic characteristics, model and exploration prospect for the paleo-interlayer-oxidation type sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in China. Uranium Geology, 23, 7–16. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ielpi, A., Gibling, M.R., Bashforth, A.R., and Dennar, C.I., 2015, Impact of vegetation on early pennsylvanian fluvial channels: insight from the Joggins Formation of Atlantic Canada. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 85, 999–1018.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiao, Y.Q. and Li, Z., 1995, Genesis and distribution regularity of isolate barrier beds in channel reservoir sandbody. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 1995, 22, 78–81. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiao, Y.Q., Chen, A.P., Wang, M.F., Wu, L.Q., Yuan, H.T., Yang, Q., Zhang, C.Z., and Xu, Z.C., 2005a, Genetic analysis of the bottom sandstone of Zhiluo Formation, northeastern Ordos Basin: predictive base of spatial orientation of sandstone-type uranium deposit. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 23, 371–379. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiao, Y.Q., Yan, J.X., Li, S.T., Yang, R.Q., Lang, F.J., and Yang, S.K., 2005b, Architectural units and heterogeneity of channel reservoirs in the Karamay Formation, outcrop area of Karamay oil field, Junggar Basin, Northwest China. American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 89, 529–545.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiao, Y.Q., Wu, L.Q., Rong, H., Zhang, F., Yue, L., Tao, Z.P., and Sun, Y.H., 2018a, Geological modeling of uranium reservoir: the geological foundation of revealing the metallogenic mechanism and solving “remaining uranium”. Earth Science, 43, 3568–3583. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiao, Y.Q., Wu, L.Q., and Rong, H., 2018b, Model of inner and outer reductive media within uranium reservoir sandstone of sandstonetype uranium deposits and its ore-controlling mechanism: case studies in Daying and Qianjiadian uranium deposits. Earth Science, 43, 459–474. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiao, Y.Q., Wu, L.Q., Yang, S.K., Lv, X.B., Yang, Q., Wang, Z.H., and Wang, M.F., 2006, Sedimentology of Uranium Reservoir: The Exploration and Production Base of Sandstone-type Uranium Deposits. Geological Publishing House, Beijing, 331 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jo, H.R., 2003, Non-marine successions in the northwestern part of Kyongsang Basin (Early Cretaceous): fluvial styles and stratigraphic architecture. Geosciences Journal, 7, 89–106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liang, H.W., Zhao, X.Q., Mu, L.X., Fan, Z.F., Zhao, L., and Wu, S.H., 2019, Channel sandstone architecture characterization by seismic simulation. Journal of Earth Science, 30, 799–808.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, R.H., Jiang, Z.X., Wang, M., Yang, W.L., Guo, J.X., Wu, M.H., Gao, Y., Wei, S.Y.Z., Nie, Z.H., and He, H., 2017, Reservoir characteristics and controlling factors of Silurian Lower Kepingtage Formation in Tahe area, Tarim Basin, NW China. Journal of Earth Science, 28, 1135–1144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, S. and Yang, S., 2000, Upper Triassic-Jurassic sequence stratigraphy and its structural controls in the western Ordos Basin, China. Basin Research, 12, 1–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, Y., Liu, K.Y., Xu, S.Y., Wang, Y., and Zhang, Q.Q., 2020, Identifying flow units by FA-assisted SSOM—an example from the Eocene basin-floor-fan turbidite reservoirs in the Daluhu oilfield, Dongying depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 186, 1–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miall, A.D., 1985, Architectural elements analysis: a new method of facies analysis applied to fluvial deposits. Earth-Science Reviews, 22, 261–308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miall, A.D., 1988a, Reservoir heterogeneities in fluvial sandstones: lessons from outcrop studies. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 72, 682–697.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miall, A.D., 1988b, Architectural elements and bounding surfaces in fluvial deposits: anatomy of the Kayenta Formation (Lower Jurassic), southwest Colorado. Sedimentary Geology, 55, 233–262.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miall, A.D., 1996, The Geology of Fluvial Deposits: Sedimentary Facies, Basin Analysis, and Petroleum Geology. Springer, Berlin, 582 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nakashima, S., Disnar, J.R., Perruchot, A., and Trichet, J., 1984, Experimental study of machanisms of fixation and reduction of uranium by sedimentary organic matter under diagenetic hydrothermal conditions. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 48, 2321–2329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peng, Y.B., Jiao, Y.Q., and Chen, A.P., 2019, Theoretical & Technological Innovation of Uranium Mineralization and Major Prospecting Breakthrough of Mesozoic Uranium Bearing Basins in Midwestern Inner Mongolia. China University of Geoscience Press, Wuhan, 161 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Qiao, J.C., Zeng, J.H., and Jiang, S., 2020, Impacts of sedimentology and diagenesis on pore structure and reservoir quality in tight oil sandstone reservoirs: implications for macroscopic and microscopic heterogeneities. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 111, 279–300.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rong, H., Jiao, Y.Q., Wu, LQ., Wan, D., Cui, Z.J., Guo, X.J., and Jia, J.M., 2019, Origin of the carbonaceous debris and its implication for mineralization within the Qianjiadian uranium deposit, southern Songliao Basin. Ore Geology Review, 107, 336–352.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shi, R. and Chen, J., 2015, On the massive metal accumulation on the eastern margin of the North China Craton and the prospecting evaluation — a case study of Jiaojia gold concentration belt. Geosciences Journal, 19, 599–612.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Skelly, R.L., Bristow, C.S., and Ethridge, F.G., 2003, Architecture of channel-belt deposits in an aggrading shallow sandbed braided river: the lower Niobrara river, northeast Nebraska. Sedimentary Geology, 158, 249–270.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, N.D., 1974, Sedimentology and bar formation in the Upper Kicking Horse river, a braided outwash stream. Journal of Geology, 82, 205–223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Southard, J.B., 1971, Representation of bed configurations in depth-velocity-size diagrams. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 41, 903–915. https://doi.org/10.1306/74D723B0-2B21-11D7-8648000102C1865D

    Google Scholar 

  • Spirakis, C.S., 1996, The role of organic matter in the formation of uranium deposits in sedimentary rocks. Ore Geology Review, 11, 53–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tao, Z.P., Jiao, Y.Q., Wu, L.Q., Rong, H., Zhang, F., and Yue, L., 2020, Architecture of a sandstone uranium reservoir and the spatial distribution of its internal carbonaceous debris: a case study of the Zhiluo Formation, eastern Ordos Basin, northern China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 191, 1–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, A., Zhong, D.K., Zhu, H.H., Guo, L.L., Li, Z.P., Jiang, Y.J.F., Yang, X.Q., Xie, R., and Zheng, X.W., 2019, Depositional and diagenetic controls on the reservoir quality of Upper Triassic Chang-7 tight oil sandstones, southwestern Ordos Basin, China. Geosciences Journal, 23, 471–488.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker, R.G. and Cant, D.J., 1984, Sandy fluvial systems. In: Walker, R.G. (ed.), Facies Models (2nd edition). Geoscience Canada Reprint Series, Geological Association of Canada, p. 71–89.

  • Wakefield, O.J.W., Hough, E., and Peatfield, A.W., 2015, Architectural analysis of a Triassic fluvial system: the Sherwood sandstone of the East Midlands Shelf, UK. Sedimentary Geology, 327, 1–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y., Yang, L.W., and Deng, J., 2014, Accumulation system of cohabitation multi-energy minerals and their comprehensive exploration in sedimentary basin—a case study of Ordos Basin, NW China. Acta Geologica Sinica, 88, 815–824. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, R.G., Chen, A.P., Yu, D.G., Zhu, M.Q., and Zhou, W.P., 2003, Analysis on depositional system and discussion on ore-formation conditions of channel sandstone type uranium deposit—taking Dongsheng area, Ordos Meso-Cenozoic basin as an example. Uranium Geology, 19, 94–99. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, S.H., Zhai, R., and Li, Y.P., 2012, Subsurface reservoir architecture characterization: current status and prospects. Earth Science Frontiers, 19, 15–23. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, J.J., 2002, Tectonic Evolution and Oil-gas Distribution in Ordos Basin. Petroleum Industry Press, Beijing, 244 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yue, D.L., Wu, S.H., Tan, H.Q, Yu, D.Y., Jiang, X.H., and Liu, S.B., 2008, An anatomy of paleochannel reservoir architecture of meandering river reservoir—a case study of Guantao Formation, the west 7th block of Gudong oil field. Earth Science Frontiers, 15, 101–109. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zeng, Y.F. and Xia, W.J., 1986, Sedimentary Petrology. Geological Publishing House, Beijing, 196 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, F., Jiao, Y.Q., and Wu, L.Q., 2019, In-situ analyses of organic matter maturation heterogeneity of uranium bearing carbonaceous debris within sandstones: a case study from the Ordos Basin in China. Ore Geology reviews, 109, 117–129.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, F., Wang, S.M., Jiao, Y.Q., Wu, L.Q., and Rong, H., 2021, Trapping of uranium by organic matter within sandstones during mineralization process: a case study from the Shuanglong uranium deposit, China. Ore Geology reviews, 138, 1–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, J.D., 2012, Progress and outlook of uranium exploration in Meso-Cenozoic basins in North China. Uranium Geology, 28, 193–198. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, J.D., Jian, X.F., Guo, Q.Y., and Xu, G.Z., 2013, Exploration and Evaluation of Uranium Sources in Meso-Cenozoic Basins in North China (2000–2010). Geological Publishing House, Beijing, 328 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, J.F., Liu, C.Y., Wang, X.M., and Zhang, C., 2009, Migration of depocenters and accumulation centers and its indication of subsidence centers in the Mesozoic Ordos Basin. Acta Geologica Sinica (English Edition), 83, 278–294.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, J.F., Liu, C.Y., Yu, L., Huang, L., Liu, Y.T., and Gao, F., 2007, Distributional and sedimentary characteristics of sandstones in Jurassic Zhiluo Formation, Ordos Basin. Acta Sedmentologica Sinica, 25, 535–544. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, J.F., Mountney, N.P., Liu, C.Y., Qu, H.J., and Lin, J.Y., 2015, Outcrop architecture of a fluvio-lacustrine succession: Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, China. Marine Petroleum Geology, 68, 394–413.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported by the Doctoral Fund of Huanggang Normal University (No. 2042021013), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2018YFC0604202) from the Ministry and Technology of China, and the International Geosciences Program (IGCP675): Supergene Fluid Ore-forming Process of sandstone-type Uranium Deposits. The authors express their gratitude to Xiaoquan, Jiao and Liang, Yue for assistance in fieldworks. We thank Geosciences Journal editors and reviewers for their thorough and critical reviews of an early version of this manuscript and suggestions to improve the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Architectural Engineering, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang, 438000, China

    Zhenpeng Tao & Xuesong Lu

  2. Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources, China University of Geosciences, Ministry of Education, No. 388, Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Zhenpeng Tao, Liqun Wu, Yangquan Jiao, Hui Rong & Fan Zhang

  3. School of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Hui Rong & Fan Zhang

Authors
  1. Zhenpeng Tao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Liqun Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Yangquan Jiao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Hui Rong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Fan Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Xuesong Lu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Liqun Wu.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Tao, Z., Wu, L., Jiao, Y. et al. Outcrop modeling of flow units and reductant within a sandstone uranium reservoir in the Zhiluo Formation, eastern Ordos Basin: implications for the uranium mineralization mechanism. Geosci J 26, 569–586 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-022-0008-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-022-0008-z

Key words

Search

Navigation