3D-Basin Modeling of the Changling Depression, NE China: Exploring Petroleum Evolution in Deep Tight Sandstone Reservoirs

The Changling Depression is the largest and most resource-abundant reservoir in the South Songliao Basin, NE China. The petroleum evolution rules in the Lower Cretaceous deep tight sandstone reservoir are unclear. In this study, 3D basin modeling is performed to analyze the large-scale petroleum stereoscopic migration and accumulation history. The Changling Depression has a complex fault system and multiple tectonic movements. The model is calibrated by the present formation temperatures and observed maturity (vitrinite reflectance). We consider (1) three main erosion episodes during the burial history, one during the Early Cretaceous and two during the Late Cretaceous; (2) the regional heat flow distribution throughout geological history, which was calibrated by abundant measurement data; and (3) a tight sandstone porosity model, which is calibrated by experimental petrophysical parameters. The maturity levels of the Lower Cretaceous source rocks are reconstructed and showed good gas-generation potential. The highest maturity regions are in the southwestern sag and northern sag. The peak hydrocarbon generation period contributed little to the reservoir because of a lack of seal rocks. Homogenization temperature analysis of inclusions indicated two sets of critical moments of gas accumulation. The hydrocarbon filling in the Haerjin and Shuangtuozi structures occurred between 80 Ma and 66 Ma, while the Dalaoyefu and Fulongquan structures experienced long-term hydrocarbon accumulation from 100 Ma to 67 Ma. The homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusions may indicate a certain stage of reservoir formation and, in combination with the hydrocarbon-accumulation simulation, can distinguish leakage and recharging events.