Sedimentary Characteristics and Reservoir Prediction of Paleogene in the East Part of Kuqa Foreland Basin

Most of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic large-scale hydrocarbon-bearing basins in western China were formed in a similar foreland setting. Hydrocarbon exploration of the Kuqa foreland basin requires research into the sedimentary characteristics and filling evolution of the depositional sequences and their response to the basin process. Based on an analysis of outcrops, well logs and high resolution seismic data, the sedimentary system types and distribution characteristics of the Paleogene in the east part of Kuqa foreland basin were systematically studied. The results show that: (1) Three types of sedimentary systems are developed in the area: an oxidative salty wide shallow lacustrine system, a fan delta system and an evaporitic bordersea system. (2) The configuration and evolution of the depositional systems of the Paleogene in the Kuqa foreland basin were predominantly determined by foreland tectonism. Vertically, the Paleogene sedimentary sequence can be divided into three parts: the lower, middle and upper depositional system tracts. The lower and upper tracts commonly consist of progradational or aggradational sequences, while the middle part is usually comprised of a set of aggradational to transgressive third-order sequences. Laterally, the sedimentary systems in the east part of the Kuqa foreland basin spread from east to west as a whole, and the sedimentary facies obviously vary from south to north. The sand bodies of the delta front facies are excellent gas reservoirs, characterized by rather thick, extensive and continuous distribution, high porosity and permeability, and just a few barrier beds.