Advanced Search

Indexed by SCI、CA、РЖ、PA、CSA、ZR、etc .

Volume 36 Issue 4
Aug 2025
Turn off MathJax
Article Contents
Xianghui Zhang, Changmin Zhang, Wei Yang, Wenjun Fu, Zhihong Wang, Qinghai Xu. Characteristics of Channel Sand Body Based on 3D Digital Outcrop Model: A Case Study of Shaximiao Formation Outcrop, in Sichuan Basin, China. Journal of Earth Science, 2025, 36(4): 1766-1779. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0099-8
Citation: Xianghui Zhang, Changmin Zhang, Wei Yang, Wenjun Fu, Zhihong Wang, Qinghai Xu. Characteristics of Channel Sand Body Based on 3D Digital Outcrop Model: A Case Study of Shaximiao Formation Outcrop, in Sichuan Basin, China. Journal of Earth Science, 2025, 36(4): 1766-1779. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0099-8

Characteristics of Channel Sand Body Based on 3D Digital Outcrop Model: A Case Study of Shaximiao Formation Outcrop, in Sichuan Basin, China

doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0099-8
More Information
  • Corresponding author: Changmin Zhang, yangtzeu3rg@163.com
  • Received Date: 28 Apr 2024
  • Accepted Date: 22 Oct 2024
  • Available Online: 05 Aug 2025
  • Issue Publish Date: 30 Aug 2025
  • To address the shortage of characterization scale of field outcrops, we used the characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) oblique photography with a wide field of view and a high degree of quantification for image acquisition, data processing, and geological interpretation of the outcrops of the Shaximiao Formation in the Sichuan Basin. We established a 3D digital outcrop model (DOM), which combines the advantages of visualization and digitization the 3D DOM to interpret the characteristics of typical channel sand bodies. Within the study area, we have identified three types of channel deposition: composite channel deposition, crevasse channel deposition, and abandoned channel deposition. Among these, the composite channel deposition was mainly sandstone, the bottom contains conglomerate, with large cross-bedding, and the maximum thickness of the single sand body was 1.96 m. The crevasse channel deposition was mainly fine sandstone and siltstone, with massive bedding and small cross-bedding, and the maximum thickness of the single sand body was 0.64 m. The abandoned channel deposition dominated by mudstone with thin sandstone, the sandstone was mainly lenticular in section, and the maximum thickness of the single sand body was 0.28 m. We identified the depositional model of the studied region, which is dominated by braided river deposition, based on the growth size and correspondence of the sand bodies. The research provides a comparative foundation for the detailed characterisation of the underground reservoir sands found in the Jurassic Shaximiao Formation in the Sichuan Basin. It also serves as a reference for the effective study of UAV oblique photography technology in the field.

     

  • Conflict of Interest
    The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
  • loading
  • Bemis, S. P., Micklethwaite, S., Turner, D., et al., 2014. Ground-Based and UAV-Based photogrammetry: A Multi-Scale, High-Resolution Mapping Tool for Structural Geology and Paleoseismology. Journal of Structural Geology, 69: 163–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2014.10.007
    Berni, J. A. J., Zarco-Tejada, P. J., Suarez, L., et al., 2009. Thermal and Narrowband Multispectral Remote Sensing for Vegetation Monitoring from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 47(3): 722–738. https://doi.org/10.1109/TGRS.2008.2010457
    Buckley, S. J., Ringdal, K., Naumann, N., et al., 2019. LIME: Software for 3-D Visualization, Interpretation, and Communication of Virtual Geoscience Models. Geosphere, 15(1): 222–235. https://doi.org/10.1130/GES02002.1
    Chen, S. F., Wilson, C. J. L., Luo, Z. L., et al., 1994. The Evolution of the Western Sichuan Foreland Basin, Southwestern China. Journal of Southeast Asian Earth Sciences, 10(3/4): 159–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/0743-9547(94)90016-7
    Chesley, J. T., Leier, A. L., White, S., et al., 2017. Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Structure-from-Motion Photogrammetry to Characterize Sedimentary outcrops: An Example from the Morrison Formation, Utah, USA. Sedimentary Geology, 354: 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2017.03.013
    Colomina, I., Molina, P., 2014. Unmanned Aerial Systems for Photogrammetry and Remote sensing: A Review. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 92: 79–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2014.02.013
    Cross, N. E., Cunningham, A., Cook, R. J., et al., 2009. Three-Dimensional Seismic Geomorphology of a Deep-Water Slope-Channel system: The Sequoia Field, Offshore West Nile Delta, Egypt. AAPG Bulletin, 93(8): 1063–1086. https://doi.org/10.1306/05040908101
    Dai, J. X., Ni, Y. Y., Wu, X. Q., 2012. Tight Gas in China and Its Significance in Exploration and Exploitation. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 39(3): 277–284. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(12)60043-3
    Du, J. H., He, H. Q., Yang, T., et al., 2014. Progress in China's Tight Oil Exploration and Challenges. China Petroleum Exploration, 19(1): 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2014.01.001 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Duan, W. S., 2021. Exploration potential and favorable direction of tight gas in Middle Jurassic Xiashaximiao Formation in Sichuan Basin. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, 43(3): 424–431 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Fabuel-Perez, I., Hodgetts, D., Redfern, J., 2009. A New Approach for Outcrop Characterization and Geostatistical Analysis of a Low-Sinuosity Fluvial-Dominated Succession Using Digital Outcrop models: Upper Triassic Oukaimeden Sandstone Formation, Central High Atlas, Morocco. AAPG Bulletin, 93(6): 795–827. https://doi.org/10.1306/02230908102
    Fan, Y., 2022. Progress and Development Direction for Key Well Engineering Technology in Tight Sandstone in Shaximiao Famation, Sichuan Basin. Drilling and Production Technology, 45(6): 48–52 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Fang, R., Jiang, Y. Q., Chen Q., 2023. Sedimentary Characteristics of Jurassic Shaximiao Formation in Wubaochang Area, Northeastern Sichuan Basin. Lithologic Reservoirs, 35(2): 47–58 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Hayat, S., Yanmaz, E., Muzaffar, R., 2016. Survey on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Networks for Civil Applications: A Communications Viewpoint. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 18(4): 2624–2661. https://doi.org/10.1109/COMST.2016.2560343
    Huang, D., Li, Y. C., Liu, M., et al., 2017. Reservoir Features and Exploration Potential of the 1st Member of Shaximiao Formation of Middle Jurassic in Central Sichuan Basin. China Petroleum Exploration, 22(2): 44–49. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2017.02.005 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Ji, Y. L., Wu, S. H., Zhou, Y., et al., 2013. Radiational Bedding in Sandstone and Analysis of Its Origin in Dongyangshugou Section of Luanping, Hebei Province. Journal of Palaeogeography, 15(1): 43–48 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Jia, A. L., Guo, J. L., He, D. B., 2007. Perspective of Development in Detailed Reservoir Description. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 34(6): 691–695. https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:1000-0747.2007.06.010 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Jia, C. Z., Zou, C. N., Li, J. Z., et al., 2012. Assessment Criteria, Main Types, Basic Features and Resource Prospects of the Tight Oil in China. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 33(3): 343–350. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1673-8926.2011.04.005 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Jin, Z. K., Yang, Y. X., Shang, J. L., et al., 2014. Sandbody Architecture and Quantitative Parameters of Single Channel Sandbodies of Braided River: Cases from Outcrops of Braided River in Fukang, Liulin and Yanan Areas. Natural Gas Geoscience, 25(3): 311–317 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Liang, B., Liu, Y. G., Shao, Y. L., et al., 2022.3D Quantitative Characterization of Fractures and Cavities in Digital Outcrop Texture Model Based on Lidar. Energies, 15(5): 1627. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051627
    Liang, D. G., Ran, L. H., Dai, D. S., et al., 2011. A re-Recognition of the Prospecting Potential of Jurassic Large-Area and Non-Conventional Oils in the Central-Northern Sichuan Basin. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 32(1): 8–17. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1002-302x.2010.01.008 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Lin, C. Y., Sun, T. B., Dong, C. M., et al., 2013. Fine Characterization of Remaining Oil Based on a Single Sand Body in the High Water Cut Period. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 34(6): 1131–1136. https://doi.org/10.7623/syxb201306012 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Liu, B. J., Xie, J., Zhang, J. L., 2004. Present Situation and Advance of Remaining Oil Research Technology in China. Northwestern Geology, 37(4): 1–6 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Liu, J. L., Yin, W., Ji, Y. L., et al., 2018. Sequence Architecture and Sedimentary Characteristics of a Middle Jurassic Incised Valley, Western Sichuan Depression, China. Petroleum Science, 15(2): 230–251. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12182-017-0211-0
    Ma, X. H., Zheng, D. W., Shen, R. C., et al., 2018. Key Technologies and Practice for Gas Field Storage Facility Construction of Complex Geological Conditions in China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 45(3): 507–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(18)30056-9
    Ma, Y. S., Cai, X. Y., Zhao, P. R., 2018. China's Shale Gas Exploration and Development: Understanding and Practice. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 45(4): 589–603. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(18)30065-X
    Marques, A., Horota, R. K., de Souza, E. M., et al., 2020. Virtual and Digital Outcrops in the Petroleum industry: A Systematic Review. Earth-Science Reviews, 208: 103260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2020.103260
    Moore, A. J., Upchurch, P., Barrett, P., 2020. Osteology of Klamelisaurus Gobiensis (Dinosauria, Eusauropoda) and the Evolutionary History of Middle–Late Jurassic Chinese Sauropods. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, 18(16): 1299–1393. https://doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2020.1759706
    Nesbit, P. R., Hubbard, S. M., Daniels, B. G., et al., 2021. Digital re-Evaluation of Down-Dip Channel-Fill Architecture in Deep-Water Slope Deposits: Multi-Scale Perspectives from UAV-SfM. The Depositional Record, 7(3): 480–499. https://doi.org/10.1002/dep2.137
    Nieminski, N. M., Graham, S. A., 2017. Modeling Stratigraphic Architecture Using Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Photogrammetry: Examples from the Miocene East Coast Basin, New Zealand. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 87(2): 126–132. https://doi.org/10.2110/jsr.2017.5
    Osman, M., Abdullatif, O., Al-Farhan, M., 2017. Workflow of Integration of Digital Outcrop Modeling and Sedimentology of the Early Triassic Upper Khartam Member of Khuff Formation, Central Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 10(14): 297. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-017-3082-1
    Pickel, A., Frechette, J. D., Comunian, A., et al., 2015. Building a Training Image with Digital Outcrop Models. Journal of Hydrology, 531: 53–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2015.08.049
    Qiu, Y. N., Chen, Z. Q., Ju, J., et al., 1983. Discussion on the Development-Geological Classification of Oil Reservoirs in China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 10(5): 35–48 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Sahoo, H., Gani, N. D., 2015. Creating Three-Dimensional Channel Bodies in LiDAR-Integrated Outcrop characterization: A New Approach for Improved Stratigraphic Analysis. Geosphere, 11(3): 777–785. https://doi.org/10.1130/GES01075.1
    Szarawarska, E., Huuse, M., Hurst, A., et al., 2010. Three-Dimensional Seismic Characterisation of Large-Scale Sandstone Intrusions in the Lower Palaeogene of the North Sea: completely Injected vs. in situ Remobilised Sandbodies. Basin Research, 22(4): 517–532. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2117.2010.00469.x
    Wang, C. S., Dai, J. G., Zhao, X. X., et al., 2014. Outward-Growth of the Tibetan Plateau during the Cenozoic: A Review. Tectonophysics, 621: 1–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2014.01.036
    Wang, Z. C., Zou, C. N., Tao, S. Z., et al., 2004. Analysis on Tectonic Evolution and Exploration Potential in Dabashan Foreland Basin. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 25(6): 23–28 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Wen, H. G., Zheng, R. C., Ye, T. R., et al., 2005. High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy of the Lowershaximiao Formation in the Foreland Basin of micang-Daba Mountain. Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology, 25(1): 83–90. https://doi.org/10.19719/j.cnki.1001-6872.2005.01.016 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Wu, C. Y., Liu, B. J., Wang, D. F., et al., 1981. Patterns of Sedimentary Facies of Clastics in China. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2(4): 1–10 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Wu, S. H., Yue, D. L., Liu, J. M., et al., 2008. Study on Hierarchical Modeling of Reservoir Configuration of Underground Ancient River Channel. Science in China Series D, 38(S1): 111–121 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Xia, W. J., Li, X. H., Yi, Z. Q., 1984. The Burial Environment of Dinosaur Fauna in Lower Shaximiao Formation of Middle Jurassic at Dashanpu, Zigong, Sichuan. Journal of Chengdu University of Technology (Science & Technology Edition), 11(S2): 46–59, 68–69 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Yan, Y. M., Liang, Y. T., Zhang, H. R., et al., 2019. A Two-Stage Optimization Method for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Inspection of an Oil and Gas Pipeline Network. Petroleum Science, 16(2): 458–468. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12182-019-0305-y
    Yang, X. F., Wang, X. Z., Zhang, S. N., et al., 2014. Sedimentary Characteristic and Oilsands Prediction in the Upper Shaximiao Formation, Houba Area, Northwestern Sichuan Basin. Geological Science and Technology Information, 33(3): 112–117 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Yang, X. P., Zhao, W. Z., Zou, C. N., et al., 2007. Origin of Low-Permeability Reservoir and Distribution of Favorable Reservoir. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 28(4): 57–61. https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:0253-2697.2007.04.011 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Yin, S. L., Chen, G. Y., Liu, Z. L., et al., 2018. 3D Digital Outcrop Characterization Technology Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Oblique Photography. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 36(1): 72–80. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1000-0550.2018.009 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Yin, T. J., Zhang, C. M., Zhao, H. J., et al., 2001. Remaining Oil Distribution Prediction Based on High-Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 28(4): 79–82 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Yu, H. Y., Liu, J. L., Hao, Y. Q., et al., 2019. Sand-Body Distribution and Superposed Patterns of Alluvial Deposits in the Middle Jurassic in the Piedmont Zone of the Longmen Mountain Trust Belt. Geological Journal of China Universities, 25(3): 389–400. https://doi.org/10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2018099 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Yu, X. H., Wang, D. F., Zheng, J. M., et al., 1994.3-D Extension Models of Braided Deltaicsandbody in Terrestrial Facies: an Observation on Deposition of Modern Deltas in Daihai Lake, Inner Mongolia. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 15(1): 26–37 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Yue, D. L., Li, W., Wang, W. R., et al., 2019. Analyzing the Architecture of Point Bar of Meandering Fluvial River Using Ground Penetration radar: A Case Study from Hulun Lake Depression, China. Interpretation, 7(2): T437–T454. https://doi.org/10.1190/INT-2018-0144.1
    Zeng, H. L., Zhu, X. M., Zhu, R. K., et al., 2012. Guidelines for Seismic Sedimentologic Study in Non-Marine Postrift Basins. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 39(3): 295–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(12)60045-7
    Zhang, L. F., Pan, M., Li, Z. L., 2020. 3D Modeling of Deepwater Turbidite Lobes: A Review of the Research Status and Progress. Petroleum Science, 17(2): 317–333. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12182-019-00415-y
    Zhang, X. J., Wu, D., Fu, M. Y., et al., 2022. Controls of Sandstone Architecture on Hydrocarbon Accumulation in a Shallow-Water Delta from the Jurassic Shaximiao Formation of the Western Sichuan Basin in China. Energy Reports, 8: 6068–6085. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.04.001
    Zhao, W. Z., He, D. F., Chi, Y. L., et al., 2001. Major Characteristics and Exploration Technology of multi-Source Petroleum Systems in China. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 22(1): 6–13 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Zou, C. N., Zhang, G. Y., Tao, S. Z., et al., 2010. Geological Features, Major Discoveries and Unconventional Petroleum Geology in the Global Petroleum Exploration. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 37(2): 129–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(10)60021-3
  • 加载中

Catalog

    通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com
    • 1. 

      沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院 沈阳 110142

    1. 本站搜索
    2. 百度学术搜索
    3. 万方数据库搜索
    4. CNKI搜索

    Figures(13)  / Tables(1)

    Article Metrics

    Article views(89) PDF downloads(4) Cited by()
    Proportional views
    Related

    /

    DownLoad:  Full-Size Img  PowerPoint
    Return
    Return