Coupled Saline Lacustrine OM Enrichment Difference Response to the Sedimentary Environment: Evidence from Elements, Sedimentary Biomarkers and Isotopes

Biao Sun; Xiaoping Liu; Xiaoguang Li; Murray Gingras; Yongcheng Chen; Chang Chen; Tian Liu; Yu Yuan; Wendi Peng; Zuxian Hua

doi:10.1007/s12583-024-0112-2

Volume 37 Issue 3

Jun 2026

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Journal of Earth Science > 2026 > 37(3): 1269-1284.

Biao Sun, Xiaoping Liu, Xiaoguang Li, Murray Gingras, Yongcheng Chen, Chang Chen, Tian Liu, Yu Yuan, Wendi Peng, Zuxian Hua. Coupled Saline Lacustrine OM Enrichment Difference Response to the Sedimentary Environment: Evidence from Elements, Sedimentary Biomarkers and Isotopes. Journal of Earth Science, 2026, 37(3): 1269-1284. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0112-2

Citation:

Biao Sun, Xiaoping Liu, Xiaoguang Li, Murray Gingras, Yongcheng Chen, Chang Chen, Tian Liu, Yu Yuan, Wendi Peng, Zuxian Hua. Coupled Saline Lacustrine OM Enrichment Difference Response to the Sedimentary Environment: Evidence from Elements, Sedimentary Biomarkers and Isotopes. Journal of Earth Science, 2026, 37(3): 1269-1284. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0112-2

Citation:

Biao Sun, Xiaoping Liu, Xiaoguang Li, Murray Gingras, Yongcheng Chen, Chang Chen, Tian Liu, Yu Yuan, Wendi Peng, Zuxian Hua. Coupled Saline Lacustrine OM Enrichment Difference Response to the Sedimentary Environment: Evidence from Elements, Sedimentary Biomarkers and Isotopes. Journal of Earth Science, 2026, 37(3): 1269-1284. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0112-2

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Coupled Saline Lacustrine OM Enrichment Difference Response to the Sedimentary Environment: Evidence from Elements, Sedimentary Biomarkers and Isotopes

doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0112-2

Biao Sun^{1, 2, 3
,},
Xiaoping Liu^{1, 2
,
,
,},
Xiaoguang Li⁴,
Murray Gingras³,
Yongcheng Chen⁴,
Chang Chen⁴,
Tian Liu^{1, 2},
Yu Yuan^{1, 2},
Wendi Peng^{1, 2},
Zuxian Hua^{1, 2}

1.
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
2.
College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
3.
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E3, Canada
4.
Research Institute of Exploration and Development, Liaohe Oilfield Company, PetroChina, Panjin 124010, China

More Information

Corresponding author: Xiaoping Liu, liuxiaoping@cup.edu.cn
Received Date: 15 Jun 2024
Accepted Date: 08 Nov 2024

Available Online: 10 Jun 2026

Issue Publish Date: 30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Abstract

The unique sedimentary environments and subsequent diagenetic transformations in continental saline lake basins markedly shape the varied nature and characteristics of saline lacustrine shales, thereby ultimately affecting how lacustrine organic matter (OM) accumulates. However, what chiefly governs OM enrichment in such settings is still not fully understood. This research focuses on the Damintun sag as a prime research example, utilizing an extensive array of methods like total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, X-ray diffraction, pyrolysis, trace element analysis, and isotopic studies on shales from the Paleogene period. The objective was to shed light on the variability in OM concentration and its ties to the paleoenvironment. Findings reveal that the Es₄ shale lithofacies largely consist of mixed and siliceous shales, exhibiting significant OM accumulation, where TOC content varies between 0.17% and 7.27%. Notably, TOC distribution reveals a significant vertical heterogeneity across different sequences. The level of OM enrichment within the saline lake basin is primarily determined by paleoclimate, paleosalinity, paleooxidation, and paleoproductivity. Among these critical factors, the primary considerations with regard to influencers of organic material enrichment are productivity and paleosalinity. Conditions conducive to organic matter enrichment include low salinity, anoxic environments, and suitable nutrient inputs. Furthermore, the depositional environment can have a strong impact on the determination of what type of organic matter accumulates. To illustrate, biomarker analysis tends to suggest that humid freshwater lakes are more welcoming to organic matter derived from higher terrestrial plants, whereas dry and saline lakes predominantly accumulate plankton, such as algae. Finally, this study establishes an OM enrichment model which effectively outlines the various stages of organic matter evolution and enrichment that occur within the saline lake basin. This model integrates the consideration of various primary factors, including paleoclimate shifts, sedimentary dynamics, and organic matter preservation mechanisms, offering valuable insights into the complex processes governing OM distribution and enrichment within similarly structured geological settings.
- saline lacustrine,
- organic-matter enrichment model,
- sedimentary environment,
- difference response,
- shale,
- geochemistry

Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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References(53)

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Coupled Saline Lacustrine OM Enrichment Difference Response to the Sedimentary Environment: Evidence from Elements, Sedimentary Biomarkers and Isotopes

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