Distribution of hydrocarbon traps in volcanic rocks and optimization for selecting exploration prospects and targets in Junggar Basin: Case study in Ludong-Wucaiwan area, NW China

Abstract

Based on petrophysical, magnetic, gravity, electric, seismic and drilling data, combined with geological regularities, this paper proposed an integrated approach for the distribution prediction and lithology recognition of volcanic rocks, as well as the exploration prospect and target optimization of hydrocarbon deposits. The exploration technology was improved in the application to exploration in the Ludong-Wucaiwan area in Junggar Basin. Some important viewpoints are concluded as follows: aeromagnetic anomaly gradient belts correspond to volcanic faults, faults control the distribution of volcanic rocks and accordingly their local structures, aeromagnetic anomaly gradient belts correspond to highly-developed fracture zones and are prospective areas for volcanic reservoirs. The proposed integrated approach is proven effective by the exploration drilling results with high-flow gas wells. Key words: Junggar Basin, volcanic rock, gas deposit, aeromagnetic survey, seismic exploration, gravity survey, time domain electromagnetic survey