Quantitative analysis of the Mesozoic abnormal low pressure in Ordos Basin

Abstract

Abnormally low pressure is characteristic of the Mesozoic reservoirs in the Ordos Basin. Based on the study of low pressure distribution, the formation mechanisms of abnormally low pressure were quantitatively analyzed from several aspects, such as tectonic uplift, stratum temperature decrease and dissolution-increased porosity. The Mesozoic reservoir pressure experienced two major evolutionary stages: the pressure rising to maximum pressure stage from the Late Triassic to the Early Cretaceous, the pressure decreasing to abnormally low pressure stage from the end of Early Cretaceous to now. Since the late Early Cretaceous, porosity rebound caused by tectonic uplift, stratum temperature decrease and dissolution caused pressure decrease of up to 20–25 MPa, the decrease ratio is about 54%-77%. The three factors are the main reason for the pressure decrease of the Mesozoic in the Ordos Basin, and among them stratum temperature decrease is the most important factor. Combined with other factors, they made the formation pressure reduced gradually and eventually formed the abnormally low pressure distribution pattern of 10–18 MPa. Key words: abnormally low pressure, tectonic uplift, stratum temperature decrease, dissolution, Yanchang Formation, Mesozoic, Ordos Basin