2017 Vol. 35, No. 5
Display Method:
2017, 35(5): 863-876.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.001
Abstract:
Wind is an important geological agent as a form of the activity of atmospheric current field. It plays an important role in controlling the distribution of depositional systems. Wind has not only the ability of erosion, transportation and deposition developing the eolian systems, it can also transfer its energy and momentum to water creating waves and wind-driven flow developing unique depostional systems. In this paper, the clastic and carbonate depositional systems influenced by wind field are classified on the basis of direct wind impacts and indirect impacts on sediments:Leeward System, wind system and crosswind system. The introduction of the concept of wind field provides a new perspective for explaining the sedimentary formation (including oil and gas reservoir) and distribution as well as predicting sedimentary systems. It also helps improve the paleo-wind-field and paleoclimate reconstruction.
Wind is an important geological agent as a form of the activity of atmospheric current field. It plays an important role in controlling the distribution of depositional systems. Wind has not only the ability of erosion, transportation and deposition developing the eolian systems, it can also transfer its energy and momentum to water creating waves and wind-driven flow developing unique depostional systems. In this paper, the clastic and carbonate depositional systems influenced by wind field are classified on the basis of direct wind impacts and indirect impacts on sediments:Leeward System, wind system and crosswind system. The introduction of the concept of wind field provides a new perspective for explaining the sedimentary formation (including oil and gas reservoir) and distribution as well as predicting sedimentary systems. It also helps improve the paleo-wind-field and paleoclimate reconstruction.
2017, 35(5): 877-887.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.002
Abstract:
Sedimentary basin, a huge and important treasury of resources, comprises significant information of global climate change, fluid flow, geodynamics, and so forth. The requirements of mineral products and water resources for economic construction have speeded the development of sedimentary basin analysis. With years of systematic exploration towards sedimentary basin, a series of significant progresses and breakthroughs have been achieved in various aspects, which involve the formation and evolution mechanism of sedimentary basin, basin fillings, basin fluids, accumulation of the related resources, and so on. Subsequently, a new discipline termed as sedimentary basin geodynamics come into being. For the past few years, Chinese scholars have made outstanding achievements and progresses in many aspects, such as the dynamics processes of large superimposed basins and continental margin basins, continental sequence stratigraphy, deep-water sedimentation, and source-to-sink system, and so on. These researches not only serve various resource explorations comprising energy sources, mineral products, water resources, but also provide abundant information and detailed evidence for the researches on earth geodynamics, significant tectonic events, and global climate and environment changes.
Sedimentary basin, a huge and important treasury of resources, comprises significant information of global climate change, fluid flow, geodynamics, and so forth. The requirements of mineral products and water resources for economic construction have speeded the development of sedimentary basin analysis. With years of systematic exploration towards sedimentary basin, a series of significant progresses and breakthroughs have been achieved in various aspects, which involve the formation and evolution mechanism of sedimentary basin, basin fillings, basin fluids, accumulation of the related resources, and so on. Subsequently, a new discipline termed as sedimentary basin geodynamics come into being. For the past few years, Chinese scholars have made outstanding achievements and progresses in many aspects, such as the dynamics processes of large superimposed basins and continental margin basins, continental sequence stratigraphy, deep-water sedimentation, and source-to-sink system, and so on. These researches not only serve various resource explorations comprising energy sources, mineral products, water resources, but also provide abundant information and detailed evidence for the researches on earth geodynamics, significant tectonic events, and global climate and environment changes.
2017, 35(5): 888-901.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.003
Abstract:
Paleogeography focuses on research and reconstruction of natural geography of the earth's surface through the geological history. International paleogeography research is mainly conducted under the guidance of the theory of plate tectonics, supported by the methods of paleomagnetic, geochemistry and paleontology, thus to recovery the plate location, determine the plate boundary, draw the distribution of ocean and land in ancient times, and rebuild paleogeographic pattern at different scales, and so on. Domestic paleogeography research places a heavy emphasis on lithofacies-palaeogeographic research and mapping at different scales by combination of data of paleo-environments and sedimentary composition. This work is mainly done for the purpose of resource survey services. Details and mechanism of critical paleogeographic changes in the Phanerozoic era is the key scientific issues in fields of present Chinese paleogeographic study. The examples include paleogeographic changes associated with major mass extinction events; the effect of collision of Yangtze plate and north China plate in the late Middle Triassic on the paleogeographic pattern; mechanism and process of Chinese terrain transition from higher in the east and lower in the west to higher in the west and lower in the east since the Cretaceous. A kind of inevitable trending of paleogeography research is to develop sequence lithofacies-palaeogeography at various time-space scales with further improved isochronism and serviceability aiming at different research goals. Driven by resources exploration of new deposits (such as unconventional hydrocarbons and sandstone-type ore deposits, etc.), mapping and methods of lithofacies palaeogeography which employing "environment + mineral" composition is becoming a hot spot.
Paleogeography focuses on research and reconstruction of natural geography of the earth's surface through the geological history. International paleogeography research is mainly conducted under the guidance of the theory of plate tectonics, supported by the methods of paleomagnetic, geochemistry and paleontology, thus to recovery the plate location, determine the plate boundary, draw the distribution of ocean and land in ancient times, and rebuild paleogeographic pattern at different scales, and so on. Domestic paleogeography research places a heavy emphasis on lithofacies-palaeogeographic research and mapping at different scales by combination of data of paleo-environments and sedimentary composition. This work is mainly done for the purpose of resource survey services. Details and mechanism of critical paleogeographic changes in the Phanerozoic era is the key scientific issues in fields of present Chinese paleogeographic study. The examples include paleogeographic changes associated with major mass extinction events; the effect of collision of Yangtze plate and north China plate in the late Middle Triassic on the paleogeographic pattern; mechanism and process of Chinese terrain transition from higher in the east and lower in the west to higher in the west and lower in the east since the Cretaceous. A kind of inevitable trending of paleogeography research is to develop sequence lithofacies-palaeogeography at various time-space scales with further improved isochronism and serviceability aiming at different research goals. Driven by resources exploration of new deposits (such as unconventional hydrocarbons and sandstone-type ore deposits, etc.), mapping and methods of lithofacies palaeogeography which employing "environment + mineral" composition is becoming a hot spot.
2017, 35(5): 902-917.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.004
Abstract:
During the Ediacaran-Cambrian (E-C) transition period, the margin of Upper Yangtze block distinctly presented a platform-shelf pattern, and the continental shelf was developed in Guangyuan-Mianyang-Moxi,Chengkou, Ebian, Laochangping in Pengshui and Bijie.The shelf was nearly North-South distribution with trumpet-like, opening to the edge of the open sea. Among them, the Guangyuan-Mianyang-Moxiis the largest, of which length is about 200 km, the widest place is greater than 100 km and the narrowest place 30 km,area of about 54 000 km2. Since the SinianDoushantuo Formation to Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation, from the initial appearance to the final demise, the continental shelf has experienced about 110 Ma. Carbonate sediments was developed on platform, dark phosphorus-bearing chert, siliceous dolomite, clipping with phosphate rock band (Well Zi 4), were developed on deep shelf facies of Maidiping Formation, Qiongzhusian Formation and Canglangpu Fomration, and carbonate granules was developed on the outer ring shelf. The intensively distributed magmatic rocks along the line of Longmenshan to Micangshanare about 800-760 Ma and Hf isotope values indicate the trigeminal rift develops in the western and northern margins of the Upper Yangtze with the breakup of Rodinia. The northeastern rift valley along boundary of the Songpan Ganzi block and the Yangtze block, and the crack depth has reached the upper mantle (intracontinental rift), the oceanic rift valley toward the northwest may be extend into the ancient Qilian sea along Danba,Xiaojin-Jinchuan. Along the Mianyang-Guangyuan, AnkangPingli,Leshan-Neijiang-Nvji well into a line, the continental rift which reach into the interior of the Upper Yangtze platform were developed. These continental rifts controlled the differentiation platform-shelf pattern in the western and northern margin of the Upper Yangtze during the E-C transition period. From the breakup of Rodinia continental and the sedimentary pattern of the Upper Yangtze plate margin, the differentiation of the platform-shelf pattern on the continental margin is the paleogeographic effect of the supercontinent breakup.
During the Ediacaran-Cambrian (E-C) transition period, the margin of Upper Yangtze block distinctly presented a platform-shelf pattern, and the continental shelf was developed in Guangyuan-Mianyang-Moxi,Chengkou, Ebian, Laochangping in Pengshui and Bijie.The shelf was nearly North-South distribution with trumpet-like, opening to the edge of the open sea. Among them, the Guangyuan-Mianyang-Moxiis the largest, of which length is about 200 km, the widest place is greater than 100 km and the narrowest place 30 km,area of about 54 000 km2. Since the SinianDoushantuo Formation to Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation, from the initial appearance to the final demise, the continental shelf has experienced about 110 Ma. Carbonate sediments was developed on platform, dark phosphorus-bearing chert, siliceous dolomite, clipping with phosphate rock band (Well Zi 4), were developed on deep shelf facies of Maidiping Formation, Qiongzhusian Formation and Canglangpu Fomration, and carbonate granules was developed on the outer ring shelf. The intensively distributed magmatic rocks along the line of Longmenshan to Micangshanare about 800-760 Ma and Hf isotope values indicate the trigeminal rift develops in the western and northern margins of the Upper Yangtze with the breakup of Rodinia. The northeastern rift valley along boundary of the Songpan Ganzi block and the Yangtze block, and the crack depth has reached the upper mantle (intracontinental rift), the oceanic rift valley toward the northwest may be extend into the ancient Qilian sea along Danba,Xiaojin-Jinchuan. Along the Mianyang-Guangyuan, AnkangPingli,Leshan-Neijiang-Nvji well into a line, the continental rift which reach into the interior of the Upper Yangtze platform were developed. These continental rifts controlled the differentiation platform-shelf pattern in the western and northern margin of the Upper Yangtze during the E-C transition period. From the breakup of Rodinia continental and the sedimentary pattern of the Upper Yangtze plate margin, the differentiation of the platform-shelf pattern on the continental margin is the paleogeographic effect of the supercontinent breakup.
2017, 35(5): 918-925.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.005
Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to discuss and review the methodology of sedimentary record studies adopted in stratigraphy and sedimentology and to propose new research directions. Sedimentary records are the major data source for the study on earth's history, which are dealt with by stratigraphy and sedimentology, using macro-temporal scale and high resolution analyses, respectively. However, the information thus obtained is associated mainly with the characteristics of the deposits or the environment in which the deposits were formulated, with little information on the processes and mechanisms for the formation of the records. Here I propose a method of "prospective modeling" to extract the process and mechanism information from the sedimentary record. Classical numerical modeling is a system containing governing equations with the same number of unknowns, with the model output being calibrated against observations. In contrast, prospective modeling depends on a combination of governing equations and working hypotheses. The working hypotheses are evaluated against sedimentary records. As such, once established, the model output reveals the process-mechanism information in the sedimentary records. Prospective modeling may also serve as a potential tool for analyzing the stratigraphic records formed in the geological past.
The purpose of this paper is to discuss and review the methodology of sedimentary record studies adopted in stratigraphy and sedimentology and to propose new research directions. Sedimentary records are the major data source for the study on earth's history, which are dealt with by stratigraphy and sedimentology, using macro-temporal scale and high resolution analyses, respectively. However, the information thus obtained is associated mainly with the characteristics of the deposits or the environment in which the deposits were formulated, with little information on the processes and mechanisms for the formation of the records. Here I propose a method of "prospective modeling" to extract the process and mechanism information from the sedimentary record. Classical numerical modeling is a system containing governing equations with the same number of unknowns, with the model output being calibrated against observations. In contrast, prospective modeling depends on a combination of governing equations and working hypotheses. The working hypotheses are evaluated against sedimentary records. As such, once established, the model output reveals the process-mechanism information in the sedimentary records. Prospective modeling may also serve as a potential tool for analyzing the stratigraphic records formed in the geological past.
2017, 35(5): 926-944.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.006
Abstract:
This paper reviewed recent development in the areas including river pattern classification, channel evolution and transformation, fluvial channel architectural elements distribution, overbank deposition, ephemeral river and distributive fluvial system, fluvial facies models, and new technologies for fluvial sedimentological research. The authors concluded that fluvial sedimentology has witnessed significant improvement in the theory and the methodology since the past two decades. Some geomorphologists, sedimentologists, and engineers recognize a continuum of channel forms rather than only several tens of end members. Channel transitions are controlled by river bed gradient, variations in river discharge, composition of river bank materials, climate, vegetation and tectonic activities along their courses. Vertical profile analysis has great difficulties in differentiating ancient fluvial channel pattern in rock record. Therefore, macro-form geometrical reconstruction based on analysis of architectural element may be the right way to recognize ancestral river pattern and construct fluvial facies model. Overbank deposits record most complete information regarding ancient floods and palaeoenvironmental, palaeoclimatic and palaeontological information of a river. Ephemeral, seasonal, and strong monsoon-affected tropical and sub-tropical rivers have unique sedimentary structures and architectural elements. Distributive fluvial system (DFS) has been received more attentions though it has some doubts. Chinese fluvial sedimentologists need to investigate more modern rivers to observe their geomorphological characteristics and depositional processes, and should refer the quantitative methods of river evolution research and integrate them with sedimentological methods. We should build up the database in fluvial architectural element by using outcrop anatomy, 3D seismic and GPR technology. We should improve our research about overbank and floodplain processes, as well as the depositional regime of rivers in different climate zones. We need to develop new techniques, strengthen research team and laboratory construction, and enhance international exchange and cooperation. The ultimate objective is to make Chinese fluvial sedimentology to provide more strong and effective support for national social and economic development, and to make our own contributions to the development of fluvial sedimentology in the world.
This paper reviewed recent development in the areas including river pattern classification, channel evolution and transformation, fluvial channel architectural elements distribution, overbank deposition, ephemeral river and distributive fluvial system, fluvial facies models, and new technologies for fluvial sedimentological research. The authors concluded that fluvial sedimentology has witnessed significant improvement in the theory and the methodology since the past two decades. Some geomorphologists, sedimentologists, and engineers recognize a continuum of channel forms rather than only several tens of end members. Channel transitions are controlled by river bed gradient, variations in river discharge, composition of river bank materials, climate, vegetation and tectonic activities along their courses. Vertical profile analysis has great difficulties in differentiating ancient fluvial channel pattern in rock record. Therefore, macro-form geometrical reconstruction based on analysis of architectural element may be the right way to recognize ancestral river pattern and construct fluvial facies model. Overbank deposits record most complete information regarding ancient floods and palaeoenvironmental, palaeoclimatic and palaeontological information of a river. Ephemeral, seasonal, and strong monsoon-affected tropical and sub-tropical rivers have unique sedimentary structures and architectural elements. Distributive fluvial system (DFS) has been received more attentions though it has some doubts. Chinese fluvial sedimentologists need to investigate more modern rivers to observe their geomorphological characteristics and depositional processes, and should refer the quantitative methods of river evolution research and integrate them with sedimentological methods. We should build up the database in fluvial architectural element by using outcrop anatomy, 3D seismic and GPR technology. We should improve our research about overbank and floodplain processes, as well as the depositional regime of rivers in different climate zones. We need to develop new techniques, strengthen research team and laboratory construction, and enhance international exchange and cooperation. The ultimate objective is to make Chinese fluvial sedimentology to provide more strong and effective support for national social and economic development, and to make our own contributions to the development of fluvial sedimentology in the world.
2017, 35(5): 945-957.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.007
Abstract:
Since last century nineties, a special marine delta named shelf-edge delta widely developed at the margin of the shelf has been an international interest and new field for petroleum exploration, which is commonly characterized by thick-bedded sand-rich deposits, large-scaled distribution, high porosity and perfect petroleum accumulation conditions associated with marine slope or deep-water fan deposits. The shelf-edge delta is usually developed during the falling stage or low-stand stage of sea-level, influenced by the slope tectonic structures. However, it can also occur during the high-stand stage, comprehensively controlled by sediment supply, accommodation space and climate conditions, and sometimes of wave or tide influence. Previous studies have extensively indicated that the deepwater sedimentation prediction based on shelf-slope clinoform growth model is similar to the shelf edge trajectory migration motif. Steeply rising shelf-edge trajectories and dominantly aggradational stacking patterns are fronted by large-scale mass-transport systems, while, flat to slightly falling shelf-edge trajectories and progradational and downstepping stacking patterns are empirically related to large-scale submarine fan systems associated sand-rich gravity flows. Slightly rising shelf-edge trajectories and progradational and aggradational stacking patterns are associated with mixed sand/mud gravity flows and moderate-scale slope-sand deposits. Abundant examples have been identified that the sand-rich deposits of shelf-edge delta and deep-water fan systems serve a perfect source-reservoir-capping condition, prove to be good petroleum exploration targets. A large-scale and thick-bedded Oligocene shelf-edge delta deposits are observed in the Heshan Depression of Pearl River Mouth basin, northern slope of the South China Sea, in response to the sufficient sediment supply from the ancient Pearl River with a slow tectonic subsidence. Associated with the migration of shelf edge, the sigmoid seismic progradations of shelf-edge delta are significantly seaward prograded. The occurrence of incised valley and large scale submarine fan systems during the late Oligocene times, together with observed seismic reflection geometries suggest the development of flat to slightly falling shelf-edge trajectories and progradational and downstepping stacking patterns in the Heshan Depression. The related thick-bedded submarine fan systems associated sand-rich deposits are important and potential strategic oil and gas exploration targets in the future.
Since last century nineties, a special marine delta named shelf-edge delta widely developed at the margin of the shelf has been an international interest and new field for petroleum exploration, which is commonly characterized by thick-bedded sand-rich deposits, large-scaled distribution, high porosity and perfect petroleum accumulation conditions associated with marine slope or deep-water fan deposits. The shelf-edge delta is usually developed during the falling stage or low-stand stage of sea-level, influenced by the slope tectonic structures. However, it can also occur during the high-stand stage, comprehensively controlled by sediment supply, accommodation space and climate conditions, and sometimes of wave or tide influence. Previous studies have extensively indicated that the deepwater sedimentation prediction based on shelf-slope clinoform growth model is similar to the shelf edge trajectory migration motif. Steeply rising shelf-edge trajectories and dominantly aggradational stacking patterns are fronted by large-scale mass-transport systems, while, flat to slightly falling shelf-edge trajectories and progradational and downstepping stacking patterns are empirically related to large-scale submarine fan systems associated sand-rich gravity flows. Slightly rising shelf-edge trajectories and progradational and aggradational stacking patterns are associated with mixed sand/mud gravity flows and moderate-scale slope-sand deposits. Abundant examples have been identified that the sand-rich deposits of shelf-edge delta and deep-water fan systems serve a perfect source-reservoir-capping condition, prove to be good petroleum exploration targets. A large-scale and thick-bedded Oligocene shelf-edge delta deposits are observed in the Heshan Depression of Pearl River Mouth basin, northern slope of the South China Sea, in response to the sufficient sediment supply from the ancient Pearl River with a slow tectonic subsidence. Associated with the migration of shelf edge, the sigmoid seismic progradations of shelf-edge delta are significantly seaward prograded. The occurrence of incised valley and large scale submarine fan systems during the late Oligocene times, together with observed seismic reflection geometries suggest the development of flat to slightly falling shelf-edge trajectories and progradational and downstepping stacking patterns in the Heshan Depression. The related thick-bedded submarine fan systems associated sand-rich deposits are important and potential strategic oil and gas exploration targets in the future.
2017, 35(5): 958-967.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.008
Abstract:
The new concept of "Anthropocene" attracts wide concern among geologists and sociologists; however, there are still a lot of controversies with regard to the time span of the Anthropocene. Based upon previous research results, we proposed a new partitioning method for Anthropocene. Anthropocene is a geological epoch dominated by anthropogenic activities. In order to study the ecological history and environmental evolution during the Anthropocene, we need high-resolution and widely-distributed sediments which have good temporal series and close relationship with biological activities. Using ornithogenic sediments as a new carrier of ecoenvironmental records and a multidisciplinary approach, we have successfully studied the main issues of ecology, climate and environment in the Antarctica. The ecogeology of ice-free areas of Antarctica is the multidisciplinary cross science between sedimentology, geochemistry, archaeology, and ecology, it is an important part of Anthropocene ecogeology, its theories and methods have been successfully applied in the Arctic and South China Sea, and it should be extended as the great platform of global sedimentology to open up a new area. In this paper, we discuss in detail the research methods and applications of Anthropocene ecogeology. These methods are important for understanding the changes of climate, environment and ecology and their relationship with human activities during the Anthropocene.
The new concept of "Anthropocene" attracts wide concern among geologists and sociologists; however, there are still a lot of controversies with regard to the time span of the Anthropocene. Based upon previous research results, we proposed a new partitioning method for Anthropocene. Anthropocene is a geological epoch dominated by anthropogenic activities. In order to study the ecological history and environmental evolution during the Anthropocene, we need high-resolution and widely-distributed sediments which have good temporal series and close relationship with biological activities. Using ornithogenic sediments as a new carrier of ecoenvironmental records and a multidisciplinary approach, we have successfully studied the main issues of ecology, climate and environment in the Antarctica. The ecogeology of ice-free areas of Antarctica is the multidisciplinary cross science between sedimentology, geochemistry, archaeology, and ecology, it is an important part of Anthropocene ecogeology, its theories and methods have been successfully applied in the Arctic and South China Sea, and it should be extended as the great platform of global sedimentology to open up a new area. In this paper, we discuss in detail the research methods and applications of Anthropocene ecogeology. These methods are important for understanding the changes of climate, environment and ecology and their relationship with human activities during the Anthropocene.
2017, 35(5): 968-980.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.009
Abstract:
The significant achievements and potential new research breakthrough in future of organic geochemistry during the last five years are briefly reviewed. Important progress has been achieved on the property and structure of the sedimentary organic matter. The geochemical process involved by the organic matter has been investigated qualitatively due to the technique progress on the molecular and molecular isotopes. The environmental and controlling factors on the formation of hydrocarbon source rocks have been deciphered, however, the sedimentary records to support the deduction of the formation mechanism of hydrocarbon source rocks have not been found. The bio-organic geochemistry contributed to the quantitative reconstruction of environmental and paleoecological issues. New progress will be achieved on the study of the intermediate type of organic matter and quantitative reconstruction of oil and gas reservoir forming process. Introduction of new techniques in new components and isotopes will further improve investigations of organic geochemistry.
The significant achievements and potential new research breakthrough in future of organic geochemistry during the last five years are briefly reviewed. Important progress has been achieved on the property and structure of the sedimentary organic matter. The geochemical process involved by the organic matter has been investigated qualitatively due to the technique progress on the molecular and molecular isotopes. The environmental and controlling factors on the formation of hydrocarbon source rocks have been deciphered, however, the sedimentary records to support the deduction of the formation mechanism of hydrocarbon source rocks have not been found. The bio-organic geochemistry contributed to the quantitative reconstruction of environmental and paleoecological issues. New progress will be achieved on the study of the intermediate type of organic matter and quantitative reconstruction of oil and gas reservoir forming process. Introduction of new techniques in new components and isotopes will further improve investigations of organic geochemistry.
2017, 35(5): 981-993.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.010
Abstract:
During the Period of Pangea in the Carboniferous-Triassic time, there occurred the Earth's last climate transition from icehouse to greenhouse state, which provides an unique deeptime window to understand the climate impact of deglaciation and global warming in the near future. Studies on the sedimentary records of this period revealed that glaciation, atmosphere CO2 concentration and climate have complicated coupling and feedback mechanisms along with floral replacement on lands and faunal migration in oceans. Low-latitude continents became drying with seasonal precipitation corresponding with Gondwana deglaciation, atmosphere pCO2 rising and temperature increase especially in the west tropical Pangea and monsoon climate came into its acme during the Triassic when the landmass of Pangea symmetrically spreading across the equator. Both North China and South China were island land blocks in the low-latitude eastern Tethys region during the Carboniferous-Triassic era. There developed sedimentary and biological records quite different from the counterparts in the western tropical Pangea, achieving critical information for deeptime climate changes. In this contribution, we briefly review the Carboniferous-Triassic paleoclimate evolution and then discuss the related sedimentary records of North China and South China, pointing out several potential study topics for future deeptime paleoclimate research in China.
During the Period of Pangea in the Carboniferous-Triassic time, there occurred the Earth's last climate transition from icehouse to greenhouse state, which provides an unique deeptime window to understand the climate impact of deglaciation and global warming in the near future. Studies on the sedimentary records of this period revealed that glaciation, atmosphere CO2 concentration and climate have complicated coupling and feedback mechanisms along with floral replacement on lands and faunal migration in oceans. Low-latitude continents became drying with seasonal precipitation corresponding with Gondwana deglaciation, atmosphere pCO2 rising and temperature increase especially in the west tropical Pangea and monsoon climate came into its acme during the Triassic when the landmass of Pangea symmetrically spreading across the equator. Both North China and South China were island land blocks in the low-latitude eastern Tethys region during the Carboniferous-Triassic era. There developed sedimentary and biological records quite different from the counterparts in the western tropical Pangea, achieving critical information for deeptime climate changes. In this contribution, we briefly review the Carboniferous-Triassic paleoclimate evolution and then discuss the related sedimentary records of North China and South China, pointing out several potential study topics for future deeptime paleoclimate research in China.
2017, 35(5): 994-1003.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.011
Abstract:
Based on data from ISI Web of Science database, we investigated the research topics in deep-time research since 1900. By analyzing the number of research articles, countries of authors, the themes and authors countries of Top 5% highly cited papers, we try to reveal the research focus and the international influence of Chinese scholars in the deep-time paleoclimate research filed. Our data shows that deep-time research has keep growing rapidly since 1990. The deep-time research mainly focuses on the paleoceanographic events, mass extinctions and their relationship to palaeoclimate, the palaeoclimate change (temperature, pCO2, etc.); Although the sum of research papers is concerned, China has become one of important contributors to deep-time climate research. However, the proportion of Chinese highly influential research is still very low.
Based on data from ISI Web of Science database, we investigated the research topics in deep-time research since 1900. By analyzing the number of research articles, countries of authors, the themes and authors countries of Top 5% highly cited papers, we try to reveal the research focus and the international influence of Chinese scholars in the deep-time paleoclimate research filed. Our data shows that deep-time research has keep growing rapidly since 1990. The deep-time research mainly focuses on the paleoceanographic events, mass extinctions and their relationship to palaeoclimate, the palaeoclimate change (temperature, pCO2, etc.); Although the sum of research papers is concerned, China has become one of important contributors to deep-time climate research. However, the proportion of Chinese highly influential research is still very low.
2017, 35(5): 1004-1015.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.012
Abstract:
The development of sedimentology depends on industrial exploration of mineral resources such as oil, gas, coal, sandstone type uranium deposit. Energy Sedimentology which becomes an important way for discovering resources and reducing cost is more and more important for resources exploration.
Recently, the development of oil and gas sedimentary reservoir is supported by Energy Sedimentology, which obtained six significance progresses, established six grade measures such as remote sensing, seism and Nano-CT. Energy Sedimentology established new model of craton platform sedimentary reservoir and provided theoretical direction for global ancient hydrocarbon-bearing system. Genetic models of marine and continental facies fine-grained sedimentation were established, regularities of distribution of organic-rich shale were revealed, and important theoretical foundations of source rock evaluation and unconventional oil & gas exploration were provided by energy sedimentology. And discovering micro-nanoscale pore throat system of unconventional tight reservoir, guiding assessment of shale and tight reservoirs, studying coal-bearing stratum and guiding evaluation, revealing uranium mine gathering mechanism in sandstone and guiding evaluation, all these achievements can rely on energy sedimentology.
Source-to-Sink Approach, marine and continental fine-grained sedimentology and ancient small craton carbonate sedimentology will become significant contents in the development of energy sedimentology. Reservoir heterogeneity, characterization of unconventional reservoir and limit of deep-reservoir will be a hotspot in the development of hydrocarbon sedimentology. Sequential deposition and mutualism regular research of different energy storage space, like gas, liquid and solid, are the key direction of resource exploration. Big data and technique innovation of sedimentology will provide new opportunity for energy sedimentology.
The development of sedimentology depends on industrial exploration of mineral resources such as oil, gas, coal, sandstone type uranium deposit. Energy Sedimentology which becomes an important way for discovering resources and reducing cost is more and more important for resources exploration.
Recently, the development of oil and gas sedimentary reservoir is supported by Energy Sedimentology, which obtained six significance progresses, established six grade measures such as remote sensing, seism and Nano-CT. Energy Sedimentology established new model of craton platform sedimentary reservoir and provided theoretical direction for global ancient hydrocarbon-bearing system. Genetic models of marine and continental facies fine-grained sedimentation were established, regularities of distribution of organic-rich shale were revealed, and important theoretical foundations of source rock evaluation and unconventional oil & gas exploration were provided by energy sedimentology. And discovering micro-nanoscale pore throat system of unconventional tight reservoir, guiding assessment of shale and tight reservoirs, studying coal-bearing stratum and guiding evaluation, revealing uranium mine gathering mechanism in sandstone and guiding evaluation, all these achievements can rely on energy sedimentology.
Source-to-Sink Approach, marine and continental fine-grained sedimentology and ancient small craton carbonate sedimentology will become significant contents in the development of energy sedimentology. Reservoir heterogeneity, characterization of unconventional reservoir and limit of deep-reservoir will be a hotspot in the development of hydrocarbon sedimentology. Sequential deposition and mutualism regular research of different energy storage space, like gas, liquid and solid, are the key direction of resource exploration. Big data and technique innovation of sedimentology will provide new opportunity for energy sedimentology.
2017, 35(5): 1016-1031.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.013
Abstract:
Over last three decades, since the theory of sequence stratigraphy was introduced into China, Chinese scholars have made a great progress in coal sedimentology. A number of coal accumulation models has been proposed based on the study of sequence stratigraphy of coal-bearing series, including the episodic coal accumulation, the coal accumulation in transgressive progress, the coal accumulation in transgressive event, and the multi-phase mire stacking model for accumulation of super-thick coals. The synchronous sequence stratigraphic units were combined with the lithofacies paleogeography, which have promoted the reconstruction of paleogeography of different coal-accumulating periods. The coal-rich zones of different coal-accumulating periods were predicted based on analysis of migration of coal-accumulating centers in sequence stratigraphic framework. The study of coal facies and sedimentary organic facies as an important tool in source rock assessment has been focused in the exploration of the coalbed methane and shale gas resources. The concept "coal system" has been proposed to integrate various kinds of information of coal basins, including the original characteristics of peat, the stratigraphic framework of coal-bearing series, abundances of coal seams, and sulfur contents in coal in terms of depositional environments and paleoclimates, and metamorphic degree or ranks of coals. In recent years, coal, as an important archive of geo-information, has been used in the study of the "deep-time" paleoclimates. Inertinite macerals of coal have been used to infer the fire events of the paleo-mires in relation to the paleo-atmospheric oxygen levels. Milankovitch cycles identified in coal seams have been used to time the coal deposition and to estimate the carbon accumulation rates of paleo-mires as well as the global CO2 trends. Future studies of coal sedimentology will be focused on the sequence stratigraphic pattern of different tectonic coal basins, and the prediction model of high-quality coal resources and unconventional gases (coalbed methane and shale gas) in the sequence stratigraphic framework. The further efforts will also be put on the significance of coals in the study of long-term and short-term paleoclimate variation of the earth.
Over last three decades, since the theory of sequence stratigraphy was introduced into China, Chinese scholars have made a great progress in coal sedimentology. A number of coal accumulation models has been proposed based on the study of sequence stratigraphy of coal-bearing series, including the episodic coal accumulation, the coal accumulation in transgressive progress, the coal accumulation in transgressive event, and the multi-phase mire stacking model for accumulation of super-thick coals. The synchronous sequence stratigraphic units were combined with the lithofacies paleogeography, which have promoted the reconstruction of paleogeography of different coal-accumulating periods. The coal-rich zones of different coal-accumulating periods were predicted based on analysis of migration of coal-accumulating centers in sequence stratigraphic framework. The study of coal facies and sedimentary organic facies as an important tool in source rock assessment has been focused in the exploration of the coalbed methane and shale gas resources. The concept "coal system" has been proposed to integrate various kinds of information of coal basins, including the original characteristics of peat, the stratigraphic framework of coal-bearing series, abundances of coal seams, and sulfur contents in coal in terms of depositional environments and paleoclimates, and metamorphic degree or ranks of coals. In recent years, coal, as an important archive of geo-information, has been used in the study of the "deep-time" paleoclimates. Inertinite macerals of coal have been used to infer the fire events of the paleo-mires in relation to the paleo-atmospheric oxygen levels. Milankovitch cycles identified in coal seams have been used to time the coal deposition and to estimate the carbon accumulation rates of paleo-mires as well as the global CO2 trends. Future studies of coal sedimentology will be focused on the sequence stratigraphic pattern of different tectonic coal basins, and the prediction model of high-quality coal resources and unconventional gases (coalbed methane and shale gas) in the sequence stratigraphic framework. The further efforts will also be put on the significance of coals in the study of long-term and short-term paleoclimate variation of the earth.
2017, 35(5): 1032-1043.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.014
Abstract:
Energy sedimentary basins refer to the sedimentary basins which can contain energy mineral deposits as oil, gas, coal and/or uranium. Sedimentation and sedimentary formation are the important factors and material basis influencing the occurrence, accumulation and distribution in a certain basin. The sedimentary energy deposits and the formation consist of the key section of sedimentology. It is discussed that the inner relations of the sedimentary formation and the occurrence, accumulation and distribution of the oil, gas, coal and uranium deposits, and proposed that the coal formation is in the transition, cohesion, and the evolutionary stage of past and future during the basin evolution and spatial distribution. It shows that the material source and origin of the initial coal-forming material of the thick coal seam, and indicates that the source area has important influence on sedimentary formation, oil and gas reservoir and uranium mineralization. Two weak points exist in energy basin's sedimentology field. One is the inclination of emphasizing the advanced technology observation test and ignoring detailed analysis of outcrop area. Another is the need to pay attention to and improving the influence degree of later reformation and the restoration level of the paleo sedimentary features of the original basin. Energy basins sedimentology has broadly extensional field and various frontier scientific problems. Therefore, comprehensive, dynamic, integrated research is needed through putting the sedimentology in the space-time evolution of basin formation and reformation together with the evolution of the earth's environment and biological processes. Partial relative frontier scientific problems are focused in this paper, which are dynamics of sedimentary basins, influence of earth's environment and biological processes to sedimentation and mineralization, organic and inorganic effects on the formation of energy minerals, event sedimentology, deep action and mineralization, spatial distribution of energy minerals and sedimentary environment of lack-rich-extreme rich deposit formation, sedimentary formation and geochronology of sedimentary minerals.
Energy sedimentary basins refer to the sedimentary basins which can contain energy mineral deposits as oil, gas, coal and/or uranium. Sedimentation and sedimentary formation are the important factors and material basis influencing the occurrence, accumulation and distribution in a certain basin. The sedimentary energy deposits and the formation consist of the key section of sedimentology. It is discussed that the inner relations of the sedimentary formation and the occurrence, accumulation and distribution of the oil, gas, coal and uranium deposits, and proposed that the coal formation is in the transition, cohesion, and the evolutionary stage of past and future during the basin evolution and spatial distribution. It shows that the material source and origin of the initial coal-forming material of the thick coal seam, and indicates that the source area has important influence on sedimentary formation, oil and gas reservoir and uranium mineralization. Two weak points exist in energy basin's sedimentology field. One is the inclination of emphasizing the advanced technology observation test and ignoring detailed analysis of outcrop area. Another is the need to pay attention to and improving the influence degree of later reformation and the restoration level of the paleo sedimentary features of the original basin. Energy basins sedimentology has broadly extensional field and various frontier scientific problems. Therefore, comprehensive, dynamic, integrated research is needed through putting the sedimentology in the space-time evolution of basin formation and reformation together with the evolution of the earth's environment and biological processes. Partial relative frontier scientific problems are focused in this paper, which are dynamics of sedimentary basins, influence of earth's environment and biological processes to sedimentation and mineralization, organic and inorganic effects on the formation of energy minerals, event sedimentology, deep action and mineralization, spatial distribution of energy minerals and sedimentary environment of lack-rich-extreme rich deposit formation, sedimentary formation and geochronology of sedimentary minerals.
2017, 35(5): 1044-1053.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.015
Abstract:
With the rapid development of the exploration and development of uranium deposit, especially sandstone-type uranium deposits, the sedimentology of sandstone-type uranium deposit is proposed. The sedimentology of the uranium deposits is a branch of learning to research uranium mineralization, forming environment, characteristics of uranium-bearing rock series, and the enrichment mechanism and distribution of uranium under sedimentary control during the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins. It combines uranium geology, basin analysis and other disciplines, having the obvious interdisciplinary characteristics. The sedimentology of sandstone-type uranium deposits is the most typical representative of uranium deposit sedimentology, it is on the basis of basin analysis and sandstone-type uranium geology, combining sedimentological techniques, make a specific study on sandstone-type uranium deposit formation of material source, diagenesis and the preliminary enrichment of uranium, sediment structure and permeability, depositional system and uranium-bearing rock series analysis, fluid effect and later reformation, sequence stratigraphic and the spatial distribution of uranium, uranium enrichment factor and sedimentation and the ancient climate environment, sedimentation factors and prediction of sandstone type uranium deposits, as well as the management informationization of 3D visual modeling, and so on. In this paper, the representative sandstone type uranium deposits of Yili Basin, Turpan-Hami basin which are in Xinjiang Province and the north of Ordos Basin are taken as an example. We analyze the latest development and cognition of sedimentary uranium deposit study about it from three aspects, including the relationship between the uranium accumulation and sediment formation-evolution process、the relationship between the characteristics of sediments and depositional system analysis and uranium accumulation and the relationship between the sequence stratigraphy and accumulation effect of the uranium. Meanwhile, the development trend of the sedimentology of the uranium deposits is prospected. And we think that "large-scale mineralization" of sandstone uranium and the key geological environment of "exceptional enrichment" of uranium, rock uranium deposit and the spatial distribution of uranium and a variety of applications of high and new analytical techniques will be the focus of future research and development of uranium sedimentology. Because the relationship between the sedimentology of the uranium deposits and human existence is important, and the sedimentology of the uranium deposits is related among many aspects of sedimentary science, it is reasonable to believe that the future of the sedimentology of the uranium deposits may be an independent branch of sedimentology and will be well studied and developed.
With the rapid development of the exploration and development of uranium deposit, especially sandstone-type uranium deposits, the sedimentology of sandstone-type uranium deposit is proposed. The sedimentology of the uranium deposits is a branch of learning to research uranium mineralization, forming environment, characteristics of uranium-bearing rock series, and the enrichment mechanism and distribution of uranium under sedimentary control during the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins. It combines uranium geology, basin analysis and other disciplines, having the obvious interdisciplinary characteristics. The sedimentology of sandstone-type uranium deposits is the most typical representative of uranium deposit sedimentology, it is on the basis of basin analysis and sandstone-type uranium geology, combining sedimentological techniques, make a specific study on sandstone-type uranium deposit formation of material source, diagenesis and the preliminary enrichment of uranium, sediment structure and permeability, depositional system and uranium-bearing rock series analysis, fluid effect and later reformation, sequence stratigraphic and the spatial distribution of uranium, uranium enrichment factor and sedimentation and the ancient climate environment, sedimentation factors and prediction of sandstone type uranium deposits, as well as the management informationization of 3D visual modeling, and so on. In this paper, the representative sandstone type uranium deposits of Yili Basin, Turpan-Hami basin which are in Xinjiang Province and the north of Ordos Basin are taken as an example. We analyze the latest development and cognition of sedimentary uranium deposit study about it from three aspects, including the relationship between the uranium accumulation and sediment formation-evolution process、the relationship between the characteristics of sediments and depositional system analysis and uranium accumulation and the relationship between the sequence stratigraphy and accumulation effect of the uranium. Meanwhile, the development trend of the sedimentology of the uranium deposits is prospected. And we think that "large-scale mineralization" of sandstone uranium and the key geological environment of "exceptional enrichment" of uranium, rock uranium deposit and the spatial distribution of uranium and a variety of applications of high and new analytical techniques will be the focus of future research and development of uranium sedimentology. Because the relationship between the sedimentology of the uranium deposits and human existence is important, and the sedimentology of the uranium deposits is related among many aspects of sedimentary science, it is reasonable to believe that the future of the sedimentology of the uranium deposits may be an independent branch of sedimentology and will be well studied and developed.
2017, 35(5): 1054-1062.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.016
Abstract:
Reviewed the development of the carbonate oil & gas exploration in China, there have three stages:the first stage is in the later 20th century, represented by the Jingbian gas field in Ordos Basin discov ered from karstic carbonate reservoirs at its central palaeouplift, the second stage is in the 2000s, represented by the Puguang gas field of Sichuan Basin discovered from reef-bank reservoir of the platform edge, and the third stage is 2010 up to now represented by intracratonic dolomite reservoirs in Ordos Basin. Three basic types of reservoir hydrodynamic model is the basic driving factors of three carbonate exploration stages:the macro distribution of karst reservoir in the early stage of carbonate exploration is controlled by atmospheric fresh water karstification, the macro distribution of reef-bank reservoir in the second stage is controlled by wave action of the platform edge, and the macro distribution of intracratonic dolomite reservoir is controlled by tidal action of epeiric sea. The ancient hydrogeological system of the atmospheric fresh water model not only plays the role for the karst reservoir in the uplift zone near the unconformity surface, but also in the low structural parts and the carbonate buried away from the unconformity surface linked by fracture. Furthermore, it is worth noting that penecontemporaneous karst caused by the short exposure period is an important exploration direction in the future. Wave controlling platform margin reef-bank model have many structural types, such as "platforms surrounded by a basin", "basins surrounded by a platform" and "platforms cut by basins". Their reservoir macro-distribution is all controlled by wave action, and basically fit the Wilson carbonate platform model, just has different complex shapes. Identification on the deep concealed rift and its peripheral reef facies belt is the key factor for this type of carbonate exploration. Tidal controlling epeiric sea dolomite model guides the intracratonic carbonate exploration. This type of dolomite reservoir occurs broadly in thin interbed sheet, its macro-distribution controlled by the tidal flat progradation wedge and mosaic of tidal flat islands, which is an important new exploration field.
Reviewed the development of the carbonate oil & gas exploration in China, there have three stages:the first stage is in the later 20th century, represented by the Jingbian gas field in Ordos Basin discov ered from karstic carbonate reservoirs at its central palaeouplift, the second stage is in the 2000s, represented by the Puguang gas field of Sichuan Basin discovered from reef-bank reservoir of the platform edge, and the third stage is 2010 up to now represented by intracratonic dolomite reservoirs in Ordos Basin. Three basic types of reservoir hydrodynamic model is the basic driving factors of three carbonate exploration stages:the macro distribution of karst reservoir in the early stage of carbonate exploration is controlled by atmospheric fresh water karstification, the macro distribution of reef-bank reservoir in the second stage is controlled by wave action of the platform edge, and the macro distribution of intracratonic dolomite reservoir is controlled by tidal action of epeiric sea. The ancient hydrogeological system of the atmospheric fresh water model not only plays the role for the karst reservoir in the uplift zone near the unconformity surface, but also in the low structural parts and the carbonate buried away from the unconformity surface linked by fracture. Furthermore, it is worth noting that penecontemporaneous karst caused by the short exposure period is an important exploration direction in the future. Wave controlling platform margin reef-bank model have many structural types, such as "platforms surrounded by a basin", "basins surrounded by a platform" and "platforms cut by basins". Their reservoir macro-distribution is all controlled by wave action, and basically fit the Wilson carbonate platform model, just has different complex shapes. Identification on the deep concealed rift and its peripheral reef facies belt is the key factor for this type of carbonate exploration. Tidal controlling epeiric sea dolomite model guides the intracratonic carbonate exploration. This type of dolomite reservoir occurs broadly in thin interbed sheet, its macro-distribution controlled by the tidal flat progradation wedge and mosaic of tidal flat islands, which is an important new exploration field.
2017, 35(5): 1063-1077.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.017
Abstract:
Based on literature investigation and data analysis, we have investigated the history and the status quo of China's sedimentology concerning aspects of laboratories and instruments. The data used in this study mainly consist of three sources which include 6 databases at home and abroad, 102 official website of Chinese and foreign laboratories related to sedimentology and 5 search engines including Bing Academic, Duxiu Academic, Baidu Academic, Google Scholar, Microsoft Academic. Our result shows that development procedure of sedimentology in China has experienced initial stage (1950-1980), rapid progress stage (1980-2010), and steady improvement stage (2010-Today).We found some existing problems and proposed relevant suggestions according to our investigation. Sedimentology in China is currently facing with three crucial problems. They include, 1) There is no special sedimentology laboratory in China up to now; 2) The kinds and numbers of special instruments and equipment applied to sedimentology are insufficient; 3) The distribution of laboratories related to sedimentology is too concentrated in the supper big cities like Beijing where are far distance away from the places which sedimentary processes really happen. And more so, the trend of pull-apart between laboratory and studying objects (typical deposition process in nature) is becoming more and more serious. As we all know, sedimentology plays an important role in national economic and social development, especially in such a big country as China. However, the supporting conditions for sedimentology study are relatively weak. It is no doubt that these problems will hinder the development of sedimentology in China in the near future. Here we suggest that relevant experts and related management departments should pay enough attention to these bottleneck problems and solve them timely.
Based on literature investigation and data analysis, we have investigated the history and the status quo of China's sedimentology concerning aspects of laboratories and instruments. The data used in this study mainly consist of three sources which include 6 databases at home and abroad, 102 official website of Chinese and foreign laboratories related to sedimentology and 5 search engines including Bing Academic, Duxiu Academic, Baidu Academic, Google Scholar, Microsoft Academic. Our result shows that development procedure of sedimentology in China has experienced initial stage (1950-1980), rapid progress stage (1980-2010), and steady improvement stage (2010-Today).We found some existing problems and proposed relevant suggestions according to our investigation. Sedimentology in China is currently facing with three crucial problems. They include, 1) There is no special sedimentology laboratory in China up to now; 2) The kinds and numbers of special instruments and equipment applied to sedimentology are insufficient; 3) The distribution of laboratories related to sedimentology is too concentrated in the supper big cities like Beijing where are far distance away from the places which sedimentary processes really happen. And more so, the trend of pull-apart between laboratory and studying objects (typical deposition process in nature) is becoming more and more serious. As we all know, sedimentology plays an important role in national economic and social development, especially in such a big country as China. However, the supporting conditions for sedimentology study are relatively weak. It is no doubt that these problems will hinder the development of sedimentology in China in the near future. Here we suggest that relevant experts and related management departments should pay enough attention to these bottleneck problems and solve them timely.
2017, 35(5): 1078-1085.
doi: 10.14027/j.cnki.cjxb.2017.05.018
Abstract:
This paper analyzes the talents training mode of China's sedimentology education based on the investigation of the sedimentology major setting, curriculum, field teaching and graduate thesis of the major geological colleges in China. The results show that the geological colleges and universities in China involved in sedimentology undergraduate professional settings are basically unified, but there are relatively large differences in the professional setting of graduate students, and traditional advantages research field of the major colleges and universities have their own characteristics; Statistics of graduation thesis of postgraduate students in related field in recent 15 years suggest that the number of graduation thesis related to sedimentology accounts for 32% of the total number of graduation thesis in geological disciplines, of which oil-gas geology disciplines accounted for 77.1%. It is apparent that oil-gas geology is the fastest growing discipline to improve sedimentology, indicating that China's economic growth and oil and gas exploration are closely related to the demand of talent; Compared China's gross domestic product(GDP) growth rate with dissertations, it can be found that China's sedimentology education and national economy are the synchronized development. On the one hand, national economic development and social progress are constantly putting forward new topics to the field of sedimentology, promoting the development of sedimentology and sedimentology education. On the other hand, the achievements of sedimentology and sedimentology education in turn promote national economic development and society progress. It is necessary to establish the correct goal and mode for the cultivation of the talents of sedimentology. Which we need throughout the whole process of talent training is not only the quality education and innovation ability training, but also building a lifelong education system by coordinating and unifying undergraduate foundation geological education and graduate special sedimentology education. Only in this way can truly meet the needs of social development, make all fields of sedimentology research strength continuously, and make China's sedimentology thrive.
This paper analyzes the talents training mode of China's sedimentology education based on the investigation of the sedimentology major setting, curriculum, field teaching and graduate thesis of the major geological colleges in China. The results show that the geological colleges and universities in China involved in sedimentology undergraduate professional settings are basically unified, but there are relatively large differences in the professional setting of graduate students, and traditional advantages research field of the major colleges and universities have their own characteristics; Statistics of graduation thesis of postgraduate students in related field in recent 15 years suggest that the number of graduation thesis related to sedimentology accounts for 32% of the total number of graduation thesis in geological disciplines, of which oil-gas geology disciplines accounted for 77.1%. It is apparent that oil-gas geology is the fastest growing discipline to improve sedimentology, indicating that China's economic growth and oil and gas exploration are closely related to the demand of talent; Compared China's gross domestic product(GDP) growth rate with dissertations, it can be found that China's sedimentology education and national economy are the synchronized development. On the one hand, national economic development and social progress are constantly putting forward new topics to the field of sedimentology, promoting the development of sedimentology and sedimentology education. On the other hand, the achievements of sedimentology and sedimentology education in turn promote national economic development and society progress. It is necessary to establish the correct goal and mode for the cultivation of the talents of sedimentology. Which we need throughout the whole process of talent training is not only the quality education and innovation ability training, but also building a lifelong education system by coordinating and unifying undergraduate foundation geological education and graduate special sedimentology education. Only in this way can truly meet the needs of social development, make all fields of sedimentology research strength continuously, and make China's sedimentology thrive.
