Advance and Prospects of Foamy Dolostone

Key words: 
• foamy dolostone /
• sedimentary characteristics /
• genetic mechanism /
• reservoir properties /
• geochemistry

Abstract: [Significance] Foamy dolostone is widely distributed in China’s two major oil and gas basins and is closely associated with microbialites. It represents one of the key reservoir rock types and holds significant importance for sedimentological research and carbonate hydrocarbon exploration. [Progress] Previous studies on foamy dolostone have mainly focused on its petrographic and mineralogical characteristics. However, its formation mechanisms and controlling factors remain insufficiently understood and lack systematic investigation. Based on an extensive review of domestic and international literature, combined with the research team’s previous findings, this study systematically summarizes the developmental characteristics and lithological assemblages of foamy dolostone. Comparative analyses of geochemical and reservoir properties from different stratigraphic units in two regions were conducted to elucidate their genetic mechanisms. [Prospects] On this basis, the study identifies existing scientific challenges and outlines future research directions for foamy dolostone. These insights provide new perspectives for advancing the understanding of ancient marine environments and offer theoretical guidance for hydrocarbon exploration in carbonate reservoirs.