Open Geosci.
2019; 11:997–1013
Research Article
Jinliang Zhang, Zhongqiang Sun*, Longlong Liu, and Yang Li
Sedimentary model of K-Successions Sandstones
in H21 Area of Huizhou Depression, Pearl River
Mouth Basin, South China Sea
https://doi.org/10.1515/geo-2019-0077
Received Mar 25, 2019; accepted Sep 03, 2019
Abstract: The nearshore sand bar-sheet sedimentary sys-
tem of the K-Successions sandstones of the Zhujiang For-
mation (23.8-16.5 Ma) in H21 Area of Huizhou Depression,
Pearl River Mouth Basin has been identified in this re-
search according to lithological characteristics, lithofa-
cies, sedimentary sequence and seismic attributes. Seven
lithofacies were recognized: fine-grained massive sand-
stone (Sm), fine-grained trough cross-bedded sandstone
(St), fine-grained planar-bedded sandstone (Sp), fine-
grained ripple cross-bedded sandstone (Sr), fine grained
horizontally-bedded sandstone (Sh), laminated claystone
with interbedded siltstone (Fl) and massive mudstone
(Fm). Three sedimentary microfacies were further divided:
sand bar, sand sheet and interbar. With the progradation
and retrogradation process influenced by sea level chang-
ing, delta evolution of K-Successions sandstones in H21
area of Huizhou Depression can be divided into four stages:
the early stage of the transgressive systems tract, A/S>1;
the medium stage of the transgressive systems tract, A/S>1;
the end stage of transgressive systems tract; the stage of
the highstand systems tract, A/S<1. Different evolution
stages controlled the sandstones distribution.
Keywords: K-Successions Sandstones; Lithofacies; Delta
Evolution; Huizhou Depression; China
*Corresponding Author: Zhongqiang Sun: Faculty of Geographi-
cal Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China;
Email: sunzhongqiang@mail.bnu.edu.cn
Jinliang Zhang, Yang Li: Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing
Normal University, Beijing, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of
Depositional Mineralization & Sedimentary Mineral, Shandong
University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
Longlong Liu: Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong
Province, China
Open Access. © 2019 J. Zhang et al., published by De Gruyter.
License
1 Introduction
The research of sedimentary model including sedimen-
tary environment and lithological characteristics analysis
plays an important role in the hydrocarbon reservoir ex-
ploration and development. For specific sedimentary sys-
tems or models, we can further determine the distribution
of sandstones, so as to provide support for the search for
oil and hydrocarbon reservoirs.
After years of development, H21 area of Huizhou De-
pression in Pearl River Mouth Basin has been proved to be
rich in hydrocarbon potential (Figure 1), the K-Successions
sandstones of the Zhujiang Formation (23.8-16.5 Ma) are
currently the most productive of all chronostratigraphic
units in H21 area of the Huizhou Depression [1–3]. How-
ever, there are not significant progress of the reservoir’s
exploration and development in H21 area during recent
years, because of the controversial explanations in the
sedimentary model and the distribution of K-Successions
sandstones. For instance, Li and Zheng indicated that
sandstone in Zhujiang Formation deposited in fluvial-
dominated delta sedimentary environment [4]. Zhao and
Deng proposed that deposits of lower Zhujiang Formation
were formed in tide-dominated shoreline environment [5].
Ding and Du et al. insisted that K-Successions sandstones
of Zhujiang Formation in Huizhou Depression were pref-
erentially present on high paleo-tectonic locations with
the former delta as sediments provenance and influenced
by tide and wave during transgression stage [6]. Different
perspectives brought more uncertainty sedimentary envi-
ronment explanation and prediction of sandstones distri-
bution. Marine sedimentary environments have extremely
complex hydrodynamic conditions, especially those areas
influenced by wave, river and tidal, these processes will in-
fluence the sedimentary environment, characteristics and
distribution of these sediments in different sedimentary
systems alone or interactively [7–9]. Thus, a detailed and
precise sedimentary model analysis is required to guide fu-
ture prediction of sand body distribution and exploration
of K-Successions sandstones in H21 area of Huizhou De-
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
998 | J. Zhang et al.

Figure 1: Distribution of tectonic units and location of the H21 Area in Huizhou Depression. (a, location map of the Pearl River Mouth Basin
in the South China Sea; b, location map of the study area and the tectonic units of the Pearl River Mouth Basin; c, the location of H21 area in
Huizhou Depression)

pression. The objective of this article is to identify the sedi-

mentary model and facies evolution of K-Successions sand-
2 Geological setting
stones during the cycle of relative sea-level in H21 area of
The Pearl River Mouth Basin is on the northern margin of
Huizhou Depression.
the South China Sea [15], E113∘ 10′ -118∘ 00′ , N18∘ 30′ -23∘ 30′ ,
In this study, we focused on the information of wave-
it is a large Cenozoic - dominated depositional basin in
dominated sedimentary processes that are integrated with
China. The Pearl River Mouth Basin consist of five tectonic
logging, seismic, sedimentary structures, lithofacies and
units: Northern Uplift Zone, Northern Depression Zone,
sedimentary sequences to evaluate the sediments re-
Central Uplift Zone, Southern Depression Zone and South-
sponses of these processes and confirmed the nearshore
ern Uplift Zone (Figure 1) [1, 2, 16]. Huizhou Depression
sand bar-sheet sedimentary system, which is different
is located in the middle part of the Northern Depression
from previous researchers [10–13]. The study also provides
Zone with an area of about 7400km2 and bounded by the
valuable insight into the depositional regime in the Pearl
Northern Uplift Zone to the north, Xijiang Depression to
River Mouth Basin or other similar areas influenced by
the west, Huilu Uplift to the east and Dongsha Uplift to the
wave, river and tidal around the world [13, 14].
south (Figure 1) [17, 18]. The H21 area is located in the south
 Sedimentary model of K-Successions Sandstones in H21 Area of Huizhou Depression | 999

Figure 2: Lithology section of H21 Area showing location of Zhujiang Formation and K-Successions sandstones. (modified from [1, 2])

of Huizhou Depression and deposited NE-trending banded tions, Zhujiang Formation mainly consist of mudstone,
shelf sand ridges which are known as K-Successions sand- silty mudstone, argillaceous siltstone and fine-to coarse-
stones. The geomorphology of study area is controlled by grained sandstone, mudstone content is about 50%. The K-
the NW-trending fault systems, it is mainly composed of Successions shelf sand ridges were mainly formed during
tectonic or tectonic-lithologic traps [19–21]. about 18.5-17 million years, the sedimentary mechanism
The Neogene strata in Huizhou depression consists and environment of these sand ridges should be explained
of 4 formations: Zhujiang Formation, Hanjiang Formation, further [24].
Yuehai Formation and Wanshan Formation, they mainly
experienced Dongsha tectonic movement (Figure 2) [1, 22,
23]. Zhujiang Formation strata had been formed in the
Early Miocene period (23.8-16.5 Ma) with the thickness of
3 Materials and methods
750-350 m (Figure 2). The source rocks mainly deposited
This analysis was on the basis of seismic, well logs and
in Wenchang and Enping formations, and the sandstone
cores data from 12 wells, which drilled K-Successions sand-
reservoirs are located in Zhujiang and Zhuhai forma-
1000 | J. Zhang et al.

Figure 3: Lithology triangle figure and lithologic characteristics of K-Successions sandstones. (a, the lithology triangle figure; b, lithologic
characteristics histogram)

stones of the Zhujiang Formation in the H21 Area, these

data were collected from Shenzhen Branch of China Na-
4 Results
tional Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). Meanwhile, 45
core samples were also collected to analyze the sediments 4.1 Lithological characteristics
compositional and textural characteristics. The formula Sedimentary processes of different stratigraphic architec-
Ic=Q/(F+R) (Ic: The compositional maturity; Q, F, and R tures determine the colors, structures, textures, composi-
represent the content of quartz, feldspar, and rock debris) tional maturity and textural maturity of clastic sediments,
was used to calculated the compositional maturity [25]. these lithological characteristics has a great significance
The textural characteristics of samples (grain size, round- in sedimentary facies analysis [10]. According to the analy-
ness, shape, sorting and weathering) were applied to de- sis of core samples, the K-Successions stratum mainly con-
scribe textural maturity of the K-Successions sandstone, sist of mudstone, silty mudstone, pelitic siltstone, siltstone
grain size (ϕ) is the most important textural characteris- and fine sandstone and limestone (Figure 3). To some
tics of clastic sediments (ϕ = − log2 D, D: particle diame- extent, the fine-grained sediments reflect the process of
ter) [26], roundness is the important textural characteris- re-transporting and depositing of clastic sediments influ-
tics of clastic sediments (roundness= nr /R, r: Inscribed enced by wave and coastal currents.
∑︀

circle radius of corner; n: Number of corner; R: Maximum The sandstones mainly consist of lithic arkose, arkose
inscribed circle radius of particles, angular: 0-0.15, sub- quartzite and a small amount of lithic quartzarenite and
angular: 0.15-0.25, subrounded: 0.25-0.4, rounded: 0.4-0.6) feldapatic litharenite (Figure 3), the content of quartz
[27], sorting (S0 ) is the parameters of sediment sorting de- ranges from 47% to 88.5%, with an average of 73%,
gree (S0 = P25 /P75 , P25 : particle diameter of the cumu- feldspars range from 7.3% to 27% with an average of
lative particle content is 25%, P75 : particle diameter of 16%, rock fragments range from 1% to 31% with an av-
the cumulative particle content is 75%, well: 1-2.5, mod- erage of 11% (Table 1, Figure 4) [28]. The content of
erate: 2.5-4, poor: >4). Cores were used to analyze the quartz is higher in this sedimentary environment compar-
sedimentary structures and lithofacies, sedimentary se- ing with subaerial sedimentary systems, but it is lower
quences were also established to observe the lithofacies than tide-dominated depositional environment, the con-
combination and identify sedimentary environment and tent of feldspar and rock fragments is lower [3]. Besides,
facies, well logs data indicates different lithology, seis- there are also some fossils, micas, authigenic clay miner-
mic attributes especially root mean-square amplitude at- als, pyrites, siderites, dolomite cements, calcite cements
tributes (RMS) were extracted to analyze and predict the and porosities.
sand morphology and distribution and some mappings Compositional maturity represents the extent of the
were used to describe sedimentary sequences. clastic sediments approaching to the final and stable sed-
iments. Then, the different content of main clastic compo-
nents may display different maturity that quartz is much
Table 1: The main sediments composition of the K-Successions sandstone

Well E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E
Depth 2258.6 2258.86 2259.98 2260.75 2260.96 2261.07 2261.82 2263.1 2263.75 2263.94 2264.47 2264.63 2265.56 2266.1 2266.8
Quartz 69.19 65.19 74.63 76.68 73.22 70.39 65.82 66.09 71.73 70.90 68.67 63.19 70.93 64.12 71.11
Feldspar 16.76 18.78 14.43 16.06 17.49 20.67 16.46 21.26 16.75 14.81 19.28 20.33 16.86 21.18 15.56
Rock 14.05 16.02 10.95 7.25 9.29 8.94 17.72 12.64 11.52 14.29 12.05 16.48 12.21 14.71 13.33
fragments
Ic 2.25 1.87 2.94 3.29 2.73 2.38 1.93 1.95 2.54 2.44 2.19 1.72 2.44 1.79 2.46
Well E E E E E E E H H H J J J J G
Depth 2267.79 2268.08 2268.91 2269.52 2270.77 2271.42 2271.55 2030.59 2030.83 2040.08 1793.5 1795 1804.5 2216.7 1885.4
Quartz 70.33 72.29 52.17 60.12 47.06 73.08 73.18 80.00 71.83 85.96 82.86 79.76 70.77 78.05 84.81
Feldspar 18.13 15.66 16.85 19.64 27.06 14.29 15.64 17.14 23.94 10.53 11.43 11.90 13.85 7.32 12.66
Rock 11.54 12.05 30.98 20.24 25.88 12.64 11.17 2.86 4.23 3.51 5.71 8.33 15.38 14.63 2.53
fragments
Ic 2.37 2.61 1.09 1.51 0.89 2.71 2.73 4.00 2.55 6.13 4.83 3.94 2.42 3.56 5.58
Well G G G G G G G G G G G N N N N
Depth 1887.06 2002.47 2005.16 2006.18 2009.78 1883.86 1889.32 1892.88 1927.9 1930.22 1935.85 1793.5 1795 1804.5 2216.7
Quartz 84.88 77.38 83.75 88.51 83.70 74.43 68.24 73.84 71.76 75.00 73.21 82.86 79.76 70.77 78.05
Feldspar 12.79 20.24 13.75 10.34 14.13 17.61 22.35 19.41 13.53 12.79 14.88 11.43 11.90 13.85 7.32
Rock 2.33 2.38 2.50 1.15 2.17 7.95 9.41 6.75 14.71 12.21 11.90 5.71 8.33 15.38 14.63
fragments
Ic 5.62 3.42 5.15 7.70 5.13 2.91 2.15 2.82 2.54 3.00 2.73 4.83 3.94 2.42 3.56
Sedimentary model of K-Successions Sandstones in H21 Area of Huizhou Depression |
1001
1002 | J. Zhang et al.

Figure 4: Sediments composition and compositional maturity of the sandstone of K-Successions sandstones. (a, the characteristics of
sediments composition, showing the content of quartz ranges from 47% to 88.5%, with an average of 73.12% and mean value of 73.08,
feldspars range from 7.3% to 27% with an average of 16% and mean value of 15.66, rock fragments range from 1% to 31% with an average
of 11% and mean value of 11.54; b, compositional maturity of the sandstone of K-Successions, showing the compositional maturity ranges
from 0.9 to 7.7 with an average of 3.1 and mean value of 2.71)

more stable than feldspar and rock debris during weather-
ing and transporting [28]. The Figure 4 indicates that the
Ic (The compositional maturity) ranges from 1.0 to 7.9 with
an average of 3.1, the K-Successions sandstones have mod-
erate compositional maturity and indicates that the sedi-
ments undergone transportation and transformation with
constant source supply, which is in obvious contrast with
the high compositional maturity of tidal ridges lacking the
constant source supply [29, 30].
The concept of textural maturity was first proposed
by Folk [31], it is the comprehensive reflection of the fi-
nal textural characteristics of clastic sediments undergo-
ing the weathering, transportation, deposition and trans-
formation. According to the textural maturity analysis of
the K-Successions sandstones: the main range of grain
size is 0.03-6 ϕ, average grain size is 0.29-1.8 ϕ, max-
imum grain size is inhomogeneous, moderate sorting,
subangular-subrounded roundness and moderate weath-
ering are dominant, therefore, textural maturity of the
sandstone is also moderate and undergone transformation
process (Table 2, Figure 5), this process may be dominated
by coastal currents and waves [32, 33].
4.2 Lithofacies and sedimentary sequence
Sedimentological features of sandstones (lithology, ge-
ometry and continuity, sedimentary structures) are used
to identify and interpret lithofacies [34], it is an im-
portant sign for sedimentary facies analysis. The cores
of K-Successions sandstones show some typical sedi-
mentary structures: ripple cross-bedded, parallel-bedded,
wavy-bedded, lenticular-bedded, flaser-bedded, massive-
bedded, trough cross-bedded, deformation structure, re-
verse graded-bedded and sharp contact relation (Figure 6),
 Sedimentary model of K-Successions Sandstones in H21 Area of Huizhou Depression | 1003

Table 2: Textural characteristics of the K-Successions sandstone

Sample Depth (m) range of maximum average roundness sorting weathering degree maturity
No. grain size grain size grain size
(ϕ) (ϕ) (ϕ)
1 2258.86 0.06-1 1.25 0.43 subrounded moderate Moderately weathered moderate
2 2259.98 0.06-1.5 1.75 0.36 subrounded moderate Moderately weathered moderate
3 2260.75 0.06-2 3 0.41 subrounded moderate deeply weathered moderate
4 2260.96 0.06-2 3.25 0.49 subrounded moderate Moderately weathered moderate
5 2261.07 0.06-2 2.5 0.67 subangular- moderate Moderately weathered moderate
subrounded
6 2261.82 0.06-4 4.25 0.46 subangular- poor Moderately weathered moderate
subrounded
7 2263.75 0.09-1.5 1.75 0.47 subrounded well Moderately weathered high
maturity
8 2263.94 0.06-1.8 3 0.34 subangular moderate Moderately weathered moderate
9 2264.47 0.12-1 1.4 0.45 subangular- moderate Moderately weathered moderate
subrounded
10 2264.63 0.06-1.5 1.75 0.29 subangular- moderate deeply weathered moderate
subrounded
11 2265.56 0.06-1.4 2.0 0.38 subangular- moderate Moderately weathered moderate
subrounded
12 2266.1 0.06-1.8 2.25 0.47 subangular- poor Moderately weathered moderate
subrounded
13 2266.8 0.06-0.75 0.88 0.33 subangular well deeply weathered high
maturity
14 2267.79 0.06-1.5 1.9 0.36 subangular- moderate Moderately weathered moderate
subrounded
15 2268.08 0.06-1 1.4 0.32 subangular- poor Moderately weathered moderate
subrounded
16 2269.52 0.19-4 5.5 0.63 subangular- poor Moderately weathered moderate
subrounded
17 2269.91 0.06-6 6.25 0.65 subangular- moderate deeply weathered moderate
subrounded
18 2270.77 0.19-6 6.25 1.8 subangular moderate Moderately weathered moderate
19 2271.42 0.06-3 3.25 0.49 subangular- moderate Moderately weathered moderate
subrounded
20 2271.55 0.12-2 2.25 0.43 subangular- moderate Moderately weathered moderate
subrounded

these sedimentary structures indicate the shallow wave-
dominate sedimentary environment in inner shelf above
the wave base surface, however, there are unobvious evi-
dences for tidal sand ridges in outer shelf with deep wa-
ter environment, such as herringbone cross-bedded, reac-
tivation surface, double clay layer and typical trace fos-
sil in marine environment. Seven lithofacies were recog-
nized in K-Successions sandstones: fine-grained massive
sandstone (Sm) consists of fine to very fine-grained sand-
stone with massive-bedded, moderately sorted [28, 30, 35],
these lithofacies intervals are 0.5 to 3.2 m thick, forming no
apparent changing sedimentary sequences in grain size;
fine-grained trough cross-bedded sandstone (St) consists
of very fine- to fine-grained with trough cross-bedded or
low angle cross-bedded [28, 30, 35], the St lithofacies in-
tervals are 0.8 to 1.5 m thick, forming fining-upward sed-
imentary sequences, the lower boundary of St is sharp
and flat with facies Fm or Fl and erosional with facies Fm,
upper boundary is usually gradational with facies Sm or
Sp; fine-grained planar-bedded sandstone (Sp) consists of
very fine- to fine-grained sandstone or siltstone [28, 30, 35],
these lithofacies intervals are 0.55 to 3.8 m thick, form-
ing continuous sandstone sedimentary sequences, the up-
per and lower boundaries can be sharp with facies Fm
or Fl, the upper contact also can deposit continuously
with facies St or Sm [28, 30, 35]; fine-grained ripple cross-
bedded sandstone (Sr) consists of very fine-grained sand-
stone or siltstone with ripple cross-bedded and laminated
mudstone interbed [28, 30, 35], these lithofacies intervals
are 0.2 to 1 m thick, forming fining-upward sedimentary
sequences or no apparent changing in grain size, this fa-
cie typically distributes laterally and vertically into the
1004 | J. Zhang et al.

Figure 5: Textural characteristics of the sandstoneof K-Successions sandstones. (a, grain characteristics of the sandstone, showing the
minimum and maximum of main grain size, maximum grain size and average grain size, the main range of grain size is 0.03-6 ϕ, maximum
grain size range from 0.88 to 6.25 ϕ with an average of 2.65 ϕ and mean value of 2.13 ϕ; average grain size range from 0.29 to 1.8 ϕ with
an average of 0.5 ϕ and mean value of 0.44 ϕ; b, roundness, weathering, sorting and maturity of the sandstone)

finely laminated sediments of facies Sm, Sp, Fm or Fl; quences with the thickness of 12.8 m. Different lithofa-
fine grained horizontally-bedded sandstone (Sh) consists cies combination are also present in these sequences. Se-
of very fine grained, flat bedded and horizontally lami- quence 1, sequence 2, sequence 3 and sequence 6 display
nated [28, 30, 35], individual lithofacies intervals are 0.2 variational lithofacies and presenting sedimentary charac-
to 0.4 m thick, lower and upper contacts of this facies are teristics of sand bar, sand sheet and interbar facies, these
sharp with facies Fm or Fl; laminated claystone with in- sequences show strong heterogeneity, the facies between
terbedded siltstone (Fl) consists of planar laminated clay- sand bar and sand sheet are separated by interbar (Fig-
stone with interbedded siltstone, these lithofacies inter- ure 7). Sequence 4 and sequence 5 show homogeneous
vals are 0.1 to 1.1 m thick and deposited in the middle characteristics and sequence 7 forms fining-upward inter-
of sandstones intervals or the bottom of sedimentary se- vals (Figure 7). All these sequence assemblages constitute
quence, the lower boundary is flat with facies Sr or sharp different sedimentary facies of K-Successions sandstones.
with facies Sm or Sp, this facie experienced low-intensity
bioturbation; massive mudstone (Fm) consists of massive
mudstone with weakly or poorly laminated [28, 30], these 4.3 Seismic attributes and sand distribution
lithofacies intervals are 0.1 to 2.1 m thick, it experienced
weakly bioturbation, the lower contact of this facies is ero- Seismic attribute analysis is an important tool to predict
sional or sharp with facies Sp, Sr, Sm or St, the upper con- and solve the distribution of sandstones, especially in the
tact is usually erosional with St (Figure 6, Figure 7) [28, 30]. less well area such as the south of H21 area of Huizhou
Sedimentary sequence characterised by different sedi- Depression. Seismic attribute analysis is a relatively ma-
mentary structures, lithology, color features and paleonto- ture technique in reservoir exploration and development,
logical features, reflecting sedimentary environment and which uses the statistical characteristics of kinematics and
sedimentary facies. Seven typical sedimentary sequences dynamics (amplitude, energy, frequency, phase and shape,
of sand bar, sand sheet and inter bar were identified in etc.) of seismic waves to reflect the physical properties of
this research (Figure 7), these sequences consist of fine- to rocks [36–41]. Through the extraction and analysis of dif-
very fine-grained sandstone, siltstone and grey mudstone ferent attributes of K-Successions sandstones in the study
forming homogeneous intervals, heterogeneous intervals area, combined with the logging data, it is found that the
and fining-upward intervals and superposed to form se-
 Sedimentary model of K-Successions Sandstones in H21 Area of Huizhou Depression | 1005

Figure 6: Sedimentary structures of K-Successions sandstones. (a, sharp contact relation; b, flaser-bedded; c, massive-bedded; d, parallel-
bedded; e, ripple cross-bedded and parallel-bedded; f, wavy-bedded and flaser-bedded; g, lenticular-bedded; h, ripple cross-bedded; i,
parallel-bedded; j, deformation structure; k, massive-bedded and trough cross-bedded; l, reverse graded-bedded and massive-bedded)

Root Mean Square (RMS) amplitude attribute can better re- law: ρ = av0.25 , ρ: Density, v: velocity, a: Constant, then,
5
−(ρ1)5
flect the distribution of sandstone. R = (ρ2)
(ρ2)5 +(ρ1)5
, A1 is positively correlated with ρ2, it indi-
According to the formula of RMS amplitude,
√︁ it is posi- cates that RMS amplitude is positively correlated with rock
tively correlated with amplitude: A RMS = 1/N Ni=1 Xi2 , density, therefore, the density of rocks can be determined
∑︀

N: The number of sample points; X i : The amplitude of i. according to the amplitude, and then lithology can be dis-
The amplitude information is correlated with the reflec- tinguished [36–38, 40, 42].
tion coefficient of the stratum, the relationship between The RMS amplitude property indicates the plane dis-
amplitude and density is R = A1 /A2 = ρ2v2−ρ1v1
ρ2v2+ρ1v1 , R: Re- tribution of lithology, sedimentary facies of the sandstones
flection coefficient, ρ1: The upper density of the reflecting and delineate the distribution of favorable sand bodies. On
surface, ρ2: The lower density of the reflecting surface, v1: the RMS amplitude property graphs, blue-green represent
The upper speed of the reflecting surface, v2: The lower weak amplitude, red and yellow represent strong ampli-
speed of the reflecting surface. According to the Gardner’s tude, and sandstones represent medium to strong ampli-
1006 | J. Zhang et al.

Figure 7: Lithofacies combination and sedimentary sequence of K-Successions sandstones. (Sm, fine-grained massive sandstone; St, fine-
grained trough cross-bedded sandstone; Sp, fine-grained planar-bedded sandstone; Sr, fine-grained ripple cross-bedded sandstone; Sh,
fine grained horizontally-bedded sandstone; Fl, laminated claystone with interbedded siltstone; Fm, massive mudstone)
 Sedimentary model of K-Successions Sandstones in H21 Area of Huizhou Depression | 1007

Figure 8: Seismic attributes (Root mean square amplitude attribute) distribution. (a, the root mean square amplitude attribute of Stage 4 in
Figure 11; b, a, the root mean square amplitude attribute of Stage 1 in Figure 11; c, a, the root mean square amplitude attribute of Stage 2 in
Figure 11; d, a, the root mean square amplitude attribute of Stage 3 in Figure 11)

tude, medium to low frequency. The RMS amplitude prop-
erty shows that NE-trending banded shelf sand ridges dis-
tribute at the southeast of H21 area of Huizhou Depres-
sion (Figure 8), the sand ridges deposits were influenced
by delta sedimentary system of the northwest and Dong-
sha Uplift of the southeast, and formed by waves and cur-
rents, the size and geometry of sand ridges is different dur-
ing different sedimentary stages.
The recognition and description of sand distribution
have been always focused on to discover hydrocarbon
reservoir. Guided by seismic sedimentology theory, com-
bined with seismic attribute analysis technique, sedimen-
tary features of K-Successions sandstone are interpreted in
H21 area of Huizhou Depression [43–45]. The RMS ampli-
tude was applied to analyze sandstones distribution, the
prediction results are in good agreement with the sand dis-
tribution graphs using geostatistical tools with well data
(Figure 9). On the RMS amplitude property graphs, the
red and yellow represent the distribution of sand, blue
and green represent the distribution of mudstone, sand is
mainly characterized by strong amplitude. The northwest
of H21 area developed delta system, as the sea level rising,
delta front and distal delta front sand bodies were trans-
formed by waves and currents, sand bodies gradually sep-
arated from the main part of delta front, the RMS graph
reflects that the sand bodies distribute widely in middle
and western area of the study area, sand ridges began to
appear in the east (Figure 8 a), the size and thickness of
1008 | J. Zhang et al.

Figure 9: Sand distribution of K-Successions sandstone of Zhujiang Formation. (a, the sand distribution of K-Successions sandstone of
Stage 4 in Fig 11; b, a, the sand distribution of K-Successions sandstone of Stage 1 in Figure 11; c, a, the sand distribution of K-Successions
sandstone of Stage 2 in Figure 11; d, a, the sand distribution of K-Successions sandstone of Stage 3 in Figure 11)

sand body are small and the thickness of the main sand The sedimentary microfacies and sand distribution were
body is about 5 meters, the scale of sand ridges are about 10 affected by sea level changing overall.
kilometers long and 1-2 kilometers wide (Figure 9 A). Then,
the sea level continues to rise until the maximum flooding
surface, sand ridges have obvious morphology and large 4.4 Facies analysis
scale on RMS graph (Figure 8b and 8c), the thickness of
the main sand body is more than 5 meters, the main parts Different lithofacies combination indicate different sed-
of delta and sand ridges are greater than 10 meters, sand imentary environment, three sedimentary microfacies
bars are 15-20 meters, the scale of sand ridges are larger, were identified according to the lithofacies, sedimentary
10-20 kilometers long and 3-5 kilometers wide (Figure 9B structures and sequences: nearshore sand bar, sand sheet
and 9C). Then the sand ridges disappeared gradually, and and interbar.
connect with delta front gradually (Figure 8d, Figure 9D). Sand bars are the most common microfacies recog-
nised in the K-Successions sandstone. The sand bodies are
 Sedimentary model of K-Successions Sandstones in H21 Area of Huizhou Depression | 1009

Figure 10: Sedimentary model of K-Successions sandstone of Zhujiang Formation

Figure 11: Delta evolution of K-Successions sandstone of Zhujiang Formation. (Stage 1, the early stage of the transgressive systems tract,
A/S>1; Stage 2, the medium stage of the transgressive systems tract, A/S>1; Stage 3, the end stage of transgressive systems tract; Stage 4,
the stage of the highstand systems tract, A/S<1)
1010 | J. Zhang et al.

lens-, tabular- or wedge-shaped, 1.2 to 6 m thick and later- ripple cross-bedded. The lithofacies of interbar microfa-
ally extensive for over 200 m [35]. Sand bar microfacies are cies are consist of Fl, Fm and rare Sh with low-density
also characterized by very fine- to fine-grained sandstone, bioturbation (Figure 7). Soft-sediment deformation struc-
moderate compositional maturity and moderate- to well tures occurred locally. The very fine grain size and ex-
sorted, with ripple cross-bedded, parallel-bedded, trough tensive, sheet-like geometry sandstones indicate deposits
cross-bedded, low angle cross-bedded, reverse graded- over a wide area that are distal to the delta front or near
bedded, massive-bedded and separated by thin layers prodelta [35, 53]. The thick, dark grey mudstone and the
of grey mudstone (Figure 7) [35]. They can form fining- sedimentary structure indicate the suspension fallout un-
upward or massive sequences and characterized by St, Sm der low-energy conditions and deposition in a relatively
and Sr facies from bottom to top, or Sm and Sp facies over- stable environment and between the sand bar-sheet bod-
lap vertically or overlain by Fl and Fm (Figure 7). Sand ies [54–56].
bar sediments distribute at the terminal of the delta front
and are separated from the front, they are perpendicular
to the delta front and display strong amplitude (the red
and yellow represents the distribution of sand, Figure 8).
5 Discussion
These microfacies represent the deposits of delta front bed-
The sand formation mechanism of nearshore sand bar-
form, which is modified by waves and currents. The cross-
sheet system of K-Successions sandstones of Zhujiang For-
bedded sets likely indicate flow changes and the fining-
mation in the H21 area was related to the reconstruction of
upward cycle probably reflect a decrease in transport en-
the abandoned delta front (Figure 9). The delta evolution
ergy and the migration of a two-dimensional wave or cur-
was affected by sea level changes. The INPEFA (Integrated
rent [46]. Parallel-bedded and massive-bedded thick sand-
Prediction Error Filter Analysis), MESA (Maximum Entropy
stones are interpreted to represent high sedimentation fall-
Spectral Analysis) and WT (wavelet transform) were used
out rates during the gap between the rise and fall of the
to analyze the sea level changes. It indicated that the study
waves [47]. Then, the lens-, tabular- or wedge-shaped ge-
area experienced five sea level falling and four sea level ris-
ometry sandstone, sedimentary structures scale and sed-
ing stages within the K-Successions sequence of the Zhu-
imentary cycle are related to the transformation of delta
jiang Formation. A complete sea level rising and falling
front bedforms which benefited by continuous or intermit-
stage also can be divided into four stages according to
tent waves and coastal currents [47–49].
transgression and regression and described by the ratio
Sand sheet microfacies are composed of lens- and
of accommodation and sediment supply rate (A/S): A/S>1,
tabular-shaped, very fine- to fine-grained sandstone or silt-
sedimentary process of delta front was mainly destroyed
stone (0.2 to 1m thick) with wavy-bedded and ripple cross-
and transformed; A/S<1, the delta front sedimentary pro-
bedded that are commonly with laminated mudstone in-
cess was mainly constructive progradation. Detailed evo-
terbeded. These elements often distributed at the top, bot-
lution process can be summarized as: the early stage of
tom and lateral of sand bar or deposited in isolation, they
the transgressive systems tract, A/S>1, sea level increas-
also characterized by Sr, Sp and rare Sh facies with incon-
ing, delta front sand was transformed by wave and coastal
spicuous sedimentary cycle (Figure 7). Sand sheet display
current, the protruding part of the front was constantly de-
moderate amplitude (the yellow to light yellow represents
stroyed and replaced by sand ridges parallel to the coast,
the distribution of thin sandstone or siltstone, Figure 8).
the sand ridges during this period was basically connected
The thin, very fine-grained sandstones, sheet-like geome-
with delta front; the medium stage of the transgressive
try, with the small-scale of sedimentary structures are in-
systems tract, A/S>1, ratio increased greater, terrigenous
terpreted as wave-influenced sand sheet deposits distribut-
sediments supply were confined to estuarie because of
ing the top or lateral of sand bar [10, 28, 50, 51], which ac-
rising sea level and delta front was modified and trans-
cumulated at the edge of delta front. The genesis of sand
formed continuously by wave and coastal current. Because
sheet of K-Successions sandstone may be attributed to two
of the lower terrigenous sediments supply, the outward
processes: wave and coastal current, the large delta front
part cannot continue to develop, sand ridges began to sep-
bedform were transfer and reconstruct by these two pro-
arate from delta front, nearshore sand bar and sand sheet
cesses, thin sheet-shaped deposits display as thin bedform
became independent sedimentary system (such as, Isle
and distribute at the edge of sand bar facies [35, 52].
Dernière in the United States was transformed by wave
Interbar microfacies consist of grey mudstone with
from 1853 to 1978 and separated from the mainland grad-
lenticular-bedded, or interbeds of siltstone and very fine-
ually); Until the end stage of transgressive systems tract,
grained sandstone with flaser-bedded, wavy-bedded and
 Sedimentary model of K-Successions Sandstones in H21 Area of Huizhou Depression |
it was a period before maximum flooding surface, ratio
(A/S>1) decreased gradually, a large amount of sediments
was confined near the mouth of the estuary at this point
and the delta front retrograded to parallel to the shore-
line, nearshore sand bar and sand sheet became indepen-
dent sedimentary system completely and continued to be
modified; the stage of the highstand, A/S<1, fluvial depo-
sition displaced the marine deposition and became pre-
ponderant extrinsic dynamic effect, sediments carried by
fluvial can be continuously transported to the basin, the
area of the delta front was continuously expanded and the
progradation occurred, the sand ridges that had been inde-
pendent previously may be reconnected to the delta front,
if sea level fall, the subaerial sediments will be eroded
during this period, shallow water area was mainly non-
deposition (modification or sediment passing by), nor-
mal regression became forced regression, delta front was
forced to move forward [57–61].
6 Conclusion
(1) The K-Successions sandstones of the Zhujiang For-
mation (23.8-16.5 Ma) in H21 area of the Huizhou
Depression are mainly consist of lithic arkose and
arkose quartzite, with a small amount of lithic
quartzarenite and feldapatic litharenite. Composi-
tional and textural maturity is moderate.
(2) The sedimentary model was identified: nearshore
sand bar-sheet system belonging to delta front re-
construction system in K-Successions of Zhujiang
Formation in H21 area of Huizhou Depression, seven
lithofacies, seven typical sedimentary sequences
and three sedimentary microfacies were identified:
nearshore sand bar, nearshore sand sheet and in-
terbar, the sand ridges sourced from the associated
deposition of delta front, which were modified and
transformed by waves and coastal currents.
(3) The delta evolution was affected by sea level
changes, it can be divided into four stages: the early
stage of the transgressive systems tract, A/S>1; the
medium stage of the transgressive systems tract,
A/S>1; the end stage of transgressive systems tract;
the stage of the highstand systems tract, A/S<1.
Acknowledgement: We thank Research Institute of
Petroleum Exploration Development of Shenzhen Branch
for supplying research data. This paper is supported by
the Major National Science and Technology Projects of
China (No.2016ZX05027-001-006) and the Open-end Fund
1011
of Shandong Key Laboratory of Depositional Mineraliza-
tion & Sedimentary Mineral, Shandong University of Sci-
ence and Technology (DMSMX2019013).
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