Geological conditions for continental tight oil formation and the main controlling factors for the enrichment: A case of Chang 7 Member, Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, NW China

Abstract The Chang7 Member of the Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin is a typical continental tight oil province. The geological conditions and the main controlling factors for the formation of tight oil province in Chang 7 Member were studied based on extensive core analysis data, laboratory simulation tests and practical work of tight oil exploration and development in the basin. The tight oil in the Chang 7 Member is characterized by wide distribution, excellent source rock conditions, tight sandstone reservoirs, complicated pore-throat structure, poor physical properties, high oil saturation, high quality oil, and low pressure coefficient. During the depositional period of Chang7 Member, the bottom shape of the basin was steep at southwest and gentle at northeast, the tectonic movements were active, favorable for the deposition of source rock and reservoir; the widespread high quality source rock can provide sufficient oil supply for the large tight oil province; the large scale sand bodies provide good reservoir condition for the large tight oil province; the abundant structural fractures in the tight reservoir act as pathways for tight oil migration; and the stable deposition and tectonic evolution of the basin provide good preservation conditions for the tight oil province. The main controlling factors of Chang7 Member tight oil enrichment are as follows: (1) good configuration of source rock and reservoir and constant charging are the key to the formation of the tight oil province; (2) abundant micro-scale pores are the premise of tight oil enrichment; (3) strong and sustained charging guarantees the enrichment and high yield of oil in the tight reservoirs.