Distribution of platform edge reefs and beach as well as their major controlling factors over the Changxing-Feixianguan formations in northeast Sichuan Basin, China

Abstract The platform facie, platform edge facie, slope, and basin facie were developed in the Chengkou-Western Hubei Trough zones during the Upper Permian Changxing Formation's Early Triassic Feixianguan period; during this time the platform edge had the most favorable sedimentary facie. The Changxing Formation was composed of three sections in which the second section was rich in framework reef, whereas the third one was rich in micro-reefs at the bottom. Recently, it has been discovered that abundant platform edge shoals are developed in the third member and that oolitic shoals with large thickness are widely distributed. This paper systematically investigated the influence of the changes in reef-building organism system on the development of organic reefs. The results show that the distribution of bank belts is determined through paleogeography framework. The rapid change of relative sea level affects the formation and movement of bank belts. In addition, the regional tectonic activity controls the distribution and transformation of the bank belts. Finally, the prospective zone in the Chengkou-Western Hubei area was evaluated and divided into four favorable zones, in which the Wanyuan-Yunyang area was deemed to be most advantageous.