Articles | Volume 17, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-643-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-643-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| Highlight paper
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15 Apr 2026
Research article | Highlight paper |
| 15 Apr 2026
| 15 Apr 2026
Geological factors and fracture distribution in deep and ultra-deep sandstones in Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin, China
National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
Wenle Dang
College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
Xinjian Zhao
Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Tarim Oilfield Company, CNPC, Korla, Xinjiang, 841000, China
Chuang Han
Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Tarim Oilfield Company, CNPC, Korla, Xinjiang, 841000, China
Yongjia Zhang
College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
Zhongrui Wang
College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
Lei Wang
College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
Guiwen Wang
National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
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Jin Lai, Dong Li, Yong Ai, Hongkun Liu, Deyang Cai, Kangjun Chen, Yuqiang Xie, and Guiwen Wang
Solid Earth, 13, 975–1002, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-975-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-975-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
(1) Structural diagenesis analysis is performed on the ultra-deep tight sandstone. (2) Fracture and intergranular pores are related to the low in situ stress magnitudes. (3) Dissolution is associated with the presence of fracture.
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Editorial statement
The manuscript delivers a predictive, integrated model for fractures in truly deep/ultra-deep tight sandstones combining cores, thin sections, acoustic-emission tests, and well logs, linking micro- to reservoir-scale fracture evidence. It quantifies sedimentary controls, brindging rock mechanics, structural geology and stratigraphy/sedimentology. It also delivers clear rules and implementation, ensuring transferability, which is rather important for such a rare case study.
The manuscript delivers a predictive, integrated model for fractures in truly deep/ultra-deep...
Short summary
This study integrates geological and geophysical data to examine controls of sedimentary factors, earth stress, and tectonic structure on fracture distribution in deep and ultra-deep sandstones in Kuqa Depression. Key findings show fracture density increases with sandbody thickness and paleostress magnitude, is higher near faults and fold hinges, and is favored by thinner sand-mud interbeds. Increased horizontal stress differences contributes to reduced fracture apertures.
This study integrates geological and geophysical data to examine controls of sedimentary...
