As one of the important depositional processes of the deep lake environment, fine-grained gravity flow can transport fine-grained particles and organic matter from shallow water to deep lakes, forming high-quality hydrocarbon source rocks and shale oil desert reservoirs. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the sedimentary characteristics and genesis of fine-grained gravity flow in the lacustrine basin for shale oil exploration.
Through core description, thin section observation, X-ray diffraction, and trace element analysis, the sedimentary characteristics and genetic mechanism of fine-grained gravity flow in Chang 73 member of the Yanchang Formation of a research block in southwest Ordos Basin are studied. The results show that the Yanchang 73 member of the Ordos Basin, deposited during the Upper Triassic, was formed in a warm and humid deep lake reduction environment, in which 7 kinds of fine-grained sedimentary facies assemblage are mainly developed, respectively: Fine-grained hydrostatic and fallout lithofacies association (LA1), fine-grained mud turbulent and mud flow lithofacies association (LA2), fine-grained transitional plug flow and mud flow lithofacies association (LA3), fine-grained debris flow and mud flow lithofacies association (LA4), Fine-grained surge-like turbidity flow lithofacies association (LA5), fine-grained hyperpycnal flow lithofacies association (LA6) and fine-grained dense fluid lithofacies association (LA7). These lithofacies associations are mostly developed in the unrestricted channel substring fan system and fine-grained channel-bank-lobe system. The development of the fine-grained gravity flow system is mainly controlled by lake level changes, sediment recharging speed, and the palaeogeomorphology of the lake bed. The depositional period of Chang 73 Member of Ordos Basin was the maximum lake-flooding period of the Late Triassic, with active tectonic movement, flexion slope break development, and frequent volcanic eruption. Meanwhile, the addition of tuff provides nutrients for the water and promotes an anoxic reduction environment, which is conducive to the preservation of organic matter. The above multiple actions lead to the formation of multiple source-reservoir combinations in Chang 73 Member, and the silty and muddy sediments formed by fine-grained transitional plug flow, fine-grained debris flow and mud flow, fine-grained hyperpycnal flow, fine-grained surge-like turbidity flow, and other flows have the potential to form shale oil dessert segment.