Genetic types and sedimentary model of sandbodies in a shallow-water delta: A case study of the first Member of Cretaceous Yaojia Formation in Qian'an area, south of Songliao Basin, NE China

Based on outcrop, core, logging and mud logging data, and modern deposition analog, the sandbodies genetic types and spatial distribution in different facies belts of the shallow water delta in the first Member of Cretaceous Yaojia Formation (K2y1) of Qian'an area in Changling sag of southern Songliao Basin were analyzed, and the sedimentary model of shallow water delta was established according to deposition process. Active channel sandbodies, point bar sandbodies and bifurcation bar sandbodies in distributary channels and complex sandbodies formed the main sandbodies in the delta plain, while terminal distributary channels and mouth bar sandbodies formed the main sandbodies in the delta front. The delta prograded gradually under the construction of river mouth and reconstruction of river erosion, the early delta front evolved into delta plain and was reformed by distributary channels, and new delta fronts were formed at the river mouth ahead constantly. Under the control of the above deposition process, the size of main distributary channels in delta plain-delta front declined, while mouth bars developed increasingly. The sandbodies of different genetic types formed framework of river-dominated shallow water delta. The point bar and active channel sandbodies in main distributary channels of the delta, with the best reservoir quality, are lithologic reservoir targets in future exploration.