Acid-Extracted Hydrocarbon Anomalies and Significance in the Chaoshan Depression of the Northern South China Sea

To predict the favorable zones and the types of reservoirs, acid extraction has been used in the Chaoshan depression to detect trace amounts of light hydrocarbons, heavy hydrocarbons, and the δ 13C (‰) of methane. As a result, two integration anomalous zones for exploration activity were blocked out in the northeastern and southwestern parts of the Chaoshan Depression, respectively. By analyzing the differentiation law and structural characteristics of hydrocarbon gases, as well as the stable carbon isotope ratio of methane, the underlying reservoirs were predicted to be gas reservoirs, and the seismically interpreted Dongsha-A (DS-A) structure was predicted to be a gas-rich structure. By correlating the seismic profile and geochemical anomalies, it was determined that fault planes and micro-fractures are the main controlling factors for the occurrence of the seabed’s geochemical anomalies. A composite formation mechanism of “lower generation, upper accumulation and micro fractures leaking” is proposed for the control of the underlying petroleum reservoirs, as well as for the micro-fracture control of permeability and surface adsorption control. Acid-extracted hydrocarbon anomalies have favorable indicating significance for exploration activity.