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The Late Paleozoic Fengcheng Formation within the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin (China) harbors the world’s oldest alkaline lake hydrocarbon source rocks. Spectral analysis of the natural gamma-ray (GR) series obtained from four boreholes traversing the Fengcheng Formation, with wavelength ranges of 28.4 m–50 m, 5.9 m–12.6 m, 2.3 m–3.9 m, and 1.2 m–2.7 m. These were controlled by Early Permian astronomical cycles, including 405 kyr long eccentricity, 100 kyr short eccentricity, 34.2 kyr obliquity, and 20.7–17.4 kyr precession. The most significant cycle was notably that of the 405 kyr long eccentricity, which was instrumental for dividing and correlating the high-frequency sedimentary sequences in lacustrine shales. Nine intermediate-term and 36 short-term base-level cycles were identified in the P1f1 and P1f2 members of the Fengcheng Formation. These cycle types are equal to the 405 kyr long eccentricity cycle and ∼100 kyr short eccentricity cycle, respectively. The paleolake-level variations in the Fengcheng Formation were reconstructed using sedimentary noise modeling, revealing that lake levels reached their highest value during the deposition of the P1f2 Member. The spatial distribution patterns of lithofacies in the Fengcheng Formation can be clearly demonstrated within the isochronous cycle framework under the constraints of long eccentricity cycles. The use of astronomical cycles in isochronous stratigraphic correlation offers great potential for characterizing alkaline lacustrine sequences and predicting favorable areas for shale oil exploration with higher accuracy.

In this paper, the lithology, pore type, throat structure, and physical characteristics of the sandstone and conglomerate reservoirs of the Upper Permian Shangwuerhe Formation in the Fukang Sag of the Junggar Basin were analyzed through rock cast thin section, scanning electron microscopy, fluid inclusions, piezometric mercury, and porosity–permeability analysis. In addition, the reservoir densification mechanism and the genesis of deep effective reservoirs were discussed. The results show that the reservoir is dominated by lithic sandstone (or lithic sandstone conglomerate). The lithic fragments primarily comprise tuffaceous volcanic rocks, supported by grains and cemented by clay, carbonate, authigenic quartz, and laumontite. The reservoir properties are characterized by extra-low porosity and permeability, and the pore type is dominated by inter- and intragrain dissolved pores of lithic fragments, feldspar, and quartz. The pore connectivity is poor due to poorly sorted extra-fine throat channels. The tightness of the reservoir.is due to the strong cementation of calcite, chlorite, montmorillonite, illite-montmorillonite mixed layer, authigenic quartz, and laumontite. Furthermore, the large amount of Ca2+ released by the hydration of tuff rock debris and intermediate–basic volcanic rock debris and the CO2-rich thermal fluid from the deep layers cause the development of several calcites. The formation of several montmorillonites is mainly related to the alteration of filled volcanic ash, and the hydration of volcanic tuff material primarily causes the development of laumontite cementation. The dissolution of feldspar and various volcanic lithic fragments by acidic fluids triggers the physical improvement of the reservoir in the local section.

Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation is considered to be a high-quality alkaline lacustrine shale oil resource in the Junggar Basin, NW China. Based on core and thin section observation, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, low-pressure N2 adsorption, and high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry, different shale lithofacies, and pore structures were examined. According to the mineral composition, shales in well My 1 are divided into five types: dolomitic mudstone, calcareous mudstone, siliceous mudstone, tuffaceous mudstone, and argillaceous mudstone, each of which shows its pore structure distribution. Intragranular pores, inter-crystalline pores associated with clays and pyrites, dissolution pores, and microfractures were commonly observed. There are three segments of pore structures including 4 μm. Clay minerals mainly contribute to mesopores, especially in argillaceous mudstones. The dissolution of carbonate minerals and feldspars is significant for macropores predominantly in dolomitic mudstones and tuffaceous mudstones, respectively. Micron-scale microfractures associated with laminae dominate in dolomitic mudstones. Therefore, the dolomitic mudstones, especially with lamination, and tuffaceous mudstones are proposed to be favored shale lithofacies with great exploration potential in the Mahu Sag.