Desert sedimentary facies analysis of Honghuatao formation of Cretaceous system in Jiangling sag

With the increasing efforts of hydrocarbon exploration, a new oil-bearing series, Honghuatao formation of Cretaceous, has been found in Jiangling sag and therefore, a big breakthrough has been made in hydrocarbon exploration. While the research on paleo-desert deposit is limited and the sedimentary environment is always a controversial subject. Based on regional geologic setting analysis, field outcrop profile observation and coring observation, in combination with strata color, lithology combination, mineral composition and grain size parameters of sandstone, sand surface characteristics, combination characteristics of paleontology and sedimentary structure characteristics, the Honghuatao formation is considered to be desert deposit. Referring to sedimentary facies types of modern desert deposit, the types of sedimentary facies have been classified.