Impact of Sandbody Genetic Types on Tight Sandstone Reservoirs: A Case Study from the Shunan Area, Sichuan Basin, China

The Shaximiao Formation in the Southwestern Sichuan Basin is rich in natural gas resources, but the genetic types of channel sandbodies remain unclear. This study investigated the sedimentary characteristics and sandbody genetic types of the Jurassic Shaximiao Formation using well core, logging, and reservoir property data. The results revealed that: (1) The Shaximiao Formation is predominated by shallow-water delta front facies, with delta plain facies present only in the Sha-1 Member. Lithologically, it exhibits a “mudstone-overlying-sandstone” pattern with channel sedimentary sequences portraying normal grading and various microfacies. (2) The sandstones of the Shaximiao Formation developed seven types of lithofacies. Based on the characteristics of lithofacies associations, six genetic types of sandbodies, i.e., deeply incised abrupt-transition, deeply incised gradual-transition, growth gradual-transition, progradational superimposed, progradational mouth bar, and suspension accretion sandbodies are recognized. The deeply incised abrupt-transition and deeply incised gradual-transition sandbodies have the best reservoir physical properties, while the suspension accretion sandbody has the worst. (3) These genetic types of sandbodies are controlled by the relative position of the channels and their relation to mouth bars, with reservoirs in deeply incised abrupt-transition and deeply incised gradual-transition sandbodies developed in the delta plain. (4) High-quality reservoirs are found in deeply incised abrupt-transition and gradual-transition sandbodies, where sedimentary processes strongly influence reservoir physical properties. This study provides new insights into the relationship between tight sandstone reservoirs and channel sandbody genetic types, offering guidance for exploration and development in similar regions.