In the DF1-1 Gas Field in the Yinggehai Basin, South China Sea, the velocity-depth plot and velocity spectra show significant variations from a linear trend, exhibiting a distinct reversal phenomenon. Velocity parameters derived from velocity spectral analysis of the seismic data and sonic logs indicate that the interval velocity reverses below 2,100 m (2.2 s two-way time (TWT)) in the DF1-1 Gas Field. Some direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs) models developed for the shallow strata cannot be simply applied to the moderately to deeply buried strata for direct exploration target recognition because the velocity reversal has caused the middle-deep gas reservoirs to exhibit a moderate or weak seismic amplitude. The hydrocarbon indicator method of “Differential Interformational Velocity Analysis (DIVA)” with the aid of other hydrocarbon indicating techniques was employed to effectively identify DHIs in the middle-deep strata under velocity inversion. The result has shown that the DIVA technique can be effectively used as a DHI in both the shallow and the middle-deep strata in the study area with the shallow strata characterized by Type I DIVA anomaly and the middle-deep strata characterized by the Type II DIVA anomaly.
Based on the analysis of well logs, seismic data, core studies, the Dongying （东营） Formation along the nearshore and adjacent sea areas, Bohai （渤海） Bay basin has been subdivided into three third-order sequences from base to top： namely, sequences SQ1, SQ2 and SQ3. The three sequences have different wireline （SP） log responses, showing triple-section characteristics with SQ1 being characterized by primarily flat baseline with intercalation of relatively low spontaneous potential, SQ2 generally exhibiting weak or moderate amplitude spontaneous potential with finger-shaped peaks, and SQ3 having relatively high spontaneous potential with funnel-shaped log curves. On the basis of the triple-section characteristics, the stratigraphic sequences can be correlated consistently throughout the entire study area. A stratigraphic and sedimentary model for sequences SQ1 to SQ3 of the Dongying Formation in the study area has been proposed. The accommodation space change in the two sides of the asymmetrical basin was examined and the asymmetrical basin has the feature of the asymmetrical accommodation space change. The asymmetrical physiography is a vital factor to influence the accommodation changes in additional to the lake level change, tectonism and sediment supply. This may have important implications to similar basins in other parts of China or elsewhere.
