Research Article

Sedimentary Environments and Coal Accumulation of the Middle Xishanyao Formation, Jurassic, in the Western Dananhu Coalfield, Turpan-Hami Basin

Table 1

Lithofacies of the middle member of Xishanyao Formation of the western Dananhu coalfield.

LithologyLithofaciesEnvironments

Conglomerates(1) Matrix-supported conglomerates, off-white-tawny, poorly sorted, subangular, basal cementation, erosional basesChannel lags of braided channels and debris flow
(2) Particle-supported conglomerates, off-white, poorly to moderately sorted, subrounded-subangular, porous-contact cementation, occasional imbricationsChannel lags of braided channels

Sandstone(3) Massive bedding sandstone, off-white, moderately sorted, subrounded-subangular, massiveMouth bars, sheet flows
(4) Sandstone with ripple laminated bedding, off-white to grey-buff, moderately to well-sorted, subrounded, particle-supportedNatural levees, flood plains, crevasse splays, interdistributary bays, lakeshore, and shallow lakes
(5) Sandstone with tabular cross-bedding, off-white, moderately sorted, subrounded-subangular, particle-supported, erosional basesPoint bars, mouth bars
(6) Sandstone with parallel bedding, off-white to grey-buff, well-sorted, subrounded, contact cementation, stripping lineation can be seen on bedding planePoint bars, distributary channels, and mouth bars
(7) Sandstone with trough cross-bedding, off-white to grey-buff, well-sorted, subrounded-subangular, particle-supported, occasionally with erosional basesPoint bars, distributary channels
(8) Pebbled coarse sandstone, off-white to grey-buff, poorly sorted, subangular, with basal-porous cementation, with siliceous and calcareous cements, often tree trunks fossils, erosional basesChannel lags of braided channels, river beaches, mouth bars

Siltstone(9) Siltstone with ripple laminated bedding, light grey, well-sorted, subrounded-subangularRiver beaches, natural levees, interdistributary bays, crevasse splays, distal bars, lakeshore, and shallow lakes
(10) Massive bedding siltstone, dark grey, moderately sorted, subrounded-subangular, occasional plant debris fossilsRiver beaches, mouth bars, distal bars
(11) Siltstone with horizontal bedding, grey, well-sorted, subcircular-subangular, plant debris fossilsFlood plains, interdistributary bays, distal bars, lakeshore, and shallow lakes

Mudstone(12) Mud, dark grey coloured, interlaminations, occasionally with pyrite nodule, sheetFlood plain, interdistributary bays, lakeshore, and shallow lakes
(13) Carbon mudstone, dark grey coloured, fragile and easy to fade, horizontal bedding, plant debris fossilsInterdistributary bays, flood plain, mires

Combustible organic rock(14) Coals, black, semibright type, banded, sheet, plant debris, and stem fossilsMires