Abstract:

For determining the location of provenance and direction of paleo-drainages，we investigated this key aspect of Guantao Formation in Raoyang depression by combining mineral composition, lithic fragments characteristics, heavy mineral associations and distribution, and sand body distribution. The results indicate that, during the Early Neogene, there were four independent paleo-drainage systems: flowing from north and northeast uplift to the south and the southwest, from west uplift to the northeast, from south and southwest uplift to the northeast, and from west uplift to the east. The main system was N-S-oriented along long axis of the depression, depositing N-S-oriented sandstone belts. Finally, the central part of the depression（Liulu area） is far away from source area to accumulate high-quality sandstone reservoirs and thick mudstone seal rocks, and is the most favorable area of exploration for oil and gas.

Key words: Raoyang depression, Neogene, provenance, sedimentary environments, sedimentation