复杂断块油藏形成机制及剩余油预测

The central uplift in the Huimin depression is famous for its large amounts of faults and small-scale fault-block area, and it is the famed typical complicated fault-block group oil & gas field in the whole world. After many years of rolling exploration and exploitation, many complex oil &gas field have been discovered in the central uplift, and won the splendent fruit. With the gradual deepening and development of the rolling exploitation, the exploration faces more and more difficulties. Therefore, it is important to reveal the forming mechanism and distributing rule of the complex fault-block reservoir, and to realize the forecast of the complex fault-block reservoir, sequentially, expedite the exploration step. This article applies the new multi-subject theory, method and technique such as structure geometry, kinematics, dynamics, structural stress field, fluid potential field, well logging record and constrained inversion of seismic records, coherence analysis, the seal mold and seal history of oil-bounded fault etc, and try to reveal the forming mechanism and distributing law of the complex fault-block reservoir, in result, implements the forecast of the fault-block reservoir and the remaining oil distributing. In order to do so, this article synthetically carries out structural estimate, reservoir estimate, fault sealing history estimate, oil-bearing properties estimate and residual. This article also synthetically researches, describes and forecast the complex fault-block in Huimin depression by use of the techniques, e.g. seismetic data post-stack processing technique, multi-component demarcating technique, elaborate description technique for the fault-block structure, technique of layer forecasting, fault sealing analysis technique, comprehensive estimate technique of fault-block, comprehensive analysis and estimate technique of remaining oil etc. The activities of the faults varies dramatically in the Huimin depression, and most of the second-class and the third-class faults are contemporaneous faults, which control the macroscopical distribution of the reservoir in the Huimin depression. The fourth-class faults cause the complication between the oil & gas among the fault-blocks. The multi-period strong activities of the Linyi fracture resulted in the vertical migration of large amount of oil & gas along with the faults. This is the main reason for the long vertical distribution properties near the Linyi fracture in the Huimin depression. The sealing ability of the fault is controlled by the property,size and direction of the main stress, the contact relationship of the both sides of the fault, the shale polluting factor, and the configuration relationship between the fault move period and the migration period of oil & gas. The article suggest four fault-sealing modes in the research zone for the first time, which establishes the foundation for the further forecast of the complex fault-block reservoir. Numerical simulation of the structural stress field reveals the distribution law and the evolvement progress of the three-period stress field from the end of the Dongying period to the Guantao period to nowadays. This article puts forward that the Linyi and Shanghe regions are the low value of the maximum main stress data. This is combined with the fault sealing history estimate, then multi-forming-reservoir in the central uplift is put forward. In the Shanghe oilfield, the article establishes six reservoir geological modes and three remaining oil distributing modes(the plane, the inside layer and the interlayer), then puts forward six increase production measure to enhance the remaining oil recovery ratio. Inducting the exploitation of oilfield, it wins notable economic effects and social effects.

孤北洼陷沙三-沙四段隐蔽油藏形成机制及其预测

Based on the study of sequence stratigraphy, modern sedimentary, basin analysis, and petroleum system in Gubei depression, this paper builds high resolution sequence stratigraphic structure, sedimentary system, sandbody distribution, the effect of tectonic in sequence and sedimentary system evolution and model of tectonic-lithofacies. The pool formation mechanism of subtle trap is developed. There are some conclusions and views as follows. 1.With the synthetic sequence analysis of drilling, seismic, and well log, the highly resolution sequence structure is build in Gubei depression. They are divided two secondary sequences and seven three-order sequences in Shahejie formation. They are include 4 kinds of system traces and 7 kinds of sedimentary systems which are alluvial fan, under water fan, alluvial fan and fan-delta, fan-delta, lacustrine-fan, fluvial-delta-turbidite, lakeshore beach and bar, and deep lake system. Sandbody distribution is show base on third order sequence. 2.Based on a lot of experiment and well log, it is point out that there are many types of pore in reservoir with the styles of corrosion pore, weak cementing, matrix cementing, impure filling, and 7 kinds of diagenetic facies. These reservoirs are evaluated by lateral and profile characteristics of diagenetic facies and reservoir properties. 3.The effect of simultaneous faulting on sediment process is analyzed from abrupt slope, gentle slope, and hollow zone. The 4 kinds of tectonic lithofacies models are developed in several periods in Gubei depression; the regional distribution of subtle trap is predicted by hydro accumulation characteristics of different tectonic lithofacies. 4.There are 4 types of compacting process, which are normal compaction, abnormal high pressure, abnormal low pressure and complex abnormal pressure. The domain type is normal compaction that locates any area of depression, but normal high pressure is located only deep hollow zone (depth more than 3000m), abnormal low pressures are located gentle slope and faulted abrupt slope (depth between 1200~2500m). 5.Two types dynamic systems of pool formation (enclosed and partly enclosed system) are recognized. They are composed by which source rocks are from Es3 and Es4, cap rocks are deep lacustrine shale of Esl and Es3, and sandstone reservoirs are 7 kinds of sedimentary system in Es3 and Es4. According to theory of petroleum system, two petroleum systems are divided in Es3 and Es4 of Gubei depression, which are high or normal pressure self-source system and normal or low pressure external-source system. 6.There are 3 kinds of combination model of pool formation, the first is litholgical pool of inner depression (high or normal pressure self-source type), the second is fault block or fault nose pool in marginal of depression (normal type), the third is fault block-lithological pool of central low lifted block (high or normal pressure type). The lithological pool is located central of depression, other pool are located gentle or abrupt slope that are controlled by lithological, faulting, unconfirmed. 7.This paper raise a new technique and process of exploration subtle trap which include geological modeling, coring description and logging recognition, and well log constrained inversion. These are composed to method and theory of predicting subtle trap. Application these methods and techniques, 6 hydro objects are predicted in three zone of depression.

东营凹陷中央隆起带次生油藏成藏机制和预测

It is the key project of SINOPEC at ninth five years period with a lot of work and very difficult, which the main object are the study of pool-forming mechanism, distribution rule and pool-forming model of complex secondary pool at Dongying formation in high mature exploration area, and building theories and methods of research, description and prediction of secondary fault block pool. This paper apply comprehensively with various theories, method and techniques of geology, seismic, well log, reservoir engineering, meanwhile apply with computer means, then adopt combination of quality and quantitative to develop studies of pool-forming mechanism, model and pool prediction of fault block pool. On the based of stretch, strike-slip, reversal structure theories, integrated the geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of structure, it is show that the structure framework, the structure evolve, formation mechanism of central uplift belt of Dongying depression and control to formation and distribute of secondary complex fault block pool. The opening and sealing properties, sealing mechanism and sealing models of pool-controlling fault are shown by using quality, direction of normal stress, relations between interface and rock of two sides of fault and shale smear factor (SSF), as well as the juxtaposition of fault motion stage and hydrocarbon migration, etc. The sealing history of controlling fault, formation mechanism and distribute the regulation are established by combining together with bury history, structure evolve history, fault growth history stress field evolve history, which can be guide exploration and production oil field. It were bring up for the first time the dynamics mechanism of Dongying central uplift which were the result of compound tress field of stretch, strike-slip and reversal, companion with reversal drag structure, arcogenesis of paste and salt beds. The dual function of migration and sealing of fault were demonstrated in the research area. The ability of migration and sealing oil of pool-controlling fault is controlled by those factors of style of fault combination, activity regulation and intensity of fault at the period of oil migration. The four kinds of sealing model of pool-controlling fault were established in the research area, which the sealing mechanism of fault and distribution regulation of oil in time and space. The sealing ability of fault were controlled by quality, direction of normal stress, relations between interface and rock of two sides of fault and shale smear factor (SSF), as well as the juxtaposition of fault motion stage and hydrocarbon migration, etc. The fuzzy judge of fault sealing is the base of prediction of secondary pool. The pool-forming model of secondary was established in the research area, which the main factors are ability migration and sealing. The transform zone of fault, inner of arc fault and the compound area of multi fault are enrichment region of secondary pool of Dongying formation, which are confirm by exploration with economic performance and social performance.

商都盆地二氧化碳气成藏条件研究

The bedding sequences, based on the results from others, have been constructed by geological researches. Furthermore, the reservoir, gas-bearing characteristics and reservoir-blanket association have been increasingly understudied by the geological and seismic studies as well as the log data. The deep dynamics for the formation and development of Shangdu basin resulted from complicated fault system and its continued action have been obtained. The studies on the reservoir condition reveal that the mantle-derived magmatism provided the materials for the CO_2 gas reservoir after Paleogene Period and the huge regional fault not only control the evolution of basin and sedimentary but also pay a role as a passage of the CO_2. The sandstone of river course formed in Paleogene System, with very good reservoir condition, are widely developed in the study area. The blanket with good condition is composed by the basalt in Hannuoba Formation and lake facies shale of Shangdou Formation. Local structures and good encirclement are resulted from the different sedimentary environment and later differential sagging. All statements above demonstrate that there is a very good pool-forming condition for the CO_2. In addition, the high abundance of H_2 recognized during drill exploration are also of significance.More than 30 inorganic CO_2 gas reservoirs have been determined during the exploration for the oil-bearing basins in the eastern China, which are developed along the two sides of Tanlu Fault or within it. In which the CO_2 gas reservoir in Shangdou basin is an inorganic gas reservoir far away from Tanlu Fault. Thus the determination of the CO_2 gas reservoir in Shangdou basin is significant for sciences due to the first exploration for the inorganic CO_2 gas reservoir in our country. The geophysical exploration carried on the CO_2 gas reservoir is benefited for the research of prospecting techniques of CO_2 reservoir.

港西地区河流相砂岩油藏剩余油分布研究

The Gangxi oil field has reached a stage of high water production. The reservoir parameters, such as reservoir physical characteristics, pore structure, fluid, have obviously changed. This thesis therefore carries out a study of these parameters that control reservoir characteristics, physical and chemical actions that have taken place within the reservoirs due to fluid injection, subsequent variations of reservoir macroscopic physical features, microscopic pore structures, seepages, and formation fluid properties. This study rebuilds a geologic model for this oil field, establishes a log-interpreting model, proposes a methodology for dealing with large pore channels and remnant oil distribution, and offers a basis for effective excavation of potential oil, recovery planning, and improvement of water-injection techniques. To resolve some concurrent key problems in the process of exploration of the Gangxi area, this thesis carries out a multidisciplinary research into reservoir geology, physical geography, reservoir engineering, and oil-water well testing. Taking sandstone and flow unit as objects, this study establishes a fine geologic model by a quantificational or semi-quantificational approach in order to understand the remnant oil distribution and the reservoir potential, and accordingly proposes a plan for further exploration. By rebuilding a geological model and applying reservoir-engineering methods, such as numerical simulation, this thesis studies the oil-water movement patterns and remnant-oil distribution, and further advances a deployment plan for the necessary adjustments and increase of recoverable reserves. Main achievements of this study are as follows: 1. The Minghazhen Formation in the Gangxi area is featured by medium-sinuosity river deposits, manifesting themselves as a transitional type between typical meandering and braided rivers. The main microfacies are products of main and branch channels, levee, inter-channel overflows and crevasse-splay floodplains. The Guantao Group is dominantly braided river deposit, and microfacies are mainly formed in channel bar, braided channel and overbank. Main lithofacies include conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone and shale, with sandstone facies being the principal type of the reservoir. 2. The reservoir flow unit of the Gangxi area can be divided into three types: Type I is a high-quality heterogeneous seepage unit, mainly distributed in main channel; Type II is a moderate-quality semi-heterogeneous seepage unit, mainly distributed in both main and branch channels, and partly seen within inter-channel overflow microfacies; Type III is a low-quality, relatively strong heterogeneous seepage unit, mainly distributed in inter-channel overflow microfacies and channel flanks. 3. Flow units and sedimentary microfacies have exerted relatively strong controls on the flowing of underground oil-water: (1) injection-production is often effective in the float units of Type I and II, whilst in the same group of injection-production wells, impellent velocity depends on flow unit types and injection-production spacing; (2) The injection-production of Type III flow unit between the injection-production wells of Type I and II flow units, however, are little effective; (3) there can form a seepage shield in composite channels between channels, leading to inefficient injection and production. 4. Mainly types of large-scale remnant-oil distribution are as follows: (1) remnant oil reservoir of Type III flow unit; (2) injection-production well group of remnant oil area of Type III flow unit; (3) remnant oil reservoirs that cannot be controlled by well network, including reservoir featured by injection without production, reservoir characterized by production without injection, and oil reservoir at which no well can arrive; (4) remnant oil area where injection-production system is not complete. 5. Utilizing different methods to deal with different sedimentary types, sub-dividing the columns of up to 900 wells into 76 chronostratigraphic units. Four transitional sandstone types are recognized, and contrast modes of different sandstone facies are summarized Analyzing in details the reservoirs of different quality by deciphering densely spaced well patterns, dividing microscopic facies and flow units, analyzing remnant oil distribution and its effect on injection-production pattern, and the heterogeneity. Theory foundation is therefore provided for further excavation of remnant oil. Re-evaluating well-log data. The understanding of water-flood layers and conductive formations in the Gangxi area have been considerably improved, and the original interpretations of 233 wells have changed by means of double checking. Variations of the reservoirs and the fluid and formation pressures after water injection are analyzed and summarized Studies are carried out of close elements of the reservoirs, fine reservoir types, oil-water distribution patterns, as well as factors controlling oil-gas enrichment. A static geological model and a prediction model of important tracts are established. Remaining recoverable reserves are calculated of all the oil wells and oil-sandstones. It is proposed that injection-production patterns of 348 oil-sandstones should be adjusted according to the analysis of adaptability of all kinds of sandstones in the injection-production wells.

多波分量地震资料处理解释方法

To deal with some key problems in multi-component seismic exploration, some methods are introduced in this thesis based on reading amounts of papers about multi-component seismic theories and methods. First, to find a solution for the detection of the fracture density and orientation in igneous, carbonate and shale reservoirs, a large amount of which exist in domestic oil fields with low exploration and development degree, a new fast and slow shear waves separation method called Ratio Method based on S-wave splitting theory is discussed in this thesis, through which the anisotropy coefficient as well as fracture parameters such as density and azimuthal angle can be acquired. Another main point in this thesis involves the application of seismic velocity ratio (Vp/Vs) to predict the Hthological parameters of subsurface medium. To deal with the unfeasibility of velocity ratio calculation method based on time ratio due to the usually low single-noise ratio of S-wave seismic data acquired on land, a new method based on detailed velocity analysis is introduced. Third, pre-stack Kirchhoff integral migration is a new method developed in recent years, through which both S and P component seismic data as well as amplitude ratio of P/S waves can be acquired. In this thesis, the research on untilizing the P and S wave sections as well as amplitude ratio sections to interpret low-amplitude structures and lithological traps is carried out. The fast and slow shear wave separation method is then be applied respectively to detect the density and azimuthal angle of fractures in an igneous rock gas reservoir and the coal formation in a coal field. Two velocity ratio-calculating methods are applied respectively in the lithological prediction at the gas and coal field after summarizing a large amount of experimental results draw domestically and abroad. P and S wave sections as well as amplitude ratio sections are used to identify low-amplitude structures and lithological traps in the slope area of a oil-bearing sedimentary basin. The calculated data concerning fracture density and azimuthal angle through the introduced method matches well with the regional stress and actual drilling data. The predicted lithological data reflects the actual drilling data. Some of the low-amplitude and lithological traps determined by Kirchhoff migration method are verified by the actual drilling data. These results indicate that these methods are very meaningful when dealing with complex oil and gas reservoir, and can be applied in other areas.

贵州遵义地区早寒武世黑色岩系中镍钼多金属富集层的矿物学和地球化学研究

在新元古代-寒武纪交替阶段（~544Ma）的短短几百万年间，生物种类和数量剧增，这一事件被称之为“寒武纪生物大爆发”（Cambrian Exploration），同时在这一时期，也发生了全球的海洋缺氧事件（Ocean Anoxic Event，OAE）。这些事件造成了在世界范围内的寒武系底部普遍发育了一套富有机质的黑色岩系。在中国南方，从皖南、浙江经赣北、湘西北、贵州至云南一线，下寒武统黑色岩系的分布近2000公里。这些黑色岩系的发育程度在全球背景中很具特色，是全球背景中研究黑色岩系及其相关科学问题的理想场所。 我国南方大陆早寒武世黑色岩系广泛分布且层位稳定，并伴有Mo、Ni、Se、V、Ag、Au、PGE等多种元素富集层。由于其处在特殊的地球演化背景及地质条件，成为目前国内外研究的一个热点区域。基于此，本文在前人工作的基础上，以贵州遵义地区早寒武世黑色岩系中镍钼多金属富集层为研究对象，通过矿物学、元素地球化学、同位素地球化学等研究手段，探讨中国南方早寒武世黑色岩系中镍钼多金属富集层的成因机制。通过研究，取得以下几点认识： (1) 下寒武统镍钼多金属富集层中SiO2含量较低，MgO、Na2O、K2O、MnO、TiO2在炭质页岩和镍钼层中含量差别不大。镍钼多金属富集层中Fe、Ca、P的含量明显高于碳质页岩，这与镍钼层中硫化物、方解石和磷质的显著增加有关。 (2) 镍钼多金属富集层中微量元素Se、Mo、Cd、Ag、Tl、U、Ni，、Bi、Zn、Cu、V等均有较大富集，富集系数为n到n×103。其中尤以Se、Mo最为富集，两者的富集系数均超过30000，其中Mo元素的富集系数大于50000。 (3)通过多种地球化学指标判别，如Se在黑色岩系中超常赋存，U/Th比值远大于1，黑色页岩和镍钼多金属富集层的Ce具有负异常、Eu有微弱的正异常，多种成矿元素的相关关系等这些特征，都暗示了海底喷流热液和生物的共同作用。此外，黑色岩系中V/(V+Ni)的比值反映了它的沉积环境为缺氧环境。 (4)研究区下寒武统黑色岩系中镍钼多金属富集层的矿物组合以黄铁矿、白铁矿、针镍矿、辉砷镍矿、铁辉砷镍矿、紫硫镍矿、赫硫镍矿和碳硫钼矿为主。 矿物生成大多经历了两个成矿阶段：沉积－早期热液阶段和热液－生物阶段。 (5)根据电子探针分析，对于主要富集元素Ni、Mo而言，Ni以出现大量的镍矿物为特征。镍钼多金属富集层中Mo元素主要以“碳硫钼矿”（MoSC）的形式赋存。Se与As元素在硫化物中含量变化十分特征，如在黄铁矿中Se元素较少而As元素含量较高，在碳硫钼矿中情况相反，推测这是由于Se与As元素不同的地球化学性质以及上述两种矿物不同的形成期次造成的。 (6)同位素研究表明，镍钼多金属富集层的硒同位素的分布范围较窄，δ82/76Se范围为-1.56‰- +1.85‰,平均值+0.25‰。根据目前所测得的硒同位素数据，不支持从海水中还原金属元素沉积富集的机制。我们认为当硒通过海底喷流作用释放后，首先以类质同象的方式结合到硫化物相中，这一过程不会造成硒同位素的大的分馏。流体中剩余的少部分硒与海水混合，并且为藻类吸附而沉淀下来，这一过程会造成约1-2‰的硒同位素分馏。这一模式可较好的解释遵义地区下寒武统Ni-Mo-Se富集层的硒同位素组成特征和硒在不同物相中的分配形式。 (7) 镍钼多金属富集层和围岩的有机碳含量为1.75%～13.9%，平均9.16%，有机碳同位素组成为（δ13Corg）-30.6‰～-32.2‰,这一负偏移可能是由于寒武纪早期的海侵作用造成的。

Methane contamination of drinking water accompanying gas-well drilling and hydraulic fracturing.

Directional drilling and hydraulic-fracturing technologies are dramatically increasing natural-gas extraction. In aquifers overlying the Marcellus and Utica shale formations of northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York, we document systematic evidence for methane contamination of drinking water associated with shale-gas extraction. In active gas-extraction areas (one or more gas wells within 1 km), average and maximum methane concentrations in drinking-water wells increased with proximity to the nearest gas well and were 19.2 and 64 mg CH(4) L(-1) (n = 26), a potential explosion hazard; in contrast, dissolved methane samples in neighboring nonextraction sites (no gas wells within 1 km) within similar geologic formations and hydrogeologic regimes averaged only 1.1 mg L(-1) (P < 0.05; n = 34). Average δ(13)C-CH(4) values of dissolved methane in shallow groundwater were significantly less negative for active than for nonactive sites (-37 ± 7‰ and -54 ± 11‰, respectively; P < 0.0001). These δ(13)C-CH(4) data, coupled with the ratios of methane-to-higher-chain hydrocarbons, and δ(2)H-CH(4) values, are consistent with deeper thermogenic methane sources such as the Marcellus and Utica shales at the active sites and matched gas geochemistry from gas wells nearby. In contrast, lower-concentration samples from shallow groundwater at nonactive sites had isotopic signatures reflecting a more biogenic or mixed biogenic/thermogenic methane source. We found no evidence for contamination of drinking-water samples with deep saline brines or fracturing fluids. We conclude that greater stewardship, data, and-possibly-regulation are needed to ensure the sustainable future of shale-gas extraction and to improve public confidence in its use.

Radium and barium removal through blending hydraulic fracturing fluids with acid mine drainage.

Wastewaters generated during hydraulic fracturing of the Marcellus Shale typically contain high concentrations of salts, naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), and metals, such as barium, that pose environmental and public health risks upon inadequate treatment and disposal. In addition, fresh water scarcity in dry regions or during periods of drought could limit shale gas development. This paper explores the possibility of using alternative water sources and their impact on NORM levels through blending acid mine drainage (AMD) effluent with recycled hydraulic fracturing flowback fluids (HFFFs). We conducted a series of laboratory experiments in which the chemistry and NORM of different mix proportions of AMD and HFFF were examined after reacting for 48 h. The experimental data combined with geochemical modeling and X-ray diffraction analysis suggest that several ions, including sulfate, iron, barium, strontium, and a large portion of radium (60-100%), precipitated into newly formed solids composed mainly of Sr barite within the first ∼ 10 h of mixing. The results imply that blending AMD and HFFF could be an effective management practice for both remediation of the high NORM in the Marcellus HFFF wastewater and beneficial utilization of AMD that is currently contaminating waterways in northeastern U.S.A.

Floristic notes of Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve (Spain, Madrid province)

New records of vascular plants from Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve and surroundings (Spain, Madrid province) are provided. It is noteworthy the presence of atlantic flora in this continental area and the different shrubby communities in different sectors with different litology: in areas with gneiss they are dominated by leguminous genisteae; where it is schistous, shale or quartzite they are heathlands.

Elective versus symptomatic antibiotic treatment in cystic fibrosis patients with chronic Pseudomonas infection of the lungs

BACKGROUND:
A previous retrospective study suggested that a policy of regular anti-pseudomonal antibiotic treatment improved pulmonary function and increased survival in patients with cystic fibrosis chronically infected with Pseudomonas species. The results of a prospective multicentre study to compare the effects on pulmonary function and mortality of three monthly elective anti-pseudomonal antibiotic treatment with conventional symptomatic treatment are reported.

METHODS:
Sixty patients with cystic fibrosis, chronically infected with P aeruginosa, were randomised to the two treatment arms (elective or symptomatic) and followed clinically at yearly reviews. The major end points were changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Survival was a secondary end point.

RESULTS:
Patients in the symptomatic group received a mean of three antibiotic treatments each year and those in the elective group received four antibiotic treatments during each year of the study. No significant differences in FEV(1) and FVC were found between the two groups after three years. There was a statistically non-significant higher rate of deaths in the elective group (n = 4), three of which were associated with B cepacia infection, compared with the symptomatic group (n = 0).

CONCLUSIONS:
This study did not demonstrate an advantage of a policy of elective antibiotic treatment over symptomatic treatment in patients with cystic fibrosis chronically infected with Pseudomonas species.

Soil-Landscape relationships at the lower reaches of a watershed at Bear Creek near Oak Ridge, Tennessee

The watersheds at Bear Creek, Oak Ridge, TN, have similar soil–landscape relationships. The lower reaches of many of these watersheds consist of headwater riparian wetlands situated between sloping non-wetland upland zones. The objectives of this study are to examine the effects of (i) slope and geomorphic processes, (ii) human impacts, and (iii) particular characteristics of soils and saprolite that may effect drainage and water movement in the wetlands and adjacent landscapes in one of these watersheds. A transect was run from west to east in a hydrological monitored area at the lower reaches of a watershed on Bear Creek. This transect extended from a steep side slope position across a floodplain, a terrace, and a shoulder slope. On the upland positions of the Nolichucky Shale, mass wasting, overland flow and soil creep currently inhibit soil formation on the steep side slope position where a Typic Dystrudept is present, while soil stability on the shoulder slope has resulted in the formation of a well-developed Typic Hapludult. In these soils, argillic horizons occur above C horizons on less sloping gradients in comparison to steeper slopes, which have Bw horizons over Cr (saprolite) material. A riparian wetland area occupies the floodplain section, where a Typic Endoaquept is characterized by poorly drained conditions that led to the development of redoximorphic features (mottling), gleying, organic matter accumulation, and minimal development of subsurface horizons. A thin colluvial deposit overlies a thick well developed Aquic Hapludalf that formed in alluvial sediments on the terrace position. The colluvial deposit from the adjacent shoulder slope is thought to result from soil creep and anthropogenic erosion caused by past cultivation practices. Runoff from the adjacent sloping landscape and groundwater from the adjacent wetland area perhaps contribute to the somewhat poorly drained conditions of this profile. Perched watertables occur in upland positions due to dense saprolite and clay plugging in the shallow zones of the saprolite. However, no redoximorphic features are observed in the soil on the side slope due to high runoff. Remnants of the underlying shale saprolite, which occur as small discolored zones resembling mottles, are also present. The soils in the study have a CEC of