Scientific Development Research

Braided river sand bodies constitute a significant type of continental clastic reservoir in the Meso‑Cenozoic petroliferous basins of China. Channel bar sand bodies, as the key architectural element of such reservoirs, are of great importance for reservoir prediction and modeling through quantitative characterization. Based on Google Earth remote‑sensing images, this study selects a typical sandy braided‑river reach in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River as the research object. A total of 38 sets of geomorphic parameters, including channel‑bar length, width, area, braided‑channel width, and braided‑belt width, were systematically measured. Statistical regression was employed to establish quantitative relational models among these parameters. The results demonstrate significant positive correlations between bar length and width, bar width and area, bar width and braided‑belt width, as well as between braided‑channel width and braided‑belt width. Furthermore, by integrating sedimentary background analysis, the applicable conditions of the quantitative models are clarified: they are suitable for sandy braided‑river environments characterized by strong sediment supply, perennial flow, and gentle topography. This study enriches the geological knowledge database of braided‑river reservoirs and can provide a quantitative reference for the architectural characterization and 3‑D geological modeling of subsurface braided‑river reservoirs under similar sedimentary settings, thereby improving reservoir prediction accuracy in areas with sparse well networks.

Braided river; Channel bar; Quantitative relationship; Geological knowledge base