Wen et al. investigated the Beipiao Formation in western Liaoning, Northeast China, and identified lithofacies formed under the influence of volcanic activities and sediment-gravity flows. Three depositional environments—shallow lake, semi-deep/deep lacustrine, and fan delta—were defined, with basin evolution transitioning from fan delta to deep lake and back, interbedded with volcanic deposits. Volcanism enhanced nutrient supply and organic matter preservation, while gravity flows transported plant fragments to deep lakes, leading to the enrichment of Type III kerogen.

Feng and Zhang analyzed the ShangGanchaigou Formation in the western Qaidam Basin, Northwest China, and identified seven architectural elements (distributary channels, bars, algal mounds, etc.) and three facies belts (proximal delta front, middle isolated lobes, distal algalmarl complexes). Short-term base-level cycles were documented as the dominant factor producing frequent facies variations. Reservoir connectivity was documented to decrease lakeward, revealing challenges in predicting heterogeneous reservoirs.

Zhang et al. examined coevolution of minerals in lacustrine mudstones from Bohai Bay Basin, East China. Fibrous calcite/ankerite precipitated in primary laminar fractures during peak organic-acid release, with elements supplied by early carbonate dissolution and smectite–illite transformation. Clay alteration led to the formation of microcrystalline quartz, feldspar dissolution, and the increase in pH allowed authigenic albite to form. Authigenic carbonates and colloidal pyrite regulated pore-fluid chemistry, while variations in organic matter governed pore pressure, acid levels, and diagenetic pathways.

Yuan et al. studied tight sandstones of the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation in the eastern Sichuan Basin, Southwest China, and identified various facies associated with subaqueous distributary channels and mouth bars. Strong compaction/cementation led to reduction of porosity, while chlorite coatings and weak dissolution preserved pores. Five diagenetic facies were classified, with Type III (chlorite-coating) and IV (weak dissolution) in coarse-grained channels showing high AC, low GR/DEN/RT as optimal reservoirs.

Lin et al. studied analcime formation in Middle Permian reservoirs in the Jinan Sag, Junggar Basin, Northwest China. Analcime was originated from early alkaline hydrolysis of volcanic debris under specific conditions, forming low-silica, Al-rich, Na-poor varieties. Cementation reduced primary porosity, but acidic fluids from oil/gas charging dissolved analcime, generating secondary pores via albitization. Reservoir quality was enhanced by formation of intragranular pores through dissolution of analcime, feldspar or lithic fragments.

Guo et al. investigated glutenite compaction using a self-designed diagenetic simulation system, addressing the lack of quantitative studies on complex rock fabrics. Experiments revealed segmented logarithmic relationships between porosity and depth during mechanical compaction, with larger grains aiding in pore preservation. A 30% sand content in gravel formed stable secondary structures optimizing pressure-bearing capacity, while high heterobase content reduced primary pores.

Ge et al. examined Niutitang shale gas across four palaeouplifts in the Sichuan Basin, Southwest China, showing that structural preservation, thermal maturation, and sedimentary subfacies control enrichment and that thrust-nappe lower plates and deepwater trough facies were recognized as prime exploration targets.

Lu et al. investigated Qiongzhusi Formation shale from three wells in southern Sichuan Basin, Southwest China, by analyses of lithofacies, mineralogy, TOC, trace elements, and isotopes. They defined two depositional end-members in a fault-controlled, moderately restricted setting: (1) organic-rich black shale formed under anoxic-suboxic conditions during periods of low chemical weathering, cold-arid climate, and high productivity; and (2) organic-lean grey shale deposited under suboxic-oxic conditions during periods of similarly low weathering intensity and aridity but reduced productivity.

Gao et al. analyzed fine-grained floodplain deposits in the Greater Green River Basin, southwestern Wyoming, United States of America. They used paleosol morphology, bulk organic δ¹³C, leaf-wax δ¹³C and δD, and CIA-K–derived MAP to reconstruct LPEE continental hydroclimate. They identified the PETM by a ∼4‰–5‰ negative carbon isotope excursion and a 30‰–50‰ leaf wax n-alkanes δ Dn-alk increase. Paleosols indicate generally humid–warm conditions with transient drying during the PETM, with pCO₂ of 600–900 ppm reconstructed through the integration of δ¹³Corg with carbonate δ¹³C.

Wang et al. reconciled Qingshankou Formation mud/silt stratigraphy in the southern Songliao Basin, Northwest China, by linking gamma/density logs to astronomical cycles, and developed a high-resolution, isochronous framework. They showed that tectonics and orbital climate paced rhythmic sand–mud progradation and proposed a “synchronous heterotopy” lake-delta model with overfilling strata lagging eccentricity peaks, whereas balanced - filling strata coinciding with them.