The oil and gas exploration of the Early Triassic Yinkeng Formation with wide distribution in the Jingxian County of the southern Anhui is relatively lagging. Based on the outcrop

well core and test analysis data

the depositional characteristics

hydrocarbon generation conditions and reservoir conditions of the Yinkeng Formation in southern Anhui are discussed. Using the “UAV stereo photography”

an innovative digital survey of the outcrop can be carried out to extract structural and sedimentary information. Combined with the artificial geology survey and the se

ction digitization of the outcrop

the Yinkeng Formation can be divided into 16 sub-layers. The lithological of Yinkeng Formation is generally consist of gray mud limestone

conglomerate limestone and conglomerate limestone

with black and black gray mudstone. The cumulative thickness of the Yinkeng Formation is 43.8 meters with the TOC content ranging from 0.38 % to 2.21 % and the vitrinite reflectance ranging from 0.95 % to 1.21 %

indicating that the shales of the Yinkeng Formation is good source rocks and has a hydrocarbon potential. The porosity and permeability of limestones in the Yinkeng Formation range from 0.928 % to 2.626 %

and 0.12×10

-3

μm

2

to 3.22×10

-3

μm

2

respectively. The limestone intervals have under-developed matrix pores and low permeability

but have developed micro-fractures. Therefore

slopes and open shelf are favorable sedimentary facies with “self-generation and self-storage” petroleum system

and the Yinkeng Formation has large hydrocarbon potential.