Provenance analysis of the Qigu Formation in the eastern Fukang region, Xinjiang

The provenance analysis is vital significant to determine the positions of source areas and effective migration paths of the sediments. The provenance analysis in this study is based on the heavy mineral method, ZTR method, sedimentological method and stratigraphic dip logging in the Qigu Formation. It is shown that from SE to NW, the stability coefficients for the heavy minerals and ZTR index become progressively higher, while the sandstone + conglomerate contents are progressively getting lower. The palaeocurrents in the Qigu Formation were directed from SE to NW. All the evidences mentioned above suggest the southeastern origin of the sediments in the Qigu Formation.