The scientists studied the ZaoIII reservoir group in southern Kongdian to understand where the sand came from and how it is distributed. They used geophysics, geochemistry, and sedimentology to analyze the provenance system. By looking at gravity anomalies, seismic data, mineral analysis, and sand distribution, they identified six fans in different areas. They found that the sand in this region is influenced by ancient landforms, fractures, and basin edges.