Insights into the Co-Exploration Potential of Gas in the Shale and Tight Sandstone of the Lower Silurian Formation in the Gongtan Syncline Area in Southeastern Sichuan Basin, SW China
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Geological Settings and Sample Collection
2.1. Geological Background
2.2. Sampling and Methodology
3. Gas Accumulation in Shale and Tight Sandstone
3.1. Favorable Geological Condition for Shale Gas
3.1.1. Sedimentary Environment
3.1.2. Hydrocarbon Source Rock Conditions
3.1.3. Reservoir Characteristics
3.1.4. Gas Content
3.2. Favorable Geological Conditions for Tight Sandstone Gas
3.2.1. Sedimentary Environment
3.2.2. Reservoir Characteristics
3.2.3. Gas Content
3.2.4. Hydrocarbon Migration Pathways
- (1)
- Reservoir fractures and hydrocarbon accumulation
- (2)
- Fractures of the hydrocarbon source rock and hydrocarbon accumulation
4. Gas Preservation Settings
5. Conclusions
- (1)
- Within the Gongtan Syncline, the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation is situated in a deep-water continental shelf depositional environment, characterized by thick organic-rich shale deposits with high organic content, moderate thermal maturity, and good hydrocarbon generation potential. This provides a solid material basis for the accumulation of shale gas and tight sandstone gas. The Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in the study area exhibits high desorption gas content from organic-rich shale, indicating good gas-bearing properties and significant potential for shale gas resources.
- (2)
- The Xintan Formation primarily comprises offshore sandbars and nearshore mud flats of the lower shoreface, with an unstable distribution of tight sandstone layers. These tight sandstone layers have relatively small individual thicknesses, predominantly developing within the offshore sandbars on the western flank of the syncline. The Xiaoheba Formation is dominated by alongshore sandbars of the upper-middle shore phase, with well-developed tight sandstone that is characterized by thicker individual layer thickness and more stable distribution. Both sets of tight sandstone reservoirs exhibit low porosity, low permeability, and some natural fractures characterized by high fracture filling. These natural fractures may facilitate the extensive migration and accumulation of natural gas in the formations.
- (3)
- The Lower Silurian formations within the Gongtan Syncline are at moderate burial depths, and they are characterized by overall underdeveloped internal faults and a relatively intact cap rock. The structural style is a broad and gentle syncline, providing favorable conditions for hydrocarbon preservation. The geological conditions for shale gas accumulation in the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation within the syncline are favorable, offering conducive prospects for shale gas exploration. The accumulation conditions for tight sandstone gas in the Xiaoheba Formation are superior to those in the Xintan Formation. The tight sandstone gas in the Xintan Formation is locally accumulated due to the distribution of tight sandstones, which are primarily developing on the western flank of the syncline.
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Well | Top Depth (m) | Basal Depth (m) | Porosity (%) | Permeability (mD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
GD 1 | 978 | 1030 | 0–6.448 2.731 | 0–0.414 0.077 |
YC 2 | 1670 | 1900 | 1.026–6.074 2.966 | 0–0.255 0.023 |
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Wang, S.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, W.; Yang, Y.; Wang, Q.; Yu, C.; Zhao, D.; Zeng, C.; Xu, Y. Insights into the Co-Exploration Potential of Gas in the Shale and Tight Sandstone of the Lower Silurian Formation in the Gongtan Syncline Area in Southeastern Sichuan Basin, SW China. Energies 2024, 17, 3735. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17153735
Wang S, Zhang Y, Wang W, Yang Y, Wang Q, Yu C, Zhao D, Zeng C, Xu Y. Insights into the Co-Exploration Potential of Gas in the Shale and Tight Sandstone of the Lower Silurian Formation in the Gongtan Syncline Area in Southeastern Sichuan Basin, SW China. Energies. 2024; 17(15):3735. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17153735
Chicago/Turabian StyleWang, Shengxiu, Ye Zhang, Wei Wang, Yang Yang, Qiaoli Wang, Chuan Yu, Difei Zhao, Chunlin Zeng, and Yao Xu. 2024. "Insights into the Co-Exploration Potential of Gas in the Shale and Tight Sandstone of the Lower Silurian Formation in the Gongtan Syncline Area in Southeastern Sichuan Basin, SW China" Energies 17, no. 15: 3735. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17153735