Geological Characteristics of Shale Gas in Different Strata of Marine Facies in South China

In the Middle and Upper Yangtze region of South China, there are well developed sets of marine shale strata. Currently only Wufeng Longmaxi shale gas has been developed in scale, while the Sinian and Cambrian shale gas are still under exploration. The various shale strata show different characteristics in lithological features, such as lithofacies types and reservoir physical properties, which are due to the influence of tectonic pattern, sedimentary environment, and diagenesis caused by tectonic subsidence. This will affect the later fracturing technology and fracturing effect. The shale reservoirs of Sinian doushantuo, Cambrian Niutitang, Upper Ordovician Wufeng, and the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale were evaluated and compared with each other with respect to their sedimentary environments, lithofacies, minerals compositions, and micro pore characteristics. The reservoir characteristics of the shale and the main control factors of shale gas enrichment were summarized in this study.

Automated summary

This passage discusses the well-developed marine shale strata in the Middle and Upper Yangtze region of South China, with Wufeng Longmaxi shale gas being the only one developed on a large scale currently. The Sinian and Cambrian shale gases are still in the exploration stage. The different shale strata show varying characteristics in lithological features, influenced by tectonic patterns, sedimentary environments, and diagenesis caused by tectonic subsidence. This will have an impact on fracturing technology and effectiveness in the future.