Application of a wide-field electromagnetic method to shale gas exploration in South China

广域电磁法在我国南方海相页岩气勘探中的应用（英文）

In an effort to reduce the shale gas exploration risks and costs, we applied the wide-field electromagnetic method （WFEM）, because of its strong anti-interference capability, high resolution, ability to conduct exploration at large depths, and high efficiency, to the Bayan Syncline in the South Huayuan block, Hunan Province. We collected rock samples and analyzed their resistivity and induced polarization （IP） and built A series of two-dimensional models for geological conditions to investigate the applicability of WFEM to different geological structures. We also analyzed the correlation between TOC of shale and the resistivity and IP ratio to determine the threshold for identifying target formations. We used WFEM to identify the underground structures and determine the distribution, depth, and thickness of the target strata. Resistivity, IP, and total organic carbon were used to evaluate the shale gas prospects and select favorable areas （sweet spots） for exploration and development. Subsequently, drilling in these areas proved the applicability of WFEM in shale gas exploration.

在中国页岩气勘探开发仍处于起步阶段,为了降低勘探风险和勘探成本,选择广域电磁法具有分辨率高,抗干扰能力强,勘探深度大,工作效率高等优势。我们选择湖南花垣区块叭岩向斜作为试验区,进行广域电磁法勘探。首先我们在试验区系统地采集了相关岩石标本,分析了岩石标本的电阻率和极化率参数,并针对地质条件建立了系列二维模型,以研究广域电磁法探测对不同地质结构的勘探能力,最后研究了页岩含碳量(TOC)与电阻率和极化率之间的相关性,找到了识别目标层电阻率和极化率参数的阈值,并据此划分了页岩气勘探有利区。通过在有利区内部署的钻井揭露结果表明,广域电磁法可很好地识别该地区的地下地质结构、断层,并确定目标层的分布、深度和厚度。通过对岩石的电阻率、极化率和有机碳含量三者之间的相关性分析,有助于进一步评估页岩品质并选择页岩气开发有利区。