Geological Factors Controlling the Accumulation and High Yield of Marine-Facies Shale Gas: Case Study of the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in the Dingshan Area of Southeast Sichuan, China

The main geological factors controlling the accumulation and yield of marine-facies shale gas reservoirs are the focus of the current shale gas exploration and development research.In this study,the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in the Dingshan area of southeast Sichuan was investigated.Shale cores underwent laboratory testing,which included the evaluation of total organic carbon(TOC),vitrinite reflectance(Ro),whole-rock X-ray diffraction(XRD),pore permeability,and imaging through field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM).Based on the results of natural gamma ray spectrum logging,conventional logging,imaging logging,and seismic coherence properties,the exploration and development potential of shale gas in the Dingshan area have been discussed comprehensively.The results showed that(1)layer No.4(WF2-LM4)of the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation has a Th/U ratio<2 and a Th/K ratio of 3.5–12.Graptolites and pyrite are relatively abundant in the shale core,indicating sub-high-energy and low-energy marine-facies anoxic reducing environments.(2)The organic matter is mainly I-type kerogen with a small amount of II1-type kerogen.There is a good correlation among TOC,Ro,gas content,and brittle minerals;the fracturing property(brittleness)is 57.3%.Organic and inorganic pores are moderately developed.A higher pressure coefficient is correlated with the increase in porosity and the decrease in permeability.(3)The DY1 well of the shale gas reservoir was affected by natural defects and important latestage double destructive effects,and it is poorly preserved.The DY2 well is located far from the Qiyueshan Fault.Large faults are absent,and upward fractures in the Longmaxi Formation are poorly developed.The well is affected by low tectonic deformation intensity,and it is well preserved.(4)The Dingshan area is located at the junction of the two sedimentary centers of Jiaoshiba and Changning.The thickness of the high-quality shale interval(WF2-LM4)is relatively small,which may be an important reason for the unstable production of shale gas thus far.Based on the systematic analysis of the geological factors controlling high-yield shale gas enrichment in the Dingshan area,and the comparative analysis with the surrounding typical exploration areas,the geological understanding of marine shale gas enrichment in southern China has been improved.Therefore,this study can provide a useful reference for shale gas exploration and further development.

Controlling factors of marine shale gas differential enrichment in southern China

Based on the exploration and development practice of marine shale gas in Fuling, Weiyuan, Changning, Luzhou and Southeast Chongqing in southern China, combined with experiments and analysis, six factors controlling differential enrichment of marine shale gas are summarized as follows:(1) The more appropriate thermal evolution and the higher the abundance of organic matter, the higher the adsorption and total gas content of shale will be.(2) Kerogen pyrolysis and liquid hydrocarbon cracking provide most of the marine shale gas.(3) The specific surface area and pore volume of organic matter rich shale increased first and then decreased with the increase of thermal evolution degree of organic shale. At Ro between 2.23% and 3.33%, the shale reservoirs are mainly oil-wet, which is conducive to the enrichment of shale gas.(4) The thicker the roof and floor, the higher the shale gas content. The longer the last tectonic uplift time and the greater the uplift amplitude, the greater the loss of shale gas will be.(5) The buried depth and dip angle of the stratum have different controlling and coupling effects on shale gas in different tectonic positions, resulting in two differential enrichment models of shale gas.(6) The effective and comprehensive matching of source, reservoir and preservation conditions determines the quality of shale gas accumulation. Good match of effective gas generating amount and time, moderate pore evolution and good preservation conditions in space and time is essential for the enrichment of shale gas.

Controlling factors of high-quality volcanic reservoirs of Yingcheng Formation in the Songnan gas field

Predicting high-quality volcanic reservoirs is one of the key issues for oil and gas exploration in the Songnan gas field.Core,seismic,and measurement data were used to study the lithologies,facies,reservoir porosity,and reservoir types of the volcanic rocks in the Songnan gas field.The primary controlling factors and characteristics of the high-quality volcanic reservoirs of the Yingcheng Formation in the Songnan gas field were investigated,including the volcanic eruptive stage,edifice,edifice facies,cooling unit,lithology,facies,and diagenesis.Stages with more volatile content can form more high-quality reservoirs.The effusive rhyolite,explosive tuff,and tuff lava that formed in the crater,near-crater,and proximal facies and in the high-volatility cooling units of large acidic-lava volcanic edifices are the most favorable locations for the development of the high-quality reservoirs in the Songnan gas field.Diagenesis dissolution,which is controlled by tectonic action,can increase the size of secondary pores in reservoirs.Studying the controlling factors of the high-quality reservoirs can provide a theoretical basis for the prediction and analysis of high-quality volcanic reservoirs.

Differences and controlling factors of composite hydrocarbon accumulations in the Tazhong uplift, Tarim Basin, NW China

Based on three-dimensional seismic interpretation, structural and sedimentary feature analysis, and examination of fluid properties and production dynamics, the regularity and main controlling factors of hydrocarbon accumulation in the Tazhong uplift, Tarim Basin are investigated. The results show that the oil and gas in the Tazhong uplift has the characteristics of complex accumulation mainly controlled by faults, and more than 80% of the oil and gas reserves are enriched along fault zones. There are large thrust and strike-slip faults in the Tazhong uplift, and the coupling relationship between the formation and evolution of the faults and accumulation determine the difference in complex oil and gas accumulations. The active scale and stage of faults determine the fullness of the traps and the balance of the phase, that is, the blocking of the transport system, the insufficient filling of oil and gas, and the unsteady state of fluid accumulation are dependent on the faults. The multi-period tectonic sedimentary evolution controls the differences of trap conditions in the fault zones, and the multi-phase hydrocarbon migration and accumulation causes the differences of fluid distribution in the fault zones. The theory of differential oil and gas accumulation controlled by fault is the key to the overall evaluation, three-dimensional development and discovery of new reserves in the Tazhong uplift.

Major controlling factors and hydrocarbon accumulation models of large-scale lithologic reservoirs in shallow strata around the Bozhong sag,Bohai Bay Basin,China

Based on the practice of oil and gas exploration and the analysis of shallow lithologic reservoirs,combined with the allocation relationship and enrichment law of oil and gas accumulation factors,main controlling factors and models of hydrocarbon accumulation of large lithologic reservoirs in shallow strata around the Bozhong sag are summarized,and favorable exploration areas are proposed.The coupling of the four factors of“ridge-fault-sand-zone”is crucial for the hydrocarbon enrichment in the shallow lithologic reservoirs.The convergence intensity of deep convergence ridges is the basis for shallow oil and gas enrichment,the activity intensity of large fault cutting ridges and the thickness of cap rocks control the vertical migration ability of oil and gas,the coupling degree of large sand bodies and fault cutting ridges control large-scale oil and gas filling,the fault sealing ability of structural stress concentration zones affects the enrichment degree of lithologic oil and gas reservoirs.Three enrichment models including uplift convergence type,steep slope sand convergence type and depression uplift convergence type are established through the case study of lithologic reservoirs in shallow strata around the Bozhong sag.

The evolution of the Huangling uplift and its control on the accumulation and preservation of shale gas

There are plenty of Sinian and Cambrian potential shale gas resources in South China,which is characterized by high thermal evolution degrees,poor drilling performances and only occurs in local areas.Taking the principle “high to find low” is the key issue to achieving a breakthrough in older shale.China Geological Survey drilled in the periphery of the Proterozoic basement,i.e.the Huangling anticline,in the western Hubei,and Hannan paleocontinent in the southern Shanxi.It received high-quality gas-bearing shale with relatively low Ro in the in Lower Cambrian Niutitang formation and Sinian Doushantuo formation.Based on geological conditions of shale gas reservoirs in the Huangling anticline,this paper puts forward the new model named “Control over reservoirs by periphery of basement” about shale gas accumulation,suggesting that the shale deposited in a deepwater continental shelf in the periphery of the basement is characterized by shallow burial,a short burial time,stable tectonics,relatively low thermal evolution degrees,and shale gas reservoirs in a good condition.The shale of the Sinian-Cambrian strata deposited in deepwater continental shelves in the periphery of Chuanzhong paleo-uplift in Sichuan,Hannan paleocontinent in the southern Shanxi,Huangling anticline in western Hubei and Jiangnang-Xuefeng paleo-uplift in Hunan and Guizhou province have good shale gas exploration potential.

"Source-Diagenesis-Accumulation" enrichment and accumulation regularity of marine shale gas in southern China

After the breakthrough of shale gas exploration and development in the Ordovician Wufeng Formation (Fm.) and Silurian Longmaxi Fm. of Chongqing Jiaoshiba area,Changning-Weiyuan area,etc. in Sichuan basin,a series of discovery and breakthrough were obtained by China Geological Survey in the Cambrian Niutitang Fm. and Sinian Doushantuo Fm. shale of the areas with complicated structure outside Sichuan basin. Based on the understanding of the law of shale gas enrichment in Longmaxi Fm. in the basin,this paper puts forward three elements of the formation and enrichment of shale gas,which are the “Source”,the “Diagenesis ” and the “Accumulation ”,after deeply studying the law shale gas enrichment and accumulation in Sinian-Cambrian reservoir of the complex structure area outside the basin. The “Source”means the sedimentary environment and petrological characteristics of organic shale.The “Diagenesis ”means the basin tectonic subsidence and hydrocarbon generation and expulsion process of organic matter.The “Accumulation” means the tectonic uplift and shale gas preservation. It is proposed that the Sinian-Cambrian and Ordovician-Silurian black shale series in the middle and upper Yangtze region of southern China were both formed in the deep-water shelf environment of rift trough and foreland basin respectively.The dessert intervals were formed in the strong reduction environment under transgressive system tract.The shale lithology belongs to calcium-siliceous and charcoal-siliceous respectively. Based on the summary of structural evolution in Yangtze area,the correlation of structural burial depth with shale diagenesis and the coupling evolution of organic matter with pore structure are discussed. Combining with structural styles,the preservation conditions of shale gas are discussed. Five types of shale gas reservoir control models are further described. Two types of future exploration directions,which are reverse fault syncline and paleo-uplift margin in complex structural area outside the basin,are proposed.

Natural Gas Types,Distribution Controlling Factors,and Future Exploration in the Western Qaidam Basin

The Paleogene and Neogene oil and gas in the western Qaidam basin have a regular distribution in three concentric zones from the edge to the center of the basin. Natural gas mainly occurs in the inner zone, and the gas-oil ratio of the northern area of the basin is significantly higher than that of the southern area. Large amounts of carbon isotope data of natural gas, plotted in X- shaped and comprehensive identification diagrams for the southern area and northern area, respectively, were used to identify the types of natural gas. The large-scale distribution of natural gas is highly consistent with the Ro values of major source rocks, but is poorly correlated with the type of organic matter. This indicates that the main controlling factor of natural gas distribution is organic matter maturity, and the kerogen types act as the basis for the formation of different types of natural gas. Paleouplifts and squeezed anticlines near hydrocarbon generation depression centers, which are major natural gas-rich regions, control the migration directions of natural gas, while hydrocarbon migration pathways and fault systems connecting gas sources are the most important factors for natural gas reservoir formation in the inner basin. Therefore, favorable zones for natural gas distribution can be predicted on the basis of the distribution of thermal evolution and the gas generation intensity of major source rocks as well as the structural map. The Shizigou-Youshashan- Yingdong-Dawusi, Youquanzi -Kaitemilike - Youdunzi, and Xiaoliangshan - Nanyishan - Dafengshan structural belts are favorable zones for natural gas accumulation. This study has important theoretical and practical significance for future natural gas exploration.

Crude oil cracking in deep reservoirs:A review of the controlling factors and estimation methods

The natural cracking of crude oils in deep reservoirs has gained great interest due to continuously increasing depth of petroleum exploration and exploitation.Complex oil compositions and surroundings as well as complicated geological evolutions make oil cracking in nature much more complex than industrial pyrolysis.So far,numerous studies,focused on this topic,have made considerable progress although there still exist some drawbacks.However,a comprehensive review on crude oil cracking is yet to be conducted.This article systematically reviews the controlling factors of oil cracking from six aspects,namely,oil compositions,temperature and time,pressure,water,minerals and solid organic matter.We compare previous experimental and modelling results and present new field cases.In the following,we evaluate the prevailing estimation methods for the extent of oil cracking,and elucidate other factors that may interfere with the application of these estimation methods.This review will be helpful for further investigations of crude oil cracking and provides a guide for estimation of the cracking extent of crude oils.

Geological characteristics and high production control factors of shale gas reservoirs in Silurian Longmaxi Formation, southern Sichuan Basin, SW China

Marine shale gas resources have great potential in the south of the Sichuan Basin in China.At present,the high-quality shale gas resources at depth of 2000–3500 m are under effective development,and strategic breakthroughs have been made in deeper shale gas resources at depth of 3500–4500 m.To promote the effective production of shale gas in this area,this study examines key factors controlling high shale gas production and presents the next exploration direction in the southern Sichuan Basin based on summarizing the geological understandings from the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale gas exploration combined with the latest results of geological evaluation.The results show that:(1)The relative sea depth in marine shelf sedimentary environment controls the development and distribution of reservoirs.In the relatively deep water area in deep-water shelf,grade-I reservoirs with a larger continuous thickness develop.The relative depth of sea in marine shelf sedimentary environment can be determined by redox conditions.The research shows that the uranium to thorium mass ratio greater than 1.25 indicates relatively deep water in anoxic reduction environment,and the uranium to thorium mass ratio of 0.75–1.25 indicates semi-deep water in weak reduction and weak oxidation environment,and the uranium to thorium mass ratio less than 0.75 indicates relatively shallow water in strong oxidation environment.(2)The propped fractures in shale reservoirs subject to fracturing treatment are generally 10–12 m high,if grade-I reservoirs are more than 10 m in continuous thickness,then all the propped section would be high-quality reserves;in this case,the longer the continuous thickness of penetrated grade-I reservoirs,the higher the production will be.(3)The shale gas reservoirs at 3500–4500 m depth in southern Sichuan are characterized by high formation pressure,high pressure coefficient,well preserved pores,good pore structure and high proportion of free gas,making them the most favorable new field for shale gas exploration;and the pressure coefficient greater than 1.2 is a necessary condition for shale gas wells to obtain high production.(4)High production wells in the deep shale gas reservoirs are those in areas where Long11-Long13 sub-beds are more than 10 m thick,with 1500 m long horizontal section,grade-I reservoirs penetration rate of over 90%,and fractured by dense cutting+high intensity sand injection+large displacement+large liquid volume.(5)The relatively deep-water area in the deep-water shelf and the area at depth of 3500–4500 m well overlap in the southern Sichuan,and the overlapping area is the most favorable shale gas exploration and development zones in the southern Sichuan in the future.With advancement in theory and technology,annual shale gas production in the southern Sichuan is expected to reach 450×108 m3.

Division of Gas Accumulation System and Laws Controlling Distribution of Natural Gas in Typical Petroliferous Basins of China

Considering the existing problems of the petroleum system, this paper bringsforward the concept of natural gas accumulation system and presents the dividing principles. Thendetailed statistics on the accumulation factors of the 32 typical natural gas accumulation systemsin China and studies on the laws controlling distribution of gas are collected. The research showsthat the petroleum accumulation system is the basic unit controlling petroleum generation, migrationand accumulation. Generating intensity, generating amount, accumulating efficiency and migrationdistance plays an important role in the distribution of natural gas. Through analysis on results ofresources evaluation, discovered reserves and residual reserves, potential areas in middle-scaledpetroliferous basins in China are forecasted in this paper. Ordos, Sichuan, Tarim and Qaidam basinsare found out to be the main basins developing and enriching gas accumulation systems.

Main Controlling Factors and Accumulation Model of Chang 9 Reservoir in Northwest Ordos Basin, China

In northwestern Ordos Basin, the Triassic reservoir Chang 9 has favorable reservoir forming conditions, extensive reservoir development, and huge potential for oil exploration and exploitation. Studying the main controlling factors and accumulation model of Chang 9 reservoir in this area can provide a basis for the production targets, and assist in formulating reasonable development technology policy. In this paper, to explore and summarize the hydrocarbon accumulation model, the Chang 9 reservoir were analyzed from the aspects of oil source, fracture, oil migration, structure, lithology and reservoir physical properties for the main controlling factors in this area. Organic geochemical and geological comprehensive analysis that the oil-source of the Chang 9 reservoir in the northwest of Ordos Basin is derived from Chang 7 hydrocarbon source rocks. The fractures provide a sound channel for the "vertical multi-point filling" of the oil source from Chang 7 to Chang 9. The crude oil migrates vertically from Chang 7 to Chang 9, then expands horizontally to form a reservoir. Structures play an important role in controlling the distribution of reservoirs, the control by sand in small layer and physical property is also obvious. This paper creatively establishes the reservoir accumulation model of Chang 9 in northwest of Ordos Basin, which is characterized by Vertical multi-point filling, horizontal expansion becomes oil pool. It reveals the genetic mechanism of the development of Chang 9 multi-reservoir in the study area, which provides guidance for exploration and evaluation deployment.

Differences in hydrocarbon accumulation and controlling factors of slope belt in graben basin: A case study of Pinghu Slope Belt in the Xihu sag of the east China Sea Shelf basin(ECSSB)

The Pinghu slope belt in the Xihu sag of the East China Sea Shelf Basin(ECSSB) is a crucial hydrocarbon production area in eastern China. However, due to the complex geological conditions, publications have lacked comprehensive research on the spatial-temporal coupling relationships of primary factors that impact hydrocarbon accumulation in the Pinghu slope belt. Furthermore, the hydrocarbon distribution patterns and the controlling factors across different study areas within the same slope belt are not yet fully understood. This study extensively utilized three-dimensional seismic data, well logging data,geochemical analysis, fluorescence analysis, and oil testing and production data to address these issues.Following a “stratification and differentiation” approach, the study identified seven distinct hydrocarbon migration and accumulation units(HMAU) in the Pinghu slope area based on the structural morphology characteristics, hydrocarbon source-reservoir-cap rock patterns, hydrocarbon migration pathways, and hydrocarbon supply range. Detailed analysis was conducted to examine the hydrocarbon distribution patterns and controlling factors within each migration and accumulation unit across different structural units, including high, medium, and low structural components. All data sources support a “southern-northern sub-area division, eastern-western sub-belt division, and variations in hydrocarbon accumulation” pattern in the Pinghu slope belt. The degree of hydrocarbon accumulation is controlled by the factors of structural morphology, hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks, the spatial position of source slopes, fault sealing capacity, and sand body distribution. Furthermore, different coupling patterns of faults and sand bodies play a pivotal role in governing hydrocarbon enrichment systems across various migration and accumulation units. These observations indicate that three hydrocarbon accumulation patterns have been established within the slope belt, including near-source to far-source gentle slope with multiple hydrocarbon kitchens in the XP1-XP4 zones, near-source to middle-source gentle slope with dual-hydrocarbon kitchens in the XP5 zone, and near-source steep slope with a single hydrocarbon kitchen in the XP6-XP7 zones. These findings contribute to enhancing the theoretical system of hydrocarbon accumulation in the slope belt.

A Quantitative Evaluation of Shale Gas Content in Different Occurrence States of the Longmaxi Formation: A New Insight from Well JY-A in the Fuling Shale Gas Field,Sichuan Basin

Comprehensive quantitative evaluation of shale gas content and the controlling factors in different occurrence states is of great significance for accurately assessing gas-bearing capacity and providing effective well-production strategies. A total of 122 core samples from well JY-A in the Fuling shale gas field were studied to reveal the characteristics of S_1 l shale,15 of which were selected to further predict the shale gas content in different occurrence states, which are dependent on geological factors in the thermal evolution process. Geological parameters were researched by a number of laboratory programs, and the factors influential in controlling shale gas content were extracted by both PCA and GRA methods and prediction models were confirmed by the BE method using SPSS software. Results reveal that the adsorbed gas content is mainly controlled by TOC, Ro, SSA, PD and pyrite content, and the free gas content is mainly controlled by S_2, quartz content, gas saturation and formation pressure for S_1 l in well JY-A. Three methods, including the on-site gas desorption method, the empirical formula method, and the multiple regression analysis method were used in combination to evaluate the shale gas capacity of well JY-A, all of which show that the overall shale gas content of well JY-A is in the range of 2.0–5.0 m^3/t and that the free gas ratio is about 50%, lower than that of well JY-1. Cause analysis further confirms the tectonics and preservation conditions of S_1 l in the geological processes, especially the influence of eastern boundary faults on well JY-A, as the fundamental reasons for the differences in shale gas enrichment in the Jiaoshiba area.

Source Rock and Cap Rock Controls on the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation–Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation Shale Gas Accumulation in the Sichuan Basin and its Peripheral Areas

Objective The Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation is one of the priority interval for shale gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin and its peripheral areas, and commercial shale gas has been discovered from this interval in Jiaoshiba, Changning and Weiyuan shale gas fields in Sichuan Province. However, there is no significant discovery in other parts of the basin due to the different quality of black shale and the differences of tectonic evolution. Based on the progress of shale gas geological theory and exploration discoveries, as well as the theory of ＂source rock and cap rock controls on hydrocarbon accumulation＂, of the Upper Ordovician the main controlling factors Wufeng Formation-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale gas enrichment in the Sichuan Basin and its peripheral areas were analyzed, and the source rock and cap rock controls on the shale gas were also discussed. The results can provide new insights for the next shale gas exploration in this area.

Evaluation and Application of Flowback Effect in Deep Shale Gas Wells

The pivotal areas for the extensive and effective exploitation of shale gas in the Southern Sichuan Basin have recently transitioned from mid-deep layers to deep layers.Given challenges such as intricate data analysis,absence of effective assessment methodologies,real-time control strategies,and scarce knowledge of the factors influencing deep gas wells in the so-called flowback stage,a comprehensive study was undertaken on over 160 deep gas wells in Luzhou block utilizing linear flow models and advanced big data analytics techniques.The research results show that:(1)The flowback stage of a deep gas well presents the characteristics of late gas channeling,high flowback rate after gas channeling,low 30-day flowback rate,and high flowback rate corresponding to peak production;(2)The comprehensive parameter AcmKm1/2 in the flowback stage exhibits a strong correlation with the Estimated Ultimate Recovery(EUR),allowing for the establishment of a standardized chart to evaluate EUR classification in typical shale gas wells during this stage.This enables quantitative assessment of gas well EUR,providing valuable insights into production potential and performance;(3)The spacing range and the initial productivity of gas wells have a significant impact on the overall effectiveness of gas wells.Therefore,it is crucial to further explore rational well patterns and spacing,as well as optimize initial drainage and production technical strategies in order to improve their performance.

Study of the Seepage Mechanism in Thick Heterogeneous Gas Reservoirs

The seepage mechanism plays a crucial role in low-permeability gas reservoirs.Compared with conventional gas reservoirs,low-permeability sandstone gas reservoirs are characterized by low porosity,low permeability,strong heterogeneity,and high water saturation.Moreover,their percolation mechanisms are more complex.The present work describes a series of experiments conducted considering low-permeability sandstone cores under pressuredepletion conditions(from the Xihu Depression in the East China Sea Basin).It is shown that the threshold pressure gradient of a low-permeability gas reservoir in thick layers is positively correlated with water saturation and negatively correlated with permeability and porosity.The reservoir stress sensitivity is related to permeability and rock composition.Stress sensitivity is generally low when permeability is high or in the early stage of gas reservoir development.It is also shown that in sand conglomerates,especially the more sparsely filled parts,the interstitial materials among the conglomerates can be rapidly dislodged from the skeleton particles under stress.This material can therefore disperse,migrate,and block the pore throat producing serious,stress-sensitive damage.

Fracture development in shale and its relationship to gas accumulation

Shale with high quartz, feldspar and carbonate, will have low Poisson＇s ratio, high Young＇s modulus and high brittleness. As a result, the shale is conducive to produce natural and induced fractures under external forces. In general, there is a good correlation between fracture development in shale and the volume of brittle minerals present. Shale with high TOC or abnormally high pressure has well-developed fractures. Shale fracture development also shows a positive correlation with total gas accumulation and free gas volume, i.e., the better shale fractures are developed, the greater the gas accumulation and therefore the higher the gas production. Fractures provide migration conduits and accumulation spaces for natural gas and formation water, which are favorable for the volumetric increase of free natural gas. Wider fractures in shale result in gas loss. In North America, there is a high success ratio of shale gas exploration and high gas production from high-angle fracture zones in shale. Good natural gas shows or low yield producers in the Lower Paleozoic marine organic matter-rich rocks in the Sichuan Basin are closely related to the degree of fracture development in brittle shales.

Hydrocarbon accumulation principles in troughs within faulted depressions and their significance in exploration

Previously,troughs in continental faulted depressions were usually considered as a zone of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion rather than a zone for hydrocarbon accumulation.If they were confirmed to be the source kitchen,the possibility that they could constitute potential plays would be overlooked in the subsequent exploration program.Based on the hydrocarbon exploration practice of the Jizhong Depression and the Erlian Basin in the past several years,this paper discusses a new understanding that reservoir distribution is controlled by multiple factors and lithological accumulations are more likely to form in trough areas.It further documents the three main factors controlling the formation of large lithological hydrocarbon accumulations in trough areas.The paper also discusses the new concept that structural and lithological accumulations not only co-exist but also complement each other.We propose that fan-delta fronts on inverted steep slopes in troughs,delta fronts and sublacustrine fans on gentle slopes,channel sands along toes of fault scarps are favorable locations for discovery of new oil accumulations.The application of this concept has led to the discovery of several hundreds of million tonnes of oil in place in trough areas in the Jizhong Depression and the Erlian Basin.