Geological conditions and reservoir characteristics of various shales in major shalehosted regions of China

China is home to shales of three facies:Marine shale,continental shale,and marine-continental transitional shale.Different types of shale gas are associated with significantly different formation conditions and major controlling factors.This study compared the geological characteristics of various shales and analyzed the influences of different parameters on the formation and accumulation of shale gas.In general,shales in China’s several regions exhibit high total organic carbon(TOC)contents,which lays a sound material basis for shale gas generation.Marine strata generally show high degrees of thermal evolution.In contrast,continental shales manifest low degrees of thermal evolution,necessitating focusing on areas with relatively high degrees of thermal evolution in the process of shale gas surveys for these shales.The shales of the Wufeng and Silurian formations constitute the most favorable shale gas reservoirs since they exhibit the highest porosity among the three types of shales.These shales are followed by those in the Niutitang and Longtan formations.In contrast,the shales of the Doushantuo,Yanchang,and Qingshankou formations manifest low porosities.Furthermore,the shales of the Wufeng and Longmaxi formations exhibit high brittle mineral contents.Despite a low siliceous mineral content,the shales of the Doushantuo Formation feature a high carbonate mineral content,which can increase the shales’brittleness to some extent.For marine-continental transitional shales,where thin interbeds of tight sandstone with unequal thicknesses are generally found,it is recommended that fracturing combined with drainage of multiple sets of lithologic strata should be employed to enhance their shale gas production.

Potential and Suitability Evaluation of CO_2 Geological Storage in Major Sedimentary Basins of China,and the Demonstration Project in Ordos Basin

From 2010 to 2012, the China Geological Survey Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey （CHEGS） carried out the project ＂Potential evaluation and demonstration project of CO2 Geological Storage in China＂. During this project, we developed an evaluation index system and technical methods for the potential and suitability of CO2 geological storage based on China＇s geological conditions, and evaluated the potential and suitability of the primary basins for COz geological storage, in order to draw a series of regional scale maps （at a scale of 1：5000000） and develop an atlas of the main sedimentary basins in China. By using these tools, we delineated many potential targets for CO2 storage. We also built techniques and methods for site selection and the exploration and assessment of CO2 geological storage in deep saline aquifers. Furthermore, through cooperation with the China Shenhua Coal to Liquid and Chemical Co., Ltd., we successfully constructed the first coal-based demonstration project for CO2 geological storage in deep saline aquifers in the Yijinhuoluo Banner of Ordos in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, which brought about the basic preliminary theories, techniques, and methods of geological CO2 storage in deep saline aquifers under China＇s geological conditions.

An overview of the resources and environment conditions and major geological problems in the Yangtze River economic zone, China

Focusing on the Yangtze River economic zone,the previous geological researches are systematically summarized,resources and environment conditions and major geological problems which are needing to be concerned in land planning and construction are studied.The results show that the resource conditions of cultivated land,shale gas,geotherm,lithium and so on are superior in the Yangtze River economic zone,and the resources and environment conditions are conducive to develop the modern agriculture,clean energy industry and strategic emerging industries.3×1013 m^2 farmlands without heavy metal pollution are concentrated;there are three national level shale gas exploration and development bases with explored reserves of 5.441×1011 m^3;geothermal availability is 2.4×109 t of standard coal each year,equivalent to 19% of the amount of coal in 2014;Asia's largest energy lithium metal ore deposit is found.In some parts of Yangtze River economic zone,there are some major geological problems such as active faults,karst collapse,ground subsidence,landslide-collapse-debris flow,affecting the river-crossing channels,high-speed railway,urban agglomeration and green ecological corridor planning and construction.Those problems should be concerned,and the relevant suggestions and countermeasures are put forward.Meanwhile,the ideas to further support the development of the Yangtze River economic zone are put forward.

Major contribution to carbon neutrality by China’s geosciences and geological technologies

In the context of global climate change,geosciences provide an important geological solution to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality,China’s geosciences and geological technologies can play an important role in solving the problem of carbon neutrality.This paper discusses the main problems,opportunities,and challenges that can be solved by the participation of geosciences in carbon neutrality,as well as China’s response to them.The main scientific problems involved and the geological work carried out mainly fall into three categories:(1)Carbon emission reduction technology(natural gas hydrate,geothermal,hot dry rock,nuclear energy,hydropower,wind energy,solar energy,hydrogen energy);(2)carbon sequestration technology(carbon capture and storage,underground space utilization);(3)key minerals needed to support carbon neutralization(raw materials for energy transformation,carbon reduction technology).Therefore,geosciences and geological technologies are needed:First,actively participate in the development of green energy such as natural gas,geothermal energy,hydropower,hot dry rock,and key energy minerals,and develop exploration and exploitation technologies such as geothermal energy and natural gas;the second is to do a good job in geological support for new energy site selection,carry out an in-depth study on geotechnical feasibility and mitigation measures,and form the basis of relevant economic decisions to reduce costs and prevent geological disasters;the third is to develop and coordinate relevant departments of geosciences,organize and carry out strategic research on natural resources,carry out theoretical system research on global climate change and other issues under the guidance of earth system science theory,and coordinate frontier scientific information and advanced technological tools of various disciplines.The goal of carbon neutrality provides new opportunities and challenges for geosciences research.In the future,it is necessary to provide theoretical and technical support from various aspects,enhance the ability of climate adaptation,and support the realization of the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

Distribution and impacts on the geological environment of antiviral drugs in major waters of Wuhan,China

This study investigated water samples collected from the surface water and groundwater in Wuhan City,Hubei Province,China in different stages of the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019(hereinafter referred to as COVID-19)in the city,aiming to determine the distribution characteristics of antiviral drugs in the city’s waters.The results are as follows.The main hydrochemical type of surface water and groundwater in Wuhan was Ca-HCO3.The major chemical components in the groundwater had higher concentrations and spatial variability than those in the surface water.Two antiviral drugs and two glucocorticoids were detected in the surface water,groundwater,and sewage during the COVID-19 outbreak.Among them,chloroquine phosphate and cortisone had higher detection rates of 32.26%and 25.80%,respectively in all samples.The concentrations of residual drugs in East Lake were higher than those in other waters.The main drug detected in the waters in the later stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan was chloroquine phosphate,whose detection rates in the surface water and the groundwater were 53.85%and 28.57%,respectively.Moreover,the detection rate and concentration of chloroquine phosphate were higher in East Lake than in Huangjia Lake.The groundwater containing chloroquine phosphate was mainly distributed along the river areas where the groundwater was highly vulnerable.The residual drugs in the surface water and the groundwater had lower concentrations in the late stage of the COVID-19 outbreak than in the middle of the outbreak,and they have not yet caused any negative impacts on the ecological environment.

Major Breakthroughs in Geological Theory, Key Techniques and Exploration of Tight Oil in China

In recent years,U.S.tight oil exploration and development have achieved significant progress,with rapidly increasing production,which has significantly changed the U.S.A.energy supply pattern（Fig.1）.Compared with the North American marine to marginal marine-continental transitional facies,China’s tight oil（Fig.1）

Estimation of the anisotropy of hydraulic conductivity through 3D fracture networks using the directional geological entropy

With an extension of the geological entropy concept in porous media,the approach called directional entrogram is applied to link hydraulic behavior to the anisotropy of the 3D fracture networks.A metric called directional entropic scale is used to measure the anisotropy of spatial order in different directions.Compared with the traditional connectivity indexes based on the statistics of fracture geometry,the directional entropic scale is capable to quantify the anisotropy of connectivity and hydraulic conductivity in heterogeneous 3D fracture networks.According to the numerical analysis of directional entrogram and fluid flow in a number of the 3D fracture networks,the hydraulic conductivities and entropic scales in different directions both increase with spatial order(i.e.,trace length decreasing and spacing increasing)and are independent of the dip angle.As a result,the nonlinear correlation between the hydraulic conductivities and entropic scales from different directions can be unified as quadratic polynomial function,which can shed light on the anisotropic effect of spatial order and global entropy on the heterogeneous hydraulic behaviors.

Method for evaluation of geological strength index of carbonate cliff rocks:Coupled hyperspectral-digital borehole image technique

The deterioration of unstable rock mass raised interest in evaluating rock mass quality.However,the traditional evaluation method for the geological strength index(GSI)primarily emphasizes the rock structure and characteristics of discontinuities.It ignores the influence of mineral composition and shows a deficiency in assessing the integrity coefficient.In this context,hyperspectral imaging and digital panoramic borehole camera technologies are applied to analyze the mineral content and integrity of rock mass.Based on the carbonate mineral content and fissure area ratio,the strength reduction factor and integrity coefficient are calculated to improve the GSI evaluation method.According to the results of mineral classification and fissure identification,the strength reduction factor and integrity coefficient increase with the depth of rock mass.The rock mass GSI calculated by the improved method is mainly concentrated between 40 and 60,which is close to the calculation results of the traditional method.The GSI error rates obtained by the two methods are mostly less than 10%,indicating the rationality of the hyperspectral-digital borehole image coupled evaluation method.Moreover,the sensitivity of the fissure area ratio(Sr)to GSI is greater than that of the strength reduction factor(a),which means the proposed GSI is suitable for rocks with significant fissure development.The improved method reduces the influence of subjective factors and provides a reliable index for the deterioration evaluation of rock mass.

Ten Major Scientific and Technological Progresses of theChinese Geological Survey in 2018

The China Geological Survey has annually invested tens of billions of yuan in China’s geological surveys in order to set up ten major plans, 60 programs and more than 400 projects, which will deliver hundreds of geological survey results every year. In early 2019, the China Geological Survey organized relevant experts to select ten major achievements among the completed projects of 2018.

China's Geological Work is Facing a Major Transformation

At present, China’s economic development is in a period of great transformation and revolution. China’s gross domestic product(GDP) has dropped from the former 10% to about 6.5%, and the economy has entered a new steady development stage. In addition, China’s large-scale infrastructure construction, such as railway, highway, airport, wharf, urban transportation and residential housing, has been basically completed. The demand for mineral resources in the whole society has been flat and

The research and demonstration of some major geological problems of Three Gorges Project

The research process,main contents,methods and conclusions for some major engineering geological problems of the Three Gorges Project (TGP) are reviewed and introduced,including dam site selection,regional tectonic stability and seismic activity,stability of reservoir bank and reservoir-induced earthquake.Meanwhile,the above mentioned engineering geological problems are evaluated according to the preliminary test results since TGP operation and impoundment in 2003.

Study on Quantitative Assessment for the Social Risk of Major Geological Disasters

Based on the analysis of social risk of geological disasters,the index system of social risk evaluation was established. To assess the social risk quantitatively,a quantitative evaluation model of the social risk was established based on AHP,and the social risk of geological disasters was graded. Finally,the evaluation model was applied in a case.

GeoNER:Geological Named Entity Recognition with Enriched Domain Pre-Training Model and Adversarial Training

As important geological data,a geological report contains rich expert and geological knowledge,but the challenge facing current research into geological knowledge extraction and mining is how to render accurate understanding of geological reports guided by domain knowledge.While generic named entity recognition models/tools can be utilized for the processing of geoscience reports/documents,their effectiveness is hampered by a dearth of domain-specific knowledge,which in turn leads to a pronounced decline in recognition accuracy.This study summarizes six types of typical geological entities,with reference to the ontological system of geological domains and builds a high quality corpus for the task of geological named entity recognition(GNER).In addition,Geo Wo BERT-adv BGP(Geological Word-base BERTadversarial training Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory Global Pointer)is proposed to address the issues of ambiguity,diversity and nested entities for the geological entities.The model first uses the fine-tuned word granularitybased pre-training model Geo Wo BERT(Geological Word-base BERT)and combines the text features that are extracted using the Bi LSTM(Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory),followed by an adversarial training algorithm to improve the robustness of the model and enhance its resistance to interference,the decoding finally being performed using a global association pointer algorithm.The experimental results show that the proposed model for the constructed dataset achieves high performance and is capable of mining the rich geological information.

Evaluating the characteristics of geological structures in karst groundwater inflow, Nowsud Tunnel

Highly permeable geological structures such as dissolution channels, open fractures, and faults create environmental challenges regard to hydrological and hydrogeological aspects of underground construction, often causing significant groundwater inflow during drilling due to the limitations of empirical and analytical methods. This study aims to identify the geological factors influencing water flow into the tunnel. High-flow zones' geological features have been identified and examined for this purpose. According to the geological complexity of the Nowsud tunnel, presence of different formations with different permeability and karstification have led to a high volume of underground inflow water (up to 4700 L/s) to the tunnel. The Nowsud tunnel faces significant geological and hydrogeological challenges due to its passage through the Ilam formation's LI2 unit, characterized by dissolution channels, faults, and fractures. The highest inflow rate (4700 L/s) occurred in the Hz-9 zone within the Zimkan anticline. The relationship between geological features and groundwater inflow indicates that anticlines are more susceptible to inflow than synclines. Additionally, different types of faults exhibit varying hydraulic effects, with strike-slip faults having the most significant impact on groundwater inflow, thrust faults conducting less water into the tunnel, and inflow through normal faults being negligible compared to the other two types of faults. The novelty of this paper lies in its detailed analysis of geological features influencing groundwater inflow into the Nowsud tunnel, providing empirical data on high-flow zones and differentiating the hydraulic effects of various fault types, which enhances the understanding and prediction of groundwater inflow in underground constructions.

Scale-space effect and scale hybridization in image intelligent recognition of geological discontinuities on rock slopes

Geological discontinuity(GD)plays a pivotal role in determining the catastrophic mechanical failure of jointed rock masses.Accurate and efficient acquisition of GD networks is essential for characterizing and understanding the progressive damage mechanisms of slopes based on monitoring image data.Inspired by recent advances in computer vision,deep learning(DL)models have been widely utilized for image-based fracture identification.The multi-scale characteristics,image resolution and annotation quality of images will cause a scale-space effect(SSE)that makes features indistinguishable from noise,directly affecting the accuracy.However,this effect has not received adequate attention.Herein,we try to address this gap by collecting slope images at various proportional scales and constructing multi-scale datasets using image processing techniques.Next,we quantify the intensity of feature signals using metrics such as peak signal-to-noise ratio(PSNR)and structural similarity(SSIM).Combining these metrics with the scale-space theory,we investigate the influence of the SSE on the differentiation of multi-scale features and the accuracy of recognition.It is found that augmenting the image's detail capacity does not always yield benefits for vision-based recognition models.In light of these observations,we propose a scale hybridization approach based on the diffusion mechanism of scale-space representation.The results show that scale hybridization strengthens the tolerance of multi-scale feature recognition under complex environmental noise interference and significantly enhances the recognition accuracy of GD.It also facilitates the objective understanding,description and analysis of the rock behavior and stability of slopes from the perspective of image data.

A novel fracture-cavity reservoir outcrop geological knowledge base construction method considering parameter collection and processing,mutual transformation of data-knowledge,application and update

This study endeavors to formulate a comprehensive methodology for establishing a Geological Knowledge Base(GKB)tailored to fracture-cavity reservoir outcrops within the North Tarim Basin.The acquisition of quantitative geological parameters was accomplished through diverse means such as outcrop observations,thin section studies,unmanned aerial vehicle scanning,and high-resolution cameras.Subsequently,a three-dimensional digital outcrop model was generated,and the parameters were standardized.An assessment of traditional geological knowledge was conducted to delineate the knowledge framework,content,and system of the GKB.The basic parameter knowledge was extracted using multiscale fine characterization techniques,including core statistics,field observations,and microscopic thin section analysis.Key mechanism knowledge was identified by integrating trace elements from filling,isotope geochemical tests,and water-rock simulation experiments.Significant representational knowledge was then extracted by employing various methods such as multiple linear regression,neural network technology,and discriminant classification.Subsequently,an analogy study was performed on the karst fracture-cavity system(KFCS)in both outcrop and underground reservoir settings.The results underscored several key findings:(1)Utilization of a diverse range of techniques,including outcrop observations,core statistics,unmanned aerial vehicle scanning,high-resolution cameras,thin section analysis,and electron scanning imaging,enabled the acquisition and standardization of data.This facilitated effective management and integration of geological parameter data from multiple sources and scales.(2)The GKB for fracture-cavity reservoir outcrops,encompassing basic parameter knowledge,key mechanism knowledge,and significant representational knowledge,provides robust data support and systematic geological insights for the intricate and in-depth examination of the genetic mechanisms of fracture-cavity reservoirs.(3)The developmental characteristics of fracturecavities in karst outcrops offer effective,efficient,and accurate guidance for fracture-cavity research in underground karst reservoirs.The outlined construction method of the outcrop geological knowledge base is applicable to various fracture-cavity reservoirs in different layers and regions worldwide.

Investigation of gravity influence on EOR and CO_(2) geological storage based on pore-scale simulation

Gravity assistance is a critical factor influencing CO_(2)-Oil mixing and miscible flow during EOR and CO_(2)geological storage.Based on the Navier-Stokes equation,component mass conservation equation,and fluid property-composition relationship,a mathematical model for pore-scale CO_(2) injection in oilsaturated porous media was developed in this study.The model can reflect the effects of gravity assistance,component diffusion,fluid density variation,and velocity change on EOR and CO_(2) storage.For nonhomogeneous porous media,the gravity influence and large density difference help to minimize the velocity difference between the main flow path and the surrounding area,thus improving the oil recovery and CO_(2) storage.Large CO_(2) injection angles and oil-CO_(2) density differences can increase the oil recovery by 22.6% and 4.2%,respectively,and increase CO_(2) storage by 37.9% and 4.7%,respectively.Component diffusion facilitates the transportation of the oil components from the low-velocity region to the main flow path,thereby reducing the oil/CO_(2) concentration difference within the porous media.Component diffusion can increase oil recovery and CO_(2) storage by 5.7% and 6.9%,respectively.In addition,combined with the component diffusion,a low CO_(2) injection rate creates a more uniform spatial distribution of the oil/CO_(2) component,resulting in increases of 9.5% oil recovery and 15.7% CO_(2) storage,respectively.This study provides theoretical support for improving the geological CO_(2) storage and EOR processes.

Application of Feature, Event, and Process Methods to Leakage Scenario Development for Offshore CO_(2) Geological Storage

Offshore carbon dioxide(CO_(2)) geological storage(OCGS) represents a significant strategy for addressing climate change by curtailing greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, the risk of CO_(2) leakage poses a substantial concern associated with this technology. This study introduces an innovative approach for establishing OCGS leakage scenarios, involving four pivotal stages, namely, interactive matrix establishment, risk matrix evaluation, cause–effect analysis, and scenario development, which has been implemented in the Pearl River Estuary Basin in China. The initial phase encompassed the establishment of an interaction matrix for OCGS systems based on features, events, and processes. Subsequent risk matrix evaluation and cause–effect analysis identified key system components, specifically CO_(2) injection and faults/features. Building upon this analysis, two leakage risk scenarios were successfully developed, accompanied by the corresponding mitigation measures. In addition, this study introduces the application of scenario development to risk assessment, including scenario numerical simulation and quantitative assessment. Overall, this research positively contributes to the sustainable development and safe operation of OCGS projects and holds potential for further refinement and broader application to diverse geographical environments and project requirements. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the establishment of OCGS leakage scenarios and demonstrates their practical application to risk assessment, laying the foundation for promoting the sustainable development and safe operation of ocean CO_(2) geological storage projects while proposing possibilities for future improvements and broader applications to different contexts.

Preface to the special issue dedicated to the 37^(th) International Geological Congress

The 37^(th) International Geological Congress,a premier forum held quadrennially and eagerly anticipated by geologists and geology enthusiasts worldwide,will take place from August 25 to 31,2024 in Busan,Republic of Korea.To celebrate this grand event,China Geology,a multidisciplinary geosciences journal sponsored by China Geological Survey and Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences(where the Secretariat of the International Union of Geological Sciences is currently located),presents this special issue and extends our best wishes for the success of the conference!

Geological risk assessment of traffic engineering construction among 7.0-8.5 magnitude earthquake areas:Practice from the Sichuan-Tibet transport corridor in the eastern Tibetan Plateau

At least 13 active fault zones have developed in the Ya'an-Linzhi section of the Sichuan-Tibet transport corridor,and there have been undergone 17 MS≥7.0 earthquakes,the largest earthquake is 1950 Chayu MS 8.5 earthquake,which has very strong seismic activity.Therefore,carrying out engineering construction in the Sichuan-Tibet transport corridor is a huge challenge for geological technological personnel.To determining the spatial geometric distribution,activity of active faults and geological safety risk in the Sichuan-Tibet transport corridor.Based on remote sensing images,ground surveys,and chronological tests,as well as the deep geophysical and current GPS data,we investigated the geometry,segmentation,and paleoearthquake history of five major active fault zones in the Ya'an-Linzhi section of the Sichuan-Tibet transport corridor,namely the Xianshuihe,Litang,Batang,Jiali-Chayu and Lulang-Yigong.The five major fault zones are all Holocene active faults,which contain strike-slip components as well as thrust or normal fault components,and contain multiple branch faults.The Selaha-Kangding segment of the Xianshuihe fault zone,the Maoyaba and Litang segment of the Litang fault zone,the middle segment(Yigong-Tongmai-Bomi)of Jiali-Chayu fault zone and Lulang-Yigong fault zone have the risk of experiencing strong earthquakes in the future,with a high possibility of the occurrence of MS≥7.0 earthquakes.The Jinsha River and the Palong-Zangbu River,which is a high-risk area for geological hazard chain risk in the Ya'an-Linzhi section of the Sichuan-Tibet transport corridor.Construction and safe operation Ya'an-Linzhi section of the Sichuan-Tibet transport corridor,need strengthen analysis the current crustal deformation,stress distribution and fault activity patterns,clarify active faults relationship with large earthquakes,and determine the potential maximum magnitude,epicenters,and risk range.This study provides basic data for understanding the activity,seismicity,and tectonic deformation patterns of the regional faults in the Sichuan-Tibet transport corridor.