1887
Volume 32, Issue 1
  • ISSN: 1354-0793
  • E-ISSN:

Abstract

Shale gas, a clean energy source with large reserves and wide distribution, is gaining global attention. The Nanpanjiang Basin, in the southern part of Yangtze Block, is a strategic area for marine shale-gas exploration, with the Tian'e region as a key target. Field investigations and previous studies have confirmed the distribution of Lower Devonian Tangding shale in the Nanpanjiang Basin. This study, using organic geochemistry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, analysed the geochemical characteristics of source rocks, shale reservoir properties, gas content and preservation conditions. The Tangding shale is 100–250 m thick, with burial depths of 2100–4200 m. The total organic carbon (TOC) values of the shales exceed 2.0 wt%, comprising mainly kerogen types Type II–II and high- to over-mature organic matter, indicating excellent source-rock potential. The shales contain a high percentage of brittle minerals, with well-developed pore spaces and adsorption capacities, suggesting a good shale-gas reservoir. A relatively high clay mineral content, along with strong compaction and cementation, enhances the shale's self-sealing capacity, ensuring good preservation conditions for shale gas. The gas content is relatively high, indicating significant shale-gas accumulation. Multi-episode tectonic movements have significantly influenced shale-gas preservation. Compared with typical shale-gas accumulation conditions in other basins, the Tangding shales in the Tian'e area offer favourable conditions for shale-gas accumulation, making the northwestern part of the Tian'e area an important target zone for shale-gas exploration in the Nanpanjiang Basin.

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2026-04-21
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