The Petrophysics of Shale Gas Reservoirs: Technical Challenges and Pragmatic Solutions

The host rocks of shale gas accumulations act as source, seal and reservoir. They are characterized by complex pore systems<br>with ultra-low to low interparticle permeability and low to moderate porosity. The word “shale” is used in the sense of a<br>geological formation rather than a lithology, so shale gas reservoirs can show marked variations in rock type from claystones,<br>marlstones and mudstones to sandstone and carbonate lithological “sweet spots”. The pore space includes both intergranular<br>and intrakerogen porosity.