Multi-sphere coupling characteristics and gas-bearing controlling factors of calcareous shale reservoirs in the Yadu-Ziyun-Luodian Aulacogen under Early Carboniferous platform-basin transitional sedimentary system, South China

The Early Carboniferous Dawuba Formation within the Yadu-Ziyun-Luodian aulacogen (YZLA), southern China, represents a significant shale gas play formed within a dynamic platform-basin transitional sedimentary system influenced by multi-sphere coupling (the dynamic interaction of tectonic, climatic,...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kun Yuan, Bing Feng, Gangquan Li, Zongan Xue, Tuo Lin, Xinxin Fang, Xiangcan Sun, Yinbo Xu, Fengzan Zheng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Earth Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2025.1588481/full
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850273139227885568
author Kun Yuan
Kun Yuan
Kun Yuan
Bing Feng
Gangquan Li
Zongan Xue
Zongan Xue
Zongan Xue
Tuo Lin
Tuo Lin
Tuo Lin
Xinxin Fang
Xiangcan Sun
Xiangcan Sun
Xiangcan Sun
Yinbo Xu
Yinbo Xu
Yinbo Xu
Fengzan Zheng
author_facet Kun Yuan
Kun Yuan
Kun Yuan
Bing Feng
Gangquan Li
Zongan Xue
Zongan Xue
Zongan Xue
Tuo Lin
Tuo Lin
Tuo Lin
Xinxin Fang
Xiangcan Sun
Xiangcan Sun
Xiangcan Sun
Yinbo Xu
Yinbo Xu
Yinbo Xu
Fengzan Zheng
author_sort Kun Yuan
collection DOAJ
description The Early Carboniferous Dawuba Formation within the Yadu-Ziyun-Luodian aulacogen (YZLA), southern China, represents a significant shale gas play formed within a dynamic platform-basin transitional sedimentary system influenced by multi-sphere coupling (the dynamic interaction of tectonic, climatic, and oceanic spheres). This setting generated pronounced heterogeneities in lithology and gas content. Integrating field geological surveys and well data, this study comprehensively evaluates the mineralogy, geochemistry, structural features, and gas content of these shales to decipher the key factors controlling gas enrichment, particularly in this tectonically complex area. A crucial finding is the distinction between low-energy, “thick-bedded” deposits and higher-energy, “thin interbedded” sections characterized by frequent alternations of mudstone and argillaceous limestone (0.5–5 m single layers, mudstone:limestone ratio 1:1–1:2). Significantly, these thin interbedded sections demonstrate superior reservoir quality, exhibiting higher porosity (∼2.9%) and notably higher gas content (∼2.5 m3/t). We reveal that in the YZLA’s complex structural setting, shale gas content is primarily governed by preservation conditions dictated by the unique litho-mechanical properties of the interbedded strata, rather than traditional controlling factors like TOC abundance or matrix porosity. The frequent interlayering promotes stable micro-fractures, supported by clay-rich horizons and effectively sealed by compact limestone, thereby enhancing secondary storage capacity and permeability for free gas. Consequently, these thin interbedded sections represent the most favorable intervals for shale gas accumulation, identifying them as the prime targets for achieving Early Carboniferous shale gas breakthroughs in the YZLA.
format Article
id doaj-art-c061db32874a4df4b751a8636aa778ab
institution OA Journals
issn 2296-6463
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Earth Science
spelling doaj-art-c061db32874a4df4b751a8636aa778ab2025-08-20T01:51:35ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Earth Science2296-64632025-05-011310.3389/feart.2025.15884811588481Multi-sphere coupling characteristics and gas-bearing controlling factors of calcareous shale reservoirs in the Yadu-Ziyun-Luodian Aulacogen under Early Carboniferous platform-basin transitional sedimentary system, South ChinaKun Yuan0Kun Yuan1Kun Yuan2Bing Feng3Gangquan Li4Zongan Xue5Zongan Xue6Zongan Xue7Tuo Lin8Tuo Lin9Tuo Lin10Xinxin Fang11Xiangcan Sun12Xiangcan Sun13Xiangcan Sun14Yinbo Xu15Yinbo Xu16Yinbo Xu17Fengzan Zheng18Oil and Gas Resources Survey, China Geological Survey, Beijing, ChinaThe Key Laboratory of Unconventional Oil and Gas Geology, China Geological Survey, Beijing, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Beijing, ChinaGuizhou Shale Gas Exploration and Development Co., Ltd., Zunyi, ChinaGuizhou Shale Gas Exploration and Development Co., Ltd., Zunyi, ChinaOil and Gas Resources Survey, China Geological Survey, Beijing, ChinaThe Key Laboratory of Unconventional Oil and Gas Geology, China Geological Survey, Beijing, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Beijing, ChinaOil and Gas Resources Survey, China Geological Survey, Beijing, ChinaThe Key Laboratory of Unconventional Oil and Gas Geology, China Geological Survey, Beijing, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Beijing, ChinaInstitute of Geomechanics, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, ChinaOil and Gas Resources Survey, China Geological Survey, Beijing, ChinaThe Key Laboratory of Unconventional Oil and Gas Geology, China Geological Survey, Beijing, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Beijing, ChinaOil and Gas Resources Survey, China Geological Survey, Beijing, ChinaThe Key Laboratory of Unconventional Oil and Gas Geology, China Geological Survey, Beijing, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Beijing, ChinaSchool of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, ChinaThe Early Carboniferous Dawuba Formation within the Yadu-Ziyun-Luodian aulacogen (YZLA), southern China, represents a significant shale gas play formed within a dynamic platform-basin transitional sedimentary system influenced by multi-sphere coupling (the dynamic interaction of tectonic, climatic, and oceanic spheres). This setting generated pronounced heterogeneities in lithology and gas content. Integrating field geological surveys and well data, this study comprehensively evaluates the mineralogy, geochemistry, structural features, and gas content of these shales to decipher the key factors controlling gas enrichment, particularly in this tectonically complex area. A crucial finding is the distinction between low-energy, “thick-bedded” deposits and higher-energy, “thin interbedded” sections characterized by frequent alternations of mudstone and argillaceous limestone (0.5–5 m single layers, mudstone:limestone ratio 1:1–1:2). Significantly, these thin interbedded sections demonstrate superior reservoir quality, exhibiting higher porosity (∼2.9%) and notably higher gas content (∼2.5 m3/t). We reveal that in the YZLA’s complex structural setting, shale gas content is primarily governed by preservation conditions dictated by the unique litho-mechanical properties of the interbedded strata, rather than traditional controlling factors like TOC abundance or matrix porosity. The frequent interlayering promotes stable micro-fractures, supported by clay-rich horizons and effectively sealed by compact limestone, thereby enhancing secondary storage capacity and permeability for free gas. Consequently, these thin interbedded sections represent the most favorable intervals for shale gas accumulation, identifying them as the prime targets for achieving Early Carboniferous shale gas breakthroughs in the YZLA.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2025.1588481/fullSouthern ChinaCarboniferousshale gaslithologic interbeddingpreservation conditionsgas content
spellingShingle Kun Yuan
Kun Yuan
Kun Yuan
Bing Feng
Gangquan Li
Zongan Xue
Zongan Xue
Zongan Xue
Tuo Lin
Tuo Lin
Tuo Lin
Xinxin Fang
Xiangcan Sun
Xiangcan Sun
Xiangcan Sun
Yinbo Xu
Yinbo Xu
Yinbo Xu
Fengzan Zheng
Multi-sphere coupling characteristics and gas-bearing controlling factors of calcareous shale reservoirs in the Yadu-Ziyun-Luodian Aulacogen under Early Carboniferous platform-basin transitional sedimentary system, South China
Frontiers in Earth Science
Southern China
Carboniferous
shale gas
lithologic interbedding
preservation conditions
gas content
title Multi-sphere coupling characteristics and gas-bearing controlling factors of calcareous shale reservoirs in the Yadu-Ziyun-Luodian Aulacogen under Early Carboniferous platform-basin transitional sedimentary system, South China
title_full Multi-sphere coupling characteristics and gas-bearing controlling factors of calcareous shale reservoirs in the Yadu-Ziyun-Luodian Aulacogen under Early Carboniferous platform-basin transitional sedimentary system, South China
title_fullStr Multi-sphere coupling characteristics and gas-bearing controlling factors of calcareous shale reservoirs in the Yadu-Ziyun-Luodian Aulacogen under Early Carboniferous platform-basin transitional sedimentary system, South China
title_full_unstemmed Multi-sphere coupling characteristics and gas-bearing controlling factors of calcareous shale reservoirs in the Yadu-Ziyun-Luodian Aulacogen under Early Carboniferous platform-basin transitional sedimentary system, South China
title_short Multi-sphere coupling characteristics and gas-bearing controlling factors of calcareous shale reservoirs in the Yadu-Ziyun-Luodian Aulacogen under Early Carboniferous platform-basin transitional sedimentary system, South China
title_sort multi sphere coupling characteristics and gas bearing controlling factors of calcareous shale reservoirs in the yadu ziyun luodian aulacogen under early carboniferous platform basin transitional sedimentary system south china
topic Southern China
Carboniferous
shale gas
lithologic interbedding
preservation conditions
gas content
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2025.1588481/full
work_keys_str_mv AT kunyuan multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT kunyuan multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT kunyuan multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT bingfeng multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT gangquanli multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT zonganxue multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT zonganxue multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT zonganxue multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT tuolin multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT tuolin multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT tuolin multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT xinxinfang multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT xiangcansun multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT xiangcansun multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT xiangcansun multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT yinboxu multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT yinboxu multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT yinboxu multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina
AT fengzanzheng multispherecouplingcharacteristicsandgasbearingcontrollingfactorsofcalcareousshalereservoirsintheyaduziyunluodianaulacogenunderearlycarboniferousplatformbasintransitionalsedimentarysystemsouthchina