Critical geological characteristics and gas-bearing controlling factors in Longmaxi shales in southeastern Chongqing, China

The southeastern Chongqing area, one of the highest potential shale gas accumulation areas in China, experienced strong tectonic movements. Due to the tectonic uplift in Himalayan period, the target shale formation is characterized by shallow burial depth and abundant fractures. The Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale was deposited under deep and shallow continental shelf environments with abundant pyrites and graptolite fossils. The lithology of the formation includes black carbonaceous shale, calcareous shale, and siliceous shale. The thickness of the shale varies greatly from 40 to 200m from southeast to northwest with obvious zonation. Total organic carbon (TOC) content ranges from 1.0 to 4.0% and decreases upward in the formation owing to the change of sedimentary facies. The organic matter reaches dry gas zone. Porosity ranges from 0.5 to 7.9%, and the permeability is measured in the microdarcy to nanodarcy range. Abundant fragile minerals exist in the shales which benefit the hydraulic stimulation. Isothermal adsorption tests show that the sorption gas content in place of the Longmaxi shale ranges from 1.0 to 4.5 m(3)/t and the gas content in place reaches the standard of commercial exploitation. Factors impacting gas-bearing characteristics were analyzed using a mathematical statistic method, which demonstrates that TOC is the most important factor, especially to the sorption gas content. Meanwhile, clay content, thermal maturity, porosity, and mineral components are also significant factors regarding shale gas-bearing characteristics.