Volume 32 Issue 1
Feb.  2026
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LIU S J,YUE W H,LIU Y Y,et al.,2026. Assessment of shale gas enrichment factors and delineation of favorable exploration zones in the first submember of the first member of the Longmaxi Formation, Tiangongtang area, southwestern Sichuan[J]. Journal of Geomechanics,32(1):31−48 doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025103
Citation: LIU S J,YUE W H,LIU Y Y,et al.,2026. Assessment of shale gas enrichment factors and delineation of favorable exploration zones in the first submember of the first member of the Longmaxi Formation, Tiangongtang area, southwestern Sichuan[J]. Journal of Geomechanics,32(1):31−48 doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025103

Assessment of shale gas enrichment factors and delineation of favorable exploration zones in the first submember of the first member of the Longmaxi Formation, Tiangongtang area, southwestern Sichuan

doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025103
Funds:  This research was financially supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project (Grant No.2016ZX05062002).
More Information
  • Received: 2025-08-01
  • Revised: 2026-01-25
  • Accepted: 2026-01-25
  • Available Online: 2026-01-27
  • Published: 2026-02-27
  •   Objective  The shale gas reservoir in the First Member of the Longmaxi Formation in the Tiangongtang area of southwestern Sichuan exhibits significant heterogeneity. To investigate the factors influencing shale gas enrichment, this study systematically analyzed the enrichment conditions and exploration potential in southwestern Sichuan.   Methods  This was achieved through an interdisciplinary approach incorporating core analysis, geochemical analysis, mineralogical characterization, and well-logging interpretation.   Results  The first sub-member (Long 1-1) contains continuous organic-rich shale with a thickness of 25–60 m, featuring a TOC content of 1.0%–4.0% (average 3.19%). The lower intervals (Long 1-1-1 to Long 1-1-3) show significantly higher TOC values than the upper intervals. With Ro values ranging from 2.58% to 3.16%, the shale is in an overmature stage. The mineral composition is dominated by quartz (35%–45%),clay minerals (25%–35%), and carbonate minerals (15%–25%). Brittle mineral content exceeding 59% and brittleness indices of 60.3%–71% indicate favorable fracability. The reservoir space comprises organic pores (0.02–0.9 μm in diameter), inorganic pores (including intragranular dissolution pores and intergranular pores), and a multi-scale fracture system (including structural fractures, non-structural fractures, and microfractures). The porosity ranges from 3.0% to 6.0% (average 4.2%), while the permeability varies between 0.0003 and 0.2352 mD(2.96×10−7–2.32×10−4μm2), exhibiting a vertical permeability profile with low values at the top and bottom and high values in the middle. Analysis of structural preservation conditions reveals that gentle anticlines and monoclinal structures provide better preservation conditions, whereas areas near steep fault zones experience significant gas dissipation. Formation pressure coefficients show a positive correlation with production, and wells with a pressure coefficient exceeding 1.4 typically achieve daily production rates above 2.0×104 m3/d (e.g., Well Y203 at 3.626×104 m3/d).   Conclusion  Through establishing a comprehensive evaluation index system, the study area was subdivided into favorable zones of Class I (TOC > 2.4%, brittleness index > 65%, porosity > 4.5%, high-quality shale thickness > 35 m, burial depth 3000–4000 m, pressure coefficient > 1.4) and Class II, providing a scientific basis for shale gas exploration and development in the Tiangongtang area. [Significance] The research findings elucidate the key factors that control shale gas enrichment in complex structural settings and offer guidance for efficient shale gas development in southwestern Sichuan.

     

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