Volume 32 Issue 1
Feb.  2026
Turn off MathJax
Article Contents
MA M Y,XIE M Y,ZHANG D D,et al.,2026. Refined characteristics and evaluation of shale reservoirs in the Wulalike Formation, central-western margin of the Ordos Basin[J]. Journal of Geomechanics,32(1):124−141 doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025117
Citation: MA M Y,XIE M Y,ZHANG D D,et al.,2026. Refined characteristics and evaluation of shale reservoirs in the Wulalike Formation, central-western margin of the Ordos Basin[J]. Journal of Geomechanics,32(1):124−141 doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025117

Refined characteristics and evaluation of shale reservoirs in the Wulalike Formation, central-western margin of the Ordos Basin

doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025117
Funds:  This research was financially supported by the Major Special Project of Changqing Oilfield (Grant No. 2024D1JC06),the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42230815), the Major Project of the Gansu Province United Research Foundation (Grant No.25JRRA1093), and the Youth Innovation Team Project of the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education (Grant No. 23JP173).
More Information
  • Received: 2025-08-29
  • Revised: 2025-12-21
  • Accepted: 2026-01-19
  • Available Online: 2026-02-05
  • Published: 2026-02-27
  •   Objective  In recent years, exploratory breakthroughs in the Wulalike Formation on the western margin of the Ordos Basin have opened up a new field of marine shale gas in the North China Plate. Systematically characterizing the microscopic pore structure of low-TOC marine shale gas reservoirs and clarifying the main factors that control pore development is crucial for the prediction and evaluation of shale gas in the Wulalike Formation.   Methods  Well R16 was selected as the key research object, and a series of experimental tests such as X-ray diffraction whole-rock mineral analysis, argon ion polishing– scanning electron microscopy, and low-temperature gas adsorption were carried out. The storage space and capacity of the shale gas in the Wulalike Formation were characterized in detail.   Results  (1) The reservoir as a whole has low porosity and low permeability. The upper section is mainly composed of clay shale, the middle section of interbedded gley shale and mixed shale, but the lower section of siliceous shale. Porosity is highest in the upper section, intermediate in the middle section, and lowest in the lower section. Overall, organic pores are not developed, and inorganic pores and micro-cracks predominate. (2) The pore volume of shale ranges from 4.021×10−3 to 8.307×10−3 cm3/g, with an average of 6.031×10−3cm3/g. The main contributors are mesopores and macropores. The specific surface area ranges from 1.131 to 6.605 m2/g, with an average of 2.986 m2/g. Micropores are the main contributors, followed by mesopores; macropores are the least relevant. Shale gas primarily occurs in pores ranging from 0 to 10 nm, accounting for an average proportion of 86.7%. A large number of microfractures connected with nanoscale pores form a complex pore–fracture network system, which is the main channel for the seepage and diffusion of shale oil and gas. (3) The pore structure, physical properties, and gas-bearing capacity of the reservoir are mainly influenced by clay minerals, which results in more developed pore volumes and specific surface areas in the upper and middle sections compared to the lower section. The intergranular pores of illite, as the main mineral, provide a certain storage space for the reservoir and constitute the main carrier for natural gas.   Conclusions  Comprehensive analysis indicates that the siliceous shale in the lower member of the Wulalike Formation and the interval of interbedded argillaceous-mixed shale in the middle member are favorable exploration intervals. [Significance] This study provides an in-depth analysis of the gas storage characteristics and influencing factors of low-TOC shale reservoirs in the research area, which will contribute to advancing the exploration of marine "low-TOC" shale gas in northern China.

     

  • Full-text Translaiton by iFLYTEK

    The full translation of the current issue may be delayed. If you encounter a 404 page, please try again later.
  • loading
  • [1]
    AN Y Y, YANG ZQ, CHEN H G, et al., 2024. Shale Gas Reservoir Characteristics of the Wufeng-Xintan Formation in Well Banzhu-1 in Northern Guizhou[J]. Guizhou Geological Survey, 41(03): 249-255. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [2]
    BAI Y, MA Z R, HUANG Z L, et al., 2025. Lithofacies and sedimentary model of migmatites in the ordovician Wulalike Formation, western edge of the Ordos Basin[J]. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 43(4): 1213-1232, doi: 10.14027/j.issn.1000-0550.2024.120
    [3]
    BAO S J, ZHAI G Y, TANG X C, et al. , 2016. Shale mineralogy and petrology[M]. Shanghai: East China University of Science and Technology Press. (in Chinese)
    [4]
    CHEN R B, WANG Y M, HUANG Z L, et al., 2024. Fracture pore characteristics and gas accumulation model of marine shales in the northwestern Ordos Basin: a case study of the Ordovician Wulalike Formation[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 31(5): 46-60. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [5]
    CHEN X L, GUO T X, SHI D S, et al., 2019. Pore structure characteristics and adsorption capacity of Niutitang Formation shale in southern Shaanxi[J]. Lithologic Reservoirs, 31(5): 52-60. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [6]
    DONG D Z, WANG Y M, HUANG X N, et al., 2016. Discussion about geological characteristics, resource evaluation methods and its key parameters of shale gas in China[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 27(9): 1583-1601. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [7]
    FENG X L, AO W H, TANG X, 2018. Characteristics of pore development and its main controlling factors of continental shale gas reservoirs: a case study of Chang 7 member in Ordos Basin[J]. Journal of Jilin University (Earth Science Edition), 48(3): 678-692. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [8]
    FENG Y Q, 2020. Reservoir characteristics and accumulation model of mud shale of Wulalik Formation in Northwestern Margin of Ordos Basin[D]. Chengdu: Chengdu University of Technology. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [9]
    FU S T, FU J H, XI S L, et al., 2021. Geological characteristics of Ordovician marine shale gas in the Ordos Basin and its prospects[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 26(2): 33-44. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [10]
    GAO Y N, ZHANG S H, YU M, et al., 2025. Reservoir characteristics and diagenetic processes of the Benxi Formation in the East Yanchuan Block, Ordos Basin[J]. Journal of Geomechanics, 31(4): 704-719. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [11]
    GUO W, DONG D Z, LI M, et al., 2021. Quartz genesis in organic-rich shale and its indicative significance to reservoir quality: a case study on the first submember of the first Member of Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the southeastern Sichuan Basin and its periphery[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 41(2): 65-74. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [12]
    GUO X S, LI Y P, LIU R B, et al., 2014. Characteristics and controlling factors of micro-pore structures of Longmaxi Shale Play in the Jiaoshiba area, Sichuan Basin[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 34(6): 9-16. (in Chinese with English abstract) doi: 10.1016/j.ngib.2014.11.007
    [13]
    GUO X S, HU D F, DUAN J B , et al. , 2020. Marine petroleum exploration in South China[J]. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, 42(5): 675-686. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [14]
    GUO X S, ZHAO Y Q, SHEN B J, et al., 2022. Marine shale gas exploration theory in southern China: review and prospects[J]. Acta Geologica Sinica, 96(1): 172-182. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [15]
    HUANG Z L, CAO B F, LIU Y, et al., 2025. Microscopic reservoir characteristics of laminated shales: a case study of the Wulalike Formation at the western margin of the Ordos Basin[J]. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 43(4): 1251-1263, doi: 10.14027/j.issn.1000-0550.2024.085
    [16]
    JIA C Z, 2020. Development challenges and future scientific and technological researches in China's petroleum industry upstream[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 41(12): 1445-1464. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [17]
    LI C H, ZHAO L, LIU B, et al., 2020. Research status, significance and development trend of microfractures[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 31(3): 402-416. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [18]
    LIU G, HUANG H X, WU Y, et al., 2025. Factors influencing pore space in Wulalike Formation shale, Ordos Basin: Geological significance for shale gas[J]. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 43(4): 1233-1250. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [19]
    LOUCKS R G, REED R M, RUPPEL S C, et al., 2009. Morphology, genesis, and distribution of nanometer-scale pores in siliceous mudstones of the Mississippian Barnett Shale[J]. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 79(12): 848-861. doi: 10.2110/jsr.2009.092
    [20]
    NIE H K, BIAN R K, ZHANG P X, et al., 2014. Micro-types and characteristics of shale reservoir of the Lower Paleozoic in Southeast Sichuan Basin, and their effects on the gas content[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 21(4): 331-343. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [21]
    SING K S W, 1985. Reporting physisorption data for gas/solid systems with special reference to the determination of surface area and porosity (Recommendations 1984)[J]. Pure and Applied Chemistry, 57(4): 603-619.
    [22]
    THOMMES M, KANEKO K, NEIMARK A V, et al., 2015. Physisorption of gases, with special reference to the evaluation of surface area and pore size distribution (IUPAC Technical Report)[J]. Pure and Applied Chemistry, 87(9-10): 1051-1069. doi: 10.1515/pac-2014-1117
    [23]
    TU Y, ZOU H Y, MENG H P, et al., 2014. Evaluation criteria and classification of shale gas reservoirs[J]. Oil & Gas Geology, 35(1): 153-158. (in Chinese with English abstract) doi: 10.2118/119899-ms
    [24]
    WANG Y M, HUANG Z L, MA Z R, et al., 2025. Geological conditions and accumulation mode of shale gas in the Ordovician Wulalike Formation in the northwestern margin of Ordos Basin[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 30(1): 125-143. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [25]
    WU S T, ZHU R K, CUI J G, et al., 2015. Characteristics of lacustrine shale porosity evolution, Triassic Chang 7 Member, Ordos Basin, NW China[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 42(2): 167-176. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [26]
    XI S L, MO W L, LIU X S, et al., 2021. Shale gas exploration potential of Ordovician Wulalike Formation in the western margin of Ordos Basin: case study of Well Zhongping 1[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 32(8): 1235-1246. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [27]
    XI S L, LIU X S, HUANG Z L, et al., 2023. Enrichment characteristics and exploration direction of shale oil and gas in Wulalike Formation of Middle Ordovician in the Ordos Basin[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 43(3): 12-22. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [28]
    XIE M Y, ZHANG D D, LUO H Y, et al., 2023. Characterization of pore structure of Upper Paleozoic dense reservoir in Ordos Basin: cases study of the Shanxi Formation and the Xiashihezi Formation in Yanchi area[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 34(7): 1173-1186. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [29]
    YAN W, LIU Y, GUO W, et al., 2025. Lithofacies paleogeography of the Ordovician Wulalike Formation, western margin of the Ordos Basin[J]. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 43(4): 1199-1212, doi: 10.14027/j.issn.1000-0550.2024.096
    [30]
    YU Z, ZHOU J G, LI C S, et al., 2021. Tectonic-lithofacies paleogeographic characteristics of Ordovician Kelimoli and Wulalike stages in the western edge of Ordos Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 32(6): 816-825. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [31]
    ZHANG F Q, LI Y N, LUO J L, et al., 2022. Microscopic pore structure characteristics of shale of Ordovician Wulalike Formation in western Ordos Basin[J]. Lithologic Reservoirs, 34(5): 50-62. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [32]
    ZHANG J C, JIANG S L, TANG X, et al., 2009. Enrichment types and resource characteristics of shale gas in China[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 29(12): 109-114+151-152. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [33]
    ZHANG J C, BIAN R K, JING T Y, , et al. , 2011. Fundamental significance of gas shale theoretical research. Geological Bulletin of China, 30(2/3): 318-323. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [34]
    ZHANG X Y, ZHAN R R, DUAN L, et al., 2024. 3D digital modelling and detailed anatomy of tight sandstone reservoir outcrop with oil-bearing heterogeneity: a case study of Angou outcrop of Triassic Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin[J]. Journal of Geomechanics, 30(4): 609-621. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [35]
    ZHANG Y N, LI R X, XI S L, et al., 2022. Sedimentary environments and organic matter enrichment mechanism of Ordovician Wulalike Formation shale, western Ordos Basin[J]. Journal of Central South University (Science and Technology), 53(9): 3401-3417. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [36]
    ZHANG J K, HE S, YAN X L, et al., 2017. Structural characteristics and thermal evolution of nanoporosity in shales[J]. Journal of China University of Petroleum (Edition of Natural Science), 41(1): 11-24. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [37]
    ZHAO D F, GUO Y H, XIE D L, et al., 2014. Fractal characteristics of shale reservoir pores based on nitrogen adsorption[J]. Journal of Northeast Petroleum University, 38(6): 100-108. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [38]
    ZHAO D F, 2020. Quantitative characterization of pore structure of shale reservoirs in the Lower Paleozoic Wufeng-Longmaxi formation of the East Sichuan area[D]. Xuzhou: China University of Mining and Technology, doi: 10.27623/d.cnki.gzkyu.2020.000508. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [39]
    ZHAO H G, LIU C Y, WANG F, et al, 2006. Structural zoning and its characteristics of the western margin of the Ordos Basin[J]. Oil & Gas Geology, (2): 173-179. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [40]
    ZOU C N, DONG D Z, ZHANG Q, et al., 2025. Formation, potential, and challenges of marine-continental transitional shale gas in China[J]. Earth Science, 50(11): 4261-4283. (in Chinese with English abstract)
    [41]
    安亚运, 杨忠琴, 陈厚国, 等, 2024. 黔北地区班竹1井五峰组—新滩组页岩气储层特征[J]. 贵州地质, 41(03): 249-255. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5943.2024.03.004
    [42]
    白莹, 马占荣, 黄正良, 等, 2025. 鄂尔多斯盆地西缘奥陶系乌拉力克组混积岩岩相类型及沉积模式[J]. 沉积学报, 43(4): 1213-1232, doi: 10.14027/j.issn.1000-0550.2024.120.
    [43]
    包书景, 翟刚毅, 唐显春, 等, 2016. 页岩矿物岩石学[M]. 上海: 华东理工大学出版社.
    [44]
    陈如彪, 王玉满, 黄正良, 等, 2024. 鄂尔多斯盆地西北缘海相页岩裂缝孔隙发育特征与页岩气富集模式: 以奥陶系乌拉力克组为例[J]. 地学前缘, 31(5): 46-60. doi: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2023.6.14
    [45]
    陈相霖, 郭天旭, 石砥石, 等, 2019. 陕南地区牛蹄塘组页岩孔隙结构特征及吸附能力[J]. 岩性油气藏, 31(5): 52-60. doi: 10.12108/yxyqc.20190506
    [46]
    董大忠, 王玉满, 黄旭楠, 等, 2016. 中国页岩气地质特征、资源评价方法及关键参数[J]. 天然气地球科学, 27(09): 1583-1601. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2016.09.1583
    [47]
    冯小龙, 敖卫华, 唐玄, 2018. 陆相页岩气储层孔隙发育特征及其主控因素分析: 以鄂尔多斯盆地长7段为例[J]. 吉林大学学报(地球科学版), 48(3): 678-692. doi: 10.13278/j.cnki.jjuese.20160332
    [48]
    冯弋秦, 2020. 鄂尔多斯盆地西北缘乌拉力克组泥页岩储层特征及成藏模式研究[D]. 成都: 成都理工大学.
    [49]
    付锁堂, 付金华, 席胜利, 等, 2021. 鄂尔多斯盆地奥陶系海相页岩气地质特征及勘探前景[J]. 中国石油勘探, 26(2): 33-44. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2021.02.004
    [50]
    高雅宁, 张少华, 于淼, 等, 2025. 鄂尔多斯盆地延川东地区本溪组储层特征与成岩过程[J]. 地质力学学报, 31(4): 704-719. doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025054
    [51]
    郭雯, 董大忠, 李明, 等, 2021. 富有机质页岩中石英的成因及对储层品质的指示意义: 以四川盆地东南部及周缘龙马溪组龙一1亚段为例[J]. 天然气工业, 41(2): 65-74. doi: 10.3787/j.issn.1000-0976.2021.02.008
    [52]
    郭旭升, 李宇平, 刘若冰, 等, 2014. 四川盆地焦石坝地区龙马溪组页岩微观孔隙结构特征及其控制因素[J]. 天然气工业, 34(6): 9-16. doi: 10.3787/j.issn.1000-0976.2014.06.002
    [53]
    郭旭升, 胡东风, 段金宝, 2020. 中国南方海相油气勘探展望[J]. 石油实验地质, 42(5): 675-686. doi: 10.11781/sysydz202005675
    [54]
    郭旭升, 赵永强, 申宝剑, 等, 2022. 中国南方海相页岩气勘探理论: 回顾与展望[J]. 地质学报, 96(1): 172-182. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.0001-5717.2022.01.014
    [55]
    黄正良, 曹斌风, 刘洋, 等, 2025. 纹层状页岩微观储层特征研究: 以鄂尔多斯盆地西缘乌拉力克组为例[J]. 沉积学报, 43(4): 1251-1263, doi: 10.14027/j.issn.1000-0550.2024.085.
    [56]
    贾承造, 2020. 中国石油工业上游发展面临的挑战与未来科技攻关方向[J]. 石油学报, 41(12): 1445-1464.
    [57]
    李长海, 赵伦, 刘波, 等, 2020. 微裂缝研究进展、意义及发展趋势[J]. 天然气地球科学, 31(3): 402-416. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2019.12.011
    [58]
    刘刚, 黄何鑫, 吴越, 等, 2025. 鄂尔多斯盆地乌拉力克组页岩孔隙空间影响因素及其页岩气地质意义[J]. 沉积学报, 43(4): 1233-1250. doi: 10.14027/j.issn.1000-0550.2024.079
    [59]
    聂海宽, 边瑞康, 张培先, 等, 2014. 川东南地区下古生界页岩储层微观类型与特征及其对含气量的影响[J]. 地学前缘, 21(4): 331-343. doi: 10.13745/j.esf.2014.04.033
    [60]
    涂乙, 邹海燕, 孟海平, 等, 2014. 页岩气评价标准与储层分类[J]. 石油与天然气地质, 35(1): 153-158. doi: 10.11743/ogg20140120
    [61]
    王玉满, 黄正良, 马占荣, 等, 2025. 鄂尔多斯盆地西北缘奥陶系乌拉力克组页岩气赋存条件与聚集模式[J]. 中国石油勘探, 30(1): 125-143.
    [62]
    吴松涛, 朱如凯, 崔京钢, 等, 2015. 鄂尔多斯盆地长7湖相泥页岩孔隙演化特征[J]. 石油勘探与开发, 42(2): 167-176. doi: 10.11698/PED.2015.02.05
    [63]
    席胜利, 莫午零, 刘新社, 等, 2021. 鄂尔多斯盆地西缘奥陶系乌拉力克组页岩气勘探潜力: 以忠平1井为例[J]. 天然气地球科学, 32(8): 1235-1246. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2020.03.016
    [64]
    席胜利, 刘新社, 黄正良, 等, 2023. 鄂尔多斯盆地中奥陶统乌拉力克组页岩油气富集条件及勘探方向[J]. 天然气工业, 43(3): 12-22. doi: 10.3787/j.issn.1000-0976.2023.03.002
    [65]
    谢梦雨, 张东东, 罗厚勇, 等, 2023. 鄂尔多斯盆地上古生界致密储层孔隙结构特征: 以盐池地区山西组和下石盒子组为例[J]. 天然气地球科学, 34(7): 1173-1186. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2023.02.010
    [66]
    闫伟, 刘洋, 郭玮, 等, 2025. 鄂尔多斯盆地西部奥陶纪乌拉力克期岩相古地理特征[J]. 沉积学报, 43(4): 1199-1212, doi: 10.14027/j.issn.1000-0550.2024.096.
    [67]
    于洲, 周进高, 李程善, 等, 2021. 鄂尔多斯盆地西缘奥陶纪克里摩里期—乌拉力克期构造—岩相古地理特征[J]. 天然气地球科学, 32(6): 816-825.
    [68]
    张凤奇, 李宜浓, 罗菊兰, 等, 2022. 鄂尔多斯盆地西部奥陶系乌拉力克组页岩微观孔隙结构特征[J]. 岩性油气藏, 34(5): 50-62. doi: 10.12108/yxyqc.20220504
    [69]
    张金川, 姜生玲, 唐玄, 等, 2009. 我国页岩气富集类型及资源特点[J]. 天然气工业, 29(12): 109-114+151-152. doi: 10.3787/j.issn.1000-0976.2009.12.033
    [70]
    张金川, 边瑞康, 荆铁亚, 等, 2011. 页岩气理论研究的基础意义[J]. 地质通报, 30(Z1): 318-323. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-2552.2011.02.017
    [71]
    张小银, 詹容若, 段亮, 等, 2024. 致密砂岩含油非均质性储层的野外实例三维数字模型和精细解剖: 以鄂尔多斯盆地三叠系延长组安沟油砂露头为例[J]. 地质力学学报, 30(4): 609-621. doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2024028
    [72]
    张艳妮, 李荣西, 席胜利, 等, 2022. 鄂尔多斯盆地西缘奥陶系乌拉力克组页岩沉积环境及有机质富集机制[J]. 中南大学学报(自然科学版), 53(9): 3401-3417. doi: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7207.2022.09.010
    [73]
    张建坤, 何生, 颜新林, 等, 2017. 页岩纳米级孔隙结构特征及热成熟演化[J]. 中国石油大学学报(自然科学版), 41(01): 11-24. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5005.2017.01.002
    [74]
    赵迪斐, 郭英海, 解徳录, 等, 2014. 基于低温氮吸附实验的页岩储层孔隙分形特征[J]. 东北石油大学学报, 38(6): 100-108.
    [75]
    赵迪斐, 2020. 川东下古生界五峰组-龙马溪组页岩储层孔隙结构精细表征[D]. 徐州: 中国矿业大学, doi: 10.27623/d.cnki.gzkyu.2020.000508.
    [76]
    赵红格, 刘池洋, 王峰, 等, 2006. 鄂尔多斯盆地西缘构造分区及其特征[J]. 石油与天然气地质, (2): 173-179. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0253-9985.2006.02.006
    [77]
    邹才能, 董大忠, 张琴, 等, 2025. 中国海陆过渡相页岩气形成、潜力与挑战[J]. 地球科学, 50(11): 4261-4283. doi: 10.3799/dqkx.2025.192
  • 加载中

Catalog

    Figures(15)  / Tables(3)

    Article Metrics

    Article views (73) PDF downloads(3) Cited by()
    Proportional views
    Related

    /

    DownLoad:  Full-Size Img  PowerPoint
    Return
    Return