Orogenesis vs. diagenesis: Can we use organic-rich shales to interpret the tectonic evolution of a depositional basin?

Black shales from the southern Appalachian Basin and the southwest Welsh Basin have anomalous U–Pb and Nd model ages suggesting syn- and post-depositional resetting of the Sm–Nd and U–Pb isotopic systems. This alteration to the primary detrital signature of these two shale sequences is indicative of black shale diagenetic/depositional processes that obscure paleo-environmental and provenance information recorded prior to and during deposition. The trace element and isotopic signatures of these two shale sequences reveal a syn-/post-depositional history that is de-coupled from the coeval orogenic history of the region making it difficult to reconstruct the tectonic and oceanographic conditions present at the time of deposition.Both the Ordovivian Welsh Basin and the Devonian Appalachian Basin sequences host REE- and U-bearing diagenetic phosphate minerals that play a critical role in the whole rock REE and U budgets. In the Welsh Basin shales, early diagenetic apatite and a later monazite phase dominate the REE budget and cause the redistribution of REE early in the basin's history (ca. 460 Ma). This redistribution is recorded by the Sm–Nd system (450 ± 90 Ma) and the Nd model ages that are anomalously old by as much as 20% (T_DM > 2.0 Ga). This early history is complicated by a Permo-Triassic fluid event affecting the whole rock U-budget and resetting the U–Pb isotopic system at 193 ± 45 Ma. The Appalachian Basin sequence appears to have a much less complicated history yet still records a significant disturbance in both the Sm–Nd isotopic system (392 ± 76 Ma) and the Pb isotopic system (340 ± 50 Ma) at about the time of deposition (ca. 365 Ma).These two sequences suggest a pattern of diagenetic disturbance common to black shales. These processes are unique to black shales and must be considered when interpreting provenance and paleo-environmental information from the black shale sequences. Although these rocks are susceptible to alteration, the alteration may provide extensive information on the post-depositional history of the basin while still retaining some primary depositional information. If black shale processes are considered during the interpretation of isotopic and trace element signatures from organic-rich shales, it may be possible to recover an extensive basin history.     

Chemical and isotopic tracers of the contribution of microbial gas in Devonian organic-rich shales and reservoir sandstones,northern Appalachian Basin

In this study, the geochemistry and origin of natural gas and formation waters in Devonian age organic-rich shales and reservoir sandstones across the northern Appalachian Basin margin (western New York, eastern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania, and eastern Kentucky) were investigated. Additional samples were collected from Mississippian Berea Sandstone, Silurian Medina Sandstone and Ordovician Trenton/Black River Group oil and gas wells for comparison. Dissolved gases in shallow groundwaters in Devonian organic-rich shales along Lake Erie contain detectable CH₄ (0.01–50.55 mol%) with low δ¹³C–CH₄ values (−74.68 to −57.86‰) and no higher chain hydrocarbons, characteristics typical of microbial gas. Nevertheless, these groundwaters have only moderate alkalinity (1.14–8.72 meq/kg) and relatively low δ¹³C values of dissolved inorganic C (DIC) (−24.8 to −0.6‰), suggesting that microbial methanogenesis is limited. The majority of natural gases in Devonian organic-rich shales and sandstones at depth (>168 m) in the northern Appalachian Basin have a low CH₄ to ethane and propane ratios (3–35 mol%; C₁/C₂ + C₃) and high δ¹³C and δD values of CH₄ (−53.35 to −40.24‰, and −315.0 to −174.6‰, respectively), which increase in depth, reservoir age and thermal maturity; the molecular and isotopic signature of these gases show that CH₄ was generated via thermogenic processes. Despite this, the geochemistry of co-produced brines shows evidence for microbial activity. High δ¹³C values of DIC (>+10‰), slightly elevated alkalinity (up to 12.01 meq/kg) and low SO₄ values (<1 mmole/L) in select Devonian organic-rich shale and sandstone formation water samples suggest the presence of methanogenesis, while low δ¹³C–DIC values (<−22‰) and relatively high SO₄ concentrations (up to 12.31 mmole/L) in many brine samples point to SO₄ reduction, which likely limits microbial CH₄ generation in the Appalachian Basin. Together the formation water and gas results suggest that the vast majority of CH₄ in the Devonian organic-rich shales and sandstones across the northern Appalachian Basin margin is thermogenic in origin. Small accumulations of microbial CH₄ are present at shallow depths along Lake Erie and in western NY.     

Pleistocene recharge to midcontinent basins: effects on salinity structure and microbial gas generation

The hydrogeochemistry of saline-meteoric water interface zones in sedimentary basins is important in constraining the fluid migration history, chemical evolution of basinal brines, and physical stability of saline formation waters during episodes of freshwater recharge. This is especially germane for interior cratonic basins, such as the Michigan and Illinois basins. Although there are large differences in formation water salinity and hydrostratigraphy in these basins, both are relatively quiescent tectonically and have experienced repeated cycles of glaciation during the Pleistocene. Exploration for unconventional microbial gas deposits, which began in the upper Devonian-age Antrim Shale at the northern margin of the Michigan Basin, has recently extended into the age-equivalent New Albany Shale of the neighboring Illinois Basin, providing access to heretofore unavailable fluid samples. These reveal an extensive regional recharge system that has profoundly changed the salinity structure and induced significant biogeochemical modification of formation water elemental and isotope geochemistry.New-formation water and gas samples were obtained from Devonian-Mississippian strata in the Illinois Basin. These included exploration wells in the New Albany Shale, an organic-rich black shale of upper Devonian age, and formation waters from over- and underlying regional aquifer systems (Siluro-Devonian and Mississippian age). The hydrostratigraphic relations of major aquifers and aquitards along the eastern margin of the Illinois Basin critically influenced fluid migration into the New Albany Shale. The New Albany Shale formation water chemistry indicates significant invasion of meteoric water, with δD values as low as −46.05‰, into the shale. The carbon stable isotope system (δ¹³C values as high as 29.4‰), coupled with δ¹⁸O, δD, and alkalinity of formation waters (alkalinity ≤24.08 meq/kg), identifies the presence of microbial gas associated with meteoric recharge. Regional geochemical patterns identify the underlying Siluro-Devonian carbonate aquifer system as the major conduit for freshwater recharge into the fractured New Albany Shale reservoirs. Recharge from overlying Mississippian carbonates is only significant in the southernmost portion of the basin margin where carbonates directly overlie the New Albany Shale.Recharge of dilute waters (Cl⁻ <1000 mM) into the Siluro-Devonian section has suppressed formation water salinity to depths as great as 1 km across the entire eastern Illinois Basin margin. Taken together with salinity and stable isotope patterns in age-equivalent Michigan Basin formation waters, they suggest a regional impact of recharge of δ¹⁸O- and δD-depleted fluids related to Pleistocene glaciation. Devonian black shales at both basin margins have been affected by recharge and produced significant volumes of microbial methane. This recharge is also manifested in different salinity gradients in the two basins because of their large differences in original formation water salinity. Given the relatively quiet tectonic history and subdued current topography in the midcontinent region, it is likely that repeated cycles of glacial meltwater invasion across this region have induced a strong disequilibrium pattern in fluid salinity and produced a unique class of unconventional shale-hosted gas deposits.     

鄂尔多斯盆地南部长7暗色泥岩与黑色页岩生烃动力学特征对比分析

以往对鄂尔多斯盆地南部地区长7油层组(简称长7)中烃源岩生烃潜力的研究主要是采用静态地球化学指标进行的,目前尚无对生烃动态特征的系统评价,因而制约了对长7烃源岩生烃潜力和页岩油资源分布有利岩性的客观认识。为此,选取长7不同类型的烃源岩样品,通过开放和封闭热模拟实验,对比分析了不同类型烃源岩的动力学参数、生烃产物、产率特征及生烃演化规律。结果表明:(1)黑色页岩活化能分布范围比暗色泥岩更为集中,且主频活化能和频率因子均低于暗色泥岩,体现了快速生烃的特性;(2)在外推到地质条件下,黑色页岩主要生烃期对应的R_o值(0.70%~0.87%)低于暗色泥岩(1.06%~1.72%),且以生油为主;(3)R_o在0.9%~1.3%范围内,黑色页岩的总烃产率高于暗色泥岩,生油量高于暗色泥岩。结合研究区两类烃源岩的地球化学资料综合分析表明,黑色页岩是研究区页岩油资源形成与分布的有利烃源岩。     

云南禄劝地区泥盆系油苗地球化学特征及地质意义

随着四川盆地海相常规天然气和页岩气勘探开发的成功,新区、新层系的油气勘探逐渐提上议程。云南地区泥盆系泥页岩在局部地区广泛分布,有机质丰度较高,但钻井工作很少,研究较为薄弱,油气富集情况不明。通过野外调查,在云南禄劝地区中泥盆统华宁组发现了液态油苗。有机地球化学分析表明:油苗与中泥盆统华宁组三段的泥灰岩亲缘关系较好;中泥盆统华宁组三段的泥灰岩整体沉积于强还原—还原环境,生烃母质主要为藻类等低等水生生物,也有来自高等植物的贡献,已处于成熟阶段,具有较强的油气生成能力,生烃能力与Ⅱ₁型烃源岩相当;康滇古陆西缘泥盆系泥灰岩有过生油气过程,生成的原油以饱和烃和芳香烃为主,且保存条件好的情况下,具有一定的页岩油气和常规油气勘探前景。      

鄂尔多斯盆地北部山西组页岩沉积相及其对页岩储层的控制作用

鄂尔多斯盆地北部山西组页岩气储层与煤层共生,页岩有机质含量较高,具有较大的资源勘探潜力。为精细表征控制山西组页岩储层分布的沉积微相,根据测井数据、录井数据、岩芯观察描述、薄片分析、粒度分析、X射线衍射全岩分析以及总有机碳含量(TOC),研究了山西组页岩储层岩相与沉积微相类型,在山西组识别出(灰)黑色碳质页岩、(灰)黑色含碳质页岩、(灰)黑色含碳质(粉)砂质页岩、(深)灰色含碳质页岩、(深)灰色页岩、(深)灰色(粉)砂质页岩和含钙质页岩7种岩相。这些岩相沉积在富植沼泽、贫植沼泽、三角洲平原分流间洼地、曲流河河间洼地、天然堤与决口扇远端微相环境,其中富植沼泽、贫植沼泽与成煤的泥炭沼泽、泥炭坪环境比邻共生,且在山二段时期更发育。富植沼泽和贫植沼泽微相控制了具有较高TOC的(灰)黑色碳质页岩、(灰)黑色含碳质页岩、(灰)黑色含碳质(粉)砂质页岩和(深)灰色含碳质页岩的分布,是控制山西组页岩储层分布的有利微相。     

The Valley and Ridge Province of eastern Pennsylvania—stratigraphic and sedimentologic contributions and problems

Many contributions that have led to a better understanding of Appalachian geology have resulted directly from work in the folded Appalachian Mountain and Great Valley sections of the Valley and Ridge physiographic province of eastern Pennsylvania. Disagreements have been common since H.D. Rogers first described the geology of the area in 1858. Many differing opinions still exist regarding the stratigraphy, structural geology, geomorphology, and glacial geology. The rocks in the area, which range from Middle Ordovician to Late Devonian in age, are more than 25000 feet (7620 m) thick. This diversified group of sedimentary rocks was deposited in many different environments, ranging from deep sea, through neritic and tidal, to alluvial. In general, the Middle Ordovician through Lower Devonian strata are a sedimentary cycle related to the waxing and waning of Taconic tectonism. The sequence began with a greywacke-argillite suite (Martinsburg Formation) representing synorogenic basin deepening. This was followed by basin filling and pro-gradation of a sandstone-shale clastic wedge (Shawangunk Formation and Bloomsburg Red Beds) derived from the erosion of the mountains that were uplifted during the Taconic orogeny. The sequence ended with deposition of many thin units of carbonate, sandstone, and shale on a shelf marginal to a land area of low relief. Another tectonic-sedimentary cycle, related to the Acadian orogeny, began with deposition of Middle Devonian rocks. Deep-water shales (Marcellus Shale) preceded shoaling (Mahantango Formation) and turbidite sedimentation (Trimmers Rock Formation) followed by another molasse (Catskill Formation).     

Fingerprinting Marcellus Shale waste products from Pb isotope and trace metal perspectives

Drill cuttings generated during unconventional natural gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale, Appalachian Basin, U.S.A., generally contain a very large component of organic-rich black shale because of extensive lateral drilling into this target unit. In this study, element concentrations and Pb isotope ratios obtained from leached drill cuttings spanning 600 m of stratigraphic section were used to assess the potential for short and long term environmental impacts from Marcellus Shale waste materials, in comparison with material from surrounding formations. Leachates of the units above, below and within the Marcellus Shale yielded Cl/Br ratios of 100–150, similar to produced water values. Leachates from oxidized and unoxidized drill cuttings from the Marcellus Shale contain distinct suites of elevated trace metal concentrations, including Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Sb, U, V and Zn. The most elevated Mo, Ni, Sb, U, and V concentrations are found in leachates from the lower portion of the Marcellus Shale, the section typically exploited for natural gas production. In addition, lower ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ratios within the lower Marcellus Shale (0.661–0.733) provide a distinctive fingerprint from formations above (0.822–0.846) and below (0.796–0.810), reflecting ²⁰⁶Pb produced as a result of in situ ²³⁸U decay within this organic rich black shale. Trace metal concentrations from the Marcellus Shale leachates are similar to total metal concentrations from other black shales. These metal concentrations can exceed screening levels recommended by the EPA, and thus have the potential to impact soil and water quality depending on cuttings disposal methods.     

塔里木盆地西北缘下寒武统黑色岩系差异性成岩演化及其影响因素

尽管泥页岩在埋藏过程中经历的复杂成岩改造会显著影响页岩油气储层发育潜力,但对其成岩作用,特别是泥页岩中成岩矿物的类型、成岩演化及其影响因素、成岩矿物元素在低孔低渗孔隙系统中的迁移等问题的认识仍很薄弱,因而制约了对泥页岩储层的深入认识。为此,本文以塔里木盆地西北缘下寒武统玉尔吐斯组发育的两套黑色岩系为例,在沉积环境认识的基础上,通过矿物组分、黏土矿物组合、有机碳含量及有机质成熟度等测定分析,着重研究了黑色岩系自生矿物的分布及在成岩演化阶段的变化特征,阐述了成岩变化的时空分布及其影响因素。研究结果表明：（1）在浅水缓坡台地环境下,玉尔吐斯组受两个较为完整的海进-海退沉积旋回控制而形成的两套黑色岩系主要经历了早成岩阶段和中成岩阶段;（2）受沉积环境和热液作用的影响,这两套黑色岩系在石英、重晶石、碳酸盐胶结物和黏土矿物等自生矿物的组合、分布及形成顺序上存在显著的差异,呈现出差异性成岩演化的特点;（3）伊利石、伊蒙混层、绿泥石、白云石、石英胶结等中成岩阶段成岩产物的广泛分布,反映出在成岩过程中特别是中成岩阶段低孔低渗的泥页岩仍存在一定程度的内部和外部来源的矿物元素迁移。本次研究对深入认识塔里木西北缘下寒武统黑色岩系成岩机制,以及分析页岩储层发育特征提供了重要的依据。     

Inferring Hydrocarbon Migration and Sealing Potentials of Some Shales of the Anambra Basin (South-Eastern Nigeria) from Their Paragenesis and Geotechnical Index Properties

Shale samples from designated units of the Imo, Nsukka, Mamu, Enugu and Nkporo Formations of the Anambra Basin were subjected to X-ray diffraction and geotechnical index tests to determine the potential of the Formations to either create hydrocarbon migration pathways or to form seals for hydrocarbon entrapment. The X-ray diffraction results indicate that the shales are made up of silicate minerals with carbonates and sulphates. Results of the geotechnical index tests showed that the plasticity index (PI) for the Enugu shale ranges from 16 to 24 (average of 20) while the toughness index (TI) ranges from 0.4 to 0.8 (average of 0.7). The PI for the shales of Imo and Nsukka Formations ranges from 62 to 72 and 34–59 with averages of 67 and 46 respectively while their TIs range from 0.8 to 1.7 and 1.5–2.2 with averages of 1.3 and 1.9, respectively. These properties dispose the Enugu shale to easy amenability to loss of cohesion, deforming in a brittle manner, when subjected to shearing stress with the ability to create joints and faults that are pathways of hydrocarbon migration. Conversely, the properties of the shales of the Imo and Nsukka Formations give them the capacity to absorb high shearing stress without loss of cohesion thereby deforming in a ductile manner, which prevents the leakage of fluids in fluid migration. Hence, Enugu shale has the highest potential of creating hydrocarbon pathways while the shales of the Imo and Nsukka Formations are better seal rocks than others.     

盐源地区古生界页岩气地质条件分析

为了进一步探索我国西南地区的页岩气资源潜力,中国地质调查局成都中心对盐源地区开展公益性页岩气基础地质调查。在系统的地质调查和沉积学、石油地质学研究的基础上,对盐源地区进行页岩气地质条件分析。发现盐源地区早古生代发育志留系龙马溪组和泥盆系坡脚组两套富有机质页岩层系。志留系龙马溪组以碳质硅质泥页岩和碳质粉砂质泥页岩为主,以富有机质、硅质含量高、笔石发育为主要特征,发育于深水陆棚环境中。泥盆系坡脚组以含钙质碳质泥岩和钙质碳质粉砂质泥岩为主,以富有机质、黏土含量高、竹节石发育为主要特征,主要发育于潟湖环境中。两套富有机质页岩层系均具有有机质含量高,沉积厚度大,热演化程度高,脆性指数较高,低孔低渗的特征。盐源地区发育大量宽缓向斜,具备较好的页岩气保存条件。在志留系稗子田组和泥盆系坡脚组的勘探获得了油气显示,表明盐源地区页岩气具备良好的勘探潜力,研究成果为区域油气勘探评价提供借鉴与参考。     

Stratigraphic and biofacies patterns in the Middle Pennsylvanian Magoffin marine unit in the Appalachian Basin, U.S.A.

The Magoffin marine unit is a Middle Pennsylvanian age interval of marine strata that directly overlies the Taylor, Copeland, and correlative coal zones in the Appalachian Basin. For this study the Magoffin was measured, described, and sampled at 17 localities along a northeast to southwest transect in the center of the Middle Pennsylvanian outcrop belt in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. Throughout the study area the base of the Magoffin is characterized by a thin, dark, highly fossiliferous limestone with a brachiopod-dominated fossil assemblage. The limestone base is usually overlain by a fining-upward sequence consisting of fossiliferous dark shales or mudstones with mollusk-dominated assemblages. These dark mudstones include a fissile black shale with a distinctive Posidonia fauna deposited over part of the study area. The lower, fining sequence is overlain by a thicker, coarsening sequence bearing brachiopod-dominated fossil assemblages. The lower beds of the Magoffin, particularly the basal limestone, are persistent and relatively uniform throughout the study area. In contrast, strata in the upper part of the Magoffin sequence show a high degree of geographic variability, with localities in the southwestern half of the study area showing two successive, thick, coarsening-upward sequences of strata, while those to the northeast record a single thinner coarsening-upward sequence.The widespread, uniform nature of the basal Magoffin limestone appears to indicate rapid transgressive flooding of the coal-swamp and associated environments accompanied by a hiatus in clastic influx into the Magoffin seaway. Nearshore brachiopod faunas were replaced by deeper-water, possibly dysaerobic-adapted mollusk faunas as transgression progressed, culminating in the fissile black shales and monotaxic Posidonia fauna deposited beneath a localized pycnocline during maximum transgression. The onset of regression is indicated by the reverse of the stratigraphic sequence of faunas observed during transgression, and by the return of rapid clastic influx into the basin.     

四川盆地南部下寒武统筇竹寺组页岩沉积微相研究

页岩气是我国未来一个重要的且比较现实的非常规油气资源,加强该领域的基础研究对页岩气油气成藏理论创新、页岩气开采技术运用和资源量的准确计算都非常必要.因此,本文运用野外露头资料、钻取岩芯和测井资料,以及页岩有机地球化学分析化验结果等大量第一手资料,通过详细分析四川盆地南部下寒武统筇竹寺组页岩沉积微相特征及其含气性特征,并结合研究区沉积相标志和测井相特征,明确指出泥质深水陆棚微相是四川盆地南部下寒武统筇竹寺组优质页岩最有利沉积微相带.     

Geologic framework for the coal-bearing rocks of the Central Appalachian Basin

Coal production has been an important economic factor in the Central Appalachian Basin. However, regional stratigraphic and structural relationships of the coal-bearing rocks of the basin have been poorly understood due to numerous separate nomenclatural schemes employed by various states. In order to estimate coal resources and understand mechanisms controlling the distribution of coal within the basin, a reliable geologic framework is necessary. Seven detailed cross sections across the Central Appalachian Basin were constructed in order to examine the stratigraphic and structural framework of the coal-bearing rocks in the basin. The cross sections were based on more than 1000 oil and gas well logs, measured sections, and borehole information from Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.The cross sections revealed three main points discussed here: southeast thickening of the Pennsylvanian strata, uncomfortable northwestward onlapping relationship of Lower Pennsylvanian strata over underlying Lower Pennsylvanian and Mississippian strata and regional continuity of beds. The cross sections, geologic mapping, coal-resource studies, extensive new highway exposures and the occurrence of tonstein beds indicate that many coal beds and marine strata are laterally extensive, albeit locally variable across the basin. Certain quartzose sandstone bodies are also extensive over large areas of the basin.Existing stratigraphic nomenclature schemes obscured the geologic framework of the basin, so a new unified nomenclature scheme was devised to better describe stratigraphic features of the basin. The new stratigraphic nomenclature, now only formalized for Kentucky, was based on key stratigraphic units that proved to be extensive across the basin. Lower and Middle Pennsylvanian rocks are now recognized as the Breathitt Group (the Breathitt Formation was elevated to group rank). The Breathitt Group was subdivided into eight coal-bearing formations by relatively thick marine strata, and, in the lower part of the Breathitt Group, by quartzose sandstone formations. The new coal-bearing units are formally ranked as formations and, in ascending order, are the Pocahontas, Bottom Creek, Alvy Creek, Grundy, Pikeville, Hyden, Four Corners and Princess Formations. The quartzose sandstone units are also formally ranked as formations and are, in ascending order, the Warren Point, Sewanee, Bee Rock and Corbin Sandstones. The sandstone formations were previously recognized units in some states, but have been extended (formally in Kentucky) across the basin. The key stratigraphic marine units are formally ranked as members, and are, in ascending order, the Betsie Shale Member, the Kendrick Shale Member, Magoffin Member and Stoney Fork Member.     

对页岩气成因及工业前景的思考

页岩本身并不生气。以页岩为储层的油气藏,以裂缝为主要储集空间,即传统的裂缝性泥页岩油气藏。北美页岩气在以硅质胶结和以硅岩为主的储层中,产量偏高。这一现象从硅质的来源上,指出页岩气与碱性地幔流体的必然联系。阿巴拉契亚盆地深度3000m以下的页岩气,甲烷同系物碳同位素值完全反序排列,从地球化学角度证明页岩气来自地幔。如果页岩仅仅是储层而非气源岩,我国"页岩气十二五规划"探明页岩气储量6000×108m3和2015年产量65×108m3的目标将失去地质依据。因巨大的环境隐患,页岩气开发所必需的水力压裂法已在英、美、法、德、瑞士、保加利亚、澳大利亚等国立法禁止,在南非推迟发放所有的水力压裂法开采许可证。页岩气开采带来的环保问题不仅仅是有害气体向大气泄露,还有超过260种有害化学物质随着每次10000m3压裂液返排到地表,不断重复地向页岩气开采地区排放,将造成空前的污染。同时造成工业和民用供水短缺。美国页岩气被市场分析师称为"伪商业产品",价格在成本区间内。我国计划到2020年页岩气产量达600 108～1000 108m3,根据美国的经验,起码需要2万口页岩气井,10年内所需投资将达到4000亿～6000亿元。显然,页岩气即将成为吞噬中国几十年经济发展成果的黑洞,即将成为破坏我们生息环境的"切尔诺贝利"。     

鄂尔多斯盆地下寺湾地区延长组页岩气储层非均质性特征

鄂尔多斯盆地三叠系延长组长7、长9页岩是页岩油气勘探的重要层位,本文在岩心观测、薄片观察、脉冲渗透率测试、有机碳含量测试、气体组分分析、测井解释方法的基础上,对陆相页岩层内岩性、地化参数、微观孔隙结构、力学参数的非均质特征进行研究。研究认为陆相页岩储层砂质纹层发育密度和频率值较高,纹层中的大孔隙与页岩中的中孔和微孔构成复杂的孔隙体系,造成页岩储层层内非均质性极强,可有效改善页岩层系的物性,为游离气的富集和运移提供有利空间和有效通道,对游离气的渗流和富集具有积极意义。非均质程度较弱的页岩段,砂质纹层发育程度低,物性致密,排烃能力最弱,富集较多的吸附气。陆相页岩成储机制受控于其较强的非均质性,同时页岩强非均质性段,脆性矿物含量高,有利于页岩储层的压裂开采。     

下扬子皖南大隆组黑色岩系发育特征及油气资源潜力初探

下扬子地区上二叠统大隆组黑色岩系是区域潜在的烃源层,但过去关注较少。为加深对该问题的认识,本文以新近在皖南地区发现的3条剖面为例,通过详细的岩石学和有机地球化学综合研究,讨论了大隆组黑色岩系的发育特征及油气资源潜力。结果表明,宣城牛山、泾县蔡村和泾县昌桥三条剖面中大隆组黑色岩系均稳定发育,岩石类型包括硅质岩、钙质泥岩和硅质泥岩等。综合地层对比和沉积学研究结果,发现研究区在大隆期经历了一个完整的海进—海退的沉积旋回,黑色岩系主要发育于深水、还原滞留、欠补偿的海洋环境。岩石学和有机地球化学研究结果显示该地区大隆组黑色岩系的有机质丰度高,有机碳含量平均在2.0%左右,有机质类型以II_2和III型为主,并普遍进入高过成熟演化,因此区域勘探应以天然气勘探为主。对比研究区大隆组黑色岩系与中新生代火成岩的分布关系,推测大隆组黑色岩系中有机质的高过成熟演化可能与华南中新生代大规模的岩浆作用影响有关,因此在未受/少受影响的地区(例如泾县—广德一带),也可能存在一定的原油资源潜力。这些认识还可供区域黑色岩系基础地质研究参考。     

Stratigraphy, sedimentology and bulk organic geochemistry of black shales from the Proterozoic Vindhyan Supergroup (central India)

Four organic-rich shale units of the Proterozoic Vindhyan sedimentary succession have been scanned to reveal their origin and hydrocarbon potential. The wavy-crinkly nature of the carbonaceous laminae is suggestive of a microbial mat origin of the shales. These shales are thus different from Phanerozoic black shales which typically exhibit planar laminae. The hydrocarbon potential of the black shale units has been evaluated by Rock-Eval pyrolysis. Total organic carbon content of many of the shales exceeds 1%. The meanT _max for the black shales translate to a vitrinite reflectance range of 2.05-2.40% Rm based on standard conversion techniques. These shales have reached the catagenetic stage near the beginning of anthracite formation.     

Prospects of Carboniferous Shale Gas Exploitation in the Eastern Qaidam Basin

Shale gas is a resource of emerging importance in the energy field. Many countries in the world have been making big financial investments in this area. Carboniferous shale in the eastern Qaidam Basin shows good exploration prospects, but limited research and exploration work for shale oil and gas resources has been undertaken. Geochemical analyses were performed on shale derived from the Upper Carboniferous Hurleg Formation in the eastern Qaidam Basin, Qinghai Province, and secondary electron imaging capability of a Field Emission scanning electron microscope(FE-SEM) was used to characterize the microstructure of the shale. The reservoir and exploitation potential of the studied shale was assessed by comparison with research results obtained from the Barnett Formation shale in Fort Worth Basin, North America and the Basin shale of Sichuan province. The results indicate that the eastern Qaidam Basin Carboniferous shale is high-quality source rock. There are four major microstructural types in the study area: matrix intergranular pores, dissolution pores, intergranular pores, and micro-fractures. The size of the micropores varies from 6–633 nm, the majority of which is between 39–200 nm, with a relatively small number of micro-scale pores ranging from 0.13–1 μm. The pore characteristics of the studied shales are similar to the North American and Sichuanese shales, indicating that they have good reservoir potential. No micropores are present in the organic matter, which is induced by its composition; instead we found an important lamellar structure in the organic matter. These micropores and microfractures are abundant, and are connected to natural visible cracks that form the network pore system, which controls the storage and migration of shale gas. This connectivity is favorable for shale gas exploitation, providing great scientific potential and practical value.