Geological characteristics and favorable area prediction of shale gas in Cambrian Wuxun Formation in the southwestern margin of Xuefeng uplift, China

This paper is the result of shale gas geological survey engineering.[Object] In 2020, shale gas shows were first discovered in the Lower Cambrian Wuxun Formation on the southwestern margin of the Xuefeng uplift, but its accumulation conditions and exploration potential are unknown. [Methods] Based on field geological survey and drilling data, combined with organic geochemical analysis, a comprehensive study of the Lower Cambrian Wuxun Formation in the southwestern margin of Xuefeng was carried out. [Results] The results show that:(1) The shale of the Wuxun Formation was deposited in the carbonate outer ramp facies, which is different from the Longwangmiao Formation in central Sichuan at the same time. (2) The organic-rich shale is developed in the middle and lower parts of the Wuxun Formation, and the rock combination is calcareous carbonaceous shale intercalated with thin limestone, with a thickness of 30-80 m, and a long and narrow distribution in the northeast-southwest. (3) The average TOC content of shale organic matter is 1%, the organic matter type is I type sapropelic type, the average Ro is 2.02%, and the degree of thermal evolution is moderate.(4) The content of brittle minerals in shale ranges from 43% to 69%, with an average value of 59.2%, and the content of clay minerals ranges from 16% to 37%, with an average value of 28.2%.Therefore, shale has high siliceous content and high brittleness, which is easy for reservoir stimulation. (5) Shale is a low-porosity and low-permeability reservoir. Organic pores, intercrystalline pores, interlayer pores, and carbonate mineral dissolved pores provide storage space for shale gas enrichment, but at least four stages of structural fractures and The shale cleavage domain caused by tectonic action greatly improves the shale storage capacity. [Conclusion] Comprehensive evaluation indicators such as geochemistry, reservoir physical properties and preservation conditions suggest that the eastern flank of the Xingren syncline in the southwestern margin of Xuefeng can be a favorable area for shale gas exploration.