Shale Gas Preservation Conditions in South Anhui of Lower Yangtze Area

Abstract

There are good shales well developed in the study area with significant thickness and stable distribution. The study area is estimated to have a big potential for shale gas. However, the study area experienced three major phases of tectonic events and thus developed severe folds and big faults. From the outcrop study and core analysis information of some old geological wells, the thermal maturity of shale is quite high up to 4%. Graphitization is observed in lower Cambrian which acting as another indicator of high maturity. Study released that this may link to the tectonic evolution (volcanic activities) and deep burial depth. Therefore, the preservations conditions of shale gas in the study area would be a key point for the success of exploration.