中国海陆过渡相页岩气形成、潜力与挑战
邹才能 , 董大忠 , 张琴 , 孔维亮 , 刘雯 , 赵振宇 , 杨智 , 赵群 , 丁蓉 , 蔡光银 , 曲天泉 , 高万里 , 刘翰林 , 于荣泽 , 高金亮 , 邱振
地球科学 ›› 2025, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (11) : 4261 -4283.
中国海陆过渡相页岩气形成、潜力与挑战
Formation, Potential, and Challenges of Marine⁃Continental Transitional Shale Gas in China
,
海陆过渡相页岩气是我国非常规天然气资源的重要接替领域.基于文献调研、野外露头调查、勘探实践、钻井取心及实验测试等综合分析,系统梳理并对比了世界及我国页岩气发展历程,剖析了鄂尔多斯盆地、四川盆地及周缘海陆过渡相页岩气勘探进展与挑战,深入探讨了海陆过渡相页岩气形成的关键地质条件、资源潜力、挑战与对策.研究表明,我国海陆过渡相页岩主要发育在石炭系‒二叠系(本溪组、山西组、龙潭组),以潟湖、沼泽和潮坪相为主,具备良好的页岩气形成条件与发展潜力:(1)富有机质页岩层段厚度大、分布广,有机质类型以Ⅲ型为主,有机质丰度高(TOC含量平均≥3.0%)、热演化适中(Ro为1.60%~2.61%),有利于气态烃大量生成.(2)页岩储集空间以无机孔(黏土矿物孔)为主,有机质微孔发育(0.4~0.7 nm),吸附气比例较高(平均值为61.0%,最高可达75%),有利于页岩气储存与富集.(3)我国海陆过渡相页岩气资源总量超50×10¹² m³,其中鄂尔多斯盆地本溪组晋祠段、山23与山22+1亚段的有利区资源量达16×10¹² m³,并已在山23亚段实现了工业突破,展示出良好的勘探开发前景.然而,海陆过渡相页岩气勘探开发尚处于起步突破阶段,面临诸多挑战,核心问题包括甜点段非均质性强、黏土矿物含量高等,这些挑战制约钻完井、压裂及开发效果.为实现海陆过渡相页岩气规模发展,需进一步深化“沉积相‒保存条件‒资源潜力”耦合评价,攻关“段内多簇+限流压裂”等压裂新工艺,发展“平台化井网+立体布井”新技术,推动海陆过渡相页岩层系在全油气系统内“页岩气‒煤岩(层)气‒致密气”三气协同共采.通过突破地质理论与工程技术瓶颈,海陆过渡相页岩气有望成为我国天然气增储上产的重要战略接替新领域.
Marine-continental transitional (MCT) shale gas is an important successor of unconventional natural gas resources in China. Based on integrated analyses of literature review, outcrop investigation, exploration practice, drilling cores, and experimental testing, it systematically reviewed and compared the development history of shale gas globally and in China, examined the exploration progress and challenges of MCT shale gas in the Ordos basin, Sichuan basin, and adjacent areas, and conducted a comprehensive discussion of the key geological conditions for the formation of shale gas and its resource potential, challenges, and counter measures. The results show that MCT shale in China is mainly developed within the Carboniferous-Permian strata (Benxi, Shanxi, and Longtan formations), dominated by lagoon, swamp, and tidal flat facies, and possesses favorable conditions for shale gas formation and development potential. (1) The organic-rich shale intervals are thick and widespread, with dominant Type III organic matter, high organic matter abundance (average TOC content≥3.0%), and moderate thermal maturity (Ro=1.60%-2.61%), which are conducive to large-scale gaseous hydrocarbon generation. (2) Shale reservoirs are dominated by inorganic pores (clay mineral pores), with well-developed organic micropores (0.4-0.7 nm), and a high proportion of adsorbed gas (average 61.0%, up to 75%), providing favorable conditions for shale gas storage and enrichment. (3) The total MCT shale gas resource in China exceeds 50×10¹² m³, of which the favorable resource volume in the Jinci Member of the Benxi Formation, the Shan23 and Shan22+1 sub-members of the Shanxi Formation in the Ordos basin reaches 16×10¹² m³. Notably, a commercial breakthrough has been achieved in the Shan23 sub-member, demonstrating promising exploration and development prospects. However, the exploration and development of MCT shale gas remain at the early breakthrough stage, facing many challenges such as strong heterogeneity of sweet spots and high clay mineral content, which constrain drilling, completion, fracturing, and development effectiveness. To achieve large-scale development of MCT shale gas requires integrated evaluation of “sedimentary facies-preservation conditions–resource potential,” as well as technological advances in “multi-cluster within stage+limited-entry fracturing” and “platform-based well pattern+3D well deployment.” This will promote the coordinated co-production of shale gas, coal-rock gas, and tight gas within the MCT shale system in the context of the whole petroleum system. By overcoming bottlenecks in geological theory and engineering technology, MCT shale gas is expected to become a new strategic successor for increasing natural gas reserves and production in China.
页岩气 / 勘探突破 / 开发潜力 / 非常规油气沉积学 / 石油地质学.
shale gas / exploration breakthrough / development potential / unconventional petroleum sedimentology / petroleum geology
| [1] |
Bao, S. J., Ge, M. N., Zhao, P. R., et al., 2025. Status⁃Quo, Potential, and Recommendations on Shale Gas Exploration and Exploitation in China. Oil & Gas Geology, 46(2): 348-364 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [2] |
Bao, S. J., Lin, T., Nie, H. K., et al., 2016. Preliminary Study of the Transitional Facies Shale Gas Reservoir Characteristics: Taking Permian in the Xiangzhong Depression as an Example. Earth Science Frontiers, 23(1): 44-53 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [3] |
Chen, M., Yang, J., Lu, Z., et al., 2025. Comparison of Geological Conditions and Prospects of Exploration Potential of Shale Gas in Upper Permian Wujiaping Formation and Longtan Formation, Sichuan Basin. Frontiers in Earth Science, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2025.1557328 |
| [4] |
Curtis, J. B., 2002. Fractured Shale Gas Systems. AAPG Bulletin, 86(11): 1921-1938. |
| [5] |
Dong, D. Z., Qiu, Z., Zhang L. F., et al., 2021. Progress on Sedimentology of Transitional Facies Shales and New Discoveries of Shale Gas. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 39(1): 29-45 (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. Natural Gas Geoscience, 27(9): 1583-1601 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [7] |
Dong, Z. L., Li, X. Q., Zhang, M. Y., et al., 2015. Gas Potential Evaluation of Coal Measures Source Rock with Medium⁃High Thermal Evolution Stage. Coal Science and Technology, 43(12): 129-136 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [8] |
EIA, U. S., 2017. Energy Information Administration. Assumptions to the Annual Energy Outlook 2017. U. S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.. |
| [9] |
Feng, D. J., 2023. Sweet Spot Assessment and Its Significance for the Marine⁃Continental Transitional Shale Gas of Permian Longtan Fm. in Southeastern Sichuan Basin. Oil & Gas Geology, 44(3): 778-788 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [10] |
Feng, J. P., Ouyang, Z. J., Chen, Q. H., et al., 2021. Sedimentary Characteristics of the Upper Carboniferous in Ordos Basin and Its Adjacent Areas. Journal of Palaeogeography, 23(1): 53-64 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [11] |
Guo, S. B., Wang, Z. L., Ma, X., 2021. Exploration Prospect of Shale Gas with Permian Transitional Facies of Some Key Areas in China. Oil & Gas Geology, 43(3): 377-385 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [12] |
Guo, X. S., Hu, D. F., Liu, R. B., et al., 2018. Geological Conditions and Exploration Potential of Permian Marine–Continent Transitional Facies Shale Gas in the Sichuan Basin. Natural Gas Industry, 38(10): 11-18 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [13] |
Guo, X. S., Wang, R. Y., Shen, B. J., et al., 2025. Geological Characteristics, Resource Potential, and Development Direction of Shale Gas in China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 52(1): 15-28 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [14] |
Guo, Y. Q., Li, W. H., Guo, B. C., et al., 2019. Sedimentary Systems and Palaeogeography Evolution of Ordos Basin. Journal of Palaeogeography, 21(2): 293-320 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [15] |
Guo, Y. Q., Zhao, L. S., Guo, B. C., et al., 2021. Sedimentary Characteristics of the Lower Permian in Ordos Basin and Its Adjacent Areas. Journal of Palaeogeography, 23(1): 65-80 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [16] |
He, G.S., He, X.P., Gao, Y.Q., et al., 2023. Discovery of Shale Gas of Permian Longtan Formation in Nanchuan Area, Southeast Sichuan Basin. Geology in China, 50(3): 965-966 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [17] |
Hou, Y. G., He, S., Yang, X. H., et al., 2015. Geochemical Characteristics and Development Model of Transitional Source Rocks during the Continental Margin Rifting Stage, Bonaparte Basin, Australia. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, 37(3): 374-382 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [18] |
Hu, D. F., Wei, Z. H., Wang, W., et al., 2023. Breakthrough of Shale Gas Exploration in Dalong Formation of Upper Permian by Well Leiye 1 in the Northeastern Sichuan Basin and Its Implications. Natural Gas Industry, 43(11): 28-39 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [19] |
Jiang, Y. Q., Wen, S. M., Cai, G. Y., et al., 2023. Lithologic Assemblage Characteristics and Shale Gas Exploration Potential of Transitional Shale in the Ordos Basin. Natural Gas Industry, 43(4): 62-75 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [20] |
Jiao, F. Z., Wen S. M., Liu X. J., et al., 2023. Research Progress in Exploration Theory and Technology of Transitional Shale Gas in the Ordos Basin. Natural Gas Industry, 43(4): 11-23 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [21] |
Kuang, L. C., Dong, D. Z., He, W. Y., et al., 2020. Geological Characteristics and Development Potential of Transitional Shale Gas in the East Margin of the Ordos Basin, NW China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 47(3): 435-446 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [22] |
Li, W. H., Zhang, Q., Li, Z. Y., et al., 2024. Lithofacies Palaeogeography and Sedimentary Evolution of Ordos Basin and Its Periphery. Journal of Northwest University (Natural Science Edition), 54(6): 929-949 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [23] |
Liang, X., Zhang, C., Peng, L. S., et al., 2025. Reservoir Formation Mechanism and Resource Exploration Potential of Coal⁃Rock Gas in the Longtan Formation of Da’an Area, Southern Sichuan Basin. Drilling & Production Technology, 48(3): 110-118 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [24] |
Liu, G. X., Jin, Z. J., Deng, M., et al., 2015. Exploration Potential for Shale Gas in the Upper Permian Longtan Formation in Eastern Sichuan Basin. Oil & Gas Geology, 36(3): 481-487 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [25] |
Liu, N. N., Zhang, P. X., Xia, W., et al., 2024. The Differences in Reservoir Property between Marine and Transitional Facies Shale Gas: A Case Study of the Longtan Formation and the Longmaxi Formation in Nanchuan, Sichuan. Marine Geology Frontiers, 40(10): 49-60 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [26] |
Ma, X., 2021. Fine Characterization of Shale Reservoir of Longtan Formationin Western Guizhou (Dissertation). China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 1-108 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [27] |
Miao, F. B., Zhang, G. T., Zhang, B. M., et al., 2025. Main Controlling Factors of Shale Gas Enrichment and Exploration Potential of Permian Longtan Formation in Central Hunan Depression. South China Geology, 41(1): 109-125 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [28] |
Niu, X. B., Yu, J., Xu W. L., 2024. Reservoir⁃Forming Geological Conditions and Exploration Directions of Upper Paleozoic Coal⁃Rock Gas in the Ordos Basin. Natural Gas Industry, 44(10): 33-50 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [29] |
Niu, X. B., Zhao, W. B., Shi, Y. H., et al., 2023. Natural Gas Accumulation Conditions and Exploration Potential of Benxi Formation in Ordos Basin. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 44(8): 1240-1257 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [30] |
Paul, S., 2012. The Shale Gas Revolution: Developments and Changes. Chatham House. https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/files/chathamhouse/public/Research/Energy%2C%20Environment%20and%20Development/bp0812stevens.pdf. |
| [31] |
Pobojewski, S., 2009. Antrim Shale Could Hold Bacterial Answer to Natural Gas Supply (Dissertation). University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. |
| [32] |
Qiu, Z., Dou, L. R., Wu, J. F., et al., 2024. Lithofacies Palaeogeographic Evolution of the Middle Permian Sequence Stratigraphy and Its Implications for Shale Gas Exploration in the Northern Sichuan and Western Hubei Provinces. Earth Science, 49(2): 712-748 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [33] |
Qiu, Z., Song, D. J., Zhang, J. Y., et al., 2025. Structural Properties of Organic Matter in Marine⁃Continental Transitional Shales and Impacts on Methane Accumulation. Organic Geochemistry, 203: 104946. |
| [34] |
Qiu, Z., Zou, C. N., 2020. Controlling Factors on the Formation and Distribution of “Sweet⁃Spot Areas” of Marine Gas Shales in South China and a Preliminary Discussion on Unconventional Petroleum Sedimentology. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 194: 103989. |
| [35] |
Qiu, Z., Zou, C. N., 2020. Unconventional Petroleum Sedimentology: Connotation and Prospect. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 38(1): 1-29 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [36] |
Shao, L. Y., Yang, Z. Y., Fang, C., et al., 2021. Permo⁃Carboniferous Marine⁃Terrestrial Transitional Facies Coal Measures Shale Gas Geological Conditions and Exploration Potential in Qinshui Basin. Coal Geology of China, 33(10): 1-10 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [37] |
Thomas, G.,2013. A Review of the Thermal Maturity and Hydrocarbon Potential of the Mancos and Lewis Shales in Parts of New Mexico, USA. International Journal of Coal Geology, 113: 64-75. |
| [38] |
Wang, K. Y., 2023. The Shale Gas Enrichment Conditions of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation in the Southeast Sichuan Basin (Dissertation). Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 1-127 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [39] |
Wang, P. W., Liu, G. X., Liu, Z. B., et al., 2022. Shale Gas Enrichment Conditions and Controlling Factors of Upper Permian Longtan Formation Transitional Shale in Southeast Sichuan to Northwest Guizhou. Natural Gas Geoscience, 33(3): 431-440 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [40] |
Wang, X. C., Wu, G, Yan, J. D., 2018. The Current Situation and Trends of Shale Gas Development and Technological Progress Worldwide. Science and Technology China, (12): 17-21 (in Chinese). |
| [41] |
Wang, X. L., Cao, Z. J., Yang, Q. Q., et al., 2020. Geological Conditions of Shale Gas Formation in Longtan Formation in Eastern Sichuan Region and Evaluation of Promising Areas. Science Technology and Engineering, 20(20): 8139-8145 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [42] |
Wang, Z. M., Krupnick, A., 2013. A Retrospective Review of Shale Gas Development in the United States: What Led to the Boom?. Resources for the Future, Washington, D.C., 13-12. |
| [43] |
Wen, L., Ming, Y., Sun, H.F., et al., 2024. Geological Characteristics and Exploration Potential of Deep Coalbed Methane in the Permian Longtan Formation, Sichuan Basin: A Case Study of Well NT1H. Oil & Gas Geology, 45(6): 1678-1685 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [44] |
Yan, J. H., Chang, J., Chen, S. Y., et al., 2019. Sedimentary Characteristics and Evolution of the Upper Paleozoic Strata in Qinhuangdao Area. Journal of Palaeogeography, 21(5): 743-756 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [45] |
Yang, T., Kang, H. Q., Liu, D. X., et al., 2017. The Sedimentary Facies Evolution and the Development Characteristics of Source Rocks’ in North Carnarvon Basin, Australia. Journal of Southwest Petroleum University (Science & Technology Edition), 39(5): 81-91 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [46] |
Yang, Y. M., Zhang, S. M., Jin, T., et al., 2023. Characteristics and Exploration Potential of Shale Reservoirs of Permian Longtan Formation in Southern Sichuan Basin. Lithologic Reservoirs, 35(1): 1-11 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [47] |
Yong, R., Yang, H. Z., Wu, W., et al., 2025. Controlling Factors and Exploration Potential of Shale Gas Enrichment and High Yield in the Permian Dalong Formation, Sichuan Basin, SW China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 52(2): 253-266 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [48] |
Zhang, J. F., Zhou, Z., Song, T., et al., 2022. Comparison of Exploration and Development History, Geological Characteristics and Exploitation Conditions of Shale Gas in China and the United States and Its Enlightenment. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 43(12): 1687-1701 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [49] |
Zhang, L. W., Wu, C. J., Huang, D. J., et al., 2022. Geochemical Characteristics and Sedimentary Environment of Carboniferous Benxi Formation in Eastern Ordos Basin. Natural Gas Geoscience, 33(9): 1485-1498 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [50] |
Zhang, Q., Qiu, Z., Zhang, L. F., et al., 2022. Reservoir Characteristics and Its Influence on Transitional Shale:An Example from Permian Shanxi Formation Shale, Daning⁃Jixian Blocks,Ordos Basin. Natural Gas Geoscience,33(3):396-407 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [51] |
Zhang, Q., Qiu, Z., Zhao, Q., et al., 2024. Different Characteristics and Formation Mechanisms of Transitional and Marine Shale Gas Sweet Spots. Oil & Gas Geology, 45(5): 1400-1416 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [52] |
Zhang, Q., Xiong, W., Li, X.T., 2023. Discussion on Transitional Shale Gas Accumulation Conditions from the Perspective of Source⁃Reservoir⁃Caprock Controlling Hydrocarbon: Examples from Permian Shanxi Formation and Taiyuan Formation in the Eastern Margin of Ordos Basin, NW China. Energies, 16(9):3710 https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093710 |
| [53] |
Zhao, P. R., Gao, B., Guo, Z.F., et al., 2020. Exploration Potential of Marine⁃Continental Transitional and Deep⁃Water Shelf Shale Gas in Upper Permian, Sichuan Basin. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, 42(3): 335-344 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [54] |
Zou, C. N., Dong, D. Z., Xiong, W., et al., 2024. Advances, Challenges, and Countermeasures in Shale Gas Exploration of Underexplored Plays, Sequences and New Types in China. Oil & Gas Geology, 45(2): 309-326 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [55] |
Zou, C. N., Qiu, Z., Zhang, J. Q., 2022. Unconventional Petroleum Sedimentology: A Key to Understanding Unconventional Hydrocarbon Accumulation. Engineering, 18: 62-78. |
| [56] |
Zou, C. N., Zhao, Q., Cong, L. Z., et al., 2021. Development Progress, Potential and Prospect of Shale Gas in China. Natural Gas Industry, 41(1): 1-14 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
| [57] |
Zou, C. N., Zhao, Q., Dong D. Z., et al., 2017. Geological Characteristics, Main Challenges and Future Prospect of Shale Gas. Natural Gas Geoscience, 28(12): 1781-1796 (in Chinese with English abstract). |
国家自然科学基金项目(42222209)
中国石油天然气集团公司项目(2023ZZ0801)
中国石油天然气集团公司项目(2024DJ8701)
/
| 〈 |
|
〉 |