Insights into the Co-Exploration Potential of Gas in the Shale and Tight Sandstone of the Lower Silurian Formation in the Gongtan Syncline Area in Southeastern Sichuan Basin, SW China

Abstract

This work aims to explore the Lower Silurian shale gas and tight sandstone gas accumulation conditions in the Gongtan Syncline, southeastern Sichuan Basin. The sedimentary environment, organic geochemical characteristics, reservoir characteristics, gas content, and preservation conditions of the reservoir were comprehensively analyzed. The results show that the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation shale formed in a deep-water shelf characterized by a large thickness (50–70 m), appropriate total organic carbon content (0.5–5.47%), high maturity (2.38%), high brittle mineral content (67.10%), and large gas content (0.71–1.64 m3/t), and the formations show the good resource potential of the shale gas. The Xintan Formation formed in a lower shore phase, and the tight sandstone is locally developed with a small thickness. The Xiaoheba Formation formed in an upper-middle shore phase, and the tight sandstone is stably distributed with large thicknesses. The porosity and permeability of the two sets of sandstone are small and some natural fractures are developed in the sandstone, but the fracture filling degree is higher. The results of well logging show that there are abnormally high values of total hydrocarbon in both the Xintan Formation and Xiaoheba Formation; this indicates that tight sandstone gas is developed in the Lower Silurian strata. A comprehensive study indicates that the Lower Silurian of the Gongtan Syncline has the geological conditions for the formation of shale gas and tight sandstone gas, which are the “Two gases” with good co-exploration prospects.