Developing Characteristics of Shale Lamination and Their Impact on Reservoir Properties in the Deep Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation Shale of the Southern Sichuan Basin

Abstract

The deep shale of the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in the southern Sichuan Basin has high gas potential. The development characteristics of lamination could significantly impact reservoir property. Samples were investigated using microscopic observation, element analysis, organic petrology analysis, mineralogy analysis, and pore structure analysis to determine the types of laminae and laminasets, clarify the formation conditions of argillaceous lamina and silty lamina as well as their relationships with the sedimentary environment, and explore the influence of laminae on shale reservoir property. Results indicate that the Wufeng Formation shale exhibits weak development of laminae due to bioturbation, while the Longmaxi Formation shale develops continuous, parallel, and plate-like laminae. Compared with light silty lamina-rich shale, dark argillaceous lamina-rich shale usually develops in an anoxic reduction environment, with higher total organic carbon content, porosity, pore volume, specific surface area, and more developed organic matter pores, which can provide greater space for shale gas adsorption and storage. Shales in the middle section of the Longmaxi Formation are characterized by the development of silty-argillaceous interbedded type laminaset, which have good reservoir performance, making them the primary target for deep shale gas exploration and development.