Breakthrough and revelation of ultra-shallow shale gas exploration in complex structural area of northern Guizhou: Taking Well RX1 as an example

Objective By analyzing the organic geochemistry, physical properties, and pore characteristics of the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in well RX1, the basic geological conditions of the Fuyan yansynclinal shale gas accumulation are clarified, and the exploration and development potential of ultra-shallow shale gas in the complex structural area outside the basin is discussed. Methods This study utilizes the core of Well RX1 in northern Guizhou to conduct comprehensive experimental analysis such as on-site desorption, geochemical testing, on-site fracturing effect, and reservoir characteristics. In combination with exploration data from neighboring areas, it explores the impact of burial depth and the structural preservation environment on the enrichment of ultrashallow shale gas in northern Guizhou. Results The results show that the thickness of the high-quality hydrocarbon source rock section in the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation of the RX1 well is 14.78m, the average content of total organic carbon is 4.43%, the maturity of organic matter is between 2.36% and 2.78%, and the kerogen type is II1, which has a good hydrocarbon generation basis; the average porosity of high-quality shale is 3.30%; and the content of brittle minerals is high, with an average brittleness index of 69, which provides a good reservoir space for shale gas. Conclusions The successful exploration practice of well RX1 confirms that shale gas can be enriched in the synclinal structural unit with a depth less than 1000m in the target layer of the complex structure area outside the Sichuan basin, which has good potential for construction and production and can be used as a favorable exploration target in the next step. Based on the analysis of regional geological data, it is believed that the compression-torsional structural system formed by the superposition and transformation of Cenozoic structures is an important place for shale gas accumulation in complex structural areas outside the basin. The reservoir-controlling effect of the compression-torsional structural system should be the focus of the next round of exploration and research.