Advanced Search

Indexed by SCI、CA、РЖ、PA、CSA、ZR、etc .

Volume 37 Issue 2
Apr 2026
Turn off MathJax
Article Contents
Jiahao Lyu, Fujie Jiang, Jing Xue, Tao Hu, Yuping Wu, Chenxi Zhang, Meiling Hu, Renda Huang. Pore Structure Characteristics and Controlling Factors of Different Lithofacies in Lacustrine Shale: A Case Study of Fengcheng Formation in Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin. Journal of Earth Science, 2026, 37(2): 559-575. doi: 10.1007/s12583-023-1973-0
Citation: Jiahao Lyu, Fujie Jiang, Jing Xue, Tao Hu, Yuping Wu, Chenxi Zhang, Meiling Hu, Renda Huang. Pore Structure Characteristics and Controlling Factors of Different Lithofacies in Lacustrine Shale: A Case Study of Fengcheng Formation in Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin. Journal of Earth Science, 2026, 37(2): 559-575. doi: 10.1007/s12583-023-1973-0

Pore Structure Characteristics and Controlling Factors of Different Lithofacies in Lacustrine Shale: A Case Study of Fengcheng Formation in Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin

doi: 10.1007/s12583-023-1973-0
More Information
  • Corresponding author: Fujie Jiang, jfjhtb@163.com
  • Received Date: 01 Sep 2023
  • Accepted Date: 04 Jan 2024
  • Available Online: 30 Mar 2026
  • Issue Publish Date: 30 Apr 2026
  • The practice of shale oil exploration and development all over the world has shown that reservoir quality is a key factor restricting oil and gas production, the study of ultra-deep (4 500 m) reservoirs in petroliferous basins is a hot spot for oil and gas exploration in the world today. In this paper, taking the Fengcheng Formation (P1f) in Mahu sag of Junggar Basin as an example, through experiments such as geochemistry, whole rock analysis, FE-SEM, N2 adsorption, and CO2 adsorption, the lithofacies are separated, and the pore structure properties of the various lithofacies are compared. Discuss the primary influencing elements that lead to pore structure differences. The results reveal that the shale of the P1f can be separated into four lithofacies (namely felsic shale, mixed shale, lime shale and dolomitic shale), according to the mineral composition. The shale pores of P1f develop intergranular pores, intragranular pores, organic pores and micro-fractures. Among them, intergranular pores, intragranular pores and micro-fractures are the most developed, and the pore size is larger, which is a favorable storage space. Different lithofacies have different pore development characteristics. With the change of lithofacies (mixed shale-dolomitic shale-lime shale-felsic shale), the size of the developed pores changes from small to large, and the pore structure changes from "mainly microporous" to "mainly macropores". The felsic shale has developed laminae, mainly mesopores and macropores, with the largest pore diameter and the highest content of brittle minerals, which is the dominant lithofacies in the shale oil reservoir of the P1f. TOC, felsic and clay minerals all affect the pore development of shale in the P1f, but the influence of organic matter and inorganic minerals on pore volume varies with pore size. The purpose of this article is to characterize the pore structures and regulators of various lithofacies in lacustrine shale and to provide new ideas for ultra-deep shale oil exploration.

     

  • Conflict of Interest
    The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
  • loading
  • Bustin, R. M., Bustin, A. M. M., Cui, X., et al., 2008. Impact of Shale Properties on Pore Structure and Storage Characteristics. SPE Shale Gas Production Conference. November 16–18, 2008. Fort Worth, Texas, USA. Richardson: Society of Petroleum Engineers, SPE 119892-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/119892-ms
    Cao, J., Lei, D. W., Li, Y. W., et al., 2015. Ancient High-Quality Alkaline Lacustrine Source Rocks Discovered in the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation, Junggar Basin. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 36(7): 781–790 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Cao, J., Xia, L. W., Wang, T. T., et al., 2020. An Alkaline Lake in the Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA): A Review and New Insights into Paleoenvironment and Petroleum Geology. Earth-Science Reviews, 202: 103091. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2020.103091
    Cao, Z., Liu, G. D., Zhan, H. B., et al., 2016. Pore Structure Characterization of Chang-7 Tight Sandstone Using MICP Combined with N2GA Techniques and Its Geological Control Factors. Scientific Reports, 6: 36919. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep36919
    Cheng, J. W., Zhang, F., Li, X. Y., 2024. Orthorhombic Anisotropic Rock Physics Modeling for Fractured Marine Shale Reservoir in Sichuan Basin. Earth Science, 49(1): 299–312. https://doi.org/10.3799/dqkx.2022.229
    Chen, S. B., Zhu, Y. M., Wang, H. Y., et al., 2012. Structure Characteristics and Accumulation Significance of Nanopores in Longmaxi Shale Gas Reservoir in the Southern Sichuan Basin. Journal of China Coal Society, 37(3): 438–444 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Curtis, M. E., Cardott, B. J., Sondergeld, C. H., et al., 2012. Development of Organic Porosity in the Woodford Shale with Increasing Thermal Maturity. International Journal of Coal Geology, 103: 26–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coal.2012.08.004
    Curtis, M. E., Sondergeld, C. H., Ambrose, R. J., et al., 2012. Microstructural Investigation of Gas Shales in Two and Three Dimensions Using Nanometer-Scale Resolution Imaging. AAPG Bulletin, 96(4): 665–677. https://doi.org/10.1306/08151110188
    Du, X. Y., Jin, Z. J., Zeng, L. B., et al., 2024. Development Model of Natural Fractures in Continental Shale of the Pingdiquan Formation in the Shuangjingzi Area, Eastern Junggar Basin. Earth Science, 49(9): 3264–3275 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Eia US, 2008. Technically Recoverable Shale Oil and Shale Gas Resources: An Assessment of 137 Shale Formations in 41 Countries Outside the United States. US Department of Energy/EIA, Washington D.C.
    Fishman, N. S., Hackley, P. C., Lowers, H. A., et al., 2012. The Nature of Porosity in Organic-Rich Mudstones of the Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Formation, North Sea, Offshore United Kingdom. International Journal of Coal Geology, 103: 32–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coal.2012.07.012
    Fu, J. H., Li, S. X., Hou, Y. T., et al., 2020. Breakthrough of Risk Exploration of Class Ⅱ Shale Oil in Chang 7 Member of Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin and Its Significance. China Petroleum Exploration, 25(1): 78–92 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Gao, W. L., Zhang, Q., Fang, Q., et al., 2024. Discussion on Significant Geological Events during Carboniferous–Permian Transition and Main Controlling Factors of Shale Gas Enrichment in Eastern Margin of Ordos Basin. Earth Science, 49(12): 4501–4517 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Guo, S. B., Mao, W. J., 2019. Division of Diagenesis and Pore Evolution of a Permian Shanxi Shale in the Ordos Basin, China. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 182: 106351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2019.106351
    He, D. F., Wu, S. T., Zhao, L., et al., 2018. Tectono-Depositional Setting and Its Evolution during Permian to Triassic around Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin. Xinjiang Petroleum Geology, 39(1): 35–47 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Hu, H. Y., Hao, F., Guo, X. S., et al., 2019. Effect of Lithofacies on the Pore System of Over-Mature Longmaxi Shale in the Jiaoshiba Area, Sichuan Basin, China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 109: 886–898. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2019.06.050
    Hu, T., Pang, X. Q., Jiang, F. J., et al., 2021. Key Factors Controlling Shale Oil Enrichment in Saline Lacustrine Rift Basin: Implications from Two Shale Oil Wells in Dongpu Depression, Bohai Bay Basin. Petroleum Science, 18(3): 687–711. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12182-021-00564-z
    Huo, J. F., Gao, J., Guo, X. W., et al., 2021. Pore Structure Characteristics and Main Controlling Factors of Different Lithofacies in Longmaxi Formation Shale in Eastern Sichuan Region. Oil and Gas Geology, 41(6): 14 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Jarvie, D. M., 2012. Shale Resource Systems for Oil and Gas: Part 2—Shale Oil Resource Systems. In: Breyer, J. A., ed., Shale Reservoirs—Giant Resources for the 21st Century. AAPG Bulletin, 97: 89–119
    Jiang, Z. X., Liang, C., Wu, J., et al., 2013. Several Issues in the Study of Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks Containing Oil and Gas. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 34(6): 1031–1039
    Jin, Z. J., Zhang, Q., Zhu, R. K., et al., 2023. Classification of Lacustrine Shale Oil Reservoirs in China and Its Significance. Oil & Gas Geology, 44(4): 801–819. https://doi.org/10.11743/ogg20230401
    Kashif, M., Cao, Y. C., Yuan, G. H., et al., 2019. Pore Size Distribution, Their Geometry and Connectivity in Deeply Buried Paleogene Es1 Sandstone Reservoir, Nanpu Sag, East China. Petroleum Science, 16(5): 981–1000. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12182-019-00375-3
    Kong, X. Y., Wang, X. J., Li, Z. W., et al., 2025. Formation Mechanisms and Distribution Patterns of Fractures in Shale Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Lucaogou Formation, Jimsar Sag, Junggar Basin. Journal of Earth Science, 36(5): 2373–2379. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-025-0188-3
    Li, B. Y., Pang, X. Q., Dong, Y. X., et al., 2019. Lithofacies and Pore Characterization in an Argillaceous-Siliceous-Calcareous Shale System: A Case Study of the Shahejie Formation in Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 173: 804–819. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2018.10.086
    Li, D., He, D. F., Tang, Y., 2016. Reconstructing Multiple Arc-Basin Systems in the Altai-Junggar Area (NW China): Implications for the Architecture and Evolution of the Western Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 121: 84–107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2016.02.010
    Li, J. J., Wang, W. M., Cao, Q., et al., 2015. Impact of Hydrocarbon Expulsion Efficiency of Continental Shale Upon Shale Oil Accumulations in Eastern China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 59: 467–479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2014.10.002
    Li, T. W., Jiang, Z. X., Li, Z., et al., 2017. Continental Shale Pore Structure Characteristics and Their Controlling Factors: A Case Study from the Lower Third Member of the Shahejie Formation, Zhanhua Sag, Eastern China. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 45: 670–692. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2017.06.005
    Li, W. W., Cao, J., Zhi, D. M., et al., 2021. Controls on Shale Oil Accumulation in Alkaline Lacustrine Settings: Late Paleozoic Fengcheng Formation, Northwestern Junggar Basin. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 129: 105107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2021.105107
    Li, Z., Liang, Z. K., Jiang, Z. X., et al., 2019. The Impacts of Matrix Compositions on Nanopore Structure and Fractal Characteristics of Lacustrine Shales from the Changling Fault Depression, Songliao Basin, China. Minerals, 9(2): 127. https://doi.org/10.3390/min9020127
    Liang, C., Cao, Y. C., Jiang, Z. X., et al., 2017. Shale Oil Potential of Lacustrine Black Shale in the Eocene Dongying Depression: Implications for Geochemistry and Reservoir Characteristics. AAPG Bulletin, 101(11): 1835–1858. https://doi.org/10.1306/01251715249
    Liu, B., Shi, J. X., Fu, X. F., et al., 2018. Petrological Characteristics and Shale Oil Enrichment of Lacustrine Fine-Grained Sedimentary System: A Case Study of Organic-Rich Shale in First Member of Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in Gulong Sag, Songliao Basin, NE China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 45(5): 884–894. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1876-3804(18)30091-0
    Liu, G. P., Jin, Z. J., Zeng, L. B., et al., 2024. Natural Fractures and Their Effectiveness in Deep Continental Shale Reservoirs of Permian Fengcheng Formation in Mahu Sag. Earth Science, 49(7): 2346–2358 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Liu, Z. B., Liu, G. X., Hu, Z. Q., et al., 2020. Lithofacies Types and Assemblage Features of Continental Shale Strata and Their Implications for Shale Gas Exploration: A Case Study of the Middle and Lower Jurassic Strata in the Sichuan Basin. Natural Gas Industry B, 7(4): 358–369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ngib.20 19.12.004 doi: 10.1016/j.ngib.2019.12.004
    Loucks, R. G., Reed, R. M., Ruppel, S. C., et al., 2009. Morphology, Genesis, and Distribution of Nanometer-Scale Pores in Siliceous Mudstones of the Mississippian Barnett Shale. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 79(12): 848–861. https://doi.org/10.2110/jsr.2009.092
    Loucks, R. G., Reed, R. M., Ruppel, S. C., et al., 2012. Spectrum of Pore Types and Networks in Mudrocks and a Descriptive Classification for Matrix-Related Mudrock Pores. AAPG Bulletin, 96(6): 1071–1098. https://doi.org/10.1306/08171111061
    Lyu, J. H., Jiang, F. J., Hu, T., et al., 2023. Control of Complex Lithofacies on the Shale Oil Potential in Ancient Alkaline Lacustrine Basins: The Fengcheng Formation, Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin. Geoenergy Science and Engineering, 224: 211501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoen.2023.211501
    Pan, L., Chen, G. H., Xu, Q., et al., 2013. Pore Structure Characteristics of Permian Organic-Rich Shale in Lower Yangtze Area. Journal of China Coal Society, 38(5): 787–793 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Qin, M. Y., Cao, Z., Guo, J. H., et al., 2019. Characteristics of Shale Reservoir and Sweet Spot Identification of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in Northwestern Hunan Province, China. Acta Geologica Sinica - English Edition, 93(3): 573–587. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-6724.13861
    Reed, R. M., John, A., Katherine, G., 2007. Nanopores in the Mississippian Barnett Shale, Distribution, Morphology, and Possible Genesis. GAS Annual Meeting & Exposition. Denver
    Reed, R. M., Loucks, R. G., Milliken, K. L., 2012. Heterogeneity of Shape and Microscale Spatial Distribution in Organic-Matter-Hosted Pores of Gas Shales (abs.: 1236631): AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition. Long Beach, California. 4: 22–25
    Scherdel, C., Reichenauer, G., Wiener, M., 2010. Relationship between Pore Volumes and Surface Areas Derived from the Evaluation of N2-Sorption Data by DR-, BET- and T-Plot. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 132(3): 572–575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2010.03.034
    Song Y., Gao F. L., Tang X. L., et al., 2020. Factors Affecting the Difference in Pore Structure of Marine and Continental Shale Reservoirs. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 41(12): 1501–1511 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Tang, Y., He, W. J., Bai, Y. B., et al., 2021. Source Rock Evaluation and Hydrocarbon Generation Model of a Permian Alkaline Lakes—A Case Study of the Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin. Minerals, 11(6): 644. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11060644
    Tao, K. Y., Cao, J., Chen, X., et al., 2019. Deep Hydrocarbons in the Northwestern Junggar Basin (NW China): Geochemistry, Origin, and Implications for the Oil vs. Gas Generation Potential of Post-Mature Saline Lacustrine Source Rocks. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 109: 623–640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2019.06.041
    Turner, B. W., Jessica A., Slatt, R. M., 2019. The use of Chemostratigraphy to Refine Ambiguous Sequence Stratigraphic Correlations in Marine mud Rocks. An Example from the Woodford Shale, Oklahoma, USA. J. Geol. Soc., 173: 854
    Wang, E. Z., Feng, Y., Guo, T. L., et al., 2022a. Oil Content and Resource Quality Evaluation Methods for Lacustrine Shale: A Review and a Novel Three-Dimensional Quality Evaluation Model. Earth-Science Reviews, 232: 104134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2022.104134
    Wang, E. Z., Guo, T. L., Li, M. W., et al., 2022b. Exploration Potential of Different Lithofacies of Deep Marine Shale Gas Systems: Insight into Organic Matter Accumulation and Pore Formation Mechanisms. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 102: 104563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2022.104563
    Wang, E. Z., Guo, T. L., Li, M. W., et al., 2023. Reservoir Characteristics and Oil Properties of a Lacustrine Shale System: Early Jurassic Black Shale from the Sichuan Basin, SW China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 242: 105491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2022.105491
    Wang, G. C., Carr, T. R., 2012. Methodology of Organic-Rich Shale Lithofacies Identification and Prediction: A Case Study from Marcellus Shale in the Appalachian Basin. Computers & Geosciences, 49: 151–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2012.07.011
    Wang, P. F., Jiang, Z. X., Yin, L. S., et al., 2017. Lithofacies Classification and Its Effect on Pore Structure of the Cambrian Marine Shale in the Upper Yangtze Platform, South China: Evidence from FE-SEM and Gas Adsorption Analysis. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 156: 307–321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2017.06.011
    Yang, F., Ning, Z. F., Liu, H. Q., 2014. Fractal Characteristics of Shales from a Shale Gas Reservoir in the Sichuan Basin, China. Fuel, 115: 378–384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2013.07.040
    Yu, B. S., 2012. The Particularity of Shale Gas Reservoirs and Their Evaluation Ideas and Content. Earth Science Frontiers, 19(3): 252–258 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Yu, K. H., Cao, Y. C., Qiu, L. W., et al., 2018. The Hydrocarbon Generation Potential and Migration in an Alkaline Evaporite Basin: The Early Permian Fengcheng Formation in the Junggar Basin, Northwestern China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 98: 12–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2018.08.010
    Yu, K. H., Cao, Y. C., Qiu, L. W., et al., 2019. Depositional Environments in an Arid, Closed Basin and Their Implications for Oil and Gas Exploration: The Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation in the Junggar Basin, China. AAPG Bulletin, 103(9): 2073–2115. https://doi.org/10.1306/01301917414
    Zhang, M., Fu, X. H., Zhang, Q. H., et al., 2019. Research on the Organic Geochemical and Mineral Composition Properties and Its Influence on Pore Structure of Coal-Measure Shales in Yushe-Wuxiang Block, South Central Qinshui Basin, China. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 173: 1065–1079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2018.10.079
    Zhang, Q., Zhu, X. M., Li, C. X., et al., 2016. Classification and Quantitative Characterization of Microscopic Pores in Organic-Rich Shale of the Shahejie Formation in the Zhanhua Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. Oil & Gas Geology, 37(3): 422–432, 438 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Zhang, Y., Shao, D. Y., Yan, J. P., et al., 2016. The Pore Size Distribution and Its Relationship with Shale Gas Capacity in Organic-Rich Mudstone of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formations, Sichuan Basin, China. Journal of Natural Gas Geoscience, 1(3): 213–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnggs.2016.08.002
    Zhang, Z. J., Yuan, X. J., Wang, M. S., et al., 2018. Alkaline-Lacustrine Deposition and Paleoenvironmental Evolution in Permian Fengcheng Formation at the Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 45(6): 1036–1049. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1876-3804(18)30107-1
    Zhao, W. B., Hu, S. Y., Deng, X. Q., et al., 2021. Physical Property and Hydrocarbon Enrichment Characteristics of Tight Oil Reservoir in Chang 7 Division of Yanchang Formation, Xin'anbian Oilfield, Ordos Basin, China. Petroleum Science, 18(5): 1294–1304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petsci.2020.07.001
    Zhao, X. Z., Zhou, L. H., Pu, X. G., et al., 2018. Geological Characteristics of Shale Rock System and Shale Oil Exploration Breakthrough in a Lacustrine Basin: A Case Study from the Paleogene 1st Sub-Member of Kong 2 Member in Cangdong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 45(3): 377–388. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(18)30043-0
    Zhao, X. Z., Zhou, L. H., Pu, X. G., et al., 2019. Exploration Breakthroughs and Geological Characteristics of Continental Shale Oil: A Case Study of the Kongdian Formation in the Cangdong Sag, China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 102: 544–556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2018.12.020
    Zhi, D. M., Song, Y., He, W. J., et al., 2019. Geological Characteristics, Resource Potential and Exploration Direction of Shale Oil in Middle–Lower Permian, Junggar Basin. Xinjiang Petroleum Geology, 40(4): 389–401 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Zhi, D. M., Tang, Y., He, W. J., et al., 2021. Orderly Coexistence and Accumulation Models of Conventional and Unconventional Hydrocarbons in Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation, Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 48(1): 43–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(21)60004-6
    Zhou, Q. F., Jin Z. J., Yang, G. F., et al., 2019. U. S. Shale Oil Exploration and Development Status and Prospects. Oil and Gas Geology, 40(3): 469–477 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
    Zou, C. N., 2011. Unconventional Petroleum Geology. Geological Publishing House, Beijing
    Zou, C. N., Yang, Z., Cui, J. W., et al., 2013. Shale Oil Formation Mechanism, Geological Characteristics and Development Countermeasures. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 1: 17–29 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
  • 加载中

Catalog

    通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com
    • 1. 

      沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院 沈阳 110142

    1. 本站搜索
    2. 百度学术搜索
    3. 万方数据库搜索
    4. CNKI搜索

    Figures(16)  / Tables(1)

    Article Metrics

    Article views(20) PDF downloads(0) Cited by()
    Proportional views
    Related

    /

    DownLoad:  Full-Size Img  PowerPoint
    Return
    Return