Revealing Multi-Stage Thermal Imprints: Evolution Model and Dominant Drivers in Cambrian Qiongzhusi Shale, Sichuan Basin

Dandan Wang; Zhenxue Jiang; Majia Zheng; Dadong Liu; Xianglu Tang; Zhuo Li; Ya Wu; Wenyi Chen; Huan Miao; Zijun Tang; Tianye Li

doi:10.1007/s12583-026-0500-x

Volume 37 Issue 1

Feb 2026

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Journal of Earth Science > 2026 > 37(1): 199-213.

Dandan Wang, Zhenxue Jiang, Majia Zheng, Dadong Liu, Xianglu Tang, Zhuo Li, Ya Wu, Wenyi Chen, Huan Miao, Zijun Tang, Tianye Li. Revealing Multi-Stage Thermal Imprints: Evolution Model and Dominant Drivers in Cambrian Qiongzhusi Shale, Sichuan Basin. Journal of Earth Science, 2026, 37(1): 199-213. doi: 10.1007/s12583-026-0500-x

Citation:

Dandan Wang, Zhenxue Jiang, Majia Zheng, Dadong Liu, Xianglu Tang, Zhuo Li, Ya Wu, Wenyi Chen, Huan Miao, Zijun Tang, Tianye Li. Revealing Multi-Stage Thermal Imprints: Evolution Model and Dominant Drivers in Cambrian Qiongzhusi Shale, Sichuan Basin. Journal of Earth Science, 2026, 37(1): 199-213. doi: 10.1007/s12583-026-0500-x

Citation:

Dandan Wang, Zhenxue Jiang, Majia Zheng, Dadong Liu, Xianglu Tang, Zhuo Li, Ya Wu, Wenyi Chen, Huan Miao, Zijun Tang, Tianye Li. Revealing Multi-Stage Thermal Imprints: Evolution Model and Dominant Drivers in Cambrian Qiongzhusi Shale, Sichuan Basin. Journal of Earth Science, 2026, 37(1): 199-213. doi: 10.1007/s12583-026-0500-x

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Revealing Multi-Stage Thermal Imprints: Evolution Model and Dominant Drivers in Cambrian Qiongzhusi Shale, Sichuan Basin

doi: 10.1007/s12583-026-0500-x

Dandan Wang^{1, 2
,},
Zhenxue Jiang^{1, 2
,
,
,},
Majia Zheng^3
,,
Dadong Liu^{1, 2
,},
Xianglu Tang^{1, 2
,},
Zhuo Li^{1, 2},
Ya Wu^3
,,
Wenyi Chen^{1, 2
,},
Huan Miao^{1, 2
,},
Zijun Tang^{1, 2
,},
Tianye Li^4
,

1.
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beiing 102249, China
2.
College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
3.
Development Division of Southwest Oil and Gas Field Branch of China National Petroleum Corporation, Sichuan, Chengdu 610051, China
4.
School of Earth Sciences, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, China

More Information

Corresponding author: Zhenxue Jiang jiangzx@cup.edu.cn
Received Date: 12 Aug 2025
Accepted Date: 07 Nov 2025

Available Online: 13 Feb 2026

Issue Publish Date: 28 Feb 2026

Abstract

Abstract

To clarify the thermal evolution characteristics of organic matter in the Zizhong-Weiyuan area in Sichuan Basin, solid bitumen reflectance of the Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation (QFm) shale was measured by Raman Spectroscopy (RS) method. Constrained by vitrinite reflectance (Ro) data, burial and thermal evolution histories of QFm shale were reconstructed through basin numerical simulation technology. The evolution model of and critical period of organic matter was determined, and its dominant drivers were analyzed. The results show that the asphalt Raman vitrinite reflectance (_RmcRo) ranges from 3.21% to 4.15%. Thermal maturity within the trough follows a southern part > central part > northern part trend. Thermal maturity is moderate within the paleo-uplift, whereas organic matter outside the paleo-uplift has undergone graphitization. Two types of thermal evolution imprints were established: a continuous heating type and a stop heating type of Silurian–Permian. Sedimentary burial, paleogeomorphology, tectonic movement and Emeishan mantle plume are the dominant drivers of multi-stage thermal imprints of the QFm shale. The three factors are coupled with each other. The Late Caledonian and Late Indosinian are the key periods of organic matter thermal evolution. The Leshan-Longnüsi paleo-uplift weakens the thermal effect of the Permian Emeishan mantle plume. The current thermal evolution pattern of the QFm is mainly determined by the continuous subsidence of the Triassic–Cretaceous. Stop heating model of Silurian–Permian locks the maturity of organic matter in the gold window, thus controlling the enrichment of QFm shale gas. It provides new insights for shale gas migration, enrichment and effective exploration and development of shale gas in the Lower Paleozoic QFm.
- Sichuan Basin,
- Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation Shale,
- thermal imprints,
- evolution model,
- dominant drivers

Electronic Supplementary Materials: Supplementary Materials (Tables S1–S3, Figures S1–S2) are available in the online version of this article at https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-026-0500-x.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Revealing Multi-Stage Thermal Imprints: Evolution Model and Dominant Drivers in Cambrian Qiongzhusi Shale, Sichuan Basin

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