Abstract
In an effort to reduce the shale gas exploration risks and costs, we applied the wide-field electromagnetic method (WFEM), because of its strong anti-interference capability, high resolution, ability to conduct exploration at large depths, and high efficiency, to the Bayan Syncline in the South Huayuan block, Hunan Province. We collected rock samples and analyzed their resistivity and induced polarization (IP) and built A series of two-dimensional models for geological conditions to investigate the applicability of WFEM to different geological structures. We also analyzed the correlation between TOC of shale and the resistivity and IP ratio to determine the threshold for identifying target formations. We used WFEM to identify the underground structures and determine the distribution, depth, and thickness of the target strata. Resistivity, IP, and total organic carbon were used to evaluate the shale gas prospects and select favorable areas (sweet spots) for exploration and development. Subsequently, drilling in these areas proved the applicability of WFEM in shale gas exploration.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Conti, J. J., Holtberg, P. D., and Beamon, J. A., et al., 2013, Annual Energy Outlook 2013 with Projections to 2040. US Energy Information Agency.
Di, Q., and Wang, R., 2008, CSAMT forward modeling and inversion and its application: Science Press, Beijing.
Goldstein, M. A., and Strangway, D. W., 1975, Audiofrequency magnetotellurics with a grounded electric dipole source: Geophysics, 40, 669–683.
He, J., 2010, Wide field electromagnetic sounding methods: Journal of Central South University, Science and Technology, 41, 1065–1072.
Tang, J., and He, J., 2005, Theory and application of CSAMT method: Central South University Press, Changsha.
Yin, C., and Piao, H., 1991, The definition of apparent resistivity in electromagnetic sounding methods: Geophysical & Geochemical Exploration, 15, 290–299.
Zhang, S., and Zhu, G., 2006, Gas accumulation characteristics and exploration potential of marine sediments in Sichuan Basin: Acta Petrolei Sinica, 27, 1–8.
Zhou, Q., Song, N., Wang, C., et al., 2014, Geological evaluation and exploration prospect of Huayuan shale gas block in Hunan Province: Natural Gas Geoscience, 25, 130–140.
Zonge, K. L., and Hughes, L. J., 1991, Controlled source audio-frequency magnetotellurics. Electromagnetic Methods in Applied Geophysics, Vol. 2, edited by Nabighian, M.N., 713–809. Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
Acknowledgments
We sincerely thank Prof. He Jishan of Central South University and his research team for assistance in field work and data processing.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
This study was financially supported by the Thirteenth Five-Year-Plan Major Project "Marine Shale Gas Exploration and Evaluation over Laifengxianfeng and Hefeng Block" (No. 2016ZX05034004-004) and China Huadian Engineering Co., LTD (No. CHEC-KJ-2014-Z10).
Yang Xue-Li, earned her phD at China University of Geosciences (Beijing) in 2012. She is right now senior engineer at China Huadian Green Energy Co., LTD. She has been working on comprehensive study of geoelectrical prospecting. Currently she is working on the application of WFEM method over marine strata in Southern China.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yang, XL., Li, B., Peng, CS. et al. Application of a wide-field electromagnetic method to shale gas exploration in South China. Appl. Geophys. 14, 441–448 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11770-017-0633-x
Received:
Revised:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11770-017-0633-x