Analysis of Oil and Gas Controlling Factors of Lower Silurian and Upper Ordovician Sediments of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in Sichuan Basin

Today, China’s main interest in geological exploration is focused on shale strata, whose high potential has already been proven in a number of fields, which ensures China’s stable socio-economic growth.  The goal of this study is to research and analyse the factors controlling the oil and gas potential of the peripheral zone of the Sichuan shale gas basin and the poorly studied folded region adjacent to the basin from the southeast. The materials of this study are represented by 15 core samples. The following research methods were used in this study: optical and electron microscopic examination of sections, tomography, geochemical studies and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). The pore types were found to be intergranular and microfractures. The results of petrological, mineralogical and geochemical analyses of the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation are presented. It was defined that the folded thrust area adjacent to the Sichuan Basin from the southeast is not of practical interest.