Oil shale features and shale gas favorable area prediction in Yanchang formation of the south area in Ordos basin

Based on drilling data and oil shale sample testing analysis, the oil shale features of the south of Ordos basin has been studied, which predicted the shale gas favorable exploration area. The study shows that: in the mid-north Yanchang formation, the oil shale is large in thickness, rich in organic matter, good in kerogen type and sufficient for thermal maturity. The shale gas quantity is estimated to 2.34 ×1012 m3, coupled with many successful cases in shale gas exploration, which shows great exploration potential of shale gas in the study area.