Potential evaluation of shale hydrocarbon resource in the Neuquen basin, Argentina

Neuquen basin is situated in western Argentina and mainly develops the sedimentary strata since the Triassic period. The Jurassic Vaca Muerta group develops marine shale, which has a large thickness, wide distribution range and high TOC content. It is in the stage of hydrocarbon generation and the main source rock of the basin. Continuous thickness of Vaca Muerta formation with TOC above 2% ranges from 30 m at the edges to 200 m at the center of the basin, with the characteristic of abnormal high pressure. The depth is from 1 500–4 000 m, the clay mineral content is low, the brittle mineral content is high and the fracturing is strong. In general, the Vaca Muerta group is a high–quality shale oil and gas reservoir, which is the most advantageous in the central area of the basin. The total amount of P50 geological resources in the sweet spot is 33.28 billion barrels of oil equivalent, and the recoverable amount is 22.05 billion barrels of oil equivalent. The sweet spot has a high initial production and a good fracturing effect, which is the key area of shale oil and gas development.