A Comparison of Geological Characteristics of the Main Continental Shale Oil in China and the U.S.

Abstract

AbstractShale oil is an important strategic resource in the future. The development and utilization of shale oil is a pivotal revolution in the field of fossil energy. The successful development in North America brings new thinking to the world. In recent years, there have been many definitions of shale oil, but no agreement has been reached in the petroleum industry. Marine shale oil is dominant in the United States (the U.S.), while continental shale oil is the counterpart in China. This study takes Uinta Basin, Ordos Basin, and Junggar Basin, for example, to make a comparison of the concept and geological characteristics of shale oil in continental basins between the U.S. and China. Different kinds of shale oil are generated due to the distinctions of sedimentary environments, hydrocarbon supply conditions, and sandy sediment development in different regions. High-quality source rocks have been developed in freshwater and salty water environments of continental lacustrine basins. The lithologies of the Uteland Butte Member, Chang 7 Member, and Lucaogou Formation are lacustrine carbonate rocks, clastic rocks, and mixed sedimentary rocks, respectively. Results indicate that the lower pressure can be identified in continental basins in China. Furthermore, the comparison shows that the Chang 7 Member characterizes lighter crude oil and larger scale of “sweet spot” and the Lucaogou Formation developed a thicker target layer, while the Chang 7 Member is at a disadvantage of insufficient stratum energy and the Lucaogou Formation is difficult in heavier crude oil and higher oil viscosity.