Accumulation conditions and favorable exploration zones of shale gas in Kongquehe Slope, Tarim Basin

In the Lower Cambrian Xidashan Formation, the Middle Cambrian Moheershan Formation and the Middle-Lower Ordovician Heituwa Formation in the Kongquehe Slope, marine facies black shale rich in organic matter was developed. Outcrop observations and the integrated analyses of drilling and seismic data indicated that the shale was featured by big thickness, wide distribution, high organic matter abundance, favorable organic matter type, high thermal maturity, well-developed micro-pore and micro-fracture, brittleness mineral, favorable preservation condition, and moderate burial depth, which were favorable for shale development. Several favorable exploration zones in the Kongquehe Slope were predicted, such as the Yuli fault belt, the northern Qunke tectonic belt and the northern Central slope.