Quantitative prediction and spatial analysis of structural fractures in deep shale gas reservoirs within complex structural zones: A case study of the Longmaxi Formation in the Luzhou area, southern Sichuan Basin, China (3/24): "This research aims to provide a crucial foundation for shale gas exploration, including identifying optimal drilling locations, well deployment, hydraulic fracturing enhancement, and production capacity estimation."

Controls on organic matter enrichment of the early-middle Miocene lacustrine oil shale, central Tibet (SW China): New insights from clay minerals and geochemistry (3/24): "This study can not only deepen the understanding of OM enrichment mechanism in lacustrine rift basin but also provide important information for predicting the distribution of the oil shale in the Lunpola Basin."
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‍Generation and expulsion of Lower Jurassic hydrocarbon in different source rocks in the Taibei Sag, Turpan-Hami Basin, northwest China (1/24): “These findings are valuable for objectively assessing the tight oil potential of J1s source rocks and establishing a theoretical foundation for exploration…for evaluating the hydrocarbon resource quantity and predicting promising exploration area.”

Paleodepositional environment and hydrocarbon generation potential of the Paleogene lignite in the Barmer Basin, Rajasthan, India (1/24): "The Barmer ortholignite has a good hydrocarbon generation potential from type-III (Giral) and types II-III kerogens (Kapurdi) pointing to gaseous hydrocarbon prospects; however, the source rock is immature."

Development of arcuate faults and controls on hydrocarbon accumulation in the Tiantai slope, Xihu Depression, East China Sea basin (10/24): “The area with the arcuate faults present favorable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation in the Tiantai slope of the Xihu Depression…an in-depth investigation into the development characteristics of arcuate faults in the Tiantai slope and their impact on hydrocarbon accumulation is crutial for advancing oil and gas exploration in this area.” This work was jointly funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42072149) and the Scientific Research Project of CNOOC (China) Limited (CNOOC-KJ135ZDXM39SH01). 

Sources of natural gas in the Middle-Permian carbonate succession in the central-northern Sichuan Basin, Southwest China (6/24): “Natural gas-source correlation is a challenging aspect of natural gas exploration in deep strata. The Middle-Permian carbonate succession in the Sichuan Basin, southwest China, particularly in the Maokou Formation, is a hotspot for natural gas exploration…This study is the first to combine multiple geochemical methods and consider different geological settings to identify the gas source of a deep carbonate gas reservoir. Our study provides a reliable method for determining the natural gas-source correlation of gas reservoirs that contain highly mature and complex gas sources.” We thank the Exploration and Development Research Institute of the PetroChina Southwest Oil and Gas Field Company for providing important data and the permission to publish the results. 

In-situ calcite U-Pb ages and absolute timing of oil charge events: A case study of ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs in the Shunbei oilfield, Tarim basin, Northwest China (1/24) "...potential implications for deeper exploration and similar deep petroleum systems worldwide."

Classification of shale lithofacies with minimal data: Application to the early Permian shales in the Ordos Basin, China (1/24): "The main advantage of our approach is that it only uses conventional logging data and a small number of XRD measurements of core samples, combined with XGBoost algorithm, to predict shale lithofacies, which can reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of reservoir evaluation."

Geochemical characterization of Upper Cretaceous organic-rich deposits: Insights from the Azraq Basin in Jordan (10/24): “Cretaceous sedimentary successions in Jordan are among the most promising unconventional global petroleum resources…This study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Cretaceous sedimentary basins in the Middle East…This knowledge is critical for hydrocarbon exploration”

Control of complex lithofacies on the shale oil potential in saline lacustrine basins of the Jimsar Sag, NW China: Coupling mechanisms and conceptual models (5/24): "The study’s outcomes can offer enhanced guidance for accurately assessing shale oil resources, particularly in the identification of crucial “sweet spots.”

Variable depositional environments and organic matter enrichment of Early Cambrian shales in the Middle Yangtze region, South China (1/24): “Organic-rich shales of the Lower Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation (SJT) in the Middle Yangtze region (South China) represent an important target for shale gas exploration and development in China…This work will enhance the understanding of formation of the Lower Cambrian organic-rich shale deposits, and play a guiding role in shale gas exploration in South China." 

Pore structure characterization and reservoir quality prediction in deep and ultra-deep tight sandstones by integrating image and NMR logs (6/24): "The comprehensive analysis integrating core data with geophysical well logs provide important insights for reservoir quality prediction of deep and ultra-deep tight sandstones."

Prediction of fractures by using the stress field in medium to deep shale gas reservoirs: A case study of Late Ordovician–early Silurian shale gas reservoirs in the Nanchuan region, South China (4/24): "...predict the fractures in shale gas reservoirs by using the stress field, in order to provide a scientific basis for the practical exploration and development of shale gas in the Nanchuan region."

Fluid inclusion evidence for overpressure-induced self-sealing and accumulation of deep shale gas (5/24): "Shale oil and gas exploration and development are extending to greater depths, and it is important to understand the accumulation mechanisms of shale oil and gas. Here we conducted a case study in the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation–Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Ningxi area, Sichuan Basin, southwest China, by using petrological and fluid inclusion investigation to determine the processes involved during the overpressure-induced self-sealing accumulation of deep shale gas…The results provide new insights into shale gas enrichment and preservation, and are of theoretical and practical significance for exploration."

Chaotic behavior of geophysical logs for stratigraphic hiatuses: A case study from Upper Assam Shelf, India (7/24): "This research contributes to advancing stratigraphic correlation methodologies, particularly in complex geological formations, and offers a novel perspective on subsurface characterization, offering opportunities for optimizing well placement, reservoir management, and hydrocarbon exploration efforts."

Origin and geological significance of the first discovered seafloor oil seepage in the Beikang Basin, southern South China Sea (3/24): "Our study offers valuable insights into the exploration of hydrocarbons in the SSCS, as well as the interactions between the deep and shallow fluids in the background of focused fluid seepage."

Geochemical characteristics and classification of Oligocene source rocks with different facies in Bozhong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, East China (12/24): "Extensive exploration experience has shown that lacustrine sequences have the potential to develop commercial petroleum reservoirs…this study provides an integrated assessment of the hydrocarbon generation potential, environmental and ecological variations, and OM origins of Oligocene source rocks in southwestern Bozhong Sag.” This work was funded by “Key Scientific Issues and Innovative Technology Research on Oil and Gas Resource Exploration in China Sea Risk Exploration Area” from CNOOC Research Institute in Beijing, China." 

Contrasting diagenetic evolution and hydrocarbon charge of tight gas sandstones in the lower Permian Shanxi Formation, southeastern Ordos Basin, China (9/24): “Reservoir quality of, and gas production rates from, tight sandstones in the Lower Permian Shanxi Formation vary greatly across the Yan’an Gas Field, southeastern Ordos Basin, China. Effective reservoirs are significant for the economic success of tight gas exploration and production…This study indicates that petrofacies is useful for reservoir characterization and modeling in the Yan’an Gas Field and other tight gas fields worldwide.” 

Mesozoic tectonic evolution and dynamic mechanisms of the northern Bozhong depression of the Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China (9/24): "The northern Bozhong depression of the Bohai Bay Basin in eastern China is an important area for oil and gas exploration in buried hills, which has complex structural styles and evolutionary processes. Based on 3D seismic and drilling data, the features of the Mesozoic structural deformation of the northern Bozhong depression are analyzed, and the tectonic evolution and dynamic mechanisms are also discussed."

Quantitative seismicity of shale gas reservoirs of the Lower and Middle Indus Basin (Pakistan) revealed from instantaneous spectral decomposition-based inverted Vp/Vs ratio simulation (6/24): “The energy demands within unconventional resources are exciting issues in stratigraphic-hydrocarbon exploration around the globe. The sub-surface heterogeneous backgrounds and bandlimited seismic information are momentous, and therefore, predicting the true Vp/Vs ratio (Vp/Vs) for incised-valley shale gas play at tuning frequency is a challenge for stratigraphic exploration…The exploration of unconventional is becoming a hot topic in future oil and gas exploration. There is a vital suite of unconventional reservoirs, which can be explored using various geophysical techniques.” 
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“This workflow has strong implications for horizontal well drillings within the extensional regimes of unconventional stratigraphic plays and serves as an analogue for global clastic depositional systems.”

The hydrocarbon source potential of Permo-Triassic rocks of the Indochina Block adjacent to the Paleo-Tethys suture in Thailand (1/24): “This study investigated the source potential of outcropping Permo-Triassic shales from the western margin of the Khorat Plateau and the Khao Khwang Fold and Thrust Belt (KKFTB)…Simply in terms of TOC content >1, the Hua Hin Lat and Khao Khad formations have the most promising source potential.” 

‍Tectono-thermal evolution of the northern Tarim Basin, Central Asia: New insights from apatite low-temperature thermochronometers (1/24): “Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the tectono-thermal histories of the eastern KFTB. It enhances our understanding of the tectonic evolution of Central Asia and holds great significance for further hydrocarbon exploration and development in the northern Tarim Basin.”

Rifting of the upper Yangtze carbonate platform: Insight from middle Permian carbonate olistostromes in the NE Sichuan basin, SW China (2/24): “The initiation time and geodynamics driving the rifting are poorly understood, which restricts petroleum evaluation and exploration in the KL and DW regions…we herein carefully examine the petrographic feature of basalt in this paper and present a new data set composed of geochemical, isotopic, and zircon U-Pb analyses to provide new insight into the geodynamics and initiation time of rifting of the upper Yangtze carbonate platform.” Financial support for this project was provided by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities and the Exploration Company of SINOPEC. 

Oil-source correlations and petroleum accumulation in oil sands in the Carboniferous Yanghugou Formation in the Shajingzi area, Ordos Basin, China (2/24): “This is the first documented discovery of Ordovician marine oil in the Ordos Basin…This study helps to elucidate the depositional conditions and petroleum potential of the Paleozoic sediments in the Shajingzi area.”

Journal of Asian Earth Sciences: X
Source rock potential, thermal maturity, and depositional environment of the Ordovician Ra’an Shale Member, central Saudi Arabia (6/24): "This study provides an improved understanding of the depositional setting, organic geochemical, and thermal evolution of the Ra'an Member as a potential unconventional hydrocarbon reservoir."

An enhancement in the petrophysical evaluation in a vuggy carbonate gas reservoir by integrating the core data and empirical methods, Zagros basin, south of Iran (6/24): "Applying the proposed approach will improve the accuracy of petrophysical properties and lead to the proper calculation of the hydrocarbon volume in the carbonate reservoir rocks containing isolated vugs, particularly in gas-bearing reservoirs where conventional logs are affected by gas contents."

Assessment of the source rock potential in the Sirka and Giddi collieries of South Karanapura coalfield, Jharkhand, India: Insights from megaflora, palynology, and geochemistry (12/24): "Permian deposits in the Indian Peninsula have long been a significant source of coal and have great potential for hydrocarbon exploration. Here we present results of megafloral, palynological, and geochemical analysis of the Late Artinskian-Kungurian sediments in the South Karanpura coalfield to assess hydrocarbon generation potential...The increasing demand for hydrocarbon fossil fuels and the expansion of the petroleum industry, driven by their substantial resource potentials, have led researchers to focus on unconventional petroleum sources, such as shale gas, as well as deep petroleum systems."

Journal of Engineering Research
1D basin modeling and hydrocarbon generation potential of the Late Cretaceous organic-rich intervals within the North-Western Taranaki Basin, offshore New Zealand (6/24): "This study focuses on exploring the hydrocarbon generation potential of Late Cretaceous of the Wainui Member of the North Cape and Rakopi Formation within the North-Western Taranaki Basin"

Petrophysical evaluation based on three-stream convolutional neural networks in the Berkine Basin, Algeria (6/24): "Petrophysical evaluation is a key stage before formation test in exploration field, it allows the identification of the best plays in term of effective porosity, shale volume and hydrocarbon saturation…Petrophysical evaluation proved to be a challenging task in the exploration efforts in the Berkine basin, hence, we propose a deep learning-based method for petrophysical evaluation.”
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“This paper introduces an innovative approach to petrophysical evaluation […] in the Berkine Basin, Algeria…our technique gives stat-of-the-art prediction and even surpasses conventional method by giving better results in thin beds situation and low resistivity pays.” [Exxon Mobil is looking for its “next Permian,” which an executive said could be in Algeria]

Design of intelligent drill bit embedded structure based on multi-objective topology optimization method (6/24): "As deep resource exploration and development technologies advance, efficiently overcoming challenges in drilling difficult formations has become paramount...This study focuses on the optimal design of embedded structures in intelligent drill bits."

‍Journal of Geochemical Exploration
‍Fractal modeling of oil and gas geochemical data in the Taiwan Strait Basin (2/24): “This study provides a theoretical foundation for future oil and gas exploration and evaluation in the Taiwan Strait.”

Journal of King Saud University - Science
Integrated analysis of wireline logs analysis, seismic interpretation, and machine learning for reservoir characterisation: Insights from the late Eocene McKee Formation, onshore Taranaki Basin, New Zealand (7/24): "An integrated study...was conducted, crucial for accurately evaluating and characterizing hydrocarbon reservoirs, enhancing the likelihood of successful exploration and development projects."

Journal of Magnetic Resonance
Bayesian NMR petrophysical characterization (5/24): “Identification of reservoir rock types is necessary for the exploration and recovery of oil and gas. It involves determining the petrophysical properties of rocks such as porosity and permeability which play a significant role in developing reservoir models, estimating the volumes of oil and gas reserves, and planning production methods…This work introduces a Bayesian estimation method for analyzing NMR data…The experimental results illustrate that the Bayesian estimator outperforms other estimators.”  

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
Development of a viscosity prediction model and investigation into drag reduction in weakly magnetized waxy crude oil (6/24): "Shallow water, deepwater, and ultra-deepwater regions abound with abundant offshore oil and gas resources. However, the increased viscosity and wax deposition consistently pose significant challenges…magnetization technology is particularly suitable for crude oil production and transportation pipelines in deep-water ocean environments…The present study investigates the impact of weak magnetic treatment.”

Journal of Molecular Liquids
Molecular dynamics simulation and key performance study of VES self-diverting acid system for deep carbonate reservoirs (5/24): "A self-diverting VES acid system suitable for deep carbonate rock reservoirs at 140 °C was developed, providing technical support for the efficient development of deep carbonate reservoirs."

Self-growing biomimetic functional hydrogel particles for conformance control in tight reservoir fracture network (10/24): "The results from this study provide a theoretical basis and technical support for enhancing oil recovery in low/ultra-low permeability reservoirs."

Microscopic mechanism of enhancing shale oil recovery through CO₂ flooding- insights from molecular dynamics simulations (7/24): "Shale oil reserves are abundant worldwide and are a primary focus for future oil and gas development...This study provides a reference for the development and application of molecular simulation technology in unconventional oil and gas development."

Preparation of zwitterionic polymer and its application for dual-functional inhibition in deepwater drilling (10/24): “As the increasing demand for energy sources with economic development, it is crucial to find new sources of fossil fuel. Deep-water sediments are usually very rich in oil and gas resources, and have broad prospects for exploration and development…However, in deep-water drilling operations, the complex and harsh geological conditions pose more technical challenges to drilling fluids…In this paper, to address the challenges of wellbore plugging due to hydrate formation and well instability because of clay hydration in deepwater drilling, a zwitterionic polymer AADV (a copolymer of AM/AMPS/DMDAAV/VAC) was synthesized, which can simultaneously inhibit hydrate formation and clay hydration as a dual-functional inhibitor.

Journal of Natural Gas Geoscience
"An academic bimonthly journal focused on natural gas exploration and exploitation." Editor-in-Chief: Jinxing Dai, PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, Beijing, China
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The dominant three-element model of oil and gas accumulation in basement buried hills: A discussion on new exploration frontiers in the deepwater area of the northern South China Sea (4/24): "This study identifies...crucial exploration targets in the deepwater areas of the northern South China Sea." This research was funded in part by the CNOOC Major Project. Author Gongcheng Zhang is an Editorial Board Member for Journal of Natural Gas Geoscience.

Natural gas accumulation conditions and exploration directions of Carboniferous clastic rocks in the northeastern margin of Junggar Basin, China (9/24): "This study reveals that the Carboniferous clastic rock source and reservoir configuration in the northeastern Junggar Basin is highly favorable, and the natural gas reservoirs in source and near-source clastic rocks represent important exploration directions…Reliable gas-source stove areas such as Dishuiquan Sag, Wucaiwan Sag, and Shiqiantan Sag are identified as key exploration targets.” This research was funded by the PetroChina “14th Five-Year Plan” Forward-looking Basic Major Science and Technology Project; the PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development’s Research Projects…[All the authors] are currently employed by PetroChina.

Structural inheritance through 3D reservoir modeling and ant-tracking attribute implications for structural configuration of Upper Cretaceous Pab Sandstone, Kirthar Fold Belt, Pakistan (4/24): "In this study, 3D structural model and attribute assisted seismic interpretation have made a novel and clearer representation of structural complexities to improve the success rate and future development plans for hydrocarbon exploration."

Differential controlling on the deep tight sandstone reservoirs: Insight from the second member of lower Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Xinchang area, western Sichuan basin, China (10/24): “With advancements in deep exploration, the deep tight sandstone gas reservoir has become a significant exploration field. However, it remains challenging to develop on a large scale due to the unclear distribution of relatively high-quality reservoirs. In this paper, the petrology, reservoir properties, diagenesis, and structural fracturing of deep tight sandstone reservoirs are systematically studied, focusing on the second member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation (T3x2) in the Xinchang area, and the types of relatively high-quality reservoirs and their differential controlling are further clarified…The results will provide a geological basis for seeking “sweet spots” in deep sandstone reservoirs and for guiding the reserve’s effective recovery.” This research was funded by the Research Project of SINOPEC Science and Technology Department; the Precursor Project of SINOPEC Oil Feld Department. The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Pengwei Li, Zongquan Hu, Zhongqun Liu, Shilin Xu, Zhenfeng Liu, Ai Wang, Junlong Liu, Wujun Jin and Yanqing Huang are currently employed by SINOPEC.

Integrated petrophysical, sedimentological and well-log study of the Mangahewa Formation, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand (6/24): "In conclusion, from this comprehensive study, it can be deduced that the Mangahewa Formation possesses fair to good reservoir quality and hydrocarbon potentiality."

Hydrocarbon-generating potential of the Middle Permian Lucaogou source rock in the eastern Junggar Basin, China (7/24): "The results further consolidated the oil and gas resources in the eastern Junggar Basin and provided valuable references for exploring future oil and gas fields."

Depositional pattern and source-to-sink process of submarine fans in Lingshui and Sanya formations, Baodao Sag, Qiongdongnan Basin, China (4/24): "The findings hold significant implications for predicting the distribution of favorable oil and gas zones in the deepwater area of the Qiongdongnan Basin, thereby improving the success rate of deepwater oil and gas exploration in the northern South China Sea."

Solid bitumen Rhenium-Osmium (Re–Os) isotope geochronology and existing problems: Sampled of Sinian-Cambrian gas reservoir in Sichuan Basin, China (8/24): "Understanding the key timings related to petroleum evolution is crucial for optimizing exploration targets and assessing oil/gas resources, attract petroleum geologists’ attention worldwide…this work aims to reconstruct the evolution process of the deep Sinian–Cambrian hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Gaoshiti–Moxi area." 

Pore structure and fractal characteristics of coal-bearing Cretaceous Nenjiang shales from Songliao Basin, Northeast China (4/24): "This work will provide a scientific theoretical basis for the comprehensive evaluation of coal-bearing shale reservoirs and research on shale gas reservoir formation theory." Study funded in part by the Open Fund Project of Sinopec Key Laboratory of Shale Oil/Gas Exploration and Production Technology.

Seismic geological characteristics and gas reservoir distribution of Changxing Formation biological bio-reef reservoir in the Longhuichang-Tieshan area, northeastern Sichuan Basin, China (4/24): The enrichment mode and failure mode of favorable gas reservoirs in the study area have been analyzed and established, providing crucial technical support to facilitate further exploration of Changxing Formation bio-reef gas reservoirs in the northeastern Sichuan Basin."

Diagenetic features recorded in sedimentary rocks within a gas chimney: A case study from the Makassar Strait, offshore Indonesia (8/24): "This study has implications for methane exploration."

Geochemical evaluation of Sarvak oil reservoir using biomarkers, carbon isotope and trace element: A case study from Southwest Iran (6/24) "...an excellent novel tool for better understanding the basic concepts in petroleum basins and for solving a wide range of problems during petroleum exploration."

Characteristics of geothermal field and tectono-thermal evolution in Baiyun Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin, China (4/24): "...significant implications for regional tectonic evolution and future deepwater oil and gas explorations."

Differences in gas sources of the Changxing–Feixianguan formations around the Kaijiang-Liangping Trough and favorable exploration directions for coal-formed gas generated by the Upper Permian Longtan Formation, Sichuan Basin, China (9/24): "The Suining–Luzhou and Langzhong–Guang'an–Fuling areas are identified as favorable zones for the exploration of coal rock gas and marine–continental transitional shale gas, respectively. Additionally, the reef and shoal development areas of the Changxing Formation in the Suining–Hechuan and Guang'an–Nanchong regions are also favorable exploration areas for coal-formed gas...The Permian Changxing Formation and the Triassic Feixianguan Formation in the Sichuan Basin are among the most critical areas for natural gas exploration in the region.” 

Sources and exploration potential of Ordovician subsalt natural gas in Ordos Basin, China (12/24): “Provides a theoretical basis for confirming the exploration potential of Ordovician subsalt natural gas and optimizing exploration targets in the central-eastern Ordos Basin.”

Journal of Paleogeography
Characteristics and origin of low-organic-matter carbonate source rocks in the Middle–Upper Ordovician, Tarim Basin, northwestern China (4/24): "This research method is theoretically significant for oil and gas exploration in the same type of highly-mature carbonate paleobasins."

The reservoir characteristics and their controlling factors of the sublacustrine fan in the Paleogene Dongying Formation, Bohai Sea, China (1/24): "The results of this study are significant for the exploration and development of the sublacustrine fan sandstone reservoirs in the Bohai Sea and analogous sandstone reservoirs elsewhere."

Evolution of Cenozoic sedimentary architecture in Central and Southern South China Sea basins (1/24): "The differences in sedimentary filling structures and main controlling factors between basins were explored from the perspective of basin tectonic evolution, intending to deepen sedimentological research in the area and provide a geological basis for petroleum exploration."

Palaeogeographical development of two merging delta systems (Eocene Shahejie Formation) in the Bohai Bay Basin, E China and implications for hydrocarbon exploration (10/23): “Detailed core analysis shows that the best hydrocarbon reservoirs consist of sand bodies formed in distributary channels on the delta plains, and of sandy turbidites formed in the deep-lacustrine environment in front of the merged deltas…This study was carried out to better understand the processes involved in the convergence of prograding deltas, and to facilitate more effective sedimentary investigations into potential hydrocarbon reservoirs and their quality in front of deltas.”

Sedimentary dynamics and depositional model for mud accumulation in deep lake basins: A case study in the Upper Triassic Chang-7 Member, Ordos Basin, northern China (8/24): "Shales in deep lake basins have become the main focus of continental shale oil and gas exploration...The aim of this paper is to improve the theoretical understanding of the sedimentation mechanism of mudrocks in deep-water depressional lake basins, and also to provide theoretical guidance for unconventional oil and gas exploration and development in deep-water depressional lake basins."

Sedimentary facies analysis of a thin-bed-dominated turbidite succession in the Miocene Temburong Formation, Kampung Bebuloh, Labuan Island, Malaysia (7/24): “As mature oil fields and the easier reservoir targets are fully exploited, hydrocarbon exploration and production tends to shift toward more challenging reservoirs...The identification of geological criteria to differentiate lobe- and channel-associated thin beds will be very useful in deepwater hydrocarbon exploration and field development…A detailed facies and ichnological analysis was conducted on a 97 m-thick sedimentary succession of the Early Miocene Temburong Formation at Kampung Bebuloh, Labuan Island.” Financial support was provided by a scholarship from ConocoPhillips Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd. 

Sedimentary environment shift and organic matter enrichment mechanism in response to volcanic ash influence: A case study of the Permian Lucaogou Formation, Santanghu Basin, NW China (7/24): "This study comprehensively analyzed the organic geochemistry, mineral composition, organic matter (OM) types, volcanic cycle, and palaeoenvironment of shale in the study area…The study area is predominantly situated in the Tiaohu and Malang Sags of the central depression belt, covering an area of approximately 3200 km2, and this region is a key focus for oil and gas exploration and development within the basin” The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by Tuha Oilfield Company of PetroChina. Gratitude is extended to the guidance and assistance from relevant experts at the Exploration and Development Research Institute of Tuha Oilfield Company of PetroChina, whose contributions significantly improved the quality of this study. 

Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
Visualization and characterization of experimental hydraulic fractures interacting with karst fracture-cavity distributions (5/24): "Karst fracture-cavity carbonate reservoirs, in which natural cavities are connected by natural fractures to form cavity clusters in many circumstances, have become significant fields of oil and gas exploration and exploitation...These findings provide new insights into the fracturing design of carbonate reservoirs."

An improved permeability estimation model using integrated approach of hybrid machine learning technique and shapley additive explanation (9/24): “Accurate reservoir permeability determination is crucial in hydrocarbon exploration and production. Conventional methods relying on empirical correlations and assumptions often result in high costs, time consumption, inaccuracies, and uncertainties. This study introduces a novel hybrid machine learning approach to predict the permeability of the Wangkwar formation in the Gunya oilfield, Northwestern Uganda…the GMDH-DE model offers a novel, efficient, and accurate approach for fast permeability prediction, enhancing hydrocarbon exploration and production.” 

Experimental study and prediction method of solid destabilization and production in deep carbonate reservoir during mining (7/24): "As the demand for oil and gas increases, exploration and production efforts of these resources have been extended to ever-greater depths. There has been a growing focus on developing deep and ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs...a new method combining a geomechanical model and a microscopic sand production model is proposed to predict wellbore instability and analyze its influencing factors."

Journal of South American Earth Sciences
"This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals"
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Characterization of onshore hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Amazonas Basin using well logging data (3/24): "In this work, the analysis of geophysical logging data from exploratory wells drilled in the Amazonas Basin is conducted to characterize the hydrocarbon reservoirs in the basin."

Jurassic depocenters development, between colorado basin, chelforó sub-basin and neuquén basin (12/24): “Using marine and continental gravity data (Free air and Isostatic anomalies respectively), constrained by well and seismic data, an integrated interpretation workflow for the study area was carried out…The interpretation of seismic lines, and gravimetric data in areas without deep wells allow the identification of new exploration targets increasing the exploration potential of these basins.” The authors thank YPF for their support in producing this contribution, and the authorization to publish. (YPF S.A. is a vertically integrated, majority state-owned Argentine energy company, engaged in oil and gas exploration and production)

Study of geomechanical properties of the Pimienta formation with undrained multi-stage triaxial tests, Central-Western Tampico Misantla Basin, Mexico (8/24): "The objective of studying the geomechanical properties of the Pimienta Formation in the AOI is to provide critical insight from the perspective of rock mechanics for the modeling, planning, and execution of potential unconventional hydrocarbon production."

Dynamic re-sedimentation of lacustrine carbonates in the Búzios Field, pre-salt section of Santos Basin, Brazil (6/24): "The focus of this study is to understand the processes that generated these reworked deposits within the rift and mainly within the sag section, in order to contribute to the reduction of exploration risks and to optimize hydrocarbon production from the Pre-Salt reservoirs."

3D stochastic simulation of a deep-water turbidite system: An example from the Los Molles Formation, southern region of the Neuquén Basin, Argentina (12/24): “Stochastic simulation is a technique that has broad use in the development of probabilistic geological models. This type of simulation is widely used to model hydrocarbon reservoirs and production in oil fields…In this study, we shorten the exploration to production scale gap by applying common geostatistical methods in reservoir scale analysis into an exploration scale study…The area presents excellent exposures of deep-water turbidites, where sedimentary body geometries are visible.”  

The impact of the Abimael Ridge on the salt tectonics in the southern Santos Basin, Brazil: The Esmeralda exploration block case. (8/24): "The southern Santos Basin displays areas with exploration potential for plays with both the post-salt and pre-salt reservoir rocks (Avila, 2022)...This study revealed crucial information about the two main leads in the Esmeralda block, named Esmeralda and Tupã (Figure 1), as proposed by ANP (Ávila, 2022)."

Petrophysical and petrographic data correlation and the discrimination of magmatic environments and processes in Santos Basin, offshore SE Brazil (8/24): "It is expected that the application of the proposed methodology will reduce risks and costs during petroleum exploration in rift-to-drift sedimentary basins elsewhere."

Organic geochemistry and palynofacies of the Devonian: A correlation between Paraná and Parnaíba basins, Brazil (6/24): "A study on the characterization of the depositional paleoenvironment and the potentiality for hydrocarbon generation was carried out in Praguian-Emsian shale samples from Ponta Grossa Formation using data from organic geochemistry and palynofacies."

Journal of Structural Geology
This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals

Using seismic methods to detect connectivity of fracture networks controlled by strike-slip faults in ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs: A case study in northern tarim basin, China (3/24): "Ordovician tight carbonate rocks in the Tarim Basin are typically ultra-deep, with targets deeper than 7000 m. The fracture networks associated with strike-slip faults are the primary reservoir space…The Tarim Basin is the largest and least explored inland basin in Northwest China, with a total area of about 560,000 km2…This study analyzed the distribution of fractures related to strike-slip faults according to the 3D seismic coherence attributes.” The author highly appreciates the information and support the SINOPEC Petroleum Exploration and Development Research Institute of Northwest Oilfield Branch Company provided. 
 
Developing evolutionary models for deformation band formation in high-porosity suprasalt sandstones: An example from Paradox Basin, Utah (8/24): "Predicting the magnitude and spatial extent of this often extensive reservoir “damage” remains as a major challenge for hydrocarbon exploration. This challenge is exacerbated by our inability to resolve these deformation zones using traditional geophysical techniques…this study provides a framework for understanding the genesis of deformation bands in most basins"

The influence of major faults and fractures on the development of non-matrix porosity system in a pre-salt carbonate reservoir, Santos Basin – Brazil (12/24): “High permeability zones and fractures are not easily recognized in seismic data due to limited resolution and they are often associated with higher concentrations of hydrocarbons or even significant fluid losses during drilling, thus creating a challenge for hydrocarbon exploration…In this study, we built a conceptual model of these fracture zones and non-matrix porosity formation that helped narrowing the understanding of these complex systems.”

Faulted karst reservoir spaces in Middle-Lower Triassic carbonates, Qingjiang Region, Yangtze block, ChinaAuthor links open overlay panel
 (12/24): “The complexity and heterogeneity of ultra-deep faulted karst reservoirs pose significant challenges for hydrocarbon exploration. In this study, we integrated remote sensing image analysis, field measurements, and core sample testing to evaluate the characteristics and controlling factors of carbonate reservoir spaces…offering critical insights for improving the precision of carbonate reservoir exploration and optimizing production efficiency…provides valuable insights for optimizing exploration and development strategies in ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs.” This work was supported by the Sinopec Research Project  

‍Marine and Petroleum Geology
"The journal aims to advance the environmentally sustainable exploration and utilization of natural resources of petroleum and gas hydrate...This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals"
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‍Comprehensive analysis of stress magnitude and orientations and natural fractures in complex structural regimes oil reservoir: Implications for tectonic and oil field development in the Zagros suture zone (2/24): “This study will provide valuable insights into the exploration, development, and management of hydrocarbon resources in complex structure regions.”

Diagenesis and pressure evolution in Ediacaran carbonate rocks in the North Slope (Penglai area) of the central Sichuan Basin (SW China) (6/24): The Penglai area is an emerging giant gas field inthe Sichuan Basin supporting the carbon neutrality goal. To accelerate the exploration, this study combines petrographic observations using optical and cold cathodoluminescence microscopy, 
fluid inclusion microthermometry, Raman spectroscopy, 1D basin modeling and fluid inclusion PVTX modeling techniques to reveal the paleo-fluid P-T evolution in the second member of the Dengying Formation(Ediacaran age)…Results from this study, will provide a basis for further natural gas exploration and risk prediction in the DBRs of the Sichuan Basin,as well as valuable insights for exploring deep carbonate reservoirs withsimilar conditions around the globe.  

Evaluation of shale oil and gas plays - Part I: Shale reservoir property modelling of the North Sea Kimmeridge Clay Formation (6/24): "These areas show good potential based on all investigated properties, with respect to industry standards…the best areas for the potential exploitation of shale oil and gas are located within the central part of the ∼4.6 km deep Witch Ground Graben, as well as subsidiary regions of the ∼3.8 km deep Piper Shelf and Claymore-Tartan Ridge." 

Prediction method for the porosity of tight sandstone constrained by lithofacies and logging resolution (9/24): “The prediction method based on lithofacies control and weight analysis can be applied to other tight sandstones, providing reliable technical support for oil and gas exploration and development.”

Implications of multi-stage deformation on the differential preservation of Lower Paleozoic shale gas in tectonically complex regions: New structural and kinematic constraints from the Upper Yangtze Platform, South China (2/24): "The aim of the study is to facilitate the improved exploration and exploitation of the shale gas in the region."

Shale oil content evaluation and sweet spot prediction based on convolutional neural network (9/24): "Shale oil content prediction is currently the focus of exploration. Traditional prediction methods are less accurate, and a large number of analytical tests can increase the cost of exploration...This study provides a new idea for evaluating hydrocarbon micromigration of shale oil and predicting favorable zones and the grading evaluation of oil content in petroliferous basins around the world."

Integrating μCT imaging of core plugs and transfer learning for automated reservoir rock characterization and tomofacies identification (7/24): "The developed technique represents a significant advance in reservoir characterization, offering rapid and accurate identification of rock properties that can improve exploration and development strategies."

Organic geochemical heterogeneity of cretaceous mudrocks and reassessment of oil sources in the Tano Basin, Ghana (4/24): "The Tano Basin in Ghana, situated within the South Atlantic margin, is a significant area for petroleum exploration...These new geochemical findings shed light on the paleoenvironmental conditions and source rock characteristics of the region, significantly contributing to our understanding of the petroleum evolution and potential of the Tano Basin."

Impacts of sedimentary characteristics and diagenesis on reservoir quality of the 4th member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the western Sichuan Basin, southwest China (6/24): "This study can not only lay a foundation for the further exploration and development of tight sandstone gas in the study area, but also provide a scientific basis for the study of tight sandstone in other areas."

Depositional facies and evolution of sponge-microbial-constructed carbonate platforms in the lower Cambrian (Stage 3), Tarim basin, China: Understanding from anatomy (9/24): "These datasets would provide a useful analogue for perceiving the facies-constrained porosity and heterogeneity in the deeply buried counterparts in the basin, helpful for making exploration strategy for the deeply-buried hydrocarbon resources."

Geologic characterization of the Lower Paleozoic black shale of the Niutitang Formation: Implications for a shale gas potential in western Hunan, China (5/24): "Various shale plays have been compared globally and identified as potential targets for shale gas exploration."

Water distribution in pore systems and its influences on gas-bearing property of deep shale: A case study of the Longmaxi Formation in the Luzhou area, southern Sichuan Basin (5/24): "These findings are expected to enhance the understanding of the influence of pore water on gas-bearing properties, which will provide some new guidance for deep shale gas exploration and development."

Molecular and carbon isotopic geochemistry of oils with different fluorescence color from the Upper Jurassic Qigu formation and oil accumulation process in Yongjin area, Junggar Basin in China. (10/24): “This research not only provides theoretical guidance for the production of oil in the Qigu Fm, but also has importance for deep oil and gas exploration in the Yongjin area.”

Investigating the hydrocarbon potential of the Paleogene coal seams in Kapuni Field, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand: Implications for coal-oil correlation (7/24): "Hydrocarbon generation in Taranaki Basin, New Zealand, has been proven in several source rocks within the syn- and post-rift basin-fill sedimentary successions...These results demonstrate the generation and expulsion of coal-oil, thereby shedding light on the prospectively of the Paleogene plays in the Taranaki Basin."

Oil cracking under closed-system pyrolysis: Implications for deep oil occurrence and related source determination (8/24): "These findings present useful information for deep petroleum exploration in the BBB."

The Palaeozoic of a future high potential hydrocarbon fold-thrust belt through the Zagros Basin, Iran (7/24): "The objective of this research is to present and to comment on the petroliferous formations in this particular region...it could help to emphasize the importance of exploring the region for potential hydrocarbon resources."

The Dominant Influence of Muddy Bottom Currents on Organic-rich Fine-grained Sedimentary Rocks: the Lower Congo Basin, West Africa (7/24): "The findings have implications for the exploration of deep water hydrocarbons."

Investigating the Potential of Unconventional Resources in the Midland Basin: A Comprehensive Chemostratigraphic Analysis of a Cline Shale (Wolfcamp-D) Core (7/24): "An optimal landing zone and a sweet spot are delineated for hydrocarbon production within the lowastand deposits of the upper Cline Shale interval."

Depositional environments and source rock potential of some Upper Palaeozoic (Devonian) coals on Bjørnøya, Western Barents shelf (5/24): "Upper Palaeozoic strata are potential sources for hydrocarbon plays on the Norwegian Barents Shelf...Here, we investigate the organic geochemical composition and source rock potential of coals and organic-rich mudstones of Late Devonian to middle Permian ages.

The geomechanical response of the Gulf of Mexico Green Canyon 955 reservoir to gas hydrate dissociation: A model based on sediment properties with and without gas hydrate (9/24): "Gas hydrate is commonly found concentrated in sand- and silt-rich reservoirs and these are thought to have great potential as an energy resource. To evaluate this potential, it is critical to understand their in-situ stress state and their behavior during production. We explore the geomechanical behavior of sandy silt sediments from a hydrate reservoir at Green Canyon GC 955, deep-water Gulf of Mexico without hydrate and compare these results to previous work on the same sandy silty sediments with hydrate present."

Coupling control of organic and inorganic rock components on porosity and pore structure of lacustrine shale with medium maturity: A case study of the Qingshankou Formation in the southern Songliao Basin (6/24): "The dominant lithofacies and their formation conditions were identified, providing a theoretical basis for the selection of sweet spots of this type of shale oil."

Controls on mechanical properties of a carbonate mudstone: Insights from non-destructive techniques and geochemical data (3/24): "This study quantifies geomechanical properties of carbonate mudrocks in the Arabian intra-shelf basin...Geomechanical characteristics such as rock strength are fundamental factors that determine the success of an unconventional play economically."

Assessment of the hydrocarbon potential in the black shales of the Jurassic Khatatba Formation and generated hydrocarbons, North Western Desert, Egypt: Depositional mechanism of organic rich rocks related to syn-rift differential subsidence (6/24): "Data integration from this study can be used to show the variation in organic richness (TOC) and thermal maturity (Tmax) in the area between the four wells, which will help define the exploration risk and provide for a new vision for more exploration activity."

The thermal history of Permian carbonate strata reconstructed with clumped isotopes and U–Pb dating: Eastern Sichuan Basin, SW China (5/24): "This study is important for understanding the regional tectono-thermal evolution history and hydrocarbon generation in the Sichuan Basin. It provides fundamental information for further hydrocarbon exploration in the Sichuan Basin."

Depositional environment and source rock distribution of the Late Cretaceous Rakopi formation in the deepwater Taranaki Basin, New Zealand (2/24): "Understanding depositional systems is important in petroleum exploration...This study aims to describe the depositional environments and potential source rock areas of the Rakopi Formation in the Deepwater Taranaki Basin."

Oil shale enrichment mechanisms in the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation from the Ludong sag, Songliao Basin, Northeast China (9/24):“This study attempts to (1) characterize the depositional features of the oil shale-bearing successions, (2) analyze the characteristics and distribution of oil shales, (3) consider the effects of gravity flows and volcanic activity onoil shale accumulation, and (4) build a comprehensive depositional model for oil shale enrichment and provide the theoretical basis for future exploration in other energy basins.”

Estimating total organic carbon of potential source rocks in the Espírito Santo Basin, SE Brazil, using XGBoost (4/24): "The results indicate the potential of machine learning for TOC prediction in large, heterogeneous data sets, outperforming the traditional ΔlogR method and offering a promising tool for the usage of available public data sets in similar applications, such as the oil and gas (O&G) industry's exploration phase or field reassessment."

Mesoscale migration of oil in tight sandstone reservoirs by multi-field coupled two-phase flow (6/24): "This study reveals the mesoscopic-scale mechanism of oil migration in tight sandstone reservoirs and may prove useful in the exploration and development in such reservoirs."

Lithofacies assemblage and effects on diagenesis in lacustrine tight sandstone reservoirs: Samples from Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, China (7/24): "This study contributes to understanding the mechanism behind diagenetic variations in tight sandstones and the reservoir evaluation. Consequently, it offers geological reference for the development of unconventional oil and gas resources in comparable lacustrine basins."

Source rock potential and spatial distribution of the stratigraphic formations in the central Mediterranean Ridge: Evidence from mud volcanic deposits and 2D seismic data (2/24): "The study of this material, combined with the available seismic data, can improve the geological understanding of this frontier exploration area. In this paper, biostratigraphic and geochemical studies are performed on mud breccia deposits from five Mud Volcanoes (MVs) in the central MR, aiming to define the sediments’ stratigraphic origin and assess the source rock potential of the individual formations. In addition, regional seismic data is used to reveal the spatial distribution of the major lithostratigraphic formations in the subsurface...the discovered solid hydrocarbons and oil droplets point to an active petroleum system in the region."

Lithofacies, architecture and evolution of carbonate tidal delta system: Implications for reservoir heterogeneity (mid-cretaceous Mishrif Formation, Southeast Iraq) (8/24): "The aims of this paper are (1) to characterize the sedimentary architecture, rock fabric, and petrophysical properties (porosity and permeability) of the tidal delta system of Mishrif Formation in Southeast Iraq; and (2) to enhance understanding of carbonate tidal delta heterogeneity to facilitate the development of oil and gas fields in the region and beyond in the Middle East."

Facies prediction in a mature oil field of Cretaceous age in the Calumbi Formation (Sergipe-Alagoas Basin, Brazil) by using an outcrop analogue approach (4/24): "This approach is both unprecedented and pivotal, revealing previously unknown exploratory potential in the surrounding areas of the overexploited Cidade de Aracaju Oilfield."

Mapping palaeoshorelines of river-dominated deltas in lacustrine ramp settings: Application of sedimentological analyses to the Triassic Yanchang Formation (Ordos Basin, China) (6/24): "The results can inform exploration in the Ordos Basin, providing guidance on the potential for extending exploration basinward."

High resolution sequence cyclostratigraphic modeling of Albian – Cenomanian succession based on statistical, time series and palynofacies analyses in Meleiha Basin in the Western Desert, Egypt (6/24): "The integrated sequence stratigraphic modeling accomplished in the present study increases our understanding of the source/reservoir distribution in the Albian Cenomanian succession and will be of great benefit for current and future exploration plans in the Meleiha basin."

Lithofacies characteristics and genetic mechanism of hybrid sedimentary rocks in Da'anzhai member, Sichuan Basin (4/24): "The findings of this study not only deepen the understanding of sedimentary process of the lacustrine hybrid sediments, but also have important theoretical significance for lacustrine oil and gas exploration and development." The authors would like to thank PetroChina Southwest Oil and Gas Field Company for providing core samples and other necessary geological data from LA1 and RA1 wells for this research work.

Evaluation of pore structure characteristics of deep clastic rocks in the Huangliu formation of LD-X area, Yinggehai Basin (6/24): "Clastic oil and gas reservoirs continue to have significant exploration potential and production in the current energy pattern...These findings lay the foundation for studying the evolution path of high-quality reservoir pore structure and identifying favorable reservoirs."

Inhomogeneous strain partitioning in the Cenozoic Bohai Bay Basin controlled by pre-existing crustal fabrics and oblique subduction: Insights from the Jizhong and Huanghua subbasins (12/24): “Our study sheds new lights on strain partitioning during rift basin evolution and the formation mechanism of the BBB, which could deepen the understanding of rift basin formation in general and oil and gas exploration within it.”

Diagenetic Evolution and cementation mechanism in Deep Carbonate Reservoirs: A Case Study of Dengying Fm. 2 in Penglai, Sichuan Basin, China (9/24): "Our research indicates that the development of high-quality reservoirs in deep-to-ultra-deep microbial dolomites is a result of complex multi-factor interactions and multi-stage discontinuous modifications, leading to strong heterogeneity within the reservoirs…Remarkably, even under exceptional ultra-deep conditions, high-quality microbial dolomite carbonate reservoirs can still develop and be preserved, presenting significant potential for oil and gas exploration."

Volcanic-controlled basin architecture variation and dynamic sediment filling in the South Lufeng Sag, South China Sea (9/24): "The findings pave the way for the extensive application of this methodology in petroleum development across various geographic regions."

Diagenetic archives of the deeply-buried Cambrian Xiaoerbulake Formation microbialite reservoirs, Bachu-Tazhong area, Tarim Basin, China (9/24): "The deep-burial Cambrian Xiaoerbulake Formation microbialites reservoir hosts significant hydrocarbon in the Tarim Basin. However, limited understandings of fluid-rock interactions from deposition to deep-burial regimes hamper petroleum exploration. Here, petrological observations, in-situ elemental contents and porosity-permeability analyses were performed to understand the complex interactions and the microbialites performance."

Organic geochemistry and 1D-basin modeling in the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand: Implications for deltaic-source rocks of the Cenozoic oil and condensate reservoirs (10/24): “Successful exploration and exploitation can potentially enhance and increase the world's hydrocarbon reserves. Such activities request a clear understanding of the petroleum system…The present study plays a role in characterizing the source rocks and improving the understanding of the petroleum system of the Taranaki Basin.

Formation mechanism of carbonate cement in tight sandstone reservoirs in the depression zone of foreland basin and its impact on reservoir heterogeneity: The upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Western Sichuan foreland basin, China (9/24): "In recent years, tight sandstone reservoirs, harboring substantial oil and gas resource potential, have emerged as a promising resource...[a] knowledge gap has resulted in prediction errors concerning reservoir quality, severely hampering tight sandstone exploration...this study seeks to clarify the formation mechanism of carbonate cement in tight sandstone reservoirs."

Source of quartz cement and its impact on reservoir quality in Jurassic Shaximiao Formation in central Sichuan Basin, China (1/24): "Insufficient study significantly impedes our comprehension of diagenetic mechanisms and the development of reservoir pore systems in this particular area, both of which are crucial for guiding petroleum exploration endeavors.The main goals of this study include...to investigate the diagenetic processes connected with quartz cementation"

Vertical heterogeneity of Gulong shale oil governed by the OM precursors and oil accumulation: Implications for shale oil exploration in the Songliao Basin, Northeastern China (5/24): "The selection of favorable layers for shale oil development remains uncertain due to significant variations in oil production of different intervals in the Formation (Q₁–Q₉). In this study, the geochemical features of shale, the content and chemical features of extracted oils in different shale intervals are analyzed in detail, and the favorable intervals and mechanism for shale oil accumulation are also addressed."

Complementary laboratory experiments and molecular dynamics simulation method to investigate the mobility of shale oil: The Permian Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin (7/24): "This study focused on the mobility of shale oil in the Fengcheng Formation of Mahu Sag through multistep rock-eval pyrolysis experiments and molecular dynamics simulations....the accurate evaluation of the mobility of shale oil is one of the key issues to be solved in the process of shale oil exploration and development."

Influence of coal rock on tight sandstone reservoirs in coal seam roofs: A case study of the lower jurassic in the Taibei sag, Turpan-Hami Basin, China (7/24): “Tight sandstone gas is a hotspot and difficult area in the field of unconventional oil and gas exploration, and it has attracted a great deal of attention from explorers and scholars in recent years…This [paper] provides a theoretical basis for the evaluation of coal measure tight sandstone reservoirs and sweet spot prediction of coal measure natural gas resources.”

Implications of the depositional and diagenetic attributes on the reservoir properties of the siliciclastic mangahewa formation, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand: Integrated petrographical and petrophysical studies (6/24): "Our study provides valuable insights into the intricate petrophysical properties of the Mangahewa reservoir, enhancing the predictability of the reservoir behavior and optimizing hydrocarbon production in this challenging geological setting."

Reservoir characteristics and controlling factors of the middle–high maturity multiple lithofacies reservoirs of the Lianggaoshan Formation shale strata in the northeastern Sichuan basin, China (3/24): “The Lianggaoshan Formation, which is located in the northeastern part of the Sichuan Basin, is an important shale oil producer. However, due to the effects of complex petrography, a wide range of maturity, and lower organic matter (OM) content in comparison to other areas, the pore characteristics of different lithofacies are unclear, which severely limits exploration and development. Therefore, by using geochemical, petrological and pore structure characterization experiments, this study thoroughly examines the pore properties of several lithofacies in the Lianggaoshan Formation in Northeast Sichuan.” 

Formation mechanism of high-quality Palaeogene “compositional mixing” reservoirs in lacustrine rift basins: A case from the offshore Bohai Bay Basin, China (9/24): "This study offers novel insights and a model for understanding the formation mechanism of CMRs, providing implications for future global petroleum exploration in mixed sediment reservoirs."

Sedimentology, depositional processes, and sequence stratigraphy of deep lacustrine fine-grained sedimentary rocks in the lower Oligocene Xiaganchaigou Formation, Qaidam Basin, Northwestern China (8/24): "This study provides a new understanding of the sedimentology of deep lacustrine fine-grained deposits and sheds light on exploring unconventional hydrocarbon resources in terrigenous deep-water settings."

Petrophysical characterization of the Late-Cretaceous Logbaba Formation in the Kribi/Campo sub-basin, Cameroon: Implication on deep-water hydrocarbon exploration (8/24): "Deep-water hydrocarbon exploration in the Kribi/Campo sub-basin offshore Cameroon is targeting the promising Campanian-Maastrichtian turbidite reservoirs...The findings from this study extend the understanding of the reservoir characteristics of the Upper Cretaceous Logbaba Formation, which will further enhance hydrocarbon prospectivity offshore Cameroon."

Tectono-sequence Evolution of an Extensional Strike-slip Composite Basin, a Case Study of the Miaoxi’nan Sub-sag in the Eastern Bohai Bay Basin (10/24): “This study provides vital insights into the tectono-sequence dynamics of extensional strike-slip composite basins, with implications for future hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation.”

Silurian to early Devonian overmature hot shales in Eastern Taurus: Source rock characteristics and links to North African petroleum systems (6/24): "We aspire to contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge, paving the way for future investigations and the development of more effective exploration strategies in the region."

How marine incursions affect the sedimentary environment and the quality of source rocks in the Upper Cretaceous Songliao Basin, NE China (9/24): “Key insights for predicting “sweet spots” for shale oil exploration in the Qingshankou Formation of the Songliao Basin.” We would like to thank the National Natural Science Foundation of China and PetroChina Science and Technology Project for their financial support. 

Assessment of thermal maturity in Lower Cambrian organic-rich shale in south China using integrated optical reflectance and Raman spectroscopy of pyrobitumen (2/24): "In this study, we...determine the thermal maturity of Lower Cambrian organic-rich shales...Thermal maturity is critical to hydrocarbon generation evaluation, and it is also a key indicator in shale oil and gas exploration"

Classification and reservoir characteristics of lacustrine carbonate conglomerate in the Shulu Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin (6/24): "Six wells, including ST1H, in the tight carbonate reservoirs of the lowermost sub-member of the third member of the mid-Eocene Shahejie Formation yield industrial oil flow, which shows good prospects for tight oil exploration."

Seismic lithology and geological implications of pre-salt jurassic carbonate rocks in the Amu Darya Right Bank (7/24): "lithology and lithofacies analyses based on good control cannot meet the subsequent exploration and developmental activity requirements, seriously restricting the further expansion of oil and gas exploration in the ADRB Block. The purpose of this study is to accurately characterize the lithofacies of the pre-salt Jurassic carbonate sequence and identify the distribution patterns of reefs and shoals in the eastern ADRB." This work was supported by the CNPC's technology projects such as “Research on the Technology for the Mechanism and Exploration Evaluation of Overseas Deep Reservoirs”

Depositional facies and diagenetic control on reservoir quality of the Aptian Dariyan Formation, NW Persian Gulf (7/24): "Integrating our findings into exploration workflows could enhance decision-making processes, minimize risks, and maximize the success rate of hydrocarbon discoveries within the Dariyan Formation."

Genesis mechanism of laumontite cement and its impact on the reservoir of siliciclastic rock: A case study of Jurassic Shaximiao Formation in central Sichuan Basin, China (7/24): "This exploration in the evolution of authigenic laumontite within clastic sedimentary rocks aims to provide new insights and considerations. Furthermore, it seeks to offer a theoretical basis for oil and gas exploration in the Shaximiao Formation of the Sichuan Basin and analogous basins featuring laumontite sandstones." We are grateful that the Shaximiao Formation core samples and geological data were provided by PetroChina Southwest Oil & Gas Field Company and the Research Institute of Exploration and Development.

Depositional and diagenetic controls on reservoir properties of the lower Cambrian Khewra Sandstone, eastern salt range, Sub-Himalaya, Pakistan (3/24): "The bounding unconformities and variation of compositional and textural patterns determine the reservoir quality. The dynamic interaction among deposition, tectonics and diagenesis yields a comprehensive understanding of reservoir potential on a global scale."

The joint controls of tectonism, sedimentation and diagenesis on reservoir quality in the East China Sea Basin (7/24): "By using log, seismic and core test data, we developed a method that uses tectonism, sedimentation and diagenesis to evaluate sweet spot distribution of the third (Mbr 3), fourth (Mbr 4) and fifth (Mbr 5) members of the Oligocene Huagang Formation in the Xihu Depression, East China Sea Basin."

Influence of faults on late-stage migration of methane-rich gas in a major unconventional hydrocarbon accumulation: Montney Formation, western Canada (6/24): “Recognizing fault control on the intraformational migration of hydrocarbons at the regional scale can shed new light on the present-day distribution of hydrocarbon fluids within the Montney Formation, and assist in the future economic evaluation and development of this world-class unconventional petroleum resource. This study of the Montney Formation, benefitting from a wealth of publicly available subsurface data, provides a well-documented analogue for evaluating intraformational hydrocarbon migration in other unconventional petroleum accumulations.”

Lacustrine shale lithofacies and depositional environment in the paleocene second member of the funing formation, subei basin, China: Insights into shale oil development prospects (6/24): "These new characterizations have significant implications for considering favorable lithofacies…provide valuable insights and guidance for future shale oil exploration in the Qintong Sag of the Subei Basin."

Effects of post-oil bitumen on the nanopore development of shales: New insights from a stepwise thermal simulation experiment on small shale plug samples (10/24): "As exploration progresses, shale gas exploration becomes increasingly difficult. Therefore, there is an urgent need to innovate and develop enrichment theories of shale gas to guide its exploration and development in new fields…typical marine and marine-continental transitional shale samples with Type IIa and Type IIb kerogen were selected for the experiment, which has practical significance in guiding present shale gas exploration…The purpose of this study is to reveal the pore development models and mechanisms of post-oil bitumen and provide new evidence for the evaluation of shale pore development."

Diagenetic alterations induced by lamina-scale mass transfer and the impacts on shale oil reservoir formation in carbonate-rich shale of the Permian Lucaogou Formation, Jimusar Sag (4/24): "It is hoped that the research results can deepen the understanding of the diagenesis of carbonate-rich shale, so as to predict the characteristics of authigenic carbonate development and provides important guidance to shale oil exploration and development in study area."

Origin and microbial degradation of thermogenic hydrocarbons within the sandy gas hydrate reservoirs in the Qiongdongnan Basin, northern South China Sea (7/24): "Our findings are highly significant for the evaluation and exploration of thermogenic gas hydrate accumulations worldwide."

U–Pb detrital zircon ages from Cretaceous - Paleogene white sandstone member in Western Tabei Uplift (China) as provenance indicators (2/24): "The Western Tabei Uplift is one of the largest first-level structural units in the Tarim Basin with great potential for oil and gas resources…Our finding could shed new light on the provenance and sedimentary model of Cretaceous-Paleogene white sandstone member in the Western Tabei Uplift and provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of lithological oil reservoirs in this section." 

Petroleum System Analysis of Fujairah Basin, Eastern Offshore of the United Arab Emirates (10/24): “The Fujairah basin, located on the eastern margin of the United Arab Emirates, forms part of the hinterland basin of the Oman-UAE mountains. Despite its geological significance, the hydrocarbon potential of this basin remains unexplored. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by using 2D seismic reflection data, three exploration wells, geochemical data from one well, a 2D velocity section, and two pseudo-wells.” 

Characteristics and Main Controlling Factors of the Sangonghe Tight Sandstone Reservoirs in the Shengbei Sub-sag of the Turpan-Hami Basin, China (10/24): “The Sangonghe tight sandstone hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Shengbei Sub-sag of the Turpan-Hami Basin are key areas for hydrocarbon exploration. However, previous research has mostly focused on petrological characteristics, physical properties, and pore types. There is a lack of understanding regarding diagenesis, microscopic pore-throat features, and the impact of overpressure on the reservoir. This gap in knowledge poses a disadvantage for future studies and hydrocarbon exploration…this study thoroughly analyzed the main controlling factors for the reservoirs, providing a theoretical foundation for the evaluation, exploration, and development of tight sandstone reservoirs in the Shengbei Sub-sag.”

Evidence for regional fluid migration in the Eagle Ford Formation, Austin Chalk, and Buda Limestone of south-central and west Texas, USA (8/24): "These results have significant implications for assessment for hydrocarbon exploration and production of conventional, hybrid, and self-sourced reservoirs in south Texas and other basins."
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Rock-physics Modeling and Pre-stack Seismic Inversion for the Cambrian Superdeep Dolomite Reservoirs in Tarim Basin, Northwest China (6/24): "We apply the established density indicator to achieve precise density prediction for superdeep dolomite."

Provenance and tectonic settings of the lower Permian siliciclastic rocks in central Inner Mongolia: Implications for the evolution of the Paleo-Asian Ocean (3/24): "The study on the depositional environment, material source, and tectonic background of the Shoushangou Formation is also important for the oil and gas evaluation in this area. Thus, the lithological, paleontological and stratigraphic characteristics of the Shoushangou Formation in the West Ujimqin area are studied"

Sequence stratigraphy driven by tectonic subsidence and astronomical forcing: A case study from the Miocene Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea (11/24): "Sequence stratigraphy has been widely used in the exploration of oil and gas in continental margins and basins since its inception due to its practicalit…In this study, we selected wells A1 and B2 in the Huizhou Depression of the PRMB for cyclostratigraphic and sequence stratigraphic analyses." 

Tectonic–paleogeographic evolution of the Late Triassic in the Sichuan basin, SW China: Constraints from sedimentary facies and provenance analysis of the Xujiahe Formation (2/24): "The findings of this study contribute to a broader understanding of the Xujiahe Formation regional variations and their implications for hydrocarbon exploration in Sichuan Basin."

Impact and implications of hydrothermal fluids migration in the Frolov hydrocarbon province in West Siberia (6/24): "The goal of this study is to identify hydrothermal processes and their impact on pore space and organic maturity to better predict the spatial distribution of unconventional reservoirs...Our workflow should significantly enhance the efficiency of the exploration process"

Structural and stratigraphic controls on reservoir architecture: A case study from the lower Oligocene Vicksburg Formation, Brooks County, Texas (2/24): "This zone is characterized by listric-normal faults that have formed highly faulted rollover anticlines, which are valuable structural traps for for hydrocarbon exploration...a valuable reference for similar geological systems and reservoirs worldwide"

Study on the relationship between shale organic matter development and paleowater depth—A new understanding of the condensed section (11/24): "The results of this study are of great significance for shale oil and gas exploration in China, and provide a new direction for the discovery of shale oil and gas sweet spots."

Impact and implications of hydrothermal fluids migration in the Frolov hydrocarbon province in West Siberia (6/24): "The goal of this study is to identify hydrothermal processes and their impact on pore space and organic maturity to better predict the spatial distribution of unconventional reservoirs...Our workflow should significantly enhance the efficiency of the exploration process"

Depositional facies controls on reservoir rock typing and heterogeneity: Devonian siliciclastic succession, south central Ghadames basin, Libya (5/24): "Promoting the predictability of the best reservoir targets."

Genesis of honeycomb buildups in the Permian Zechstein Group, Southern North Sea (9/24): “The sedimentological understanding provided by this study not only de-risks frontier exploration but also provides insight into carbonate growth in restricted platform recovery scenarios.”

Critical re-assessment of Middle and Late Miocene submarine fans in offshore southern and western Taranaki Basin, New Zealand, to update the paleogeography (3/24): "The new Taranaki Basin deep-water fans documented here, may have significance for hydrocarbon exploration in deep water parts of Taranaki Basin, which is largely unexplored."

Stratigraphic evolution and sediment dispersal in a marine rift-basin: The case of the Lewis trough, Eastern Dampier sub-basin (Australia) (3/24): "Understanding the stratigraphic evolution of marine rift basins allows to predict reservoir location and extent."

Structural and stratigraphic controls on reservoir architecture: A case study from the lower Oligocene Vicksburg Formation, Brooks County, Texas (2/24): "This zone is characterized by listric-normal faults that have formed highly faulted rollover anticlines, which are valuable structural traps for for hydrocarbon exploration...a valuable reference for similar geological systems and reservoirs worldwide"

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Berriasian organic-rich interval of the Vaca Muerta Formation (Neuquén Basin, Argentina): Insights for the characterization of unconventional hydrocarbon shale reservoirs (5/24): "The results of our study position the BORI as an attractive interval for unconventional hydrocarbon production"

Characteristics and an accumulation model of a bauxite gas reservoir in the southwestern Ordos Basin (8/24): "These findings have significant implications for natural gas exploration in Al-bearing rocks in North China and other regions."

Determination of multistage oil charge processes in the Ediacaran Dengying gas reservoirs of the southwestern Sichuan basin, SW China (6/24): "This research reveals the timing of multistage oil charging events in the southwest Sichuan basin...determining the timing of hydrocarbon charge is critical to understand the regular pattern of hydrocarbon accumulation, providing important guidance for deep and ultra-deep exploration."

Structural style & kinematic analysis of deformation in the northern Dezful Embayment, Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt, SW Iran (9/24): “A comprehensive understanding of structure and kinematic characteristics of fold and thrust belts provides significant information for hydrocarbon exploration and production. The kinematic evolution and structural style of three subsurface oilfields, Zeloi, Lali and Karun, in the northern part of the Dezful Embayment, a significant petroleum province of the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt in SW Iran, were investigated using 2D seismic data.”

Prototypical basin reconstruction and evolutionary models for the Precambrian of the Qinshui Basin, North China Craton (9/24): “The thick Precambrian strata in the Qinshui Basin (QB) have high potential for hydrocarbon exploration. Tectonic evolution restoration and prototype basin reconstruction are key to hydrocarbon exploration and evaluation for Precambrian strata. We studied the 2D/3D seismic data and Precambrian field outcrops of the QB to elucidate its geological attributes, major regional unconformities, tectonostratigraphic framework, tectonic evolution and prototype basin.” 

‍Deciphering the origin and secondary alteration of deep natural gas in the Tarim basin through paired methane clumped isotopes (2/24): “This novel approach may aid hydrocarbon exploration in deeply buried petroleum systems worldwide.”

Bedding-parallel fracture density prediction using graph convolutional network in continental shale oil reservoirs: A case study in Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin, China (7/24) "We have explained how the model is generated step by step and ultimately predicted the response of the logging curve, which can be used as a theoretical geological basis for the exploration and development of shale oil."

Characteristics and correlations of rock components, structure, and physical properties of deep clastic reservoirs in the LD-X area of Yinggehai Basin, western South China Sea (7/24): "The results provide a profound analysis of the lithology of the LD area in the Yinggehai Basin and lay the foundation for understanding the development pattern of high-quality reservoirs and predicting their distribution."

‍Geochemical properties, mechanism of formation, and source of solid bitumen in the Ediacaran Dengying Formation from the central to northern Sichuan Basin, China (1/24): “This research successfully obtained insights into the source and genetic mechanism of paleo-oil reservoirs by analyzing the properties of high-maturity solid bitumens, which can guide further exploration and development of deep petroleum resources.”

A modified surface to volume (SVR) method to calculate nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) surface relaxivity: Theory and a case study in shale reservoirs (12/24): “Surface relaxivity (ρ2) is a critical parameter for converting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T2 data to pore size distribution (PSD)…This study represents the first attempt to examine ρ2 variations across different pore ranges in shale reservoirs. The methodology presented can be applied to other formations, enhancing NMR data application in both laboratory settings and well logging…Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a fast and nondestructive method for quantitatively characterizing rock porosity, fluid saturation, and pore size distribution (PSD). It plays a significant role in the exploration and development of conventional and unconventional resources such as sandstones, shales, and coals.”

‍A new method of the hydrocarbon secondary migration research: Numerical simulation (2/24): “The proposed method introduces a powerful approach to analyzing and predicting hydrocarbon migration and accumulation, fostering improved decision-making in exploration endeavors.”

‍Determination of in situ hydrocarbon contents in shale oil plays: Part 3: Quantification of light hydrocarbon evaporative loss in old cores based on preserved shales (2/24): “This research has great implication for estimating in situ hydrocarbon potential using conventional coring samples.”

‍Influence of basement high and detachment on the kinematics of a fold-and-thrust belt in the central South Yellow Sea Basin, China: Insights from analog modeling (2/24): “This study is of significant importance to guide future petroleum exploration in the central South Yellow Sea Basin.”

Stratigraphic architecture of the synrift interval in the northern Pletmos Basin, offshore South Africa (2/24): “This research enhances our understanding of the potential for hydrocarbon reserves in the northern Pletmos Basin.”
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Seismic data, cross-section balancing, and hydrocarbon prospectivity of the western Sulaiman fold belt, northwest Pakistan (2/24): “We have applied the line-length balancing technique to construct the cross-section to resolve the overall geometry of the frontal duplex for assessment of the play and hydrocarbon exploration.”

‍Tectonism and fracture-related dissolution induced the formation of the large-scale metamorphic granite reservoir: Implications from Bozhong 26–6 Precambrian bedrock trap, offshore Bohai Bay basin, Northern China (2/24): “These research results can deepen scientific understanding surrounding the formation mechanism of buried-hill reservoirs and provide a geological model for reservoir prediction.”

Evaluation of sweet spots for a tight sandstone reservoir: A quantitative study of diagenesis in the fourth member of the Oligocene Huagang Formation, Xihu Depression, East China Sea Shelf Basin (5/24): "Reservoir sweet spot evaluation is very important for tight sandstone gas exploration and development. Due to the characteristics of large burial depth, strong diagenesis heterogeneity, and prominent importance of diagenetic facies, sweet spot evaluation is the focus and difficulty of unconventional oil and gas exploration and development."

Petrophysical and seismo-stratigraphic analysis of the tertiary formations of the South onshore of the Rio Del Rey Basin (Cameroon margin, Gulf of Guinea) from well logs and seismic data (12/24): “This study focused on the South onshore of the RDRB aims to delineate lithofacies, possible reservoirs with the potential to contain hydrocarbons (oil/gas), and evaluate the hydrocarbon quality and productivity through well logs and seismic data.” The authors would like to acknowledge TOTAL E&P for providing the subsurface data and SCHLUMBERGER for providing the Petrel software, and Petromine as part of this work was carried out in its laboratory of University of Douala (Cameroon) 

Insights into the formation and growth of authigenic chlorite in sandstone: Analysis of mineralogical and geochemical characteristics from Shaximiao Formation, Sichuan Basin, SW China (9/24): “This study aims to advance the theoretical understanding of authigenic chlorite growth and provide crucial data support for oil and gas exploration in the region.”

Hydrothermal alteration mechanisms of an Archaean metamorphic buried hill and the models for reservoir zonation, Bozhong depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China (6/24): "This study may serve as a reference for the hydrocarbon exploration in metamorphic buried-hill reservoirs."
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Gas-in-place content and occurrence state of deep shale gas in the Luzhou area, Sichuan Basin, China (2/24): "The results are of great significance in evaluating the resource quantity of deep shale gas, predicting "sweet spots" and formulating development plans."

Analysis of the filling patterns and reservoir development models of the Ordovician paleokarst reservoirs in the tahe oilfield (3/24): "It is highly important to guide the exploration and development of carbonate oil and gas fields to comprehensively study the formation process and mechanism of carbonate reservoir spaces and summarize the filling laws and reservoir development models of ancient karst areas…The development models corresponding to different patterns are summarized to support the development and potential exploration of ancient cave-containing carbonate reservoirs.
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Volcanic lithofacies control the space in unconventional, rhyolitic hydrocarbon reservoirs: The Hailar Basin, NE China (7/24): "...promising targets for oil and gas exploration. The facies model we obtain from the Hailar Basin may be extended to similar rhyolitic rocks in other basins hosting unconventional reservoirs.
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Petroleum system analysis of the komombo basin, southern Egypt: Insights from basin modeling and hydrocarbon geochemistry (9/24): "This study integrates seismic, borehole, and geochemical data, coupled with 1D and 2D basin models, to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential and analyze the petroleum system within the Komombo Basin."

Seismic Sedimentology Analysis of Meter-Scale Thin Sand Bodies in the Jurassic Qigu Formation, Yongjin Area, Junggar Basin (8/24): "Extensive exploration has led to the discovery of substantial oil and gas resources in the Jurassic Qigu Formation in the Junggar Basin, which is the primary oil-bearing layer and has a promising exploration potential…This study was conducted within the framework of seismic sedimentology theory to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution patterns, evolution of sedimentary systems, and sedimentary models of the thin sand bodies in the Yongjin area of the Jurassic Qigu Formation in the Junggar Basin. Based on the collected data.”

Identification of complex crude oil categories in ultra-deep petroleum systems based on a new fluorescence analysis method: An example from the southwestern Tabei Uplift, Tarim Basin, China (7/24): “Ultra-deep (burial depth >6000 m) petroliferous basins have large petroleum potential. In the last two decades, great breakthroughs have been achieved in ultra-deep petroleum exploration, and ultra-deep oil and gas resources have made increasing contributions to global petroleum production…The complicated crude oil categories significantly impeded the determination of the sources and formation mechanisms of crude oils, and how to effectively classify the categories of crude oils is a critical issue in ultra-deep petroleum exploration…The purpose of this study was to reveal the relationships of fluorescence parameters with geochemical and physical parameters for ultra-deep crude oils and establish correlation diagrams based on fluorescence parameters for identifying crude oil categories, which may provide new approaches for revealing the sources and formation mechanisms of crude oils in ultra-deep petroleum systems.”

Insights into the Wetting Mechanisms in Low-Permeability Sandstone Reservoirs and its Evolution Processes: the shahejie Formation in the Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin (10/24): “With increasing extent and intensity of oil and gas exploration in recent years, low-permeability oil as an unconventional oil and gas resource has become a research hotspot in the field of oil and gas exploration…Our research provides valuable insights into the formation mechanisms of low-permeability sandstone reservoirs, with a view of providing theoretical evidence for the exploration and development of such reservoirs.”

Geochemistry and accumulation of the ultra-deep Ordovician oils in the Shunbei oilfield, Tarim Basin: Coupling of reservoir secondary processes and filling events (9/24): “The objective is to utilize organic geochemical methods to develop a nuanced depiction of the hydrocarbon accumulation complexities of the Tarim Basin, offering valuable insights for the exploration of ultra-deep petroleum.”

Evaluation of Fluid Mobility and Factors Influencing the Deep Tight Sandstone of the Third Member of the Shahejie Formation in the Jiyang Depression, Bohai Bay Basin (9/24): "With decreasing production from conventional oil reservoirs, tight oil reservoirs with immense resource potential have become an important topic in the field of oil exploration and development…a model for evaluating the fluid mobility for the deep tight sandstone reservoirs in theLinnan Depression is established, with the aim of providing theoretical support for the next step of oil development and evaluation…The Paleogene Es3 section of the Linnan Depression contains significant tight oil resources within its lacustrine delta-turbidite facies sandstone deposits.” 

Diagenesis and reservoir quality evolution of estuarine sandstones: Insights from the Cenomanian-Turonian Yolde Formation, northern Benue Trough, NE Nigeria (11/24): "These findings would provide useful insights that would reduce the risks of exploration of the sandstones and also supplies potential input data for forward diagenetic modelling of their subsurface equivalents in similar depositional settings elsewhere."

Organic geochemical characterization of the seeped oils and Paleogene source rocks in the Southwest Java Basin (SWJ), Indonesia; tectonostratigraphic consideration on oil to source rock correlation (7/24): “The findings of this study are expected to provide supplementary information to researchers exploring the hydrocarbon prospect of the South West Java region”

Preliminary analysis of the indicators and accumulation models of gas hydrates in the central Zhongjiannan Basin, western South China Sea (6/24): "The geophysical indicators of gas hydrates are found for the first time in the central Zhongjiannan Basin of the SCS, yielding an important reference for further exploration and development."

Distribution of Permian and Triassic strata in the Laoshan Uplift, Southern Yellow Sea, using seismic attributes (6/24): "Our findings will aid in the exploration and evaluation of early hydrocarbon resources in the LSU."

Integrated seismic-stratigraphic, sedimentological and petrophysical approaches for characterizing the reservoir potential of early Cretaceous Alam El Bueib formation in the Meleiha concession of North Western Desert, Egypt (2/24): “The Early Cretaceous late syn-rift sediments of Alam El Bueib Formation host potential, however poorly-explored reservoir targets in the north Western Desert of Egypt…this study integrates seismic, sedimentological, and petrophysical data from Meleiha concession in the north Western Desert to build evolutionary models for Alam El Bueib succession and predict the architecture of the potential reservoir facies…Comprehensive identification of seismic facies, and linking their architecture with the sedimentary basin evolution are elemental for hydrocarbon exploration and development endeavours.”

Evolution of Mesozoic paleo-uplifts and differential control on sedimentation on the southern margin of Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin (3/24): “This study will help elucidate the development and evolution of the paleo-uplifts on the southern margin of Kuqa Depression, northern Tarim Basin, clarify the relationship between provenance and sedimentary system, and guide the oil and gas exploration in Tarim Basin and other basins with the similar background globally.”

Geological reservoir characterization tasks based on computer vision techniques (12/24): “Reservoir characterization is of great importance in oil and gas exploration and production…this review focused on understanding what types of data are commonly used, what problems are demanding attention in computer vision, through what methods these problems are usually solved and what tools are used for this purpose.”

Petroleum accumulations in the tarim basin during various tectonic stages as revealed by U–Pb dating of multi-phase calcite veins in deeply buried carbonate reservoirs (6/24): “Constraining the evolutionary history of fluid activity and the process of oil charging in the deeply buried carbonate reservoirs is crucial for further hydrocarbon exploration and development. In this study, we conducted an integrated study combining petrography, geochemistry, fluid inclusion analysis, and in-situ U–Pb dating of multi-phase calcite veins collected from the Ordovician carbonate reservoirs, Akeyasu area, Tarim Basin.” 

Organic geochemical characterization and hydrocarbon generation modeling of Paleozoic-Paleogene shales, Wadi Sirhan basin, south-eastern Jordan (12/24): “This knowledge is valuable to delineate and assess the future hydrocarbon potential of the Wadi Sirhan Basin, as well as in other prospective areas of similar geological approach.”

Fault system dynamics and their impact on ordovician carbonate karst reservoirs: Outcrop analogs and 3D seismic analysis in the Tabei region, Tarim Basin, NW China (9/24): “The Tabei Uplift in the Tarim Basin of NW China represents an area with significant hydrocarbon exploration 
potential. This paper describes the effects of multi-phase faults on structural and hydrocarbon systems in the Tabei Uplift utilizing high-quality 3-D seismic, geological outcrops and drilling and production data…This analysis not only refines our understanding of the region's geodynamic 
history but also aids in optimizing exploration and development strategies.” The authors thank the Petro China Tarim Oil Field Company for providing seismic data, core samples, and other data used in this study.  

Fault characterization and its significance on hydrocarbon migration and accumulation of western Tazhong Uplift, Tarim basin: Insight from seismic, geochemistry, fluid inclusion and in situ U-Pb dating (9/24): “This research will illustrate oil and gas charging history and provide further evidence for deep oil exploration in the Tarim Basin.” We are grateful to the Tarim Oilfield Company of CNPC for their collaboration and the reviewers for their valuable comments on this study.

Cenozoic faulting leading to petroleum escape in SW Ordos Basin, China: evidence from fault-related calcite in situ U-Pb dating, rare earth elements and fluid inclusions (8/24): "Finding an effective way to link the fault movement to petroleum escape is key to understand the potential of petroleum exploration in the basin…This study will provide a novel insight into the petroleum leakage along the fault zone in the SW Ordos Basin." 

Controls of tectonics and paleoclimate on depositional–diagenetic evolution and pore types of Upper Cretaceous successions (Sarvak Formation) in the Abadan Plain, Iran (9/24): “This research aids in reducing exploration risk and enhancing the efficiency of hydrocarbon recovery in the Zagros Basin.” We extend our appreciation to the National Iranian Oil Company for their valuable support and provision of data, which significantly contributed to the completion of this study.

Reconstruction of large-scale anisotropic 3D digital rocks from 2D shale images using generative adversarial network (8/24): "Digital rock technology has played a significant role in unconventional oil and gas exploration and development. Current techniques face challenges such as high cost or low efficiency when reconstructing 3D pore structures at the nanoscale, which limit the study of rock physical properties in reservoirs. To address these issues, this work proposes an efficient generative adversarial network workflow for generating large-scale anisotropic 3D digital rocks from 2D images." 

Geochemical characteristics of Ordovician crude oils in the FI17 strike-slip fault zone of the Fuman oilfield, Tarim basin: Implications for ultra-deep hydrocarbon accumulation in the Tarim basin (5/24): “This study could provide significant exploration guidance for further ultra-deep oil and gas exploration in the Fuman oilfield.”

Coupling of source rock gas expulsion intensity and reservoir quality in time and space-a key to determine gas accumulation in Upper Paleozoic tight sandstones of the Mugua gas field, Ordos Basin, China (6/24): "The dissolution and quartz-cemented facies within the Benxi, Taiyuan, and Shanxi Formations, intimately interbedded with hydrocarbon source rocks, exhibit good reservoir quality. They offer ideal conditions for gas accumulation, making them prime candidates for exploration and development."

Materials Today Communications
Simulation and experimental study on amphiphilic modified graphene oxide for EOR (7/24): "As a non-renewable resource, petroleum plays an indispensable role in our life. However, it is difficult to explore new oil fields, and it is difficult for conventional oil fields to produce oil in harsh reservoirs with low recovery and low permeability because of high water content. Therefore, the amount of oil produced cannot meet people's demand for oil…it is particularly important to choose a new method to enhance oil recovery. In recent years, nanoparticles have appeared in the public's field of vision…[this paper] provides a direction for the application of amino acid modified nanoparticles in oil displacement.” 

Measurement: Sensors
Optimization of coal seam pressure fracturing fluid system in the eastern edge of the Ordos Basin based on IoT sensors (4/24): "By using ionic surfactants as fracturing fluids, the surface tension of the fracturing fluid can be effectively reduced, the porosity of coal samples can be increased, and the flow and extraction of coalbed methane can be promoted."

Characteristics of middle-high-rank coal reservoirs and prospects for CBM exploration and development in western Guizhou, China (6/24): "This paper comparatively analyzes the characteristics of middle- and high-rank coal reservoirs in the western Guizhou region...and analyzes the exploration and development potential and direction of middle-high-rank CBM in the region."

Micron
A comparative approach employing microCT for the analysis of Cenozoic foraminifera from the Brazilian carbonate equatorial platform (5/24): "Worldwide, some of the largest hydrocarbon reservoirs are located in tropical neritic carbonate deposits. Biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental analyzes of these sedimentary records are often based on the study of foraminiferal assemblage. Foraminifera-based biozones are widely employed in the oil industry to support drilling processes that, alongside petrophysical prospecting, define interval favorable for exploiting hydrocarbon resources…the present study aims to compare different methods of analyzing foraminifera assemblages.” 

Natural Gas Industry B
A mathematical model for predicting the productivity of fractured horizontal wells of tight sandstone gas: A case study in the Sulige gas field (4/24): "This model provides valuable guidance on predicting productivity in tight sandstone gas reservoirs."

Mechanical properties and optimization of deflecting drills with ultra-short radius flexible drill pipes (4/24): "To increase oil and gas production, old well tapping and the deep development of thin and poor oil reservoirs have gradually become a focus of marine oil and gas development…The flexible drill pipe is the key component in the drilling process of an ultra-short radius horizontal well…In this study, geometric and mechanical models of a flexible drill pipe are established” 

Numerical modeling of deep coalbed methane accumulation in the central-eastern Ordos Basin, China (8/24): "Deep coalbed methane (CBM) has become one of the most significant potential sources of natural gas in China. However, the exploration and development of deep CBM in China is still in an initial stage, and its accumulation-forming characteristics require further study. Therefore, taking the No. 8 deep coal seam in the central-eastern region of Ordos Basin as an example, this study investigated the geologic characteristics of CBM accumulations to establish a numerical model." 

Exploring the prospects of deep natural gas resources from the geochemical parameters of the Shahejie Formation source rocks in the Banqiao depression (8/24): "This article conducts multiple experimental studies on the geochemistry of Shahejie Formation source rock in the Banqiao Depression of the Bohai Bay Basin, including pyrolysis, TOC, chloroform bitumen A determination, vitrinite reflectance, kerogen microscopic component identification, saturated hydrocarbon chromatography, and saturated hydrocarbon chromatography–mass spectrometry, to evaluate the Shahejie Formation and provide support for natural gas exploration in the Banqiao Depression."

Fluid activity characteristics of shallow shale veins in the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in the Shixi syncline in northern Guizhou and their significance for shale gas preservation (10/24): “This study provides a scientific basis for identifying favorable areas for oil and gas exploration in northern Guizhou and the surrounding areas.”

Pore heterogeneity and evolution of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale reservoir in the Southern Sichuan Basin: Responses to sedimentary environment (10/24): “As the cornerstone for evaluating the storage capacity of shale reservoirs and assessing the viability of shale gas exploitation, shale pores play a very important role in shale reservoirs. Based on drilling well and test data, deep learning, and artificial intelligence for image analysis, the types, characteristics, structures, and vertical heterogeneity of shale pores were studied.” 

Hydrocarbon accumulation process and reservoir-forming models of structure A in the central inversion tectonic belt of the Xihu Depression, East China Sea Basin (8/24): "These reservoir formation models are critical for guiding the exploration of a series of large traps, including structure A and its surrounding structures, and they have important reference significance for natural gas exploration in other basins."

Types of lithofacies in the Lower Cambrian marine shale of the Northern Guizhou Region and their suitability for shale gas exploration (10/24): “The RTSS and MTSS with a RO range of 2.0%–3.0% stand out as the most favorable target shale types for shale gas exploration and development.”

Ocean Engineering
Multi-objective optimization framework for deepwater riser jetting installation parameters using deep reinforcement learning (10/24): "Optimizing conductor casing jetting installation in offshore oil and gas exploration is essential for underwater wellhead reliability...These findings present a groundbreaking approach for conductor casing jetting, offering greater precision and efficiency in offshore drilling operations and the potential to redefine industry standards."

Mechanical analysis of mud return on deepwater drilling riser system (6/24): "The exploration and development of offshore oil and gas are shifting towards deep waters due to the growing energy demand. This transition poses significant challenges for offshore oil and gas equipment, particularly the riser system, which is considered a critical component...The paper examines the mechanisms and effects of mud forces generated by mud return on the deepwater drilling riser system."

The stress field simulation of a novel M-type convex stepped bottomhole and the rate of penetration enhancement mechanism of a new type of central-grooved PDC bit for offshore deep & ultradeep well drilling (2/24): "The focus of global oil & gas development is moving towards the offshore deep and ultradeep formations. However, the offshore deep & ultradeep is a changing task due to the low rock-breaking efficiency, low rate of penetration (ROP) and huge drilling costs...This work provides a promising method and a tool to improve ROP for offshore deep & ultradeep well drilling."

Research on simulation model of deepwater drilling and optimization method of drilling parameters based on energy (11/24): “Rich oil reservoirs are present in deepwater and ultra-deepwater, but the challenging ocean environment limits the benefits of drilling engineering during exploration and development. Surface parameter optimization based on simulation models is a crucial method for enhancing drilling ROP(Rate of penetration). However, challenges such as large module scale and high coupling difficulty need to be addressed. This study establishes a full-scale deepwater drilling system simulation model through multi-software joint modeling, taking into account factors such as the disturbance of the periodic dynamic riser model to the drilling string system, interaction of bit and rock, impact between the drilling string system and the riser/wellbore, etc.” 

Strength and tightness analysis of wellhead flange connections considering ultrahigh-pressure conditions (9/24): "Flanges play a crucial role as connection equipment and are extensively utilized in the exploration and extraction of oil and gas...Despite harboring substantial oil and gas resources, the drilling and extraction processes in these high-temperature, high-pressure wells entail formidable challenges and costs...Overall, this paper significantly contributes to the understanding and optimization of UHP wellhead flanges in the oil and gas industry."

Numerical investigation on the flow field characteristics of a new type of double-stage jetting PDC bit for deepwater shallow formations drilling (12/24): “Deepwater is the focus and hot spot of current and future global oil and gas exploration and development…in order to reduce the cost of deepwater oil and gas development and search for strategic breakthrough in the field of deepwater oil and gas resource, the safe and efficient deepwater shallow formations drilling remains to be a technical problem that in urgently need to be addressed…In this paper, a new efficient soil-breaking approach by forming a concave-stepped bottomhole with double-stage jet drilling in deepwater shallow formations is presented.”

An MINLP model for optimal sandwich pipe design based on structural and thermal criteria (2/24): “The offshore production of oil and gas has moved into deepwater and ultra-deepwater regions. The ability to withstand external pressure becomes a primary concern for subsea pipes…The main objective of this study is to develop a suitable optimal design model for SPs so that their efficiency can be fully exploited.”

Refined VFIFE modeling on dynamic behaviours of deepwater S-lay pipeline in overbend section (6/24): “To meet the ever-growing demand for oil and gas, the offshore oil-gas industry has extended into deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas. Currently, offshore pipelines are the most economical and effective method for maritime oil and gas transportation…[this paper] provides important theoretical references for the installation design of deepwater pipelines.”

Integrated finite element analysis and machine learning approach for propagation pressure prediction in hybrid Steel-CFRP subsea pipelines (11/24): "In recent years, the exploration of oil and gas in deep and ultra-deep-water regions has been increasing through the utilization of deep-water engineering equipment…In contrast to traditional methods for predicting the collapse and propagation pressure of deep-sea pipelines, which often rely on empirical formulas and conventional finite element analysis (FEA), this study introduces a novel approach aimed at overcoming their inherent limitations." 

Ore & Energy Resource Geology
Evaluation of top seal capacity by pseudo-capillary pressure model in Suriname offshore Basin (10/24): "Seal rock, in hydrocarbon exploration, generally defines the relatively low permeable rock, which acts as a barrier for the hydrocarbon to migrate…this work integrates drilled well data such as Special Core Analysis (SCAL) with Mercury Injection Capillary Pressure (MICP) from the laboratory, wireline logs, conventional core, and side wall core data from 11 drilled wells with high-quality 3D QAPSDM seismic dataset to evaluate the seal efficiency and its variability over an area of approximately 4750 sq km." 

Comprehensive Characterization of Micro-pore Structures in Different Lithologies of the Lacustrine Fine-grained Mixed Sedimentary Reservoir of the Shahejie Formation in the Jiyang Depression (11/24): "This study provides a theoretical basis for the exploration and development of fine-grained sedimentary reservoirs."

‍Organic Geochemistry
"This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals"
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‍Source and significance of Cretaceous oil seepage in the northern Ordos Basin, China (1/24): “The zone between the Dongsheng gas field and the Wulangar Uplift is therefore likely to have very good accumulation and preservation conditions and may offer a promising exploration prospect for natural gas.” 

Geochemical fingerprints of Dongpu Depression crude oils in Bohai Bay Basin, northern China: Insights from biomarkers and isotopic compositions of selected alkylnaphthalenes and alkylphenanthrenes (9/24): "The research shows the importance of the aromatic isotopic compositions in petroleum system characterization and could be used as a reference for a practical exploration campaign of petroleum…With increasing oil demand this study enhances our knowledge of petroleum geochemistry, especially crude oil samples discovered in the Dongpu Depression and the Bohai Bay Basin. Thus, this research has the potential to improve comprehension of the Cenozoic oil quality in the Dongpu Depression and have broader implications."

Gas-phase reaction of CH₄ and H₂S – Evidence from pyrolysis experiments and case study from the Sichuan Basin (8/24): "Among the most important aspects of natural gas exploration is the identification of gas sources and understanding the different processes experienced by the gas since formation and until production…In recent years, volatile organic sulfur compounds (VOSC), such as thiols, sulfides and thiophenes, were proposed as a potential geochemical proxy for the evaluation of natural gas reservoirs…The current study aims at developing a novel, complementary VOSC proxy for the analysis of dry gas.”

‍Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
‍Organic matter enrichment in shale deposited proximal to paleo-uplifts and its impact on shale gas exploration (1/24): “Results of the present study contribute supplementary information regarding the mechanism of organic matter enrichment in shale and can provide guidance for shale gas exploration and development in geologically similar regions.” 

Enrichment mechanism of organic matter and silicon in lower Cambrian shale of the Yangtze Platform (8/24): "We are especially interested in elucidating organic carbon and silicon enrichment mechanisms of the Niutitang Formation that will benefit shale gas exploration and development of these deposits…Results of the present study offer theoretical guidance for future shale gas exploration and development efforts in geologically similar regions." 

Palaeoworld
This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals, in particular SDG 13 (Climate Action)
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Middle to Upper Ordovician stable carbon isotope stratigraphy and sedimentary facies in the Shunbei and Tahe areas, northern-central Tarim, China (8/24): "The Shunbei area, located in northern-central Tarim (Northwest China), represents a new, important area for petroleum and gas exploration. This study presents high-resolution, conodont 
biostratigraphically controlled stable carbon isotope data from 540 samples of four deeply buried (∼7000–8000 m) wells in the Shunbei area and its nearby Tahe area spanning the Middle to Upper Ordovician for detailed chemostratigraphic correlations.” This work was supported by the SINOPEC Northwest Company

Petroleum
‍Sedimentary characteristics and lithofacies paleogeography of the Cambrian in Sichuan basin, Southwest China (6/24): "Research on the Cambrian in Sichuan basin has important theoretical significance and practical application value in guiding hydrocarbon exploration.This study focuses on sedimentary characteristics and lithofacies paleogeography in the Cambrian in Sichuan basin."

A hybrid machine learning approach based study of production forecasting and factors influencing the multiphase flow through surface chokes (6/24): "The presented intelligent modeling approach is more advantageous than empirical relationships and provides better generalization for the prediction of oil prediction."

Performance of evolutionary optimized machine learning for modeling total organic carbon in core samples of shale gas fields (3/24): "The results show that, independent of the metaheuristic used to guide the model selection, optimized extreme learning machines attained the best performance scores according to six metrics. Such hybrid models can be used in exploratory geological research, particularly for unconventional oil and gas resources."

Experimental and Modelling studies on static sag of solid weighting powders in Polysulfonate workover fluids at high temperature and high pressure (9/24): “With the continuous increase in oil and gas exploration, the number of deep wells, ultra-deep wells, and high-temperature exploration wells has been increasing, and the requirements for the temperature resistance and thermal stability of water-based workover fluids are also increasing…The experimental method and the correlation proposed in this work provide a fresh approach to predict and control the static sag of workover fluids at HTHP.” 

Characteristics and genesis of shoal facies reservoir of the Lower Ordovician Tongzi Formation in southeastern Sichuan Basin, China (9/24): "The study can be used as a reference for the further exploration of Ordovician petroleum in the Sichuan Basin and other regions owning similar geological settings."

Paleo-uplift forced regional sedimentary evolution: A case study of the Late Triassic in the southeastern Sichuan Basin, South China (9/24): "This study is of great significance for understanding of both stratigraphic division and sedimentary evolution providing theoretical support for the exploration and development of oil and gas."

Petroleum Exploration and Development
Editor-in-Chief: Dai Jinxing, RIPED, PetroChina, China
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Enrichment model and major controlling factors of below-source tight oil in Lower Cretaceous Fuyu reservoirs in northern Songliao Basin, NE China (4/24): "Comprehensive analysis suggests that the Fuyu reservoir in the Qijia–Gulong Sag has good conditions for tight oil enrichment and has been less explored, and it is an important new zone for tight oil exploration in the future."

Exploration breakthrough and factors for enrichment and high-yield of hydrocarbons in ultra-deep clastic rocks in Linhe Depression, Hetao Basin, NW China (10/24): “The significant breakthrough of ultra-deep oil and gas exploration in the Linhe Depression reveals the good potential of ultra-deep clastic rocks in this area, and provides valuable reference for oil and gas exploration of ultra-deep clastic rocks in other areas.”

Accumulation sequence and exploration domain of continental whole petroleum system in Sichuan Basin, SW China (10/24): “Based on the theory and concept of the whole petroleum system, the continental shale gas and tight gas resources in the Sichuan Basin have great potential, especially in the central and western parts with abundant unconventional resources.”

Research advances on the mechanisms of reservoir formation and hydrocarbon accumulation and the oil and gas development methods of deep and ultra-deep marine carbonates (8/24): "The findings are expected to provide technical supports for the exploration and development of deep and ultra-deep carbonate oil and gas reservoirs."

Whole petroleum system in Jurassic coal measures of Taibei Sag in Tuha Basin, NW China (6/24): "The new understanding of the whole petroleum system in the coal measures could further enrich and improve the geological theory of the whole petroleum system, and provide new ideas for the overall exploration of oil and gas resources in the Tuha Basin."

Hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics in basement reservoirs and exploration targets of deep basement reservoirs in onshore China (2/24): "...have favorable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation, and thus they are considered as the main targets for future exploration of deep basement reservoirs."

Impact of Tethyan domain evolution on the formation of petroleum systems in the Sichuan super basin, SW China (10/24): “Future oil and gas exploration should focus on potential gas systems during the Sinian rift period, Cambrian pre-salt gas systems in the eastern and southern Sichuan, as well as whole oil and gas systems of Permian and Triassic.

Evaluation of source rocks and prediction of oil and gas resources distribution in Baiyun Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin, China (10/24): “The present geothermal field of the sag was reconstructed, and the evolution of tectonic-thermal evolution history was restored. Based on this work, the thermal simulation experiment and numerical simulation were carried out to predict the type, scale, and distribution of hydrocarbon resources in the sag, in order to provide technical support for the exploration deployment of the Baiyun Sag.”

A technique for enhancing tight oil recovery by multi-field reconstruction and combined displacement and imbibition (2/24): "Field application in Block Yuan 284 of the Huaqing Oilfield in the Ordos Basin has demonstrated that this technology increases the recovery factor by 12 percentage points, enabling large scale and efficient development of tight oil."

Petroleum geological characteristics and exploration targets of the oil-rich sags in the Central and West African Rift System (2/24): "The combination of reservoir and cap rocks inside source rocks of basins with multiple superimposed rifting stages, as well as the lithologic reservoirs and the shale oil inside source rocks of strong inversion basins are important fields for future exploration in basins of the CWARS."

Natural gas exploration potential and favorable targets of Permian Fengcheng Formation in the western Central Depression of Junggar Basin, NW China (6/24): "...the gas-generating potential of the Fengcheng source rock is evaluated, the distribution of large-scale effective source kitchen is described, the genetic types of natural gas are clarified, and four types of favorable exploration targets are selected."

Enrichment conditions and resource potential of coal-rock gas in Ordos Basin, NW China (10/24): “Based on the sedimentary environment and distribution characteristics of deep coal rocks in the Ordos Basin, this paper investigated their hydrocarbon generation characteristics, reservoir performance, gas content, and accumulation play, elucidated the geological characteristics and enrichment conditions of coal-rock gas in the Ordos Basin, and identified the favorable areas for coal-rock gas enrichment, in order to point out the future direction of coal-rock gas exploration and provide a theoretical foundation for large-scale exploration and development of coal-rock gas in China.”

Hydrocarbon accumulation in deep ancient carbonate–evaporite assemblages (2/24): "As a result, the Cambrian strata in the Tazhong Uplift North Slope, Maigaiti Slope and Mazatag Front Uplift Zone of the Tarim Basin, the Cambrian strata in the eastern-southern area of the Sichuan Basin, and the inter-evaporite Ma-4 Member of Ordovician in the Ordos Basin, China, are defined as favorable targets for future exploration."

Igneous intrusion contact metamorphic system and its reservoir characteristics: A case study of Paleogene Shahejie Formation in Nanpu sag of Bohai Bay Basin, China (4/24): "The proposal and application of the geological model of the intrusion contact metamorphic system are expected to promote the discovery of exploration targets"

Tectono-sedimentary evolution and oil-gas geological significance of first to third member of Ordovician Majiagou Formation in Ordos Basin, NW China (10/24): “The source rocks developed diachronously at the bottom of Majiagou Formation form a favorable source-reservoir assemblage with the shoal facies reservoir distributed around the slope of O1m2–O1m3, and they have certain exploration potential for natural gas.”

Research progress and development of deep and ultra-deep drilling fluid technology (8/24): "The research progress of deep and ultra-deep drilling fluid technology systematically reviewed, the key problems existing are analyzed, and the future development direction is proposed."

Formation of large- and medium-sized Cretaceous volcanic reservoirs in the offshore Bohai Bay Basin, East China (6/24): “The out-source volcanic buried hills in the Bodong low uplift are favorable exploration targets. These buried hills are in the structural fault zones, and are located in or closely adjacent to hydrocarbon-rich sags with good hydrocarbon charging conditions. Meanwhile, these buried hills are covered by hydrocarbon source rocks or thick mudstones of the Paleogene Dongying Formation, which provide good preservation conditions. For example, BZ8-3S and LK7-1 are favorable exploration breakthrough targets."

Coal-rock gas: Concept, connotation and classification criteria (8/24): "The paper summarizes the technical and management challenges and points out the research directions, laying a foundation for the management, exploration, and development of coal-rock gas in China."

Main controlling factors and exploration enlightenment of aluminous rock series gas reservoirs in Ordos Basin, NW China (6/24): "The gas reservoirs of aluminous rock series, which are clustered at multiple points in lenticular shape, are important new natural gas exploration fields with great potential in the Upper Paleozoic of North China Craton."

Episodic hydrothermal alteration on Middle Permian carbonate reservoirs and its geological significance in southwestern Sichuan Basin, SW China (2/24): "Hydrothermal dolomite reservoirs with local connected pore/vugs and fractures have exploration potential."

Petroleum exploration and production in Brazil: From onshore to ultra-deepwaters (8/24): "Summarizing and reviewing Brazil's exploration and development journey from onshore, shallow water, deepwater, ultra-deepwater to the pre-salt, as well as its successful practices and theoretical and technological advancements, holds significant reference value for global deepwater petroleum exploration and development."

Discovery and petroleum geological significance of delta in the third member of Oligocene Lingshui Formation in southern Baodao Sag, Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea (4/24): "The delta of the Ling 3 Member is coupled with fault blocks to form diverse traps, which are critical exploration targets in southern Baodao Sag."

Iteration and evaluation of shale oil development technology for continental rift lake basins (8/24): "This article summarizes and analyzes the achievements in drilling, fracturing and development technology iterations for shale oil in continental rift lake basins, especially the shale oil in theJiyang Depression, and proposes the development direction for technological iteration in shale oil development with the intent to accelerate the establishment of a seriesof efficient development technologies for shale oil in continental rift lake basins and provide a reference for achieving benefit development of shale oil."

Reservoir characteristics and formation model of Upper Carboniferous bauxite series in eastern Ordos Basin, NW China (2/24): "This recognition provides geological basis for the exploration and development of natural gas in the Upper Carboniferous in the study area and similar bauxite systems."

Genetic mechanism and main controlling factors of high-quality clastic rock reservoirs in deep and ultradeep layers: A case study of Oligocene Linhe Formation in Linhe Depression, Hetao Basin, NW China (6/24): “With the progress in global oil and gas exploration, onshore deep to ultra-deep strata have become one of the important exploration fields…The findings are expected to provide technical supports for selecting future exploration targets and evaluation and prediction of deep and ultra-deep clastic reservoirs."

Distribution patterns of tight sandstone gas and shale gas (8/24): "The authors systematically review the research history of the distribution of tight sandstone gas and shale gas reservoirs, analyze the distribution characteristics and genetic types of shale gas and tight sandstone gas reservoirs, in order to provide technical support for the exploration and development of shale gas and tight sandstone gas reservoirs."

Sedimentary build-ups of pre-salt isolated carbonate platforms and formation of deep-water giant oil fields in Santos Basin, Brazil (8/24): "The result not only provides an important basis for the advanced selection of potential play fairways, bidding of new blocks, and deployment of awarded exploration blocks in the Santos Basin, but also provides a reference for the global selection of deep-water exploration blocks in passive continental margin basins."

Hydrocarbon accumulation and orderly distribution of whole petroleum system in marine carbonate rocks of Sichuan Basin, SW China (8/24): "The hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics of each whole petroleum system are analyzed...Large-scale marginal-platform reef-bank facies zones, deep shale gas, and large-scale lithological complexes related to source-connected faults are future marine hydrocarbon exploration targets in the Sichuan Basin."

Characteristics and hydrocarbon accumulation model of Paleogene whole petroleum system in western depression of Qaidam Basin, NW China (10/24): “All these findings are helpful to supplement and expand the WPS theory in the continental lake basins in China, and provide theoretical guidance and technical support for oil and gas exploration in the Qaidam Basin.”

Geological characteristics and exploration breakthroughs of coal rock gas in Carboniferous Benxi Formation, Ordos Basin, NW China (4/24): “To explore the geological characteristics and exploration potential of the Carboniferous Benxi Formation coal rock gas in the Ordos Basin, this paper presents a systematic research on the coal rock distribution, coal rock reservoirs, coal rock quality, and coal rock gas features, resources and enrichment…Substantial breakthroughs have been achieved, with the possible reserves over a trillion cubic meters and the proved reserves over a hundred billion cubic meters” 

Influences of different alkaline and acidic diagenetic environments on diagenetic evolution and reservoir quality of alkaline lake shales (2/24): "Dolomitic shale in the transitional zone and siltstone in the marginal zone have relatively high content of free shale oil and strong fracability, and are favorable “sweet spots” for shale oil exploitation and development."

Dynamic simulation of differential accumulation history of deep marine oil and gas in superimposed basin: A case study of Lower Paleozoic petroleum system of Tahe Oilfield, Tarim Basin, NW China (10/24): “This study provides a reference for the dynamic quantitative evaluation of deep oil and gas in the Tarim Basin”

Three-dimensional structural models, evolutions and petroleum geological significances of transtensional faults in the Ziyang area, central Sichuan Basin, SW China (6/24): "The major reservoirs in this area are expected to achieve breakthroughs in oil and gas exploration."

Petroleum Research
Editor-in-Chief: Chengzao Jia, China National Petroleum Corporation, China
‍
Characteristics and genesis of tuffaceous shale oil lithofacies:A case study of Lucaogou Formation in Santanghu Basin (3/24): "...of great significance for selection of shale oil exploration zones."

Identification and Tracing of Near-Source Petroleum Transport System Based on Reservoir Bitumen Index (RBI) Method: A Case Study of the Lower Cambrian in the Tazhong-Bachu Area, Tarim Basin, China (6/20): "The Lower Cambrian carbonate reservoir is considered a near-source discrete petroleum transport system, providing great potential for further oil and gas exploration in the Lower Paleozoic in the Tazhong-Bachu area."

Applicability of deep neural networks for lithofacies classification from conventional well logs: An integrated approach (2/24): "Oil and gas exploration holds significant promise for deep learning and could experience a breakthrough. This research also lays the groundwork for us to further the thorough fusion of conventional oil and gas exploration and artificial intelligence."

Shale gas accumulation mechanism of deep-buried marine shale of Wufeng Formation of Upper Ordovician to Longmaxi Formation of Lower Silurian in southeastern part of Sichuan Basin (8/24): "This study provides a reference for exploration and development of deep shale gas in Sichuan Basin and other areas."

Research on slim-hole drilling technology for shale gas geological survey in China (9/24): “This research provides substantial advances in drill-core technology and improvements in exploration efficiency. Moreover, it provides a reference frame for well structural design and selection of construction technology for shale gas exploration drilling projects.”

Reservoir identification of marine facies carbonate shoals in the Middle Permian in the Sichuan Basin (3/24): “New theories and methods are needed to support the oil and gas exploration in shoal subfacies reservoirs...This forecasting approach can effectively reduce the risk of shoal subfacies reservoirs prediction caused by the heterogeneity of marine carbonates. Therefore, it can provide a scientific basis for the prediction of high-frequency cycles of the shoal subfacies developed in platform facies and platform margin facies in other marine carbonate sedimentary basins.” 

Development characteristics and controlling mechanism of different microfracture combinations in shale reservoir: A case study of silurian longmaxi formation in Weiyuan area (7/24): "The development characteristics and laws of fractures are of great significance in the exploration and development of shale oil and gas. This study examines organic-rich shales of the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in the Weiyuan area of the Sichuan Basin."

Identification of carbonate sedimentary facies from well logs with machine learning (6/24): “This study is helpful for identifying compelx sedimentary facies of carbonate reservoirs from well logs…Determining the petrophysical properties of sedimentary facies is important to provide practical guidance for oil and gas exploration.”

Electrofacies-driven 3D-static reservoir modeling of the Late-Cenomanian AbuRoash’G lithounit (Abu-Gharadig Basin, Egypt): Sequence stratigraphic and geomodel constraints for a gas-bearing estuarine system (7/24): "Estuarine-systems, developed upon transgressive-phases, feature high-quality reservoir-facies, e.g. tidal-bars, that are important stratigraphic-plays critical for hydrocarbon exploration-development...in this study, we performed 3D-static geocellular reservoir-modeling process...The tidal-bar facies’ efficient reservoir quality calls for attention and testing in future development plans and investigation in similar settings."

Sedimentary microfacies of Member 5 of Xujiahe Formation in the Dongfengchang area, Sichuan Basin (3/24): "These research findings are helpful to guide the subsequent exploration of T₃X₅ gas reservoir and also theoretically significant for investigating the depositional evolution of the Xujiahe Formation in central Sichuan Basin."

Petroleum Science‍
Quantitative prediction model for the depth limit of oil accumulation in the deep carbonate rocks: A case study of Lower Ordovician in Tazhong area of Tarim Basin (2/24): "The maximum burial depth of the Lower Ordovician carbonate reservoir in the Tazhong area does not exceed this depth, which indicates the feasibility and prospect of deep carbonate oil exploration in this field."

Geometry and formation mechanism of tension gashes and their implication on the hydrocarbon accumulation in the deep-seated strata of sedimentary basin: A case from Shunnan area of Tarim Basin (2/24): "This study not only provides seismic evidence for the formation and evolution of super large STGs, but also provides certain guidance for oil and gas exploration in this area."

Rock physics properties and influencing factors of subsalt carbonate reservoir of Ordovician Majiagou Formation in central Ordos Basin (5/24): "These findings enable the accurate recognition of the seismic elastic characteristics of high-quality dolomite reservoirs in mound-shoal environments, thus providing a rock physics experimental basis for improving the precision of seismic reservoir prediction in the study area."

Gas prediction in tight sandstones based on the rock-physics-derived seismic amplitude variation versus offset method (6/24): "...suggesting that the obtained results are suitable for reliable predictions of tight sandstones with high gas enrichments."

Insights into microscopic oil occurrence characteristics in shales from the Paleogene Funing Formation in Subei Basin (7/24): "These findings may enhance the understanding of the microscopic occurrence characteristics of shale oil and will contribute to guide resource estimation and shale oil sweet spot exploitation in the Gaoyou Sag, Subei Basin."

Influence of tectonic preservation conditions on the nanopore structure of shale reservoir: A case study of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation shale in western Hubei area, south China (2/24): "This study is significant to clarify the scale of shale gas formation and enrichment in complex tectonic regions, and helps in the selection of shale sweet spots."

Stochastic seismic inversion and Bayesian facies classification applied to porosity modeling and igneous rock identification (4/24): "Porosity is a petrophysical property that plays a key role in petroleum exploration and production…We presented a three-step approach that employs quantitative seismic interpretation routines for the porosity modeling of the Brazilian presalt carbonate reservoirs”

A systematic review of machine learning modeling processes and applications in ROP prediction in the past decade (5/24): "Fossil fuels are undoubtedly important, and drilling technology plays an important role in realizing fossil fuel exploration; therefore, the prediction and evaluation of drilling efficiency is a key research goal in the industry...The results demonstrate that machine learning models can significantly improve the accuracy of ROP prediction and are a powerful tool to promote efficient and intelligent fossil fuel exploration operations."

Research on multi-wave joint elastic modulus inversion based on improved quantum particle swarm optimization (10/24): “This method can offer theoretical guidance for horizontal well placement and help identify approximate location of oil and gas reservoirs, thereby reducing exploration risks and increasing the success rate of drilling.”

Geophysical prediction of organic matter abundance in source rocks based on geochemical analysis: A case study of southwestern Bozhong Sag, Bohai Sea, China (2/24): "The results indicate that the E₂s₁₊₂ and E₂s₃ have better hydrocarbon generative potentials with the highest OM abundance, the E₃d₃ are of the second good quality, and the E₃d₂^L have poor to fair hydrocarbon generative potential."

Impacts of proppant distribution on development of tight oil reservoirs with threshold pressure gradient (2/24): "Aiming at the development of unconventional oil reservoirs in Triassic Chang-7 Unit, Ordos Basin of China, we presented an integrated workflow to investigate how (1) proppant placement in induced fracture and (2) non-linear flow in reservoir matrix would affect well productivity and fluid flow in the reservoir."

Coupled Effects of Paleofluid Evolution on Ultra-deep Microbialite Reservoir Modification: A case study of the upper Ediacaran Deng-2 Member within the Penglai area of central Sichuan Basin, SW China (11/24): “The research outcome may update our understanding on the retention mechanism and the insights for further hydrocarbon exploration of Precambrian ultra-deep microbial reservoirs.”

The effects of various factors on spontaneous imbibition in tight oil reservoirs (2/24): "Slickwater fracturing fluids have gained widespread application in the development of tight oil reservoirs...the poor reservoir properties and higher water injection pressure of tight reservoirs complicate their development by conventional means…The purpose of this paper is to provide theoretical support and a scientific basis for fracture modification using slickwater fracturing fluid in tight reservoirs."

Complementary testing and machine learning techniques for the characterization and prediction of middle Permian tight gas sandstone reservoir quality in the northeastern Ordos Basin, China (8/24): "Tight gas sandstones (TGSs) are valuable resources worldwide…The objectives of this study are to provide a systematic scheme to evaluate and predict the reservoir quality of TGSs in the study area and similar regions."

An adaptive physics-informed deep learning method for pore pressure prediction using seismic data (4/24): "Formation pore pressure is one of the most important reservoir parameters during hydrocarbon exploration and development…In this study, we propose a novel adaptive physics-informed deep learning model with the name CGP-NN, which can predict the pore pressure values directly from seismic attributes data.”

Depositional model of the Member Deng-2 marginal microbial mound-bank complex of the Dengying Formation in the southwestern Sichuan Basin, SW China: Implications for the Ediacaran microbial mound construction and hydrocarbon exploration (4/24): “The goal is to determine the significance of the Ediacaran microbial mound construction process and future worldwide hydrocarbon explorations.” 

Machine learning-based grayscale analyses for lithofacies identification of the Shahejie Formation, Bohai Bay Basin, China (7/24): "It is of great significance to accurately and rapidly identify shale lithofacies in relation to the evaluation and prediction of sweet spots for shale oil and gas reservoirs...This method can not only effectively characterize the material composition of shale, but also numerically characterize the development degree of shale laminae, and solve the problem that difficult to identify millimeter-scale laminae based on logging curves, which can provide technical support for shale lithofacies identification, sweet spot evaluation and prediction of complex continental lacustrine basins."

Statistical assessment of the financial performance of shale-gas wells coupling stochastic and numerical simulation (7/24): "Shale gas operations involve very large financial investments, which require thorough financial studies to make adequate investment decisions...In this study, we propose a methodology for the development of dynamic financial analysis tools for shale gas investments that include an estimate of the probability of the occurrence or financial risks or their quantification."

3D rock physics template-based probabilistic estimation of tight sandstone reservoir properties (4/24): "The application of well-log and seismic data demonstrates that our 3D rock physics template-based probabilistic inversion approach performs well in predicting the spatial distribution of high-quality tight sandstone reservoirs in southwestern China."

Systematic prediction of the gas content, fractures, and brittleness in fractured shale reservoirs with TTI medium (5/24): "The main objective is to optimize the development of shale gas-rich areas by predicting seismic sweet spot parameters in shale reservoirs."

Three-dimensional internal multiple elimination in complex structures using Marchenko autofocusing theory (7/24): “Multiples and primaries often overlap because of the rugged seabed structure, leading to poor imaging effects that directly affect the exploration and development deployment of offshore oil/gas fields…we conclude that the 3D Marchenko autofocusing method serves as an effective tool for predicting and removing of internal multiples from 3D seismic data.” 

Control and prediction of bedding-parallel fractures in fine-grained sedimentary rocks: A case from the Permian Lucaogou Formation in Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin, Western China (9/24): "The workflow based on multi-scale matching and stepwise progression can be applied in similar fine-grained sedimentary rocks, providing reliable technological support for the exploration and development of hydrocarbons."

Detailed oil-source correlation within the sequence and sedimentary framework in the Fushan Depression, Beibuwan Basin, South China Sea (8/24): "The Els2 reservoir in the Yong’an area belonging to Group B oil, are adjacent to the source kitchen and could be considered as the favorable exploration area in the future…Advancement of a comprehensive understanding of the oil source relationship and its distribution within the study area is of great importance, as it would improve an understanding of hydrocarbon accumulation and the accuracy of petroleum resource evaluation in the sag.” This study was funded by the South Oil Exploration and Development Company of PetroChina

Experimental deformation of shales at elevated temperature and pressure: Pore-crack system evolution and its effects on shale gas reservoirs (7/24): "An ideal model of micro pore-crack system evolution in deformed shales is further proposed, which can provide guidance for the exploration of shale gas resources in the deep or structurally complex zones."

The evolution of clay mineral and its indication of hydrocarbons under overpressure: An example from the shale of the Qingshankou Formation in the Gulong Sag (7/24): "This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between clay mineral evolution and shale reservoir overpressure, offering valuable insights for the accurate assessment of shale oil."

Synthesis of temperature and salt resistance silicon dots for effective enhanced oil recovery in tight reservoir (5/24): "The rapid increase in global demand for petroleum resources has presented significant challenges to the petroleum industry...Core flooding experiments showed promising EOR potential of Si-QDs in ultra-low permeability (0–1 mD) reservoirs, indicating that Si-QDs serve as a promising EOR agent for effectively developing tight reservoirs."

Evolution and generation mechanism of retained oil in lacustrine shales: A combined ReaxFF-MD and pyrolysis simulation perspective (7/24): "This study combines ReaxFF-MD simulation with pyrolysis simulation experiments to propose the thermal evolution stages and formation mechanism of retained oil enrichment in lacustrine shale oil, and provides information on lacustrine shale retained oil and favorable intervals and target areas for shale oil exploration. The successful exploration of the Ek₂ in the Cangdong Sag shows that lacustrine shale has huge potential for retained oil resources."

Rock physical characteristics of deep dolomite under complex geological conditions: A case study of 4th Member of Sinian Dengying Formation in the Sichuan Basin, China (4/24): "This research, taking a specific deep carbonate reservoir as an example, is an attempt to develop and demonstrate a novel seismic rock physical research method for chemical sedimentary rock and provide a scientific basis for effective seismic evaluation of deep marine carbonate reservoirs."

Architectural characterization of carbonate tidal channels in the Mishrif Formation, H Oilfield, Iraq (7/24): "This analysis demonstrates that the best reservoir quality within the tidal channels is located in the bend of the tidal channel near the inner lagoon and open sea, it provides the geological models for later exploration and development in the Mishrif Formation."

Main controlling factor and mechanism of gas-in-place content of the Lower Cambrian shale from different sedimentary facies in the western Hubei area, South ChinaAuthor links open overlay panel
(6/24): "The deep-water shelf facies is the most favorable target for the Lower Cambrian shale gas exploration and development in the western Hubei area, South China."

Characteristics, main controlling factors and densification mechanisms of unconventional tight reservoirs in Triassic Yanchang Formation in southern Ordos Basin, China (9/24): “These results provide an important basis for predicting the distribution of exploitable zones in the Chang 8 sandstone and other adjacent tight sandstones…Our results improve the current understanding of the development and characteristics of extremely low permeability tight sandstone reservoirs, specifically the mechanism by which high-quality reservoirs form in the Zhenjing area. Our results should therefore provide an improved scientific basis for oil and gas exploration and the development of tight reservoirs.” We thank the Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development of Sinopec North China Oil and Gas Company for provide geological data and their laboratory assistances. 

Concise extraction and characterization of the pore-throat network in unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs: A new perspective (6/24): "This method of identification has some obvious applications in tight sandstone oil reservoir exploration and development."

A review of reservoir damage during hydraulic fracturing of deep and ultra-deep reservoirs (2/24): "Deep and ultra-deep reservoirs have gradually become the primary focus of hydrocarbon exploration...These insights hold significant guiding importance for advancing the efficient development of deep oil and gas reservoirs and effectively mitigating reservoir damage."

Quantitative characterizations of anisotropic dynamic properties in organic-rich shale with different kerogen content (4/24): "Understanding the quantitative responses of anisotropic dynamic properties in organic-rich shale with different kerogen content (KC) is of great significance in hydrocarbon exploration and development...In this study, our main focus is to establish the quantitative correlations between the kerogen content and directional dynamic properties, while considering anisotropy in organic-rich shale."

Oilfield analogy and productivity prediction based on machine learning: Field cases in PL oilfield, China (3/24): "This study proposes a method using data mining technology to search for similar oil fields and predict well productivity."

Understanding the hydrocarbon‒generation potential on jurassic coal-measure source rocks in the Junggar Basin: From the perspective of hydrogen-rich molecular structure (4/24): “We conducted Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) experiments to explore the composition of the macromolecular structure of the coal-measure source rocks and demonstrate the association between the molecular structure and the hydrocarbon potential.” We thank the Shengli Oil Company of Sinopec for approving the publication. 

A novel fracture-cavity reservoir outcrop geological knowledge base construction method considering parameter collection and processing, mutual transformation of data-knowledge, application and update (2/24): "These geological results offer crucial insights into the mechanisms underlying the characterization and classification of the KFCS. Additionally, they provide valuable guidance for the exploration and development of underground karst reservoirs."

Prediction and quantification of effective gas source rocks in a lacustrine basin: Western Depression in the Liaohe Subbasin (3/24): "This method offers theoretical support for further natural gas resource estimations and the identification of promising exploration areas" The authors would like to thank CNPC Liaohe Oilfield Exploration Company for data support, for making an academic license available for the use of Petrel, and for helpful discussions on the topics addressed in this work.
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Differences and identification on multi-time hydrocarbon generation of carboniferous-permian coaly source rocks in the Huanghua Depression, Bohai Bay Basin (4/24): "We provided important support for the evaluation, prediction, and exploration of oil resources from global ancient coaly source rocks."

Research on thermal insulation materials properties under HTHP conditions for deep oil and gas reservoir rock ITP-Coring (3/24): "The results can provide references for the optimization and engineering application of materials and thus technical support for deep oil and gas resource development."

Identification of reservoir types in deep carbonates based on mixed-kernel machine learning using geophysical logging data (6/24): "In recent years, carbonate reservoirs in the deep layer of petroliferous basins have become increasingly important exploration targets worldwide…Different types of carbonate reservoirs exhibit distinct storage and percolation capacities over a range of scales, resulting in significant heterogeneity of reservoir quality and discrepancy of hydrocarbon enrichment within carbonate reservoirs, which poses potential risks for effective exploitation…To improve the identification accuracy, a new mixed kernel Fisher discriminant analysis (MKFD) method was proposed in this paper for identifying reservoir types in deep carbonates using geophysical logging data." 

Risk assessment of oil and gas investment environment in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (4/24): "The research findings may provide scientific decision-making recommendations for the Chinese government and oil enterprises to strengthen oil and gas investment cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative."

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction and organic matter accumulation of the paleogene shahejie oil shale in the Zhanhua Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China (3/24): "The research results may have implications for the genetic mechanisms of organic matter accumulation. They will provide theoretical and technical insights into the exploration and development of shale oil."

New progresses of fine-grained sediment gravity-flow deposits and their importance for unconventional shale oil and gas plays (5/24): "These insights may broaden the exploration scope of shale oil and gas, which have important geological significances for unconventional shale oil and gas."

Microfacies and diagenetic alteration in a semi-deep to deep lacustrine shale: The Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin, China (1/24): "These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of shale properties, aiding in the prediction of shale oil exploration potential in the studied area."

Joint inversion of crack properties of tight carbonates from electrical conductivity and ultrasonic velocity (5/24): "Understanding the effects of cracks on the elastic and electrical properties of tight carbonates is crucial for the exploration and development of deep and ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs. In this work, the porosity, electrical conductivity and ultrasonic velocities of two brine-saturated carbonate samples (where the pore space is dominated by cracks) are measured jointly at different effective pressures (5–90 MPa), as well as the velocities with saturating nitrogen at the same pressure conditions." 

Quantitative effect of kerogen type on the hydrocarbon generation potential of Paleogene lacustrine source rocks, Liaohe Western Depression, China (2/24): "This study can quantitatively characterize the hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks with different kerogen types, and facilitate a quick and accurate assessment of hydrocarbon resources, providing strategies for future oil and gas exploration."

Sedimentary paleoenvironment and its control on organic matter enrichment in the Mesoproterozoic hydrocarbon source rocks in the Ordos Basin, southern margin of the North China Craton (8/24): “The black shale of the Mesoproterozoic Cuizhuang Formation in the Changcheng System in Yongji city, North China Craton, is a potential source rock. Understanding the organic matter enrichment mechanism is crucial for evaluating source rock resources and understanding oil and gas accumulation mechanisms. In this study, we evaluated the sedimentary paleoenvironment and organic matter enrichment mechanisms of shale using thin section observations, mineral composition analysis, organic geochemistry, and elemental geochemistry…understanding the patterns of organic matter enrichment is crucial for guiding oil and gas exploration and identifying potential hydrocarbon resources…it is crucial to study the potential high-quality source rocks in the Paleoproterozoic strata to promote deep and ultradeep oil and gas exploration in the North China Craton.”

Differences in Hydrocarbon Accumulation and Controlling Factors of Slope Belt in Graben Basin: A Case Study of Pinghu Slope Belt in the Xihu Sag of the East China Sea Shelf Basin (ECSSB) (6/24): "The findings of this research provide strong evidence for the breakthrough of hydrocarbon exploration potential in this region and offer theoretical guidance for offshore hydrocarbon exploration in China Seas."

Radiation efficiency and energy distribution from a borehole dipole source in the vertical transverse isotropic formation (9/24): "The significance of dominant excitation-frequency bands is validated by field data, emphasizing their pivotal role. These results offer valuable insights for designing DSRS measurement strategies, which have broad application expectations for unconventional oil and gas exploration."

Interpretation and characterization of rate of penetration intelligent prediction model (2/24): "As the exploration of underground resources gradually advances to deep and hard formations, low rate of penetration (ROP) and high energy consumption have become the main factors affecting the drilling efficiency of PDC bit…By utilizing the linear characterization equation, the paper provides an intuitive display of the contribution of input features to the ROP." 

Origin of facies-controlled dolomite and exploration significance of the Middle Permian Qixia Formation in central Sichuan Basin, Western China (8/24): "The intraplatform shoal dolomite of the Middle Permian Qixia Formation is currently considered the key target of hydrocarbon exploration in the central Sichuan Basin…The goals were to: (1) further clarify the dolomite distribution and dolomitization mechanism; and (2) provide support and reference for subsequent hydrocarbon exploration and evaluation of the Qixia Formation."

Stratigraphic framework and sedimentary evolution during the Cryogenian-Ediacaran transition in northeastern Sichuan Basin, South China (4/24): "Thus, the Ediacaran System in the northeastern Sichuan Basin should be given high priority, especially the Doushantuo and Dengying source-reservoir-cap rocks combination, to realize large-scale, efficient exploration"

Dynamic Evolution mechanism of the fracturing fracture system—Enlightenments from hydraulic fracturing physical experiments and finite element numerical simulation (9/24): "This study aims to elucidate the dynamic evolution mechanism of the fracturing fracture system during the exploration and development of complex oil and gas reservoirs...This research provides theoretical support and effective guidance for hydraulic fracturing design in tight oil and gas reservoirs."

The mechanical properties of Lucaogou shale layered samples and the influence of minerals on fracture propagation (9/24): “With regard to the Lucaogou Formation in Junggar Basin, it shows significant exploration potential and becomes the primary exploration target in the northwestern China. The lithology of shale oil reservoir there represents great variation in a vertical direction with bedding planes. Thus, it is fairly essential to understand the mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of different layers, which is the key to optimize the drilling and hydraulic fracturing strategy…This study reveals the difference of mechanical properties between the oil layer and interlayer, and the influence of mineral composition and distribution on micro-crack propagation.”

Linearized waveform inversion for vertical transversely isotropic elastic media: Methodology and multi-parameter crosstalk analysis (2/24): "The linearized waveform inversion for VTI-elastic media presented in this article provides quantitative information of the rock properties that has the potential to help identify hydrocarbon reservoirs." 

Impact of volcanism on the formation and hydrocarbon generation of organic-rich shale in the Jiyang Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China (6/24): "This study helps to further understand the organic-inorganic interactions caused by typical geological events and provides a guide for the next step of shale oil exploration and development in other lacustrine basins in China."

Intelligent seismic AVO inversion method for brittleness index of shale oil reservoirs (9/24): “The brittleness index (BI) is crucial for predicting engineering sweet spots and designing fracturing operations in shale oil reservoir exploration and development…To enhance the accuracy of inverted brittleness index and support engineering sweet spot identification and fracturing improvement, we propose an intelligent seismic AVO inversion method specifically tailored for brittleness index in shale oil reservoirs.” 

Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C
"This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals"
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A comprehensive study on optimizing reservoir potential: Advanced geophysical log analysis of zamzama gas field, southern indus basin, Pakistan (10/24): "This research provides a detailed and comprehensive understanding of reservoir characteristics, thereby increasing the potential for further hydrocarbon exploration and production in the study area."

Reconstruction of Subsurface Potential Hydrocarbon Reservoirs Through 3D Seismic Automatic Interpretation and Attribute Analysis (9/24): “This research reconstructs potential subsurface hydrocarbon reserves using advanced geological modeling tools. This tool allows us to accurately locate hydrocarbon deposits and explore trap structures. Two potential hydrocarbon zones were identified.”

Powder Technology
Study on the mechanical properties of sandstone-shale composite continental shale gas based on the discrete element method (1/24): "China has abundant continental shale oil resources, and multiple shale oil exploration and development demonstration zones have been established, making it a key field for oil and gas exploration and development...it is of great significance to study the rock mechanics characteristics of sandstone-shale composite....This further deepens the understanding of the mechanical properties of sandstone-shale samples."

Proceedings of the Geologists' Association
‍This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals
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Evaluation of the Late Messinian Abu Madi sandstone reservoirs in the West Al Khilala gas field, Onshore Nile Delta, Egypt (2/24):
"In this study, we integrated cores and wireline logs to evaluate the petrographical and petrophysical properties of the Late Miocene Abu Madi sandstone reservoir from the onshore WAK gas field…Lateral distribution of the petrophysical parameters infers a superior reservoir quality towards the central part of the studied field which should be targeted for future infill development well drilling. The reservoir heterogeneity was mapped to substantially decrease the uncertainty of future drilling.” The authors are grateful to the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), El Mansoura, and Petroceltic Petroleum companies for providing the data used in this work. 
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Results in Earth Sciences
Petroleum systems of the Iranian Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt (12/24): "Petroleum systems of the Zagros basin are reviewed in a regional context...Asymmetric folds provide the most important type of hydrocarbon traps in the ZFTB and stratigraphic traps remain to be explored in the future."

Reservoir Characterization of GABO Field in the Niger Delta Basin using Facies and Petrophysical Analyses (9/24): “By resolving persistent challenges related to reservoir continuity, facies distribution, and property variability, this study offers valuable information for improved exploration and production campaigns in the region.”

Paleogene to Neogene sequence stratigraphy and deepwater depositional systems in Kribi-Campo/Rio-Muni margin (Offshore Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea Margin) (12/24): "The main goal of this study is to document the Tertiary deepwater depositional systems in the Kribi-Campo sub-basin to aid in the development of untapped petroleum resources."

Results in Engineering
Research on the relationship between hydrocarbon source-reservoir assemblage system and lacustrine level changes in Triassic period of Lunnan area (3/24): "The results provide a relatively reliable means for oil and gas exploration."

Crude oil industry remote monitoring and management based on Industrial Internet of things and edge computing integration: A comprehensive survey (10/24): “This study goes over crude oil production guidelines and unresolved research difficulties. The IIOT and EC integration are viewed as a possible approach for establishing domestic services and corporate procedures for increasing crude oil production…Despite environmental concerns and geopolitical conflicts, crude oil production remains crucial, driving global energy policies and economies.”

Machine Learning Prediction of Permeability Distribution in the X Field Malay Basin Using Elastic Properties (11/24): "This research highlights a robust method for predicting permeability distribution using elastic properties, which can significantly enhance the efficiency of reservoir assessment. By enabling accurate permeability predictions with minimal well data, this approach facilitates the rapid identification of high-potential zones, potentially replacing traditional geophysical methods."

Rock Mechanics Bulletin
Identifying perforation locations for hydraulic fracturing treatment in deep and tight sandstone gas reservoirs (7/24): "By implementing these efforts and procedures, the success rate of fracturing deep and tight gas reservoirs can be significantly enhanced."

Simultaneously improving ROP and maintaining wellbore stability in shale gas well: A case study of Luzhou shale gas reservoirs (7/24): "It is significantly crucial for petroleum engineers to improve ROP, which can effectively promote the progress of petroleum exploration and development and improve resource exploitation efficiency and economic benefits...This study addresses the challenge of low ROP in the horizontal section of shale gas wells within the Luzhou block, Sichuan Basin."

RSC Advances
On the role of disjoining pressure in nanofluid-assisted enhanced oil recovery: a mini-review (7/24): "Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) stands as a pivotal and indispensable phase within the oil production process, designed to extract crude oil from reservoirs that would otherwise remain unrecoverable…This review focuses on the role of disjoining pressure in the presence of nanofluids and its consequential impact on the EOR processes." This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, PetroChina Basic Research and Strategic Reserve Technology Research Fund Project, the Scientific Research and Technology Development Project of RIPED, PetroChina, and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

Sedimentary Geology
This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals
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Sedimentary characteristics of mixed source fine-grained gravity-flow and its significance for shale oil exploration in a lacustrine depression basin: A case study of the Chang 7₃ Sub-member of the Triassic Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin, NW China (4/24): "This study investigates the transport and evolution of fine-grained gravity-flow deposits in lacustrine basins, focusing on the relationship between fine-grained deposits and their respective source–reservoir combinations. Such knowledge is vital for the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas resources"

The role of compaction in the diagenetic evolution of Pre-Salt Aptian deposits of Santos Basin, Brazil (6/24): "The discovery of huge oil accumulations in the South Atlantic Pre-Salt carbonate lacustrine deposits has attracted much exploration and research interest on these challenging reservoirs, but no work has focused on the compaction processes…The Pre-Salt carbonate deposits of the Santos Basin represent one of the most significant petroleum accumulations in the World…Recognizing how carbonate rocks respond to overburden or tectonic stress is essential to assess these rocks…This work aimed to identify the main compaction features and their role in the diagenetic evolution of two major oilfields from the Barra Velha Formation of Santos Basin.” We are grateful to Petrobras for allowing us to publish this paper and for funding this study

Development characteristics and formation patterns of Ordovician breccia in the Huainan coalfield (7/24): "A valuable reference for comprehending the genesis of breccias, as well as the development and utilization of oil and gas resources globally."

Solid Earth Sciences
This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals, in particular SDG 13 (Climate Action)
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Structural modeling of the southern Kohat Basin and Frontal Ranges; implications for tectonic evolution and hydrocarbon play (6/24): “Kohat's fold-thrust belt, including the Karak area has emerged as an important hydrocarbon fertile region of the western Himalayan orogenic system…a more comprehensive mapping and structural evaluation of the Karak trough and the surrounding regions is thus vital…Comprehensive geological mapping, structural analysis, and stratigraphic correlations observed in the field provide fundamental elements to better understand the structural style of the area…The current structural studies suggest the Karak fault zone may contain ensuring structural traps at the Lockhart's top, as anticipated by seismic data, possibly represent a structural entity that is suitable for hydrocarbon exploration”

Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy
Elemental quantitation and evaluation of hydrocarbon in shale using fiber-optic laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (6/24): "Reliable and rapid evaluation methods to determine the hydrocarbon properties and composition of shale are urgently needed...The abundance and hydrocarbon generation potential were evaluated based on predicted pyrolytic parameters."
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Tectonophysics
The method and application of numerical simulation of high-precision stress field and quantitative prediction of multiperiod fracture in carbonate reservoir (8/24): "The application of this method for quantitative prediction of fractures can effectively improve the accuracy of exploration and development of carbonate fractured reservoirs."

Subsurface basement structures of Usangu basin, East African rift system, with implications for basin structural configuration and hydrocarbon potential (10/24): “The Usangu basin is a rift basin developed along the Eastern arm of the East African rift system trending in the NE-SW direction…The depth range of the sediments obtained implies that the basin has potential for hydrocarbon exploration with the possibility of natural gas occurrence.” This work was funded as a scholarship by Shell Tanzania, formerly known as BG Tanzania.

Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics
Study on fracture propagation behavior of deep high-temperature shale gas based on the modified MERR criterion (6/24): "Deep shale gas resources (situated at depths exceeding 3500 m) emerges as a crucial focus in China’s unconventional resource exploration and development. However, the high-temperature characteristics of in-situ reservoirs pose challenges...The results of this study are of paramount importance in understanding the fracture behavior of deep high-temperature shale."

Effect of size and anisotropy on mode I fracture toughness of coal (2/24): "The research results have reference significance for crack initiation and propagation in hydraulic fracturing of coal seam."

Investigating failure modes and Micro-Crack classification in Mao phyllite under notched Semi-Circular bend testing (4/24): "This study provides a more comprehensive understanding to the fracture behaviors and failure process of layered rock, benefits to the construction of underground projects."
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‍Unconventional Resources
"An open access journal with a particular focus on energy transition and achieving net-zero emission targets...This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals" Editor-in-Chief: Barry Jay Katz, Chevron Corporation
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‍The Early Cretaceous structural features and its influence on hydrocarbon accumulation in the southern Hurenbuqi depression, Erlian Basin (2024): “This study is of great significance for analyzing the enrichment regulations of hydrocarbon and guiding the next oil and gas exploration."

Characteristics and model of meandering-river-delta reservoir architecture of member Chang-6 in Fuxian area, Triassic Ordos Basin (2024): "These insights contribute to the theoretical framework for subsequent exploration and development activities in the Fuxian Oilfield."

Fractures in faulted sandstone reservoir (2024): "This study can provide some new ideas for the exploration and development of tight oil reservoirs in faulted sandstone area."

Geological characteristics and developmental achievements of the large presalt carbonate gas fields in the Amu Darya Basin (2024): "By systematically reviewing the exploration and development strategy of the Amu Darya Gas Field, this study theoretically guides the efficient exploration and development of large subsalt carbonate gas fields with similar geological configurations."

Productivity drivers in North American tight and shale plays: A comprehensive analysis of completion trends, stimulation parameters, and geological characteristics (2024): "This study not only provides technical guidance for the unconventional oil and gas developments in North America, but can also serve as a valuable guide for similar projects elsewhere."

Diagenetic characteristics and microscopic pore evolution of deep shale gas reservoirs in Longmaxi Formation, Southeastern Sichuan basin, China (2024): “The Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation is the favorable target area for deep shale gas exploration and development in southeastern Sichuan Basin. Based on whole-rock X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope, reservoir evolution thermal simulation experiment and nitrogen adsorption experiment, the diagenetic characteristics of deep shale reservoir in Longmaxi Formation were analyzed, and the reservoir pore evolution law was clarified…We clarify diagenetic features and their impact on the pore development and evolution, with a view to providing a reference basis for the exploration and development of the deep-lying shale gas potential in this area, and provide reference opinions on the selection of areas for exploration and development of deep shale gas reservoirs under the same geological conditions in other regions.

High-resolution sequence stratigraphy esearch based on continuous wavelet transform and INPEFA -- A case study in the Kalashayi Formation, Tarim Basin, China (7/24): "Interpretation of sequence boundaries stands as a primary objective in oil and gas exploration, particularly in the context of sequence correlations within high-resolution (fourth-order and below) sequence frameworks, where the accurate identification of sequence boundaries holds paramount significance for subsequent development strategies…this study conducts high-resolution sequence stratigraphic research on the Carboniferous Kalashayi Formation in the Tahe region of the Tarim Basin."

The influence of pore throat heterogeneity and fractal characteristics on reservoir quality: A case study of Chang 8 Member tight sandstones, Ordos Basin (10/24): “Among the unconventional resources, there is a growing focus on the exploration and development of tight sandstone oil and gas reservoirs…this study focuses on employing diverse methodologies to determine the fractal dimension in order to effectively describe the pore throat system of reservoirs with distinct diagenetic characteristics.”

Reservoir Evaluation Method Based on Explainable Machine Learning with Small Samples (10/24): “Reservoir classification and evaluation of fractured gas reservoirs are essential for optimizing development strategies and enhancing oil and gas recovery rates. In this study, we utilized geological and engineering parameters to construct new feature dimensions and applied the K-means clustering algorithm to classify reservoirs into three categories based on unobstructed flow rates…This framework not only deepens the understanding of complex reservoir characteristics but also optimizes reservoir classification accuracy, providing robust technical support for the efficient development of unconventional oil and gas resources.”

The present-day in-situ stress field and its effect on shale gas development in Zigong area of southern Sichuan Basin (2024): “With the development of oil and gas theory and the advancement of exploration and development, the importance of unconventional oil and gas such as shale oil and gas and tight oil and gas, which have abundant reserves, is increasingly prominent and has become a key part of the global energy structure…The target layer for the study area is the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation, with the Layer S1l1-1 subdivided into S1l1-1−1, S1l1-1−2, S1l1-1−3 and S1l1-1−4 layers. The Layer S1l1-1−1 and Wufeng Formation are the key layers for exploration and development in the area.”

Pore development characteristics and controlling factors of Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi shale gas reservoir in Sichuan Basin, China (7/24): "The research on the high-quality shale gas reservoir of Qiongzhusi Formation can provide certain theoretical guidance for the exploration and development of shale gas.” We would like to thank the Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development and the Southwest Oil and Gas Field of PetroChina for providing the related core samples and geological data in the Qiongzhusi Formation, Sichuan Basin. 

A novel method for quantitative evaluation of oil content and mobility in shale oil reservoirs by NMR logging: a case study of the inter-salt shale oil in the Jianghan Basin (2024): "The experimental scheme…will provide an important basis for resource evaluation, optimal formation selection and efficient development of shale oil reservoirs. Shale oil, as an important succeeding field for oil and gas exploration, has huge resource potential.”

Geochemical characterization and paleo-burial history modelling of unconventional resources: A case study from the Kimmeridge Clay Formation (KCF) in the UK North Sea (2024): "In this study, we have combined the analysis of total organic carbon/pyrolysis and vitrinite reflectance geochemical data from KCF samples with 1D basin modelling to investigate the potential for shale oil and gas plays in the Outer Moray Firth region. The results of geochemical evaluation show that most of the samples have very good to excellent hydrocarbon generation potential and contain predominantly oil-prone Type-II kerogen."

Comparative experimental investigation on permeability and pressure bearing capacity of different types of temporary plugging bodies (2024): "The findings could inform the selection and optimization of temporary plugging agents, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and success of tight reservoir production." This work was supported financially by the Beijing Natural Science Foundation Project, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the PetroChina Science and Technology Innovation Foundation Project.

‍Organic petrography and geochemistry of the Fu 2 member of the Paleocene Funing formation, Gaoyou Depression, Subei Basin, Eastern China: Implications for shale oil potential (2024): “The lower Shale 4 and upper Shale 5 interval (3650–3700 m), with high TOC and high oil saturation index, is identified as the sweet-spot interval of the Fu 2 Member for shale oil exploration.”

Detailed analysis of seismic reflection characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs in the upper paleozoic of the ordos basin: A case study of block X (2024): "Tight sandstone gas represents a crucial domain for augmenting reserves and boosting oil and gas production in the Ordos Basin....we achieved high-precision identification of tight sandstone reservoirs