Geological and geochemical characteristics of large gas fields in China

Based on a comprehensive analysis, the geological and geochemical characteristics of large gas fields in China were summarized in this paper. By the end of 2011, altogether 48 large gas fields had been discovered in China, with their proven reserves accounting for 81.5% of the total proven gas reserves in China. The main geological and geochemical characteristics of large gas fields in China are as follows: (1) Alkane gases are the main components of natural gas, with an average methane content of 88.22%, and the average contents of ethane, propane and butane of 3.31%, 0.97% and 0.49%, respectively; (2) The natural gases in 27 of the 48 large gas fields are coal-derived gases which indicate coal-derived gas is the major genetic type of natural gas in China; (3) Reservoirs are in multiple strata, but natural gas is mostly produced from the Permian and Triassic; Sandstones, carbonates and volcanics are the main reservoirs, of which the sandstones have the most reserves; (4) There are 16 tight gas fields in the 48 large gas fields, suggesting the crucial importance of this type of reservoirs in China; (5) Most of these large gas fields were formed at late or very late stages, suggesting late reservoir formation is favorable for gas preservation; (6) Multiple reservoir types are identified, including structural, lithologic and stratigraphic reservoirs.