Hydrocarbon Generation, Storage, and Accumulation Within Shale Reservoirs

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past two decades, remarkable strides in drilling and completion technologies, exemplified by horizontal drilling combined with large-scale, multistage hydraulic stimulation, have revolutionized the cost-effective production of natural gas from low-permeability shale formations across numerous countries, such as the USA, Canada, and China. The vast reserves of natural gas within shale rocks have become the focal point of hydrocarbon exploration and development in many petroliferous basins, fundamentally reshaping the global energy landscape.

Despite these advancements, a multitude of scientific challenges still impede the efficient extraction and sustainable development of unconventional shale gas resources. Issues related to hydrocarbon generation, storage, and accumulation within shale reservoirs remain to be fully understood.

This Topic seeks to collate the latest advances in exploring hydrocarbon generation and accumulation in shale reservoirs. We aim to spotlight novel theories, experimental data, and methodological innovations, with a focus on work that translates research findings into practical applications for exploration.

We welcome both original research and comprehensive review articles. The Topic aims to consolidate current knowledge, highlight emerging trends, and ultimately contribute to the more efficient and sustainable utilization of specific aspects of shale reservoirs.

Prof. Dr. Rui Yang
Prof. Dr. Jianghui Meng
Dr. Yuguang Hou
Dr. Qinghai Xu
Topic Editors