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Hydrocarbon Generation, Storage, and Accumulation Within Shale Reservoirs
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School of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430079, China
Cooperative Innovation Center of Unconventional Oil and Gas, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, China
School of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430079, China
School of Geosciences, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, China
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Hydrocarbon Generation, Storage, and Accumulation Within Shale Reservoirs

Abstract submission deadline
31 December 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
31 March 2027
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2139

Topic Information

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

Keywords

  • diagenesis and sedimentation process of shale
  • organic geochemistry
  • organic matter enrichment and accumulation
  • mechanism
  • genesis and evolution of multiscale pores of shale
  • reservoirs
  • hydrocarbon generation, migration, expulsion and retention processes
  • fluid flow and fluid–shale interactions
  • hydrocarbon accumulation and depletion
  • mechanisms in shale reservoir

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Energies
energies 		3.9 8.3 2008 16.7 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Eng
eng 		3.5 4.1 2020 18.8 Days CHF 1400 Submit
Gases
gases 		- 6.5 2021 19.6 Days CHF 1200 Submit
Geosciences
geosciences 		2.3 4.4 2011 22.7 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
jmse 		3.2 5.6 2013 15 Days CHF 2600 Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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19 pages, 6344 KB  
Article
Effects of Carnian Pluvial Episode on the Yanchang Formation Depositional Environment and Hydrocarbon Accumulation, Ordos Basin, China
by Peng Su, Shouzhi Hu, Honghan Chen, Simeng Cui and Yangfan Guo
Geosciences 2026, 16(6), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16060224 - 4 Jun 2026
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Abstract
The Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) was a major Late Triassic climatic event, but its recognition in the North China Block remains limited due to challenges in correlating continental strata with global marine records. This study integrates sedimentological, pyrolytic, and elemental geochemical data from [...] Read more.
The Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) was a major Late Triassic climatic event, but its recognition in the North China Block remains limited due to challenges in correlating continental strata with global marine records. This study integrates sedimentological, pyrolytic, and elemental geochemical data from the Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin to characterize the stratigraphic response to the CPE and evaluate its implications for hydrocarbon exploration. Results show high total organic carbon content and a negative δ13C excursion during the CPE, along with significant shifts in sedimentary microfacies. Palynological assemblages and recent geochronology identify the Chang 73 black shales as products of this event. Enrichments in Fe, P, Cu, and U indicate strong reducing conditions and high paleo-productivity. Elemental ratios (CIA, Sr/Cu, Fe/Mn) reveal a shift from arid to humid conditions between the Chang 8 and Chang 7 units. Redox (V/Cr, V/(V + Ni), U/Th) and productivity (TOC/P, P/PUCC, Cu/Ti) proxies reflect enhanced reducing conditions and elevated productivity, consistent with the CPE. Correlation analyses link lithological transitions and organic matter characteristics to this event, highlighting the CPE as a key control on high-quality source rock development in the Ordos Basin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Hydrocarbon Generation, Storage, and Accumulation Within Shale Reservoirs)
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19 pages, 23636 KB  
Article
A Comparison of Sedimentary Characteristics and Architecture Between Sand-Rich and Mud-Rich Deltas: Insights from Flume Experiments
by Junling Liu, Taiju Yin, Youjing Wang, Shengqian Liu, Wenjie Feng, Zhicheng Zhou and You Qi
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(7), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14070593 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 547
Abstract
Existing studies have extensively investigated sand-rich shallow-water deltas. However, the sedimentary characteristics and internal architecture of mud-rich deltas remain poorly understood. In this study, two comparative flume experiments were conducted with sand–mud ratio as the key variable. High-resolution topographic data were acquired using [...] Read more.
Existing studies have extensively investigated sand-rich shallow-water deltas. However, the sedimentary characteristics and internal architecture of mud-rich deltas remain poorly understood. In this study, two comparative flume experiments were conducted with sand–mud ratio as the key variable. High-resolution topographic data were acquired using a laser scanner to extract geometric parameters of the architectural elements. Three-dimensional architectural models were established and validated against the Ganjiang Delta (sand-rich) and the Ouchi River Delta (mud-rich) in China. The results reveal contrasting depositional styles: sand-rich deltas develop dense, laterally migrating braided channels with broad fan-shaped morphologies, forming blanket-like geometries that consist of vertically stacked and laterally amalgamated channel complexes with good connectivity; mud-rich deltas are characterized by stable channels with limited bifurcation, forming elongated finger-like morphologies with isolated, ribbon-like channel–mouth bar complexes that exhibit strong lateral heterogeneity and poor connectivity. These contrasting behaviors are governed by sediment cohesion: non-cohesive sands promote channel migration and dispersion, whereas cohesive silt and mud stabilize channels and focus sediment transport along main conduits. The experimental models successfully reproduce natural delta end-members, confirming the universal control of the sand–mud ratio. The established quantitative relationships provide a predictive basis for subsurface reservoir characterization and the formulation of differentiated development strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Hydrocarbon Generation, Storage, and Accumulation Within Shale Reservoirs)
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