Bohai Sea western and central region natural gas geochemistry

Author: Wen Zhigang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Based on a summary of the current status of natural gas exploration in China, this book focuses on evaluating the geochemical characteristics of source rocks in the Bohai Sea area. It discusses the composition and carbon isotope characteristics of natural gas and associated oil in the western and central Bohai Sea area, and provides a detailed gas (oil) source correlation. Finally, it explores the trapping factors and exploration prospects of natural gas in the Bohai Sea area, based on seven main controlling factors for the accumulation of large and medium-sized gas fields in China. This book can serve as a reference for petroleum and gas geology researchers and also as a teaching resource for relevant higher education institutions.
The National "Six-Five" Program initiated the key scientific research project "Development and Research of Coal-Formed Gas," followed by multiple national key scientific research projects on natural gas. These efforts have made significant advancements in the geological and geochemical theories of natural gas in China, with numerous innovations. As a result, the theoretical framework for guiding natural gas exploration in China has evolved from a monolithic theory of oil-type gas to a pluralistic theory encompassing oil-type gas, coal-formed gas, and inorganic gas. The fruitful achievements in natural gas geology research have promoted the rapid development of China's natural gas industry, leading to a favorable situation of rapidly increasing proven reserves, continuously growing annual production, and the discovery of more large gas fields.
The Bohai Bay Basin is rich in oil and gas resources. Zhai Guangming et al. (2002) pointed out that the total resources amount to 190.68 × 10^8 tons, with oil being more abundant than gas, making it an oil-rich basin. Consequently, oil has been given more attention, and the exploration and research of oil have been the focus, yielding significant results and numerous achievements. The exploration and research of oil and gas in the Bohai Sea area have historically prioritized oil over gas. In reality, the natural gas resources potential in the Bohai Bay Basin, both on land and in the sea, are not to be underestimated.
The publication of the monograph Geochemistry of Natural Gas in the Western and Central Bohai Sea Area has not only advanced the exploration and research of natural gas in this marine region but also on land. The author points out that the Bohai Sea area still holds substantial undiscovered natural gas resources, with a very low level of exploration and a high potential for gas exploration. This perspective is worth attention. The monograph systematically discusses the geochemical characteristics of source rocks, natural gas, and condensate in the Bohai Bay area and studies the geological conditions for natural gas formation as well as the main controlling factors for gas accumulation.
Geochemistry of Natural Gas in the Western and Central Bohai Sea Area is not only a monograph on the Bohai Sea area but also the first comprehensive work on natural gas geochemistry in the continental shelf waters of China, making it of significant academic and practical value. Its publication is a cause for celebration and highly recommended, as it is sure to benefit readers greatly.
Dr. Wen Zhigang, the author of this book, graduated in 1985 from the former Jianghan Petroleum Institute (now Yangtze University) with a degree in petroleum geology. After graduation, he remained at the institution, engaging in teaching and research in geochemistry and petroleum geology. He is a young and outstanding geologist, known for his active thinking, emphasis on practice, analytical skills, courage to overcome challenges, and willingness to innovate. He chose to dedicate himself to the burgeoning field of natural gas research in China, selecting a direction with broad prospects. It is believed that with the development of China's natural gas industry, he will achieve even greater accomplishments and make more significant contributions in the field of natural gas geochemistry research.
The publication of Geochemistry of Natural Gas in the Western and Central Bohai Sea Area signifies that the younger generation of scholars has become one of the core forces in natural gas research and practice, marking an important milestone in the achievements and development of China's natural gas industry. The natural gas industry of China calls for more young people to participate, excel, and contribute!
Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
July 5, 2004