Abstract:

Non-tectonic cracks are commonly observed in shale and some of them are greatly significant for the evaluation of shale gas accumulation and preservation. On the basis of the previous research and considering the inherent characteristics of shale, a category scheme of shale fractures has been put forward, and the forming mechanisms of the non-tectonic shale cracks has been summarized. According to the core and field observations, we briefly depicted the characteristics of the non-tectonic shale cracks. Among the non-tectonic cracks of shale, those bedding cracks formed in the diagenesis and those overpressure fractures induced by undercompaction or hydrocarbon generation have close relationship with shale gas accumulation and preservation.

Key words: shale, non-tectonic crack, overpressure fracture, undercompaction