EXPLORATION TARGETS OF PALEOZOIC SHALE GAS AT THE LAOSHAN UPLIFT, SOUTH YELLOW SEA

A large number of data on Paleozoic source rocks in the South Yellow Sea Basin and adjacent Lower Yangtze regions have been collected for study of the Paleozoic shale gas potential at the Laoshan Uplift, the South Yellow Sea. The potential of hydrocarbon generation is also evaluated. Integrated with the newest seismic interpretation results, the spatial distribution and thickness variation of the Lower Paleozoic mudstone or shale are mapped and the preservation conditions of the Paleozoic shale gas are discussed. It is concluded that the Lower Paleozoic mudstone or shale at the northwestern Laoshan Uplift is characterized by large distribution area, big thickness, shallow burying depth and weak tectonic deformation, and could be a potential target for shale gas exploration in this region.