2025-12-16
Tao Hu, Kouqi Liu, Zhixin Wen, Leonardo Borghi, Emmanuel John M. Carranza, Jian Zhao
Using the theories of multi-field coupling within a multi-sphere interaction framework and the Whole Petroleum System, this study investigates the formation, distribution and enrichment of hydrocarbon resources, promoting a shift in exploration philosophy from a singular to an integrated approach. By integrating disciplines such as geochemistry, geodynamics and structural geology, it systematically analyzes the coupling effects of tectonic stress, thermal, pressure and fluid potential fields in sedimentary basins and their controlling mechanisms on hydrocarbon generation, migration and accumulation. Combined with typical case studies from various basins, the distribution patterns of conventional, tight and shale oil and gas are revealed. The results demonstrate that multi-sphere interactions govern the ordered distribution of different hydrocarbon types by influencing the accumulation process, thereby establishing a hydrocarbon accumulation model described as “Spheres control Fields, then Fields control Thresholds, and Thresholds define Distribution”. This theoretical framework aids in enhancing exploration efficiency and optimizing resource development strategies, providing novel insights and perspectives for future petroleum exploration. Document Type: Perspective Cited as: Hu, T., Liu, K., Wen, Z., Borghi, L., Carranza, E. J. M., Zhao, J. Multi-sphere interactions driven differential formation of the whole petroleum system. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2025, 18(3): 295-298. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2025.12.09
2025-12-08
Xin Nie, Jian Song, Wei Wei, Jianchao Cai
Unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, characterized by multiscale and complex pore architectures, diverse mineralogical compositions, and pronounced heterogeneity, present significant limitations to conventional saturation estimation and reservoir evaluation methods, with resistivity well logging data based on classic models such as Archie’s equations. Digital rock physics technology, integrating multi-scale imaging, three-dimensional reconstruction, and numerical simulation, enables the precise characterization of pore structures and conductive mechanisms, markedly enhancing the accuracy of electrical response simulations and well logging evaluations in complex reservoirs. Through this perspective, this study systematically compares the application limitations and associated impacts of conventional resistivity logging in unconventional reservoirs of various lithologies and evaluates the applicability and merits of distinct rock physics numerical simulation approaches, highlighting existing constraints and challenges. Furthermore, this work outlines future directions for integrating digital rock physics with well logging evaluation. Document Type: Perspective Cited as: Nie, X., Song, J., Wei, W., Cai, J. Digital rock physics and resistivity well logging interpretation in unconventional reservoirs: Advances and prospects . Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2025, 18(3): 287-290. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2025.12.07
2025-12-04
Shaobo Han, Xiaoying Zhuang, Qianlong Zhou, Wei Feng, Xiaodong Hu, Quanzhou Yao
Underground fluid-injection operations, such as hydraulic fracturing and enhanced geothermal stimulation, have triggered multiple earthquakes across the globe. Earthquake nucleation models within the rate-and-state friction framework suggest that an increase in fluid pressure favors stable slip. However, certain observations indicate that fluid injected into faults may reduce effective normal stress, promoting fault failure, which highlights the debate on the role of fluids in controlling earthquake fault stability. This paper proposes a rate-and-state friction-based model of earthquake nucleation that incorporates fluid injection and diffusion processes, and extends the stability criteria of the system. The results show that fluid pressure heterogeneity can indeed influence fault stability. Elevated fluid pressure stabilizes faults, however, fluid pressure heterogeneity counteracts this stabilizing effect. The model suggests that pressure heterogeneity above a certain threshold facilitates seismic slip, whereas heterogeneity below this threshold can stabilize it. The results further indicate that this threshold reflects a universal instability criterion inherent to the system, rather than an incidental product of a specific fault or rock type. Accordingly, this study proposes a pressure-heterogeneity index as an operational precursor: Tracking spatiotemporal pore-pressure heterogeneity can guide the traffic-light-style adaptive control of injection. These insights provide a new, mechanism-based explanation for the role of fluids in triggering earthquakes. Document Type: Original article Cited as: Han, S., Zhuang, X., Zhou, Q., Feng, X., Hu, X., Yao, Q. Pressure heterogeneity caused by fluid injection and diffusion controls occurrence of induced earthquakes. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2025, 18(3): 242-256. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2025.12.04