Articles | Volume 16, issue 9
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-819-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-819-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
10 Sep 2025
Research article |
| 10 Sep 2025
| 10 Sep 2025
Using nanoindentation to quantify the mechanical profile of the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in southwestern China: link to sedimentary conditions
Jianfeng Wang
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Processes and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
The Njord Centre, Departments of Geosciences and Physics, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
Chao Yang
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
Yuke Liu
Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing 100083, PR China
Wenmin Jiang
State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Processes and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
Yun Li
State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Processes and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
Ting Zhang
Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources Research, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
Research Center for Oil and Gas Resources, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
Yijun Zheng
State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Processes and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
Yuhong Liao
State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Processes and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
Qiuli Huo
Exploration and Development Research Institute of PetroChina Daqing Oilfield Co., Ltd., Daqing 163712, PR China
State Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Daqing, 163712, PR China
Heilongjiang Provincial Key laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Daqing, 163712, PR China
Li Fu
Exploration and Development Research Institute of PetroChina Daqing Oilfield Co., Ltd., Daqing 163712, PR China
State Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Daqing, 163712, PR China
Heilongjiang Provincial Key laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Daqing, 163712, PR China
Yusheng Wang
Exploration and Development Research Institute of PetroChina Daqing Oilfield Co., Ltd., Daqing 163712, PR China
State Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Daqing, 163712, PR China
Heilongjiang Provincial Key laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Daqing, 163712, PR China
Ping'an Peng
State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Processes and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
Yongqiang Xiong
State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Processes and Resources, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
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Short summary
The Wufeng–Longmaxi (WF-LMX) Formation is the most important shale gas play in China. Here, we present a feasible approach using nanoindentation to characterize the mechanical properties of the WF-LMX Formation. Mechanical properties varied synchronously with mineral and organic content across the vertical drilling profile, reflecting changes in lithology and sedimentary facies. The effect of shale constituents on micromechanics is essentially controlled by the sedimentary environment.
The Wufeng–Longmaxi (WF-LMX) Formation is the most important shale gas play in China. Here, we...
