Geological Processes of Late Mesozoic Coal-Derived Gas Formation on the Eastern Shuangyashan Basin: Geochemical and Modeling Insights

Abstract

The Late Mesozoic coal-bearing strata on the eastern margin of the Shuangyashan Basin are significant potential sources of coal-derived gas resources; however, their complex structural evolution’s influence on the gas accumulation process is not yet fully understood. This study aims to investigate both the generation and evolution processes of coal-derived gas in the region and the key factors that control them by employing a combination of organic geochemical analysis, PetroMod basin modeling, and methane isothermal adsorption experiments, allowing us to systematically examine the factors that influence coal-derived gas generation and evolution. Geochemical data indicate that the coal-bearing strata are characterized by a high abundance of organic matter, are mature to highly mature, and are primarily composed of gas-prone Type III kerogen, providing a high-quality source for efficient coal-derived gas generation. Basin modeling clearly illustrates two critical structural–thermal events: Early Cretaceous rapid subsidence caused the coal-bearing strata to reach the hydrocarbon generation threshold and attain moderate maturity, while intense magmatic thermal events during the Late Cretaceous Yanshan period (with the peak geothermal heat flow reaching 91.5 mW/m²) resulted in a rapid increase in organic matter maturity, quickly approaching peak gas generation—with both of these events serving as the core triggers for efficient coal-derived gas generation. Methane isothermal adsorption experiments further demonstrate that the coal seams in the study area exhibit both high methane adsorption capacity and low critical desorption pressure, indicating good extractability. This study quantitatively reconstructs the key role of structural–thermal evolution in coal-derived gas generation, emphasizing the dominant influence of Late Cretaceous magmatic thermal events in enhancing resource potential and exploration prospects, as well as providing a scientific foundation for selecting and developing coal-derived gas exploration target areas in the eastern Shuangyashan Basin.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

coal-derived gas / geochemistry / tectonic-burial history / hydrocarbon generation / Shuangyashan Basin

References

[1] Armagnac C, Bucci J, Kendall G S C, Lerche I (1989). Estimating the thickness of sediment removed at an unconformity using vitrinite reflectance data. In: Naeser N D, McCulloh T H, eds. Thermal History of Sedimentary Basins: Methods and Case Histories. Springer, New York, 217‒238

[2] Ayers W (2003). Coalbed methane in the Fruitland Formation, San Juan Basin, western United States: a giant unconventional gas play.AAPG Mem, 85(78): 159–188

[3] Büker C, Littke R, Welte D H (1995). 2D-modelling of the thermal evolution of Carboniferous and Devonian sedimentary rocks of the eastern Ruhr Basin and northern Rhenish Massif, Germany.Z Dtsch Geol Ges, 146(2): 321–339

[4] Burnham A, Sweeney J (1989). A chemical kinetic model of vitrinite reflectance maturation.Geochim Cosmochim Acta, 53: 2649–2657

[5] Cao Z, Liang M, Zhang X, Su L (2024). Hydrocarbon generation potential in Jurassic source rocks from hydrous pyrolysis experiments under ultradeep conditions.Sci Rep, 14(1): 22360

[6] Chen S, Jin C, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Guo S (2005). Discussion on the structural-volcanic activities and biological events during the Early Cretaceous in the Sihetun Area, Liaoning Province, China.Acta Geosci Sin, 26(3): 241

[7] Cheng M, Li C, Yin J, Wang P, Hu C, Yu Y, Lei Y, Zhang L (2024). Modeling of burial history, source rock maturity, and hydrocarbon generation of marine-continental transitional shale of the Permian Shanxi Formation, Southeastern Ordos Basin.ACS Omega, 9(18): 20532–20546

[8] Clarkson G, Reiter M (1987). The thermal regime of the San Juan basin since late Cretaceous times and its relationship to San Juan mountains thermal sources.J Volcanol Geotherm Res, 31(3−4): 217–237

[9] Dong Y, Xiong S, Wang F, Ji Z, Li B, Yamamoto S, Niida K, Xu W (2023). Triggering of episodic back-arc extensions in the northeast Asian continental margin by deep mantle flow.Geology, 51(2): 193–198

[10] Gao B, Sun F (2011). Coal-bearing property and coal property characteristics of Shuangyashan Basin.Coal Technol, 30(02): 132–133

[11] GB/T 19560–2008 (2008). Experimental Method of High-Pressure Isothermal Adsorption to Coal. Beijing: China Standard Press

[12] GB/T 212–2008 (2008). Proximate Analysis of Coal. Beijing: China Standard Press

[13] GB/T 19145–2022 (2022). Determination for Total Organic Carbon in Sedimentary Rock. Beijing: China Standard Press

[14] Gong D, Wang Q, Qi X, Liu G, Qin Z (2024). Investigation of hydrocarbon generation from Jurassic coal measures in the Southern Junggar Basin, Northwestern China, using closed-system pyrolysis.ACS Omega, 9(23): 24236–24251

[15] Gottardi R, Adams L M, Borrok D, Teixeira B (2019). Hydrocarbon source rock characterization, burial history, and thermal maturity of the Steele, Niobrara and Mowry Formations at Teapot Dome, Wyoming.Mar Pet Geol, 100: 326–340

[16] Guo F (2016). Geological records of the Pacific plate subduction in the northeast Asian continental margin: an overview.Bull Mineral Petrol Geochem, 35(6): 1082–1089

[17] Guo S, Wang H (2008). Sequence stratigraphic characteristics and hydrocarbon prospect of Mesozoic formation in Suibin Depression, Sanjiang Basin.Pet Explor Dev, 35(1): 44–51

[18] Hamsi Júnior G P, Pinho G C, Masiero G H N, Barros F A R, Castro A, Pereira Filho H A, Cangussu L P, Silva B O, Carmo I O, Romeiro M A T. (2024). Quantification and mapping of erosion in the Sergipe–Alagoas Basin using sonic logs and vitrinite reflectance data.Braz J Geol, 54(2): e20240027

[19] Han W (2021). Formation and tectonic implications of the Raohe accretionary complex in Nadanhada terrane. Dissertation for Doctor Degree. Jilin University (in Chinese)

[20] Hou Z, Xu H, Hu Z, Yuan G, Liu M (2010). Evaluation of the source rocks from the Lower Cretaceous coal measure strata in the Suibin depression of Sanjiang basin, China.Journal of Chengdu University of Technology (Science & Technology Edition), 37(1): 15–20

[21] Jiang J, Jiang Y, Wang J, Fan X (2009). Application of apatite fission track in the research of thermal evolution history in Binbei area.Journal of Daqing Petroleum Institute, 33(3): 43–48

[22] Kaiser W, Ayers W Jr (1994). Geologic and hydrologic characterization of coalbed-methane reservoirs in the San Juan Basin.SPE Form Eval, 9(3): 175–184

[23] Kim Y, Lee C, Lee E Y (2018). Numerical analysis of sedimentary compaction: implications for porosity and layer thickness variation.J Geol Soc Korea, 54(6): 631–640

[24] Lan T, Zhang Z, Le Q B, Liu Y, Wang S (2023). Study on the influence of the tectonic evolution of Shuangyashan Basin on gas occurrence and extraction in mines.Front Earth Sci (Lausanne), 10: 1083489

[25] Langmuir I (1918). The adsorption of gases on plane surfaces of glass, mica and platinum.J Am Chem Soc, 40(9): 1361–1403

[26] Li S, Qin Y, Tang D, Shen J, Wang J, Chen S (2023). A comprehensive review of deep coalbed methane and recent developments in China.Int J Coal Geol, 279: 104369

[27] Li W, Chen G, Sun B, Sun F J, Zhao Q (2011). Geological controls of coalbed methane enrichment in Daning-Jixian Area, Southeastern Ordos Basin.Nat Gas Geosci, 22(2): 352–360

[28] Li W, Li X, Lu F, Zhou Y, Zhang D (2002). Geological characteristics and its setting for volcanic rocks of Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation in western Liaoning Province, eastern China.Acta Petrol Sin, 18(2): 193–204

[29] Lin Y, Wang S, Qiao J, Zhang H, Zhang E, Ma Y, Hao Y (2024). Chemical characteristics, formation mechanisms, and geological evolution processes of high-salinity coal reservoir water in the Binchang area of the southern Ordos Basin, China.Int J Coal Geol, 291: 104574

[30] Lu J, Lin T, Li J, Fu X, Cui K, Gao B, Bai Y, Fu X (2024). Coupling mechanism of Gulong shale oil enrichment in Songliao Basin.Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing, 43(3): 62–74

[31] Ma L, Fan H (2002). Coal reservoir characteristics and gas-bearing property in Shuangyashan Coalfield.Coal Technol, 21(07): 75–76

[32] Majewska Z, Majewski S, Ziętek J (2010). Swelling of coal induced by cyclic sorption/desorption of gas: experimental observations indicating changes in coal structure due to sorption of CO₂ and CH₄.Int J Coal Geol, 83(4): 475–483

[33] Meng F, Liu J, Cui Y, Gao J, Liu X, Tong Y (2014). Mesozoic tectonic regimes transition in Northeast China: constraints from temporal-spatial distribution and associations of volcanic rocks.Acta Petrol Sin, 30(12): 3569–3586

[34] Meng Q, Zhou Z, Zhu R, Xu Y, Guo Z (2022). Cretaceous basin evolution in northeast Asia: tectonic responses to the paleo-Pacific plate subduction.Natl Sci Rev, 9(1): nwab088

[35] Mondal D, Sang S, Han S, Zhou X, Zhao F, Zhang J, Gao W (2024). Coalbed methane reservoir properties assessment and 3D static modeling for sweet-spot prediction in Dahebian block, Liupanshui Coal field, Guizhou Province, southwestern China.Heliyon, 10(15): e35481

[36] Quan Y, Chen Z, Jiang Y, Diao H, Xie X, Lu Y, Du X, Liu X (2022). Hydrocarbon generation potential, geochemical characteristics, and accumulation contribution of coal-bearing source rocks in the Xihu Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin.Mar Pet Geol, 136: 105465

[37] Reiter M, Clarkson G (1983). Relationships between heat flow, paleotemperatures, coalification and petroleum maturation in the San Juan Basin, northwest New Mexico and southwest Colorado.Geothermics, 12(4): 323–339

[38] Shao L, Hua F, Yi T, Guo L, Wang X (2021). Sequence-paleogeography and coal accumulation of Lopingian in Guizhou Province.Coal Geol Explor, 49: 45–56

[39] Shen J, Li K, Zhang H, Shabbiri K, Hu Q, Zhang C (2021). The geochemical characteristics, origin, migration, and accumulation modes of deep coal-measure gas in the west of Linxing block at the eastern margin of Ordos Basin.J Nat Gas Sci Eng, 91: 103965

[40] SY/T5124–2012 (2012). Method of Determining Microscopically the reflectanceof Vitrinite in Sedimentary. Beijing: China Standard Press

[41] SY/T5125–2014 (2014). Method of Identification Microscopically the Maceralsof Kerogen and Indivision the Kerogen Typeby Transmitted-Light and Fluorescence. Beijing: China Standard Press

[42] Wang Y, Zhang H, Yang L, Zhu Y, Chang Z (2024). Geochemical characteristics and hydrocarbon generation potential of coal-measure source rocks in Julu Sag.Processes (Basel), 12(7): 1399

[43] Xu F, Hou W, Xiong X, Xu B, Wu P, Wang H, Feng K, Yun J, Li S, Zhang L, Yan X, Fang H, Lu Q, Mao D (2023). The status and development strategy of coalbed methane industry in China.Pet Explor Dev, 50(4): 765–783

[44] Xu W, Pei F, Wang F, Meng E, Ji W, Yang D, Wang W (2013). Spatial–temporal relationships of Mesozoic volcanic rocks in NE China: constraints on tectonic overprinting and transformations between multiple tectonic regimes.J Asian Earth Sci, 74: 167–193

[45] Yan K, Zuo Y, Zhang Y, Yang L, Pang X, Wang S, Li W, Song X, Yao Y (2024). A study on the accumulation model of the Santos Basin in Brazil utilizing the source–reservoir dynamic evaluation method.Sci Rep, 14(1): 19296

[46] Yan T, He S, Zheng S, Bai Y, Chen W, Meng Y, Jin S, Yao H, Jia X (2023). Critical tectonic events and their geological controls on deep buried coalbed methane accumulation in Daning-Jixian Block, eastern Ordos Basin.Front Earth Sci, 17(1): 197–217

[47] Yan T, Yao Y, Liu D (2015). Critical tectonic events and their geological controls on gas generation, migration, and accumulation in the Weibei coalbed methane field, southeast Ordos Basin.J Nat Gas Sci Eng, 27(03): 1367–1380

[48] Yang X, Cheng R, Huang D (2012). Characteristics and significance of sedimentary microfacies in Yingcheng Formation of Lishu faulted depression in Songliao Basin.Glob Geol, 31(1): 28–39

[49] Yang X, Tang S, Xi Z, Zhang S, Zhang Q, Zhang K, Lin D, Wang J (2025). Dynamic evolution and differential enrichment of deep coalbed methane: a case study in Qinshui Basin.Int J Coal Geol, 299: 104696

[50] Yu K, Ju Y, Qi Y, Huang C, Zhu H (2020). Geological process of Late Paleozoic shale gas generation in the eastern Ordos Basin, China: revelations from geochemistry and basin modeling.Int J Coal Geol, 229: 103569

[51] Yu K, Ju Y, Qian J, Qu Z, Shao C, Yu K, Shi Y (2018). Burial and thermal evolution of coal-bearing strata and its mechanisms in the southern North China Basin since the late Paleozoic.Int J Coal Geol, 198: 100–115

[52] Yu S, Xu Y, Ma J, Zheng Y, Kuang Y, Hong L, Ge W, Tong L (2010). Remnants of oceanic lower crust in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle: trace element and Sr–Nd–O isotope evidence from aluminous garnet pyroxenite xenoliths from Jiaohe, Northeast China.Earth Planet Sci Lett, 297(3−4): 413–422

[53] Yuan G (2010). Structural evolution of residual basin group of the Fansanjiang. Dissertation for Master Degree. China University of Geosciences (in Chinese)

[54] Zhang D (2019). Cenozoic uplift and exhumation process in Sanjiang area, Heilongjiang Province. Dissertation for Master Degree. Jilin University (in Chinese)

[55] Zhang L, Chen J, Shi X (2020). The Miocene Shuangyashan basalts in northeast China: implications for the origin of Cenozoic basalts in northeast Asia.Geol J, 55(4): 2615–2630

[56] Zhang L, Han B, Zhu Y, Xu Z, Song B (2009). Geochronology, mineralogy, crystallization process and tectonic implications of the Shuangyashan monzogabbro in eastern Heilongjiang Province.Acta Petrol Sin, 25(3): 577–587

[57] Zhao F, Wei Y (2022). Regional characteristics of porosity and permeability of Dahebian Syncline coal and its application.Front Earth Sci (Lausanne), 9: 822322

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Higher Education Press