Stable and Δ₄₇ Clumped Isotopes, U–Pb Dating of calcite veins in the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale.

This study investigates the preservation of natural gas in underground rock formations, focusing on the Southeastern Sichuan Basin in China. The research reveals that late movements in the Earth’s crust can hide the true risks of natural gas leakage. Innovative techniques combining U–Pb dating and clumped isotope analysis were used to date calcite veins associated with fractures in shale reservoirs. We found two distinct events at 6.89 and 3.55 million years ago, showing when natural gas leakage occurred. Overall, this research provides important insights into understanding and assessing the preservation of natural gas in geological formations, with potential implications for similar situations globally.