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.本研究以中国四川盆地东南部为研究区域，探究地下岩层内天然气的保存条件。研究揭示，晚近地壳活动可能掩盖天然气泄漏的真实风险。研究团队采用结合铀-铅测年（U–Pb dating）与团簇同位素分析（clumped isotope analysis）的创新技术，对页岩储层裂缝伴生的方解石脉开展定年工作，识别出两次分别发生于689万年前与355万年前的独立事件，明确了天然气泄漏的发生时段。总体而言，本研究为理解与评估地质构造内天然气的保存状况提供了关键认知，其研究成果对全球范围内同类地质场景具有潜在借鉴价值。