The results of the geophysical exploration institute’s wide-area electromagnetic method project in western Chongqing have successfully passed the acceptance review.

On October 26, the project “Comprehensive Analysis of the Causes of Low Resistivity in the Longmaxi to Wufeng Formation at Well Area Jiangye-1 in the Western Chongqing Block,” undertaken by the Institute of Geophysical Exploration, successfully passed the acceptance of its results.

This project serves as a key supporting initiative for the expansion of the evaluation segment under the “14th Five-Year Plan” of Chongqing Shale Gas Company. The Geophysical Exploration Institute has employed world-leading wide-area electromagnetic (WAE) survey techniques to address the persistent challenge of low-resistivity distribution in the Jiangye Exploration Well 1 area, providing robust evidence for the upcoming drilling deployment. From the very outset of the project, we have put into practice the principles of “precise design, quality control, and high efficiency”: First, we have developed a comprehensive QHSE system template covering critical aspects such as survey line layout in the operational area, geological and geophysical characteristics, construction challenges and countermeasures, data acquisition strategies, data processing and interpretation, analysis of the causes of low resistivity, and optimal selection of favorable exploration zones—ensuring safety and quality control from the very beginning. Second, we have fully leveraged the advantages of WAE—including its high power, high precision, and strong signal strength—through pilot testing and technical攻关, thereby summarizing a series of key technologies such as instrument parameters and data acquisition methods. Third, by employing advanced techniques including high-precision WAE data processing and interpretation, model forward modeling, wide-area two-dimensional inversion, and integrated structural modeling and interpretation, we have precisely characterized the resistivity features of the target strata. The resulting cross-sections effectively reflect the electrical structural characteristics of the target formations. As a world-leading electromagnetic exploration method, WAE has already been successfully applied in exploration and development evaluations at multiple oil and gas fields across China. The successful implementation of this project will further optimize the assessment of shale gas production capacity in the western Chongqing block.

At the acceptance meeting, the project leader focused on reporting the refined processing technology for wide-area electromagnetic methods applied to this project, the integrated geological interpretation results, and the comprehensive analysis of the causes behind the low resistivity of the target strata. The meeting provided a thorough overview of the exploration findings achieved by the wide-area electromagnetic method in the Jiangye Exploration Well Area of the western Chongqing block.

After carefully reviewing the report and listening attentively to the briefing, the expert panel unanimously concluded that the high-precision wide-area electromagnetic method processing and interpretation technology is capable of characterizing the resistivity features of the target shale gas strata. The resulting cross-sections accurately reflect the electrical structural characteristics of the target strata. The data generated are comprehensive and the supporting evidence is robust. The project has successfully completed all tasks stipulated in the contract and design, providing crucial technical support for the next phase of exploration and development in this block. The expert panel unanimously agreed to pass the acceptance test.

The leaders of the owner unit have given full affirmation to this project and highly praised the work of the Geophysical Exploration Institute. They expressed the hope that the Institute will broaden its thinking, continuously innovate, overcome technical challenges, and further optimize and enrich the technological achievements of the wide-area electromagnetic method, thereby better serving the exploration and development of shale gas.

In the future, the Institute of Geophysical Exploration will continue to leverage its professional strengths, deeply understand the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s reply to the Sixth Geological Brigade of Shandong Province, actively implement the concept of green development, strengthen scientific and technological research, and better apply the wide-area electromagnetic method to shale gas exploration and development, railway and highway surveys, geological hazard investigation and assessment, and the new round of strategic mineral exploration initiatives. In doing so, we will contribute our geophysical expertise to safeguarding national energy security and to fully building a modern socialist country.

Executive Producer | Zhang Guangda
Reviewed by | Zou Zhongping
Editor-in-charge | Zhou Huiying
Text | Liu Jinhui, Chen Jie
Figure | Wang Yuchen
Editor | Wen Han