A Study on the Controlling Effect of Geological Structures on Coalbed Methane Occurrence in the Northeast Margin of Qinshui Basin, North China

Rui Li (), Le Zhang, Jun Xie, Zhaoying Chen, Baoke Yang, Wenting Xiang and Xikun Zhai
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Rui Li: State Key Laboratory of Coal and Coalbed Methane Co-Mining, Shanxi Jinneng Holding Group Co., Ltd., Jincheng 048012, China
Le Zhang: State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Jun Xie: Sijiazhuang Coal Mine, Lu’An Chemical Group Co., Ltd., Yangquan 045000, China
Zhaoying Chen: State Key Laboratory of Coal and Coalbed Methane Co-Mining, Shanxi Jinneng Holding Group Co., Ltd., Jincheng 048012, China
Baoke Yang: State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Wenting Xiang: State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Xikun Zhai: State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: This study investigated the patterns of gas occurrence in the coal seam structural zones of the northeastern margin of the Qinshui Basin, with a focus on the Sijiazhuang Coal Mine. Using laboratory experiments, theoretical analysis, and field exploration, we examined how geological structures influence gas distribution. The results show that gas content and pressure near normal faults are generally higher than those in reverse fault areas. However, fault-induced gas occurrence is complex, with stress superposition potentially reversing this trend. When a normal fault intersects modern tectonic stress at a perpendicular or large angle, the fault zone may transition to a compressional state, enhancing gas preservation. Fold structures were found to play a significant role in gas distribution, with anticline zones exhibiting the highest gas content, followed by syncline and normal zones. Collapse columns were shown to affect gas occurrence within a range of 15 to 180 m, with the impact depending on factors such as surrounding rock properties, hydrogeological conditions, and fault activity during collapse formation. Additionally, mirror-like sliding surfaces, formed by multiple factors, are prevalent in the coal seam structures of this region. These sliding surfaces are closely linked to structural zones and serve as valuable indicators for geological predictions in coal seam development.

Keywords: coalbed methane; gas occurrence; tectonic coal; sliding surfaces; Qinshui Basin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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