Geological characteristics and prospects for exploration of coalbed methane in Wushen coalfield, Ordos Basin

The Wushen coalfield, Ordos Basin is one of important coalbed methane (CBM) development areas.In order to study CBM storage regularities the CBM geological characteristics in this area are studied through ana-lyzing logging data and gas desorption data on site, and the gas content and lithological properties of coal seams in different CBM wells are analyzed.It is considered that the key factor controlling gas storage is the effective thick-ness of overburden layers of coal seams in exploration area.Based on gas content analysis results the scope of weathered zones is determined.The final predicted results indicated that the CBM resources are mainly distributed in the center and northern areas of Wushen coalfield and the gas content of Coal Seam 3-1 can reach up to 8 m³/t at the depth shallower than 800 m, where the industrial development potential is favorable.