| Summary: | Based on the data of cores, thin sections, well logs, and test experiments, the characteristics and main controlling factors of lamellation fractures in continental shales of the third and fourth members of the Paleogene Qianjiang Formation in the Qianjiang Depression, Jianghan Basin, are studied. Lamellation fractures mainly develop along laminas in shales. They have various morphological characteristics such as straightness, bending, discontinuity, bifurcation, pinching out, and merging. Lamellation fractures with high density show poor horizontal continuity and connectivity characteristics. The average linear density of the lamellation fractures is mainly between 20 m-1 and 110 m-1, and the aperture is usually less than 160 μm. The density of lamellation fractures is related to their apertures. The smaller the apertures of lamellation fractures are, the higher the density is. The development degree of lamellation fractures is mainly controlled by mineral composition, type, thickness, density of lamination, contents of organic matter and pyrite, lithofacies, structural position, etc. Lamellation fractures develop well, especially under the conditions of medium dolomite content, large lamination density, small lamination thickness, and high total organic carbon (TOC) and pyrite contents. The influences of lithofacies on the lamellation fractures are complex. The lamellation fractures are most developed in carbonaceous layered limestone dolomite and carbonaceous layered dolomite mudstone, followed by stromatolite dolomite filled with carbonaceous pyroxene. The fractures in the massive argillaceous dolomites and carbonaceous massive mudstones are poorly developed. No fractures can be found in the carbonaceous dolomitic, argillaceous glauberites or salt rocks with high glauberite content. Structure is also an important factor controlling lamination fractures. Tectonic uplifts are beneficial to the expansion and extension of lamellation fractures, which increases fracture density. Therefore, when other influence factors are similar, lamellation fractures develop better in the high part of the structure than in the low part.
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