Geological characteristics and exploration potential of the coal measure gas from Shan 2 of the Shanxi formation in the eastern Ordos Basin

“Coal measure gas,” excluding tight (low-permeability) sandstone gas, refers in this study to the self-sourcing unconventional natural gas stored coal, shale, and fine siltstone. It is characterized by various types of occurrences reservoirs, a distinct cyclic succession coal strata, widely distributed mosaic hydrocarbon accumulations, three configurations vertically multiple-stacked gas-bearing reservoirs. Coal from Shan 2 can be divided—according grain size sandstone, sandstone–coal–mudstone association, thickness, layers—into four types: thick massive (type I), siltstone–coal–mudstone II), thin sandstone–mudstone–sandstone III), coal–mudstone IV). Comprehensive evaluation suggests that Suide-Mizhi area southern Ordos Basin presents an important favorable accumulation option, coalbed methane, shale sandstone–mudstone–coal strata. Therefore, it essential conduct full future assessments for beds, controlling exploration “vertical zone” three-dimensional exploration.