Coalbed Methane Enrichment Regularity and Major Control Factors in the Xishanyao Formation in the Western Part of the Southern Junggar Basin

There are abundant coal and coalbed methane (CBM) resources in the Xishanyao Formation in the western region of the southern Junggar Basin, and the prospects for CBM exploration and development are promising. To promote the exploration and development of the CBM resources of the Xishanyao Formation in this area, we studied previous coalfield survey data and CBM geological exploration data. Then, we analyzed the relationships between the gas content and methane concentration vs. coal seam thickness, burial depth, coal reservoir physical characteristics, hydrogeological conditions, and roof and floor lithology. In addition, we briefly discuss the main factors influencing CBM accumulation. First, we found that the coal strata of the Xishanyao Formation in the study area are relatively simple in structure, and the coal seam has a large thickness and burial depth, as well as moderately good roof and floor conditions. The hydrogeological conditions and coal reservoir physical characteristics are also conducive to the enrichment and a high yield of CBM. We believe that the preservation of CBM resources in the study area is mainly controlled by the structure, burial depth, and hydrogeological conditions. Furthermore, on the basis of the above results, the coal seam of the Xishanyao Formation in the synclinal shaft and buried at depths of 700-1000 m should be the first considered for development.