Main factors controlling the wettability of gas shales: A case study of over-mature marine shale in the Longmaxi Formation

Additionally, a positive correlation between TOC and total gas content was identified. Pore throat analysis and SEM imaging demonstrated that organic pores constitute a significant portion of porosity. Nevertheless, the negative correlation between total gas content and the water contact angle indicated that gas occupies the pore space which previously stored degraded asphalt. Eventually, identifying the main factors that influence the water contact angle of gas shales provides a new mode diagram to analyze the wettability of over-mature marine gas shales.