Quantitative characterization and source tracing of fluids in shale oil and gas reservoirs: Progress and prospects

Shale oil and gas are strategic resources for global energy structure transformation and national energy security. Shale reservoirs are characterized by well-developed nanoscale pores, extreme heterogeneity, the coexistence of multiphase fluids, and significant fluidsolid interactions. The accurate quantitative characterization of multiscale, multiphase fluids has become a core issue limiting the improvement of exploration and development benefits. Focusing on key scientific issues such as the quantitative characterization and source tracing of fluids in shale oil and gas reservoirs, this work systematically describes the relevant physical experimental techniques, numerical calculation methods and theoretical evaluation models, then summarizes the main research achievements and technological breakthroughs in the occurrence mechanisms of multiphase fluids, identification and quantitative evaluation techniques of multiphase fluids, temperature-pressure coupling evolution, and source tracing in shale reservoirs. Finally, future development priorities are projected from four directions: in-situ multiphase fluid content and distribution in reservoirs, the gas quantum physical adsorption model, the multi-field coupling dynamic evolution model, and cross-scale fluid source tracing. Through this structured approach, this work aims to provide solid theoretical and technical support for the evaluation of sweet spots and the efficient development of shale oil and gas. Document Type: Perspective Cited as: Wang, R., Zhang, P., Li, J. Quantitative characterization and source tracing of fluids in shale oil and gas reservoirs: Progress and prospects. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2026, 21(1): 9-12. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2026.07.03