Integrated Perspectives on Shale Gas and Coalbed Methane: Reservoir Characteristics, Gas Storage, and Production Mechanisms

Unconventional gas resources, specifically shale gas and coalbed methane (CBM), have emerged as critical energy sources due to their vast reserves and growing global demand. These reservoirs are notable for their low permeability and complex architectures, presenting unique challenges in understanding gas generation, storage, and production mechanisms. In coal seams, gas content and mobility are influenced by factors such as coal rank, maceral composition, and the development of natural fractures (cleats), while shale reservoirs are primarily governed by the type of organic matter, degree of thermal maturity, mineral composition, and structure of nano-scale pore networks. Current research has made significant strides, utilizing advanced experimental and modeling techniques to reveal the distinctive adsorption-controlled storage and flow characteristics in both systems. However, uncertainties remain regarding the accurate prediction of gas-in-place, the delineation of transport behaviors, and the forecasting of long-term production performance. Notably, the integration of findings across these two resource types is limited, underscoring a persistent gap in holistic reservoir evaluation and management.This Research Topic aims to enhance our scientific understanding of how shale gas and CBM reservoirs generate, contain, and produce gas. Central objectives include addressing the complexities posed by reservoir heterogeneity, improving methodologies for pore structure analysis, unraveling adsorption–desorption dynamics, and elucidating the evolution of permeability under various geomechanical conditions. By encouraging interdisciplinary efforts that combine geological, geochemical, and engineering insights, the Research Topic strives to drive innovation in resource assessment and production optimization. Ultimately, these efforts seek to support the development of more reliable field-scale models, effective recovery strategies, and the sustainable exploitation of unconventional gas resources across diverse geological settings.The research scope encompasses all aspects related to the integrated understanding of shale gas and coalbed methane systems, with a particular focus on comparative studies and synergistic methodologies. Priority is given to works that bridge laboratory and field-scale approaches, and that explore intersections between reservoir geology, petrophysics, and engineering. To gather further insights in this rapidly evolving area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• The role of organic matter and maceral composition in gas generation and retention• Mechanisms of gas storage, including adsorbed, free, and dissolved phases• Multi-scale pore structure characterization and its impact on gas flow• Adsorption–desorption phenomena and dynamic gas transport processes• Evolution of permeability, geomechanics, and stress sensitivity during production• Reservoir modeling, production forecasting, and strategies for recovery enhancement• Environmental and sustainability considerations in unconventional gas developmentAppendix:We welcome original research articles, review papers, and short communications addressing theoretical, experimental, numerical, and field-based investigations. Interdisciplinary studies integrating geology, geochemistry, and reservoir engineering are especially encouraged. Topic editors: Deepak Amban Mishra, Bikash Kumar Ram, Ranjana Ghosh, Xiwu Luan, Hemant Kumar Singh Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80272/integrated-perspectives-on-shale-gas-and-coalbed-methane-reservoir-characteristics-gas-storage-and-production-mechanisms