Multiscale Pore Fracture Characterization and Engineering Applications in Unconventional Reservoirs

Unconventional reservoir geoscience examines the heterogeneous pore–fracture systems that control fluid storage, transport and permeability in shale, tight sandstone and coalbed methane formations. These systems span nano- to field scales and are shaped by mineralogy, organic matter, diagenesis, natural fractures, in situ stress and pressure changes. Recent studies using micro- and nanoscale imaging, advanced petrophysics, digital rock physics, geomechanics and data-driven analysis have improved the quantification of pore geometry, fracture connectivity and stress-dependent transport. Nevertheless, substantial uncertainties remain in linking observations across scales, resolving representative fracture networks and predicting how deformation, effective stress and multiphase processes alter permeability. The interactions among hydraulic and natural fractures, fluid–rock reactions and evolving pore structures are also incompletely understood, limiting reliable reservoir evaluation and the design of stimulation, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and subsurface CO₂ storage strategies. Integrated investigation is therefore needed to establish robust relationships between pore–fracture architecture, geomechanical response and fluid flow.This Research Topic aims to advance the quantitative understanding of multiscale pore–fracture systems in unconventional reservoirs, with emphasis on their characterization, evolution, geomechanical behaviour and stress-dependent transport properties. It will encourage experimental, analytical, numerical and data-driven studies that connect pore structure, fracture geometry, connectivity, heterogeneity, deformation, permeability and multiphase flow across relevant length scales. Particular attention will be given to integrating imaging, petrophysical measurements, laboratory experiments, digital rock physics, geomechanical modelling and field-scale observations. Studies should help determine how effective stress, hydraulic stimulation, natural fracture interactions and fluid–rock processes influence fracture development and flow behaviour, while improving predictive tools for reservoir assessment and engineering applications.To gather further insights into the characterization, geomechanics and flow behaviour of multiscale pore–fracture systems in shale, tight sandstone and coalbed methane reservoirs, this Research Topic will focus on studies that provide mechanistic understanding, validated measurements or transferable modelling approaches. Applications in stimulation, EOR and CO₂ storage are welcome when they directly address pore–fracture behaviour or associated fluid–rock processes. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Multiscale characterization of pore structures and fracture networksMicro- and nanoscale imaging, segmentation and image-based analysisPetrophysical characterization of heterogeneous unconventional formationsFracture initiation, propagation, connectivity, interaction and closureGeomechanical controls on pore–fracture evolutionEffective stress, deformation and stress-dependent permeabilitySingle-phase and multiphase fluid transportHydraulic–natural fracture interactionsFluid–rock interactions and geochemical alterationDigital rock physics and pore-network modellingData-driven characterization, machine learning and uncertainty quantificationLaboratory-to-field upscaling of pore–fracture propertiesEnhanced oil recovery, reservoir stimulation and subsurface CO₂ storageAppendix: We welcome Original Research Articles, Review Articles, Methodological Articles and Perspectives presenting robust methodologies, reliable data, appropriate validation and clear scientific or engineering implications. Topic editors: Subrata Borgohain Gogoi, Xianfeng Fan, Babu George, Pankaj Tiwari, Juhairi Aris Bin Muhamad Shuhili, Pradip Borgohain, Dr. Pranab Boral Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85422/multiscale-pore-fracture-characterization-and-engineering-applications-in-unconventional-reservoirs