Objective To clarify the geological characteristics and preservation conditions of the Ordovician Wufeng Formation and the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale gas, and to analyze the potential of the shale gas under normal pressure, this paper provides a reference for the efficient development of the Wulong area.

Methods  Based on the knowledge and achievements of shale gas exploration and development in southeast Chongqing, the research was conducted through the aspects of geological knowledge, regional tectonic evolution and fine seismic interpretation.

Results The static evaluation indexes are superior and have good shale gas exploration potential of the Ordovician Wufeng Formation and the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in this area. The difference of single well productivity is mainly due to the influence of tectonics between Wulong, Jiaoshiba and Nanchuan area. The compressive stress of Yanshan period was dominant in Wulong area, which was conducive to the transformation and preservation of shale gas reservoirs, and the extension stress was dominant in the Himalayan period, which made local shale gas preservation conditions deteriorate due to formation denudation, fracture development, stress release and other factors.

Conclusions The Wulong area has the characteristics of "deep−water shelf facies controlling hydrocarbon generation, tectonic movement periods controlling shale gas preservation, and tectonic styles controlling shale gas enrichment". The eastern graben is located in the extensional tectonic zone, and the fault opening leads to poor preservation conditions, which is not conducive to shale gas exploration and development. The central uplift area in the southern depression and the fault−developed fold area in the central part under compressive stress are favorable targets for shale gas exploration.