Tectonic and depositional setting of the lower Cambrian and lower Silurian marine shales in the Yangtze Platform, South China: Implications for shale gas exploration and production

•Tectonics and depositional settings of Lower Paleozoic marine shales on the Yangtze Platform are revealed.•Relationship between tectonics, facies and shale gas accumulation are deciphered.•Stable tectonics and siliceous organic-rich facies are favorable for shale gas exploration and production.