THE CRETACEOUS SERIES IN THE CHAD BASIN, NE NIGERIA: SOURCE ROCK POTENTIAL AND THERMAL MATURITY

The Chad Basin is the largest intracratonic basin in Africa, and one-tenth of its surface area lies in NE Nigeria. Thermal maturation (mean vitrinite reflectance) and organic-geochemical (Rock-Eval pyrolysis) studies have been carried out on Cretaceous shales from the Bima Formation, Gongila Formation and Fika Shale Formation. Samples were derived from the Kanadi and Albarka exploration wells, which are located about 76 km apart in the Nigerian sector of the Chad Basin.
The organic matter is predominantly gas prone (Type III kerogen). Its thermal maturity, assessed from vitrinite reflectance and Tmax, indicates that the Gongila Formation and the Bima Formation are within the "oil window", while the Fika Shale Formation is only partly within it. The "oil window", deduced from the mean vitrinite reflectance profile, occurs between 1,270m - 2,600m in the Kanadi well, and between 1,985m -3,690m in the Albarka well, with respective maturation gradients of 0.52 log%Rm/km (0.41%Rm/km) and 0.41 log%Rm/km (0.34%Rm/km). Eroded thicknesses amount to about 1 km.
The upper part of the Fika Shale Formation has the best source-rock potential in terms of its organic carbon content, but has low thermal maturity. The Gongila Formation is poor in organic carbon and its hydrocarbon potential may already have been exhausted. The Bima Formation is well within the "oil window", but has only limited potential as a source rock, because of the presence of clastic and inert materials. The potential for gas accumulations, however, exists.     

SOURCE ROCK POTENTIAL AND DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF MIDDLE – UPPER JURASSIC SEDIMENTARY ROCKS,BLUE NILE BASIN,ETHIOPIA

This study investigates the hydrocarbon generation potential, kerogen quality, thermal maturity and depositional environment of Middle – Upper Jurassic sedimentary rocks in the Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia, using organic petrography, Rock-Eval pyrolysis and molecular organic geochemistry. Thirty-seven outcrop samples were analysed for their total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) contents. The samples came from a Toarcian – Bathonian transitional glauconitic shale-mudstone unit, the overlying Upper Bathonian Gohatsion Formation, and the Lower Callovian – Upper Tithonian Antalo Limestone Formation. Thirteen samples with sufficient TOC contents for further analysis of the organic matter, eight from the Antalo Limestone Formation and five from the glauconitic shale-mudstone unit, were selected and analysed using Rock-Eval pyrolysis. Vitrinite reflectance (VR_r) was measured on random particles, and qualitative maceral analysis was performed under normal incident and UV light. Nine samples were selected for molecular organic-geochemical analyses. All the samples originating from the Gohatsion Formation showed TOC values which were too low for further analyses of the organic matter. The TOC contents of shales and limestones from the Antalo Limestone Formation and and of shales from the glauconitic shale-mudstone unit were 3.43-6.43% (average 4.85%) and 0.76-3.15% (average 1.72%), respectively, and two coaly shale samples from the latter unit have average TOC values of 18.48%. HI values are very high for shales in the Antalo Limestone Formation (average 575 mg HC/g TOC) but lower for the shales in the glauconitic shale-mudstone unit. The vitrinite reflectance of shales from the Antalo Limestone Formation ranged between 0.21% and 0.47%; coaly shales from the glauconitic shale-mudstone unit have VR_r% of between 0.29% and 0.35%. Pr/Ph ratios for samples of the Antalo Limestone Formation shales ranged from 0.8 to 1.1, indicating anoxic to suboxic depositional conditions; while shales in the glauconitic shale-mudstone unit show higher values of up to 4.9. In terms of organic petrography, the Antalo Limestone Formation samples are dominated by finely dispersed liptinite particles and alginite; the organic material in the glauconitic shale-mudstone unit is of higher land plant origin, with abundant vitrinite and inertinite. Sterane and hopane biomarker ratios suggest an anoxic/suboxic depositional environment for the Antalo Limestone Formation shales and limestones. These values together with Rock-Eval Tmax (average 414 °C), the high ratio of pristane and phytane over the n-alkanes C₁₇ and C₁₈, and hopane biomarker ratios indicate that the Middle – Upper Jurassic succession is of low thermal maturity in the central parts of the Blue Nile Basin. The Antalo Limestone Formation shales have a high petroleum generation potential, making them a viable target for future exploration activities.     

Source rock potential of the Sayındere formation in the Şambayat oil field,SE Turkey

Upper Campanian–Maastrichtian Say?ndere Formation, located in southeastern Turkey, composed of pelagic limestone which was deposited relatively deep marine. In this study, well samples of the Say?ndere Formation were analyzed by Rock-Eval pyrolysis and the oil sample from this unit were analyzed by GC, and GC-MS to assess source rock characteristics and hydrocarbon potential. The TOC values of the Say?ndere Formation samples range from 0.34 to 4.65?wt.% with an average of 1.14?wt.% and organic matter have good TOC value. Hydrogen Index (HI) values range from 407?mg HC/g TOC to 603?mg HC/g TOC and indicates Type II kerogen. T_max values are in the range of 434 - 442?°C and indicate early-mid mature stage. The Say?ndere samples have fair to good hydrocarbon potential based on TOC contents, S2, and PY values. According to the HI versus TOC plot, most of the samples have good oil source. The oil sample contains predominant short-chain n-alkanes and plots in marine algal Type II field on a Pr/n-C17 versus Ph/n-C18 cross-plot indicating anoxic environment. Biomarker analysis shows that the deposition of oil source rock is carbonate-rich sediments.     

ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY,BURIAL HISTORY AND HYDROCARBON GENERATION MODELLING OF THE UPPER JURASSIC MADBI FORMATION,MASILA BASIN,YEMEN

The Masila Basin is an important hydrocarbon province in Yemen but the origin of its hydrocarbons is not fully understood. In this study, we evaluate Upper Jurassic source rocks in the Madbi Formation and assess the results of basin modelling in order to improve our understanding of burial history and hydrocarbon generation. This source rock has generated commercial volumes of hydrocarbons which migrated into Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous reservoir rocks. Cuttings samples of shales from the Upper Jurassic Madbi Formation from boreholes in the centre-west of the Masila Basin were analysed using organic geochemistry (Rock-Eval pyrolysis, extract analysis) and organic petrology. The shales generally contain more than 2.0 wt % TOC and have very good to excellent hydrocarbon potential. Kerogen is predominantly algal Type II with minor Type I. Thermal maturity of the organic matter is R_r 0.69–0.91%. Thermal and burial history models indicate that the Madbi Formation source rock entered the early-mature to mature stage in the Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary. Hydrocarbon generation began in the Late Cretaceous, reaching maximum rates during the Early Tertiary. Cretaceous subsidence had only a minor influence on source rock maturation and OM transformation.     

SOURCE ROCK EVALUATION OF COALS FROM THE LOWER MAASTRICHTIAN MAMU FORMATION, SE NIGERIA

The Lower Maastrichtian Mamu Formation in the Anambra Basin (SE Nigeria) consists of a cyclic succession of coals, carbonaceous shales, silty shales and siltstones interpreted as deltaic deposits. Sub‐bituminous coals within this formation are distributed in a north‐south trending belt from Enugu‐Onyeama to Okaba in the north of the basin. Maceral analyses showed that the coals are dominated by huminite with lesser amounts of liptinite and inertinite. Despite high liptinite contents in parts of the coals, an HI versus T_max diagram and atomic H/C ratios of 0.80‐0.90 and O/C ratios of 0.11‐0.17 classify the organic matter in the coals as Type III kerogen. Vitrinite reflectance values (%R_r) of 0.44 to 0.6 and T_max values between 417 and 429°C indicate that the coals are thermally immature to marginally mature with respect to petroleum generation. Hydrogen Index (HI) values for the studied samples range from 203 to 266 mg HC/g TOC and S₁+S₂ yields range from 141.12 to 199.28 mg HC/ g rock, suggesting that the coals have gas and oil‐generating potential. Ruthenium tetroxide catalyzed oxidation (RTCO) of two coal samples confirms the oil‐generating potential as the coal matrix contains a considerable proportion of long‐chain aliphatics in the range C_19‐35. Stepwise artificial maturation by hydrous pyrolysis from 270°C to 345°C of two coal samples (from Onyeama, HI=247 mg HC/g TOC; and Owukpa, HI=206 mg HC/g TOC) indicate a significant increase in the S₁ yields and Production Index with a corresponding decrease in HI during maturation. The Bitumen Index (BI) also increases, but for the Owukpa coal it appears to stabilize at a T_max of 452‐454°C, while for the Onyeama coal it decreases at a T_max of 453°C. The decrease in BI suggests efficient oil expulsion at an approximate vitrinite reflectance of ～I%R_r. The stabilization/decrease in BI is contemporaneous with a significant change in the composition of the asphaltene‐free coal extracts, which pass from a dominance of polar compounds (～77‐84%) to an increasing proportion of saturated hydrocarbons, which at >330°C constitute around 30% of the extract composition. Also, the n‐alkanes change from a bimodal to light‐end skewed distribution corresponding to early mature to mature terrestrially sourced oil. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that the coals in the Mamu Formation have the capability to generate and expel liquid hydrocarbons given sufficient maturity, and may have generated a currently unknown volume of liquid hydrocarbons and gases as part of an active Cretaceous petroleum system.     

Investigating gas resource potentiality from Late Jurassic Madbi Formation in the NW –Say’Un-Masila Basin,Eastern Yemen

Late Jurassic Madbi shale samples from Al-Qarn-01 well in the NW Say’un-Masila Basin, Eastern Yemen are analyzed using conventional geochemical data such as total organic carbon (TOC) content and Rock-Eval pyrolysis. The results in this study are used to evaluate the gas resource potentiality in the basin. The analyzed shales have high TOC content between 1.00% and 3.12%, and their HIs range from 77 to 177?mg HC/g TOC. These values indicate that the investigated Madbi shale intervals contain Type III kerogen and are considered to be very good gas-source rocks. Furthermore, the relatively high Rock-Eval pyrolysis T_max (447–459?°C) and PI (0.09–0.44) values indicate mainly peak to late mature oil window.     

ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY OF POTENTIAL SOURCE ROCKS IN THE TERTIARY DINGQINGHU FORMATION,NIMA BASIN,CENTRAL TIBET

The Tertiary Nima Basin in central Tibet covers an area of some 3000 km² and is closely similar to the nearby Lunpola Basin from which commercial volumes of oil have been produced. In this paper, we report on the source rock potential of the Oligocene Dingqinghu Formation from measured outcrop sections on the southern and northern margins of the Nima Basin. In the south of the Nima Basin, potential source rocks in the Dingqinghu Formation comprise dark‐coloured marls with total organic carbon (TOC) contents of up to 4.3 wt % and Hydrogen Index values (HI) up to 849 mg HC/g TOC. The organic matter is mainly composed of amorphous sapropelinite corresponding to Type I kerogen. Rock‐Eval T_max (430–451°C) and vitrinite reflectance (R_r) (average R_r= 0.50%) show that the organic matter is marginally mature. The potential yield (up to 36.95 mg HC/g rock) and a plot of S2 versus TOC suggest that the marls have moderate to good source rock potential. They are interpreted to have been deposited in a stratified palaeolake with occasionally anoxic and hypersaline conditions, and the source of the organic matter was dominated by algae as indicated by biomarker analyses. Potential source rocks from the north of the basin comprise dark shales and marls with a TOC content averaging 9.7 wt % and HI values up to 389 mg HC/g TOC. Organic matter consists mainly of amorphous sapropelinite and vitrinite with minor sporinite, corresponding to Type II‐III kerogen. This is consistent with the kerogen type suggested by cross‐plots of HI versus T_max and H/C versus O/C. The T_max and R_r results indicate that the samples are immature to marginally mature. These source rocks, interpreted to have been deposited under oxic conditions with a dominant input of terrigenous organic matter, have moderate petroleum potential. The Dingqinghu Formation in the Nima Basin therefore has some promise in terms of future exploration potential.     

SOURCE ROCK POTENTIAL AND ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY OF CENOMANIAN-TURONIAN BLACK SHALES,WESTERN TAURUS,SW TURKEY

The depositional environment and hydrocarbon source rock potential of Cenomanian-Turonian black shales of the Dereköy and Ballik Formations in SW Turkey were investigated by organic geochemical methods. In detail, 33 samples from three section of the Dereköy Formation, and 15 samples from one section of the Ballik Formation were analysed for elemental (TOC, Rock -Eval pyrolysis), C₁₅₊-lipid and biomarker compositions. Based on maximum pyrolysis degradation temperatures of not more than 420°C, all the shale samples are classified as immature, corresponding to a vitrinite reflectance of less than 0.45% R_r and a lignite to sub-bituminous coal stage. This is confirmed by relatively high isoprenoid to n-alkane ratios as well as by high biomarker contents. According to this maturity stage, and both total organic carbon contents of 6–41% and hydrogen indices of 255–708 mg HC/g TOC, the Cenomanian-Turonian black shales exhibit fair to excellent source rock potential with mixed Type II and Type I kerogen. Relatively high isoprenoid to n-alkane ratios may indicate at least partial (bio-) degradation/evaporation/waterwashing and selective modification of the lipid composition due to the nature of the outcrop. However, very similar unimodal n-alkane distributions in the gas chromatograms of four selected shale samples, with a predominance in the C₁₆ to C₁₇ region, clearly point to a significant contribution of algal and/or bacterial type organic matter with low terrigenous organic input. C₂₇, C₂₈ and C₂₉ steranes in shales from both formations have similar distributions (C₂₉>C₂₇>C₂₈). High C₃₁ R homohopane / C₃₀ hopane ratios indicate a marine depositional environment. This is confirmed by the presence of gammacerane in all the black shales investigated which in general indicates salinity. Pregnanes in one sample (BA-6) may point to hypersaline conditions.     

Source rock assessment of the Lower Cretaceous Ulus Formation of NW Turkey: implication to petroleum exploration

Abstract

The Ulus Basin of the Western Black Sea of Turkey contains Upper Jurassic–Recent sediments. Mudstone-marl and turbiditic shales of the Lower Cretaceous Ulus Formation have moderate source rock potential because total organic carbon (TOC) contents range from 0.34% to 1.18%. HI values are between 20 and 259. T-max values have been measured between 438 and 457?°C. Thus, maturity of the shales of the Ulus Formation is ranging from early mature-to mature. The formation was produced oil and wet gas-condensate. The Ulus Basin has several reservoirs, seals and traps. Although three exploration wells were drilled by Turkish Petroleum Company, the wells were abandoned as dry because of not reach to reservoirs.     

STRATIGRAPHIC CORRELATION AND SOURCE ROCK CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BALUTI FORMATION FROM SELECTED WELLS IN THE ZAGROS FOLD BELT,KURDISTAN REGION,NORTHERN IRAQ

The Upper Triassic Baluti Formation has been identified and mapped based on its log response in selected wells from the Zagros foldbelt in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq. A preliminary evaluation of the formation's source rock potential was made by Rock-Eval screening analysis in four wells along a NW-SE profile (Atrush-1, Shaikan-5B, Taq Taq-22 and Miran-2) with maturity determined from reflectance measurements in samples from well Taq Taq-22. The Baluti Formation consists of thinly interbedded shales, carbonates and anhydrite ranging in thickness from 48 m in well Atrush-1 to 118 m in well Miran-2. The Rock-Eval screening was conducted primarily on bulk cuttings samples plus selected picked cuttings. The TOC content is low to moderate (0.23 to 1.14 wt%). However, the shale content in many of the analysed bulk samples was relatively low, making assessment of the source potential problematic. The highest TOCs are recorded from the thickest analysed sections from wells Miran-2 and Taq Taq-22, where high-gamma bituminous shales are present. Rock-Eval T_max values ranging from 295 to 438°C are not consistent with estimates of pre-Zagros burial to depths of between 4600 m (Atrush-1) and 6900 m (Miran-2). The relatively low T_max values suggest that the S2 response does not reflect kerogen pyrolysis in these samples and may be due to the presence of solid bitumen, which is observed in the Baluti Formation in at least three of the study wells (Taq Taq-22, Miran-2 and Shaikan-5B). Little pyrolysable organic matter remains in the formation due to the interpreted deep pre-Zagros burial and the consequent high maturity in Taq Taq-22 (VR = 1.51%R_o) and Miran-2 (estimated VR >2%R_o), and the poor source character in Atrush-1 and Shaikan-5B. Organic petrography suggests the presence of vestiges of Types I and II kerogen in Taq Taq-22, with bitumen observed as stains in the matrix of the shales and also in the pores and fractures of interbedded dolostones. However, bitumen reflectance determinations for Taq Taq-22 indicate an equivalent vitrinite reflectance maturity of no more than 0.93%R_o, which is significantly less than that of the indigenous vitrinite, implying the solid bitumen in this well is derived primarily from migrated hydrocarbons. Further detailed analysis is required, but the results suggest that the Baluti Formation may have sourced hydrocarbons in its depocentre which is identified in this study as covering a NW-SE trending area between Bekhme and Sangaw.     

ORGANIC-RICH SHALES IN THE UPPER TRIASSIC ZANGXIAHE FORMATION,NORTHERN QIANGTANG DEPRESSION,NORTHERN TIBET: DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND HYDROCARBON GENERATION POTENTIAL

This study reports on the organic geochemical characteristics of high-TOC shales in the Upper Triassic Zangxiahe Formation from a study area in the north of the Northern Qiangtang Depression, northern Tibet. A total of fifty outcrop samples from the Duoseliangzi, Zangxiahe South and Zangxiahe East locations were studied to evaluate the organic matter content of the shales and their thermal maturity and depositional environment, and to assess their hydrocarbon generation potential. Zangxiahe Formation shales from the Duoseliangzi profile have moderate to good source rock potential with TOC contents of up to 3.4 wt.% (average 1.2 wt.%) and potential yield (S₁+S₂) of up to 1.11 mg HC/g rock. Vitrinite reflectance (R_o) and T_max values show that the organic matter is highly mature, corresponding to the condensate/wet gas generation stage. The shales contain mostly Types II and I kerogen mixed with minor Type III, and have relatively high S/C ratios, high contents of amorphous sapropelinite, low Pr/Ph ratios, high values of the C₃₅ homohopane index (up to 3.58%), abundant gammacerane content, and a predominance of C₂₇ steranes. These parameters indicate a saline, shallow-marine depositional setting with an anoxic, stratified water column. The source of organic matter was mainly aquatic OM (algal/bacterial) with subordinate terrigenous OM. Zangxiahe Formation shale samples from the Zangxiahe East and Zangxiahe South locations have relatively low TOC contents (0.2 to 0.8 wt.%) with Type II kerogen, suggesting poor to medium hydrocarbon generation potential. R_o and T_max values indicate that organic matter from these locations is overmature. The discovery of organic-rich Upper Triassic shales with source rock potential in the north of the Northern Qiangtang Depression will be of significance for oil and gas exploration elsewhere in the Qiangtang Basin. Future exploration should focus on locations such as Bandaohu to the SE of the study area where the organic-rich shales are well developed, and where structural traps have been recorded together with potential reservoir rocks and thick mudstones which could act as seals.     

THE OLIGOCENE–MIOCENE MENILITE FORMATION IN THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS: A WORLD‐CLASS SOURCE ROCK

This study investigates the hydrocarbon potential of Oligocene–Miocene shales in the Menilite Formation, the main source rock in the Ukrainian Carpathians. The study is based on the analysis of 233 samples collected from outcrops along the Chechva River in western Ukraine in order to analyse bulk parameters (TOC, Rock‐Eval), biomarkers and maceral composition. In Ukraine, the Menilite Formation is conventionally divided into Lower (Lower Oligocene), Middle (Upper Oligocene) and Upper (Lower Miocene) Members. The Early Oligocene and Early Miocene ages of the lower and upper members are confirmed by new nannoplankton data. The Lower Menilite Member is approximately 330 m thick in the study area and contains numerous chert beds and turbidite sandstones in its lower part together with organic‐rich black shales. The shales have a high content of silica which was probably derived from siliceous micro‐organisms. The TOC content of the shales frequently exceeds 20 wt.% and averages 9.76 wt.%. HI values range between 600 and 300 mgHC/gTOC (max. 800 mgHC/gTOC). The Middle Member contains thin black shale intervals but was not studied in detail. The Upper Member is about 1300 m thick in the study area and is composed mainly of organic‐rich shales. Chert layers are present near the base of the Member, and a prominent tuff horizon in the upper part represents a volcanic phase during shale deposition. The member grades into overlying molasse sediments. The average TOC content of the Upper Menilite succession is 5.17 wt.% but exceeds 20 wt.% near its base. Low T_max and vitrinite reflectance measurements for the Lower (419°C and 0.24–0.34 %R_r, respectively) and Upper (425°C and 0.26–0.32 %R_r, respectively) Menilite Member successions indicate thermal immaturity. Biomarker and maceral data suggest a dominantly marine (Type II) organic matter input mixed with varying amounts of land‐plant derived material, and indicate varying redox and salinity conditions during deposition. Determination of the Source Potential Index (SPI) shows that the Menilite Formation in the study area has the potential to generate up to 74.5 tons of hydrocarbons per m². The Chechva River outcrops therefore appear to have a significantly higher generation potential than other source rocks in the Paratethys realm. These very high SPI values for the Menilite Formation may explain why a relatively small area in Ukraine hosts about 70% of the known hydrocarbon reserves in the northern and eastern Carpathian fold‐thrust belt.     

MATURITY AND SOURCE-ROCK POTENTIAL OF MESOZOIC AND PALAEOZOIC SEDIMENTS, JIFARAH BASIN, NW LIBYA

The Jifarah Basin, NW Libya, has a sedimentary fill which includes marine shales of Triassic, Permian, Silurian and Ordovician ages together with Jurassic evaporites and Cambro-Ordovician aeolian sandstones. Major risk in exploration of the basin is associated with the presence of source rocks. The present study investigates potential source rocks in the basin and assesses their thermal maturity, petroleum generation potential, organic richness and distribution. Cuttings and core samples from nine wells were analyzed using a Rock-Eval 6 instrument and by standard petrographic microscopy. Kerogen type and amount were recorded.
Triassic and Ordovician formations were only drilled in parts of the basin and have minor petroleum generation potential. Permian and Devonian samples also had low generation potential, as did samples from the upper part of the Silurian. The Devonian succession is of limited extent as a result of Hercynian uplift and erosion.
Major petroleum generation potential is associated with the lower part of the Silurian Tanezzuft Formation in which high TOC values and moderate to high HI values were recorded. The formation is characterized by abundant fluorescing alginite. Most samples studied were early mature to mid-mature but there was some regional variability.     

准噶尔盆地东南缘油页岩有机地球化学特征及含气潜力

准噶尔盆地页岩气尚属于研究起步阶段,勘探程度低,还未发现页岩气藏。通过对准噶尔盆地东南缘雅玛里克山、水磨沟、三工河等地区上二叠统芦草沟组油页岩样品进行有机地球化学特征系统分析,认为：芦草沟组油页岩有机碳平均含量为9.71%,油页岩氢指数(I_H)平均值为471.56mgHC/g_TOC,有机质类型主要为Ⅱ型,处于低熟—成熟热演化阶段。通过与北美五大页岩气系统地球化学参数和地质参数对比,初步确定准噶尔盆地东南缘存在发育热成因页岩气藏的条件,部分区域可能有生物成因气生成。3个地区中,以三工河地区油页岩有机质丰度最高,有可能成为研究区页岩气勘探开发的有利区域。     

HYDROCARBON SOURCE ROCK POTENTIAL OF LATEST ORDOVICIAN – EARLIEST SILURIAN TANEZZUFT FORMATION SHALES FROM THE EASTERN KUFRA BASIN,SE LIBYA

This paper summarizes the results of Rock‐Eval pyrolysis data of 43 shale samples collected from the latest Ordovician – earliest Silurian (Tanezzuft Formation) interval in the CASP JA‐2 well at Jebel Asba on the eastern margin of the Kufra Basin, SE Libya. The results are supported by analysis of cuttings samples from an earlier well of uncertain origin nearby, referred to here as the UN‐REMSA well. The Tanezzuft Formation succession encountered in the JA‐2 well can be divided into three intervals based on Rock‐Eval pyrolysis data. Shales in the shallowest interval (20 – 46.5 m depth) are altered probably by weathering and lack significant amounts of organic matter. Total organic carbon (TOC) contents of shales from the intermediate interval (46.5 – 68.5 m depth) vary between 0.19 and 0.75 wt%. Most samples in this interval have very limited source rock potential although a few have Hydrogen Index (HI) values up to 378 mg S₂/g TOC. T_max values of 422 – 426°C indicate the organic matter is immature. Shales from the deepest interval (68.5 – 73.9 m depth) are diagenetically altered, perhaps by fluids flowing along a nearby fault or along the contact between the Tanezzuft Formation and the underlying Mamuniyat Formation and apparently lack any organic matter. Cuttings samples from the UN‐REMSA well have TOC contents of 0.48–0.87 wt%, HI values of 242–252 mg S₂/g TOC, and T_max values of 421–425°C. These results offer little support for the presence of the basal Silurian (Tanezzuft Formation) source rock which is prolific elsewhere in SW Libya and eastern Algeria and, together with the overall immaturity of the equivalent section, reduces the probability of finding major oil reserves in the eastern part of the Kufra Basin.     

THERMAL MATURITY AND SOURCE-ROCK POTENTIAL OF THE SEDIMENTARY SUCCESSION FROM THE DRAKE FIELD, SVERDRUP BASIN, ARCTIC CANADA

The thermal maturity and source-rock potential of the sedimentary succession in the Drake field, Melville Island, Arctic Canada, have been studied using reflected-light microscopy and Rock-Eval pyrolysis. The Mesozoic sediments are immature to mature (% Ro = 0.35-0.80). Vitrinite reflectance in Cretaceous sediments ranges from 0.35 to 0.56%; in Jurassic sediments, it ranges from 0.40 to 0.66%, and in Triassic sediments, from 0.50 to 0.80%. The Triassic Schei Point Group shales and siltstones contain organic matter of marine origin, whereas the predominantly plant-derived organic matter present in the Jameson Bay, Ringnes and Deer Bay Formations has higher TOC. Among the Schei Point Group sediments, the Eden Bay Member of the Hoyle Bay Formation has high TOC content (approx. 5.0%) and high HI values (in excess of 600 mg HC/g Corg). It is followed by the Cape Richards Member and the Cape Caledonia Member of the Murray Harbour Formation (approx. 5.0% TOC).
Regional variations in the level of thermal maturity of Mesozoic sediments in the Sverdrup Basin are mainly a function of burial depth. Thermal subsidence, uplift, erosion and heat associated with periods of diapiric and igneous intrusions may have been responsible for the thermal maturity pattern in the Drake field. The Jurassic Jameson Bay, Ringnes and Deer Bay Formations are immature to marginally mature, and have limited oil-generation potential due to their high terrestrial input. The organic matter is these formations has good gas potential.     

SOURCE ROCK POTENTIAL OF THE BLUE NILE (ABAY) BASIN, ETHIOPIA

The Blue Nile Basin, a Late Palaeozoic ‐ Mesozoic NW‐SE trending rift basin in central Ethiopia, is filled by up to 3000 m of marine deposits (carbonates, evaporites, black shales and mudstones) and continental siliciclastics. Within this fill, perhaps the most significant source rock potential is associated with the Oxfordian‐Kimmeridgian Upper Hamanlei (Antalo) Limestone Formation which has a TOC of up to 7%. Pyrolysis data indicate that black shales and mudstones in this formation have HI and S₂ values up to 613 mgHC/gCorg and 37.4 gHC/kg, respectively. In the Dejen‐Gohatsion area in the centre of the basin, these black shales and mudstones are immature for the generation of oil due to insufficient burial. However, in the Were Ilu area in the NE of the basin, the formation is locally buried to depths of more than 1,500 m beneath Cretaceous sedimentary rocks and Tertiary volcanics. Production index, T_max, hydrogen index and vitrinite reflectance measurements for shale and mudstone samples from this areas indicate that they are mature for oil generation. Burial history reconstruction and Lopatin modelling indicate that hydrocarbons have been generated in this area from 10Ma to the present day. The presence of an oil seepage at Were Ilu points to the presence of an active petroleum system. Seepage oil samples were analysed using gas chromatography and results indicate that source rock OM was dominated by marine material with some land‐derived organic matter. The Pr/Ph ratio of the seepage oil is less than 1, suggesting a marine depositional environment. n‐alkanes are absent but steranes and triterpanes are present; pentacyclic triterpanes are more abundant than steranes. The black shales and mudstones of the Upper Hamanlei Limestone Formation are inferred to be the source of the seepage oil. Of other formations whose source rock potential was investigated, a sample of the Permian Karroo Group shale was found to be overmature for oil generation; whereas algal‐laminated gypsum samples from the Middle Hamanlei Limestone Formation were organic lean and had little source potential     

桦甸盆地桦甸组油页岩成烃生物组成及生烃潜力

桦甸盆地始新统桦甸组中发育一套优质油页岩。利用显微镜及扫描电镜对该盆地光榔头矿区22个样品进行分析,并对2个含不同藻类的样品进行生烃热模拟实验,研究其成烃生物特征及生烃潜力。桦甸油页岩有机碳含量很高(10.6%~39.6%),氢指数含量高达887 mg/g,显示该套油页岩具有很好的生烃潜力。生物来源主要是蓝细菌组成的层状藻类体,其次结构藻类体较发育(以硅藻和葡萄球藻为主,底栖宏观藻类在部分样品中较多),高等植物主要包括碎屑镜质体、碎屑壳质体、孢子体等。生烃模拟实验结果显示,含较多底栖藻类的HD-20号样品在400℃(Ro=1.02%)时生烃量达到最大值(427 mg/g);而以浮游藻类为主的HD-21号样品,在425℃时(Ro=1.18%)达到最大生烃量(909 mg/g)。虽然HD-20号样品具有很高的有机碳含量(39.6%),但其生烃量较浮游藻类为主的HD-21号样品(有机碳含量29.8%)差,指示底栖藻类具有较低的生烃潜力特征。     

HYDROCARBON GENERATION POTENTIAL AND DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF SHALES IN THE CRETACEOUS NAPO FORMATION,EASTERN ORIENTE BASIN,ECUADOR

Marine shale samples from the Cretaceous (Albian‐Campanian) Napo Formation (n = 26) from six wells in the eastern Oriente Basin of Ecuador were analysed to evaluate their organic geochemical characteristics and petroleum generation potential. Geochemical analyses included measurements of total organic carbon (TOC) content, Rock‐Eval pyrolysis, pyrolysis — gas chromatography (Py—GC), gas chromatography — mass‐spectrometry (GC—MS), biomarker distributions and kerogen analysis by optical microscopy. Hydrocarbon accumulations in the eastern Oriente Basin are attributable to a single petroleum system, and oil and gas generated by Upper Cretaceous source rocks is trapped in reservoirs ranging in age from Early Cretaceous to Eocene. The shale samples analysed for this study came from the upper part of the Napo Formation T member (“Upper T”), the overlying B limestone, and the lower part of the U member (“Lower U”).The samples are rich in amorphous organic matter with TOC contents in the range 0.71–5.97 wt% and Rock‐Eval T_max values of 427–446°C. Kerogen in the B Limestone shales is oil‐prone Type II with δ¹³C of ?27.19 to ?27.45‰; whereas the Upper T and Lower U member samples contain Type II–III kerogen mixed with Type III (δ¹³C > ?26.30‰). The hydrocarbon yield (S₂) ranges from 0.68 to 40.92 mg HC/g rock (average: 12.61 mg HC/g rock). Hydrogen index (HI) values are 427–693 mg HC/g TOC for the B limestone samples, and 68–448 mg HC/g TOC for the Lower U and Upper T samples. The mean vitrinite reflectance is 0.56–0.79% R₀ for the B limestone samples and 0.40–0.60% R₀ for the Lower U and Upper T samples, indicating early to mid oil window maturity for the former and immature to early maturity for the latter. Microscopy shows that the shales studied contain abundant organic matter which is mainly amorphous or alginite of marine origin. Extracts of shale samples from the B limestone are characterized by low to medium molecular weight compounds (n‐C₁₄ to n‐C₂₀) and have a low Pr/Ph ratio (≈ 1.0), high phytane/n‐C₁₈ ratio (1.01–1.29), and dominant C₂₇ regular steranes. These biomarker parameters and the abundant amorphous organic matter indicate that the organic matter was derived from marine algal material and was deposited under anoxic conditions. By contrast, the extracts from the Lower U and Upper T shales contain medium to high molecular weight compounds (n‐C₂₅ to n‐C₃₁) and have a high Pr/ Ph ratio (>3.0), low phytane/n‐C₁₈ ratio (0.45–0.80) with dominant C₂₉ regular steranes, consistent with an origin from terrigenous higher plant material mixed with marine algae deposited under suboxic conditions. This is also indicated by the presence of mixed amorphous and structured organic matter. This new geochemical data suggests that the analysed shales from the Napo Formation, especially the shales from the B limestone which contain Type II kerogen, have significant hydrocarbon potential in the eastern part of the Oriente Basin. The data may help to explain the distribution of hydrocarbon reserves in the east of the Oriente Basin, and also assist with the prediction of non‐structural traps.     

PETROLEUM POTENTIAL, THERMAL MATURITY AND THE OIL WINDOW OF OIL SHALES AND COALS IN CENOZOIC RIFT BASINS, CENTRAL AND NORTHERN THAILAND

Oil shales and coals occur in Cenozoic rift basins in central and northern Thailand. Thermally immature outcrops of these rocks may constitute analogues for source rocks which have generated oil in several of these rift basins. A total of 56 oil shale and coal samples were collected from eight different basins and analysed in detail in this study. The samples were analysed for their content of total organic carbon (TOC) and elemental composition. Source rock quality was determined by Rock‐Eval pyrolysis. Reflected light microscopy was used to analyse the organic matter (maceral) composition of the rocks, and the thermal maturity was determined by vitrinite reflectance (VR) measurements. In addition to the 56 samples, VR measurements were carried out in three wells from two oil‐producing basins and VR gradients were constructed. Rock‐Eval screening data from one of the wells is also presented. The oil shales were deposited in freshwater (to brackish) lakes with a high preservation potential (TOC contents up to 44.18 wt%). They contain abundant lamalginite and principally algal‐derived fluorescing amorphous organic matter followed by liptodetrinite and telalginite (Botryococcus‐type). Huminite may be present in subordinate amounts. The coals are completely dominated by huminite and were formed in freshwater mires. VR values from 0.38 to 0.47%R_o show that the exposed coals are thermally immature. VR values from the associated oil shales are suppressed by 0.11 to 0.28%R_o. The oil shales have H/C ratios >1.43, and Hydrogen Index (HI) values are generally >400 mg HC/g TOC and may reach 704 mg HC/ gTOC. In general, the coals have H/C ratios between about 0.80 and 0.90, and the HI values vary considerably from approximately 50 to 300 mg HC/gTOC. The HI_max of the coals, which represent the true source rock potential, range from ～160 to 310 mg HC/g TOC indicating a potential for oil/gas and oil generation. The steep VR curves from the oil‐producing basins reflect high geothermal gradients of ～62°C/km and ～92°C/km. The depth to the top oil window for the oil shales at a VR of ～0.70%R_o is determined to be between ～1100 m and 1800 m depending on the geothermal gradient. The kerogen composition of the oil shales and the high geothermal gradients result in narrow oil windows, possibly spanning only ～300 to 400 m in the warmest basins. The effective oil window of the coals is estimated to start from ～0.82 to 0.98%R_o and burial depths of ～1300 to 1400 m (～92°C/km) and ～2100 to 2300 m (～62°C/km) are necessary for efficient oil expulsion to occur.