Abstract
In this study, we identified the luminescent layers containing a significant amount of alginite in the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Bazhenov Formation named “the alginite-rich layers”. Lithological and geochemical methods were used to determine distinctive features of these layers and to evaluate their impact on the total petroleum generation potential of the Bazhenov Formation. We have shown that the composition of the alginite-rich layers differs significantly from the organic-rich siliceous Bazhenov rocks. Rock-Eval pyrolysis, bulk kinetics of thermal decomposition, elemental analysis, and the composition of pyrolysis products indicate type I kerogen to be the predominant component of the organic matter (OM). Isotope composition of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur was used to provide insights into their origin and formation pathways. The luminescent alginite-rich layers proved to be good regional stratigraphic markers of the Bazhenov Formation due to widespread distribution over the central part of Western Siberia. They can also be applied for maturity evaluation of the deposits from immature to middle of the oil window, since the luminescence of the layers changes the color and intensity during maturation.
Highlights
Hydrocarbon production motivates the studies of unconventional reservoirs all over the world
A major part of solid organic matter in the Bazhenov Formation is represented by type II kerogen, which is characterized by a common marine genesis
Alginite-rich layers are discovered throughout the Bazhenov sequence within the central part of Western Siberia in Unit 4, where the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary is situated between the Upper and Lower Bazhenov Formation
Summary
Hydrocarbon production motivates the studies of unconventional reservoirs all over the world. The Bazhenov Formation discovered more than 50 years ago is considered to be one of the primary unconventional self-sourced reservoir in the world. The TOC variations are usually accompanied by considerable variations of the hydrogen index (HI), chemical and isotope composition, and level of organic matter thermal maturation [1,2,3,4]. These iations reflect the changes in sedimentation conditions, including the rate of sedim tion, diversity of marine biota and bioproductivity, redox conditions, and others [5–
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