Characteristics, origin and hydrocarbon potential of the Upper Cretaceous Source Rock in the Rio Muni Basin, Equatorial Guinea

Abstract

In order to study the geochemical characteristics, origin and its hydrocarbon potential of the Upper Cretaceous marine source rocks in the Rio Muni Basin, Equatorial Guinea, 62 debris samples of the Anduak-1 well in the Rio Muni Basin were collected to Rock-Eval pyrolysis, whole rock organic petrology analysis. This study revealed that the OM in the upper Cretaceous source rock is early mature - mature, with moderate abundance and fair quality (mainly type II and III). The organic matter has a mixed marine–terrestrial origin and deposited in the marine environment, the plant debris were probably suffered from a long-distance transportation via fluvial or else forces. The main hydrocarbon generation phase of the type III kerogen was more duration than type II, initial hydrocarbon generation was earlier, and ending hydrocarbon generation time was late. Comprehensive studies demonstrated that it has a good hydrocarbon potential to the upper Cretaceous marine shale, and is an unneglectable hydrocarbon source rock.