Abstract
Thirty four cuttings samples from the Jurassic rock succession in well Balad-1 in the Balad Oil Field, Central Iraq have been collected. Using various organic geochemical techniques, the organic matter’s quantity, quality, maturity, and their source rock’s depositional setting were determined. The samples were evaluated to determine the amount of their organic matter content, type of organic matter, δ13C carbon isotopes abundance for both saturated and aromatic, and molecular properties. The results of organic geochemistry analysis show that Sargelu, Gotnia, and Chia Gara formations contain fair to decent amounts of organic matter. Naokelekan Formation encompasses fair to excellent organic matter, while Najmah Formation comprises very high to exceptional organic matter. The analyzed samples revealed the existence of kerogen types III and II/III mainly within oil window. Thermal maturity related biomarkers are in a good agreement with Rock-Eval parameters, but did not reach equilibrium phase. Source related biomarkers show that these rock units rich in organic matter were mainly deposited in an anoxic marine depositional setting which consists of carbonate influenced by terrestrial input.
Highlights
Northern and north-eastern parts of Iraq contain substantial prospective Jurassic source rocks
As Jurassic succession in Iraq includes significant source rocks, this study aims to further evaluate this succession in well Ba-1 in the Balad Oil Field using Rock-Eval pyrolysis technique
To assess petroleum potential in the Upper to Lower Cretaceous sequence, the study used the Rock-Eval parameters which is listed in Table 1 in combination with total organic carbon (TOC)
Summary
Northern and north-eastern parts of Iraq contain substantial prospective Jurassic source rocks These source rocks are the Aalenian–Bathonian Sargelu, the Callovian– Oxfordian Naokelekan, the Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian Najmah, and Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous Chia Gara Formation (Bellen et al, 1959). They are comprised primarily of carbonates and shales rich in organic-matter that were deposited in marine depositional setting. The area is covered by the Pleistocene and recent sediments represented by alluvial deposits and river terraces. These deposits consist of silt and clay with intercalations of sand and gravel (AbdulRahman, 1997). The study investigates the depositional environment and other source rock characterizations utilizing carbon isotope ratios and molecular properties
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
