Petrological evaluation of changes occurring in organic matter sourced from Patala-Chichali sequence, Upper Indus Basin

Abstract

This study focuses on the determination of organic matter (OM) concentration, thermal maturity assessment, and source rock quality of the samples from the Chichali and Patala formations. The TOC in the Chichali and Patala formations sediment samples ranged from 0.8% to 2.1% and 2.3% to 3.8% respectively, showing the sediments with different level of organic richness. The genetic potential varied from 2.4 to 17.1 mg/g, and 25.2 to 31.1 mg/g indicating the likely source rock quality. The Tmax, ranging from 306 °C to 432 °C, 413 °C and 430 °C indicating immature to mature OM. The HI values varied from 113 to 257 mg/g, 353 to 431 mg/g, OI ranged from 7 to 33 mg/g, 9 to 19 mg/g, revealing OM richness. PI assess the potential productivity of source rocks, ranged from 0.5 to 0.7, 0.6 of Chichali and Patala formations, respectively. The various geochemical properties of the Chichali and Patala formations exhibited their varying geological potential. These findings add to a better knowledge of the geological properties of the Upper Indus Basin and provide significant recommendations for hydrocarbon exploration and resource estimation.