Abstract
Based on the micro-fluorescence observation of polished sections of source rocks, two types of micro-layers with different wetting properties formed in thermal evolution, i.e., oil-wetting and water-wetting micro-layers, are distinguished. The wetting property is found closely related to the abundance of organic matter and its occurrences with inorganic minerals. The alternating distribution and intercrossing of two types of micro-layers formed many separated spaces with different wettabilities. The strong capillary forces in these separated spaces with different wettibilities obstruct the cross flows of pore fluids and result in nearly independent and closed fluid systems. As a consequence, these spatially superposed spaces in source rocks bear the overburden pressure and then abnormally high pressures have developed in the whole source rock unit. Therefore, the abundance and occurrences of organic matter are the main inner factors influencing the formation of abnormally high pressures, whereas the formation, distribution and development of micro-layers with different wettabilities during the evolution of source rock determine the intensity and spatial distribution of abnormally high pressures.
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