Type I kerogen in the Bazhenov formation rocks of the West Siberian petroleum basin

Abstract

The Bazhenov Formation rocks contain thin luminescent layers enriched in type I kerogen, which is unique for the bulk of the organic matter of the Bazhenov Formation of the West Siberian petroleum basin. The article provides a detailed characterization of the mineral and organic parts and proposed origin of these layers, called by the authors “alginite-rich layers”. The wide distribution of the luminescent alginite-rich layers over the central part of Western Siberia in a single stratigraphic range allows them to be used as marking horizons, as well as for assessing the thermal maturity of kerogen. This study contributes to understanding the diversity of processes that form the organic-rich deposits of the Bazhenov Formation.