Abstract
The methylphenanthrene index (MPI) molecular maturity parameter is available for over 100 Cooper and Eromanga Basin oils. Oil maturity data define the threshold and range of expulsion maturity for source rocks and can be used to determine oil-source affinity. Mapping of this maturity range for all potential source rocks identifies areas of greatest oil potential.Cooper and Eromanga oils were expelled over a wide maturity range commencing at 0.6 per cent calculated vitrinite reflectance equivalent in some parts of the basin. Oil occurrence and expulsion maturity are controlled by variations in source quality such that no single expulsion threshold can be applied basin-wide. The full oil potential of the basin will only be realised by selective drilling of prospects with access to source rocks in the 0.60-0.95 per cent vitrinite reflectance range.The timing of oil expulsion is determined by using oil maturity data to calibrate thermal modelling of basin depocentres. Peak expulsion occurred during the Cretaceous and therefore prospects with pre-Tertiary structural growth are favoured.Structural embayments with thick Permian section at the southern margin of the Cooper Basin, plus the flanks of the Patchawarra and Nappamerri troughs, are highly prospective in terms of oil source potential and will be further evaluated by drilling in 1990.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
