Hydrocarbon source rocks in Kazhdumi and Pabdeh formations—a quick outlook in Gachsaran oilfield, SW Iran

Abstract

Geochemical study of Kazhdumi and Pabdeh Formations as potential source rocks in Gachsaran Oilfield demonstrates that the Kazhdumi Formation has a fair to good capability of hydrocarbon generation and predominately contains type II-III kerogen. On the other hand, the Pabdeh Formation has a poor to good petroleum potential and contains different kerogen types, including type II, type II-III, type III and even for one sample, type IV, indicating different depositional conditions for this formation. The geochemical log of the Kazhdumi Formation shows that there is a close correlation between different geological parameters as noticed prominently in well number 55, which suggests the more extensive the anoxic condition, the higher the petroleum potential is for Kazhdumi Formation. By contrast, a poor correlation between TOC and other Rock–Eval-derived parameters for the Pabdeh Formation at a depth of more than 2100 m may demonstrate the inert organic matter and mineral matrix effects at this depth interval. However, biomarkers show differences in lithology and depositional environment for the Kazhdumi Formation in well numbers 55 and 83. On the other hand, the Pabdeh Formation has a mixed lithology (carbonate-shale) deposited in a marine setting under suboxic–anoxic condition. Moreover, thermal maturity indicators suggest that Pabdeh and Kazhdumi Formations are immature and early mature, respectively.