Applied source rock geochemistry

Abstract

Applied organic geochemistry provides the information needed to make maps of the richness, type, and thermal maturity of a source rock. These maps are a necessary step toward determining the stratigraphic and geographic extent of a pod of active source rock in a petroleum system, and they are based on geochemical analyses of rock samples from outcrops and wells that are displayed on logs. These geochemical well logs are based on Rock-Eval pyrolysis, total organic carbon, vitrinite reflectance, and other rapid, inexpensive "screening' methods. Useful geochemical logs require proper sample selection, preparation, analysis and interpretation. Detailed studies, including oil-source rock correlations by biomarker and supporting techniques, are undertaken on selected samples only after the screening methods are completed. -from Authors