Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yoav O. Rosenberg, Itay J. Reznik, Harold J. Vinegar, Shimon Feinstein, Yuval Bartov
Summary: This study explores the natural thermal maturation of sulfur-rich Type II-S source rocks, comparing geochemical data from the Golan Basin with an artificial maturation experiment in the Shfela Basin. The research suggests that sulfur content may affect hydrocarbon generation and contribute to differences in maturation paths between different kerogens.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elshad Aslanov, Saad F. Alafnan, Mohamed Mahmoud, Abdulazeez Abdulraheem, Murtada Saleh Aljawad
Summary: Assessing the mechanical properties of organic matters in unconventional formations is crucial for understanding the geomechanics of source rocks. This study utilized molecular simulation to examine the properties of kerogen and bitumen, revealing their similar mechanical behavior to organic-based materials. Additionally, structures containing bitumen exhibited higher Poisson's ratio, indicating greater resistance to degradation under applied stresses. These findings underscore the importance of considering both bitumen and kerogen when modeling the petrophysics and mechanical behavior of organic matters.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Hadar Cohen-Sadon, Alon Amrani, Shimon Feinstein, Yoav Oved Rosenberg
Summary: This study proposes a new method for quantifying organic and pyritic sulfur in sedimentary rocks. The method involves gradual heating of the rock and monitoring of sulfur products. The results show a linear correlation between two new parameters, providing accurate separation of sulfur fractions. The method achieves an average precision of 6% and accuracy within 10% compared to conventional techniques.
ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Hadar Cohen-Sadon, Yoav Oved Rosenberg, Alon Amrani
Summary: Sulfur isotopic values play a crucial role in studying the global sulfur cycle and petroleum geochemistry. The traditional measurement methods are time-consuming and tedious, but using the Rock-Eval 7S analyzer and RE/MC-ICPMS system allows for rapid and accurate determination of sulfur isotopic values.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Mohammed H. Aljahdali, Amr S. Deaf, Thomas Gentzis, Rashad A. Bantan, Ramadan H. Abu-Zied, Humberto Carvajal-Ortiz, Miran M. Khalaf
Summary: Integrated organic petrographic and geochemical analyses of organic-rich marine carbonate and mixed clastic-carbonate rocks from the Shushan Basin, Egypt revealed their hydrocarbon potential. The depositional settings, paleoclimate, and genetic stratigraphic sequences were identified. The source rocks in the basin were deposited due to the interplay between sea level changes, tectonic activity, and climate. The Middle-Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous deposits showed varying levels of organic richness and hydrocarbon potential.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Bat-Orshikh Erdenetsogt, Sung Kyung Hong, Jiyoung Choi, Insung Lee
Summary: This study examined the depositional environments and petroleum source rock potential of Middle Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous lacustrine sedimentary rocks in central Mongolia. The Middle Jurassic shale was found to have a mixed oil and gas potential source rock, while the Lower Cretaceous shales showed a high oil-prone but thermally immature character. The organic geochemical characteristics and depositional environments of these rocks are similar to source rocks in western Chinese basins and eastern Mongolian basins, respectively.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bo Ma, Liming Ji, Peihong Jin, Mingzhen Zhang, Bochao Yuan, Liwen Long
Summary: The Lower Cretaceous Chijinbao Formation in the Jiuxi Basin of Northwest China is a primary source rock that has been poorly studied due to incomplete stratigraphic sequences. Through integrated analysis, this research identified the distribution of source rocks, organic matter sources, and depositional environments. The sequence exhibits varying characteristics of lithology and hydrocarbon potential in different parts.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Geology
Libby J. Robinson, Jessica H. Whiteside
Summary: This study provides a new synthesis and interpretation of organic enrichment models in the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway (WIS). The study utilizes a comprehensive database of over 18,000 samples from 994 locations, drawing from 323 published resources. The results show that the WIS is an organic-rich basin during all sea-level cycles studied, with organic enrichment increasing during high sea-levels and at distal locations away from clastic inputs. Anoxic conditions and the abundance of prasinophytes are identified as key drivers of organic enrichment.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Omabehere Innocent Ejeh
Summary: This study investigates the geochemistry of Late Cretaceous sandstones and shales in the Anambra basin, revealing their mixed sources, intense chemical weathering, and warm to hot, humid, or arid paleoclimate. The samples are suggested to originate from rift, collision, and continental arc settings, with indications of oxic paleo-redox conditions during accumulation. The study highlights the importance of subsurface geochemical characterization for understanding provenance, tectonics, and paleo-conditions in sedimentary basins.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
A. Hagset, S-A Grundvag, B. Badics, R. Davies, A. Rotevatn
Summary: This study investigates the distribution and variability of potential source rock units within the Lower Cretaceous succession in the southwestern part of the Barents Shelf. It identifies the lower Aptian as the most significant source rock unit and highlights the influence of Late Jurassic - Early Cretaceous rifting and localized reactivation events on the deposition and preservation of organic-rich units. The study also suggests that pre-Aptian source rock units may not be currently generative due to deep burial and reduced potential of the upper Cenomanian unit.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Daofu Song, Yuan Chen, Tieguan Wang, Meijun Li, Ping Li
Summary: The organic-rich Mesoproterozoic rocks from the Yanliao Rift in Northern China, specifically the Xiamaling and Hongshuizhuang formations, exhibit unique molecular compositions that suggest the presence of special ancient microbes during the Middle Mesoproterozoic era. These rocks contain distinct biomarkers, such as 13 alpha(n-alkyl)-tricyclic terpanes (13 alpha NATTs) and drimanes, indicating a different microflora compared to Phanerozoic bitumens. Additionally, the presence of elevated C-19 and C-20 regular tricyclic terpanes, rearranged hopanes, and low maturity indicators points towards a specific prokaryote source in the Mesoproterozoic sea.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geology
Alejandro Gil-Delgado, David Cruset, Oriol Oms, Edgar Botero, Jordi Ibanez-Insa, Xavier Delclos, Albert Selles, Angel Galobart, Ramon Mercedes-Martin
Summary: This study provides insights into the paleoenvironmental and depositional conditions of the lithographic limestone of La Pedrera de Meia in the south-Central Pyrenees. It reveals the shifts from littoral to profundal environments and the associated changes in sedimentological and geochemical characteristics. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the geological and biological history in this region.
SEDIMENTARY GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xinran Liu, Hong Lu, Kang Li, Zhongfeng Zhao, Ping'an Peng, Chang Samuel Hsu
Summary: In conventional pyrolysis experiments, the removal of carbonates and silicates by acids can interfere with the measurement and affect the results. To explore hydrocarbon generation and expulsion under more realistic conditions, miniature core cylinders containing intrinsic minerals and fabrics were used in high-pressure pyrolysis experiments. The findings reveal the significant effects of minerals and residual bitumen on hydrocarbon generation, and the existence of five stages in hydrocarbon generation similar to kerogen pyrolysis. The oil expulsion efficiency ranges from 38% to 68% in the stages of early oil cracking and late oil cracking/wet gas formation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Y. Raghumani Singh, Mark B. Abbott, T. Elliot Arnold, Sh Priyokumar Singh
Summary: The analysis of the Tura Formation suggests that it was deposited in the early Eocene under warm and humid tropical-subtropical climate conditions. The composition of palynotaxa indicates a shallow marine environment near the shore line where terrestrial, coastal and marine elements were present in the assemblages. The rock eval pyrolysis results show that the organic matter composition is primarily type III kerogen.
REVIEW OF PALAEOBOTANY AND PALYNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Nowel Yinkfu Njamnsi, Oliver Anoh Njoh, George Lemewihbwen Ngiamte, Alexander Tangwa Ndengwe, Cheo Emmanuel Suh, Simon Fai Tamfu
Summary: The limited organic matter characterisation studies on Cretaceous mudstone successions in the Koum Basin reveal the strong source rock potential with good hydrocarbon generation potential. The analysis suggests a fluvio-lacustrine depositional setting with a dominant oil-prone kerogen type and a moderate gas-prone kerogen type. The basin is influenced by a fluctuating warm humid to hot semi-arid paleoclimate.
JOURNAL OF AFRICAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
A. Arysanto, R. Littke, M. Dorner, M. Erdmann, S. Grohmann
Summary: This study proposes a new approach to investigate hydrocarbon generation and migration processes in petroleum source rocks under laboratory conditions. The researchers used programmed open-system pyrolysis on small source rock plugs to induce changes in the type and distribution of solid bitumen. Organic petrography was used to qualitatively investigate the changes before and after the pyrolysis experiments. The results showed that thermal extraction and chemical extraction can alter the distribution of solid bitumen in the source rock plugs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jinqi Qiao, Ralf Littke, Sebastian Grohmann, Chen Zhang, Zhenxue Jiang, Harald Strauss, Laura Zieger
Summary: This article reports new data on Pleistocene sediments in the Tibetan Plateau and reveals the differences in organic facies and depositional conditions. It also analyzes the climate proxies in the sediments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhongrui Wu, Sebastian Grohmann, Ralf Littke, Tianxu Guo, Sheng He, Alireza Baniasad
Summary: The organic matter-rich mudstones of the Middle Jurassic Dameigou Formation in the northern Qaidam Basin are considered to be the primary petroleum source rocks for unconventional resource exploration in China. This study presents a detailed investigation on the organic petrography, inorganic geochemistry, bulk and molecular organic geochemistry of the formation. Three different source rock units were identified, with distinct depositional environments and organic matter sources. Climate and weathering intensity were found to play a crucial role in organic matter accumulation in the studied units.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tianyu Zheng, Laura Zieger, Alireza Baniasad, Sebastian Grohmann, Tao Hu, Ralf Littke
Summary: This study presents a new set of geochemical, petrographical, and mineralogical data obtained from the Eocene Shahejie Formation in the Bohai Bay, Eastern China. The research focuses on understanding the organic matter precursor material, thermal maturity, and paleoenvironment during the deposition of different members within the Eocene Shahejie Formation. The findings reveal variable biomarker assemblages and depositional environments, providing insights into the complex sedimentary history of the formation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Sebastian Amberg, Stefan Back, Victoria Sachse, Ralf Littke
Summary: This study uses numerical 3D basin modeling to reconstruct the geological history of onshore northeastern Netherlands and simulate hydrocarbon generation. The results indicate that the deepest burial and highest temperatures and maturities occurred in the Paleozoic sedimentary succession of the Lauwerszee Trough and the Lower Saxony Basin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Limnology
Grzegorz Scholtysik, Tobias Goldhammer, Helge W. Arz, Matthias Moros, Ralf Littke, Michael Hupfer
Summary: The study found that the enrichment and burial of iron, manganese, and phosphorus in Lake Arendsee in Germany have been affected by changes in redox conditions, and sediments also contain higher levels of manganese and iron.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
J. Roeth, A. Baniasad, F. Froidl, J. Ostlender, C. Boreham, L. Hall, R. Littke
Summary: This study examines the petroleum generation potential of the Birkhead and Murta formations in the Eromanga Basin in Australia. The analysis shows that both formations have good organic content and hydrocarbon potential, with the Murta formation exhibiting higher potential. Additionally, there are differences in the type and distribution of organic matter between the two formations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tianyu Zheng, Sebastian Grohmann, Arysthasya Arysanto, Alireza Baniasad, Qian Zhang, Ralf Littke
Summary: This study presents a novel method to investigate primary migration in petroleum source rocks using hydrous pyrolysis. The experiment was conducted on the Upper Devonian-Lower Mississippian Woodford Shale, which contains organic carbon-rich, type II kerogen. By heating the source rock samples at different temperatures, maceral characteristics were observed before and after pyrolysis. Results showed in situ maceral changes at different maturities, with Tasmanites exhibiting strong yellow fluorescence and Liptodetrinite losing fluorescence intensity at higher temperatures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei Wei, Ralf Littke, Rudy Swennen
Summary: The Variscan foreland basin in Belgium and the Netherlands has potential targets for shale gas exploration based on the composition and deposition conditions of the sedimentary rocks. The area near the Variscan mountains has higher potential for gas generation and storage, while areas further away have limited potential.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Alireza Baniasad, Ralf Littke, Qusay Abeed
Summary: This study presents the results of an integrated geochemical study of oils in Jurassic - Cenozoic reservoirs in the eastern region of the Arabian Plate. The main objective was to analyze the regional-scale petroleum systems across the study area, covering NE Iraq to SE Oman and the entire Persian Gulf. The dataset included over 500 crude oil samples from 112 oil fields and 11 different reservoir units, and the results provided insights into the geological factors controlling the oil fields in the eastern Arabian Plate.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
S. Grohmann, R. Littke, I. Abu-Mahfouz, G. Gaus, J. Klaver, N. Thuens, P. Schulte, T. Patzek, V. Vahrenkamp
Summary: This study provides a detailed investigation of the geochemical and petrographic characteristics of Upper Cretaceous Jordan Oil Shale (JOS). The JOS contains high amounts of organic matter, carbonates, and variable biogenic SiO2. The organic matter shows oil-prone characteristics, and the JOS is similar to other organic-rich rocks in the Eastern Mediterranean. The preservation of organic matter in the JOS was influenced by Late Cretaceous upwelling events and oxygen depletion in isolated sub-basins. The JOS has the potential for oil shale retorting due to its significant hydrocarbon content.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhongrui Wu, Ralf Littke, Alireza Baniasad, Zhi Yang, Zhenxing Tang, Sebastian Grohmann
Summary: The Upper Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao Basin, NE China contains quality petroleum source rocks and serves as a valuable record for studying water column depositional conditions and climatic change. This study focuses on the first Member of the Qingshankou Formation (K2qn1) in the south central depression, analyzing various data to identify different types of lacustrine source rocks and organic-rich layers within the unit. The results provide insights into the organic composition and deposition conditions of the studied rocks. Overall, the importance of this research is rated as 7 out of 10.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Linda Burnaz, Laura Zieger, Joyce Schmatz, Anastasia Escallon Botero, Sebastian Amberg, Nicolai Thuens, Ralf Littke
Summary: Microscopic petrographic analysis of fine-grained sediments requires standardised, high-quality preparation of polished sections. This study evaluates the effect of alternative preparation techniques on the reliability and consistency of vitrinite reflectance data measured on shales. The results show that oil-based lubricant led to similar reflectance values compared to traditional water-based grinding and polishing, while BIB polishing increased vitrinite reflectance systematically.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Bing Wang, Nansheng Qiu, Ralf Littke, Sebastian Amberg, Zhengdong Liu
Summary: This study explores the relationship between structural evolution and petroleum system development in the eastern Kuqa Depression. Structural restoration and petroleum system modeling reveal the significant influence of tectonics on hydrocarbon accumulations, with traps in the Dina Fold Belt and Dibei Slope identified as prospective targets.
JOURNAL OF ASIAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ziba Zamani, Hossain Rahimpour-Bonab, Ralf Littke
Summary: The Qadir coal-bearing member of the Rhaetian Nayband Formation in the Parvadeh coal mine, East-Central Iran, was studied to predict coal properties. The studies revealed a river-dominated, storm- and wave-influenced coastal/delta plain setting that accumulated along the shallow marine environment. The sedimentary pattern was mainly influenced by tectonic events in a post-orogenic foreland setting. The coal seams in the lower delta plain environment had detrital sources and a high ash content.
PALAEOBIODIVERSITY AND PALAEOENVIRONMENTS
(2023)