Source Rock Evaluation and Lateral Changes in Thermal Maturity of the Sargelu Formation (Middle Jurassic) in Kurdistan Region-Northern Iraq

Authors

  • Ayad Faqi School of Petroleum Geosciences, Faculty of Science, Soran University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9142-1577
  • Ali Ali Department of Petroleum Geosciences, Soran University, Soran, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Bahjat Abdullah Department of Petroleum Geosciences, Soran University, Soran, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Stephen Bowden School Geosciences, University of Aberdeen- Aberdeen, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25079/ukhjse.v2n1y2018.pp7-17

Keywords:

Biomarkers, Kurdistan, Rock-Eval, Sargelu Formation, Thermal Maturity

Abstract

In this study, source rock characteristics and lateral changes in thermal maturity of the Sargelu Formation (Middle Jurassic) in three outcrops were studied. The formation’s outcrops can be found in the High Folded, and Imbricated Zones of Iraqi Tectonic Division. In order to achieve the main goals of this study, the Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Rock-Eval pyrolysis were performed on the organic matter (OM) of the Sargelu sediments. Pristane/Phytane ratios for analyzed samples indicate reducing conditions (anoxic) during sedimentation. Moreover, based on  C29/C30 hopanes ratios the sediments of the Sargelu Formation associated with clay- rich source rock. Biomarker thermal maturity parameters display that all samples are thermally in Oil Window at least. The biomarker findings reveal that the samples of Walasimt and Barsarin are seem more mature than Banik section.

The values for TOC% of the Sargelu Formation may show Excellent, Very Good, and Poor quality source rock. The Pyrolysis executed for studied samples revealed the kerogen in Banik section belongs to Types II and III (Probably Oil/Gas- prone), while Barsarin and Walasimt sections obtained Types III-IV Kerogen (Gas- prone). Pyrolysis parameters suggested Early Mature Stage in Banik, While Overmature in Barsarin and Walasimt. The data also shows that organic matter of the Sargelu Formation in Banik section is in Oil Widow, while in Barsarin and Walasimt is in Gas Window.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Ayad Faqi, School of Petroleum Geosciences, Faculty of Science, Soran University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

    Dr. Ayad was born in 1982 in Erbil- Iraq, and awarded his Ph.D. in Petroleum Geology in 2016 from University of Aberdeen, Scotland/ UK, and his M.Sc. in Petroleum Geology (2010) and B.Sc. in Geology (2005) from Salahaddin University- Kurdistan Region-Iraq. His major research interests are: Organic Geochemistry, Stratigraphy, Petroleum Exploration, Petroleum Geology and Basin Modeling, Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, Sedimentology. He worked as assistant lecturer in Salahaddin and Soran Universities - Iraq. He is now lecturer in Petroleum Geosciences, Soran University-Iraq, and Vice Dean for administrative and students’ affairs in faculty of science, Soran University. He also worked as part-time with GulfKeystone Oil Company, 2008-2010

  • Ali Ali, Department of Petroleum Geosciences, Soran University, Soran, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

    Born in 24th February 1995 in Oumieh, Iran, B. Sc. degree In Petroleum Geosciences, Faculty of science, Soran University, 2013-2017. Since Feb. 2018, He is working as an operator in Independent Oil Tools (IOT) Company for oil services.

  • Bahjat Abdullah, Department of Petroleum Geosciences, Soran University, Soran, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

    Born in August 1st, 1992 in Esfehan, Iran, B. Sc. degree In Petroleum Geosciences, Faculty of science, Soran University, 2013-2017. Since Oct. 2017, he is working as an operator in UGTC Company for Inspection and Calibration.

  • Stephen Bowden, School Geosciences, University of Aberdeen- Aberdeen, United Kingdom

    Bowden has Ph.D. degree in Petroleum Geochemistry, 1999-2003 Newcastle University, M.Sc. degree in Petroleum (Reservoir Evaluation and Management) 1995-1998, Heriot-Watt University and a B.Sc. in Exploration Geology 1995-1998- Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd. His research interests include; (1) Hypervelocity impacts and alteration of organic compounds,  (2) Astrobiology; extremophiles, deep biospheres and origin of life and evolution of the biosphere and (3) Deployable analytical technologies for life detection. His experince include; teaching (geochemistry, planetary geology and petroleum geochemistry); Research planning, executing and publishing (60+ papers); Supervision 10+ PhD students; Radiation Protection Supervisor; Geochemistry Laboratory Supervisor; Off Shore/Expedition projects: Lead Sedimentologist IODP 370 – Nankai Accretionary Prism, Japan Organic Geochemist IODP 368 – South China Sea, Hong Kong - China Organic Geochemist IODP 337 Shimokita, Japan Sedimentologist IODP 331 Okinawa Trough, Japan.

     

    Research interests

     

References

Abdula, R. (2010). Petroleum Source Rock Analysis of the Jurassic Sargelu Formation, Northern Iraq. M.S. Thesis, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado. p. 106.

Abdula, R. A. (2014). Hydrocarbon potential of Sargelu formation and oil-source correlation, Iraqi Kurdistan. Arabian Journal of Geoscience, 8(8), 5845-5868.

Al-Barzanji, S. T. M. (1989). Facies Analysis for Muhaiwir Formation-W. Iraq: M.S. Thesis (Unpublished), Science College, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. p. 86.

Al-Sayyab, A., Al-Ansari, N., Al-Rawi, D., Al-Omari, F., Al-Shaikh, Z. & Al-Jassim, J. (1982). Geology of Iraq. Mosul: University of Al- Mosul. p. 280.

Aqrawi, A. A. M., Goff, J. C. Horbury, A. D. & Sadooni, F. N. I. (2010). The Petroleum Geology of Iraq: Beaconsfield. United Kingdom: Scientific Press Ltd. p. 424.

Balaky, S. M. H. (2004). Stratigraphy and Sedimentology of Sargelu Formation (Middle Jurassic) in Selected Sections in Erbil and Duhuk Governorates–Iraqi Kurdistan. M.S. Thesis (Unpublished), Science College, University of Salahaddin, Erbil, Iraq. p. 109.

Bellen, R. C., Van Dunnigton, H. V., Wetzel, R. & Morton, D. M. (1959). Lexique Stratigraphique International. Vol. III. Paris: Asie, Fasc., 10a Iraq. p. 333.

Brooks, J. D., Gould, K. & Smith, J. W. (1969). Isoprenoid hydrocarbons in coal and petroleum. Nature, 222, 257-259.

Buday, T. (1980). The Regional Geology of Iraq. Stratigraphy and Paleogeography. Vol. 1. Iraq: Dar Al-Kutub Publication University of Mosul. p. 445.

Beydoun, Z. R. (1993). Evolution of the northeastern Arabian plate margin and shelf: Hydrocarbon habitat and conceptual future potential. Revue de L’Institut Francais du Petrole, 48, 311-245.

Darvichzada, A. (1992). Geology of Iran. Tehran: G.S. of Iran. p. 901.

Dercourt, J., Zonenshain, L. P., Ricou, L. E., Kazmin, V. G., Le Pichon, X., Knipper, A. L., Grandjacquet, C., Sbortshikov, I. M., Geyssant, J., Lepvrier, C., Pechersky, D. H., Boulin, J., Sibuet, J. C., Savostin, L. A., Sorokhtin, O., Westphal, M., Bazhenov, M. L., Lauer, J. P. & Biju-Duval, B. (1986). Geological evolution of the Tethys belt from the Atlantic to the Pamir since the Lias, In: Aubouin, J., Le Pichon, X. & Monin, S., editors. Evolution of the Tethys. Vol. 123. Amsterdam: Tectonophysics. pp. 241-315.

Diatmar, V. & Others. (1971). Geological Conditions and Hydrocarbon Prospects of the Republic of Iraq (Northern and Central Parts). Techno Export Report. Baghdad: INOC Library.

Dunnington, H. V. (1958). Generation, migration, accumulation, and dissipation of oil in Northern Iraq. In: Weeks, L.G., editor. Habitat of Oil, a Symposium, AAPG Bulletin. p. 1194-1251.

Hunt, J. M. (1996). Petroleum Geochemistry and Geology. 2nd ed. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman. p. 707.

Jassim, S. Z. & Buday, T. (2006). Late Toarcian-Early Tithonian (Mid- Late Jurassic) Megasequence AP7, Chapter 10. In: Jassim, S. Z. & Goff, J. C., editors. Geology of Iraq. 1st ed. Brno, Czech Republic: Prague and Moravian Museum. pp. 117-123.

Jassim, S. Z. & Al-Gailani, M. (2006). Hydrocarbons, Chapter 18. In: Jassim, S. Z. & Goff, J. C., editors. Geology of Iraq. 1st ed. Brno, Czech Republic: Prague and Moravian Museum. pp. 232-250.

Jassim, S. Z. & Karim, S. A. (1984). Final Report on Regional Geology Survey of Iraq: Paleogeography. Vol. 4. Baghdad, Iraq: State Organization for Mineral. p. 69.

Katz, B. J. (1983). Limitations of Rock–Eval‘ pyrolysis for typing organic matter Org. Geochem, 4, 195-199.

Marouf, N. Z. (1999). Dynamic Evolution of the Sedimentary Basins in Northern Iraq and Hydrocarbon Formation, Migration and Entrapment. Ph.D. Thesis (Unpub.), University of Baghdad. p. 236.

Murris, R. J. (1980). Middle East–stratigraphic evolution and oil habitat. AAPG Bulletin, 64(5), 597-618.

Numan, N. M. S. (1997). A plate tectonic scenario for the Phanerozoic succession in Iraq. Iraqi Geological Journal, 30(2), 85-110.

Numan, N. M. S. (2000). Major cretaceous tectonic events in Iraq. Rafidain Journal of Science, 11(3), 32-54.

Nunez-Betelu, L. & Baceta, J. I. (1994). Basics and Application of Rock- Eval/TOC Pyrolysis: An Example from the Uppermost. Western Pyrenees: Paleocene/lowermost Eocene in The Basque Basin. pp. 5-13.

Othman, R. S. (1990). Generation, Migration and Maturation of the Hydrocarbons in Northern Iraq (Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous). M.S. Thesis (Unpublished), Science College, University of Salahaddin, Erbil, Iraq. p. 208.

Peters, K. E. (1986). Guidelines for evaluating petroleum source rock using programmed pyrolysis. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 70, 318-329.

Peters, K. E. & Moldowan, J. M. (1991). Effects of source, thermal maturity, and biodegradation on the distribution and isomerization of homohopanes in petroleum. Organic Geochemistry, 17(1), 47- 61.

Peters, K. E. & Moldowan, J. M. (1993). The Biomarker Guide- Interpreting Molecular Fossils in Petroleum and Ancient Sediments. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs. p. 363.

Peters, K. E. & Cassa, M. R. (1994). Applied Source Rock Geochemistry, Chapter 5. In: Magoon, L.B. & Dow, W. G., editors. The Petroleum System—from Source to Trap. Vol. 60. Tulsa: AAPG Memoir. pp. 93-120.

Peters, K. E., Walters, C. C. & Moldowan, J. M. (2005). The Biomarker Guide. Biomarkers and Isotopes in Petroleum Systems and Earth History. 2nd ed., Vol. II. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. p. 679.

Pitman, J. K., Steinshour, D. & Lewan, M. D. (2004). Petroleum generation and migration in the Mesopotamian basin and Zagros Fold Belt of Iraq, result from a basin modeling study. GeoArabia, 9(4), 41-72.

Powell, T. G. & McKirdy, D. M. (1973). Relationship between ratio of pristane to phytane, crude oil composition and geological environment. Nature, 243, 37-39.

Rullkötter, J. (1987). Geochemistry, organic. Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology, 6, 54-77.

Fatah, S. S. & Mohialdeen, I. M. J. (2016). Hydrocarbon Generation Potential and Thermal Maturity of Middle Jurassic Sargelu Formation in Miran Field. Sulaimani Area, Kurdistan Region, NE Iraq: JZS Special Issue, GeoKurdistan II. pp. 213-228.

Seifert, W. K. & Moldowan, J. M. (1979), The effect of thermal stress on source-rock quality as measured by hopane stereochemistry. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 12, 229-237.

Sissakian, V. K. & Al-Jiburi, B. A. M. (2014). Stratigraphy of the high folded zone, Iraqi. Bulletion Geological Minimum Special Issue, 6, 73-161.

Tissot, B. P. & Welte, D. H. (1984). Petroleum Formation and Occurrence. 2nd ed. Berlin: Springer-Verlag. p. 699.

Waples, D. W. & Machihara, T. (1991). Biomarkers for geologists–a practical guide to the application of steranes and triterpanes in petroleum geology. AAPG Methods in Exploration, 9, 91.

Volkman, J. K. (1986). A review of sterol biomarkers for marine and terrigenous organic matter. Organic Geochemistry, 9, 83-99.

Whelan, J. K. & Thompson-Rizer, C.L. (1993). Chemical methods for assessing kerogen and protokerogen types and maturity, Chapter 14, In: Engel, M. H. & Macko, S.A., editors. Principles and Applications: Organic Geochemistry. New York: Plenum Press. pp. 289-353.
UKHJSE Volume 2 Number 1 (2018)

Downloads

Published

2018-06-30

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2018): ISSUE TWO

Section

Research Articles

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY-NC-ND 4.0] that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).

How to Cite

Source Rock Evaluation and Lateral Changes in Thermal Maturity of the Sargelu Formation (Middle Jurassic) in Kurdistan Region-Northern Iraq. (2018). UKH Journal of Science and Engineering, 2(1), 7-17. https://doi.org/10.25079/ukhjse.v2n1y2018.pp7-17

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >>