--> Abstract: Habitat of Coalbed Gases and Hydrocarbon Source Rock Potential of Upper Carboniferous Strata in the Polish Coal Basins, Poland, by M. J. Kotarba, J. L. Clayton, and D. D. Rice; #90942 (1997).

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Abstract: Habitat of Coalbed Gases and Hydrocarbon Source Rock Potential of Upper Carboniferous Strata in the Polish Coal Basins, Poland

KOTARBA, MACIEJ J., JERRY L. CLAYTON, and DUDLEY D. RICE

The aim of this study is the explanation of the habitat of coalbed gases from the Upper Silesian (USCB), Lower Silesian (LSCB) and Lublin (LCB)coal basins, Poland, and assessment of the potential of coals and carbonaceous shales for generation and expulsion of gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons.

We determined biological markers and carbon isotopic composition of coals and carbonaceous shale extracts from the USCB, LSCB and LCB to assess depositional conditions and sources of organic matter; n-Alkane, sterane, and isoprenoid distributions, and carbon isotope ratios are generally consistent with an interpretation of organic matter derived predominantly from higher plants.

Steranes present in coal extracts are dominated by the 14alpha(H)17alpha20RC29 stereoisomers, typical for humic organic matter of higher land plant origin. Carbonaceous shales have a wider range of sterane composition, including predominance of C27 in some cases, suggesting relatively greater input of algal organic matter. This finding is consistent with lower pristane/phythane ratios observed in some of the carbonaceous shale extracts.

The coals and carbonaceous shales have high gas generation potential but low potential for generation and expulsion of oil compared to the known Type III source rocks elsewhere. In general, the carbonaceous shales have slightly higher potential for oil generation, but probably would not be able to exceed expulsion thresholds necessary to expel economic quantities of oil.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90942©1997 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Vienna, Austria