--> ABSTRACT: Petroleum Formation in Senonian Carbonate Source Rocks of the Dead Sea Basin, by M. D. Lewan, H. Ramini, and E. Tannenbaum; #91021 (2010)

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Petroleum Formation in Senonian Carbonate Source Rocks of the Dead Sea Basin

LEWAN, M. D., H. RAMINI, and E. TANNENBAUM

The Dead Sea basin has long been cited as having a high potential for petroleum on the basis of tar deposits and several small oil and gas discoveries around the periphery of the basin. In addition, Senonian carbonate source rocks containing high-sulfur kerogen (Type-IIS) have been established in the area and are described as oil shale. A unique aspect of this basin is the rapid subsidence of these source rocks through a low thermal gradient (~20 degrees C/km) during the last 3 m.y. to depths ranging from 3 to 8 km. These conditions raise concerns that the source rocks have not completely matured and that the known petroleum occurrences represent only minor oil potential in the basin. The past political climate in the area has resulted in separate and incomplete basin evaluations by the bordering countries. However, a collaborative research effort to study the timing and extent of petroleum generation and expulsion from Senonian carbonate source rocks has been initiated between Israel and Jordan. This study is the first of its kind in the area, with selected oils and tars from both sides of the basin being evaluated with respect to source and thermal maturity. In addition, representative Senonian source rocks from both sides of the basin were subjected to a series of hydrous pyrolysis experiments to determine the kinetics of oil formation and changes in character of expelled oils with increasing thermal maturation. Results of this study indicate the selected oils and tars originated from Senonian carbonate source rocks over a wide range of thermal maturities and the generation of expelled oils was initiated and completed during the Pleistocene at depths greater than 4 km.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.