--> Abstract: The Composition and Isotope Ratios of Natural Gases in the Eastern Part of the Permian Basin, by A. Lokhorst, J. Pokorski, M. Kotarba, P. Krull, N. Hoffmann, and T. Bandlowa; #90942 (1997).

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Abstract: The composition and isotope ratios of natural gases in the eastern part of the Permian Basin

LOKHORST, A., J. POKORSKI, M. KOTARBA, P. KRULL, N. HOFFMANN and T. BANDLOWA

In order to give an overview of the composition and isotope ratios of the natural gases, including non-combustibles and contaminants, and their areal distribution, an atlas covering Northwestern Europe has been made. Geological background maps were included as well. This paper deals with the results found in the eastern part of the Permian basin, covering partly Poland and the eastern part of Germany. Up-to-date knowledge of the source- and reservoir-rocks of the Late Paleozoic sequence of the eastern part of the Permian Basin was put into perspective within the entire basin. The systematic determination of isotopes of C, H and N improved the understanding of the hydrocarbon gas provenance. This information is important for the evaluation of hydrocarbon generation and migration models. Results show that natural gases, accumulated in Cambrian rocks and in the Zechstein Main Dolomite, are genetically connected with oil-prone kerogen type II, generated mainly during low-temperature thermogenic processes. Natural gases accumulated in Carboniferous, Rotliegend and Zechstein Limestone reservoirs are genetically connected with gas-prone kerogen type III, generated during both low-temperature and high temperature thermogenic processes. Inversion of isotopic composition for methane, ethane and propane reveals that hydrocarbon generation took place at least in two phases. A characteristic feature of the area, notably in the eastern part of Germany, is formed by the extreme high amounts of Nitrogen, coinciding with high coalification areas. Gaseous Nitrogen is related to both biogenic (coalification) processes and abiogenic (endogenic) processes in the Earth's mantle.

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