Golonka, Jan1, Nataliya Y Bocharova2, Mary E Edrich3,
Wolfgang Kiessling4, Michal Krobicki5, Robert Pauken6,
William Wildharber7
(1) Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
(2) University of Texas at Arligton, Arlington, TX
(3) Mobil, Jouston,
(4) Museum fur Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany
(5) University of Mining and Metallurgy, Krakow, Poland
(6) Mobil, Dallas, TX
(7) Mobil, Georgetown,
ABSTRACT: Source Rock Prediction: Carpathian-Central Asia Case Study
Thirty-six Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous regions were evaluated to obtain the source
rocks prediction value (SRPV). The overall effectiveness three major processes (biologic
productivity, depositional preservation, and non-dilution) including their subprocesses,
was assigned a value between 1 and 5 (5 being most effective) by at least five experts and
the results combined into an average value. The three values, one for each of the major
processes, were multiplied together to produce a SRPV, range 1-125. The Source Potential
Index (SPI) is a measure of cumulative petroleum potential defined as the maximum quantity
of hydrocarbons (in metric tons) that can be generated within a column of source rock
under 1 m2 of surface area. Average SPI measurements have been published for 6 Late
Jurassic marine source rock sequences. These sequences are found in 5 independent Late
Jurassic tectono-depositional provinces. These basins were part of the same
tectono-depositional province in the Late Jurassic and SPI values were equal. SRPV's were
assessed for each of the five independent areas and plotted against the measured SPI
values to calibrate the method.
The Northern Tethyan Central Asia basin was ranked eighth, while the similar Carpathian
basin ninth. The high organic productivity in these basins was caused by upwelling, as
well as restricted conditions in the narrow rift basins. Self-contained petroleum systems
consisting of source rocks, carbonate reservoirs and evaporitic seals contribute to the
hydrocarbon reserves. Actual hydrocarbon production is ongoing in Afghanistan and
Amu-Daria Province. Possibly Late Jurassic/Early Cretaceous rocks sourced some of
Carpathian oils.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90026©2004 AAPG Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, April 18-21, 2004.