ABSTRACT
Geochemical characteristics of solid bitumen in Upper Jurassic carbonate reservoir are investigated. Aromatic maturity parameters indicate peak to late oil window level of maturity for the bitumen samples. Regular sterane distributions, conical variable (CV), plots of δ13CSat versus δ13CAro and Pr/nC17 against Ph/nC18, predominance of C23 tricyclic terpane, ratios of steranes/hopanes and C23/C21 tricyclic terpane indicate charging from clastic-rich anoxic marine source rocks. Ratios of C29/C30 hopane, Ts/Ts+ Tm, C24 tetracyclic terpane/C20-26 tricyclic terpanes and plot of C22/C21 versus C24/C23 tricyclic terpanes show influences of carbonate/marl facies. All these would throw crucial guiding light on the interpretation of the future exploration.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to extend their thanks to the Exploration Directorate of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) for providing the samples and the financial support of the project. Sincere thanks are also given to Petroleum Geology and Geochemistry Research Center (PGGRC) of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz for providing the laboratory services. The invaluable help of the anonymous reviewers of this manuscript, which their ideas and comments improved the manuscript, is also acknowledged.