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Sedimentary organic matter and source rock potential of the Paleocene Aaliji Formation in Qumar Oil Field, NE Iraq

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Abstract

The organic matter content of the Paleocene Aaliji Formation has been studied from the Qm-1 well in the Qumar Oil Field, NE Iraq. A palynofacies analysis revealed the obvious domination of amorphous organic matter (AOM) in the samples studied in addition to the different ratios of palynomorphs, phytoclasts and opaque organic material. The deposition of the various percentages of organic matter components and types of palynomorphs appear to have occurred in a proximal suboxic–anoxic basinal environment. The samples analysed showed relatively low percentages of total organic carbon, indicating a generally poor source rock. The thermal alteration index for the palynomorphs (dinoflagellates) observed and identified ranged between 2, 2+ and 3−, indicating an immature to early stage of maturity for the section studied. No clear differentiation between the stages of maturity within the section was identified. The reflectance measured for a few vitrinite particles at a depth of 2,900 m showed uncertainly of 0.46 % Ro, indicating a still thermally immature stage. The values obtained from pyrolysis analysis also supported the formation being in the early stages of maturity, i.e. an immature condition, with T max values between 416 and 435 °C. The quality of the organic matter examined and analysed appeared to be mostly type III gas-prone kerogen, as discerned from the hydrogen index, oxygen index and other pyrolysis parameters. The parameters obtained and calculated from gas chromatography analysis performed on a sample at a depth of 2,900 m found marginally mature marine source organic matter.

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Acknowledgments

The rock samples used in this study were provided by the Northern Oil Company (Kirkuk, Iraq). Pyrolysis, GC analysis and quantification were undertaken by Baseline Resolution Inc. (Analytical Laboratories). Guidance and assistance were provided by Dr. George Pinckney and Mr. William Matthews from Western Zagros Ltd., which also supported the work financially.

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  1. Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Science Education, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

    Dler H. Baban

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  1. Dler H. Baban
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Correspondence to Dler H. Baban.

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Baban, D.H. Sedimentary organic matter and source rock potential of the Paleocene Aaliji Formation in Qumar Oil Field, NE Iraq. Arab J Geosci 7, 4733–4744 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-013-1134-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-013-1134-8

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