Abstract
The development of source rocks is closely related to palaeoproductivity and preservation conditions. This study examined the developmental characteristics of fossils and typomorphic minerals in different strata in the Lower Congo Basin. This study utilized thin section examination, SEM (scanning electron microscope), cathodoluminescence and chemical element analysis. The results show that there are strata rich in fossils, phosphate and pyrite in the Madingo Formation. The palaeontological record reflects the level of palaeoproductivity. The appearance of phosphate minerals is closely related to upwelling, which can bring nutrients from the subsurface. Pyrite develops in anoxic water environment, so it can be used to identify palaeoredox conditions. The Madingo Formation is rich in organic matter, which results from its high palaeoproductivity and good preservation conditions. The microstructures of sedimentary rocks and typomorphic minerals are examined, and the sedimentary characteristics and preservation conditions of organic matter in shale are comprehensively discussed. This study provides suitable tools to determine the formation mechanism and the complex heterogeneous distribution of source rocks and has great significance for oil exploration in the Lower Congo Basin.
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Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources of Ministry of Education for providing technical support. The link to data used in the paper: DOI: 10.17632/k43kyd6swz.2.
Funding
This study is supported by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation Research Institute of Program under Grant (No. CRI2015FW001); China National Research and Development Project under Grant (No. 2017ZX05032); Major National Science and Technology Programs in the “Thirteenth Five-Year” plan period under Grant (No. 2016ZX05048); and Study on identification and prediction technology of source rocks in key area of West Africa–South America sea national oil and gas projects in the “Thirteenth Five-Year” plan period under Grant (No. 2017ZX05032-001-002).
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Highlights
• The Madingo Formation is rich in fossils, phosphate and pyrite. Phosphate and pyrite can be used as typomorphic minerals.
• The sedimentary environment in the Madingo Formation exhibited high productivity and a reducing environment, which is good for source rock development and preservation.
• Source rock heterogeneity is studied.
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Yang, Y., Yang, X., Shi, W. et al. Characterization of fossils and typomorphic minerals and its implications for source rocks in the Lower Congo Basin. Arab J Geosci 13, 933 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05949-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05949-9