Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/100131
Type: Thesis
Title: Mechanisms for anomalous organic matter concentrations within the Roseneath-Epsilon-Murteree section of the Cooper Basin
Author: Granger, T. A.
Issue Date: 2013
School/Discipline: School of Physical Sciences
Abstract: 2- 8% organic carbon enrichment within the Permian Roseneath-Epsilon-Murteree (REM) interval, deposited in a post glacial, cold climate system, goes against many well established paradigms for viable source rock deposition. Understanding the source of organic matter and the timing of diagenesis within this system may shed light onto the viability of this and other cold climate depositional systems as hydrocarbon source rock domains. The dominant lithology of the REM, based on core observations, backscattered electron microscopy (BSEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), indicates a compositionally immature greywacke containing ~40% quartz, ~20% mica, and ~40% diagenetic products (kaolinite, illite, siderite and minor chlorite). BSEM highlights 2 dominant organic matter forms: 20-50μm particles with defined tabular and spherical shapes, and intergranular pore residing organics with grain coating features. RockEval indicates low S2 values varying between 0.1 and 3.0mgHC/gTOC indicative of low generative potential. Diagenetic kaolinite, illite, chlorite and Fe rich and Mg rich phases of siderite occlude the bulk of intergranular porosity. Variations in siderite abundance track coarser siltstone laminations on the 1-5mm scale, occurring as bands visible at the micron and core scale. Replacement of detrital mica and diagenetic illite by siderite is observed in BSEM, while stable phases of kaolinite are observed in both Vintage Crop 1 (minimum %Ro=0.76) and Encounter 1 (minimum %Ro=3.6). The dominance of detrital plant material, the presence of pore-filling, grain coating organics, and the low generative potential of REM organics implies a migration driven hydrocarbon system. The key to prospectivity in the REM may therefore be linked to the timing of diagenetic pore filling seals relative to charge migration as opposed to in situ hydrocarbon generation.
Dissertation Note: Thesis (B.Sc.(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2013
Where: Cooper Basin, South Australia
Keywords: Honours; Geology; organic matter preservation; Cooper Basin; carbonate diagenesis; clay diagenesis; Backscattered Electron Microscopy; TOC; RockEval; EGME
Description: This item is only available electronically.
Provenance: This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the author of this thesis and do not wish it to be made publicly available, or you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals
Appears in Collections:School of Physical Sciences

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