Geochemical constraints on the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in source rocks with different primary organic matter compositions: A case study on the Lucaogou Formation in the Jimusaer Sag, Junggar Basin, Northwest China

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of different types of primary organic matters on hydrocarbon generation and expulsion of source rocks. Samples representing three typical source rocks from the Lucaogou Formation in the Jimusaer Sag were collected and analyzed by hydrous pyrolysis, total organic carbon, Rock-Eval, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, organic petrology, and scanning electron microscopy. Distinct differences in crude oil biomarkers were observed between telalginite- and lamalginite-rich source rocks. Telalginite-rich source rocks exhibit higher abundances of pristane, phytane, β-carotane, gammacerane, and C₂₉ regular steranes, while lamalginite-rich source rocks are characterized by enrichments of C₂₄ tetracyclic terpane, C₂₉ hopane, and C₂₈ regular steranes. These biomarkers provide insights into the primary types of organic matter and their depositional environments with high water salinity of telalginite and low salinity of lamalginite. Hydrous pyrolysis results reveal that telalginite-rich source rocks demonstrate early hydrocarbon generation and a wider oil window than lamalginite-rich source rocks. Compared to lamalginite-rich source rocks, telalginite-rich source rocks produced better quality of crude oil, exhibit a smaller specific surface area of organic matter, and greater development of organic-inorganic pores, which contribute to their higher oil expulsion. These findings are helpful to the understanding of the constraints imposed by different primary organic matters on hydrocarbon generation and expulsion of the source rocks, and the insights have significant implications for exploration and development of the shale oil resources.