Organic matter accumulation mechanisms and source rock potential of the Mesoproterozoic Xiamaling Formation, Yanliao Basin, North China

Abstract

The Mesoproterozoic Xiamaling Formation (∼1.4 Ga) is considered to be a set of promising strata for shale oil and gas exploration and production in the Yanliao Basin, North China Craton. This study aimed to investigate the organic matter accumulation mechanism, and hydrocarbon generation and expulsion characteristics of the Xiamaling Formation, using various methods, including scanning electron microscopy, rock-eval pyrolysis, and elemental geochemistry. Multiple geochemical proxies indicate that Unit 3—Unit 1 of the Xiamaling Formation was deposited in a climate that alternated between highly humid and semiarid conditions, with the strong-to-weak terrigenous influx. The redox conditions of bottom water were undulatory oxic in Unit 3 and the upper part of Unit 1, but anoxic in Unit 2 and the lower part of Unit 1. Sulfurization of organic matter was the main reason for the high TOC content in Unit 3. However, the high TOC content in Unit 2 and the lower part of Unit 1 was caused by an oxygen-deficient water column. Unit 2 and the lower part of Unit 1 exhibit a significant shale oil potential owing to low maturity, high hydrogen index (HI) values, and prevalence of type Ⅰ, II1, and II2 kerogens.