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Australian Energy Producers Journal Australian Energy Producers Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE

ORGANIC PETROLOGY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF SOURCE ROCKS IN THE PEDIRKA-SIMPSON BASINS CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

M. Smyth and J. D. Saxby

The APPEA Journal 21(1) 187 - 199
Published: 1981

Abstract

Sediments from the Permian Pedirka Basin and the overlying Triassic Simpson Desert Basin have been studied to determine their potentials as source rocks for hydrocarbons. Principal techniques used are reflected light microscopy, including vitrinite reflectance, solvent extraction and kerogen isolation.

Dispersed organic matter (DOM) occurs through the Permian and Triassic sequences, and is most abundant near the top of the Triassic, constituting up to 2 per cent of the sediments by volume. Of this DOM, 30 to 50 per cent is vitrinite plus exinite. The Permian and Triassic coals have vitrinite reflectivities of up to 0.9 per cent. The geothermal gradient in the vicinity of Poolowanna 1 is probably sufficient to cause the cutinite within the Triassic sediments to break down into petroleum hydrocarbons. In the case of the Poolowanna Jurassic oil show, migration up faults and accumulation in high-temperature reservoirs have been accompanied by the loss of volatile hydrocarbons.

https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ80021

© CSIRO 1981

Committee on Publication Ethics


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