Petroleum Source Rock Characterization & Hydrocarbon Generation Assessment
Evaluate source rock quality, maturity, and hydrocarbon generation potential from geochemical data
What You Can Do
You can analyze geochemical analytical data to characterize petroleum source rocks and quantify their hydrocarbon generation potential. This skill guides you through interpreting Rock-Eval pyrolysis parameters (S1, S2, S3, Tmax), assessing thermal maturity using vitrinite reflectance and Tmax correlations, classifying kerogen types (I-IV), calculating transformation ratios, and evaluating depositional environments to construct petroleum systems models and manage exploration risk.
Features
extract S1, S2, S3, Tmax values and derive source rock quality indices and hydrogen index calculations
correlate Tmax, vitrinite reflectance (%Ro), and TAI data to determine oil and gas generation windows
apply Type I, II, III, IV frameworks to predict hydrocarbon product type and generation potential
calculate and interpret petroleum generation and expulsion efficiency from maturity and TOC data
adjust assessment frameworks for depositional environment, organic matter source, and basin thermal history
link source rock characterization to charge risk, migration pathways, and prospect viability
evaluate source rock quality across multiple wells and stratigraphic intervals to identify fairway trends
assign source rock quality, maturity, and timing risk scores for exploration decision-making
Example Output
Example 1: Well XYZ-1 Source Rock Assessment
- Interval: Jurassic Shale (1,850–1,920 m)
- Rock-Eval Results: S2 = 8.2 mg HC/g rock, Tmax = 435°C, HI = 385 mg HC/g TOC
- Thermal Maturity: %Ro = 0.78–0.82 (early oil window)
- Kerogen Type: Type II (marine/lacustrine, oil-prone)
- Transformation Ratio: ~45% (active generation phase)
- Assessment: Good-quality active source rock, currently generating oil
Example 2: Regional Play Fairway Comparison
- Well A: S2 = 12.5 (excellent), Type II, Ro = 0.95 (peak oil)
- Well B: S2 = 3.2 (poor), Type III, Ro = 0.55 (immature)
- Well C: S2 = 9.1 (good), Type II, Ro = 1.35 (dry gas window)
- Play Fairway: Recommend drilling along Well A–C trend; Well B zone is quality risk
What's Included
- SKILL.md: Core methodology file with Rock-Eval interpretation framework and kerogen typing classification
- Geochemical Data Interpretation Template: Structured worksheet for entering analytical results and calculating quality indices
- Thermal Maturity Correlation Chart: Visual guide linking Tmax to %Ro and petroleum generation windows
- Kerogen Type Decision Matrix: Rapid classification framework using HI vs. OI cross-plots
- Petroleum Systems Assessment Checklist: Risk evaluation framework for source rock charge, timing, and expulsion
Who It's For
- Petroleum geochemists evaluating source rock potential in exploration programs
- Subsurface and basin analysts constructing petroleum systems models
- Exploration geologists assessing prospect charge risk and play fairway viability
- Production geoscientists diagnosing hydrocarbon charge in producing fields
- Resource assessment teams quantifying basin hydrocarbon potential
Best For
- Interpreting Rock-Eval pyrolysis and organic geochemistry laboratory data
- Assessing source rock maturity and thermal history across wells and basins
- Classifying kerogen type and predicting oil vs. gas generation capacity
- Developing play fairway maps with source rock quality as a risk parameter
- Constructing petroleum systems models linking source, seal, and migration pathways
- Evaluating exploration drilling results for source rock viability
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