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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 63 (1979)

Issue: 3. (March)

First Page: 532

Last Page: 532

Title: Carbon Isotopes--New Tool in Hydrocarbon Correlation and Exploration: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Wolfgang J. Stahl, E. Faber, B. D. Carey

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The recently developed isotopic type-curve technique is based on the 13C/12C ratios of saturates, aromatics, heterocyclics, asphaltenes, and kerogen. This technique has been applied to problems of correlation of oil with oil and oil with source rocks, and has also been used to identify bacterial degradation in crude oils. Correlation of gas with source rock is essentially related to the determination of the carbon isotope ratio of methane. The ratio links the gas to the type and maturity of its organic source material. This technique was applied to head space analyses of canned drillhole samples. The type and maturity of source rocks can be evaluated as shown by isotope-depth profiles from different basins. Migration of gaseous hydrocarbons from deep sources to higher strata becomes evident.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists