About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

Volume: 72 (1988)

Issue: 2. (February)

First Page: 115

Last Page: 134

Title: Relationships Between Thermal Maturity Indices Calculated Using Arrhenius Equation and Lopatin Method: Implications for Petroleum Exploration

Author(s): David A. Wood (2)

Abstract:

Thermal maturity can be calculated with time-temperature indices (TTI) based on the Arrhenius equation using kinetics applicable to a range of Types II and III kerogens. These TTIs are compared with TTI calculations based on the Lopatin method and are related theoretically (and empirically via vitrinite reflectance) to the petroleum-generation window. The TTIs for both methods are expressed mathematically as integrals of temperature combined with variable linear heating rates for selected temperature intervals.

Heating rates control the thermal-maturation trends of buried sediments. Relative to Arrhenius TTIs, Lopatin TTIs tend to underestimate thermal maturity at high heating rates and overestimate it as low heating rates. Complex burial histories applicable to a range of tectonic environments illustrate the different exploration decisions that might be made on the basis of independent results of these two thermal-maturation models.

Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24

AAPG Member?

Please login with your Member username and password.

Members of AAPG receive access to the full AAPG Bulletin Archives as part of their membership. For more information, contact the AAPG Membership Department at [email protected].