About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 72 (1988)

Issue: 6. (June)

First Page: 649

Last Page: 663

Title: Framework of Hydrocarbon Generation and Destruction in Eastern Smackover Trend

Author(s): Roger Sassen, Clyde H. Moore (2)

Abstract:

Laminated lime mudstones of the lower member of the Jurassic Smackover Formation are significant source rocks for crude oil across Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The source facies was deposited in an anoxic and perhaps hypersaline environment that preserved algal-derived kerogen. The distribution of kerogen along laminations of depositional origin and along stylolites of diagenetic origin resulted in efficient expulsion of crude oil. With increasing thermal maturity, crude oil initially emplaced in reservoirs was cracked to yield gas condensate and then methane rich in nonhydrocarbon gases such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. Early destruction of methane was driven by thermochemical sulfate reduction. The thermal maturity framework of the Smackover rend explains the distribution of hydrocarbon discoveries and suggests areas previously overlooked by exploration.

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].