We have modelled the subsidence, thermal and maturation history of the Drmno and Markovac depressions in the SE Pannonian Basin (Serbia) in order to calculate quantities of generated, expelled and migrated hydrocarbons. Stratigraphic, lithofacies, structural, thermal and geochemical data were used to create a conceptual model of the basin’s evolution to depths of 5,000m. The models were calibrated using present-day temperature and vitrinite reflectance data from representative wells. The results show that in the centres of these depressions, possible Badenian and pre-Badenian (i.e. Middle and Lower Miocene) source rocks are sufficiently mature to have generated oil and gas.

Maturity data reveal significant differences in heat flow during times when maximum palaeotemperatures were reached. From these data high heat flows can only be deduced for some of the wells, whereas similar high heat flows are deduced from present-day temperature data. Future research is necessary to resolve in detail the geologic evolution of the study area which resulted in the significant differences between the Mio/Pliocene and Recent heat flows.

Petroleum generation is taking place at depths below 2,000m in both depressions, mainly from Pre-Badenian source rocks which contain Type II-III kerogen and which appear to have a high petroleum generation potential.