Journal of Petroleum Geology, Vol.
11, No.4, pp. 389-402, 1988
©Copyright 2000 Scientific Press,
Ltd.
OIL GENERATION AND
MIGRATION WITHIN MARINE CARBONATE SEQUENCES - A REVIEW
J. Ferguson*
*Dept. of Geology, Imperial
College, London SW72BP.
Abstract
Recent literature on carbonate source rocks
is reviewed, particular importance being attached to those papers
which give details of lithology and depositional environment, as
well as details relating to the organic matter in the rock. It is
demonstrated that depositional and environmental criteria which
have been applied to other source rocks are equally valid for
carbonates. Evidence is presented which upholds the view that
clay mineral catalysis is minimal in these rocks. Another feature
which is emphasised is that of "self-sourcing". It is
suggested that the evidence presented in the papers reviewed
calls for the recognition of two modes of
"self-sourcing" i.e. the oil or gas can be truly
indigenous and formed where it is found, or it can have migrated
within the carbonate complex. Supporting evidence from
experimental work, both published and unpublished, is presented
to support the main conclusions of the paper.