Molecular Source/Environment Parameters

Various types of geochemical data are useful in assessing the nature of the source rock of an oil in terms of organic matter origin and depositional conditions. In oils, the most useful geochemical data are the saturated hydrocarbon biomarkers, as these compounds (by definition) possess structures indicative of their biological origin.

Biomarker analysis requires GC-MS techniques, and various types of compounds have been used as indicators of source and environment, including:

• n-Alkanes
• Aromatic hydrocarbons
• Steranes
• Hopanes
• Higher plant triterpanes

Molecular geochemistry, and most particularly biomarker analysis, can provide detailed information relating to the nature of the organic matter sources, the depositional environment, the age of the source rock and correlations between samples based on them having recognisably related genetic origins.

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