An Analysis of Silurian Paleo–Tethys Hydrocarbon Source Rock Characteristics in North Africa, the Middle East, and South China
Source abstract
Abstract
In this study, we elucidate the genesis and distribution patterns of Silurian hot shale hydrocarbon source rocks by utilizing a comparative analysis of the evolutionary characteristics of plate tectonic activity in the Paleo–Tethys Ocean and the sedimentary filling characteristics of key basins in North Africa, the Middle East, and South China. We propose an explanation for the sedimentary genesis of world-class Silurian hydrocarbon source rocks in the Paleozoic craton basin of the ancient Tethys tectonic domain. This is achieved by scrutinizing the plate tectonic activity and evolution of the ancient Tethys Ocean and combining these findings with the paleotectonic sedimentation background of North Africa, the Middle East, and South China. Additionally, we compare Silurian hydrocarbon source rocks from these regions. The deep-water stagnant environment of the land shelf favors the preservation of organic matter, thereby forming high-quality hydrocarbon source rocks. Conversely, the shallow-water body of the land shelf is more turbulent, thus resulting in the poorer preservation of organic matter and, consequently, lower-quality hydrocarbon source rocks.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis · Geological and Geophysical Studies · Geological Studies and Exploration
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of GeoSciences, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, China
Key Laboratory of Exploration Technologies for Oil and Gas Resources, Ministry of Education, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, China
Funding
Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China
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