| abstract |
A process for predicting the presence and maturity of hydrocarbon material in a subterranean situs by initially treating a number of rock samples derived from an exploratory well or surface outcrops to remove certain materials therefrom, including carbonates and layered silicates. The samples, as thus prepared, are then subjected to observation of the paramagnetic resonance (electron spin resonance) properties of the kerogen entrapped in the samples, and from these properties, the maximum thermal histories of the samples are evaluated, and a maximal geothermal gradient for the formation is derived. The maximal geothermal gradient is extrapolated to a depth of interest to predict the type of hydrocarbon production, if any, which may be reasonably contemplated from that depth in the formation. |