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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1987; v. 26; p. 17-46;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1987.026.01.02
© 1987 Geological Society of London

Part I: Concepts and Methods

The role of hydrocarbon source rocks in petroleum exploration

J. Brooks, C. Cornford & R. Archer

Exploration Division, Britoil plc, 150 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5LJ, UK
IGI Ltd, Hallsannery, Bideford, Devon EX39 5HE, UK
Consultant, Langside Drive, Newlands, Glasgow, G43 2EE, UK

Petroleum is generated from organic-rich sediments (source rocks) containing organic matter originating from biological materials. During burial of sediments, the increase in temperature results in a series of geochemical reactions which leads from biopolymers to geopolymers, often collectively called kerogen, which are precursors of petroleum.

The amount, type and composition of petroleum generated is dependent upon the nature and geological history of the source rock. The most important parameters are the nature of the organic matter in the source rock and its maturity governed by its time/temperature history.

Petroleum exploration is now using modern understandings of hydrocarbon generation, migration and accumulation to help improve its success in predicting petroleum discoveries. The initial stages of an exploration programme can regionally evaluate the source rocks, together with the hydrocarbon potential of each source rock horizon and integrate this information with the geological development of the basin to enhance predictions of where and when hydrocarbon generation and accumulation have occurred.