Petroleum geochemistry

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Petroleum Geochemistry is generally the study of naturally occurring hydrocarbons (liquid and vapour petroleum) as well as the source rocks from which they are generated. Source rock studies generally determine the amount of oil or gas a rock can potentially generate as well as assessing the maturity of a particular sample. Initial oil and gas studies identify the source type (petroleum source), maturity (petroleum maturation) and alteration of observed hydrocarbons. Such determinations are typically achieved by the combined interpretation of a variety of data sets including carbon isotope, biomarker and alkane & aromatic composition information. Such data can then be used to aid interpretation of the regional or field wide petroleum history, including petroleum migration routes as well as timing of petroleum emplacement and any alteration mechanisms. Lastly, detailed geochemical assessment can aid the identification in reservoir compartments which can significantly hindered the exploitation of petroleum discoveries.

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