Organic matter maturity in Northern Italy: Some determining agents

Geochemistry of shallow aquifers and soil gas surveys in a feasibility study at the Rivara natural gas storage site (Po Plain, Northern Italy)

“…peat strata) and methanogenic fermentation processes, rather than rising up from deeper reservoirs as, for example, that located at À2500 m in the Mesozoic carbonate formation (the main candidate for CH 4 storage in the Rivara area). This evidence is further strengthened by the absence, in the investigated area, of gas-rich thermo-mineral groundwater, possibly linked to tectonic discontinuities, as highlighted elsewhere in the Po Plain (Chiaramonte and Novelli, 1985;Conti et al, 2000;Federico et al, 2008).…”

“…As a whole, no hints of thermal anomalies have been detected in the studied aquifers, as occur elsewhere in the Po Plain in areas crossed by faults and/or fault systems as well as where structural highs have been recognised at depth (Chiaramonte and Novelli, 1985;Conti et al, 2000;Gorgoni et al, 1982;Federico et al, 2008). Indeed, starting from the annual mean of the surface air temperature, water temperatures are in general agreement with the vertical gradient measured in deep exploration wells or inferred in the area in/for the first 900 m depth from geological, geothermal and structural consideration, equals 3°C/100 m (Gorgoni et al, 1982).…”

3D structural and thermal modelling of Mesozoic petroleum systems in the Po Valley Basin, northern Italy

“…We therefore conclude that overpressure as simulated by a reduced heat flow is a viable 776 and valid mechanism that has likely significantly delayed hydrocarbon maturation in the 777 western Po valley, as proposed by earlier authors (Chiaramonte & Novelli, 1986, Carr, 1999. Jurassic phase as trap distribution and geometry were substantially different during this phase.…”

Petroleum Content and Mud Volcanism in the Po (Italy) and South Caspian (Azerbaijan) Basins: Differences and Their Possible Origins

“…According to Chiaramonte and Novelli (1986), Mattavelli and Novelli (1987) and Annelli, Mattavelli and Pieri (1996) the "oil-generative window" in the Po Valley occurred during the last 3 Ma at great depth (5500-7000 m). Miocene source rocks reached the hydrocarbon generating phase only in Apenninic areas, where sedimentary nappes piled up and created temperature conditions suitable for OM maturation.…”