Source Rock Evaluation of the Upper Triassic Baluti Formation in Bekhme-1 and Gulak-1 Wells from Akri-Bijeel Block, Kurdistan-Iraq

Abstract

This study reports on the petroleum potential of the Upper Triassic Baluti Formation in Bekhme-1 and Gulak-1 Wells from Akri¬-Bijeel Block within the Bekhme Anticline area, North of Erbil City. The area is a part of the Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt, and is locally situated within the High Folded Zone. Typically, the Baluti Formation is composed of gray and green shale calcareous dolomite with intercalations of thinly bedded dolomites, dolomitic limestones, and silicified limestones which in places are brecciated. The geochemical indicators obtained from Rock-Eval pyrolysis of Baluti samples gave Total Organic Carbon content (TOC wt. %) average values of 0.15 and 0.18 wt. % and potential hydrocarbon content (S2) average values of 0.78 mg HC/g rock and 0.58 mg HC/g rock for Bekhme-1 and Gulak-1 respectively, suggesting a source rock of poor potential. The type of organic matter is of mixed type II-III and III kerogens with an average Tmax value of 440 °C for both boreholes, exhibiting early to peak stage of thermal maturity. Considering the results of this study, it is concluded that Baluti Formation in the studied area can not be regarded as a potential source rock for hydrocarbon generation.