Stratigraphic Correlation and Source Rock Characteristics of the Baluti Formation From Selected Wells in the Zagros Fold Belt, Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq

Abstract

The Upper Triassic Baluti Formation has been identified and mapped based on its log response in selected wells from the Zagros foldbelt in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq. A preliminary evaluation of the formation's source rock potential was made by Rock‐Eval screening analysis in four wells along a NW‐SE profile (Atrush‐1, Shaikan‐5B, Taq Taq‐22 and Miran‐2) with maturity determined from reflectance measurements in samples from well Taq Taq‐22. The Baluti Formation consists of thinly interbedded shales, carbonates and anhydrite ranging in thickness from 48 m in well Atrush‐1 to 118 m in well Miran‐2. The Rock‐Eval screening was conducted primarily on bulk cuttings samples plus selected picked cuttings. The TOC content is low to moderate (0.23 to 1.14 wt%). However, the shale content in many of the analysed bulk samples was relatively low, making assessment of the source potential problematic. The highest TOCs are recorded from the thickest analysed sections from wells Miran‐2 and Taq Taq‐22, where high‐gamma bituminous shales are present. Rock‐Eval Tmax values ranging from 295 to 438°C are not consistent with estimates of pre‐Zagros burial to depths of between 4600 m (Atrush‐1) and 6900 m (Miran‐2). The relatively low Tmax values suggest that the S2 response does not reflect kerogen pyrolysis in these samples and may be due to the presence of solid bitumen, which is observed in the Baluti Formation in at least three of the study wells (Taq Taq‐22, Miran‐2 and Shaikan‐5B). Little pyrolysable organic matter remains in the formation due to the interpreted deep pre‐Zagros burial and the consequent high maturity in Taq Taq‐22 (VR = 1.51%Ro) and Miran‐2 (estimated VR >2%Ro), and the poor source character in Atrush‐1 and Shaikan‐5B. Organic petrography suggests the presence of vestiges of Types I and II kerogen in Taq Taq‐22, with bitumen observed as stains in the matrix of the shales and also in the pores and fractures of interbedded dolostones. However, bitumen reflectance determinations for Taq Taq‐22 indicate an equivalent vitrinite reflectance maturity of no more than 0.93%Ro, which is significantly less than that of the indigenous vitrinite, implying the solid bitumen in this well is derived primarily from migrated hydrocarbons. Further detailed analysis is required, but the results suggest that the Baluti Formation may have sourced hydrocarbons in its depocentre which is identified in this study as covering a NW‐SE trending area between Bekhme and Sangaw.

Organic Geochemistry and 1-D Basin Modeling of the Late Triassic Baluti Formation: Implication of Shale Oil Potential in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

“…Geological information, including sedimentary rock types and deposition and erosion periods, was obtained from the TT-22 well’s private well log record (Table ), and the age of deposition and erosion periods was derived from the stratigraphic data available in the published literature. , A significant thickness of sediments, around 1500 m to more than 4000 m, was eroded throughout Late Cretaceous-Pliocene time. ,, These nearby estimations of eroded sediments were integrated into the basin modeling study (Table ). For the purpose of estimating the thermal history of sedimentary basins over time, which impacts the maturity of the source rock, heat flow (HF) and temperature gradient are crucial input parameters. − Theoretically, heat produced by local hydrodynamic fluxes and crustal tectonic processes caused the HF to form in the mantle. − The HF is a more severe indicator of the thermal evolution in any basin since the ancient HF was inferred from key tectonic events, especially the extensional tectonics of the rifting epoch. , …”

“…34,35 A significant thickness of sediments, around 1500 m to more than 4000 m, was eroded throughout Late Cretaceous-Pliocene time. 8,35,36 These nearby estimations of eroded sediments were integrated into the basin modeling study (Table 2). For the purpose of estimating the thermal history of sedimentary basins over time, which impacts the maturity of the source rock, heat flow (HF) and temperature gradient are crucial input parameters.…”

Diagenetic control on porosity types of carbonate rocks of Late Triassic Baluti Formation in Northern Thrust Zone, Iraqi Kurdistan region, Northern Iraq

“…There are several works concerned to sedimentological, paleontological and petrophysical studies of the formation in northern Iraq but no one study a relationship between porosity and diagenesis of the formation in the studied outcrop. The interested studies are the following: Buday [9], Jassim et al [10], Hanna [11], Aqrawi et al [6], Shingaly [12], Asaad and Omer [13], Lunn et al [14], Azo et al [15], Asaad and Omer [16], Asaad et al [17] and Mohialdeen et al [18]. The main goal of the current paper is clarifying porosity types formed on the Baluti Formation in the Sararu area and diagenetic control of them.…”