Vitrinite Reflectance Profiles for Permian Sandstones in Northern Denison Trough

A 2026 study by the Australian Ocean Data Network analyzed thermal maturity in Permian sandstone reservoirs of the Northern Denison Trough, Bowen Basin, Australia. The dataset includes vitrinite reflectance measurements ranging from 0.55% to 0.93% Rmax and Rock-Eval Tmax values from 421°C to 447°C from coals and shales. Research focused on evaluating CO2 storage potential and understanding diagenetic effects on reservoir quality.

Use Cases

• Model paleotemperature history by calibrating vitrinite reflectance (Rmax) values against estimated burial temperatures (83°C – 125°C).
• Assess vitrinite reflectance suppression by analyzing the inverse relationship between Hydrogen Index and Rmax values in perhydrous coals.
• Evaluate stratigraphic maturity trends using Rock-Eval Tmax data correlated with Rmax across the Aldebaran Sandstone to Catherine Sandstone interval.
• Identify depositional effects on thermal maturity by examining depth-reflectance profile inversions near marine flooding surfaces.
• Compare hydrocarbon generation potential between coals and shales using Rock-Eval parameters like Tmax and Hydrogen Index.

Strengths

• Provides paired vitrinite reflectance (Rmax) and Rock-Eval Tmax measurements for calibration.
• Covers multiple stratigraphic units from the Aldebaran Sandstone through to the Catherine Sandstone.
• Quantifies vitrinite reflectance differences up to 0.2% Rmax, equivalent to ~19°C paleotemperature error.

Limitations

• Sample size and row count are unspecified, limiting statistical analysis.
• Data is geographically restricted to the Northern Denison Trough, Australia.
• Focus on Permian intervals may limit applicability to other geological periods.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Laboratory analysis of core samples for vitrinite reflectance and Rock-Eval pyrolysis.

Time Range

Permian to Triassic geological period

Freshness

null

Geography

Northern Denison Trough, Bowen Basin, Australia