Geochemical Analysis of Australian Petroleum Source Rocks

Geochemical characteristics of four Australian petroleum systems from the Ordovician to Early Cretaceous are analyzed. The study compares source rocks deposited in marine environments with varying terrestrial organic matter contributions. The analysis was conducted by researchers associated with the Australian Ocean Data Network, with a record last updated in April 2026.

Use Cases

• Classify source rock depositional environments using biomarker distributions like hopane and sterane.
• Correlate hydrocarbon accumulations to specific source rocks by analyzing molecular compounds such as semi-volatile aromatics and diamondoids.
• Assess terrestrial organic matter contribution in source rocks using features like n-alkane distributions and isotopic compositions.
• Model petroleum system maturity by examining biomarker signatures in crude oils from different geological periods.
• Investigate the role of specific compounds like perylene and methyltrimethyltridecylchromans in photic zone euxinic environments.

Strengths

• Analysis spans four distinct petroleum systems across a major geological range from Ordovician to Early Cretaceous.
• Examines multiple geochemical proxies including classical biomarkers, n-alkane distributions, and isotopic compositions.
• Provides petrological and palynological evidence for terrestrial inputs in specified formations.

Limitations

• Dataset size, row count, and sample availability are unknown from the description.
• Primary data format is a PDF, limiting direct computational analysis without extraction.
• Geographic coverage is limited to specific Australian basins (Canning Basin, North West Shelf).

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network.

Collection Method

Comparative geochemical analysis of source rock and crude oil samples using biomarker, petrological, and palynological techniques.

Time Range

Ordovician to Early Cretaceous geological periods.

Freshness

Record last updated in April 2026.

Geography

Australian basins, including the Canning Basin in Western Australia and the North West Shelf.