− | The rate at which hydrocarbons are generated from [[organic matter]] is called the ''transformation rate''. Using [[source rock]] maturity, we can estimate the transformation rate. Different [[kerogen types]] (1) generate hydrocarbons at different [[Kerogen types: comparison of maturity measures|maturity levels]] and (2) have different transformation rates. Maturity measurements can be made on several different components of a rock like [[vitrinite]], [[kerogen]], [[spore]]s, [[apatite]] grains, and [[biomarker]]s; each has its own relationship to the kerogen transformation rate. | + | The rate at which hydrocarbons are generated from [[organic matter]] is called the ''transformation rate''. Using [[source rock]] maturity, we can estimate the transformation rate. Different [[kerogen types]] (1) generate hydrocarbons at different [[Kerogen types: comparison of maturity measures|maturity levels]] and (2) have different transformation rates. Maturity measurements can be made on several different components of a rock like [[Thermal maturation#Vitrinite|vitrinite]], [[kerogen]], [[spore]]s, [[apatite]] grains, and [[biomarker]]s; each has its own relationship to the kerogen transformation rate. |