Data used in oil correlations
Exploring for Oil and Gas Traps | |
Series | Treatise in Petroleum Geology |
---|---|
Part | Critical elements of the petroleum system |
Chapter | Oil–oil and oil–source rock correlations |
Author | Douglas W. Waples, Joseph A. Curiale |
Link | Web page |
Store | AAPG Store |
Correlation studies compare the parameters of an oil with those of another oil or with a source rock extract. These parameters are of three types:
- Elemental—the bulk composition of a sample
- Isotopic—ratios of one stable isotope to another in a sample
- Molecular—the presence and relative or absolute abundance of certain specific molecules in a sample
Molecular parameters are the most important because they provide the most specific data, including data that can sometimes be used for estimating ages of oils or source rocks.
Selection of correlation parameters
As wide a range of data types as possible should be used in correlations. Particular emphasis should be placed on molecular and isotopic parameters because they carry much more information than do elemental parameters.
See also
- Elemental parameter data for oil–oil and oil–source rock correlations
- Isotopic parameter data for oil–oil and oil–source rock correlations
- Molecular parameter data for oil–oil and oil–source rock correlations