Oil-oil and oil-source rock correlation
Correlations are comparisons of (1) oils with other oils or (2) oils with source rock extracts to determine whether a genetic relationship exists. Correlations are accomplished by comparing elemental, molecular, and isotopic parameters using techniques such as gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and carbon isotope ratio determination.
Objectives of correlation studies include the following:
- Classifying oils into genetic families
- Establishing oil–source rock relationships
- Addressing problems of reservoir continuity
Exploration applications of correlation studies include the following:
- Determining how many effective source rocks exist in a given area
- Proposing migration pathways from kitchen areas to new prospects or plays
- Providing input data for volumetric calculations
- Providing data for development geology
All good correlations require full integration of geochemical data with geology. The final interpretation must fit all available geologic and geochemical data, as well as local and global geologic and geochemical concepts.
Correlations represent a powerful but underutilized capability within petroleum geochemistry, largely because many geologists are unfamiliar with both the technology and the value of correlations. Future applications of geochemistry should place more emphasis on correlations, and geologists should become more conversant with correlation technology and philosophy. Geochemists alone are seldom able to extract full value from correlation studies because they often do not have the necessary geologic information or the expertise to integrate geologic concepts with the geochemical data. Therefore, the participation of geologists in correlation studies is essential.
See also
- Basic principles of oil correlation
- Data used in oil correlations
- Oil correlation case histories
- Oil correlation case history: Brazilian offshore basins
- Oil correlation case history: Zala basin, Hungary
- Oil correlation case history: Norwegian sector, North Sea
- Oil correlation case history: West Siberian basin
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