Mapping the maturity of organic-rich shale with combined geochemical and geophysical data, Draupne Formation, Norwegian Continental Shelf

The evaluation of the interplay between kerogen maturation and total organic carbon (TOC) content within an organic-rich shale is critical to characterizing source rock shale's elastic behavior. We analysed a comprehensive database of twenty-nine well logs, two 3D seismic surveys, and geochemical data of eighteen wells within the Draupne Formation in the Norwegian North Sea. The Upper Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) Draupne Formation Shale is found throughout the Norwegian Continental Shelf and is the primary source, carrier, and seal rock in several oil and gas fields. The dataset explores a broad range of depths (2-5 km), total organic contents (0-20 wt%), and various maturation states ranging from immature to overmature. We study the relationship between rock brittleness and organic content as shale matures. We use calculated values of Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. Academic and industry-standard cutoffs are applied to both the TOC content and maturation level. We introduce here the Organic Maturation Product (OMP) rock physics template, which incorporates a relationship between organic content and any subsequent maturation. The degree of brittleness or ductility is impacted directly by the kerogen maturation process, with lower TOC content having a dampening effect on the transition towards increasing brittleness. This template allows one to classify rock maturation in nine categories, from low to high maturation, and link these categories to rock geomechanical properties. Seismic inversion of the 3D surveys and mapping utilizing the OMP classification reveal how large-scale depositional environment and subsequent diagenetic events influence both placement and quality of source rock broadly within the basin context of the North Sea.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the interplay between kerogen maturation and total organic carbon content in organic-rich shale and its impact on the elastic behavior of source rock shale. The researchers analyzed a comprehensive database and introduced the Organic Maturation Product (OMP) rock physics template to classify rock maturation and link it to geomechanical properties. Seismic inversion and mapping reveal the influence of depositional environment and diagenetic events on the distribution and quality of source rock.