The Paleozoic petroleum system of the Molla-Bismil area (Diyarbakir Basin, Turkey) and source rock properties of Lower Silurian (Llandovery) organic-rich shale

The Molla-Bismil area is a petroleum province, which hosts predominantly Paleozoic oil fields in the foreland area of the Diyarbakir Basin. The Arpatepe, Bahar, Yeniev, and caliktepe fields are Paleozoic oil field discoveries in the Molla-Bismil area to-date and have consequently been the focus of considerable research. This significant breakthrough reveals that the deep-wells in the Molla-Bismil area have proven the existence of a Paleozoic petroleum system. Prospective source rocks are located stratigraphically above the upper part of the Bedinan Formation (Upper Ordovician) reservoir, near the base of the Dadas, Formation (Llandovery, Dadas,-1 member). The lithology of the lower part of the Dadas,-1 member, also known as hot shales in the Molla-Bismil area, are typified by organic-rich brownish-black colored shale containing bitumen and thin limestone beds. New well data assists with the regional definition and correlation of typical source rock properties within the Diyarbakir Basin. Subsurface stratigraphy was derived for several deep wells from the Molla-Bismil area and core or drill cuttings from the catak-1, Bahar-1, Go center dot ksu-1R and caliktepe-2 wells were studied and reviewed for lithological and geochemical information. The understanding and prediction of the geochemical characterization of the Lower Silurian (Llandovery) organic-rich shales relevant for hydrocarbon production are crucial for Turkey's fossil fuel supply. Based on new drilling data, we re-examined the properties of the Llandovery organic-rich shales in the Molla-Bismil region. This study brings together new and previously unpublished knowledge about the Paleozoic plays of SE Turkey.

Automated summary

The Molla-Bismil area is a petroleum province in the foreland area of the Diyarbakir Basin, hosting predominantly Paleozoic oil fields. Recent discoveries in this area have attracted significant research efforts. The presence of a Paleozoic petroleum system has been proven by deep-well drilling, and potential source rocks have been identified. The hot shales in the region, characterized by organic-rich brownish-black shale and thin limestone beds, have been studied for their lithological and geochemical properties.