Physical and geochemical properties of crude oils in relation to their source rocks, Alif field, Marib Sub-basin, Yemen

Physical and geochemical properties were performed on three crude oils from Alif-01 well in the Marib sub-basin. The analyzed samples comprise medium specific gravity (37 degrees API), reflecting mature source rocks. The thermal maturity of the analyzed oils is also indicated from the high content of aliphatic hydrocarbons (HC). The compositions of HC further suggest that analyzed oils belong to paraffinic oils. The n-alkane and isoprenoid distributions reveal that the analyzed oils are derived from marine source rock, containing mixed organic matter, with some terrestrial input and deposited under relatively reducing conditions. The features of the analyzed oils are consistent with the Madbi source rock characteristics in the basin.