SOURCE ROCK CHARACTERIZATION OF PALEOGENE COAL AND ORGANIC RICH MUDSTONES IN XIHU SAG, OFFSHORE EASTERN CHINA

Abstract

The oil and gas accumulation associated with coal-bearing sediments in Cenozoic have been discovered in Xihu Sag, East China Sea Shelf basin(ECSSB), which is located at the offshore region of eastern China. However, the petroleum system analysis presents a complex series of problems because of the large spatial separation of source rocks and rapid source rock burial rates in the Xihu Sag, ECSSB. These factors make it difficult to predict the oil and gas distribution and hinder the hydrocarbon exploration. Furthermore, it is still in a low stage of the hydrocarbon exploration and development in Xihu Sag, ECSSB. Therefore, the source rock characteristic and hydrocarbon generation potential of Paleogene coal and organic rich mudstones should be researched urgently.