JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY, cilt.34, sa.4, ss.355-369, 2010 (SCI-Expanded)
Based on maximum pyrolysis degradation temperatures of not more than 420 degrees C, all the shale samples are classified as immature, corresponding to a vitrinite reflectance of less than 0.45% R(r) and a lignite to sub-bituminous coal stage. This is confirmed by relatively high isoprenoid to n-alkane ratios as well as by high biomarker contents. According to this maturity stage, and both total organic carbon contents of 6-41% and hydrogen indices of 255-708 mg HC/g TOC, the Cenomanian-Turonian black shales exhibit fair to excellent source rock potential with mixed Type II and Type I kerogen.