TITLE:
Hydrocarbon Potential of the Triassic-Jurassic Sediments in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, Based on Lithofacies and Geochemical Analysis
AUTHORS:
Muhammad Sulhuzair Burhanuddin, Shun Chiyonobu, Takuto Ando, Anggi Yusriani, Ratna Husain, Suryawan Asfar
KEYWORDS:
Source Rock, Triassic-Jurassic, Source Rock Lithofacies, Southeastern Sulawesi, Tokala Formation
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Geology,
Vol.14 No.8,
August
9,
2024
ABSTRACT: Triassic-Jurassic carbonates widely distributed in Eastern Indonesia are believed as oils source rock. The Mesozoic Tokala Formation exhibit source rock potential, as evidenced by high contents of organic matter. Recent exploration has been conducted in southeastern Sulawesi, targeting the Mesozoic intervals. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to determine source rock potential of Tokala Formation outcropped in southeastern Sulawesi area and its capability to generate hydrocarbon. Five distinct lithofacies were delineated, emphasizing lithological and mineralogical features: foraminifera wackestone (FW), lime mudstone (LM), massive bioturbated calcareous-argillaceous shale (MBCAS), weakly laminated argillaceous-calcareous shale (WLACS), and strongly laminated calcareous-argillaceous shale (SLCAS). Subsequent analyses showed that carbonate-rich samples (FW and LM facies, >50% CaO) had poor source rock potential. Conversely, shale facies with moderate carbonate content (WLACS, MBCAS, and SLCAS, 15% - 50% CaO) had good to excellent source rock characteristics, qualifying them as preferable source rock. In addition, levels of SiO2 and Al2O3 should not be neglected, as these constituents play important roles in clay mineral adsorption. Laminated shale facies with moderate CaO content tended to be more promising as source rock than bioturbated facies. The shale facies of Tokala Formation indicate prospective source rock horizon.