Abstract:

Thermo-simulation was mede on mudstone source rocks of the Wenchang Formation drilled in the Pearl River Mouth Basin. The result indicates that the abundant C₃₀ 4-methyl steranes contained in the source rocks were thermally stable. Nevertheless,the source rocks were the products of special dipositional environment,andwere part of the significant oil sources in the basin since they contributed abunhant C₃₀ 4-methyl steranes to the crude oils found in the basin. Therefore, it would be much helpful for oil-source correlation and reserve assessment of the basin if a thorough investigation on the source rocks is made. In addition, after 400℃ and 500℃ heating, another configuration of C₃₀ 4-methyl steranes was identified from the extracts, of which the origin may have two probabilities.