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Organofacies and source evaluation of Cambay Shale Formation to assess unconventional hydrocarbon potential in Jambusar–Broach area, Cambay Basin, India

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Abstract

The Cambay Basin, on the western continental margin of India, is infilled with transgressive Paleocene to early Eocene Cambay Shale Formation. Cores, electrolog data and correlations, and geochemical data allow organofacies characterization of the formation in the Jambusar–Broach area. Eleven transgressive–regressive sequences have been identified within the formation based on electrolog characteristics. Sedimentological analysis indicates that the bottom fining-upward part of these sequences is rich in organic matter. Geochemical data of these sequences of the formation is evaluated in terms of total organic carbon (TOC), source potential (S1 and S2) and thermal maturity index (Tmax). This clearly shows that the formation is a potential source rock for oil/gas generation, mostly with type III and minor contribution of type II organic matter. Vitrinite reflectance (VRo) data suggest that the formation is in the early to late oil generation window. However, an extrapolated trend of VRo vs. depth shows that the formation is falling within a gas window in the deeper part. The geochemical model based on the computed parameters (TOC, HI, source thickness and kinetics) is integrated with the available geological model of the study area. Then, 3D petroleum system modeling is carried out for evaluation of the source potential of the Cambay Shale Formation. Finally, play chance mapping (PCM) is attempted to identify sweet spots. Thus, the overall approach assists in the exploration of unconventional plays in the area.

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Source rock maturity overlay of TRS-I shows a maturity ranging from immature to dry gas (0 to >2 Ro%). Mainly N–S central part of the Broach depression is confined by the gas window (>1.3 Ro%).

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Acknowledgements

The authors are immensely grateful to Shri R K Srivastava, Director (Exploration), ONGC, for giving permission to publish this paper. The authors are indebted to Shri Shrikant N Chitnis, ED-HoI, KDMIPE, ONGC, for constant encouragement and extending the support and facilities at ONGC. The authors are grateful to the Associate Editor and the anonymous reviewers for constructive suggestions. The help rendered by functionaries of Geology and Geochemistry Divisions, KDMIPE, ONGC and COD-Shale, Vadodara, ONGC is also acknowledged. The views expressed in this paper reflect the interpretation of the authors and may not necessarily represent the formal position of ONGC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Keshava Deva Malviya Institute of Petroleum Exploration, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd., Dehradun, 248 195, India

    Dhanesh Kumar Phaye

  2. Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, 247 667, India

    Biplab Bhattacharya

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  1. Dhanesh Kumar Phaye
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Contributions

Dhanesh Kumar Phaye: Conceptualization, methodology, software, investigation, visualization, original draft writing, reviewing and editing. Biplab Bhattacharya: Supervision, conceptualization, visualization, writing – reviewing and editing.

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Correspondence to Biplab Bhattacharya.

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Communicated by Joydip Mukhopadhyay

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Phaye, D.K., Bhattacharya, B. Organofacies and source evaluation of Cambay Shale Formation to assess unconventional hydrocarbon potential in Jambusar–Broach area, Cambay Basin, India. J Earth Syst Sci 132, 155 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-023-02161-7

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