Characterization of Potential Source Rock Intervals of Late Mesozoic to Cenozoic Age in the On- and Offshore Area of Cyprus and Their Impact on Petroleum Systems in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

Potential organic-rich rocks have been sampled onshore Cyprus and offshore, along the Eratosthenes Sea Mount. Offshore, potential source rock intervals are mainly present in the Upper Eocene and in the Lower Upper Cretaceous. In the onshore area, good source rock properties are reached in Upper Miocene intervals. These samples contain marine oil-prone type II kerogen. TS/TOC as well as several biomarker ratios indicate anoxic depositional conditions for the onshore samples and dysoxic conditions for the offshore ones. T_max values around 420 °C and VR_r values lower or equal 0.5 indicate an immature state of the organic matter. However, in terms of biogenic gas, these immature rocks might contribute to natural gas generation in the area. Furthermore, the Upper Miocene as well as the Upper Eocene sections might continue in the deeper offshore parts, where burial depths are sufficient for thermal maturation. The presence of thermogenic hydrocarbon generation is indicated by the presence of solid bitumen staining in Lower Eocene offshore intervals.