Methods for paleotemperature estimation using vitrinite reflectance data: A critical evaluation

Abstract

Several empirical models were published to describe the relation between burial history, geothermal conditions and the maturity of organic matter in sedimentary basins. Four widely accepted models (LOPATIN, BOSTICK, HOOD, WAPLES) are compared on the basis of 60 measured vitrinite reflectance profiles from different parts of the world. All the reflectance data were taken from the literature together with burial histories and rock temperature.

In this way we are able to discuss the application limits of the studied methods. Our main conclusion is that satisfactory results can be obtained by the HOOD and WAPLES method in a limited reflectance range (R_o=0.4 – 1.0%).