Oil Generation Modeling from Source Rocks in Thrusted Sections: An Example from the Zagros Basin

Oil generation is a long process of converting oil from organic matters, which takes millions of years. The generated oil migrates and accumulates in reservoir rock and is preserved as an oil accumulation or oil field. In this study, by using basin modeling method, thermal history in a thrusted section is simulated and the hydrocarbon generation history of source rocks is investigated. By means of stratigraphical, geological, and geochemistry data and using 1D basin modeling software, the burial and oil generation histories are reconstructed. In addition, organic matter maturity, oil and gas windows, and the quantity of hydrocarbon generation of Pabdeh, Kazhdumi, Garau, and Sargelu source rocks are obtained. The vitrinite reflectance data were used for the quality control of the model. Based on this study, the thrust fault has increased the depth and maturity of source rocks, and thereby the speed of the oil generation process. When the source rock is at the peak oil generation stage, thrust fault effect would be higher. If the source rock produces hydrocarbons before faulting and loses some potential, the thrust fault effect is far less.