TERCERA CONFERENCIA INTERNACIONAL CONJUNTA AMGP/AAPG

OCTUBRE 10-13, 1999, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Revitalización de Provincias Petrolíferas Maduras

The Geochemical and Basin Modeling Aspects of the Jurassic to Lower

Cretaceous Sourced Petroleum System, Deepwater to Ultra-deepwater Gulf of
Mexico, Offshore Louisiana

Cole, G.A.1, A.G. Requejo1, A. Yu1, J. DeVay1, C. Taylor1, P. Dougherty1, F. Peel1, C.

Thomas1, D. Ormerod1, J. Zumberge2, S. Brown2, J. Brooks3, B. Hoff3, and T. White1
1
BHP Petroleum, 1360 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 500, Houston, TX, USA 77056
2
GeoMark Research Inc., 9748 Whithorn Dr., Houston, TX, USA 77095
3
TDI-Brooks International Inc., 7171 Highway 6 North, Suite 110, Houston, TX, USA
77845

The petroleum system responsible for the oil and gas accumulations in the deepwater to
ultra-deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GoM) are still poorly understood today in spite of dozens
of well penetrations and thousands of kilometers of 2D and 3D seismic. Numerous papers
have been published on the stratigraphic and structural framework of the northern Gulf of
Mexico, but only a few papers have attempted to rigorously apply the petroleum system
concepts. This is due mainly to a poor knowledge of the pre-Tertiary sequence, since it has
not been penetrated to date. To place the petroleum system elements into perspective for
the deepwater and ultra-deepwater GoM, this paper presents an alternative interpretation of
geochemical and basin modeling elements. This perspective is integrated with results of
2D TemisPack and 1D Genex basin models to arrive at a new petroleum system model for
the deepwater GoM.

The specific source rock interval in the deepwater GoM remains speculative, but the
existence of a world-class source rock sequence is indicated by widespread seabed
hydrocarbon seepage and by several deepwater to ultra-deepwater giant to super giant
accumulations. A key unanswered question is whether different chronostratigraphic source
units across the GoM are responsible for the geochemical variations observed in deepwater
oils and seeps, or whether these differences result from gross facies changes in a single
basin-wide, source sequence

Published data reveals a preponderance of proven source rock intervals throughout the
GoM basin (Figure 1). Their ages can range from Oxfordian (e.g., Smackover Fm) to
Tithonian (e.g., La Casita/Pimienta Fm) to Neocomian (e.g., data from DSDP Leg 535) to
Cenomanian-Turonian (e.g., Tuscaloosa, Eagleford and Woodbine onshore and from
Misssissippi Canyon 84, deepwater GoM) to Paleocene-Eocene (e.g., Sparta-Wilcox
onshore and also in Misssissippi Canyon 84 offshore).

For the deepwater GoM, Wenger et al. (1994) published what has widely become known as
the Exxon model. In the Exxon model, the southernmost oils/seeps are derived from an
Oxfordian source, then become younger to the north, first Tithonian-derived, then Upper
Cretaceous-derived. This model implies discrete source rock intervals across the GoM,
although there is no direct evidence to support this view. Piggott and Pulham (1993) put
 TERCERA CONFERENCIA INTERNACIONAL CONJUNTA AMGP/AAPG
OCTUBRE 10-13, 1999, VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Revitalización de Provincias Petrolíferas Maduras

forth an alternative model whereby most of the oils and seeps are derived from a major,
single source rock located around the mid-Cretaceous unconformity (MCU) horizon.

Since these and subsequent papers were published in the mid-1990s, vast improvements in
seismic data acquisition have allowed the source rock sequences around the east-central
GoM to be imaged and mapped. This source package is encapsulated between the
basement to 30 million year carbonate marker beds, and the most likely source rocks are
located between the MCU and basement. As demonstrated by the Tithonian to Neocomian
sequence sampled at different locales throughout the basin (e.g., DSDP 535), most if not all
of this source rock sequence contains source rock potential. Source rock properties range
from very organic rich, oil-prone condensed marl intervals to fair-moderate organic rich
carbonate intervals.

Building on the earlier work, we propose that the primary source rock sequence for the
deepwater GoM is most likely centered on the Tithonian and includes the Neocomian. We
estimate that in the deepwater GoM it is between 150 to 200m thick with an average TOC
of 5% and a Hydrogen Index between 550 and 700 mg/g. Figure 2 shows % Total Organic
Carbon versus S2 pyrolysis yield for the Tithonian from southern Mexico (Sonde de
Campeche region), and from Mississippi Canyon 84 (Tertiary and Cretaceous data; Wagner
et al., 1994) and illustrates the excellent source potential of this sequence in different parts
of the basin.

Secondary source rock sequences that may contribute hydrocarbons into the system are
centered on the Oxfordian (estimated 50m net thickness with 2-3% TOC and 450-550
Hydrogen Index), and on the mid-Cretaceous unconformity (Turonian level, estimated 50m
net thickness with 2-3% TOC and 350-450 Hydrogen Index). However, based on
paleogeographic reconstructions at 160 Ma (Oxfordian), 145 Ma (Tithonian), and 135 Ma
(Neocomian), the most favorable time for source rock development would have been
during the Tithonian to lower Neocomian. Published data on the post-Neocomian sequence
(Figure 2) suggests that thick Upper Cretaceous source rocks probably did not develop in
the northern GoM as they did in other parts of the south Atlantic. Figure 3 shows a
schematic of the proposed Tithonian source rock model.

Regional oil and seep geochemical data also indicate a “marl” as the dominant source type
in the central deepwater GoM (Figure 4). In the west-central part of the study area, seep
data indicate that some source “pods” may be more carbonate-dominated, whereas to the
east the source pods become either more clastic-enriched or the paleoenvironment more
dysoxic in nature.

1D and 2D basin models reaffirm the view that no single interval is responsible for
charging the seeps and/or accumulations across the deepwater GoM. Over most of the
region, the timing of expulsion from the basal part of the source sequence overlaps the
upper parts, except along the extreme margins where burial was insufficient to mature the
entire source section. There is only a single seep outside of the mature zones, which
suggests that in those areas significant hydrocarbons have not been generated.
 TERCERA CONFERENCIA INTERNACIONAL CONJUNTA AMGP/AAPG
OCTUBRE 10-13, 1999, VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Revitalización de Provincias Petrolíferas Maduras

We conclude that the deepwater GoM oils and seeps represent a “mixed” system generated
from a mature carbonate to marl source sequence centered on the Tithonian with variable
contributions from Oxfordian and MCU sources, and that no single oil or seep can be
attributed to a discrete chronostratigraphic horizon. Does this source sequence change in
character from east to west? The answer appears to be yes, as we observe different “oil”
types in the east than in the west. The source pods appear to be marl-dominated in the
Green Canyon and Mississippi Canyon and Garden Banks regions, but in southern Walker
Ridge and eastwards into Atwater Valley and Lloyd Ridge, their character varies from
marl-dominated to “marly clastics” to clastic-dominated (Figure 6). We attribute these
changes in source rock character to an influx of clastics shed from the Yucatan platform
north into the basin during Oxfordian through earliest Neocomian time.

Selected References

Comet, P.A., J.K. Rafalska, and J.M. Brooks, 1993, Steranes and Triterpanes as diagnostic
tools in mapping of oils, condensates and source rocks of the Gulf of Mexico
region: Organic Geochemistry, vol. 20, p. 1265-1296.

Fiduk, J.C. et al., 1999, The Perdido Foldbelt, northwestern Gulf of Mexico, Part 2: seismic
stratigraphy and petroleum systems: AAPG Bulletin, vol. 83, no. 4, p. 578-612.

Guzman-Vega, M.A. and M.R. Mello, 1999, Origin of oil in the Sureste basin, Mexico:
AAPG Bulletin, vol. 83, no. 7, p. 1068-1095.

Piggott, N. and A. Pulham, 1993, Sedimentation rate as the control on hydrocarbon

sourcing, generation, and migration in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico: GCSSEPM
Foundation 14th Annual Research Conference, p. 179-191.

Santamaria-Orozco et al., 1994, Organic facies and maturity of Tithonian source rocks from
the Sonde de Campeche, Mexico: in extended abstacts, LAOGC.

Santamaria-Orozco et al., 1998, Influence of maturity on distributions of benzo- and

dibenzothiophenes in Tithonian source rocks and crude oils, Sonde de Campeche,
Mexico: Organic Geochemistry, vol. 28, p. 423-439.

Wagner, B.E., Z. Sofer, and B.L. Claxton, 1994, Source rock in the Lower Tertiary and
Cretaceous, Deep-water Gulf of Mexico: Transactions of the GCAGS, vol. XLIV,
p. 729-736.

Wenger, L.M. et al., 1994, Northern Gulf of Mexico: an integrated approach to source,
maturation, and migration, in Geological Aspects of Petroleum Systems: First
AAPG/AMGP Research Conference Proceedings, 6p.
 TERCERA CONFERENCIA INTERNACIONAL CONJUNTA AMGP/AAPG
OCTUBRE 10-13, 1999, VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Revitalización de Provincias Petrolíferas Maduras

Age Series East Texas Basin/ EasternGoM Misc. GoM DSDP Mexico- Global Oceanic
Western GoM Sections Tampico Region Anoxic Events

Non -Sou rce

Mio.
Undiff.
20

Jac kso n
Tertiary
Pal eo. Eoc ene Oli g.

Frio
Undifferentiated
Sparta
Undiff. Sparta
40 Jackson
Clairborne Clairborne
Wilcox Wilcox
60 Lowermost Tertiary/
Midway Midway
MC84

Maastrichtian Navarro Lawson

Uppe r Cretace ous

70

U. Cret. Shales M endez

Cam panian Selm a
Taylor MC84
80 (Austin Chalk)

Santona
Austin Chalk San Felipe
Coniacian U. E utaw OA E 3
90
Turonian Eagleford L. E utaw MCU Aqua N ueva
Cenomanian W oodbine Tus caloosa OA E 2

Washita Washita pre-MCU Shales El Abra OAE 1C

100
MC84
Kiamichi Shale
Albian Goodland Lst. Fredericksburg Tamabra
Lower Cr etaceous

Paluxy
110 Paluxy/Walnut
Moorings P ort OAE 1B
U. Glen Rose
U. Tamaulipas
Rodessa Ferry Lake Sunniland
Bexar Shale

Aptian Pine Island Sh. Rodessa (South FL Basin) Otates OAE 1A

120 Pottet

Barremian
Hosston Guaxcam a
Hauterivian
Neoc omian

130 (Travis Peak) Sligo

Valanginian Hosston L. Tamaulipas

140 Cotton Valley Lime
Berriasian
Cotton Valley Cotton Valley Cuban Neoc. Fm s.
Tithonian La Casita
Jurass ic

150 Haynesville Pimienta

Upper

Gilmer
Kimmeridgian San Andres
Buckner Buc kner Chipoco/Taman Late Jur. OAE
DSDP Pre-Cret.
Equiv. Tepexic
160 Oxfordian Smackover Smackover
Santiago
Norphlet Norphlet

Source Rock Distribution from: Koons et al., 1974; Patton et al., 1984; Sum m erhayes et al., 1984; Katz et al., 1984; Grabowski, 1984 and 1995; Herbin et al., 1984;
Palacas et al., 1984; Oehler , 1984; Sassen et al., 1987; Sassen and Moore, 1988; Sassen, 1990; Claypool and M ancini, 1989; Burgess, 1990; Cole et al., 1991; M iranda
and Walters, 1992; Sofer, 1988; Sassen and Shinn, 1992, Chinn et al., 1993; Kennicutt et al., 1992; Garcia and Holguin-Quinones, 1992; Com et et al., 1993;
Piggott and Pulham, 1993; W agner et al., 1994; Santam aria-Orozco et al., 1994; Fiduk et al., 1999; Guzm an-
Vega and Mello, 1999. Source Units
Shales Marls
Global Oceanic Anoxic Events from : Schlanger and Jenkyns, 1976 and Jenkyns, 1980 and 1991.
Shales to M arls Marls/Carbonates

Figure 1: Stratigraphic chart showing source rock occurrences around the greater GoM basin.
 TERCERA CONFERENCIA INTERNACIONAL CONJUNTA AMGP/AAPG
OCTUBRE 10-13, 1999, VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Revitalización de Provincias Petrolíferas Maduras

Figure 2: (Upper figure) Tithonian source rock data from Sonda de Campeche, Mexico (Santamaria-Orozco
et al., 1994; 1998) suggest excellent source richness and potential with TOC up to 20+% and S2 yields
>100 mg HC/g rock in some intervals. (Lower Figure) Source rock data from the Mississippi Canyon 84
(King) well in the northern GoM (Wagner et al., 1994). Thin intervals within the Upper Cretaceous and
Lower Cretaceous (Cenomanian) attain good to excellent source richness and potential. However, net
source rock thickness for an MCU source interval does not appear to be favorable for charging giant fields
found in the GoM.

200.00
Well A Well B Well C
180.00
Well D Well E Well F
160.00
Well G Well H Well I HI = 600
S2 Yield (mg HC/g rock)

140.00 Well J Well K

120.00

100.00

80.00

60.00 Immature
HI = 200

40.00

20.00

Post-Oil Mature
0.00
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00

Total Organic Carbon (wt. %)

25
HI = 500
L. Miocene Shales
L. Tertiary Shales
U. Cretaceous Shales
20
Cenomanian Shales
S2 Yield (mg HC/g rock)

15

10 HI = 200

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Total Organic Carbon (wt. %)

 TERCERA CONFERENCIA INTERNACIONAL CONJUNTA AMGP/AAPG
OCTUBRE 10-13, 1999, VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Revitalización de Provincias Petrolíferas Maduras

Figure 3: Schematic representation of proposed Tithonian source rock model. In this model, the primary hydrocarbon charge will be derived from mature
Tithonian carbonates and marls in the Central GoM and clastic-enriched marls around the rim of the basin to the south and east. This model can account for most
central GoM fields as well as the seeps located in the eastern and southern GoM.. Oxfordian carbonates and marls and Cretaceous marls and shales would also
contribute hydrocarbons into the system.

N Regional Source Distribution - Source Pods Centered on the Tithonian S

Pleistocene

% TOC
Oligocene carbonates, marls,
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 and siltstones
0

1000
200-350 HI
Paleocene to Oligocene clastics
2000
350-450 HI
Depth (feet)

MCU
3000

4000 550-700 HI
Neoc./Tith. Marls + condensed zones

5000
450-550 HI
Oxfordian.
6000
Basement
and/or Salt
 TERCERA CONFERENCIA INTERNACIONAL CONJUNTA AMGP/AAPG
OCTUBRE 10-13, 1999, VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Revitalización de Provincias Petrolíferas Maduras

Figure 4: Source types from seepage and oils in the deepwater GoM.

C lastic
Province

Marl and Clastic-

Marl Province
l

Ca rbonate Province

l Clastic Marl Source Type - Mature

l Clastic Source Type
l Clastic Mixed Sour ce Type
l Marl Source Type
l Clastic-Marl Source Type
l Carbonate Source Type

Figure 24
 TERCERA CONFERENCIA INTERNACIONAL CONJUNTA AMGP/AAPG
OCTUBRE 10-13, 1999, VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Revitalización de Provincias Petrolíferas Maduras

Figure 5: Source rock regimes in the deepwater GoM based on seepage/oil types and modeling results.