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VITRINITE REFLECTANCE – A MAJOR METHOD IN ANALYSIS OF MATURITY

AND THERMAL HISTORY OF SEDIMENTS IN NORTH BULGARIA

Conference Paper · June 2007

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VITRINITE REFLECTANCE – A MAJOR METHOD IN ANALYSIS OF MATURITY
AND THERMAL HISTORY OF SEDIMENTS IN NORTH BULGARIA
Nikola Botoucharov
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, e-mail: botnd@gea.uni-sofia.bg

Abstract. Vitrinite reflectance (%Ro) analysis is the major method in definition of thermal
maturity of sediments. The rock katagenetic alterations can also delineate the thermal history
of well sections, structures, zones and sedimentary basins as shown in this case study for
North Bulgaria.
The well R-1 Dragana data modeling visualizes a local heat flow, temperature and vitrinite
reflectance distribution in geological time. Additionally, the geohistory analyses define the
exact period of oil and gas generation from perspective Lower-Middle Jurassic source rocks.
Regional maturity mapping demonstrates some important detailes in location of “petroleum
kitchen” and related hydrocarbon findings. So, the main task of the paper (using well data,
computer models and maturity summary) is to underline the importance of vitrinite
reflectance method (%Ro) and show some characteristic trends in North Bulgaria.

Keywords: vitrinite reflectance, maturity, thermal history, heat flow, oil and gas generation.

INTRODUCTION
One of the most important and used indicators for thermal maturity of rocks is vitrinite
reflectance (%Ro). It is an universal method in the world-wide practice and a major approach
in analyses of thermal history and sedimentary katagenetic alterations.
There are also other parameters for thermal maturity evaluation in sedimentary basins,
including Tmax, PI, TAI, SCI and many others. However, the only direct and exact indicator
changing with burial depth, is namely vitrinite reflectance. It is very important for the
reconstruction of basin thermal history, calibration of heat flow and time of hydrocarbon
generation from source rocks.
The numerous advantages of the vitrinite reflectance method are widely applied in
sediment maturity assessment in North Bulgaria, where are the locations of major oil and gas
fields. The analyses of the measured %Ro values also allow determination of the maturity in
individual localities; recovery of the thermal and generation history; maturity characterization
and summary in definite zones or basins.
Therefore, the main task of the paper is to underline the importance of vitrinite
reflectance method, illustrated by maturity analyses & modelling of well data and showing
some characteristic trends in North Bulgaria.

METHODOLOGY
Reflectance measurements are referenced to an incident light wavelength of 546 nm
registered with a microscope/photometer, using special objectives and immersion oil. They
are carried out on rich in vitrinite particles, polished samples from well cores or cuttings. The
numerical outcomes, depending on their magnitudes and metamorphic changes, define
different maturity (Immature<0.6 %Ro; Mature 0.6-1.35 Ro, %; and Postmature >1.35 Ro, %)
and katagenetic stages (Protokatagenetic ПК1-ПК3; Mezokatagenetic МК1-МК5; and
Apokatagenetic АК1-АК3).
The most valuable advantage of the method is that organic matter might be observed
and studied in its natural position in the lithological section. On the other hand %Ro increases

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exponentially, recording the highest temperatures reached during the sediment burial. That is
why in thermal and heat flow modeling the most used parameter is %Ro.
In this paper the vitrinite reflectance is applied for thermal maturity and thermal history
analysis in well R-1 Dragana. Reflectance data show also the maturity trend of Lower-Middle
Jurassic source rocks taking into account “EASY %Ro” algoritm (Sweeney and Burnham,
1990). The chosen kinetic parameters are adapted for kerogen type I and II (Tissot and
Espitelie, 1975). The time of hydrocarbon generation from perspective intervals is modelled
with PDI 1-DTM softwear of IES Jülich, Germany.

CASE STUDY AND PRACTICAL RESULTS

This study illustrates the main applications of vitrinite reflectance in thermal maturity
assessment of well cross-sections (Table 1 and Fig. 1); 1-D reconstructions of the thermal and
oil&gas generation history of Lower-Middle Jurassic source rocks (Fig. 2, 3); regional
maturity characterization of Triassic and Lower Jurassic sediments in North Bulgaria (Fig. 4,
5 and 6).
Table 1. Vitrinite reflectance measurements in well R-1 Dragana. * Standard deviation.
Well core Sample Vitrinite reflectance (%Ro)
depth Age lithology Number of min max average *
(m) measurements
1263 K1Aptian clayey limestones 30 0.42 0.70 0.58 0.08
4595 J1Sin-Plb clayey limestones 7 1.70 1.80 1.75 0.04
4974 T3Norian clayey limestones 5 1.79 2.04 1.89 0.10
5255 T3Carnian dolomites 50 1.87 2.20 2.04 0.10
5404 T3Carnian limestones 50 1.91 2.49 2.20 0.19

Table 1 and Fig. 1 demonstrate vitrinite reflectance method carried out for several rock
samples in well R-1 Dragana (location shown on Fig. 5). The distinctive feature of the %Ro
histogram is an exponential increase of sediment thermal maturity. The dominant part of the
samples are under 4500 m, showing Postmature conditions (>1.35%Ro). Standard deviation is
in a range of 0.04 to 0.19, depending on a depth of samples and mostly on number of
measurements. The %Ro values for the deepest well core sample can be conditionally
grouped in 3 clusters. This is indicative of higher maturity and eventually more inertinites.

Fig. 1. Vitrinite reflectance histogram for sediments in part of R-1 Dragana section.

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 The computer modeling of basin subsidence and vitrinite reflectance compiled with
lithostratigraphy data can delineate thermal maturity stages of sediments (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2. Burial history, vitrinite reflectance and heat flow distribution for well R-1 Dragana.
Measured and modelled %Ro values inluded on the right hand side.

Vitrinte reflectance measurements surve as a calibration parameter for defining the

magnitude of heat flows for geological epochs. Generally, two approaches for heat flow can
be applied as constant and complex scenarios. Although, the second one is complicated and
difficult to specify, it is more realistic. So, in this case study extensional periods are
distingushed and temporary limited. More over, that individual approach allows differential
lithosphere stretching and heating.
The applied complex scenario includes rift phases only in Late Triassic and Early-
Middle Jurassic, because the well R-1 Dragana cross-section does not reach older sediments.
Extensional phases are characterized with higher heat flow up to 90 mW/m2. Thermal
relaxation between rifting is also assumed. The model rejects values above 60 mW/m2 after
Late Cimmerian orogeny, because they overestimate the measured %Ro. Only for Quaternary
short time heat flow could reach 70 mW/m2, which corresponds to contemporary
measurements of Petrov et al. (1991). Basin subsidence, together with thermal history, are
decisive factors for maturity of sediments. Lower-Middle Jurassic deposits enter in “oil
window” during Barremian and in “gas window” during Aptian, both in Early Cretaceous.
Total oil generation terminates in Late Cretaceous, when Lower-Middle Jurassic rocks start
gaseous expulsion. That is the time of going down of entire lithostratigraphic complex below
line 1.3%Ro.
Significantly more clear spatial and temporal idea about thermal history in well R-1
Dragana demonstrates Fig. 3. The integrated graphics illustrate comprehensively the results of
geodynamic processes in a cross-section. The hydrocarbon generation modeling is applied for
Stefanetz member, dated as far back as Middle Jurassic. It is generally perceived among the
most perspective source rocks in North Bulgaria. The oil and gas realization from Stefanetz
member is a highlight mostly of thermal history and quality of organic matter. Because of the
confined basin subsidence and average heat flow there is not considerable change of
paleotemperatures and %Ro after Austrian orogeny. The consequences reflected on thermal
maturity and hydrocarbon generation. The maxumum oil realization is in the beginning of
Aptian (K1) and gas phase continuing afterward.

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Fig. 3. Integration of geodynamic and thermal maturity data in modelling hydrocarbon
generation history from Stefanetz member (J2) in well R-1 Dragana.

The comparison of a thermal maturity of sediments from adjacent and more remote
zones or sediment basins allow detailed regional analyses (Fig. 4, 5 and 6). The above
mentioned figures illustrate some generalizations and delineate characteristic trends for
Triassic and Lower Jurassic deposits in North Bulgaria.
Thermal maturity investigations of the Triassic rocks in Moesian Platform definitely
show the increase of their katagenetic alterations in the south to South Moesian Platform
Margin (Fig. 4). The outlined trends confirm geological evolution of the area, revealig the
differences between elevated platform part and subsided margin.

Fig. 4. Vitrinite reflectance (%Ro) of the Triassic sediments in western-central part of

Moesian platform (location of the tectonic units shown in Fig. 6).

On the other hand the presentation of %Ro with isolines is the best way to highlight
spatial position of different maturity zones and “petroleum kitchen” (Fig. 5). So, the
hydrocarbon distribution follows the tendency in thermal history. Oil accumulations are
concentrated in zones with maturity below 1.15 %Ro and gas findings in zones with maturity

4
above 1.15 %Ro. And more general and regional summary for Lower Jurassic maturity is
shown in Fig. 6. Every zone there is strictly subordinated to particular geological settings.

Fig. 5. Gas, oil and coal in the Lower Jurassic sediments: 1-absence of sediments; 2-boundary
of the transgressive sandstones of the Kostina Fm.; 3-well, coals and phytoclasts in sediments;
4-well, oil and gas in sediments; 5-isolines of vitrinite reflectance (%Ro); 6-tectonic
dislocations, controlling distribution of sediments; 7-well R-1 Dragana (after Velev et al.,
1991 with modifications).

Fig. 6. Katagenetic zones of Lower Jurassic deposits in North Bulgaria: І-Moesian Platform;
ІІ-South Carpathian folded zone; ІІІ-Forebalkan; ІV-South Moesian Platform Margin; V-
Kamchiya foredeep. 1-Immature (ПК2-ПК3); Early Mature (ПК3-МК1); 3-Late and
Postmature (МК1-АК2); 4-Postmature (АК2-АК4); 5-unstudied area (after Šiškov et al., 1982
with modifications).

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 CONCLUSIONS
The vitrinite reflectance (%Ro) analysis is a major method in defining thermal maturity
of sediments and widely applied in Petroleum geology. This important parameter reconstructs
paleotemperatures and recovers thermal history of studied deposits.
Applications of different heat flows, according measured %Ro values, can confirm or
decline certain geodynamic models as it is demonstrated for well R-1 Dragana. Modelled time
of hydrocarbon generation is also defined very precisely, pointing out a spatial and temporal
continium of “oil and gas windows”.
The vitrinite reflectance method is broadly and practicaly orientated in regional thermal
reconstructions. Comparisons of %Ro values between adjacent or remote zones and
sedimentary basins reveal characteristic positional variations. And consecutively allow to
summarize certain maturity trends for individual sediment complexes and/or lithostratigraphic
units.

References
Velev, V., Valčeva, A. and Gusseva, J. 1991. Oil and coal in the Lower Jurassic series from
North Bulgaria. Compte rendus de l’Academie bulgare des Sciences, 44 , 8, 77-80.
Petrov, P., Boyadgiev, K., Gasharov, St. and Velinov, T. 1991. Thermal field and geothermal
regime in Bulgaria. Review of the Bulgarian Geological Society, vol. LII, part 1, 60-64.
(In Bulgarian).
Sweeney, J. and Burnham, A. 1990. Evaluation of a simple model of vitrinite reflectance
based on chemical kinetics. Bull. Am. Assoc. petrol. Geol., 74, 1, 1559-1570.
Šiškov, G., Salabaševa, V. and Valcheva, S. 1982. Katagenetic alteration of the vitrain
particles in the Mesozoic deposits of North Bulgaria. Geologica Balcanica, 12.3, Sofia,
59-67. (In Russian).
Tissot, B. and Espitalie, J. 1975. L’evolution thermique de la matiére organique des
sediments: applications d’une simulation mathématique. Revue de l’Innstitut Francais
du Pétrole, 30, 743-777.

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