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Crude oil samples (n = 16) from Upper Cretaceous reservoir rocks together with cuttings samples of Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene mudstone source rocks (n = 12) from wells in the Termit Basin were characterized by a variety of biomarker parameters using GC and GC-MS techniques. Organic geochemical analyses of source rock samples from the Upper Cretaceous Yogou Formation demonstrate poor to excellent hydrocarbon generation potential; the samples are characterized by Type II kerogen grading to mixed Types II-III and III kerogen. The oil samples have pristane/phytane (Pr/Ph) ratios ranging from 0.73 to 1.27, low C22/C21 and high C24/C23 tricyclic terpane ratios, and values of the gammacerane index (gammacerane/C30hopane) of 0.29-0.49, suggesting derivation from carbonate-poor source rocks deposited under suboxic to anoxic and moderate to high salinity conditions. Relatively high C29 sterane concentrations with C29/C27 sterane ratios ranging from 2.18-3.93 and low values of the regular steranes/17α(H)-hopanes ratio suggest that the oils were mainly derived from kerogen dominated by terrigenous higher plant material. Both aromatic maturity parameters (MPI-1, MPI-2 and Rc) and C29 sterane parameters (20S/(20S+20R) and ββ/ (αα + ββ)) suggest that the oils are early-mature to mature. Oil-to-oil correlations suggest that the Upper Cretaceous oils belongs to the same genetic family. Parameters including the Pr/Ph ratio, gammacerane index and C26/C25 tricyclic terpanes, and similar positions on a sterane ternary plot, suggest that the Upper Cretaceous oils originated from Upper Cretaceous source rocks rather than from Paleogene source rocks. The Yogou Formation can therefore be considered as an effective source rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sixty crude oils from the Termit Basin (Eastern Niger) were analysed using biomarker distributions and bulk stable carbon isotopic compositions. Comprehensive oil-to-oil correlation indicates that there are two distinct families in the Termit Basin. The majority of the oils are geochemically similar and characterized by low Pr/Ph (pristane to phytane ratios) and high gammacerane/C30 hopane ratios, small amounts of C24 tetracyclic terpanes but abundant C23 tricyclic terpane, and lower δ13C values for saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions. All of these geochemical characteristics indicate possible marine sources with saline and reducing depositional environments. In contrast, oils from well DD-1 have different geochemical features. They are characterized by relatively higher Pr/Ph and lower gammacerane/C30 hopane ratios, higher amounts of C24 tetracyclic terpane but a low content of C23 tricyclic terpane, and relatively higher δ13C values for saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions. These geochemical signatures indicate possible lacustrine sources deposited under freshwater, suboxic-oxic conditions. This oil family also has a unique biomarker signature in that there are large amounts of C30 4α-methylsteranes indicating a freshwater lacustrine depositional environment. The maturity of the Termit oils is assessed using a number of maturity indicators based on biomarkers, alkyl naphthalenes, alkyl phenanthrenes and alkyl dibenzothiophenes. All parameters indicate that all of the oils are generated by source rocks within the main phase of the oil generation stage with equivalent vitrinite reflectance of 0.58%–0.87%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Systematic geochemical analysis of 39 crude oils from the Termit Basin, Niger, all belonging to the same oil family, reveals distinct differences in bulk properties and molecular compositions, which were undoubtedly caused by differences in the extent of biodegradation. Various degrees of microbial alteration were identified in crude oils, which were classified as non-, slightly, moderately, or heavily degraded oils, according to their physical properties, bulk chemical compositions, and certain molecular biomarker characteristics. Examination of the possible origins and geological backgrounds of the biodegraded oils shows that reservoirs with deeper burial depths (greater than 1800 m), thicker caprocks (>100 m), relatively higher stratigraphic temperatures (>80 °C), and which have been subject to the influence of silent faults had not suffered significant biodegradation. The burial depth of reservoirs is therefore considered to be the main factor controlling the biodegradation process, and may offset other factors if the depth is sufficient. The Paleogene reservoirs in the Dinga Step-Fault Zone (DSFZ) that meet all of these conditions are therefore dominated by normal oils. Degraded oils of varying degrees are widely distributed in other tectonic units where at least one of these factors is absent. This study may have practical application for further petroleum exploration, prediction of petroleum properties, and the reduction of production risk. • Oils in the Termit Basin were subjected different extent of biodegradation. • 1800 m is the safety burial depth threshold for biodegradation in the Termit Basin. • Biodegraded oil was also affected by the activity Paleogene faults systems. • The seal rock >100 m in thickness is beneficial to oil quality stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]