Basin analysis and the formation of oil and gas

Question 1

Define Fossil fuel

Answer 1

Made from the remains of once living organisms, these are coal, oil and natural gases

Question 2

Define Source Rock

Answer 2

A source rock is the organic-rich mudstone or shale which contained abundant plankton that formed in low-energy, anoxic, marine conditions

Question 3

Define Reservoir rock

Answer 3

Highly porous and permeable rock capable of storing and yielding significant amounts of petroleum

Question 4

Define Caprock

Answer 4

The impermeable rock above the reservoir rock preventing further upward migration of the petroleum

Question 5

Maturation of petroleum

Answer 5

• On burial, the source rock is subjected to compaction and an increase in temp
• Over time the organic matter breaks down to kerogen