EPR STUDY OF KEROGENS FROM 3 ALASKAN NORTH SLOPE WELLS

Whole rock and isolated kerogens from the Seabee, Inigok, and Ikpikpuk wells of the Alaskan North Slope have been analyzed by electron param agnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The sample suite includes repres entatives of the Torok, Kingak, Lisburne, Sadlerochit and Endicott for mations. Power saturation studies show a definite correlation with the downhole maturation, the extent of aromaticity of the sample as defin ed by C-13 NMR, and with the beginning of the oil window for the Kinga k formation. Strong correlations within formations across the depositi onal basin are seen. Abrupt changes in EPR parameters indicate a chang e in the nature of the organic matter present and may reflect a facies change. Peak widths and spin densities correlate with maturity as ind icated by vitrinite reflectance and sample aromaticity as measured in solid state C-13 NMR spectra.