UPPER CRETACEOUS ORGANIC-RICH LAMINATED LIMESTONES OF THE ADRIATIC CARBONATE PLATFORM, ISLAND OF HVAR, CROATIA

Several organic-rich samples taken from upper Santonian-late Campanian (?) laminated limestones of Hvar Island (Croatia) were investigated to characterize palynofacies, macerals, type of organic matter, and orga nic geochemistry. These characterizations, as well as the reconstructi on of the depositional environment, are interpreted in terms of a sour ce rock perspective. The results suggest that the laminated limestones were formed within shallow depressions of the carbonate platform in a n anoxic, restricted-marine environment with increased salinity. The H var Island laminated limestones contain type II-S kerogen, and they ar e found to be marginally mature and oil prone.