Organic matter distribution in the Lower Permian carbonate sequence of thePechora Sea

The available data on the geochemical composition of the organic matter (OM ) of the oil- and gas-bearing Timan-Pechora basin was evaluated. The bottom part of the Early Permian sequence, composed predominantly of carbonate se diments, is considered to be one of the principal sources of hydrocarbons. The data on the paleogeography and OM from numerous boreholes drilled on th e adjacent land and a few marine boreholes were extrapolated over the areas of the Pechora Sea, where no drilling has yet been performed. The distribu tion pattern of the OM types in the Lower Permian carbonate sequence of the Pechora Sea was compiled. In the sediments under consideration, three basi c types of kerogen were recognized: II-predominantly sapropelic; III-II-mix ed, predominantly sapropelic; and II-III-mixed, predominantly humic.