Source rocks and hydrocarbon generation in Slovenia (Mura Depression, Pannonian Basin)

Source rock analysis (organic carbon. Rock-Eval. gas chromatography. vitrin ite reflectance) and numeric modelling techniques have been applied to eval uate the hydrocarbon potential and the timing of hydrocarbon generation in northeastern Slovenia (Mura Depression, Pannonian Basin). Sourer rocks of M esozoic age were not detected. Most Tertiary samples are gas prone. Oil-pro ne sediments occur mainly in Egerian/Eggenburgian. Karpatian and Sarmatian levels. The maturity pattern reflects complex Neogene subsidence and therma l histories. So the thickness of the oil window varies from about 300 m (Ma ribor-Somat area) to 1500 m (Ljutomer Depression). The top of the oil windo w lies below a depth of 2500 m in the Ljutomer Depression whereas it reache s the surface in the Maribor area. Three main hydrocarbon generation phases are distinguished in different parts of the Mura Depression: (a) a Karpati an/Badenian stage due to extremely elevated heat-flow (Maribor-Somat-Radker sburg area, Boc Anticline. probably Ormoz-Selnica Anticline): (b) a middle/ late Miocene to early Pliocene stage due to Miocene deep burial (Ormoz-Seln ica Anticline): (c) a late Miocene to present generation stage (Ljutomer De pression, eastern margin of the Murska-Sobota High). (C) 2001 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.