Characteristics of hydrocarbon sources and controlling factors of their formation in Pingliang Formation,West Ordos Basin

According to organic geochemistry and organic petrology, the hydrocarbon sources in Pingliang Formation, W. Ordos basin, are systematically evaluated. The organic abundance of hydrocarbon source in this research is higher in the upper part of profiles than in the low, and more in mudstone than in carbonate. Most of organic matters become sapropelic, and few are humic-sapropelic in the regions of Shibangou and Zhuzisan. According to stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen in carbonate rock, boron index and ratios of elements, palaeo-salinity and sedimentary velocity are calculated. The two factors of paleao-salinity and sediment velocity, which control the distribution of organic matters, are discussed. Good relationship is found between water salinity and abundance of organic matter; in contrast, poor correlation is observed between salinity and types of organic matters. The relative sediment velocity in the research regions is also related with organic abundance and types. A low sediment velocity would lead to high abundance and good type of organic matters, and vice versa.