Application of the Data on δ13C and δ18O of Carbonates for the Study of Unconventional Reservoirs on the Example of the Bazhenov Source Rocks, Western Siberia, Russia

Abstract

This paper addresses potential application of data on stable carbon and oxygen isotope composition of carbonates for study of organic rich source rocks on the example of the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous Bazhenov Formation (West Siberian petroleum basin, Russia). Geochemical studies were conducted for sections located in central (most productive) and peripheral (northern and southern) regions of the Bazhenov Formation distribution area, containing deposits formed under different conditions. We identified key factors impacting stable isotope composition of carbonate minerals and established relation of their isotope composition to the formation conditions. Using a thermodynamic model of carbon and oxygen isotope exchange in the carbonate–water–carbon dioxide system, it is shown that variations in the isotope composition of secondary carbonates are affected by isotopic composition of primary carbonates in sediments and by the isotope exchange reactions with water and carbon dioxide, generated during the source rocks transformation. Our results demonstrate that stable isotope data for carbonates in the Bazhenov Formation together with standard geochemical methods can be efficiently applied to determine sedimentation conditions and secondary alteration processes of oil source rocks.