Nature of Hydrocarbon Fluids at the Fields in the North of Western Siberia: the Geochemical Aspect

Abstract

The paper presents original results of comprehensive geochemical studies of samples of oils, condensates, gases, core, and cuttings from wells drilled in the north of Western Siberia. The studies involved chromatographic and mass spectrometric determinations of the molecular and isotopic composition of the oils, gases, condensates, and rock extracts. Analysis of the results, considered together with literature data, made it possible to draw conclusions regarding the source of the hydrocarbons and the mechanism of formation of their accumulations. Information on the molecular and isotopic composition of the fluids and the distribution of their accumulations and fields in the sedimentary cover shows that most of them are of polychronic and polygenic origin. Features of the molecular and isotopic composition of the fluids make it possible to evaluate the contribution of various sources to the formation of hydrocarbon accumulations. The composition of their liquid component was formed as a result of the generation of hydrocarbons by the organic matter of Jurassic source rocks. The Lower and Middle Jurassic rocks with non-marine organic matter also made a significant contribution to the formation of the gas component of deposits in the north of Western Siberia, whereas the Cretaceous rocks generated only dry gas and were likely the main source of gas for the giant fields, whose methane has a light carbon isotope composition. The use of the isotopic composition of carbon in combination with molecular parameters makes it possible to clarify the conditions under which a particular field was formed and to elucidate the migration pathways and distances of hydrocarbon fluids to their accumulation sites.