Source Rock Analysis
Unlocking the Foundations of Hydrocarbon Resources
GeoMark’s source rock analysis empowers exploration and development teams by delivering precise, actionable insights into the subsurface. Their services address your toughest challenges:
Defining source rock quality and extent
Determining source rock maturity
Evaluating source rock generative potential
Identifying productive landing zones in resource plays
Predicting fluid properties and trends
Discover The GeoMark Research Advantage
Contaminant-free sampling: Expert removal of oil-based mud, drilling mud, cavings, and lost circulation material safeguards data integrity from the start.
Tailored hydrocarbon extraction: Multiple extraction techniques and customizable solvents (e.g., DCM, methanol, and hexane mixtures) enable precise measurement of free hydrocarbons, assessment of gas-oil ratios, and tracking of migration trends.
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Manual shakeout and automated Soxhlet options
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Gas–oil ratio (GOR) determination using S1/S2 balancing and n-alkane distribution
Total Organic Carbon (TOC): Using LECO and HAWK systems, GeoMark quantifies organic richness, identifying prime source layers quickly.
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Calibrated with internal shale standards
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Reproducibility: ±0.1 wt% TOC at concentrations >1.0%
Pyrolysis (Rock‑Eval™/HAWK™): Assess S1 (free hydrocarbons), S2 (remaining potential), and Tmax (thermal maturity) under customizable temperature profiles to predict fluid properties.
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Custom temperature ramps up to 650°C
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Instrumentation: HAWK™ Pyrolysis Systems with dual-detector FID and CO/CO₂ IR sensors
Vitrinite Reflectance & Kerogen Typing: Detailed petrology isolates kerogen, characterizing thermal history and organic type to support your basin models
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Kerogen isolation using acid maceration and heavy liquid separation
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Polished block preparation and reflected light microscopy
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Reporting average %Ro and thermal populations with >20 readings per sample
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Visual kerogen staining (e.g., SAFRANIN, methylene blue)
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Classification by type (I, II, III, IV) and structure
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Integration with pyrolysis HI data for predictive modeling
Extensive Source Rock Mapping: Integrate client data with GeoMark’s database to generate spatial maps of TOC, maturity, and deliver “sweet spot” guidance for both conventional and unconventional plays.
Integrated, Scalable, Field-Proven
Whether you’re screening for new unconventional plays or calibrating a basin model, GeoMark’s source rock workflows deliver high-resolution data and interpretive clarity supported by standardized methods, integrated datasets, and technical experts who collaborate with your team.