Source Rock and Depositional Environment Study of Three Hydrocarbon Fields in Prinos–Kavala Basin (North Aegean)

Cored samples from four wells from Prinos, Prinos North and Epsilon fields have been analyzed using geochemical methods. The results show that the depositional environment was hyper-saline, strongly reducing in all fields, and indicating similar conditions during sedimentation through the basin. This type of environment has preserved the organic matter, and in combination with rapid sedimentation, enabled hydrocarbons generation in the basin. The analysis of the samples reveals similarities between Epsilon and Prinos fields, while Prinos North field differentiates. Epsilon and Prinos hydrocarbons appear to be immature, non biodegraded, generated from marine organic production in a carbonate source rock, and having migrated into the analyzed sedimentary zones. The rock is characterized as poor source rock with minor hydrocarbon generation potential. On the contrary, Prinos North hydrocarbons appear to be even more immature, non biodegraded, generated in an argillaceous source rock with terrestrial input in organic matter, while in the analyzed zone kerogen type II and III was identified.