The source rock is the basis of every petroleum system and the first prerequisite for a hydrocarbon accumulation to occur. However, variations in source-rock richness and quality still belong to the least well known variables in basin modelling. Often a conceptual approach or simple models applying average geochemical values describing source rock properties are used. This often is insufficient, particularly in areas with heterogeneous geological conditions and/or variable depositional environments.

Our organic facies modelling software OF-Mod simulates the processes that are relevant for the deposition and preservation of organic matter in a sedimentary basin, and the interactions between these processes. It considers marine and terrigenous organic matter supply, upwelling, oxygen minimum zones, degradation in the water column and burial efficiency.

Calibrated with analytical data from well samples, the model allows a quantitative prediction of source-rock potential and -type away from well control.

OF-Mod is now commonly applied in a 3D-version, but also 2D-studies are feasible. It produces maps of pre-burial total organic carbon content and hydrogen index, which can be directly imported into the secondary migration simulator SEMI or other petroleum system models.

For more information see OF-Mod.