Tectonic, depositional, and diagenetic history of Monterey Formation (Miocene), central San Joaquin Basin, California

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5290502

Graham, S A; Williams, L A

The Miocene Monterey Formation in the central San Joaquin basin of California consists of biogenic siliceous rocks with a significant terrigenous clastic component. Correlation of electric logs in conjunction with analysis of outcrop sections, core samples, and paleontologic data suggests that deposition of the Monterey was controlled by an interplay of basin geometry, San Andreas-related tectonics, fluctuations in sea level, and changes in climate. Analysis of organic matter from cores of the Monterey Formation shows that kerogen type reflects overall sedimentation trends. Samples from northern and eastern areas contain abundant terrestrial organic matter, whereas samples from western areas mostly contain marine kerogens. Source potential is thus strongly influenced by geographic locality, as well as lithology. Maturity of kerogen was assessed using vitrinite reflectance, thermal alteration indices, and pyrolysis techniques. The latter two appear to be the more reliable indicators of organic matter maturity in the Monterey Formation of the San Joaquin Valley. Although much of the Monterey Formation in the study area may be thermally immature, portions are probably generating hydrocarbons today in deep synclinal areas.

• Research Organization: School of Earth Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
• OSTI ID: 5290502
• Journal Information: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Vol. 69:3; ISSN AAPGB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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