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Neodymium isotopes: A source rock-oil correlation tool

Conference · · American Chemical Society, Division of Petroleum Chemistry, Preprints; (USA)
OSTI ID:6998341
 [1];
  1. Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie (USA)
Neodymium isotope compositions were measured in source rocks, hydrous pyrolysate, and crude oil to ascertain whether the radioactive parent-daughter pair {sup 147}Sm and {sup 143}Nd can be used as a geochemical tracer for locating the source rock of a migrated oil. Nd isotope ratios measured in Precambrian to Miocene age source rocks are each unique. The {sup 143}Nd/{sup 144}Nd ratio determined for the pyrolysate is virtually identical to that of the immature source rock. The Sm and Nd concentrations measured in the pyrolysate are lower than those associated with the source rock although both maintain similar Sm/Nd ratios. Sm and Nd concentrations of crude oil are also low, but higher Sm/Nd ratios associated with migrated oils suggest a fraction of rare earth elements during migration. Nd isotope ratios were measured in six oils and seven source rocks (representing four presumed source rock-oil pairs). The initial Nd isotope ratios of source rock and oil in three of the four pairs are identical and therefore genetically related.
OSTI ID:
6998341
Report Number(s):
CONF-8904127--
Conference Information:
Journal Name: American Chemical Society, Division of Petroleum Chemistry, Preprints; (USA) Journal Volume: 34:1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English