Exploring Neogene Marine Diatomites in Western Crete: A New Source-Rock Candidate with Hydrocarbon Generation Potential?

Diatomites are sedimentary rocks rich in siliceous algae, mainly diatoms, and evident Greece Neogene successions. Despite their significance worldwide potential as source for hydrocarbons, little is known about them the wider area of Greece, limited biostratigraphic characteristics industrial use. This study assesses first time diatomites Western Crete focuses on rock quality hydrocarbon generation top stratigraphic characteristics. The studied synthetic outcrop Miocene age located Apokoronas basin, Chania province. It subdivided into four subsections reaching heights 13 m. has a total documented, visible extend 90–100 m presents adequate thickness relation to other reported diatomitic occurrences Crete. A SEM bulk sampling 28 samples been carried out this geochemical analysis conducted by means Rock-Eval 6 pyrolysis facilitate understanding potential. Stratigraphic supports establishment system tracts (ST), with transgressive ones (TST) illustrated fining-upward sequences including highstands (HST). At top, final coarsening-upwards sequence suggests regressive (RST) most probably related Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) event. Total organic carbon (TOC, %wt.) values found reach 3.4% diatomites, while siltstone/mudstone interlayers encounter lower TOC (%wt.), yet exceptions levels high diatomaceous facies. Overall, shows that matter from cross sections immature ranging poor excellent. kerogen type proved be III almost good quality. presence prolific demonstrating offshore exploration Eastern Mediterranean could potentially Southern E&P-awarded blocks.