Hydrocarbon source rock assessment of the shale and coal bearing horizons of the Early Paleocene Hangu Formation in Kala-Chitta Range, Northwest Pakistan

Abstract The present study aims to investigate the origin, type, thermal maturity and hydrocarbon generation potential of organic matter paleo-depositional environment Early Paleocene (Danian) Hangu Formation outcropped in Kala-Chitta Range Northwest Pakistan, Eastern Tethys. Organic-rich shale coal intervals were utilized for geochemical analyses including TOC (total carbon) Rock–Eval pyrolysis coupled with carbon ( ? 13 Corg) nitrogen 15 Norg) stable isotopes. results showed that kerogen Type II (oil/gas prone) III (gas dominate investigated rock units. (wt%) S 2 yield indicate unit quantifies sufficient (OM) act as source rock. However, T ma x °C marks over maturation OM, which may be possibly linked effect attained from nearby tectonically active Himalayan Foreland Fold-and-Thrust Belt system associated metamorphosed sequences. deciphered indigenous nature OM resultant hydrocarbons. Corg Norg isotopic signatures illustrated enrichment both marine terrestrial sources accumulated into Formation. Paleo-depositional model established using data formation supports its deposition a shallow proximal inner shelf prevalence sub-oxic anoxic conditions, scenario could enhance preservation. Overall, holds promising terms richness, but due relatively maturation, it cannot an effective liquid only minor amount dry gas can expected. In implication, this suggest least prospects within at studied sections.