Linking facies variations, organic carbon richness and bulk bitumen content – A case study of the organic-rich Middle Triassic shales from eastern Svalbard

The organic-rich shales of the Middle Triassic Botneheia Formation in Svalbard and its correlative units offshore are considered important source rock intervals for oil gas generation Norwegian Barents Shelf region. Detailed investigation these is essential to better understand intra variations thus improve exploration models. As rocks rarely cored during campaigns, outcrop studies analogue onshore great importance gaining a comprehensive understanding petroleum system offshore. This integrated sedimentological geochemical study investigates intricate relationship between mudstone facies, total sulfur, organic/inorganic carbon, absolute relative abundance bulk bitumen content. Both Muen Member (Anisian) overlying Blanknuten (mostly Ladinian) were densely sampled analyzed from three localities on Edgeøya, eastern Svalbard. results show that organic richness, aromatic hydrocarbon content increase bioturbated, gray-colored lower middle upwards into non-bioturbated, phosphogenic black part Member. From here, carbon richness subsequently decrease concert with occurrence calcareous mudstones impure limestones towards top Optical vitrinite reflectance do not suggest significant maturity depth sample profiles, highlighting dominantly coupled developing facies. These facies chemostratigraphic trends mirror implied marine vs. terrigenous matter sedimentation benthic preservation potential, which at maximum processes appear be closely related supply nutritious upwelled waters further linked an evolving pan-Arctic 2nd order transgressive–regressive sequence. Facies multivariate analyses data comparable pro-delta younger Tschermakfjellet (Carnian), both clearly distinct increased potential upper entire provides evidence genetically different paleo-depositional environments properties confined parts Formation, may have wide applications assessment Sea.