Geochemical characterization and paleo-burial history modelling of unconventional resources: A case study from the Kimmeridge Clay Formation (KCF) in the UK North Sea

For several decades the UK North Sea has been a prolific oil and gas province, with numerous conventional oil and gas discoveries sourced predominantly by the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous Kimmeridge Clay Formation (KCF). In this study, we have combined the analysis of total organic carbon/pyrolysis and vitrinite reflectance geochemical data from KCF samples with 1D basin modelling to investigate the potential for shale oil and gas plays in the Outer Moray Firth region. The results of geochemical evaluation show that most of the samples have very good to excellent hydrocarbon generation potential and contain predominantly oil-prone Type-II kerogen. A few samples show a significant oil saturation index above 100 mgHC/gTOC, which indicate a good potential for producible shale oil. The modelling results suggest that vitrinite reflectance values for the KCF vary mainly between 0.51 and 1.15%Ro, with kerogen transformation of up to 86 %. This is indicative of early-oil to late-oil/early-gas maturity window at present day, and within the range reported for proven shale oil plays. The KCF shows good oil saturation in most of the modelled well locations of up to 6.4 mg/g rock, indicating potentially producible shale oil. Predictions from modelling support the interpretations from geochemical data. [Display omitted] •The North Sea Kimmeridge Clay Formation (KCF) has been evaluated for its shale oil and gas play potential.•Study methodology includes geochemical characterization and 1D basin modelling.•Evaluation result suggests very good residual oil saturation within the KCF in most of the studied wells.•The study shows the usefulness of 1D basin modelling in resource play assessment when combined with geochemical data.