Organic geochemical correlation of Oklahoma crude oils using R- and Q-mode factor analysis

For the past several decades, there has been a significant amount of crude oil exploration and production throughout the state of Oklahoma. Publications with respect to biological marker compound distributions and stable isotopic compositions of Oklahoma crude oils, their potential genetic relationships and possible sources have, however, been very limited. In this study, a detailed organic geochemical investigation of 46 crude oils from throughout the state of Oklahoma is presented. In addition to assessing similarities and differences of the oils with respect to reservoir ages and geologic provinces, an attempt was made to establish possible genetic relationships on the basis of combined R- and Q-mode factor analysis of source-related geochemical parameters. While the oils from throughout the state were found to be remarkably similar in chemical and stable isotopic composition, four genetic families of oils have been delineated based on this statistical approach. The possible effects of thermal alteration, migration, and multiple sources, i.e. mixing of the oil groups, are discussed.