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Journal of Geosciences and Geomatics. 2021, 9(1), 28-44
DOI: 10.12691/JGG-9-1-4
Original Research

Biomarker Geochemical Evaluation of Organic Rich Shales in Mamfe Basin, Cameroon

Edwin Ayuk Ndip1, 2, , Christopher M. Agyingi1, Matthew E. Nton2 and Michael A. Oladunjoye2

1Department of Geology, Petroleum Geoscience Research Group at University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

2Department of Geosciences, Pan African University-University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Pub. Date: May 14, 2021
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Edwin Ayuk Ndip, Christopher M. Agyingi, Matthew E. Nton and Michael A. Oladunjoye. Biomarker Geochemical Evaluation of Organic Rich Shales in Mamfe Basin, Cameroon. Journal of Geosciences and Geomatics. 2021; 9(1):28-44. doi: 10.12691/JGG-9-1-4

Abstract

The Mamfe Basin is an intra-continental basin in southwestern Cameroon. Shale from Cretaceous strata in the Mamfe Formation has been poorly characterized in terms of their palaeo-environmental conditions and origin of the organic matter. Also, the thermal maturity of the shale has not been well established. The aim of this study is to determine the origin of the organic matter, evaluate the thermal maturity, palaeo-environmental conditions, and thereby deduce their hydrocarbon generative potential. Biomarker geochemical analyses was carried out on the organic matter extracts of some selected shale samples from Mamfe Formation having total organic carbon content ranging from 0.69 and 4.50 wt. % (av. =1.82 wt. %). Base on the total organic carbon content, the shales are described to have good hydrocarbon generative potentials. Thermal maturity parameters base on 20S/(20S +20R), and ββ/(ββ + αα) C29 sterane ratios along with CPI and OED indicate that the analysed samples from Mamfe Formation sit at mature oil window generation. The origin of the organic matter have been deduced to be mainly of terrestrial plant source with minor lacustrine and marine influences. Palaeo-environmental conditions were decipher to be of sub-oxic to anoxic conditions that have preserved the organic matter. This study have highlight valuable insight based on the biomarker geochemistry of the shales of the Mamfe Basin thereby reducing petroleum exploration risk.

Keywords

mamfe formation, shale, organic matter, total organic carbon, biomarker geochemistry

Copyright

Creative CommonsThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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