Paleoenvironmental Conditions, Geochemistry and Hydrocarbon Potential of Kızıldere Formation (Hatay-Turkey)

Abstract

The study area is in Arsuz - HATAY region and the formation characteristics of the clay rocks of Kizildere Formation (Middle - Upper Miocene) and sedimentation environment of formation were investigated in this study. The petroleum-rich formations formed during the Miocene, these formations; Kalecik Formation with conglomerates, Horn Formation with reefal limestones and Kizildere Formation. The Middle Late Miocene aged Kizildere Formation is typically observed in the Konacik (Arsuz) region. Sand and clay layers are common in the formation, bedding thickness of the gray-yellow colored sandstones are 10-50 cm (medium-thick), and gray claystones are 230 cm (thin-medium). Nodular and stratified gypsum layers are observed at the top of the succession of sandstone and claystone and gypsum layers thickness are 5-15 cm. Tectonic cracks in the formation are widely observed by virtue of tectonism that is effective after Middle Miocene in the region. Plant residues in marl that is layered with gypsum layers are macro-scale. The average Total Organic Carbon (TOC) values in the claystones are 0.56 which indicates that there is a potential for oil production in claystones. The averages of the concentrations of trace elements are as follows: V, Ni, Cr, Co, Cu, Rb, As, Zn, Sb, Mo, Cd, Pb, U, Ba, Li, Cs and S are respectively 1180.65, 219.83, 149.26, 19.45, 22.63, 42.96, 8.40, 54.47 ppm, 0.61, 1.28, (- 0,71), 5.68, 1,35, 171.15, 24.64, 3.06, 325.48 ppm. Increases in vanadium concentrations and V/Ni, Ni/Co, V(V+Ni), V/Cr ratios indicate that claystones are deposited in the marine and anoxic environment that is suitable for protection of organic matter. According to trace elements and TOC values, classification was made in cluster diagram and it was determined that the transition of environment conditions. The classification of trace elements and TOC values in the region and the environment transitions in which organic matter preservation increases were determined.