Source rock characterization and oil generating potential of the Jurassic Madbi Formation, onshore East Shabowah oilfields, Republic of Yemen

Vitrinite reflectance (Ro) values for the Madbi shale samples were measured from 0.74% to 0.89%. Tmax values range from 430 to 438 °C, which are in reasonably good agreement with vitrinite reflectance data, reveal that the Madbi shales are at the early to peak mature stage. On the basis of biomarker maturity parameters, these shales are thermally mature. Shales of the Madbi Formation contain abundant hydrogen rich kerogen (liptinite up to 55%) and therefore good oil generating potential is anticipated. This is supported by high hydrogen indices (HI) of up to 400 mg HC/g TOC and early to peak mature oil window range.