Research paperSequence stratigraphic context and organic geochemistry of Palaeogene oil shales, Jordan

- Oil shale potential exists in the Selandian upper Muwaqqar Formation.
- A Transgressive Systems Tract associated with Biozone P4a has the best potential.
- Results compare well with data from the Upper Dakhla Formation of Egypt.
- Deposition took place on a deep pelagic ramp affected by upwelling.
- A major hiatus occurs between the Muwaqqar and the Umm Rijam Formations.

The potential oil shales of the Palaeogene Muwaqqar Chalk Marl and Umm Rijam Chert Limestone formations are investigated from a subsurface location in the west of Jordan. Detailed organic geochemistry data is placed in the context of a sequence stratigraphic framework derived from vertical foraminiferal biofacies and lithological changes and biostratigraphically calibrated using planktonic foraminiferal biozonation. This shows that the transgressive systems tract of a Selandian (P4, probably P4a) sequence has the best potential in the studied section to generate oil if subjected to induced pyrolysis. A Ypresian (no older than E2) transgressive sequence has some potential, whilst highstand systems tracts offer the least potential. Both the sequence model and oil shale potential compares well with equivalent age sediments in Egypt and highlights that whilst the Maastrichtian portion of the Muwaqqar Chalk Marl Formation is often regarded as the key interval for oil shale prospectivity, parts of the Paleocene succession also have some potential.