Source rock potential of the phosphorite-bituminous chalk-marl sequence in Jordan

The organic matter is dominantly amorphous and the extractable part is high. Kerogen is Type II-S to Type III. All maturity parameters investigated proved it to be immature (e.g. R0<0.3%). However, the high NSO content of the phosphatic and associated oil shale lithologies may explain the occurrence of in situ sulphur-rich asphalts and heavy oils at shallow depths in the Azraq Basin and the Dead Sea area.