Stratigraphic distribution of the palynomorphs and the particulate organic matter in subsurface Lower/Middle Cretaceous deposits, Western Desert of Egypt: Palynological and geochemical approach

TOC and Rock-Eval Pyrolysis analyses illustrate extremely low TOC and HI values, demonstrating that the Alam El Bueib, Alamein, Dahab, Kharita and Bahariya formations are comprised principally of type IV kerogen and a few type III kerogen components. Therefore, they are inert to slightly gas prone, signifying a strong deficiency of hydrogen-enriched organic matter. Palynofacies analysis implies that all the studied formations have highly oxidized terrestrial organic matter (brown phytoclasts and black woods).