Source rock evaluation and nature of hydrocarbons in the Khalda Concession, Shushan Basin, Egypt's Western Desert

Geochemical results indicate that the oil samples were derived from a source rock deposited mainly under oxic conditions and containing terrigenous organic matter. Biomarker data indicate that paraffinic oils and condensates from the Shushan Basin were derived from mature source rocks within the oil window. The light hydrocarbon data suggests that the analyzed oils can be classified into two groups as a result of evaporative fractionation and maturation. This signal of a secondary reservoir transformation, which is not revealed by biomarker analysis, emphasizes the importance of integrating biomarker and light hydrocarbon data to understand variations in the chemical composition and origin of oils.