Characteristics of Cambrian source rocks in well XH1, Shaya Uplift, Tarim Basin

In the northwestern Shaya Uplift of the Tarim Basin, gray and black carbonaceous mudstones were collected from the Cambrian Yuertusi Formation in the well XH1, and were tested for organic geochemistry. The analyses included the determinations of organic carbon (TOC), chloroform bitumen "A", hydrocarbon generation potential, pyrolysis peak temperature, marine vitrinite, soluble extraction of source rock, gas chromatography and so on. The organic matter abundance, maturity and type of source rocks were studied. The Cambrian source rocks in the well XH1 were compared with other Cambrian source rocks in previous reports. Oil-source correlation of the studied source rocks was made compared to those from the Tahe oilfield. The studied source rocks have high organic matter abundance, and have entered the high-mature stage for thermal evolution, which is similar with the source rocks in the Lower Cambrian Yuertusi Formation on the Xiaoerbulak profile in the Keping area. There are some similar geochemical characteristics between the Lower Cambrian black carbonaceous shale and the crude oil from the Tahe oilfield.