Hydrocarbon potential of source rocks in the Middle Triassic Leikoupo Formation in the Western Sichuan Depression

The Middle Triassic Leikoupo Formation in the Western Sichuan Depression is an important marine target for natural gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin in recent years. Geochemical analyses were made with rock samples from the Leikoupo Formation. Seismic interpretation and sedimentary data were studied. Source rocks in the Leikoupo Formation mainly distribute in Dayi, Wenjiang, Pengzhou, Guanghan and Xiaoquan. They are about 250-350 m thick, and have a TOC content of 0.4%-0.6%. The source rocks were deposited in a sedimentary environment with high biological productivity, quiescent depositional setting, restricted seawater circulation, high salinity, anoxic bottom water and low deposition rate, all favorable for the preservation of organic matter. The comprehensive analyses of organic geochemistry, inorganic geochemistry and organic petrology indicated that, the source rocks in the Leikoupo Formation displayed a low abundance of organic matter with good organic type. Solid bitumen and ultramicro macerals were observed on photomicrographs. Organic type index (TI) ranges from 12.5%-98.03%, indicating Type Ⅱ₁-Ⅱ₂ source rocks. Organic matter was mainly derived from hydroplankton, showing a good hydrocarbon potential.