Petroleum system analysis of the Paleozoic series in the Fars Platform of Iran

• Published in: Journal of petroleum science & engineering 2022-01, Vol.208, p.109557, Article 109557
• Main Authors: Alipour, Majid, Alizadeh, Bahram, Mirzaie, Shohreh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fars Platform; Paleozoic petroleum system; Petroleum system analysis; Salt tectonics
• ISSN: 0920-4105; 1873-4715
• DOI: 10.1016/j.petrol.2021.109557

The Paleozoic petroleum system of the Fars Platform of Iran is analyzed using 1D petroleum system models of 17 deep wells drilled in the study area. The main aim was to investigate the hitherto undocumented influence of salt tectonics on the essential elements and processes of this petroleum system. For the first time, a better understanding about the geohistory evolution of this prolific petroleum system is provided over the Fars Platform. Modeling results indicate that hydrocarbon generation from the Silurian source rock was associated with salt withdrawal synclines. Salt tectonics further controlled the entrapment styles and the geometric distribution of carrier/reservoir rocks and their overlying evaporitic seals. Our findings provide new insights for identifying the remaining exploration potential in the Paleozoic petroleum system of the Fars Platform and suggest that the role of salt tectonics should be considered in the future basin and petroleum system modeling studies in this area. •The essential elements and processes of the Paleozoic petroleum system are analyzed.•Syn-sedimentary salt tectonics plays a critical role in this petroleum system.•Withdrawal synclines defines the approximate location of hydrocarbon kitchens.•Great potential for stratigraphic traps exist in this system.