An evaluation of organic matter dispersed in the Menilite Formation in Silesian Nappe (Polish Outer Carpathians): an optical microscopic approach

In this study, optical microscopic analyses were applied to evaluate the thermal maturity, characteristics of solid bitumen, and other organic matter finely dispersed in Oligocene shales Menilite Formation Iwonicz-Zdrój–Rudawka Rymanowska Fold (IRF) Bóbrka–Rogi (BRF) Central Carpathian Synclinorium Silesian Nappe, Outer Carpathians, Poland. The investigation was carried out at two-unit depths shallow deeper D-1 sections (430 m – IRF 4,300 BRF) outcrop samples (BRF). mean random huminite reflectance values indicate immature conditions with respect hydrocarbon generation from section (VRo≈0.40%) (VRo=0.36%). degree maturity a depth about BRF based on vitrinite (VRo≈0.80%) bitumen (BRo≈0.65%) measurements is associated “oil window” for petroleum generation. components examined are typical hydrocarbon-prone matter, suggesting dominant kerogen type II. potential precursor maceral occurring largely alginite maceral.