Detailed studies of geological structure and new data analysis: Domanik-type series within southern shoulder of Mukhanovo-Erokhovsky trough

The Domanic-type deposits are widespread in the European part of Russia. Studies of their source rock properties dates back many decades, but only in recent years these deposits started to be considered as an important additional source of hydrocarbon resources in “brown” regions. Carbonate, carbonate-siliceous, and argillaceous-carbonate composition of the deposits with high content of Organic Matter is caused by their accumulation in depression zones of carbonate sedimentary basins. Oil saturation of these rocks is not associated with structural or lithologically screened traps; these reservoirs have a wide areal extension. The Domanik-type deposits in the Orenburg Oblast’ have not been studied much, so it is necessary to increase the scope of research and apply state-of-the-art technologies with the purpose to obtain commercial inflows of hydrocarbons and systematically involve the deposits into development. Based on lithological and mineralogical, and geochemical studies, the authors carried out the following: analysis of structure and composition of oil and gas source rocks within the Mukhanovo-Erokhovsky Trough in the Orenburg Oblast’; lithological typification on the basis of core studies and geological information system data; assessment of generation potential of each lithotype; recommendations fro geoinformation system complex and identification of the most promising zones for further exploration activities