The thermal gradient history of the Thrace Basin, NW Turkey: Correlation with basin evolution processes

Huvaz O., Karahanoglu N., Ediger V. S.

JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY, vol.30, no.1, pp.3-23, 2007 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 30 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/j.1747-5457.2007.00003.x
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.3-23
  • Keywords: thermal maturity, thermal gradient, Thrace Basin, basin modelling, NORTH ANATOLIAN FAULT, PALEOHEAT-FLUX, SEDIMENTARY BASINS, MARGIN, MODEL, FLOW
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Thermal maturity modelling is widely used in basin modelling to help assess the exploration risk. Of the calibration algorithms available, the Easy%Ro model has gained wide acceptance. In this study, thermal gradients at 70 wells in the Thrace Basin, NW Turkey, were calibrated against vitrinite reflectance (%Ro) using the Easy%Ro model combined with an inverse scheme. The mean squared residual (MSR) was used as a quantitative measure of mismatch between the modelled and measured %Ro. A 90% confidence interval was constructed on the mean of squared residuals to assess uncertainty. The best thermal gradient (i.e. minimum MSR) was obtained from the MSR curve for each well, and an average palaeo-thermal gradient map of the Thrace Basin was therefore created. Calculated thermal gradients were compared to the results of previous studies. A comparison of modelled palaeo-thermal gradients with those measured at the present day showed that the thermal regime of the Thrace Basin has not changed significantly during the basin's history.