Determining geochemical characteristics and hydrocarbon generation potential of the Kazhdumi Formation: A case study from the Pazanan field, Dezful Embayment

HajiVahabi, Mohadeseh; Asemani, Morteza; Daneshian, Jahanbakhsh; Opera, Ali

doi:10.22084/psj.2026.31759.1483

Determining geochemical characteristics and hydrocarbon generation potential of the Kazhdumi Formation: A case study from the Pazanan field, Dezful Embayment

Authors

Mohadeseh HajiVahabi ¹

Morteza Asemani ²

Jahanbakhsh Daneshian ³

Ali Opera ⁴

¹ M.Sc. (graduated), Dept. of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

² Assist. Prof., Dept. of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

³ Prof., Dept. of Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

⁴ National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC), Ahvaz, Iran

10.22084/psj.2026.31759.1483

Abstract

The Dezful Embayment in the folded-thrust belt of the Zagros is considered one of the most critical oil-rich regions in Iran. The Kazhdumi Formation, With Late Aptian to Midle Albian age, is a recognized as one of the primary source rocks for crude oils in this area and holds significant geochemical importance. Despite this formation's key role in supplying oil to many fields, comprehensive geochemical information on the source rock quality, organic matter type, and thermal maturity is very limited due to the formation's deep depth and the lack of access to source rock samples. In this study, 30 cutting samples from Kazhdumi Formation in the Pazanan Field, were subjected to Rock-Eval pyrolysis geochemical analysis, in order to evaluate the hydrocarbon generation potential of this Formation in Central part of Dezful Embayment. Results showed that the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the samples ranges from 1.74% to 4.11%, with an average of 2.86%. Geochemical indices indicate the Type II kerogen is the predominant kerogen type in this formation. Additionally, the formation exhibits high hydrocarbon generation potential and good quality for oil production, and it is in the moderate maturity stage (mid-oil window). Overall, the findings demonstrate that the Kazhdumi Formation in the Pazanan field has significant potential for oil generation and, given its appropriate maturity, can serve as a primary source rock for this field.

Keywords

kerogen type

source rock potential

Rock-Eval pyrolysis

thermal maturity

neutral organic carbon