-

Abstract

Crude oils from the NW Iranian sector of Persian Gulf and Mesozoic and Tertiary source rocks have been characterized by means of a variety of organic geochemical techniques. The Biomarker characteristics (molecular fossils) were combined with other geochemical data to interpret the sources, depositional environments, diagenesis and catagenesis processes, migration and alteration. Oil fields investigated include Hendijan, Bahrgansar, Abouzar, Norowz, Dorood and Foroozan Fields in the NW part of Persian Gulf. Two groups of petroleum can be recognized in the Northwest of Persian Gulf on the basis of carbon isotope, biomarker investigation and statistical cluster analysis. Group 1, includes the Hendijan, Bahrgansar and Abouzar oil
fields and based on the biomarker and other parameters, these oils sourced from the Upper Jurassic to lower part of the Cretaceous shaley rocks. Group 2, includes the Norowz, Dorood and Foroozan oilfields and was sourced from the Upper Permian to Middle Jurassic carbonate rock.