Estimation of Total Organic Carbon and Depositional Model of Paleocene Patala Formation Western Salt Range, Pakistan

Abstract

In this research, we estimated the total organic carbon and presented a paleo depositional model of the Paleocene Patala Formation from the western Salt Range of Pakistan. Results shows, during the Paleocene period, the Patala Formation was settled in barrier-island or in back-barrier depositional environments. This evidence is on the basis of lithofacies analysis and TOC determination data from measured stratigraphic sections. According to lithofacies analysis and the TOC estimation of the Patala Formation, the carbonaceous shale deposits of Western Salt Range at Khairabad, Chitta Wahan, and the Kalri area were deposited in back-barrier marshes. In the study area, the Patala Formation 16 meter thick. Based on detailed outcrop investigation, we have divided the Patala Formation into five different lithofacies, i.e., grey shale, carbonaceous shale, sandstone, limestone, and a mixture of sandstone and shale facies. The TOC was measured with the help of a wet combustion titration method. Carbonaceous shale and grey shale lithofacies contain an average of 3.64 % and 1.39 % of TOC value, respectively. Results show moderate to very good TOC values in the shales of Patala formation, which indicates that Patala Formation in the Western Salt Range has a good source rock potential to generate hydrocarbon.