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Hydrocarbon potential of Paleocene-Eocene source rocks in the Kirthar fold belt, Lower Indus Basin
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DOI：10.1016/j.pce.2026.104488.png)
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Abstract
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This study evaluates the quality, hydrocarbon generation potential, thermal maturity and organic carbon content of Paleocene to Eocene source rocks from the Kirthar Fold Belt, Lower Indus Basin. A total of 26 sediments samples from 10 wells (100-2170 m depth) covering Ranikot, Laki, Pirkoh, and Kirthar formations were analyzed. Total organic carbon (TOC) ranges from 0.86 to 29.24 wt%. Notably, Ranikot Formation exhibits excellent organic richness (TOC >5 wt%) and high hydrocarbon generation potential (S2 up to 73.12 mg HC/g), while the remaining formations show fair to good (<5 wt% and <10 mg HC/g) hydrocarbon generation potential. The results indicate that the Ranikot and Kirthar formations are dominated by type III kerogen of terrestrial origin, while Laki Formation contain mixed type II/III kerogen and Pirkoh with kerogen type II, suggesting marginal marine to mixed depositional environments. Thermal maturity parameters like Tmax 417-433 degrees C and PI < 0.1, suggest early mature to immature organic matter. These findings highlight that the formations hold the greatest hydrocarbon generation potential, but natural generation is limited due to low maturity levels. Artificial maturation techniques could also enhance hydrocarbon yield, underscoring the basin prospective role in sustainable energy development. This study integrates formation wise comparison across the Paleocene-Eocene interval of the Lower Indus Basin; an area that remains underexplored despite its proven petroleum potential. This study fills the critical research gap and provides robust geochemical framework and sustainable hydrocarbon resource evaluation for future exploration in Lower Indus Basin.
Keywords:
Hydrocarbon generation potential
Kirthar belt fold
Lower indus basin
Rock eval pyrolysis
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