Organic Geochemical Characterization and Hydrocarbon Potential of Tertiary Coals of the Tokat Province (Central Anatolia, Turkey)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide geochemical and petrological data to characterize coals and carbonaceous shales of the Tokat Province in terms of both compositional and thermal-maturity parameters. The samples, collected from outcrops, belong to the Pliocene Kemerka Formation. Geochemical results are based on total organic carbon content, Rock-Eval pyrolysis and GC, and GC-MS analyses. Generally, there is good agreement between the acquired optical and geochemical data, and between organic and inorganic changes. All parameters indicate low-grade transformation, a consequence of low lithostatic pressure. The coals of the Tokat Province are considered to have economic potential as gas (hydrocarbon) source rocks.