Organic geochemical study of Permian series from the Jeffara and Dahar areas (Southern Tunisia): Identification and characterization of a Tunisian Permian source rock

Permian rock samples from four wells drilled in the Jeffara (J1 and J2) and Dahar (D1 and D2) areas of southern Tunisia were evaluated using the Rock-Eval® Shale Play™ method. Quantification of most liquid hydrocarbon compound families released at specific temperature range for the Sh0 and Sh1 as well as Sh2 and S3 parameters was achieved with subsequent calculations of appropriate indices. In addition, stable carbon isotopes evaluation of Permian samples was carried out in order to estimate the origin of their fossilized organic matter. Biomarker analyses were also undertaken on Permian samples and other proven Paleozoic source rocks samples of the study area (Ordovician Azzel and Upper Silurian Fegaguira formations) for comparison purposes.