Molecular and isotopic perspectives on Australian petroleum systems: Hydrocarbon fluid correlations and source rock depositional environments in the Canning and Browse basins

Abstract

This PhD study provides further insights into the petroleum systems of the Canning and Browse basins, Western Australia. Oil-oil correlations, oil-source correlations and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of Paleozoic source rock intervals are performed. Non-conventional correlation tools such as quantitative diamondoid analysis and δ13C of individual aromatics were successfully applied for hydrocarbon correlation purposes. This work has implications for the petroleum industry but also provides a further understanding of the evolution of life during the Paleozoic.