Petrographic Thermal Indices Research
Standardization of Petrographic Thermal Indices
Hydrous Pyrolysis and Kerogen Conversion
Thermal Indices Innovation
Vitrinite Reflectance Service
A petrographic thermal index is typically an organic matter indicator in sedimentary rocks that allows for estimations of burial temperature. Petrographic thermal indices include the commonly used proxy vitrinite reflectance as well as other approaches such as solid bitumen reflectance, fluorescence, micro-Raman, and micro-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. Measurements from these approaches can be used to estimate the thermal maturity of organic matter, which in turn can lead to improved predictions of undiscovered hydrocarbon resource volumes, petroleum system properties, and calibration of burial history models.
These various petrographic thermal indices differ in their responses to temperature stress and are sometimes limited in their application to certain rock types. Correlations among thermal indices have also historically been poorly documented or misapplied. Thus, additional investigations of the physical and chemical evolution of sedimentary and organic matter during burial and heating are required to better develop and refine petrographic thermal indices. This work improves the assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources in the United States, which is a central mission of the Energy Resources Program. Improved understanding of petrographic thermal indices can also be used in organic petrology investigations, which include environmental studies that investigate paleoclimate conditions and anthropogenic contaminant research.
| Research Geologist | Paul C. Hackley | phackley@usgs.gov | 703-648-6458 |
| Physical Science Technician | Javin J. Hatcherian | jhatcherian@usgs.gov | 703-648-6455 |
| Research Geologist | Celeste D. Lohr | clohr@usgs.gov | 703-648-6438 |
| Research Geologist | Ryan J. McAleer | rmcaleer@usgs.gov | 703-648-6052 |
| Physical Scientist | Jennifer L. Nedzweckas | jlrivera@usgs.gov | 703-648-6449 |
| Research Geologist | Margaret M. Sanders | msanders@usgs.gov | 703-648-6427 |
| Research Geologist | Clinton Scott | clintonscott@usgs.gov | 703-648-6329 |
| Physical Scientist | Rebecca A. Smith | rsmith@usgs.gov | 703-648-6433 |
| Physical Scientist | Brett J. Valentine | bvalentine@usgs.gov | 703-648-6480 |
A petrographic thermal index is typically an organic matter indicator in sedimentary rocks that allows for estimations of burial temperature. Petrographic thermal indices include the commonly used proxy vitrinite reflectance as well as other approaches such as solid bitumen reflectance, fluorescence, micro-Raman, and micro-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. Measurements from these approaches can be used to estimate the thermal maturity of organic matter, which in turn can lead to improved predictions of undiscovered hydrocarbon resource volumes, petroleum system properties, and calibration of burial history models.
These various petrographic thermal indices differ in their responses to temperature stress and are sometimes limited in their application to certain rock types. Correlations among thermal indices have also historically been poorly documented or misapplied. Thus, additional investigations of the physical and chemical evolution of sedimentary and organic matter during burial and heating are required to better develop and refine petrographic thermal indices. This work improves the assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources in the United States, which is a central mission of the Energy Resources Program. Improved understanding of petrographic thermal indices can also be used in organic petrology investigations, which include environmental studies that investigate paleoclimate conditions and anthropogenic contaminant research.
| Research Geologist | Paul C. Hackley | phackley@usgs.gov | 703-648-6458 |
| Physical Science Technician | Javin J. Hatcherian | jhatcherian@usgs.gov | 703-648-6455 |
| Research Geologist | Celeste D. Lohr | clohr@usgs.gov | 703-648-6438 |
| Research Geologist | Ryan J. McAleer | rmcaleer@usgs.gov | 703-648-6052 |
| Physical Scientist | Jennifer L. Nedzweckas | jlrivera@usgs.gov | 703-648-6449 |
| Research Geologist | Margaret M. Sanders | msanders@usgs.gov | 703-648-6427 |
| Research Geologist | Clinton Scott | clintonscott@usgs.gov | 703-648-6329 |
| Physical Scientist | Rebecca A. Smith | rsmith@usgs.gov | 703-648-6433 |
| Physical Scientist | Brett J. Valentine | bvalentine@usgs.gov | 703-648-6480 |