Source rocks and petroleum systems of the Hungarian Pannonian Basin

Abstract

In this study our primary objectives were to describe and assess the potential source rocks in Hungary, focusing on parameters such as lateral extent, thickness, and organic richness. We investigated the burial and thermal evolution and timing of petroleum generation. Utilizing a substantial database of 1400 vitrinite reflectance and 6500 TOC/Rock-Eval data, we performed quantitative assessment of source rock potential per basin. A 93,000 km 2 3D basin model covering entire Hungary was created. In the Zala North Basin, the Upper Triassic Kössen Marl is the main source rock, charging the Nagylengyel oil fields. Lower-Middle Jurassic sediments in the Mecsek Unit were identified as fair quality gas-prone source rocks, potentially charging the nitrogen-rich gas fields in the Szolnok Flysch Zone. In the Paleogene Basin, the Lower Oligocene Tard Clay is the best source rock, with additional potential in the Upper Eocene Kosd Fm. and Buda Marl. The Badenian marine shales are the likely source rocks in the Zala South and the Dráva Basin and in the Somogy Trough. In the Kiskunság area, Karpatian lacustrine, Badenian marine and lower Pannonian Endrőd Marl source rocks charged the known fields, similarly to the Pusztaföldvár High, Békés Basin and in the Derecske Trough.