Sedimentary Environments and Hydrocarbon Potential of Cretaceous Rocks of Indus Basin, Pakistan

Abstract

Cretaceous rocks of Indus Basin of Pakistan are dominated by clastics with subordinate limestones towards the top. These rocks represent shelf facies and were deposited in deltaic to reducing marine conditions at variable depths. Indications of a silled basin with restricted circulation are also present. Cretaceous fine clastics/carbonates have good source and reservoir qualities. Variable geothermal gradients in different parts of the basin have placed these rocks at different maturity levels; i.e. from oil to condensate and to gas. The potential of these rocks has been proved by several oil and gas discoveries particularly in the Central and Southern provinces of Indus Basin.
Key Words: Cretaceous; Sedimentary Basin; Environments; Petroleum Potential; Indus Basin; Pakistan