Given a typical geothermal gradient of 25°C/km,oil is generated from kerogen at ______,corresponding to temperatures of _____.
A) 100-400 m; 25-45°C
B) 3.5-6.5 km; 90-150°C
C) 1.0-2.5 km; 50-80°C
D) 7.0-10.0 km; 180-360°C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The typical geothermal gradient of 25°C/km suggests that oil is generated at depths of 3.5-6.5 km, corresponding to temperatures of 90-150°C. Option A (100-400 m; 25-45°C) is too shallow and cool for oil generation, option C (1.0-2.5 km; 50-80°C) is also too shallow for oil generation but too warm for kerogen to be preserved, and option D (7.0-10.0 km; 180-360°C) is too deep and hot for oil generation.

Given a Typical Geothermal Gradient of 25°C/km,oil Is Generated from Kerogen