The oil window (temperature range wherein organic matter is converted to petroleum without destroying it)lies between ____________.
A) 30 to 60 °C
B) 100 to 250 °C
C) 90 to 160 °C
D) 200 to 350 °C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oil window is the temperature range of approximately 90 to 160°C (194 to 320°F) where organic matter in source rocks reaches thermal maturity, and converts to petroleum without destroying it. Outside this temperature range, if the temperature is too low, then the organic matter remains unaltered, and if the temperature is too high, then the organic matter is destroyed, leading to the formation of natural gas or other non-petroleum products. Option A is too low and options B and D are too high for the oil window.

The Oil Window (Temperature Range Wherein Organic Matter Is Converted