Graptolites – stratigraphic tool in the exploration of zones prospective for the occurrence of unconventional hydrocarbon deposits

Abstract

A b s t r a c t. In connection with the exploration of zones prospective for the occurrence of unconventional hydrocarbon deposits, numerous studies of source rocks have been conducted in Poland. Stratigraphic examinations are among the basic elements. The main group of fossils occurring in shale successions, being a potential source of hydrocarbons, is graptolites. This paper describes the assemblages of graptolites from Ordovician and Silurian deposits and shows their importance for the stratigraphy of shale complexes. Due to their abundance and rapid evolution, graptolites are an excellent tool for biostratigraphic dating, regional correlations and biozonation of rock successions in terms of the high-resolution sequence stratigraphy. The paper presents the significance of taphonomic research of graptolites to identify zones of increased accumulation of hydrocarbons in rocks. It has been found that graptolites are an equally important instrument, in addition to elevated TOC values or increased gamma ray radiation on well logs, that allows identification of potential source rocks for hydrocarbons, including shale gas.