Insights into the Influence of Geochemistry on Kerogen and Organic-rich Mudrocks

The investigation of geochemical factors and their influence on kerogen and organic-rich mudrocks has profound implications for reservoir characterization, hydrocarbon exploration, and production strategies. Understanding the geochemical environment allows reservoir engineers and geoscientists to gain insights into the distribution, quality, and producibility of trapped hydrocarbons within these formations. This knowledge is particularly critical for effectively developing unconventional resources, such as shale gas and tight oil, as their exploitation relies heavily on the behavior and properties of kerogen and organic-rich mudrocks. Hence, geochemistry plays a pivotal role in comprehending the properties and behavior of kerogen and organic-rich mudrocks, which are essential in petroleum geology and hydrocarbon exploration. This comprehensive review paper delves into the extensive impact of geochemistry on various aspects of kerogen and organic-rich mudrocks. Specifically, it examines how geochemical factors influence the physical properties of kerogen, the characteristics of wettability, the adsorption properties, the wettability of organic-rich mudrocks, and the dynamic properties within kerogen pores. By analyzing the intricate interplay between geochemical processes and these organic-rich materials, this review sheds light on their behavior and potential applications in the energy industry.