Re-Zipping the South Atlantic Margin: Observations on Generative Systems

Summary Generative systems understanding is crucial in exploration for evaluating prospectivity and predicting fluid properties. In the absence of source rock samples, fluids can offer valuable insights into generative systems due to their complex geochemical composition and the presence of biomarkers - hydrocarbon molecules with chemical structures derived from living organisms. These biomarkers link fluids to known natural products in the biosphere, contributing to the organic matter in source rocks. Biomarkers in fluids and source rocks can reveal key elements of source rocks, such as the depositional environment (lacustrine or marine), lithology (carbonate or clastic), and the maturity level of the fluids. They can also provide important information on migration and charge history. Over recent years, we have conducted several fluid and source rock synthesis studies across the South Atlantic margin, developing a comprehensive understanding of generative systems on both sides of the Ocean. This paper presents the results of the South Atlantic margin restoration and observations on generative systems over time and space.