1D basin modeling and hydrocarbon generation potential of the Late Cretaceous organic-rich intervals within the North-Western Taranaki Basin, offshore New Zealand

This study focuses on exploring the hydrocarbon generation potential of Late Cretaceous of the Wainui Member of the North Cape and Rakopi Formation within the North-Western Taranaki Basin, situated offshore New Zealand, utilizing 1D basin modeling techniques. The extent of hydrocarbon generation and migration within Late Cretaceous source rocks in the North-Western Taranaki Basin presents critical uncertainties impacting resource assessments and exploration strategies. While geochemical analyses offer valuable insights into the organic richness and thermal maturity of these rocks, uncertainties persist regarding the timing and magnitude of hydrocarbon generation events. Furthermore, the migration pathways and trapping mechanisms for hydrocarbons originating from Late Cretaceous source rocks remain poorly constrained, hindering accurate resource assessments and exploration targeting efforts. Integrated basin modeling studies incorporating thermal history and fluid flow simulations can facilitate predicting migration pathways and trapping mechanisms accurately. Continued exploration and data acquisition efforts are paramount for validating existing hypotheses and improving predictive capabilities in hydrocarbon exploration within Late Cretaceous source rock systems in the North- Western Taranaki Basin.