Modeling the combined influence of maturation and organic matter content on terahertz dielectric properties of oil shales

Maturation and organic matter content are critical factors influencing the hydrocarbon generation potential and economic viability of oil shales. Accurate assessment of these parameters is essential for optimizing extraction techniques and evaluating resource quality. While previous studies have individually linked maturation and organic content to dielectric permittivity in the terahertz (THz) range, their combined influence has not yet been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we explore the interdependence between maturation, organic matter content, and THz dielectric properties. Fifteen oil shale samples from two distinct basins were analyzed using Rock-Eval thermal analysis to quantify organic content, vitrinite reflectance to determine thermal maturity, and THz time-domain spectroscopy to estimate dielectric permittivity. Based on these analyses, we propose an empirical model that links these three parameters through a fitted surface, achieving a 75% accuracy in data representation. These findings provide a more robust framework than previous approaches for characterizing oil shales and enhancing resource evaluation.