The Effect of Salt, Variable Heat Flow, and Increased Carbonate Reef Overburden on Hydrocarbon Generation and Geothermal Potential of Rift Basins

Rift basins worldwide are highly prospective and contain significant yet-to-find hydrocarbon resources, as well as substantial geothermal potential. The presence and effectiveness of a source rock are crucial for hydrocarbon occurrences in any basin, as it provides the organic matter that can be converted into oil and gas. Similarly, the thermal history and heat flow of a rift basin play a critical role in shaping its geothermal resources, as they influence the temperature and permeability of the rocks, which are essential for the circulation of hot fluids. Organic-rich layers are deposited at different stages of the rift development and are commonly vertically isolated from one prospective area to another by impermeable layers. The quality of source rocks is usually variable within the same stratigraphy; therefore, it is essential to understand the variation in richness throughout the basin. In order for a source rock to be effective, it must be buried to the right temperature within the hydrocarbon generation window, which is ultimately influenced by the source properties, the burial history, and thermal history of the basin. The thermal history of a basin also has a significant impact on the geothermal potential, as it controls the temperature and heat flow that can be harnessed for power generation. Understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial for the exploration and development of both hydrocarbon and geothermal resources in rift basins. This study aims to investigate the effects of salt and the variation in heat flow on the hydrocarbon generation potential and geothermal resources in a rift basin. By modeling the response of a rift basin to changing basal heat flow, present-day salt geometries, and initial salt deposition thickness, we can gain insights into the complex interactions between these factors and their impact on the hydrocarbon and geothermal potential of the basin. The results of this study will have implications for the exploration and development of hydrocarbon and geothermal resources in rift basins, and will provide a better understanding of the factors that control the thermal history and heat flow of these systems.