ORGANIC GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SIRNAK ASPHALTITES IN SOUTHEAST ANATOLIA, TURKEY

Abstract

In this study, the organic geochemical properties of asphaltites in,Sirnak region in Southeast Anatolia are given in detail. Total organic carbon, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, gas chromatography of saturated fractions, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and stable carbon isotope (delta(13)C in parts per thousand/PDB) analysis were conducted on the,5irnak region asphaltite seams. Some of these analyses were performed for the host rocks as well. It is suggested that a live oil seep occurs within asphaltites, which themselves may be formed in a multiple phase system.