Investigation of the possibility of hydrocarbon resources in Khouriyan region of southern Semnan by using geochemical methods

In the first stages of study exploration of hydrocarbon resources, geophysical methods and exploration well drilling are considered costly. Therefore, using of organic geochemical methods, it is possible to analyze the hydrocarbon resources in the region as well as Khouriyan Desert located in southern Semnan. The exploratory activities in this region have begun in 1927 by Russians to search for hydrocarbon resources. In this study, 15 samples of surface soils have been taken to a depth of 1-2 meters from this area. Surface samples taken are analyzed under the Rock-Eval pyrolysis analysis. In this analysis, the results obtained from peak S1 express the presence of free hydrocarbons in soil samples. Also, XRD analyzes and determination of soil pH in the region have been performed as surface geochemical methods. The existence of environmental alterations in the studied area has necessitated an examination of the sulfur isotope and the presence of iron ion in this region. The results of this study indicate the presence of migrated hydrocarbons on the ground, which has led to the development of hydrocarbon contaminants in this area. This issue, coupled with the existence of a hydrocarbon system of lower red, Qom and upper red, can indicate the presence of hydrocarbon reserves in this area.