Abstract
The molecular maturity parameter PFI (Pristane formation index) (Goossens et al., Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 52, 1988, pp 1189-1193 is evaluated from analysis of samples from the Paris Basin, and compared with known values of the molecular maturity parameters based on the sterane and hopane isomerization and sterane aromatization reactions. The results are used to assess the extent of uplift in the eastern part of the Basin. The observed values of the PFI are in good agreement with a model of the thermal history of the Basin which indicates two phases, one (lasting < approx 30 m.y.) with high T of approx 80 degrees C, and a second (> 150 m.y.) of relatively constant T. The values of PFI determined can be explained using values of the pseudo-kinetic parameters E and A calculated from data for samples from the Mahakam Delta, Indonesia. The results indicate that the observations on thermal history are unaffected by kerogen type or other differences in sample composition.