The evaluation of the hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks in Muli depression of southern Qilian basin

Multilayer dark mudstone is developed in Jurassic strata of the Muli depression within southern Qilian basin. The evaluation of the source rock of Well DK-3 in the aspects of organic matter abundance,organic matter type, and organic matter maturity indicates that organic matter is abundant, organic matter type is Ⅱ1-Ⅱ2, and organic matter maturity is high. The highest hydrocarbon generation potential layer of the source rock is developed in the depth of 140-350 m, which is black deep lacustrine facies mudstone. The relatively high hydrocarbon generation potential layer is developed in the depth of 630-720 m, which is gray mudstone interlayer from the meandering river. Other layers are low in organic matter abundance and have low hydrocarbon generation potential.