Assessment of maturity and hydrocarbon generation from msufi # 1 well sediments, southern Tanzania

This study examines Cretaceous to recent sediments from Msufi # 1 well located in Mafia Island, southern Tanzania. A maturity assessment was made using the vitrinite reflectance (% Rv), fluorescence colours, total organic content (TOC) and palynofacies approach. Data results were used to evaluate maturation levels, construct burial modelling and determine the peak and post-oil generation windows. Total organic content TOC in (wt %) contains values ranges from 0.1 - 0.8% implying matured enough for hydrocarbon generation. Palynofacies particles were characterized by high percentages of phytoclasts, mainly brown and black wood materials. Marine and non-marine palynomorphs were also present in lower abundances with some biodegraded materials (AOM) that confirm continental shelf, shallow marine environmental conditions with a high terrigenous input. Vitrinite reflectance ranges from 0.3 - 3.4% Rv indicating a thermal maturity level for oil and gas windows. Samples displayed yellow to brown fluorescing colours signifying maturity level throughout the oil and gas window.