A new method based on vitrinite reflectance gradient to determine paleotemperature gradient of a petroleum-bearing basin

Based on the Arrhenius equation and Karweil method, a simulation calculation has been made on the thermal maturation of organic matter under a series of assuming paleotemperature gradients. Results show that there was a positive correlation of vitrinite reflectance gradient with paleotemperature gradient and vitrinite reflectance. According to this, a model has been established which presents the quantitative relationship between three parameters. This model can be directly applied to determining the paleotemperature gradient of a petroleum-bearing basin with the measured vitrinite reflectance.