Estimating Shale Gas Resources in the Lower Carboniferous Mudstones of Northern England

Summary The Carboniferous mudstones of northern England have been considered as a potential source rock for development of shale gas resources. The viability of the source rock is in part dependent on its potential to generate hydrocarbons. New geochemical data from boreholes across northern England is presented, and the original organic parameters are predicted for mudstones of different ages. The findings concur with other assessments of the mudstones, that they contain a considerable detrital and inert component which could be detrimental to the development of the resources. New original organic content parameters for the source rock are recommended for future petroleum systems modelling and resource interpretation.