Organic Matter of the Salt Sequence in the Southern Part of the Yakshinskoe Potassium–Magnesium Salt Deposit

Abstract

Organic component in the Lower Permian salt sequence in the southern part of the Yakshinskoe deposit of the Upper Pechora potassium basin is represented by dispersed organic matter, liquid hydrocarbons in fluid inclusions in halite, as well as inclusions of bacterium, algae, spore and pollen of plants. Analysis of saturated and aromatic bitumen fractions from salts, halopelites, and clayey–silty interbeds revealed the presence of organic matter of type II and mixed type II–III. It is shown that the cover sequence and potassium bed from the southern part of the Yakshinskoe potassium–magnesium salt deposit contain autochthonous immature organic matter, whereas underlying rock salt and host rocks contain significant amount of immature allochthonous components. These migration hydrocarbons are likely immature condensates.