Holywell Shale: a potential source of hydrocarbons in the East Irish Sea

Abstract

been sampled and geochemically analysed to determine source potential, maturity and ability to generate hydrocarbons. The extensive out-crops at Pen-y-Maes, Holywell, have been sampled on a 1-2m interval basis, where exposure allows, and these samples have been utilized in this study. Initial results show that the Holywell Shale is quite heterogeneous in terms of source potential, varying from poor (<2.0mg/g $2 pyrolysate yield) to very good/rich (>10.0mg/g $2 pyroly-sate yield). By contrast, maturity and, more importantly, organic matter type appear to be consistent over the sampled intervals. There is an apparent link between source richness and