Facies evolution and stratigraphic correlation in the early Oligocene Tard Clay of Hungary as revealed by maceral,biomarker and stable isotope composition

Hydrocarbon source rocks (i.e. Tard Clay Formation), containing type-II organic matter, were deposited in the Hungarian Paleogene Basin during Lower Oligocene. A major contribution of aquatic organisms (green algae, dinoflagellates, Chrysophyte algae) and minor inputs from macrophytes and land plants to organic matter accumulation is indicated by n-alkane distribution patterns, composition of steroids, and δ¹³C of hydrocarbon biomarkers. Microbial communities included heterotrophic bacteria, cyanobacteria, chemoautotrophic bacteria, as well as green sulphur bacteria. The presence of methanotrophic bacteria is indicated by ¹³C-depleted hop-17(21)-ene. Higher inputs of terrestrial organic matter occurred during deposition of the lower and uppermost units of the Tard Clay Formation. The terpenoid hydrocarbon composition argues for angiosperm-dominated vegetation in the area of the Hungarian Paleogene Basin. Diterpenoid hydrocarbons, derived from the resins of conifers, are about 2–3‰ enriched in ¹³C compared to the angiosperm biomarkers.Environmental conditions changed from marine to brackish, accompanied by oxygen-depletion in the lower parts of the water column. Organic carbon accumulation during this period was a consequence of stagnant bottom water conditions in the Hungarian Paleogene Basin due to salinity stratification. This is indicated by low pristane/phytane ratios (varying from 0.27 to 1.44), enhanced ratios of dimethylated versus trimethylated MTTCs (0.14–0.59), and the presence of aryl isoprenoids (from 0.4 to 14.1 μg/g TOC). A major marine incursion is evidenced by stable isotope ratios of organic matter and carbonates. In the uppermost member of the Tard Clay, a transition from brackish towards normal marine conditions is proposed.Up to 3 anoxic cycles are recognized in the drill core sections, separated by minima in pristane/phytane ratios and maxima in the depth trends of di-/tri-methylated MTTCs and aryl isoprenoid concentrations. In combination with the position of maxima of δ¹³C of carbonate and organic matter and an abrupt decrease in perylene concentrations, the cycles can be used for intra-formational correlation of the Tard Clay.