Application of Rare-Earth Elements and Comparison to Molecular Markers in Oil-Source Correlation of Tight Oil: A Case Study of Chang 7 of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in Longdong Area, Ordos Basin, China.

The biomarker features of 10 Chang 7 crude oil samples were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the rare-earth element (REE) compositions of 16 Chang 7 and Chang 8 crude oil samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the first time in Longdong area. Oil-source correlation analysis was improved by biomarkers and REEs. The distribution and relative ratios of a series of biomarker parameters in saturated hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons of crude oil samples indicate that Chang 7 tight oil has already reached the mature stage.