Abstract
Cretaceous and Paleogene formations consisting of various kinds of sedimentary rocks are exposed in northern Kyushu, Japan. Their geological examination is doubtlessly necessary for future oil exploration activities in the region.
From viewpoints of total organic carbon contents and types of organic matter in mudstones, the formations cannot be recommended generally as suitable source rocks for oil. Maturation studies of sediments suggest that the Cretaceous rocks are mostly post-matured and mudstone-rich parts of the Paleogene successions in some basins are matured. The present study shows that the more detailed research data should be accumulated not only from the land areas but also from the sea region off Kyushu for future oil generation studies.
