Palynofacies is a powerful analytical tool in the determination of kerogen types and respectively the hydrocarbon potential. This analysis include the identification of the individual components (palynomorphs, phytoclasts and amorphous organic mater), their absolute and relative abundance, the origin of organic matter (marine and or continental) and its preservation.

Palynofacies analyses can performed in transmitted light microscopy (figs.1-3a, 1-3c, 4a-d) or fluorescence mode (figs. 1-3b, 1-3d).  The study of organic matter in transmitted light give information about the type and thermal maturity of organic particles (Combaz, 1964). Fluorescence microscopy evaluate the thermal maturation and hydrocarbon generation potential of dispersed organic matter in sedimentary rocks (Taylor et al., 1998).

Based on microscopy and chemical analyses four type of kerogen may be identified :

KEROGEN TYPE I: This type of kerogen  (figs. 1a-d) is mainly derived from algal lipids (freshwater algae : Pediastrum, Botryococcus, , etc.) or from organic matter enriched in lipids by microbial activity (AOM).  HIGH POTENTIAL TO HYDROCARBON GENERATION

KEROGEN TYPE II : This type of Kerogen (figs.  2a-d) is frequent in many petroleum source rocks and  is derived from continental or marine palynomorphs deposited in a reducing environment.  HIGH POTENTIAL TO HYDROCARBON GENERATION

KEROGEN TYPE III : This type of Kerogen (figs.  3a-d) the organic matter is provided generally by terrestrial higher plants (non opaque phytoclasts, mainly wood tissues).  MODERATE POTENTIAL TO HYDROCHARBON GENERATION, MAY GENERATE GAS AT GREATHER DEPTHS.

KEROGEN TYPE IV: This type of Kerogen (figs.  4a-d) is composed generally by carbonized wood. NO POTENTIAL TO HYDROCHARBON GENERATION