Question:

Kerogen is an intermediate compound in the process of petroleum formation in a sedimentary basin. This is typically classified into four categories (Type-I, Type-II, Type-III and Type-IV) based on the relative amount of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O) present in it (shown in the figure below). Which of the following is the X-axis and Y-axis, respectively?

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Always remember: In a Van Krevelen diagram, X-axis = O:C ratio and Y-axis = H:C ratio. This is the standard classification chart for kerogen typing.
Updated On: Aug 30, 2025
  • H:C ratio and O:C ratio
  • O:C ratio and H:C ratio
  • C:H ratio and C:O ratio
  • C:O ratio and C:H ratio
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

- The diagram shown is a Van Krevelen diagram, which is commonly used to classify kerogen types during petroleum generation.
- On the X-axis, the oxygen-to-carbon (O:C) atomic ratio is plotted. This ratio reflects the oxygen content in the organic matter. As kerogen matures, the O:C ratio decreases due to loss of oxygen-containing compounds (e.g., CO$_2$, H$_2$O).
- On the Y-axis, the hydrogen-to-carbon (H:C) atomic ratio is plotted. This ratio reflects the hydrogen content in the organic matter. A higher H:C ratio is associated with oil-prone kerogen (Type I), while lower H:C ratios are linked to gas-prone kerogen (Type III/IV).
- From the figure, we can clearly see Type-I kerogen has high H:C and low O:C values, making it oil-prone. Type-III and Type-IV kerogens have lower H:C ratios and relatively higher O:C values, indicating gas-prone or inert material.
- Therefore, the correct labeling is: \[ \text{X-axis = O:C ratio, \quad Y-axis = H:C ratio} \]
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