Thermal history of selected Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary basins in Kyushu, Japan
Abstract Paleotemperatures of selected Cretaceous and Paleogene sedimentary basins in Kyushu, southwest Japan were measured by means of fluid inclusions in authigenic minerals, and by combined use of vitrinite reflectance of carbonaceous materials and authigenic mineral assemblages. Relationships between vitrinite reflectance and diagenetic minerals were well correlated as previously reported. Paleogeothermal gradients for four sedimentary basins were estimated based on paleotemperatures and overburden thickness. Paleotemperatures and paleogeothermal gradients obtained in this study may be representative of diagentic/low-grade metamorphic thermal conditions in each sedimentary basin.