A low value of Th/U ratio as determined from natural gamma radiation is indicative of deepwater sedimentation. This, together with estimates of total organic carbon from pulsed neutron measurements, is used to characterize source rocks. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understand that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.