Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from hydocarbon bearing rock via combined treatment of the rock and subsequent waterflooding

A method for producing hydrocarbons within a reservoir in a subterranean formation, the reservoir having an ambient temperature and an ambient pressure, the method comprising:

• (a) injecting an aqueous solution into the reservoir with the reservoir at the ambient temperature, wherein the aqueous solution comprises water and a thermally activated chemical species, wherein the thermally activated chemical species is urea, a urea derivative, or a carbamate, wherein the thermally activated chemical agent is thermally activated at or above a threshold temperature less than 200° C.;
• (b) thermally activating the thermally activated chemical species in the aqueous solution during or after (a) at a temperature equal to or greater than the threshold temperature to produce carbon-dioxide and at least one of ammonia, amine, and alkanolamine within the reservoir;
• (c) increasing the water wettability of the subterranean formation in response to the thermally activation in (b);
• and
• (d) waterflooding the reservoir with water after (a), (b) and (c).