Basin analysis for the search of large and unique fields in the Arctic region

• Published in: Georesursy
• Main Authors: A.V. Stoupakova, A.A. Suslova, M.A. Bolshakova, R.S. Sautkin, I.A. Sannikova
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English; Russian
• Published: Georesursy Ltd. 2017
• Subjects: deep trough; extensional depression; Western Arctic; Eastern Arctic; Palaeozoic basin; Mesozoic basin; Tertiary basin; oil and gas source rocks; hydrocarbon generation; Geology; QE1-996.5; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.18599/grs.19.4; https://doaj.org/article/96d16fffffe74f53be0b4cc35a6c3a69

Deep trough lie at the base of the sedimentary basins of the Arctic, which for a long geological time remained the epicenter of the immersion and the area of accumulation of large sedimentation strata, often exceeding 10-15 kilometers. Deep troughs extend long distances from the basin to the basin. In their limits, the deposition occurred of both the ancient Paleozoic basins and the younger Meso-Cenozoic basins. The main sedimentary material was transported along the immersion areas;centers of oil and gas generation were formed. The width of such trough is 100-200 km, and the length reaches 1000 km or more. Deep faults along the troughs often exhibited shear deformations, and at the boundary of the restructuring from one basin to another, fold-thrust deformations occurred. As a result, under the young sedimentary cover, more ancient fold-thrust structures are traced, stretched often along the axis of deflection.At all stages of basin development, potential oil and gas deposits were built, which generated hydrocarbons. The features of the tectonic structure of the basins and the nature of hydrocarbons migration make it possible to forecast the search for new accumulations of oil and gas. In the Paleozoic basins, the search should focus on border structures, stratigraphically and tectonically limited traps associated with stratigraphic non-conformities and the emergence of ancient rocks beneath the erosion surface. In the Mesozoic basins, the traps are often associated with strata filling theterrigenous sediments, where lithological traps are widespread both in various debris cones, and in the areas of Mesozoic rocks adjacent to older sediments. In the Cenozoic basins of the eastern sector of the Russian Arctic region, the search for hydrocarbons should be conducted at large anticlinal uplifts.