Abstract: Deep Water Hydrocarbon Potential of the South Caspian Basin

FRYDL, PAUL, JOEL CLINE, and IBRAGIM GULIYEV

The South Caspian Basin is one of the older hydrocarbon producing regions of the world. Although the basin is mature in the onshore and nearshore areas, the deep-water portion of the basin is untested and may contain significant hydrocarbon reserves. This is suggested by satellite imagery, which reveals numerous oil seeps associated with deep-water structures. Active seepage of oil is direct evidence that the petroleum system is currently active in the deep-water areas of the South Caspian Basin and that Plio-Pleistocene reservoirs may be charged with hydrocarbons.

Simulation of the maturation history of potential source rocks indicates hydrocarbon contributions from Oligocene, Miocene and Pliocene-age shales. Hydrocarbon generation potential and timing are based on depth-converted seismic sections, thermal and burial histories, and Mobil proprietary compositional and kinetic models. As anticipated, the generation potential of assumed source rock intervals changes regionally in response to Plio-Pleistocene sediment loading and associated structural deformation. Similarly, the relative proportion of oil and gas generated is a function of heating rate and kerogen type. The results of this analysis show the maturation stage of the various source rock intervals for the South Caspian Basin and the most likely areas for oil and gas accumulations.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90942©1997 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Vienna, Austria