--> Abstract: Geological Aspects of Hydrocarbon Potential of the Black Sea, by L. Meisner and D. Tugolesov; #90942 (1997).

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Abstract: Geological Aspects of Hydrocarbon Potential of the Black Sea

MEISNER, LEONID and DMITRY TUGOLESOV

The thickness of Cenozoic deposits of the Black Sea, represented mainly by shales, is about 10 - 14 km. For a long period of time there were developing two independent basins -- the West Black Sea Basin and the East Black Sea Basin separated by the Andrusov Ridge. Only in Late Miocene did this barrier cease to exist.

Thick rapid buried Paleogene - Neogene shales produced sufficient quantities of fluids for development of high overpressure. Stress caused by this high overpressure resulted in formation of specific structures, such as mud volcanoes, small faults and grabens. Seismic anomalies of a "bright spot" type are often connected with them. Hydrocarbon fluid seeps and gas hydrates were detected in several areas of the Black Sea.

Main hydrocarbon potential is associated with the Mesozoic rocks within the Shatsky and Andrusov Ridges, also Gudauta and Ochamchiry Rises. According to seismic data there are carbonate reefs which can be good reservoirs. Anticlinal traps in Paleogene - Neogene rocks are extended in the foreland basins within the Black Sea margin. Ancient buried slopes of the Black Sea Basin are promising for search of non-anticlinal traps.

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