Contrasting Plate Tectonic Models for the Circum-Arctic and Their Influence on the Results of Earth System Modeling: Inferences on the Contemporary Distribution and Quality of Play Elements (Source, Reservoir and Seal)

John M. Jacques and Paul J. Markwick
Getech, Leeds, United Kingdom

Hydrocarbon discoveries found along both the Canadian Arctic Islands (Sverdrup-Ellesmere Basin) and Arctic Alaskan margins (Mackenzie Delta - Prudhoe Bay) demonstrate that favourable conditions for hydrocarbon generation and entrapment are widespread in the Arctic Ocean region. However, to understand the distribution of hydrocarbon resources for the Arctic, as a whole, we need to understand its tectonic evolution. In particular, we need to gain a thorough understanding of the Mesozoic creation of the oceanic Amerasia and Eurasia Basins which, in turn, will provide us with an invaluable insight into the tectonic evolution of their peripheral basins that developed as continental terrace wedges on their foundered passive continental margins.

Using GIS-based state-of-the-art techniques, such as ‘Earth System Modelling' (e.g., palaeoclimate and ocean modelling, and drainage analysis), the present-day distribution and quality of play elements (source, reservoir and seal) can be predicted, and new opportunities can be identified for frontier areas. However, in the circum-Arctic, tectonic uncertainty, which has resulted in a large number of contrasting tectonic models, makes the application of such modelling difficult and, more importantly, significantly influences the results of Earth System Modelling. These tectonic uncertainties have a direct bearing on assessments of exploration risk and can only be understood by either accepting all alternative models, and modelling each in turn, or by more robustly defining the plate tectonic model. This demonstrates the importance of evaluating alternative geological models and integrating high-quality potential field data with seismic, well and outcrop, to thoroughly constrain tectonic and structural interpretations in frontier areas.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005