Illuminating the Geology of Super Basins: The Next Big Thing for Exploration?

Abstract

The recently publicized concept of “Super Basins” provides geologists with an exciting opportunity for exploiting hydrocarbons in low risk settings, where topside infrastructure is well established and the subsurface is known to encompass prolific petroleum systems. The primary differentiation between Super Basins and their less hydrocarbon-rich counterparts is a proven production of more than 5 BBOE with a remaining recoverable resource of more than 5 BBOE. Approximately 25 Super Basins have been identified globally. By definition, the Super Basin concept relies heavily on what is currently proven in the subsurface, which is extremely helpful in identifying short cycle production opportunities. However, as a concept, the term Super Basin reveals little about the heterogeneous nature of the known petroleum systems or whether any potential for significant new exploration opportunities exists. In particular, are there new plays to be exploited? If so, what are they and what are their likely associated resources? This paper discusses how an integrated and holistic process of geological evaluation can help reveal the true anatomy of the petroleum systems in these basins. This demonstrates how, in these exceptional basins, the petroleum systems can be far from simple, encompassing a broad range of structural regimes, trapping styles, and sedimentary fills. Furthermore, there is significant variation in the current level of exploration and discovered resources associated with each system. Understanding the interplay of these different aspects is important when considering the possible size and nature of the remaining resources. By adopting a standardized approach to evaluating such factors, a meaningful comparison of exploration potential can be made. This differentiation of Super Basins illuminates the nature of generation, dispersal, and capture of hydrocarbon charge, with diffusive and more focused charge end-members being clearly recognized. Ultimately, this provides a realistic basis for defining geological analogues, as well as creating a framework for comparing similar petroleum systems and making inferences about the new exploration potential within them.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90332 © 2018 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Cape Town, South Africa, November 4-11, 2018