--> Abstract: So, What is the Source of the Alaskan Chukchi Oils?, by A. C. Banet, Jr.; #90958 (1995).

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Abstract: So, What is the Source of the Alaskan Chukchi Oils?

Arthur C. Banet Jr.

Publicly available geochemical data, from exploration well tests in the Federal Outer Continental Shelf of the Chukchi Sea, show that the hydrocarbons recovered from the Burger (OCS-Y-1413#1) and Klondike (OCS-Y-1482#1) wells are from the same source. Geochemical comparisons to known North Slope oil types show Chukchi oils and condensates resemble the Umiat Oil Type, having low sulfur and metal contents, high pristane:phytane ratios, high saturate contents, and high API gravities. By contrast, C27-28-29 sterane distributions, tricyclic terpane contents, and the distribution of extended pentacyclic hopanes are more similar to the Prudhoe Oil Type. 13C isotopic distributions are variable.

In addition to resemblances to the North Slope's two major oil types, the Chukchi oils have sufficient differences to indicate they represent an independent oil type. The regional geology, source rock:reservoir/carrier bed geometry, organic richness and thermal maturity suggest that the Shublik Formation is the best candidate source of these hydrocarbons. However, the Shublik is a mixed carbonate and shale lithology and most other geochemical parameters do not occur with the Shublik as the source. Local shales have gas-prone kerogens.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90958©1995 AAPG Pacific Section Meeting, San Francisco, California