Structural and Depositional Model for Offshore Central West Greenland (67°-71°N): Implications for Regional Petroleum Systems

Bidstrup, Torben¹, Ulrik Gregersen², J. A. Bojesen-Koefoed², Flemming G. Christiansen², Finn Dalhoff², Anders Scherstén², Martin Sønderholm² (1) Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), Copenhagen, Denmark (2) Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS),

As a preparation for the 2006 Disko West Licensing Round that covers an area of almost 100 000 km2 offshore West Greenland a number of G&G studies has been completed.

Highlights of particular interest for exploration in this very large region will be summarized using a systematic play element approach. Of particular interest is a new structural element map of the region based on both seismic and potential field data. This map shows detailed outline of all main basins, highs and compressional features. Other new maps demonstrate a more limited distribution and thickness of volcanic rocks than previously believed. New seabed sampling results provide information of Paleozoic units in the region and on the petroleum system.

Reservoir models are mainly based on the depositional model and new provenance studies from the outcrops on Disko and Nuussuaq checked against results from the few available wells. The petroleum system model is based on detailed organic geochemical studies of numerous oil seeps combined with satellite information; systematic registration of DHI's on the seismic data and preliminary basin modeling.

There is very strong evidence for a live petroleum system in the region, and the existence of many large structures make the region very interesting for exploration.