Shallow Hydrocarbon Shows and Seeps in Lower Austria - A Valuable Exploration Tool?

The presence of shallow gas (< 300 m below surface) constitutes a drilling hazard, but provides also a valuable tool for hydrocarbon exploration. To assess the danger of blow outs, a database of gas, oil and gas, and oil shows has been created and integrated into the GIS system of the federal state of Lower Austria. 80 gas shows, 12 oil and gas shows, and 20 oil shows are known to occur in the study area at the surface or at a depth of less than 300 m b.s.l Using the example of a mature hydrocarbon province (Vienna Basin), this study shows the connection of hydrocarbon shows / seeps, hydrocarbon fields and major fault zones. This confirms the value of hydrocarbon shows and seeps as an exploration tool. Numerous hydrocarbon shows near river Enns, indicate an active petroleum system in the underexplored western part of Lower Austria. Currently 3D seismic data are acquired in this area. The hydrocarbon potential of the eastern Flysch Zone and the Northern Calcareous is still not fully understood, but of great interest for future exploration.