Full text loading...
-
How Low Can You Go? - Exploring for Shallow Oil in the Barents Sea
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, 80th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2018, Jun 2018, Volume 2018, p.1 - 5
Abstract
Recent discoveries in shallow Jurassic rotated fault blocks appear to contradict some of the widely held assumptions regarding seal risk in the Norwegian Barents Sea. As part of regional work, we have evaluated several shallow structures along the northern margin of the Bjørnøya Basin within the Leirdjupet Fault Complex. DEA imitated a research project to understand hydrocarbon fluxes in shallow settings and to link seepage observed on the sea bottom with the subsurface. A combination of 3D seismic and newly acquired high-resolution 2D seismic data have been used to map the shallow overburden and seepage paths of a potential trap. The high-resolution 2D data provided a significant uplift in terms of resolution. On this basis, we conclude that the risk associated with top seal capacity is relatively low, in spite of the shallow depth of the structure. While the faults are prone to reactivation during glacial rebound, the current compressive stress regime is positive for the chances of retention. Dynamic trapping may also release gas from the trap, especially during uplift and erosion, which in turn reduces the buoyancy pressure that otherwise would lead to seal breach.