Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the West Orkney Basin: implications for hydrocarbon exploration

Bird, Peter Cameron 2014. Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the West Orkney Basin: implications for hydrocarbon exploration. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

The West Orkney Basin is situated in a frontier hydrocarbon region of the United Kingdom Continental Shelf. This study presents a reappraisal of the tectono-stratigraphic development and petroleum potential of the basin, and is based on a recent compilation and partial reprocessing of all the available 2D reflection seismic for the area. Evidence for the presence of Devonian lacustrine source-rocks in the basin is demonstrated by the recognition of a syn-rift sequence overlying basement, which comprises two packages of contrasting seismic facies characteristics, which are correlateable to onshore Devonian source-rock and reservoir facies. The syn-rift sequence is truncated at unconformity; that is related to Late Carboniferous inversion of the Great Glen-Walls Boundary Fault system. A second major phase of rifting within the basin, with formation of new faults and reactivation of pre-existing Devonian faults, is interpreted to have initiated in the Late Permian and dwindled into the Early Jurassic. Subsequent extensive exhumation events occurred in the Mid-Jurassic to Early Cretaceous and Cenozoic, with removal of about 2.5 km of Upper Triassic to Lower Jurassic sediments and perhaps 0.5 to 1 km of Upper Cretaceous rocks. Timing of hydrocarbon generation from Devonian source-rocks was modelled using Genesis 1D basin-modelling software from Zetaware, and the results from this indicate that it most probable that the majority of hydrocarbon generation in the basin preceded the end of the second phase of rifting in the basin (Late Permian to Early Jurassic). Therefore, the major risks with play-concepts based on a Devonian source-rock are considered to be seal integrity during multiple and prolonged uplift events.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Earth and Environmental Sciences
Subjects:	Q Science > QE Geology
Funders:	Premier Oil
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2023 09:33
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/73653

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