New Insights into the Structure, Geology and Hydrocarbon Prospectivity along the Central-Northern Corona Ridge, Faroe-Shetland Basin

Abstract

The Faroe-Shetland Basin (FSB) is one of the only significant exploration frontiers remaining on the UK Continental Shelf. Over half of the basin's discovered reserves and resources lie along two intra-basinal highs, the Corona Ridge and Rona Ridge. In contrast to the Rona Ridge, the central-northern Corona Ridge has received much less attention. To reveal new insights into the geology, structural configuration, and hydrocarbon prospectivity of the central-northern Corona Ridge we analyse 3D seismic data and data from exploration wells 213/23-1 (Eriboll), 214/21a-2 (South Uist) and 213/25c-1V (North Uist). This study extends the Colsay T40-T45 sub- and intra-basaltic play concept from the Rosebank Field NE along the Corona Ridge, at least into 213/23-1. Analysis also suggests that no Triassic strata are present within 213/23-1, challenging the previous understanding of Triassic distribution within the central FSB. Our findings show that the central-northern Corona Ridge is structurally complex, comprised of a series of discrete basement bounding faults, down-flank fault terraces and faults which are oblique to the dominant NE-SW-striking structural fabrics of the FSB.