Assessment of the hydrocarbon potential of the Bering Sea

Abstract

Background. The issues of hydrocarbon (HC) forecasting and prospecting on sea shelves remain relevant. In this paper, an experience of assessing the hydrocarbon potential of the Bering Sea using the method of basin modelling is demonstrated.Aim. To assess the hydrocarbon potential of the Bering Sea and to identify prospective areas on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of factual data and the results of modelling sedimentary basins and hydrocarbon systems.Materials and methods. A large volume of geological and geophysical materials and the results of geochemical studies were analysed. Modelling was carried out based on factual data, which made it possible to design space-time digital models of sedimentary basins and hydrocarbon (HC) systems for the main horizons of oil and gas source rocks. Geochemical and lithological studies, as well as modelling, were performed using the Schlumberger PetroMod and QGIS software. A smallscale modelling of sedimentary basins and hydrocarbon systems of the region under study was conducted. In the process of preparing the input data for modelling, a number of necessary structural constructions, lithological-paleogeographic and paleodynamic reconstructions and other special studies were performed, which made it possible to determine the modelling boundary conditions.Results. The studied hydrocarbon systems of the Bering Sea differ in the area and size of the generation source, and consequently, in the volumes of generated hydrocarbons. The maximum specific (per unit area of the generation-accumulation hydrocarbon system (GAHS)) volumes of generated hydrocarbons are predicted in the Mainitsko-Sobolkovskaya GAHS of the East Anadyr depression, the Nikolaevskaya Mainitsko-Sobolkovskaya and Mainitsko-Sobolkovskaya of the Lagoon trough. However, even the most promising areas are attributed to the V category due to the low quality of kerogen and a low accumulation coefficient.Conclusion. In the water area of the Anadyr trough, prospective areas were identified. Two promising levels of oil and gas potential were determined. A quantitative assessment of the hydrocarbon potential of the GAHS was carried out.