Optimal set of geological exploration works and development directions in the Sea of Okhotsk

Background. The optimal complex and directions of further geological exploration in the waters of the Sea of Okhotsk are considered. All the promising areas recommended for licensing occupy significant territories and require a step-by-step study, including at the regional and zonal levels.Aim. Obtaining new full-fledged information through regional geophysical surveys in order to assess new promising areas of the Sea of Okhotsk.Materials and methods. Systematization of data and statistical generalization, partial borrowing of materials from field data, reference literature and published materials.Results. As a result of the research, recommendations are given to reduce geological risks, assessment of promising sites, comparative characteristics of resource assessments of the research area. The significant potential of the Okhotsk Sea area may be associated with the lower (Eocene) structural floor. However, these estimates are based on encouraging, but far from complete geochemical information about the potential of the oil and gas mother strata.Conclusion. It is necessary to carry out an audit of the existing seismic data from the point of view of vertical resolution and establish the current seismic study. Taking into account this information, design and perform additional volumes of 2D seismic exploration sufficient to solve the set geological tasks, the main of which is the construction of a detailed structural framework of the sedimentary cover. The second most important geological task is a large-scale study of the geochemical properties of the organic matter of the rocks of the Eocene part of the section (in outcrops, wells), establishing changes in these properties depending on the paleogeographic situation for their more correct extrapolation to the water area.