Mesozoic stage of hydrocarbon system formation in the Barents-Kara region

UDK: 553.98

DOI: 10.24887/0028-2448-2026-4-36-42

Key words: Barents-Kara region, Mesozoic stage of development, hydrocarbon systems, oil and gas source rocks, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, organic matter, paleogeography, sedimentary basins, source of material, oil and gas fields, Arctic

Authors: A.A. Suslova (Lomonosov Moscow State University, RF, Moscow); A.V. Stupakova (Lomonosov Moscow State University, RF, Moscow)

Petroleum potential within the Mesozoic sedimentary complex often depends on the deep structural model of the region, including large tectonic blocks, deep troughs, and surrounding uplifts, which determine the nature of the formation of younger structures. The article describes the hydrocarbon systems formation in the Barents-Kara region during Mesozoic stage. Based on a synthesis of deep drilling results, high-resolution seismic data, and core analysis, the authors performed seismic stratigraphic and seismic facies analyses, enabling them to reconstruct sedimentation environments and trace the cyclical structure of Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous deposits. It is quite difficult to predict the organic matter type in the potential petroleum source rocks without sedimentary environments forecasting within the large structural zones. Paleogeographic zones were used to trace the properties of hydrocarbon system elements in areas without drilling. Particular attention is paid to petroleum source rocks of various genetic types. A full range of geochemical studies was conducted for most of the drilled wells in the Mesozoic sedimentary complexes, characterizing both the organic matter and hydrocarbons. Potential reservoirs associated with sand bodies of deltaic, alluvial, and coastal-marine origin, as well as regional seals could be the clayey strata of Toarcian, Callovian, and Upper Jurassic age. An attempt was made to reconstruct major sources and the main directions of sand material progradation.

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