Geology, geography and global energy

Scientific and Technical Journal

Features of the geological structure and supra-salt hydrocarbon complex in the central Astrakhan arch

2013. №1, pp. 89-97

Duvanova Mariya E. - Head of the monitoring group exploration, LLC «LUKOIL-INGINIRING» «VOLGOGRADNIPIMORNEFT», 12 Guzhvin ave, Astrakhan, Russian Federation, 414001, marya.duvanova@yandex.ru

Fadeev Mikhail V. - Student, Astrakhan State University, 20a Tatishchev st., Astrakhan, Russian Federation, 414056, geologi2007@yandex.ru

The article relates that researchers have used two factors – seismic analyses and geophysical data from well drilling – to identify potential drilling sites for hydrocarbon (oil and gas) deposits from the Triassic period in the Poymennaya field (a basin area of the Volga and Akhtuby rivers). The research has also revealed potential hydrocarbon deposits in supra-thick salt structures, though it has not yet determined whether there are any consistent patterns of hydrocarbon placement. Consequently, the document says, additional geological-geophysical and seismic analyses and gravity-exploration activities have to be performed in the adjacent territories (the Kalmykia Republic and Astrakhan region). The aim of these other analyses and activities will be to define the spatial location, thickness and distribution of potential area-based hydrocarbon deposits. Thus far, the critique indicates, preliminary general geological-geophysical analyses have been conducted on the western slope of the Astrakhan Anticline. Researchers have deduced from the analyses that the deposits are in a supra-salt complex structure. Previous data had clarified that the deposits were in basalt sandstone under clay limestone and a clay ’tire-like’ structure Longer-term goals, the blueprint suggests, include revealing perspective hydrocarbon traps in the Triassic deposits, and deciding whether to perform other pre-drilling, area-assessment activities (such as detailed, 3-D seismic prospecting).

Key words: deposit,floodplain,well,field,Triassic productive sediment

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