The Forecast and Assessment of Source Rocks Generation Potential in the Sedimentary Cover of the Eastern Arctic
https://doi.org/10.18599/grs.2025.4.21
Abstract
The sedimentary cover of the Russian Eastern Arctic, which includes the Laptev, East Siberian and partly Chukchi Seas, is considered one of the most prolific oil and gas provinces. However its petroleum potential is difficult to assess due to the lack of wells that can provide data on the presence and quality of the source rocks within the area. To address this issue, the paleogeographic conditions for the development of the main sedimentary complexes have been restored. Investigations based on the paleogeographic reconstruction and available geochemical data from surrounding areas indicate a high probability of source rock presence in the Upper Cretaceous, Paleocene-Eocene, and Oligocene-Early Miocene units of the sedimentary cover. These speculative source rocks have been studied through numerical modeling, to assess their maturity, transformation ratio and generation potential. This results in delineating probable hydrocarbon kitchens within the Eastern Arctic shelf. The findings obtained provide a conceptual basis for further evaluation of oil and gas prospects, zoning of the studied area, and effective planning of geological exploration activities.
Keywords
East Siberian Sea,
Chukchi Sea,
Laptev Sea,
hydrocarbon potential,
source rock,
geochemical properties
Supporting agencies: The work was carried out within the framework of the state assignment of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation No. AAAA-A20-120092590017-4
About the Author
E. A. Lavrenova
Sergo Ordzhonikidze Russian State University for Geological Prospecting
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena A. Lavrenova — Cand. Sci. (Geology and Mineralogy), Lecturer at the Department of Geology and Exploration of Hydrocarbon Deposits
23, Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997
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For citations:
Lavrenova E.A. The Forecast and Assessment of Source Rocks Generation Potential in the Sedimentary Cover of the Eastern Arctic. Georesursy = Georesources. 2025;27(4):177-191. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18599/grs.2025.4.21
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