ADJUSTMENT OF THRUSTING STRUCTURE IN THE KOVYKTA-KHANDINSKAYA REFLECTED FOLDING ZONE

Abstract

The Kovykta-Khandinskaya zone, which includes the Kovykta gas condensate field, is a giant located in the junction zone of the Angara-Lena stage with the craton edge – the Cis-Baikal trough. Here, according to the results of long-term geological exploration, the Verkhnelenskoe uplift was identified, the northern part of which is reflected on tectonic maps as the Kovykta ledge. At the same time, the geological model of the field today is based on the standard two-member model, which includes a slightly disturbed sedimentary cover and basement. However, new geophysical studies revealed that the sedimentary cover of the eastern part of the zone is intensely deformed and has a two-tiered nodular-thrust structure (the lower layer is autochthon, the upper layer is allochthon). The main object for gas exploration within the Kovykta gas condensate field is the Vendian formation. The middle (halogen-carbonate) section has been studied fragmentarily, mainly as an object of geological geohazards when drilling deep wells. The involvement of new data from 3D seismic and 3D transient electromagnetic methods made it possible to clarify the Kovykta gas condensate field tectonic structure to assess the potential of secondary carbonate reservoirs characterized by intense fluid (natural gas, brines) inflows.