Anabar–Lena Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element, northern East Siberia

Abstract

Abstract The Anabar–Lena Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element (AL CTSE) is located in northern East Siberia extending for c. 700 km along the Laptev Sea coast between the Khatanga Bay and Lena River delta. The AL CTSE consists of rocks from the Mesoproterozoic to Late Cretaceous in age with the total thickness reaching 14 km. It evolved through the following tectonic settings: (1) Meso-Early Neoproterozoic intracratonic basin; (2) Ediacaran–Early Devonian passive margin; (3) Middle Devonian–Early Carboniferous rift; (4) late Early Carboniferous–latest Jurassic passive margin; (5) Permian foreland basin; (6) Triassic to Jurassic continental platform basin; and (7) latest Jurassic–earliest Late Cretaceous foreland basin. Proterozoic and lower–middle Paleozoic successions are composed mainly of carbonate rocks, while siliciclastic rocks dominate upper Paleozoic and Mesozoic sections. Several petroleum systems are assumed in the AL CTSE. Permian source rocks and Triassic sandstone reservoirs are the most important play elements. The presence of several mature source rock units and abundant oil and gas shows (both in wells and in outcrops), including the giant Olenek Bitumen Field, suggests that further exploration in this area may result in economic discoveries.