Assessment of the oil and gas potential of the eastern edge of the Northern Ustyurt using new geophysical data

Abstract

Purpose. Detailed substantiation of the geological structure of the eastern edge of the Northern Ustyurt, clarification of modern geological and geophysical data, as well as highlighting the mainstages of evaluating the results of exploration work to confirm the oil and gas potential and subsequent exploitation of the fields. Methodology. The authors used the following scientific methods: generalization – to systematize scientific provisions; analogy and comparison – to characterize deflection in different periods; analysis and synthesis – to substantiate geological and geophysical data; algorithmmization – to determine conceptual provisions regarding the assessment of the oil and gas bearing capacity of the trough. Findings. In order to achieve the goals, the indicators of oil and gas capacity in the areas of the eastern side of the Northern Ustyurt of different geological ages were substantiated. The geological and geophysical features of the basin dating back to 2010 compared to modern refinement of geological data were characterized. The productive and unproductive structures of the eastern side of the Northern Ustyurt are characterized, taking into account the showing of oil and gas based on deposits of different geological ages. The importance of conducting geological exploration and creating corresponding cartographic materials is justified, followed by the design of predictive graphical models, geological sections, and a detailed plan of the territory. Originality. The influence of high hydro carbon generation rates on the further identification of “oil windows” has been substantiated for the first time. The hierarchical levels of predicting the oil and gas content of the trough are identified. The necessity of improving the mechanisms for assessing oil and gas content is substantiated. Practical value. The substantiation of the features of the assessment of the oil and gas content of the of the eastern edge of the Northern Ustyurt, which should be based on forecasting promising areas of prospecting, is the key to distinguishing between productive and unproductive objects, determining their real scale and directing investment flow precisely to promising areas with minimal environmental and economic losses.