Geology and petroleum potential of Riphean reservoirs in the southwestern Siberian craton

Abstract

We report CMP reflection profiling data acquired by Eniseigeofizika OJSC in the southwestern Siberian craton. The collected reference and regional profiles of a total length of ~5000 km, run in W–E and N–S directions and traverse all major structural units of the craton. The data were processed to obtain important evidence of the sediment structure as a basis for further exploration. The synthesis of the results allowed mapping the Riphean surface, with sedimentary sequences and basement highs. The thicknesses and deformation patterns of rocks were used to distinguish ten zones which differ in their structure and composition, as well as in the position with respect to major units of the overlying Vendian–Paleozoic sequence. The distinguished zones have been ranked in terms of exploration and licensing priority.