New insights into the structure, geology and hydrocarbon prospectivity along the central-northern Corona Ridge, Faroe–Shetland Basin

Abstract

The Faroe–Shetland Basin (FSB) is one of the only significant exploration frontiers remaining on the UK Continental Shelf. Over half of the basin's discovered reserves and resources lie along two intra-basinal highs, the Corona Ridge and the Rona Ridge. In contrast to the Rona Ridge, the central-northern Corona Ridge has received much less attention. To reveal new insights into the geology, structural configuration and hydrocarbon prospectivity of the central-northern Corona Ridge, we analyse 3D seismic data and data from the exploration wells 213/23-1 (Eriboll), 214/21a-2 (South Uist) and 213/25c-1V (North Uist). This study extends the Colsay T40–T45 sub- and intra-basaltic play concept from the Rosebank Field NE along the Corona Ridge, at least into well 213/23-1. Analysis also suggests that no Triassic strata are present within well 213/23-1, challenging the previous understanding of Triassic distribution within the central FSB. Our findings show that the central-northern Corona Ridge is structurally complex, comprising a series of discrete basement-bounding faults, downflank fault terraces and faults that are oblique to the dominant NE–SW-striking structural fabric of the FSB.