Seismic Stratigraphy in Eastern Mediterranean, Northern Arabian and Russian Caspian Amphitheatre: Tectonic Inversion Traps of Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Data collected in nineteen projects of 3D/2D seismics and drilling have been used to study the geological history of the Eastern Mediterranean, Northern Arabian, and Russian Caspian basins, with implications for petroleum exploration. As a result, a single seismic stratigraphic model is suggested for the Eurasian-Arabian super-basin, with key reflectors and unconformities corresponding to sealevel changes. In the new model, critical events of hydrocarbon migration, called piston-type “oil breath”, correlate with tectonic inversion events while the resulting horst-flexural uplifts become major traps of hydrocarbons. Seismic stratigraphic criteria for detecting such structural traps have been developed using examples of representative seismic sections. The approach allows predicting HC charged pay zone locations and thus reducing exploration and development risks.