Triassic paleogeography and petroleum systems of the North West Shelf, Australia: key insights from a new regional study

Abstract

CGG Multi-Client & New Ventures, in collaboration with CGG Robertson, has undertaken a new comprehensive study of the Triassic paleogeography and petroleum systems of the North West Shelf (NWS) including the Northern Carnarvon, Roebuck, Browse and Bonaparte basins. The key objectives of the study were to enhance the understanding of the prospectivity of NWS Triassic petroleum systems, develop new paleogeography maps, establish evidence for Triassic marine-derived source rocks and investigate the prospectivity of Late Triassic carbonate reef complexes. The study comprises new biostratigraphic analyses, quantitative evaluation by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN®) analyses, core logging, 1D and 2D modelling of key wells and seismic sections, plate reconstructed paleogeography and play mapping. Of key relevance to this study is the paleo-depositional framework and subsequent structuring of Triassic successions throughout the NWS basins in the context of petroleum system development.