Classical Hydrocarbon Research Articles

Tetraasteranes as homologues of cubanes: effective scaffolds for drug discovery.

Classical hydrocarbon scaffolds have long assisted in bringing new molecules to the market for a variety of applications, but one notable omission is that of tetraasteranes, which are homologues of cubanes belonging to a class of polycyclic hydrocarbon cage compounds. Tetraasteranes exhibit potential as scaffolds in drug discovery due to their identical cyclobutane structures and rigid conformation resembling cubanes. Based on the studies of the physical and chemical properties of tetraasteranes by density functional theory, three series of compounds were designed as homologues of cubanes by the substitution of cubane scaffolds in pharmaceuticals with tetraasteranes. Their potential for pharmaceutical applications was evaluated in silico by molecular docking and dynamics simulations. Their pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties were studied by the ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) analysis. The results indicate that tetraasteranes may be scaffolds as novel bioisosteres of cubanes, as well as hydrogen bond donors or acceptors, which enhance the affinity between ligands and receptors with more stable binding behavior and feasible tolerability in ADMET. All these findings provide new opportunities for tetraasteranes to serve as effective pharmaceutical scaffolds for drug discovery and to accelerate the drug discovery process by repurposing both new and old commercial compounds.

RESULTS OF USING SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL IN TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT ON DIFFERENT FLIGHT LEVELS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON CARBON-DIOXIDE CO2 EMISSIONS

During the recent 40 years, the quantity of energy sources globally has been reduced, and the consequence of this situation that the oil in the world becomes more expensive. Many manufacturers have been forced to initiate the development of completely new concepts of developing commercial aircraft which would be more rational regarding fuel consumption by completely retaining the best quality of passenger services. A continuous uptrend of the propellant cost globally since 1990s has forced not only smaller companies but also the most powerful enterprises in aviation industry, such as the “General Electric”, to return to the research and development programs of Turbo Prop engines. In the case of the aircraft DHC Dash 8 Q 400, the engineering preparation of the flight for calculating the changes of travel propellant while the switch of the flight altitude was being done. By analyzing nine various levels of flight, the conclusion has been indisputably reached that regardless of the vast altitudes of a flight and the horizontal distance covered during climb and descent, the fuel consumption is significantly lower than while flying at much lower altitudes with much lower horizontal distance in climb and descent. All the indicators that have been reached undeniably confirm the fact that a flight at great altitudes enables lower consumption of fuel and less necessary time of the flights. By such analysis and setting sustainable aircraft fuels into equations, numerous improvements in the world of aviation, which directly influence the quality of life on the global level, are achieved. Likewise, it will indicate the possibility of substitution of classical hydrocarbon (fossil) fuels with biofuels which, while burning, release much lower emission of exhaust gases.

Multistage Hydrocarbon Generation of Saline Lacustrine Source Rocks in Hydrous Pyrolysis: Insights from Clay Mineral-Organic Matter Interactions.

The organic matter (OM) in shale is closely associated with clay minerals, and its maturation is usually accompanied by the diagenesis of these minerals, especially smectite illitization. However, the effect of mineral transformation and its accompanying change of mineral-OM interactions in shale on hydrocarbon generation is still unclear. To investigate this question, smectite-rich immature shale was selected to carry out hydrous pyrolysis. Organic geochemistry and mineralogy of pyrolysates at different temperatures show that the maturation of OM is accompanied by the transformation of bulk and clay minerals. Based on the change in hydrocarbon yield, Rock-Eval parameters, and mineral composition, hydrocarbon generation in this study is divided into three stages: 25-300, 300-400, and 400-500 °C, which are the result of the synergistic evolution of clay minerals and OM. Multistage hydrocarbon generation can be attributed to the mineral transformation-induced desorption of mineral-bound soluble OM (SOM), decarboxylation and hydrocracking of kerogen promoted by solid acids, and cross-linking and cracking reactions of free SOM and residual kerogen under high temperatures. Although different from the classical hydrocarbon generation model of kerogen, this multistage hydrocarbon generation is consistent with the characteristics of the saline lacustrine source rocks in nature. The mineral transformation-induced desorption of SOM is a new pathway for petroleum formation, which can well explain the formation of low-mature oils in nature. In addition, the release of mineral-bound and kerogen-bound biomarkers results in two reversals of isomerization ratios. Considering mineral transformation and mineral-OM interactions can help us better understand and refine the hydrocarbon generation theory of OM.

Inventory of Commercial Cooking Activities and Emissions in a Typical Urban Area in Greece

The pollutants emitted during meal preparation in restaurants deteriorate the air quality. Thus, it is an environmental issue that needs to be addressed, especially in areas where these activities are densely located. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact on air quality from commercial cooking activities by performing a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the related parameters. The area of interest is located in the southeastern Mediterranean (Greater Athens area in Greece). Due to the lack of the necessary activity information, a survey was conducted. Emissions from the fuel burnt during the cooking procedures were calculated and it was found that, overall, 940.1 tonnes are attributed to commercial cooking activities annually (generated by classical pollutants, heavy metals, particulates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions). Comparing the contribution of different sources to the pollutants emitted, it was found that commercial cooking is responsible for about 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0% of the total CO, NOx and PM10 values. Cooking organic aerosol (COA) and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from grilled meat were also calculated, accounting for 724.9 tonnes and 37.1 tonnes, respectively. Monthly, daily and hourly profiles of the cooking activities were developed and emissions were spatially disaggregated, indicating the city center as the area with higher values. Numerical simulations were performed with the WRF/CAMx modeling system and the results revealed a contribution of about 6% to the total PM10 concentrations in the urban center, where the majority of restaurants are located.

New Insights on Organic Geochemistry Characterization of the Putumayo Basin Using Negative Ion Electrospray Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

Biomarkers are fossil organic molecules that contain information about either the precursor organisms or the environmental conditions that generated petroleum. They become useful tools to establish stratigraphic correlations, assess the depositional environment and even check the history of the organic matter. High resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) is considered nearly indispensable when nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur containing (NSO) biomarker compounds need being explored. In this contribution, we present an integrated study performed over thirty-three crude oils from Putumayo Basin, Colombia. Based on GC-MS traditional analysis we provide an interpretation outline built on classic hydrocarbon biomarkers. These outcomes allowed stablishing no biodegradation in most of the samples. Samples were grouped based on whether the ratio Pr/Ph was higher or lower than one, and further correlated with the abundance of oxygen compounds (classes O1 and O2) detected by ESI (-) FT-ICR MS. In addition, saturate biom...

Impact of rift dynamics on palaeoenvironmental conditions and hydrocarbon system development (northern Upper Rhine Graben, SW Germany)

The Upper Rhine Graben (URG), a classical hydrocarbon (HC) province, is part of the European Cenozoic Rift System. The rift graben development has led to a complex basin fill of terrestrial and marine Cenozoic deposits, providing several HC source and reservoir units. The aim of this study is the multidisciplinary analysis of the palaeoenvironmental conditions and source-rock development within the transgressive marine intervals, and the palaeothermal history of the graben system to improve the understanding of the HC system development. Palaeoenvironmental conditions are strongly influenced by rift-related tectonic activity. Transgressive marine intervals in times of major subsidence show high terrestrial input from the graben shoulders, leading to mainly terrigenous gas-prone kerogen, while transgressive marine intervals during weak tectonic activity are dominated by marine–brackish palaeoenvironments and oil-prone kerogen. This differs clearly from the previously suggested HC potential of these intervals. Thermal maturation analysis shows nearly constant maturation with depth, which is atypical for burial-controlled maturation. It indicates significant secondary thermal overprinting related to long-lasting very hot hydrothermal fluid systems, concentrated along fault zones. Therefore the development of the depositional setting, kerogen composition, thermal maturation and the HC potential is directly linked to the dynamics of the rift system development. Supplementary material: detailed results of all three wells are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4183106

Oil and gas in the Vienna Basin: hydrocarbon generation and alteration in a classical hydrocarbon province

The Vienna Basin, a major petroleum province in Central Europe, hosts hydrocarbons in stacked carbonate and siliciclastic reservoirs. The study of 84 oil and 51 gas samples in the Austrian sector yields new insights into the petroleum system. The Upper Jurassic Mikulov and Falkenstein formations are the only significant source rocks, which generated oil between 0.7 and 1.0%Rr, and gas between 1.1 and 1.6%Rr. Microbial gas prevails in the southern part of the basin. Biodegradation affects oil down to a depth of 2000 m. Miocene reservoirs in the hanging wall of major faults and oils in transgressive sands are more prone to biodegradation than footwall flysch reservoirs and oils in turbiditic sands in structural-stratigraphic traps. Anaerobic biodegradation results in the formation of isotopically heavy CO 2 and isotopically light (secondary) microbial methane. Hydrocarbons in deep carbonate reservoirs are affected by thermochemical sulphate reduction (TSR). While TSR-affected gas is rich in H 2 S and CO 2 , TSR-affected oil is characterized by increased dibenzothiophene/phenantrene (DBT/Ph) ratios. In clastic reservoirs, H 2 S is removed by pyrite precipitation, whereas DBT/Ph ratios remain high. Hence, high DBT/Ph ratios may be used as proxy for TSR. Stable sulphur isotopes signatures confirm Upper Triassic anhydrites as the main sulphur source for H 2 S.

Classic hydrocarbon traps and analog structures in the southern Canadian Rockies

The southern Canadian Rockies is an excellent area in which to examine and discuss compressional hydrocarbon traps for three main reasons: (1) the Foothills host numerous large hydrocarbon fields, many of which were discovered decades ago and continue to produce today, providing a growing subsurface database and documentation of the history of applicable structural models over time; (2) the thrust belt is well exposed and provides many outstanding examples of seismic-scale structures associated with thin-skinned fold-thrust hydrocarbon traps and play types, including surface expression of several of the producing hydrocarbon fields; and (3) many published maps and papers from the Canadian Rockies have contributed significantly over several decades to our evolving understanding of the geometry, evolution, and hydrocarbon prospectivity of thin-skinned fold-thrust belts worldwide.

Dual-sensor data and enhanced depth imaging sheds new light onto the mature Viking Graben area

The Viking Graben area in the Central North Sea was the initial focus of a series of early 3D GeoStreamer dual-sensor surveys between 2009 and 2012 (Figure 1). These MultiClient surveys immediately demonstrated significant image quality improvements achieved with the dual-sensor towed streamer seismic in an area characterized by significant subsurface complexity. After more than 50 years of active exploration, the Viking Graben is widely regarded as a mature basin whose petroleum system is thought to be well understood. Many of the classic hydrocarbon targets of the region, including the large rotated Jurassic fault blocks of Gullfaks and Oseberg, and the Paleocene and Eocene fan systems of the Heimdal and Frigg fields, have already been exploited. Challenges remain to stratigraphic interpretation and mapping of sands within the Upper Jurassic and it is therefore important to have data which has sufficient penetration and accurate positioning of reflectors to continue to explore these levels. Determining the exploration opportunities beyond these classic targets also requires optimization of the seismic data. The Eocene sands have been extensively mapped, but the Paleocene fans are less well known. Although the play is proven, the more subtle sands of the Ty and Maureen formations have been masked by artefacts caused by shallow events. In addition, several of the classic plays have now become the subject of re-evaluation. Better resolution and deeper signal penetration with dual-sensor data has provided detailed insight into many of these plays and also improved the understanding of the overall connectivity of several highly compartmentalized reservoirs that are often comprised of a variety of barriers and baffles. In order to improve the understanding of the geology within this established area and to be able to exploit the fields to their full potential, modern seismic data need to be consistently re-evaluated and subjected to new processing techniques. The remobilized and injected reservoir sands of the Volund field were considered unique at the time of its discovery in 1994, however, many other recent discoveries are also now considered to be the result of remobilized sands. Potentially, known fields such as Balder, with its steep sided reservoir, may also be re-categorized as an injectite rather than a deep marine fan reservoir. Utilizing a depth migrated seismic dataset with reduced artefacts from shallow anomalies may validate this and enable additional fields to be discovered.

Validating Eaton's Hypothesis: Cubane as a Benzene Bioisostere

AbstractPharmaceutical and agrochemical discovery programs are under considerable pressure to meet increasing global demand and thus require constant innovation. Classical hydrocarbon scaffolds have long assisted in bringing new molecules to the market place, but an obvious omission is that of the Platonic solid cubane. Eaton, however, suggested that this molecule has the potential to act as a benzene bioisostere. Herein, we report the validation of Eaton's hypothesis with cubane derivatives of five molecules that are used clinically or as agrochemicals. Two cubane analogues showed increased bioactivity compared to their benzene counterparts whereas two further analogues displayed equal bioactivity, and the fifth one demonstrated only partial efficacy. Ramifications from this study are best realized by reflecting on the number of bioactive molecules that contain a benzene ring. Substitution with the cubane scaffold where possible could revitalize these systems, and thus expedite much needed lead candidate identification.

Global Hydrocarbon Energy Potential of Euro-Asia or Solution of Navier-Stokes Equation for Deformed Micro-Structure of the Earth’s Porous Space

The authors present the hydro-geological basin-type model of global energetics with hydro-dynamic potential showing the interaction of inland platforms of the Earth. The authors propose the new cluster-type approach towards the asymmetric multi-scaled modeling at the basis of integral solution within the quadrature of Navier-Stokes equation for deformed micro-structure of Earth’s porous space. We have studied the effect of poor local tectonic faults upon the arrangement of hydrocarbon traps in lithosphere, shale tight fields, that is based upon the interconnected methods in geophysics, hydro-geology and geo-mechanics, tectono-physics and structural geology. The authors also present the scientific concept of new principles to increase the level of geo-informatics while searching exploring and developing the hydro-carbon reserves, geo-physical studies of seismic emissions, micro-seismic and seismology of mega-scales in geological ages of stresses with transition to predictable man-induced time for geological/technological events. Basing upon the conjugation of Navier-Stokes equation and due consideration of deforming relaxation we have built the energy self-arranged model of Earth’s lithosphere de-fluidization, have found inherent energy delayed spectra for the dynamic contacts of stratified structure. We have obtained the energy conjugated solution of micro-structure porous media interaction for hydro-geological decompression of subduction channel in seabed and saturation of generalized Middle Oceanic Ridge with self-organization of classic sedimentological hydro-carbon traps and complexly organized shale reservoirs with compacted depositions of Allochthon structures in Domanik and Bazhenov formations. The authors present the energy stable mean filtration profile as per Darcy, conjugated with stress-deformed status of porous geo-media micro-structure at various boundary conditions: closed-type or capillary jammed boundaries of filtration blocks and free-type – with phase filtration front and diffusive displacement of fluids by saturated porous media and smart technologies of multi-stage hydro-fracture in dense shale reservoirs. Analytically, in quadrature, there is the dissipation velocity, potential and kinetic energy potentials of mean outflow and shear layer of filtration dissipative structure, like a generalized model of viscous elasticity that depends upon the wave number, phase velocity, thickness of the layer and geo-mechanical parameters that reflect the geo-media heterogeneity.

Simulation of Opposed-Jets Configuration H<sub>2</sub>/Air, CH<sub>4</sub>/Air

The opposed-jets configuration is very used in industrial systems. The actual practical applications use clean fuels which in stead of classical hydrocarbons. The present work is a numerical simulation of opposed diffusion jets using FLUENT6.3.26. We have compared different turbulence models and combustion models and mechanisms to find which gives the best predictions for this type of flows. We have used methane and hydrogen fuels because they are considered as clean fuels. The comparison between k-ε, k-omega and RSM turbulent models shows that both of k-ε and RSM gives good results. The use of k-ε is more practical because it requires less long time to be implied. The comparison between the combustion models shows that EDC gives more realistic results than eddy dissipation and Finite rate models. In addition, the detailed chemical mechanisms are more adequate to this model. For both methane and hydrogen flames, the detailed mechanisms gives good results and temperatures.

Simulation of Opposed-Jets Configuration H<sub>2</sub>/Air, CH<sub>4</sub>/Air

The opposed-jets configuration is very used in industrial systems. The actual practical applications use clean fuels which in stead of classical hydrocarbons. The present work is a numerical simulation of opposed diffusion jets using FLUENT6.3.26. We have compared different turbulence models and combustion models and mechanisms to find which gives the best predictions for this type of flows. We have used methane and hydrogen fuels because they are considered as clean fuels. The comparison between k-ε, k-omega and RSM turbulent models shows that both of k-ε and RSM gives good results. The use of k-ε is more practical because it requires less long time to be implied. The comparison between the combustion models shows that EDC gives more realistic results than eddy dissipation and Finite rate models. In addition, the detailed chemical mechanisms are more adequate to this model. For both methane and hydrogen flames, the detailed mechanisms gives good results and temperatures.

Is there a pre-Cretaceous source rock in the Colombia Putumayo Basin? Clues from a study of crude oils by conventional and high resolution geochemical methods

A geochemical characterization of sixteen crude oil samples from the Putumayo Basin, southern Colombia, was carried out. This basin is located to the north of Ecuador's Oriente Basin, one of the most prolific hydrocarbon basins in South America. Regardless of the fact that these two basins seem to share the same geological evolution, the volume of hydrocarbon reserves found in the Oriente Basin is five times greater than in the Putumayo Basin. This represents an exploratory opportunity to the extent that a better understanding of the petroleum system processes in the Putumayo Basin can be achieved. Newly available geochemical technology shows evidence that these crude oils originated from Late Cretaceous source rocks. The novel application of an age-related biomarker, the C25-highly branched isoprenoid, has constrained the age of the principal source of all these oils as Late Cretaceous or younger. Advanced geochemical technologies, such as compound specific isotope analyses of biomarkers (CSIA-B) and diamondoids (CSIA-D), and quantitative extended diamondoid analysis (QEDA), have confirmed, repeatedly, that the oil samples are all related to the same source with minor facies variations. The integration of these results with geological data suggests the presence of a very efficient petroleum system, characterized by an alternating sequence of soA§urce and reservoir rocks. Thermal maturity of the oils from biomarker and diamondoid parameters ranges from well before the peak of hydrocarbon expulsion to the beginning of the late hydrocarbon generation phase. The aerial distribution of these maturity parameters suggests the existence of two, or possibly three, pods of active source rocks, located to the southwest and to the east of the basin, and possibly to the north. This would modify the classic hydrocarbon migration model for the Putumayo Basin, increasing the hydrocarbon potential of the basin. Given the low level of thermal maturity documented in the Cretaceous sequence that has been drilled, the possibility to evaluate the presence of a very reactive kerogen with hydrocarbon expulsion thresholds at lower temperatures is proposed.

Differential accumulation and distribution of natural gas and its main controlling factors in the Sinian Dengying Fm, Sichuan Basin

In order to disclose the genetic relationship between the hydrocarbon reservoirs and the transformation mechanism between ancient and modern gas reservoirs in the Sinian Dengying Fm in the Sichuan Basin, by using the drilling data, and geologic, geophysical and geochemical methods together, the differential accumulation and distribution of natural gas and its main controlling factors in this study area were identified following the idea of corroborating macroscopic, mesoscopic and microscopic results each other. The results demonstrate as follows. (1) The crude oil in the paleo-oil reservoirs of the Dengying Fm cracked into gas to form the early overpressure paleo-gas reservoirs 100 Ma. From 100 Ma to 20 Ma, the constant uplifting of the Sichuan Basin coupled with the shift of structural highs and the initial occurrence of Weiyuan anticline caused the adjustment of the early overpressure paleo-gas reservoirs into the late overpressure paleo-gas reservoirs. (2) With the increase of uplifting magnitude since 20 Ma, the formations overlying the Dengying Fm in Weiyuan structure experienced rapid erosion, resulting in decline of the caprock sealing ability and damage to the preservation conditions. Therefore, the natural gas in the Dengying Fm started to leak and dissipate from the eroded window of the Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Fm located on the top of the Weiyuan anticline, which is the beginning of the differential accumulation and dissipation of the natural gas in the Dengying Fm across the Sichuan Basin. During the process of the differential accumulation and dissipation, the gas below the spill point of the structural gas traps in Ziyang, Jinshi and Longnüsi–Moxi–Anpingdian–Gaoshiti areas migrated to the Weiyuan anticline along the unconformity of the Dengying Fm, and dissipated through the eroded window of the Jialingjiang Fm on the top of the Weiyuan anticline, resulting in a transformation of abnormal high pressure of gas reservoir to normal pressure in the Dengying Fm. The differential accumulation and dissipation mode in the Dengying Fm in the Sichuan Basin has both similarities with and differences from the classic hydrocarbon differential entrapment theory, and will give great inspiration to and guide the further gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin.

A step toward polytwistane: synthesis and characterization of C2-symmetric tritwistane

Twistane is a classic hydrocarbon with fascinating stereochemical properties. Herein we describe a series of oligomers of twistane that converges on a chiral nanorod, which we term polytwistane. A member of this series, C2-symmetric tritwistane, has been synthesized for the first time.

Back Cover: In Silico Design of Heteroaromatic Half-Sandwich RhICatalysts for Acetylene [2+2+2] Cyclotrimerization: Evidence of a Reverse Indenyl Effect (Chem. Eur. J. 40/2013)

A reverse indenyl effect occurs in the acetylene [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization to benzene by RhI half-metallocene catalysts with heteroaromatic ligands. In their Full Paper on page 13337 ff., L. Orian, F. M. Bickelhaupt et al. have designed, in silico, heteroaromatic ligands that are isoelectronic to the classic hydrocarbon cyclopentadienyl and indenyl anions. Mechanistic explorations and activation strain analyses reveal and explain the reverse indenyl effect, that is, a decrease in reactivity associated with an increased metal slippage. On the cover, the initial bis- acetylene complexes of all ligands are shown: the different extent of Rh slippage controls the orientation of the alkynes, which resembles the pose of the wings of Siproeta stelenes, the Central American butterfly shown.

In Silico Design of Heteroaromatic Half‐Sandwich RhI Catalysts for Acetylene [2+2+2] Cyclotrimerization: Evidence of a Reverse Indenyl Effect

A mechanistic density functional theory study of acetylene [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization to benzene catalyzed by Rh(I) half metallocenes is presented. The catalyst fragment contains a heteroaromatic ligand, that is, the 1,2-azaborolyl (Ab) or the 3a,7a-azaborindenyl (Abi) anions, which are isostructural and isoelectronic to the hydrocarbon cyclopentadienyl (Cp) and indenyl (Ind) anions, respectively, but differ from the last ones on having two adjacent carbon atoms replaced with a boron and a nitrogen atom. The better performance of either the classic hydrocarbon or the heteroaromatic catalysts is found to depend on the different mechanistic paths that can be envisioned for the process. The present analyses uncover and explain general structure-reactivity relationships that may serve as rational design principles. In particular, we provide evidence of a reverse indenyl effect.

Exploration in the Netherlands, 1987-2012

AbstractFollowing a time of expansion of the oil industry, the period 1987-2012 and especially the second half of it reflects a diversification of exploration activities in the Netherlands. In addition to the ongoing discovery of classical hydrocarbon reservoirs, successful attempts have been made to explore deep geothermal energy. Shale gas and Coal Bed Methane received interest in the Netherlands too but so far no wells have been drilled in order to test the potential. Storage of gas and liquids has been introduced and salt mining more or less continued without many changes. In terms of drilling activity, the last 25 years show a decreasing trend and the discovered volumes are smaller. Testing of new play concepts was either successful (shallow gas) or not (Dinantian) and sometimes an unexpected discovery was made (Triassic Fat Sands). New techniques proved older fields to be exploitable again, e.g. redevelopment of the Schoonebeek Field. Therefore, despite a decline in number of wells drilled and reserves added, the diversification of use of the subsurface will guarantee ongoing exploration.

North Sea hydrocarbon systems: some aspects of our evolving insights into a classic hydrocarbon province

Abstract A review is given of the development of the understanding of the structure and stratigraphy of a classic petroleum province through 35 years of NW European Petroleum Geology Conferences, using new examples to illustrate the interplay between tectonics and sedimentation in the development of some of the major hydrocarbon plays. Cimmerian tectonics is discussed, with regard to the evidence for regional-scale truncation beneath the Mid Cimmerian unconformity, and the stratal motifs characteristic of rifting associated with the Early and Late Cimmerian events. New data revealing the structural geometries associated with polyphase rifting in the East Shetland Basin are presented. The seismic and sequence stratigraphy of Jurassic and Cenozoic sequences are reviewed and new data presented, with a discussion of generic play controls in North Sea Jurassic deepwater reservoirs. The development of integrated hydrocarbon system studies is reviewed, and the remaining challenges to predictive capabilities discussed. The impact of advances in geoscience and technology on North Sea creaming curves is discussed.