Dnieper-Donets Basin Research Articles

FIRST OIL FIELD DISCOVERED BY "NAFTOGAZ OF UKRAINE" NATIONAL JOINTBSTOCK COMPANY IN DNIEPER-DONETS DEPRESSION

In 2013 National Joint-Stock Company Naftogaz of Ukraine has discovered an oil field named "Academician Shpak oilfield". Significant reserves of this oil field are confined to the trap rimming the Runovshchyna salt plug that located in the central part of the Dnieper-Donets basin. The discovery testifies that resource potential of hydrocarbon prospects related to the traps sealed by salt plug or its canopy remains rather high and development of that exploration trend gives an impetus to increase hydrocarbon production in the East Ukrainian petroleum province.

Computer model of seismic waves vertical velocity distribution for central part of the Dniprovsko-Donetsk depression

The article states the principles of layered media velocity modeling and the results of computer modeling of the value distribution of the vertical velocity of seismic waves in the central part of the Dnieper-Donets Basin. The computer model is used to integrate the seismic survey data, and to enhance the efficiency of seismic exploration for oil and gas. It is achieved through the application of new technologies for data processing with respect to velocity anisotropy, as well as through the use of traditional approaches. 

CALCAREOUS NANNOPLANKTON OF CALLOVIAN OF UKRAINE

Gives data of Callovian calcareous nannoplankton study of sections of the Dnieper-Donets Basin, northwestern Donbass, the Crimean Mountains. Analysis of the distribution of nanofossils in the studied sections, as well as sections of the Moscow syncline, the Saratov Volga region and Kanev dislocations can distinguish in the Callovian two nannoplankton zones: Stephanolithuin hexum (top Batonian – Lower Callovian) и Sephanolithion bigoti (middle – upper Callovian). Subspecies Sephanolithion bigoti maximum in Callovian deposits of Ukraine (and the South East European platform) is not defi ned.

The post-sedimentary character of development of intraplate dislocations as a reflection of impulsiveness of deformation processes

The available data on well-studied areas of the Turan platform (as an example) are reviewed and analyzed to reveal the role of con-sedimentation and post-sedimentation tectonic movements in formation of dislocations of the sedimentary cover. At the background of the long-term (tens and hundreds of million years) quiet evolution of the territory under study, short-term intervals are distinguished, which duration amounts to the first millions of years (typically manifested in one or two stratigraphic layers); in such time intervals, tectonic movements were dramatically boosted and accompanied by land uplifting, sea regression, erosion of sediments accumulated earlier and manifestation of deformation processes. The paleotectonic reconstructions show that during such ‘revolutionary’ stages, large tectonic elements occurred along with local uplifts that added to their complexity. In the region under study, the Pre-Jurassic, Pre-Cretaceous (Late Okoma), Pre-Danish and the Pre-Middle Miocene gaps in sedimentation are studied in detail. It is shown that only during the above four periods of sedimentation gaps and accompanying erosion-denudation processes, the regional structures gained from 50 to 80% of their current amplitudes at the bottom of the cover, and the Pre-Danish and Pre-Middle Miocene washout periods were most important. Local uplift also developed impulsively and primarily due to the post-sedimentation movements. Cross-sections of anticlines studied in detail (Figures 1 to 3) are discussed as examples that clearly show the increase of erosional shearing of the sediments accumulated earlier towards domes of uplifts without any con-sedimentation decrease of their thicknesses. During these periods of the geologic history, regardless of their short duration, folded dislocation gained up to 65–90% of their current amplitudes. The periods of activation were separated by long relatively quiescent tectonic periods with the gradually slowing down growth of anticlines to complete cessation. Dislocations in other regions, such as the Azov Sea (Fig. 4), the Dnieper-Donets basin, Donbas, etc. were formed under a similar scenario. Impulsiveness of tectonic processes is well illustrated by events that recently took place at the Taman peninsula. In 2011, the sea bottom uplifted dramatically along the coastal line of the Azov Sea and formed a new land segment (Figures 5 to 8). The vertical movement amplitude amounted to minimum 5 metres. This new structure formation was due to a short-term renewal of growth of the Kamenny Cape. After the short-term activation of tectonic movements, the period of tectonic quiescence is in place, and the majority of the uplift has been destroyed by marine erosion. Impulsiveness of tectonic movements may be caused by the tangential stress that periodically puts an impact on the lithospheric plates. Horizontal tectonic movement and associated stresses can lead to both interplate and intraplate deformations.

Density inhomogeneity of the earth's crust along the latitudinal zones of the faults of the Ukrainian shield and the Dnieper-Donets basin

Characteristic of density distribution along latitudinal fault zones and estimated profiles has been given. Possibility has been found of north-south inclination of each of latitudinal fault zones. Criteria of selection of promising areas for the search of kimberlites and lamproites have been determined. Within the limits of the USh and DDD two types of such areas specific by their features have been selected. Confinement of predicted areas for the search of kimberlites and lamproites to a certain type of material composition of the crust (mainly diorite) has been revealed. It has been found that ore fields and the areas in the western part of the USh are situated above the areas of development of crustal-mantle mixture and are mainly the blocks of leuko-basaltic type, and in the eastern part they are specified by the absence of crustal-mantle mixture and are confined to blocks of diorite type of the material composition of crust.

Zirconium-titanium placers of the Voronezh Anteclise: Types, epochs and factors of formation, and forecast

The early and late Frasnian, Barremian-Aptian, Cenomanian, early Santonian, early Campanian, and Oligocene-Miocene epochs of the formation of various types of zirconium-titanium placers are distinguished in the Voronezh Anteclise. The factors of their formation are considered, and a forecast of prospecting has been made. Lower Frasnian sedimentary rocks occur in the southeast, where the placers are related to the ilmenite-bearing volcanosedimentary rocks of the Yastrebovo Sequence. The upper Frasnian productive quartz sand of the Petino Sequence occurs in the central part of the Voronezh Anteclise. The Barremian-Aptian productive quartz sand and kaolinite clay occur in the northern and northeastern parts of the anteclise (Ryazan and Lipetsk oblasts). The placers formed in the Cenomanian are known in the Tambov oblast in the northeast of the Voronezh Anteclise and are related to phosphate-bearing glauconite-quartz sand. The early Campanian phosphorite-glauconite-quartz formation is widespread in the northwest of the Voronezh Anteclise at the junction with the northeastern wall of the Dnieper-Donets Basin (Bryansk oblast). The Oligocene-Miocene epoch was characterized by quartz sands abundant in the northwestern and south-western areas. The formation of zirconium-titanium placers is controlled by structural-tectonic, facies, volcanic, paleogeographic, stratigraphic, and evolutional factors. The indispensable condition for heavy mineral concentration is existence of positive forms of underwater topography. These are mostly structural elements of the third and fourth orders on the slopes of the Voronezh Anteclise at the boundaries of the adjacent negative structures. As concerns the facies factor, the occurrence of coastal and shallow-water marine facies with alternating and medium hydrodynamic activity and predominance of sand fractions 0.25–0.05 mm are criteria of elevated concentration of heavy minerals in sand. One of the conditions providing concentration of heavy minerals is a multiple rewashing of sands close to a relatively stable shoreline. The volcanic factor is determinant for the lower Frasnian marine placers fed by volcanic sources. The Cretaceous and Paleogene zirconium-titanium placers were formed owing to scouring of the older Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks of the Voronezh Anteclise, as well as the Baltic Shield, Moscow Syneclise, and the Volga-Ural Anteclise. The age of placers was estimated with accuracy up to substages (lower Aptian, lower Santonian, lower Campanian). The evolution factor is expressed in variation of localization and composition of placers in time and space. The forecast of potentially ore-bearing areas is based on optimal combinations of favorable factors.

Wedges and buffers: some new structural observations from the Dnieper–Donets Basin, onshore Ukraine

Abstract The onshore Ukraine Dnieper–Donets Basin (DDB) is a large partially inverted late Palaeozoic intracratonic basin. Rifting began in the late Devonian when two evaporite sequences were deposited, and Carboniferous post-rift thermal sag was accompanied in some areas by some extension. Although important quantities of Devonian salt are calibrated by wells and diapirs have been documented, classic salt diapirs are probably not as common as suggested by the literature. Indeed, in several parts of the basin salt movement was stopped and buried by up to 5 km of overburden. Four important tectonic events related to salt movement have been documented over the DDB: Tournaisian–Early Visean extension, Middle Serpukhovian extension, Late Carboniferous–Early Permian movements mostly documented recently as extension and uplift and Alpine compression. Seismic imaging of the basin has not traditionally been of the highest quality, but the reprocessed seismic data made available over several parts of the DDB as part of a Ferrexpo/RDS multi-licence project has enabled three new structural observations of the basin to be made. Firstly, it is proposed that basin margin extension, facilitated by listric faulting with thin-skinned décollement on Devonian salt and exemplified by well-imaged Tournaisian syntectonic wedges, is linked to thick-skinned partial inversion of some basement rift faults. Secondly, it is proposed that these thick-skinned faults acted as obstacles or buffers, where monoclines began to develop. These folds were exaggerated by the later tectonic movements. Thirdly, we propose that these linked tectonic events may have been caused by pulses of sag which punctuated the Lower Carboniferous post-rift thermal sag process. These three observations fit neatly with published interpretations of Tournaisian–Lower Visean and Middle Serpukhovian extension. Finally, however, a literature review and new seismic interpretation also clearly show that Late Carboniferous–Early Permian movements inverted marginal listric faults and their Tournaisian wedges, and also inverted the downdip thick-skinned faults causing the monoclines to further develop prior to the Alpine overprint. This, contrary to many published papers over the last 15 years or so, suggests that this Late Carboniferous–Early Permian event brought shortening rather than extension to the DDB.

Distribution of halogens in the first aquifer of the Central Dnieper-Donets Basin

Distribution of halogens in the first aquifer of the Central Dnieper-Donets Basin

ГЕОДИНАМІКА

The central part of the Dnieper-Donets Basin is one of the regions of Ukraine and perspective regarding the discovery of new oil and gas facilities. The results of the study authors allowed to create its spatial integral digital geological and geophysical (density) model, as both qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with known geophysical and geological data. Analysis of the behavior of the model parameters geoplotnostnyh revealed the dominant signs of changes associated with a variety of geological processes in sediments and formations of the crystalline basement.

THE RESULTS OF PREDICTION OF HYDROCARBON ACCUMULATIONS IN THE NARIZHNYANSKA AREA IN DNIEPER-DONETS BASIN ACCORDING TO ELECTRICAL EXPLORATION BY THE METHOD OF POINT ELECTROMAGNETIC SOUNDINGS

Narizhnyanske raise is located in the northeastern part of the Dnieper-Donets Basin (DDB), on the southern slope of theVoronezhcrystalline massif and is part of a large anticlinal structure. The productive complex of the Precambrian crystalline basement, as in the northern flank of the DDB is a promising new target of exploration for hydrocarbon deposits in this region. Electroprospecting investigated using electromagnetic sensing point (TEMZ method) were performed on Narizhnyanska area to predict hydrocarbon deposits in the Visean and Serpukhov layers of the Lower Carboniferous and Bashkirian layer of the Middle Carboniferous, as well as to clarify the structure of the dissenting relief that escapes deposits within the structural zone. Studies have shown that the most promising areas Narizhnyanska area in terms of availability of hydrocarbons are Narizhnyanska, Rogivska and northern part of Burivska structure. The results of the work showed that the method of point electromagnetic soundings can be used in a complex exploration for hydrocarbons in the study of seismic or other abnormalities, determining the depth of bed with the anomalous electromagnetic properties which are promising for hydrocarbon accumulations. Application of TEMZ method in the preliminary stages of oil exploration and gas production may contribute to more efficient production wells and thus reduce the cost of exploration.

METHODOLOGY OF GIS USE FOR DEVELOPING AND ANALYSIS OF GEOLOGICAL FEATURES OF HALOTECTOKINETIC TYPE SALIFEROUS FORMATIONS

There were made the results of previously performed research of Dnieper-Donets basin and the Transcarpathian depression saliferous formations. The new methods of structural modelling of geological material were used and the thickness model of halotectokinetic type saliferous formation was built (Transcarpathian depression). The obtained model was analyzed for the degree of reliability, and verification of the boundary of saliferous formation distribution was made.

General characterization of the seismoelectric effects of the first and second kinds in the Saratov Zavolzh’e region, the Dnieper-Donets basin, and Western Siberia

The seismoelectric effects of the first and second kinds of oil and gas reservoir rocks are studied in three geological regions. Rock samples were taken from deep borehole cores of terrigenous and carbonate composition. Measurements were made in the ultrasound range (100–200 kHz) and at a frequency of 300 Hz. It is shown that the relationship between the porosity coefficient and the intensity of the second-kind seismoelectric effect is the same for terrigenous reservoir rocks in the Saratov Zavolzh’e region, an area of Western Siberia, and the Dnieper-Donets basin. An anomalously strong seismoelectric effect of the first kind (a vibration-induced change in the electrical resistance) is discovered for carbonate reservoir rocks of the Zavolzh’e region.

Studies of the coal facies in Eastern Ukraine

This article is a short review concerning the knowledge of petrographic compositions and origins of the diverse age coals in the eastern Ukraine regions, i.e. the Carboniferous age coals of the Dnieper–Donets Basin and the same age coals of the Donets Basin one as well as the Paleogene coals of Dnieper Brown Coal Basin. It was concluded that the coal-forming conditions depend on the geotectonic situations of the above basins.

Structure of the lithosphere below the southern margin of the East European Craton (Ukraine and Russia) from gravity and seismic data

The present study was undertaken with the objective of deriving constraints from available geological and geophysical data for understanding the tectonic setting and processes controlling the evolution of the southern margin of the East European Craton (EEC). The study area includes the inverted southernmost part of the intracratonic Dnieper-Donets Basin (DDB)–Donbas Foldbelt (DF), its southeastern prolongation along the margin of the EEC–the sedimentary succession of the Karpinsky Swell (KS), the southwestern part of the Peri-Caspian Basin (PCB), and the Scythian Plate (SP). These structures are adjacent to a zone, along which the crust was reworked and/or accreted to the EEC since the late Palaeozoic. In the Bouguer gravity field, the southern margin of the EEC is marked by an arc of gravity highs, correlating with uplifted Palaeozoic rocks covered by thin Mesozoic and younger sediments. A three-dimensional (3D) gravity analysis has been carried out to investigate further the crustal structure of this area. The sedimentary succession has been modelled as two heterogeneous layers—Mesozoic–Cenozoic and Palaeozoic—in the analysis. The base of the sedimentary succession (top of the crystalline Precambrian basement) lies at a depth up to 22 km in the PCB and DF–KS areas. The residual gravity field, obtained by subtracting the gravitational effect of the sedimentary succession from the observed gravity field, reveals a distinct elongate zone of positive anomalies along the axis of the DF–KS with amplitudes of 100–140 mGal and an anomaly of 180 mGal in the PCB. These anomalies are interpreted to reflect a heterogeneous lithosphere structure below the supracrustal, sedimentary layers: i.e., Moho topography and/or the existence of high-density material in the crystalline crust and uppermost mantle. Previously published data support the existence of a high-density body in the crystalline crust along the DDB axis, including the DF, caused by an intrusion of mafic and ultramafic rocks during Late Palaeozoic rifting. A reinterpretation of existing Deep Seismic Sounding (DSS) data on a profile crossing the central KS suggests that the nature of a high-velocity/density layer in the lower crust (crust–mantle transition zone) is not the same as that of below the DF. Rather than being a prolongation of the DDB–DF intracratonic rift zone, the present analysis suggests that the KS comprises, at least in part, an accretionary zone between the EEC and the SP formed after the Palaeozoic.

Petroleum geophysics in Ukraine

Of the 96 geologic provinces that contain practically all the world's known petroleum reserves, four lie in whole or part within Ukraine. According to the ranking of the U.S. Geological Survey World Petroleum Assessment 2000, the Dnieper-Donets Basin is 45th in importance, the Pannonian Basin 71st, the Azov-Kuban Basin 81st, and the North Carpathian Basin 82nd. Why, then, does Ukrainian oil and gas potential not shine more brightly on the petroleum industry's radar screen? The answer lies in a complex history and a no less complicated present. This article can hardly do the subject justice but will, I hope, raise interest and provide a stimulus to more study.

A new geodynamical–thermal model of rift evolution, with application to the Dnieper–Donets Basin, Ukraine

A model of the lithosphere, incorporating both dynamic and thermal processes, has been developed by solving a coupled system of differential equations governing stress and temperature in a 2-D block-structured geophysical medium. Designed to study the roles of tectonic and geothermal factors in continental rift formation and evolution, the model incorporates syn-sedimentary and/or erosional faulting of an upper crustal layer and allows the thermal regime of the lithosphere to be calculated through time. The method has been applied to the formation and evolution of the northwest Dnieper–Donets Basin (DDB) along one regional profile controlled by seismic and other geophysical and subsurface data. The results are compared with those published earlier for the same profile using different methods of modelling the rift and early post-rift development of the region. The final basement geometry at the end of the rifting stage predicted by the new model satisfactorily corresponds with geological data and is qualitatively similar to that predicted by the previously published models. However, the new results imply an important role for an active mechanism during rifting that generates greater mantle thinning than crustal thinning and elevated temperatures in the upper mantle beneath the rift.

Gravity anomalies and possible formation mechanism of the Dnieper-Donets Basin

Two-dimensional gravity models are presented along several seismic lines intersecting the Dnieper-Donets Basin. These models are based on velocity sections and the experimental data on the relationship between density and P-wave velocity. The detailed gravity modelling of gradient-layered crustal and upper mantle features clearly reveals increased density in the upper mantle explainable by rock eclogitization. Using the gravity models we propose a possible mechanism of the Dnieper-Donets Basin evolution since the Middle Devonian. The mechanism includes accumulation of magmatic melt in the asthenospheric bulge during post-rifting, phase transition to ecologite in the uppermost mantle, and a flow induced by the evolved heavy bodies. We construct a 2-D numerical model of the flow beneath the Dnieper-Donets Basin, compute this flow and the resulting changes in the surface topography. The subsidence curve calculated in the suggested model gives the best fit to the observed tectonic subsidence than curves of thermal subsidence predicted by the stretching model. Numerical results confirm the observed gravity high over the Dnieper-Donets Basin.

Sedimentary cycles and paleogeography of the Dnieper Donets Basin during the late Visean-Serpukhovian based on multiscale analysis of well logs

An integrated approach combining the available geological-geophysical information was employed to construct a series of paleogeographic maps of the northwestern part of the Dnieper Donets Basin (DDB) during the Late Visean-Serpukhovian (Early Carboniferous). The major source of information consists of well-log data. The basin fill shows a pattern of stacked transgressive-regressive units of different order. Correlations on the scale of the basin are based on biostratigraphy, seismics, cyclostratigraphic subdivisions and correlations of the successions throughout the basin. The cyclicity has a multifold character. ‘Short’ shallowing-upward transgressive-regressive (T R) cycles, characterized by the presence of hydrocarbons (‘productive horizons’), cover a time span of the order of 500 ka. ‘Long’ cycles include 4 to 6 short T R cycles. They seem to be correlatable to Western Europe and probably to North America. The long cycles form part of higher-order stacking patterns indicative of still longer cycles. Considering the variable thickness of the cycles throughout the basin, tectonics must have influenced the character of the series in addition to (glacio-)eustatic sea-level fluctuations. The paleogeographical development of the basin shows axial deposition during the late Visean, likely related to late-stage rifting-related subsidence of a central graben, followed by basin-wide subsidence related to thermal subsidence during the Serpukhovian.

Continental rift development in Precambrian and Phanerozoic Europe: EUROPROBE and the Dnieper-Donets Rift and Polish Trough basins

Upper crustal structure and lower crustal and mantle character of the European continental lithosphere differ significantly from west to east. The processes of rifting of Phanerozoic western Europe's hotter, thinner crust compared with the more stable, thicker (45 vs 30 km) Proterozoic crust of the East European Craton is being investigated by EUROPROBE case studies of western and eastern European sedimentary basins. The Dnieper—Donets basin transects the southwestern part of the East European platform in a NW—SE direction, lying between the Ukrainian Shield and the Voronezh Massif. Rifting took place from early Frasnian until perhaps the late Visean and was accompanied by major volcanic activity. The distribution of both was affected by pre-existing basement fault systems. The syn- and post-rift sedimentary succession may be as thick as 20 km in the Donets Trough. Basin evolution and the present crustal geometry have been much affected by “inversion” during the Permian in association with Uralian orogenesis. Tectonic events of Bathonian—Oxfordian (∼ 168−154 Ma) and Turonian—Santonian (∼ 91−84 Ma) age are also recorded in the basin stratigraphy. The Polish Trough lies along the boundary between the Phanerozoic and Proterozoic European crustal domains, coincident with the Trans-European Suture Zone. The presence of this rheological boundary may be paramount in structurally controlling the position of the Trough. Tectonic subsidence analysis indicates an initial (late) Rotliegendes—Early Triassic syn-rift phase of development. Subsequently, episodes of increased tectonic subsidence rate occurred during the Oxfordian—Tithonian (≈ 157−146 Ma) and beginning in the Cenomanian (≈ 95−90 Ma). The Oxfordian—Tithonian episode is likely the signature of a second extensional event (correlated with intensification of rifting within the Arctic—North Atlantic rift system) while the Cenomanian and later is a precursor to mild compressional, intraplate orogenic movements. Present-day crustal structure reflects the “docking” of Phanerozoic crust against the Proterozoic during Palaeozoic orogenies, Permo—Carboniferous wrenching and transtensional modifications leading to formation of the Polish Trough, as well as modifications during the Late Cretaceous—Early Tertiary inversion process.

LITHOLOGIC CRITERIA FOR PETROLEUM IN THE CARBONIFEROUS OF THE DNIEPER-DONETS BASIN

The Dnieper-Donets basin is one of the promising petroliferous provinces in the Ukraine, where over 140 oil and gas pools have been discovered. Most of the hydrocarbon pools have been reached by boreholes at depths of less than 4 km. New systematic forecasts and proper evaluation of petroleum prospects are required to increase the energy resources of the province, particularly for the older beds at large and very large depths. Previous work by the authors has identified a regular zoning with depth in the reservoirs and a genetic relationship of the petroleum to the nature of the granular reservoir rocks, and has also devised a model for predicting deep reservoirs, which indicates that promising economic reservoirs occur in the northwestern Dnieper-Donets basin down to depths of 5200 m, or to 6300 m in the central and southeastern parts. An analysis of the sedimentary and diagenetic history of the basin in terms of two major transgressive-regressive megacycles points to regional targets for deep drilling. 8 references.