ABOUT ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF GEOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE CASPIAN REGION USING THE REFINED CARTOGRAPHIC BASE

Abstract

This article aims to improve the methodology and approaches in substantiation of a unified cartographic base for prospective study, planning, and placement of research, forecasting of new oil and gas accumulations. In this case, the basic objectives are the refinement of the regional structure of the Caspian region by taking into account the main geological events during the formation and development, a more precise stratification of the section, specifically, the possible higher detailing of the Devonian and Cenozoic part. To this end, the main “tools” are considered to be the analysis of the paleogeographic environment, and peculiarities of sediment accumulation, which substantiate the formation of centers of maximum filling with fragmentary material, and anomalous objects (large carbon-bearing platforms and atollshaped massifs, mega-elevations, areas with non-conventional conditions for the oil-and-gas-formation processes). According to the preliminary results, their formation was preceded by the development of accumulative sedimentary forms of diverse genesis and paleobathymetric zoning of the sedimentation basin. The structural plan of the region and local anomalies are evaluated with due regard for such non-conventional features for the exploration geology as the structure of the daylight surface terrain, and the pattern of manifestation of anomalies of potential physical fields. Finally, a more detailed cartographic base allows refining some previously substantiated regional regularities in the manifestations of various types of minerals (hydrocarbons, solid commercial minerals, groundwater, ore, and valuable components), unique processes associated with the genesis of anomalous geological features, from the perspective of exploring, forecasting and detection of new oil and gas accumulations. A unified cartographic base constitutes a key factor for the expansion and active integration of geological organizations of all the five Caspian littoral states.