Criteria of petroleum potential of a sedimentary basin

Abstract

The criteria of petroleum potential of a sedimentary basin are the features that characterize the evolution of a hydrocarbon system as a geological unit. There are basic and additional criteria of oil and gas potential. Without basic criteria, the functioning of the hydrocarbon system and consequent petroleum field formation is impossible. Additional criteria characterize qualitatively and quantitatively properties of the basic criteria. The properties of all basic criteria are ordered by genesis and summarized in a system that allows to quickly and accurately establish a relationship between them and classify them. The system can be used to select quantitative parameters for geological simulation of different scales, but also for automated applying for petroleum exploration and production. At the same time, the classification of basic criteria can be used at all stages of exploration. At the prospecting stage, when the type of sedimentary basin and the sedimentary conditions are recognized with some uncertainty, it is possible to predict the properties of source rocks, reservoirs, types of traps and seals. If all static basic criteria, such as source rock, reservoir, seal and trap, are available, it is possible to simulate the formation of petroleum fields, including generation, migration, accumulation and subsequent post-accumulation processes. At the stage of exploration and development, the classifications will help to verify the geological and hydrodynamic models of the field, taking into account the link to the regional and local structural plans and correctly identify the geological features of the study object and select the geological analogues.