Based on a higher-detail basin analysis and re-evaluation of the hydrocarbon potential in the northern flanks of the Onon basin (Transbaikalia), researchers from the Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics SB RAS (Novosibirsk), Transbaikal State University (Chita), and Looch Scientific production enterprise of geophysical equipment (Looch SPE GE), Novosibirsk, predict a medium-scale natural gas field and a large oilfield there.
Onon basin, Transbaikalia (Zabaikalsky Krai)
Hydrocarbon potential previously considered low in Transbaikalia has been evaluated using novel technologies, which opens up new perspectives for the region. The suite of methods involved included transient electromagnetic soundings (TEM) and gas chromatography. Also, samples were collected from boreholes drilled in the study area for geochemical analysis.
“The hydrocarbon potential of the Onon basin estimated from TEM data and gas chromatography, has been confirmed by new data on the region’s geology and deep structure, and its geodynamics," the researchers noted.
Results of the fieldworks revealed intense butane concentration anomalies in the upper part of the section. EM sounding data enabled identification of reservoir layers characterized by good porosity/permeability, while boundaries of potential reservoir distribution and their thicknesses were determined from aereal surveys, thus providing for predictive assessment of significant geologic resources.
Based on expert estimates, recoverable gas reserves may reach 7.9 billion cubic meters, and recoverable oil reserves will amount to approximately 78 million tons in the Onon basin. According to reserve classification regulatory documents, these values translate to a medium-size gas field and a large oilfield.
IPGG SB RAS specialists anticipate that the results obtained will be taken into consideration in the implementation of the Transbaikalia gasification program.
Published by IPGG Press Service
Photo courtesy of V.V. Olenchenkо
For reference
The research was conducted in accordance with the basic research plan of IPGG SB RAS (project FWZZ-2022-0024 of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation). Fieldwork funding bodies are: government of Zabaikalsky Krai and Looch SPE GE.
For more detail of the research see the article by: Olenchenko V.V., Epov M.I., Napreev D.V., Salikhov V.S., Antonov E.Yu. . – Prospects of oil and gas potential in the northern flanks of the Onon depression (Ttransbaikalia) according to electromagnetic sounding and gas chromatography data. Russian Journal of Geophysical Technologies. 2025. No. 4. P. 68–85