At the seminar on petroleum geology , Alexander Fomin, DSc (geol.-mineral.), principal research scientists from the Laboratory of Petroleum Geochemistry talked about his experience in direct detection of hydrocarbons escaping from subsurface accumulations to identify their presence in the soils and snow cover for the exploration of undiscovered reserves.
Alexander Fomin, DSc (geol.-mineral.)
In particular, he considered the advantages and disadvantages of the main surface geochemical surveying techniques which indicate with varying reliability the presence of potential hydrocarbon accumulations and source beds in the subsurface.
– Hydrocarbons escaping from subsurface accumulations, while migrating up the section, may store up in soils and snow cover. Analysis of the spatial variability of indicator-element concentration fields in near-surface horizons has enabled identification of the anomaly zones caused by hydrocarbon escaping from hydrocarbon accumulations, noted Alexander Fomin.
In his presentation, A.N. Fomin elaborated on the requirements for sample collection, storage, transportation, and laboratory analysis; hydrocarbon exploration criteria; optimal sampling network; and on the methodology for identifying potentially prospective areas based on results of the geochemical surface surveying of the area. A more reliable estimate of oil and gas potential in the study area requires integration of geochemical data with geological and geophysical data, he said.
– While reflecting different aspects in characterization of the studied geological objects, these methods complement each other and provide good grounds for improving the accuracy of prediction of deep hydrocarbon accumulations, Alexander Fomin concluded.
He also presented results of using surface geochemical surveys in Siberia and other regions.
The audience's level of interest was reflected in the many questions asked by representatives all of the Institute's lines of research ―petroleum geology; paleontology, stratigraphy and sedimentology; and geophysics― namely by V.A. Kashirtsev, RAS Corr. member; L.S. Borisova, DSc (geol.-mineral.); V.A. Kazanenkov, DSc (geol.-mineral.); A.L. Makas’ PhD (Tech.); and V.V. Fedotov.
Published by IPGG Press Service