Upper Paleozoic Carbonate Buildups of the Timan-Pechora Basin, the Sverdrup Basin and the Barents Sea as Potential Reservoirs of the Arctic

Abstract

The main objective of this work was to study the three Arctic Provinces: the Timan-Pechora Basin, the Sverdrup Basin and the Barents Sea, and make a comparison between them with a focus on the Paleozoic sediments and their potential as reservoirs based on published literature. The Upper Paleozoic carbonate reefal structures of the Timan-Pechora Basin have been proven as good reservoirs for hydrocarbon accumulation, while similar carbonate buildups of the Sverdrup Basin and the Barents Sea are still considered to be prospective. All the three provinces were at similar latitudes in Late Paleozoic time; and they included similar paleoenvironment with similar biota that were the main constructors of the carbonate buildups. However, considering the reservoir potential, another important process must be taken into account diagenesis. Paleozoic carbonate buildups in the selected provinces experienced prolonged or repeated periods of subaerial exposure that resulted in leaching, karstification and dolomitization, which are processes that enhance the porosity. It can be concluded that the Paleozoic carbonate reefal structures are important targets for future petroleum exploration in the Arctic.