PREREQUISITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE OIL AND GAS POTENTIAL OF PRE-JURASSIC ROCKS IN THE KARA SEA

Abstract

Geological–geophysical studies performed in the 20th century demonstrated a genetic relationship between the structure of the Kara Sea bottom with its main structural–tectonic elements and petroliferous formations of the northern West Siberian petroliferous province. This major petroleum production region of Russia is entering the late stages of hydrocarbon extraction. Therefore, prospecting for oil and gas in relatively less studied Arctic shelf areas is a pressing issue. Moreover, the discovery of unique (in terms of reserve) gas condensate deposits in the South Kara shelf suggests that the Arctic region is most promising for the discovery of hydrocarbon traps, conversion of their resources into commercial reserves, and their industrial development in the near future.