Use of 2D-seismic data and available wells to investigate the source potential of the Palaeozoic interval in the Loppa High area, SW Barents Sea

Abstract

While most established plays in the Barents Sea have occurred in the Mesozoic, the Alta and Gohta discoveries prove a new carbonate play concept, with a source rock that does not stem from the Jurassic. Based on depositional environment and TOC values from the Palaeozoic interval a source rock with Top Ørn as its bottom and Top Røye as its top was interpreted. Basin modelling carried out on this potential source rock concludes that the Palaeozoic interval in the Loppa High area have a good source potential. A total of 30 different models have been carried out and three highlighted models, the P10, P50 and P90 model all shows evidence of good maturity ranges (ranging from 0.5 %Ro to 1.5 %Ro) and generation potential.