The petroleum system is a scientific and practical method that has evolved during the past several decades and will continue to be improved in the future. The concept of petroleum systems blends petroleum geology and geochemistry together in a way that can substantially increase oil and gas prospecting success. The concept is more reliable and logical way to evaluate and describe the petroleum potential and attendant exploration risk of undrilled prospects, plays and basins. It is a new approach which can significantly help scientists in providing both the data and geological basis for constructive analyses.
The sedimentary basins, petroleum systems, plays and prospects can be considered as individual investigative levels. Each of them is supported by own geological interpretation and better understanding of the origin and location of hydrocarbons in the subsurface.
The basic aim of the subject is to give knowledge for more effective evaluation of oil and gas presence in the sedimentary basins by the petroleum system and play study. There are geographic and stratigraphic extents of the petroleum systems, which are inseparable and composite part of the sedimentary basin.
The presence of one or several petroleum systems in sedimentary basin is a guarantee for the availability of certain prerequisites (elements) and consecutive temporal and spatial development of hydrocarbon generation and accumulation. The petroleum system concept for every sedimentary basin is different and is defined by its geological features and evolution.
It is important to underline that the essential elements in the petroleum systems are source rocks, reservoirs, seals, traps and overburden rocks. They together with the processes in the hydrocarbon systems are in relationships and hierarchical juxtaposition.
Lecturer: Assoc. Prof. Nikola Botoucharov