Geological and geophysical studies for assessing  the energy potential of land-sea transition zones  of the Azov-Black sea region

A.A. Tolkunov; D.M. Gryn; A.S. Chulkov

doi:10.24028/gj.v47i6.348867

Authors

A.A. Tolkunov Institute of Geology Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; Institute of Renewable Energy of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
D.M. Gryn S. Subbotin Institute of Geophysics,National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,Kiev,Ukraine, Ukraine
A.S. Chulkov S. Subbotin Institute of Geophysics,National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,Kiev,Ukraine, Ukraine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24028/gj.v47i6.348867

Keywords:

land-sea transition zone, seismic exploration, mineral exploration, energy potential, shallow and deep geological structure

Abstract

The article is devoted to integrated geological and geophysical investigations of land-sea transition zones of the Azov-Black Sea region (the Western Black Sea area and the Kerch Bay-Azov Sea). These zones, which are strategically important for hydrocarbon exploration, cover more than 30,000 km2 and are extremely challenging for the application of conventional seismic exploration methods. This is primarily due to specific physical-geographical conditions and technological limitations. Such studies are critically important for reducing the risk of «dry» drilling and attracting investment, as well as for addressing engineering and safety issues in the context of post-war reconstruction.

A detailed analysis of two key areas the Western Black Sea area and the Kerch Peninsula is presented. In the Western Black Sea area, the most promising zone extends from Lake Sasyk to Lake Alibey, with a forecast estimate of undiscovered resources of 20—30 thousand tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE) per 1 km2, associated with Paleozoic (Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous) and Mesozoic deposits. The Kerch area is also among the most promising regions (20—30 thousand TOE per 1 km2), where hydrocarbon potential has been proven in Neogene (Tortonian) and Oligocene deposits and is also expected in older complexes (Cretaceous and Jurassic).

In the transition zones of the northeastern part of the Kerch Peninsula (Kerch Bay-Azov Sea), exploration seismic surveys using the 2D CMP (CDP) method were conducted by the State Enterprise «Ukrgeophysica» during 2009—2011. Five seismic profiles with a total length of 43.64 km were acquired; they cross anticlinal structures including the Velykotarkhansky and Baksynsky mud volcanoes. The obtained migrated time sections allowed for a detailed reconstruction of the geological structure of the transition zone and the internal structure of mud volcanoes, confirming their genetic relationship with anticlinal folds.

Seismic methods, particularly the 3D seismic surveying, represent the only effective tool for identifying and delineating prospective structures in transition zones. Comprehensive geophysical investigation of these areas is critically important not only for realizing Ukraine’s energy potential but also for engineering geophysics (mapping weak soils, designing landslide protection structures) and seismic microzonation. These studies provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of transport infrastructure and for ensuring the safety of coastal territories.

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