Petroleum-related regional studies of the Barents Sea region (PETROBAR)

More than three decades of research and petroleum exploration in the Barents Sea have revealed deep and complex sedimentary basin systems affected by a variety of geological processes. A large hydrocarbon potential has been proven, including multiple sour ce and reservoir intervals. However, there are still many uncertainties and problems linked to understanding the petroleum systems of the Barents Sea. The main goal of this project is to enhance the understanding of fundamental, large-scale, processes be hind sedimentary basin formation and evolution in the Barents Sea region and their impact on the petroleum systems. Deep processes responsible for the subsidence will have special attention, and new models will be developed. The new, partly quantitative, understanding of basin development and petroleum systems will be used by petroleum industry to decrease exploration risk in the Barents Sea. The project has been divided into sub-projects that are closely linked and highly relevant to regional exploratio n in the Barents Sea. The first three cover our integrated approach: (1) the basin architecture (structure, stratigraphy and evolution) is (2) linked to underlying structures in the crust and upper mantle and (3) numerical modelling is carried out to stud y key processes responsible for the basin formation and development. This three-fold approach is applied in four thematic case studies including (1) East Barents Sea basin evolution, (2) Arctic magmatism, (3) SW Barents Sea basin evolution, and (4) Cenozo ic structuring and uplift/erosion. Finally, we will synthesize the results and address various implications for the petroleum systems. Important similarities, differences and interactions between the western and eastern Barents Sea will be highlighted. W e have established a network of researchers, mainly from Norway and Russia, covering a wide range of disciplines. We will work closely together, and exchange data and results, as well as scientific personnel.