Geological results of deep exploration in the Vienna basin

The exploration for hydrocarbons in the deepest tectonic »floor« underneath the Vienna basin with depths of 6.5–8.5 km, was undertaken between 1977 and 1985 and based on several important conditions:

-The assumption that an autochthonous sedimentary cover lies upon the Crystalline Basement (Bohemian massif) below the Neogene basin infill and the Alpine-Carpathian nappes.

-Expressed high zones exist within the Vienna basin with exploration targets at depths reachable by drilling.

-The significant accumulation of oil- and gasfields m shallower position over the area of interest.

As a result of the 4 deep wells drilled for the abovementioned targets more information has been acquired concerning the stratigraphy, facies distribution and depth positions of the autochthonous Jurassic, Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary Molasse along the Eastern flank of the Crystalline basement spur of the Bohemian Massif. The allochthonous, Waschberg- und Flyschzone, both Alpine-Carpathian units underneath the Vienna basin, have been penetrated by these wells for the first time and the overthrust of the Calcareous Alps over the Flysch nappes has been proven (well Aderklaa UT1). Additional information about Neogene sedimentation and faulting was obtained. Drilling results made it possible to get a more comprehensive picture of the 3 tectonic »floors« of the Vienna basin, m detail represented by the Zistersdorf and Aderklaa profiles. Thick basin marls of the Upper Jurassic represent a large source potential for hydrocarbons. The favourable reservoir layers, detected in the Mesozoic sections of the foreland area have not been encountered here till now. A high supply of free hydrocarbons within the deepest floor must be assumed on the basis of many oil and gas shows, a major gas kick in Zistersdorf ÜTla and a limited oil production from a fractured zone along a thrustline in the Maustrenk ÜTla well, both occurring in an overpressured environment.