| Abstract: | Geological and geophysical data over the Antarctic margin are reviewed to define those areas where thick sedimentary sequences occur which may have potential to source hydrocarbons. Where possible, the Waples-Lopatin model has been used to calculate whether the degree of maturation of the sediments is sufficient for hydrocarbons to have been generated.Significant sedimentary sequences occur along the continental margins of Wilkes Land, western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctic Peninsula and Ellsworth Land and, as basins or troughs, on the continental shelf of Prydz Bay, Weddell Sea and Ross Sea. Maturation assessments are possible for western Dronning Maud Land, eastern Weddell Sea, western Antarctic Peninsula, Ellsworth Land and Ross Sea regions. Within the great limitations of the data, only western Weddell Sea and Ross Sea basins have maturation values sufficient for the generation of hydrocarbons. |
