Structure and petroleum potential of the Laptev Sea region

Analysis of specific features of the structure and petroleum potential of the Aptian Laptev Sea region is presented. Age and lithological composition of the sedimentary cover of the shelf are predicted. Oil- and-gas source sequences, catagenetic zonation of organic matter, and potential petroliferous objects in large structural zones are characterized. It is supposed that oil likely played a significant role in the phase composition of naphtides. Its formation in the land and coastal shelf zone was stipulated by the presence of high-quality oil source rocks in the Riphean–Phanerozoic cover of the Siberian Craton. In the remaining part of the shelf, where the Aptian–Cenozoic rift system is widespread, oil can also be present in pools, because the rocks likely accommodate not only gas source rocks, but also deltaic and prodeltaic oil-and-gas source rocks that are located in the main oil formation zone. The above properties are specific features of the study region, and its hydrocarbon potential will be increasing steadily with the shelf development.