Exploring the Oligocene-Lower Miocene Reservoirs in the NW Black Sea - Application of Lithofacies Analysis

Based on the integrated analysis of geological, geophysical and production data it was delineated the most promising zones within the Maykop Formation of the northwestern Black Sea shelf favorable for improved reservoir rocks properties. The litho-facies restoration has demonstrated that the bulk of discovered gas fields are attributed to lagoonal-estuary facies zone where reservoir rocks have alternates with good seal rocks providing effective trapping for migrating hydrocarbons.On the basis of paleofacies analysis it was compiled litho-facies maps of main prospective stages of the Maykop Formation (Planorbellian, Molochanian, Kerleutian, and Upper Maykopian).