Discovery of the Gas Field in Slope Turbidites of Northwestern Black Sea Shelf

The northwestern Black Sea represents the region that accumulates the bulk of river drainage sediments (up to 80%) for the entire basin. The key interest is the zone of turbidite sedimentation at the continental slope and near its base, where the most interesting prospects might be localized. The regional analysis was conducted with focus on structural styles, sequence stratigraphy and petroleum systems. The large gravitational slump was identified as the key tectonic element of the area. It demonstrates a series of normal faults in the landward zone and large thrust in its frontal part. The anticipated traps have been related to the roll-over and toe-thrust anticlines. In addition, the large-scale units of basin-floor fans, slope fans and mass-transport complexes have been detected and mapped. As a result of detailed analysis of the 3D seismic data, we have mapped the main and secondary prospects of the area. The key geological processes and factors that have led to the trap formation and possible hydrocarbon fill have been identified too. The drilling of Lyra-1X well has eventually led to discovery of the large gas field with the reservoirs that have been formed in the slope turbidite lobe