THE HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION OF THE BASINS OF THE ROSS SEA,ANTARCTICA, FROM MODELLING OF THE GEOPHYSICAL DATA?

Geophysical definition of the three major sedimentary basins of the Ross Sea and scientific drilling on their margins have provided enough information for conceptual models of hydrocarbon generation and source rock character to be applied. The Waples-Lopatin geochemical model used is an accepted part of preliminary exploration in petroleum frontier areas where data are limited. The model has only a narrow empirical base despite widespread use by the exploration industry, but its value is in the collation and utilization of a variety of parameters which control the physical environment of hydrocarbon generation. This modelling evaluation attempts to overcome the condemnation of a region because of the lack of data rather than the lack of true petroleum potential. In the Ross Sea, the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) holes 270–273 showed that methane and heavier hydrocarbons are present in the drilled sequences. However, to be significant, they must be indicative of regional generation and not just the result of local anomalies. Modelling shows that there are areas of the Ross Sea where the conditions for hydrocarbon generation should be present and these areas are worthy of future exploration.