Decoding the evolution of the Carboniferous fluvial system using onshore-offshore correlation

Understanding the evolution of the Carboniferous fluvial system in the UK offshore sector has historically been hampered by differences in stratigraphic nomenclature in the areas surrounding the Mid North Sea High and onshore. This has hindered the systematic regional understanding of the timing and controls on stacked source and reservoir rock intervals. The joint industry-government 21st Century Exploration Roadmap Project, aimed at rejuvenating the exploration from the Central North Sea/Mid North Sea High to the East Orkney Basin, has provided the opportunity for a comprehensive re-evaluation of Carboniferous onshore-offshore UK stratigraphy. Over 130 well reinterpretations, tied to seismic interpretations, provide evidence of the inception and extent of the delta system. This has allowed the identifications of the extent and inception of the Carboniferous delta systems and the basins in which the deposited into. Also how facies architecture evolved through the Carboniferous in response to tectonic events and sea-level change. We created palaeo-geographic maps which show times slices from the Tournaisian to Namurian. These show the geographic relationships between fluvial, fluviodeltaic, platform carbonate and shale-dominated basins and how they evolve through the period. This will lead to a better understanding of how facies and palaeogeography influence Palaeozoic petroleum system and help to identify new targets for exploration.