OTC 12199

Geological- geophysical summary of a typical offshore structure (Kyurdashi) in the

South Caspian Basin, Azerbaijan.
Dr. A. Javadova; E.P. Oehms, Wintershall Lenkoran GmbH, Baku, Azerbaijan

Copyright 2000, Offshore Technology Conference

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2000 Offshore Technology Conference held in
Houston, Texas, 14 May 2000.
This paper was selected for presentation by the OTC Program Committee following review of
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presented, have not been reviewed by the Offshore Technology Conference and are subject to
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Abstract
The Kyurdashi structure in the South Caspian Basin is an
elongated and pronounced structure associated with a NNWSSE trending regional fault. Several onshore oil fields are
associated with this fault trend, i.e. Neftechala, Khilli,
Babazanan, Qarabagli and Durovdag. The geologic setting for
Kyurdashi is very similar to these onshore fields with up to 20
stacked reservoir zones within the Pliocene Productive Series
and overlying Quarternary deposits.
Kyurdashi is an over 10 km long, faulted anticline with
steep flanks of 10-30 degrees. The center of the structure is
intruded by a mud volcano which has pierced the structure and
formed the Kyurdashi island. The structure is encompassed by
two synclines modeled to be marginally oil mature with
respect to the Oligo- to Miocene Diatome Maikop source
shales. On Kyurdashi island distinct oil seepage is observed.
The drilling of the first modern offshore exploration wells
in this area is scheduled in 2000 and 2001. It can be expected
that drilling will confirm the prospectivity of this play type
and discover substantial amounts of hydrocarbons in the
southwestern part of the South Caspian Basin.

Introduction. Azerbaijan has a long history of oil

production and already more than 15 billion barrels oil were
proved during the last 150 years. However, exploration
activities until few years ago were confined to the onshore and
the shallow water areas close to the mainland.

Location. Seismic work and exploration studies

performed during recent years indicate that the Baku
archipelago is highly prospective for discovering new oil and
gas fields. One of the most prospective areas is the Kyurdashi
block, located some 160 km south of Baku in a water depth of
70-75 meters (Fig. 1). The study area is situated in the
southern part of the Baku archipelago, in the delta of the Kura
River, which drains large parts of the Caucasus Mountains.
The Kyurdashi structure represents the offshore continuation
of the Khilli-Neftechala anticlinal zone with two oil and gas
fields producing from over 20 sand horizons within the
Pliocene Productive Series (Fig. 2).
Exploration History. The Kyurdashi structure was
discovered on the basis of seismic surveys performed the first
time in 1948 and later in 1954-55. In 1988 additional 2Dseismic covered nearly the entire block and has proved
Kyurdashi as an elongated, well pronounced brachy-anticline
(Fig. 3). On trend with Kyurdashi two more structures are
located seaward, i.e. Araz-Sea and Shirvan. The block was
awarded in 1998 under a three year exploration contract to an
international consortium.
Producing Analogs. So far no deep exploration well has
been drilled on Kyurdashi. Accordingly, the results of the
geophysical studies are to be compared with the onshore
Khilli-Neftechala anticlinal zone and equivalent productive
analogs. There several valid structures have been proved by
seismic and drilling. From the north to the south: Kyurovdag,
Qarabagly, Babazanan-Durovdag, Khilli and Neftechala
fields. The individual structures are separated by gentle
saddles. This prolific tectonic zone has its marine continuation
in the Kyurdashi structure.
Neftechala as the closest analog is a brachy-anticline of
elongated shape oriented in a northwestern-southeastern
direction. Its areal extent at Apsheron level (Top Pliocene) is
10x4 km. The fold is asymmetrical with a steep northern flank
(dip of 25-300) and a more gentle southwestern flank (10-120).
Numerous ruptures are observed, having different directions
and amplitude of displacement. In particular two large
longitudinal faults cut the crest of the fold on its whole length.

R. A. JAVADOVA

To the southeast the Neftechala fold gently submerges into the

sea towards Kyurdashi.
A detailed study of all available geologic-geophysical
data allowed a correlation of individual prospective units
within the Productive Series. The compiled geoseismic section
(Fig. 4) passes from onshore to offshore through Neftechala
and Kyurdashi. Although the sequence consists predominantly
of shales with intercalated sands it is possible to discern four
sedimentation complexes in the section representing the
following units:
Quarternary deposits down to SH-1 (Seismic Horizon-1),
U. Pliocene Apsheron-Akchagyl SH-1 to SH-2,
Lower Pliocene including the main reservoirs Pereryva
SH-2 to SH-3,
Miocene-Paleogene deposits down to SH-4.
Kyurdashi. A structure map was compiled (Fig. 5) for
the main target horizon (Suite Pereryva which is identical
with horizon XX in the terminology used for the producing
units). In Kyurdashi it may be assumed that multiple
reservoirs will be encountered, both in the Upper and the
Lower parts of the Productive Series. This will be analog to
Neftechala and other onshore fields, both in the Lower Kura
depression as well as the Apsheron- and Baku oil and gas
bearing areas.
The structure is a clearly defined anticline with steep
dips and crestal faulting. The southwestern flank of the
structure is downthrown by some 100-400 meters in
comparison to the northeastern part. A system of complicated
faults is observed in particular on the crest of the structure are
associated with intensive mud volcanism and possible strikeslip movements. Accordingly normal and reverse faults are
observed in the data which are not likely to have breached the
structure due to the shale abundance and plasticity of the
rising mud. The faults however will have facilitated charging
of the structure from the nearby kitchens, which are modeled
to be marginally mature for oil at the main source rock level,
i.e the Maikop Formation.
Geologic and aeromagnetic results of the study show that
the crater of the recent mud volcano is located in the center of
the Kyurdashi uplift and has created the island of the same
name. The rising mud volcano brought also significant
quantities of oil to the surface together with mud. Signs of
other active mud volcanoes are also observed on individual
seismic lines. The character of the seismic records shows that
plastic clayey rocks were compressed and evacuated up the
section. Possibly, the volcano, acting at the end Pliocene time
and buried by more recent deposits, is confined to this zone
with only few chimneys reaching the surface.
The seismic data show the presence of longitudinal and
cross disturbances, i.e. normal and reverse faults in the

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Kyurdashi area. For the first time it was also possible to

distinguish obliquely laminated formations on the seismic
records, associated with the Paleo-Kura deltaic deposits. The
author is convinced that modern 3D-seismic recently shot by
the present licence holder and special attribute processing will
allow for identifying detailed sedimentation patterns in the
Kyurdashi area and possibly give direct hydrocarbon
indications.

Conclusions. Kyurdashi according to all estimates is a

good example for the numerous large undrilled structures in
the South Caspian Basin. The first exploration wells on the
block are planned in 2000 and 2001. It is expected that these
wells will confirm the onshore oil play also in the offshore
part. Accordingly these exploration wells will be of key
importance for proving the southwestern part of the Baku
Archipelago as a valid hydrocarbon play with potentially giant
discoveries.

OTC 12199

GEOLOGICAL- GEOPHYSICAL SUMMARY OF A TYPICAL OFFSHORE STRUCTURE

(KYURDASHI) IN THE SOUTH CASPIAN BASIN, AZERBAIJAN.

R. A. JAVADOVA

OTC 12199

OTC 12199

GEOLOGICAL- GEOPHYSICAL SUMMARY OF A TYPICAL OFFSHORE STRUCTURE

(KYURDASHI) IN THE SOUTH CASPIAN BASIN, AZERBAIJAN.

R. A. JAVADOVA

OTC 12199