Basin and petroleum systems modelling to characterise multi-source hydrocarbon generation: A case study on the inner Moray Firth, UK North Sea

In this paper we used basin and petroleum systems modelling (BPSM) of the Inner Moray Firth, UK North Sea to identify the contributions of different source rocks, mixing ratios of accumulated hydrocarbons, and migration pathways of charging the three known fields in the basin - Beatrice, Jacky and Lybster fields. In this study, model scenarios indicate that extensive faulting is a key control on hydrocarbon migration and accumulation, that the accumulations in the basin do not contain Kimmeridge Clay Formation oil, and that they are mixed in a ratio of similar to 65:35 Devonian Fish Bed vs Pentland Formation contribution. Migration modelling suggests that Beatrice Field was charged predominantly by proximally sourced hydrocarbons, whereas Jacky and Lybster fields were charged by a near-even mix of proximal and deep-basin hydrocarbons from the Great Glen Sub-Basin.

Automated summary

In this paper, basin and petroleum systems modelling (BPSM) was used to investigate the Inner Moray Firth in the UK North Sea. The study aimed to identify the contributions of different source rocks, mixing ratios of accumulated hydrocarbons, and migration pathways of charging the three known fields in the basin - Beatrice, Jacky and Lybster fields. The results indicate that extensive faulting plays a key role in hydrocarbon migration and accumulation, the accumulations in the basin do not contain Kimmeridge Clay Formation oil, and the mixing ratio is approximately 65:35 for Devonian Fish Bed vs Pentland Formation contribution. Migration modelling suggests that Beatrice Field was charged predominantly by proximally sourced hydrocarbons, whereas Jacky and Lybster fields were charged by a near-even mix of proximal and deep-basin hydrocarbons from the Great Glen Sub-Basin.