Studies on the onshore hydrocarbon potential in East Greenland 1986-87: field work from 72° to 74°N

Abstract

A study of the onshore hydrocarbon potential of central and northem East Greenland was initiated in 1986. Field work was carried out from early July to mid August covering the region between Kong Oscar Fjord and Kejser Franz Joseph Fjord (fig. 1). In 1987 field activities will continue further to the north, eventually reaching Danmarkshavn (77°N). The programme is a continuation of the 1982-83 investigations in Jameson Land (Surlyk, 1983; Surlyk et al., 1984a) and is part of a regional programme comprising petroleum geological studies of all sedimentary basins in Greenland (Larsen & Marcussen, 1985; Larsen, 1986). The aim of the two-year field study followed by laboratory analyses is: (1) to study the presence and distribution of potential hydrocarbon source rocks in the region; (2) to evaluate the thermal history and maturity pattern of the region including the thermal effect of Tertiary intrusions and volcanics; (3) to make a stratigraphic, sedimentological and tectonic study of the region with special emphasis on subsidence history, reservoir formation and potential hydrocarbon traps.