Historical overview of exploration of Tertiary plays in the UK North Sea

Abstract

This paper primarily discusses those Tertiary (Paleocene and Eocene) plays and trapping mechanisms that have proved successful over the 22 years to 1990 since oil was first discovered in the UK North Sea in 1969. These successful traps (both structural and stratigraphic) are illustrated by seismic sections, uninterpreted pre-drilling and interpreted post-drilling. As well as discussing these discoveries, some of the risks associated with the more subtle stratigraphic traps are addressed. A field size distribution of hydrocarbons in place for these discoveries in the area is presented, illustrating the rewards found to date. A brief reference is made to what the future potential may be for Tertiary prospectivity in the UK North Sea.