Publication Name: PESA's Eastern Australasian Basin Symposium II
Authors: M.J. Altmann and H.M. Gordon
Date Published: December 2004
Number of Pages: 23
Reference Type: Book Section
Abstract:
This paper presents some aspects of hydrocarbon habitat along the southwestern flank of the Patchawarra Trough in the Cooper-Eromanga Basin, South Australia. The interpretations are based upon the Sellicks-1 and Christies-1 oil discoveries within the regional context of previous drilling results. Sellicks-1 discovered oil in the Patchawarra Formation in 2002, and was followed by the Christies-1 Birkhead Formation discovery in 2003. The distribution of oil pools is consistent with the existing model of Patchawarra Formation source, but new data allows refinement of migration and habitat near the Patchawarra subcrop margin. In particular, the interaction of Permian and Jurassic aquifers near the subcrop margin affects water salinities, resistivity response and the properties of hydrocarbons within the Patchawarra Formation. The recognition of vertical changes in aquifer salinity can be also useful in determining intra-Patchawarra seal integrity and subregional correlation. Together with structural definition, these may affect hydrocarbon migration and trap potential. The challenge for successful exploration in this region will be to identify which pathways have focussed hydrocarbons onto the flank.