Merlin Energy Resources Limited has completed the first comprehensive stratigraphic map of offshore Ireland.
Merlin Energy Resources Limited has completed the first comprehensive stratigraphic map of offshore Ireland.
‘The Standard Stratigraphic Nomenclature of Offshore Ireland: An Integrated Lithostratigraphic, Biostratigraphic and Sequence Stratigraphic Framework’ comprises a large-format illustrative Atlas, which documents new lithostratigraphic, chronostratigraphic, biostratigraphic and sequence stratigraphic frameworks for the drilled Phanerozoic section of the Ireland offshore region.
The database for the study included all legacy stratigraphic data from 264 released wells and boreholes. In addition, a number of UK wells that are close to the median line with Ireland have been tied to the evaluations. Furthermore, a significant amount of new biostratigraphic data was generated by additional sample analysis from key wells and intervals.
A total of 309 lithostratigraphic units (groups, formations, members, units) are described and illustrated by type and reference wells, distribution maps and ties to seismic data. Nearly 200 new lithostratigraphic names are introduced in the Atlas. Correlations and comparisons are made between the newly defined offshore Ireland stratigraphy and that of the UK offshore, UK onshore, North Sea and offshore Eastern Canada regions. As a result, UK lithostratigraphic nomenclature has been applied to offshore Ireland rock units, where subsurface contiguity can be demonstrated. Sixty-three previously existing names are utilized from the UK.
An extensive database of 3D and 2D seismic data was interpreted, leading to the recognition of a set of 60 consistently defined and named seismic horizons. These are illustrated in a set of 10 regional seismic lines and 55 figures showing seismic to well ties across the region. In addition, the seismic evaluation, combined with gravity data interpretation, has led to a revision of the structural elements for the region.
A regional evaluation of source rock potential has identified 21 formations with hydrocarbon generation potential based on the newly developed stratigraphy. The 16 proven hydrocarbon reservoir units in all known fields and discoveries offshore Ireland are formally named and described, and their distributions mapped.
The atlas was commissioned by the Irish Shelf Petroleum Studies Group (ISPSG) and has been developed by a consortium led by Merlin Energy Resources Ltd, incorporating Palaeodate Ltd, Network Stratigraphic Consulting Ltd, Riley Geoscience Ltd, Integrated Geochemical Interpretation Ltd and Dunford Exploration Ltd.
The Atlas is being made freely available by Ireland’s Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. All maps generated in the project are available in an ArcGIS database.
Dr Philip Copestake, project manager and Atlas editor, at Merlin said ‘Merlin Energy looks forward to using the atlas and accompanying databases as the foundation for future subsurface interpretations offshore Ireland, whether for natural resources evaluations, academic investigations or as the basis for reservoir definition and mapping to support energy transition projects such as carbon capture and storage.’
Clare Morgan, head of technical section, Petroleum Affairs Division, at Ireland’s Department of Environment, Climate and Communications described the atlas as ‘a reference tool for all geoscientists working Ireland’s offshore basins, whether industry, researchers or government-based and this unique document will be utilized for many years and decades into the future. As Ireland moves away from hydrocarbons to offshore renewable energy development, the repurposing of the knowledge from the oil and gas industry to the renewable energy industry, such as provided in this study, is hugely beneficial.’
