NPD Geologic Studies Create Belief of Oil in Jan Mayen Ridge

The latest study of geological material from the steep parts of the seabed on the Jan Mayen Ridge creates the belief that there might be oil in the area.

“The samples from the seabed around Jan Mayen are stunning, the oldest is 260 million years old. The analysis of the material is surprising, “ commented Sissel Eriksen, exploration director of Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD).  “We had hoped but not expected to find  ancient sedimentary rocks around  the Jan Mayen area. The influence of volcanic rocks in the area is less than we previously thought – volcanic rocks generally have no potential for oil and gas. We found sandstone of good quality, which could act as a reservoir to oil and gas deposits. In addition, rocks that could act as a source where found as well.  Two important prerequisites for potential petroleum deposits are thus met, ”  says Eriksen.

In agreement with the Icelandic authorities (Orkustofnun) data was collected in July 2011 on both the Icelandic and Norwegian side of Jan Mayen Ridge. Water depth in the study area varies from 600 to 2000 meters. The areas chosen were based on the sparse seismic data that are available for this part of the Norwegian Sea.

Jan Mayen Ridge has a base of the Precambrian basement, and it has previously been assumed that this area consists largely of volcanic material. The geological knowledge of these waters associated with petroleum potential has until recently been very small.
“It still lacks a bit of data before OD can provide a resource estimate for the area, but we are very optimistic after receiving this new knowledge,” says NPD exploration director Eriksen. “If we take more samples and collect more seismic data, we will gain more knowledge about the prevalence of the interesting rocks. We also want to drill shallow boreholes to verify what we have found in the samples we have taken so far.

The results of NPD’s collection and interpretation work for the period 2010 to 2013 will be included in an environmental impact assessment for the Jan Mayen micro-continent. The data will also provide a basis for research, both nationally and internationally.

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Source: Offshore Nieuws Staff;