Structural characteristics and sedimentation condition of the Mesozoic complex in the northern part of the South Caspian Basin based on new geophysical data

The high hydrocarbon potential and production rates of the Productive Series deposits in the South Caspian Basin (SCB) provide grounds for investigating the existence of promising areas in deeper layers, and the high oil-gas potential of older stratigraphic sedimentary complexes. In this regard, the extraction of industrially significant oil, gas, and condensate flows from Mesozoic sediments in the Keshchay, Beyimdagh-Tekchay, and Shurabad fields of the Khizi tectonic zone necessitates geological substantiation of the oil and gas potential of the Mesozoic sediments in the continuation of this zone in the North Absheron uplifts zone in the sea. Mesozoic sediments have been encountered in only a few well sections (Khazri, Gilavar, Arzu, etc.). Cretaceous sediments have also been identified in the Agburun-deniz, Absheron Bankasy, and Western Absheron fields. These sediments, which can reach several hundred meters in thickness, are characterized by terrigenous and carbonate facies. In the North Absheron uplifts zone, new insights into the geological structure of the deeper layers, i.e., the Mesozoic complex, have emerged in recent years based on the complex analysis of seismic profiles and drilling data. Extensive research has also been conducted in this direction by our team, and the results obtained are discussed in this article. Among the issues highlighted are the geological history of the uplift zone, the formation periods of the structures here, the distribution patterns of sediments, and the directions of future research. One of the most relevant problems is the assessment of hydrocarbon potential in deeper layers, which has been partially addressed in this article. Keywords: seismic depth survey; Mesozoic sedimentary complex; hydrocarbon potential; tectonic faulting; paleotectonics.