Publications

Hydrocarbon exploration in the Iliran High region began in the early 1900s, when numerous shallow wells were drilled and an unknown amount of heavy oil was produced. A surface anticline and seeps of asphalt, oil and gas lead the early explorers to the area. Seismic surveys were acquired in the 1980s and wells drilled in down flank areas discovered fields such as West Iliran and South Tabuan. These exploration drilling results have led to the current exploration strategy for this region.Although seismic quality is generally poor and geologic information is inadequate, it is believed that the hydrocarbon potential in this region remains attractive. Several exploration efforts have been made to define the possibility of a significant amount of hydrocarbon in this area, such as surface geological fieldwork and shallow stratigraphic slimhole wells. Other immediate activities include 2-D seismic acquisition and gravity-magnetic surveys.The Iliran High remains high, at least since Late Oligocene, when the Talang Akar was deposited. This high has been the focal point for hydrocarbon migration since Late Miocene. The major Plio- Pleistocene tectonic has resulted in the high tilting toward the southwest.At least three exploration plays have been identified: crest-structure, down-flank, and fractured basement. The prospects are all shallow, at depths of less than 2500 feet, and the seal seems to be the highest risk. Seismic quality may not be significantly improved and the geologic model remains highly uncertain, therefore geological analogs are required to support the concepts.