Cost Estimate for Exploration of Oil and Gas Fields in the Arctic Zone

Abstract

In the paper, the oil and gas exploration methods and technologies have been compared. It is noted that the use of modern computer technologies and mathematical models ensure progress in the search and exploration of hydrocarbons. Contact and remote exploration methods and technologies have been outlined. Among contact ones, the field and analytical methods have been compared, and among remote ones, geomorphological and structurometric techniques and computer geodynamic simulation (CGDS) developed by the authors have been successively analyzed. Based on expert analysis, it has been concluded that remote-sensing methods are significantly cheaper (3-10 times). Geomorphological and structurometric remote-sensing methods are based on GPS images, i.e. they use the ‘top view’ technology. On the contrary, the CGDS technique implements the ‘view from inside’ technology based on a system of geodynamic models. It does not require preliminary fieldwork, and its application may be focused on poorly developed, complex areas such as the Arctic zone.