Exploratory Potential of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin

Abstract

This regional study proposes a regional evaluation of the petroleum potential of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin (EQM), based on the analysis of exploratory plays, in the geological context of the sedimentary basins that compose it. A methodological approach is adopted where plays are the key geological concept and the Geographic Information System (GIS) is the computational tool. The first step is the mapping of the plays' factors (charge, reservoir and trap systems). Subsequently, using geoprocessing techniques, the segments of the plays' factors (subplays) are qualitatively evaluated for geological favorability knowledge. The knowledge of charge, reservoir and trap elements of each exploratory play allows to observe the prospectivity of the area, despite the limitation of data availability at the exploratory frontier basins that make up the EQM. In this work, we have mapped exploratory superplays associated to the EQM's reservoirs with different characteristics and ages. The greatest chances of hydrocarbon discovery were observed in the central portion of the basins that make up the Brazilian EQM, near the 1,500 m isobath; medium and low chances occured in the rest of the effective basin.