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ISSN 2218-9165
Stratigraphy
and sedimentology
of oil-gas basins
www.isjss.com
International scientific journal
1.2021
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“Neftli-qazlı hövzәlәrin stratiqrafiyası
vә sedimentologiyası” beynәlxalq
jurnalının redaksiya heyәti
Ak.A. Əlizadә – Baş redaktor
E.H.M. Əliyeva – Baş redaktorun müavini
S.A. Mәlikova – Mәsul katib
A.Q. Mәmmәdova – katib
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Journal “Stratigraphy and sedimentology
of oil-gas basins”
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36
Tofig Rashidov
MORPHOSTRUCTURAL INDICATORS OF OIL-AND-GAS CONTENT OF MUD VOLCANIC EDIFICES
FROM THE EXAMPLE OF GOBUSTAN AND THE ADJACENT TERRITORIES, SOUTH-CASPIAN BASIN
Introduction
The issue of correlation between the mud
volcanoes and oil-and-gas fields is the actual
one since it directly connects with solution of
petroleum possibility assessment of the region
as well as the further exploration activities.
This problem has about two-hundred-year
history and had been studying approximately
along with the study of mud volcanism phe-
nomenon, although the first recorded historical
reference regarding the fire belch is dated back
to 90 B.C. It describes the eruption of the mud
volcano in the North Italy in Naturalis Historia,
a work by Roman author, a naturalist and natu-
ral philosopher Pliny the Elder (Aliyev, Guli-
yev, Dadashev et al., 2015).
The works of Russian mining engineers
and geologists Voskoboynikov N.I., Guryev
A.V. (1832) had already mentioned the relation
between the mud volcanoes and oil-and-gas
fields as well as the hydrocarbon gases contribu-
tion into the mud volcanic eruption. In 1865–
1866 G.Helmersen had a guess about the genet-
ic relation of oil fields with mud volcanism
(Helmersen, 1886).
But, unlike the above-mentioned ideas and
many others, the statements of the Russian
academician Gubkin M.I. regarding the genetic
relation of mud volcanoes and oil fields had
been scientifically substantiated for the first
time. Later on, in 30s of the last century, those
statements had been approved in practice. Ac-
cording to Gubkin M.I., the mud volcanoes are
like the “lighthouses”, pointing to commercial
accumulations of oil and gas.
But some scientists had stack to the opinion
that the fields with intensive development of the
described natural phenomenon are less attractive
from viewpoint of the commercial hydrocarbons
exploration. The reason was speculation that the
mud volcanoes were the main factors destroying
the fields.
Tofig Rashidov
Institute of Geology and Geophysics,
Azerbaijan national Academy of Sciences
E-mail: tofig.rashidov@gmail.com
MORPHOSTRUCTURAL INDICATORS OF OIL-AND-GAS CONTENT
OF MUD VOLCANIC EDIFICES FROM THE EXAMPLE
OF GOBUSTAN AND THE ADJACENT TERRITORIES,
SOUTH-CASPIAN BASIN
The present paper deals with correlation between the morphostructural factors (mud
volcanic edifice sizes, volumes of the erupted breccia, etc.) of some mud volcanoes in Go-
bustan and the adjacent territories and the oil-and-gas content of the host structures. Using
the application of GIS technique it was possible to create the 3D models of the selected mud
volcanoes and calculate the total volumes of the edificies. As a result, the studied mud volca-
noes had been divided into two groups according to their dimensions – so-called “group of
small mud volcanoes” and “group of large mud volcanoes”. The first group includes such
mud volcanoes like Zenbil Island, Khare-Zire Island, Lokbatan, Dashgil. Here the hydrocar-
bon accumulations adjoin directly to the conduits or locate nearby. The second group consists
of the structures that host the large mud volcanoes. The specific feature of such structures is
their non-productivity near the mud volcanic conduits. Here the hydrocarbon accumulations
by the phase state are basically gas or rarely gas-condensate (Kanizadag, Garadag), and oil-
water contact is far from the mud volcanic conduit.
Keywords: Mud volcanism, GIS, 3D modeling, oil-and-gas content, Azerbaijan.
37
STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY OF OIL-GAS BASINS
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Sedimentology
The eruption of mud volcano Lokbatan
(Absheron region) in 1933, when the gush of oil
with flow rate to 20 thousand tons had been ob-
tained, showed that area affected by mud volca-
no, was able to produce the commercial oil
flows and did not have the destructive impact
over hydrocarbon reservoirs. It had proved the
earlier-stated idea regarding the genetic relation
of mud volcanism with oil fields as well as
pushed to intensification of prospecting and ex-
ploration operations for oil and gas in areas of
mud volcanism. Totally, over 27 million tons of
oil and over 1 milliard m3 of gas had been pro-
duced within Lokbatan field (Yakubov, Aliyev,
1978; Yakubov, Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
In view of the above, it is quite interesting
to analyze the correlation between the morpho-
structural peculiarities of the mud volcanoes lo-
cated within the specific oil and gas fields in
Azerbaijan.
To achieve this, we had examined the spa-
tial correlation of the overall dimensions of the
mud volcanoes, hydrocarbon conduits position,
and production performance of the structures
where the mud volcanoes locate.
The main targets of research are the mud
volcanoes from Gobustan region (Beyuk
Kanizadag, Toragay, Dashgil, Ayranteken,
Bakhar) as well as from the adjacent territories
– Baku archipelago (Zenbil Island, Khare-Zire
Island), Absheron peninsula (Lokbatan) and
Lower-Kura region (Galmaz). These mud vol-
canoes had been selected due to more informa-
tive value and test validity.
It is necessary to mention that all the se-
lected targets are related with the Productive
Series sediments being the main hydrocarbon
reservoir in Azerbaijan.
Methods and techniques
The 3D models of the mentioned mud vol-
canoes had been compiled using ArcMap appli-
cation within ArcGIS environment. Generally,
the process can be divided into two stages. The
first one includes the digitizing of the targets’
contour lines (Figure 1) with indication of the
relative elevation values. In the present case the
topographic map in scale of 1:100 000 is used as
the basis for digitizing and the mud volcano
Toragay is given to show the described process.
Figure 1. A sample of the target digitizing within ArcGIS environment
38
Tofig Rashidov
MORPHOSTRUCTURAL INDICATORS OF OIL-AND-GAS CONTENT OF MUD VOLCANIC EDIFICES
FROM THE EXAMPLE OF GOBUSTAN AND THE ADJACENT TERRITORIES, SOUTH-CASPIAN BASIN
The second stage activates a special mod-
ule 3D Analyst in ArcMap application where
the layers with relative elevation values are
downloaded. After that a computer-aided mod-
eling performs. After, the editing of constructed
model takes place, i.e. relief coloring (color
scale), equal spaces between the minimal and
maximal values of heights, etc. (Figure 2 а, b).
а)
b)
Figure 2. The initial model achieved before editing (а) and after (b)
39
STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY OF OIL-GAS BASINS
2021 / 1
Sedimentology
The obtained model is saved for the post-
modeling procedure: the TIN model is convert-
ed into GRID model (the normal cartographic
grid). The achieved GRID model is edited in
similar way as it mentioned earlier. The final
stage includes the creation of 3D model using
the ArcScene special application.
For this purpose the surface layers are input
into the application as well as the base surface is
set (TIN and Z-factor, representing a correlation
of the horizontal and vertical scales). Since the
digitizing targets can be considered as “upland
environment”, Z-factor is set as 3 (minimal val-
ue). As a result, the final 3D model of mud vol-
cano Toragay is achieved (Figure 3). Using the
special commands the model can be subjected to
various manipulations like scaling, rotation, cal-
culation, cross section, etc.
Based on the above-mentioned technique,
the digital versions (3D models and cross sec-
tions) of mud volcanoes Beyuk Kanizadag,
Toragay, Dashgil, Ayranteken, Bakhar, Zenbil
Island, Khare-Zire Island, Goturdag, Dash-
mardan, Lokbatan, Galmaz had been created
(Figure 4–14).
Using the ArcScene application in GIS en-
vironment, the volumes of edifices had been
calculated and results are given in Table 1.
Mud volcano
Volume of the mud volcanic edifices, m3
Zenbil Island
20 571 576,22
Bakhar
24 040 348,67
Lokbatan
98 764 003,80
Khare-Zire Island
186 357 578,03
Dashgil
222 383 426,77
Galmaz
442 079 628,60
Goturdagh
523 842 479,14
Toragay
1 021 896 203,76
Beyuk Kanizadag
1 505 440 148,80
Dashmardan
12 510 496 696,82
Ayranteken
16 489 975 769,53
Figure 3. The final 3D model of mud volcano
Table 1
Volumes of the mud volcanic edifies
40
Tofig Rashidov
MORPHOSTRUCTURAL INDICATORS OF OIL-AND-GAS CONTENT OF MUD VOLCANIC EDIFICES
FROM THE EXAMPLE OF GOBUSTAN AND THE ADJACENT TERRITORIES, SOUTH-CASPIAN BASIN
It was decided to apply the cone formula
HrV 2
3
1
when calculating the volumes in
order for additional validation of obtained re-
sults. Here r – radius of mud volcano base, H –
relative height. Since some of the mentioned
mud volcanoes have the “irregular” shape, it
was decided to apply the formula to the large
individual targets, mostly met the conical shape.
These mud volcanoes are Lokbatan, Beyuk
Kanizadag, Galmaz, Goturdag, Toragay.
The following results had been obtained
(see Table 2).
As it follows from Table 2, some mud vol-
canoes have similar values of both methods and
differ within insignificant ranges considering
the scales of calculated targets. Other volcanoes
have nearly the same results of calculations.
Proceeding from the calculated volumes all
the mentioned mud volcanoes had been condi-
tionally divided into two groups (see Table 3).
The dimensions of base / diameters of some
of the mud volcanoes as well as the areas of
mud breccia distribution had been calculated by
satellite images due to literature data absence.
The brief morphostructural description of
mud volcanoes from both groups as well as oil-
and-gas content of the host structures is given in
the following chapter.
Brief morphostructural description of the
studied mud volcanoes and the oil-and-gas
content of the host structures in Gobustan
and the adjacent territories.
Group of small mud volcanoes.
Mud volcano Zenbil Island
The present mud volcano locates within the
island, 12 km SE from Sangachal cape and rep-
resents upland with scarp slopes and flat top and
the remained part of the crater caldera. The
eruptive vent locates in the northern coast of the
island elongated from NE to SW. In this direc-
tion its length makes approximately 2,5 km (in-
cluding the sand bar). The island width makes
about 875 m from NW to SE.
Mud volcano
Volume of the mud volcanic edifices, m3
by GIS data
by cone formula
Lokbatan
98 764 003,80
90 013 333,333
Galmaz
442 079 628,60
286 197 916,666
Goturdag
523 842 479,14
782 906 666,666
Toragay
1 021 896 203,76
1 172 266 666,666
Beyuk Kanizadag
1 505 440 148,80
1 339 733 333
Group of small mud
volcanoes
Mud volcano
Group of large mud vol-
canoes
Mud volcano
Zenbil island
Galmaz
Bakhar
Goturdag
Lokbatan
Toragay
Khare-Zire Island
Beyuk
Kanizadag
Dashgil
Dashmardan
Ayranteken
Table 2
Table 3
41
STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY OF OIL-GAS BASINS
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Sedimentology
The caldera represents a gentle hill of 3–4
m high above water line and 150 m in diameter.
The crater field of 150 m in diameter has some
mud hills emanating gas, water, mud and oil.
Numerous oil-stained sandstone fragments had
been found in the volcanic breccia. The area of
volcanic breccia reaches 25 ha at the average
thickness of 45 m; the volume of erupted mate-
rial is 11 million m3.
Mud volcano Zenbil Island locates in the
crestal part of the south-western side of Zenbil
Island – Sangachal-deniz structure. Here the
Productive Series thickness is 3500 m. The fold
sides are composed of the sediments of the Ak-
chagilian and Absheronian stages.
By now two eruptions had been occurred
in the mud volcano: in 1961 and 1995. Both
eruptions distinguished with gas ignition and
flames of 200–250 m and 300 m high accord-
ingly, eruptions of great volumes of the mud
volcanic breccia (1,2 million m3 and 65 thou-
sand m3 accordingly), as well as the gaseous
combustion some days after the eruptions (Ali-
yev, Guliyev, Belov, 2002; Aliyev, Guliyev,
Rakhmanov, 2009).
The surficial oil-and-gas manifestations
are connected with the longitudinal fracture at
sea bed and large mud volcano. Oil and oil
seepages are noticed in individual mud hills
and salses. The commercial oil-and-gas content
of VII and VIII horizons of the Productive Se-
ries had been established in the north-eastern
side of the fold. The prospects of oil-and-gas
content of the field are related with the sedi-
ments of lower group of the Productive Series
(Aliyev, Guliyev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Ya-
kubov, Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
Mud volcano Bakhar
The present volcano locates in the eastern
end of Alyat Ridge, at Alyat Cape.
The volcano has a ridge shape with abso-
lute elevation of 26,2 m, the truncated cone is
composed of the mud volcanic breccia; the ele-
vated relic of the caldera has 15 m high. The
upland with dimension of 1,75 х 1,3 km and rel-
ative elevation of 30 m is complicated by small
hills and sandy hummocks. The breccia area is
143,8 ha, the thickness near eruptive center is
70 m but 20 m at the periphery (Aliyev, Guli-
yev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Yakubov, Alizade,
Zeynalov, 1971).
Eight recorded eruptions had occurred
within the volcano since 1810: 1853, 1859,
1885, 1886, 1911, 1926, 1967 and in 1992.
Nearly all the eruptions had been accompanied
by the gas ignition and flames of 100–200 m
(1967) to 500 m (1885, 1992) high. In some
cases (1886) the gaseous combustion lasted to
20 days (Aliyev, Guliyev, Belov, 2002; Aliyev,
Guliyev, Rakhmanov, 2009).
Figure 4. Mud volcano Zenbil Island. 3D model
42
Tofig Rashidov
MORPHOSTRUCTURAL INDICATORS OF OIL-AND-GAS CONTENT OF MUD VOLCANIC EDIFICES
FROM THE EXAMPLE OF GOBUSTAN AND THE ADJACENT TERRITORIES, SOUTH-CASPIAN BASIN
The mud volcano locates on the Productive
Series day rocks and connected with the
brachyanticline fold Dahsgil of the latitudinal
orientation. The prospects of oil-and-gas content
are connected with the Productive Series and,
possibly, the Miocene sediments (Aliyev, Guli-
yev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Yakubov, Alizade,
Zeynalov, 1971).
Mud volcano Lokbatan
Orographically the present mud volcano
represents a dome-like upland with two hum-
mocks on top and relative elevation of 86 m.
The mud volcano rises over the surroundings for
104 m and has the base of 2,5 х 2,3 km. The
cone is composed of the mud breccia, formed as
a result of numerous eruptions. The volcano
crater is represented by subsidence caldera and
has an oval shape of 25 m in diameter. The hard
products of eruption take an area of 424 ha, the
average thickness of breccia cover is 60 m.
There are no micromanifestations in the
crater field. In the SW part of the crater there
are very burnt clayey rocks forming the slagged
area as a result of ignition and gaseous combus-
tion during the eruption in 2001 (Aliyev, Guli-
yev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Yakubov, Alizade,
Zeynalov, 1971).
Figure 6. Mud volcano Lokbatan. 3D model
Figure 5. Mud volcano Bakhar. 3D model
43
STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY OF OIL-GAS BASINS
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Sedimentology
Mud volcano Lokbatan is considered as
one of the most active in Azerbaijan. The first
recorded eruption took place in 1829. By now
25 eruptions (including of 1829) had occurred
there: 1864, 1887, 1890, 1990, 1904, 1915,
1918, 1923, 1926, 1933, 1935, 1938, 1941,
1954, 1959, 1964, 1972, 1977, 1980, 1990,
2001, 2010, 2012, 2017. In most recorded
eruptions the gas ignition was observed with
following formation of columns of fire. Their
heights varied 40–45 m to 400–500 m. The av-
erage height of fire is 200–300 m. (Aliyev, Gu-
liyev, Belov, 2002; Aliyev, Guliyev, Rakh-
manov, 2009).
Besides it, the present mud volcano is dis-
tinguished with clear connection with gas-and-
oil content of the host structure (Aliyev, Guli-
yev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Yakubov, Alizade,
Zeynalov, 1971).
Mud volcano Khare-Zire Island
Mud volcano Khare-Zire Island is the larg-
est mud volcanic island in Baku Archipelago. It
locates 13,5 km eastward of Alyat Cape and 5
km south-east of Zenbil Island. Khare-Zire Is-
land has an oval shape, the length is 3,3 km
along with the sand bar, the width is 2,5 km.
The total area of the island is 3,5 km2.
The island represents a crater and caldera
of the great mud volcano. The crater field is
raised above sea level for 30 m in an average
and has a flattish surface and makes a signifi-
cant part of the island.
The sediments of the Productive Series,
Akchagilian and Absheronian stages as well as
the Quaternary period make the geology of this
structure. Lithologically it is similar with those
in Zenbil Island (Figure 4).
There are inactive and active mud hills pe-
riodically emanating gas and oozy mud. The gas
emission is also observed in open sea – the
weak oil films are noticed on the water surface.
The fragments of rocks of the Productive
Series and the underlying sediments are often
met in the mud breccia cover (Aliyev, Guliyev,
Dadashev et al., 2015; Yakubov, Alizade, Zeyn-
alov, 1971).
Figure 7. Mud volcano Khare-Zire Island. 3D model
44
Tofig Rashidov
MORPHOSTRUCTURAL INDICATORS OF OIL-AND-GAS CONTENT OF MUD VOLCANIC EDIFICES
FROM THE EXAMPLE OF GOBUSTAN AND THE ADJACENT TERRITORIES, SOUTH-CASPIAN BASIN
The earliest observed eruption is dated
back as 1810. Totally, since that period 13 erup-
tions had been noticed: 1810, 1857, 1859, 1886,
1940, 1947, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1974, 1993,
1997, 2006. Nearly all the eruptions had been
accompanied by the combustion and formation
of columns of fire of 100 m and higher (500 m,
1940). The volumes of the erupted breccia vary
in great ranges – from some million cubic me-
ters (1940) to 3,6 thousand m3 (1959) and 114
thousand m3 (1997 г.) (Aliyev, Guliyev, Belov,
2002; Aliyev, Guliyev, Rakhmanov, 2009).
The structure of Khare-Zire Island, compli-
cated by the mud volcano, is the unit of com-
mercial prospecting for oil and gas. The pro-
spects of oil-and-gas content are connected with
the Productive Series sediments (Aliyev, Guli-
yev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Yakubov, Alizade,
Zeynalov, 1971).
Mud volcano Dashgil
Externally this mud volcano represents a
gentle, slightly transversally elongated upland
with relative elevation of 80 m (absolute eleva-
tion is 98,3 m). Within the crater field (200 m in
diameter) there is a great number of acting and
extinct mud hills, salses and gryphons. The act-
ing microforms intensively emanate has, mud
with oil films. Salses emanate a great volume of
gas (mainly methane) through the water column.
In the south-eastern part of crater there is a se-
ries of red hills marking the fault line and place
of gaseous combustion during the eruption in
1958. The hills have an external crust of dark
purple porous slag with red brick-like material
under. This is the backed and partially melted
mud breccia thermally metamorphosed by the
burning gas (Aliyev, Guliyev, Dadashev et al.,
2015; Yakubov, Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971; Ali-
yev Ch.S., Kopf A., Delisle G. et al., 2010; Mud
volcanoes …., 1994).
The base dimension is 3 х 2,4 km at aver-
age thickness of breccia cover 55 m.
Only 6 eruptions had been recorded here
due to intensive discharge activity. Just two erup-
tions (1886 and 1926) were accompanied by the
gaseous combustion. (Aliyev, Guliyev, Belov,
2002; Aliyev, Guliyev, Rakhmanov, 2009).
The possible units for oil and gas are the
sandy reservoirs of the Productive Series. The
Miocene sediments are also of some interest
(Aliyev, Guliyev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Yaku-
bov, Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
Figure 8. Mud volcano Dashgil. 3D model
45
STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY OF OIL-GAS BASINS
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Sedimentology
Group of large mud volcanoes.
Mud volcano Galmaz
In morphology the present mud volcano re-
sembles a large enough truncated cone with rela-
tive elevation 175 m. The volcano slopes are
gentle at bottom and get steeper when approach-
ing to the top, forming nearly sheer walls. They
are cut by the numerous deep steep ravines.
The mud volcano base is 3х4 km. The top
represents a large caldera of 700х500 m. The
crater has an ellipsoidal shape and consists of
two “steps” caused by the concentric fractures.
Mud volcanic breccia thickness reaches
350 m near the crater and 45 m at slopes. The
volume of erupted material is 1,3 milliard m3.
No eruptions had been recorded since 1810.
The prospects of oil-and-gas content are con-
nected not only with sandy horizons of the Pro-
ductive Series, reached by the drilling, but with its
lower part – the layers occurring below the top for
2500–3000 m. (Aliyev, Guliyev, Dadashev et al.,
2015; Yakubov, Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
Mud volcano Goturdag
Morphologically the mud volcano represents
an individual upland with truncated cone like sub-
sidence caldera of 150 m in diameter and 15–20 m
in depths. The relative elevation is 187 m, the ab-
solute one is 202 m. (Aliyev, Guliyev, Dadashev
et al., 2015; Yakubov, Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
The Pliocene-Quaternary sediments take
part in the geological structure of the field.
The process of mud breccia extrusion
(squeezing) is observed within volcano over 100
years. The area of mud breccia cover is 409 ha,
the total volume of breccia is 530 million m3.
The prospects of oil-and-gas content are con-
nected with the sediments of lower group of the
Productive Series. The Upper Maikopian and
Chokrakian-Karaganian sediments also represent
the practical interest (Aliyev, Guliyev, Dadashev
et al., 2015; Yakubov, Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
Mud volcano Toragay
The mud volcano represents a large upland
with absolute elevation 400 m and relative eleva-
tion of 280 m and has a shape of truncated cone.
The slopes are cut by the numerous radial ravines
and gullies. The southern and eastern slopes are
steep ones (Aliyev, Guliyev, Dadashev et al.,
2015; Yakubov, Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
The volcano crater reaches 500–550 m in
diameter. The base reaches 3,8 х 2,9 km. The
area of the mud volcanic breccia is 754 ha, the
average thickness of breccia is 100 m. Gryphons
and salses are absent on the crater surface, but
some extinct hills had remained there (Aliyev,
Guliyev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Yakubov,
Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
Figure 9. Mud volcano Galmas. 3D model
46
Tofig Rashidov
MORPHOSTRUCTURAL INDICATORS OF OIL-AND-GAS CONTENT OF MUD VOLCANIC EDIFICES
FROM THE EXAMPLE OF GOBUSTAN AND THE ADJACENT TERRITORIES, SOUTH-CASPIAN BASIN
Since 1810 10 eruptions had been recorded
there: 1841, 1901, 1924, 1932, 1947, 1950, 1984,
1985, 1987, and 1988. Only 4 of them (1924, 1932,
1947, 1950) were accompanied by the flame and
the volumes of ejected breccia varied 27 thousand
m3 to 45 thousand m3 (Aliyev, Guliyev, Belov,
2002; Aliyev, Guliyev, Rakhmanov, 2009).
The prospects of oil-and-gas content of the
field are connected with unreached part of the
Productive Series section and the underlying
Miocene-Oligocene sediments (Aliyev, Guliyev,
Dadashev et al., 2015; Yakubov, Alizade, Zeyn-
alov, 1971).
Mud volcano Beyuk Kanizadag
Mud volcano Beyuk Kanizadag represents
a large orographic unit like the truncated cone
with relative elevation 320 m. The crater diame-
ter is 150–160 m, the base dimension is 3,8 х
3,2 km. The slopes are strongly cut by radial
deep gullies with steep and scrap walls. The
breccia area is 1001 ha, the thickness is 100–
150 m (Aliyev, Guliyev, Dadashev et al., 2015;
Yakubov, Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
Two wells (#7 and #8) had been staked in
1957 in Kanizadag structure. One of them (well
#8), located in the south-eastern periclinal part
of the fold, gave gas influx during the drilling at
bottom of 2839 m. Since that over 20 explorato-
ry wells with depths of 3600–3800 m had been
drilled within the structure and numerous gas
manifestations, corresponded to the Productive
Series, had been observed at different intervals
(Aliyev, Guliyev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Yaku-
bov, Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
Figure 10. Mud volcano Goturdag. 3D model
Figure 11. Mud volcano Toragay. 3D model
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STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY OF OIL-GAS BASINS
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Mud volcano Dashmardan
Mud volcano Dashmardan represents a
large uplift like a flat cone with absolute eleva-
tion 512 m and the relative one 390 m. The di-
mension of crater field is 500х400 m. The area
of breccia cover is 3191 ha, thickness is 72 m.
According to wells data the volume of the
erupted old breccia is 2,5 milliard m3 (Aliyev,
Guliyev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Yakubov,
Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
The inclusions of rock fragments describe
nearly the whole complex of the Tertiary sedi-
ments. The Upper Miocene shales dominate
here. Some fragments of the Upper Cretaceous
limestones are also met.
The sandy reservoirs of the Upper Mai-
kopian and the Chokrakian horizons as well as
the carbonate reservoirs of the Upper Creta-
ceous represent a practical interest in the terms
of prospects of oil-and-gas content (Aliyev, Gu-
liyev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Yakubov, Alizade,
Zeynalov, 1971).
Figure 12. Mud volcano Beyuk Kanizadag. 3D model
Figure 13. Mud volcano Dashmardan. 3D model
48
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MORPHOSTRUCTURAL INDICATORS OF OIL-AND-GAS CONTENT OF MUD VOLCANIC EDIFICES
FROM THE EXAMPLE OF GOBUSTAN AND THE ADJACENT TERRITORIES, SOUTH-CASPIAN BASIN
Mud volcano Ayranteken
Morphologically the present mud volcano
represents an elongated upland of Alyat Ridge
of plateau-shape with relative elevation 190 m
and absolute one 290,3 m.
Breccia area is 805 ha. The total volume is
up to 500 million m3.
By now 7 eruptions had been recorded at
mud volcano Ayranteken: 1964, 1969, 1977,
1988, 1990, 2004, 2008. Nearly all the eruptions
(exclude of 2004) had occurred with gaseous
combustion and formation of fire column. Moreo-
ver, the height of flame varies insignificantly,
making 100 m in an average and peak over 500 m
(1977). The volumes of erupted breccia vary in
wide ranges –24 thousand m3 (2004) to over 700
thousand m3 (1964) (Aliyev, Guliyev, Belov,
2002; Aliyev, Guliyev, Rakhmanov, 2009).
The prospects of oil-and-gas content are
connected with lower, unexposed formations of
the Production Series at the northern side and
the whole series at the southern lowered side as
well as the south-eastern pericline of the fold
(Aliyev, Guliyev, Dadashev et al., 2015; Yaku-
bov, Alizade, Zeynalov, 1971).
Results and discussions
Analyzing the above-given data and in-
formation one can come to conclusion that
structures, complicated by the mud volcanoes,
clearly divided into two groups according to
their relation with oil-and-gas content and vol-
canoes’ morphostructure. So, the oil-and-gas
bearing are those structures that host the small
mud volcanoes. They form the first “small”
group that includes mud volcanoes like Lok-
batan, Zenbil Island, Khare-Zire Island, Dash-
gil. Here the hydrocarbon accumulations adjoin
directly to the conduits or locate nearby. This
group also includes the burred mud volcanoes
like Bulla-deniz, Zikh, Bibiheybat.
The second “large” group consists of the
structures complicated by the large mud volca-
noes. The specific feature of these structures is
their non-productivity near the mud volcanic
conduits. Besides it, the oil-gas outline can be
far from the mud volcanic conduit; the hydro-
carbon accumulations are basically gas or rarely
gas-condensate (Kanizadag, Garadag).
Figure 14. Mud volcano Ayranteken. 3D model
49
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One more confirmation of the above-
mentioned is the results of exploration works in
the South Caspian, within Nakhchivan structure.
As it is known, the largest of the revealed mud
volcanic edifices in the South Caspian are corre-
sponded to this structure. According to subma-
rine survey, the mud volcano Nakhchivan mor-
phologically represents a dome of 500 m high
and base diameter 15 km.
The drilling activities were not positive.
The well #1, allocated in the north-eastern peri-
cline had reached V and VIII sediments of the
Productive Series and had been stopped in the
Upper Kirmaki Clayey sediments at the depth of
6747 m. Presumably, the well had occurred be-
yond the boundaries of oil-gas accumulations of
the mentioned units and had been liquidated due
to geological reasons. But, in terms of the re-
vealed and above-mentioned morphostructural
peculiarities of relation between the oil-and-gas
content and mud volcanism one can affirm that
the negative result of drilling within Nakhchiv-
an structure was expected. Moreover, to our
opinion, the well #1 had been staked not beyond
the boundaries of oil-and-gas accumulation, as it
is supposed, but within the structure, highly
likely free of signs pointing to any significant
hydrocarbon accumulations.
Generally, the formation of large morpho-
structures of the mud volcanoes requires tremen-
dous energy spent by the mud volcanic system.
As a result, zone of dynamic effect around the
eruptive canal will be much higher than when
building of relatively small mud volcanoes.
It means that probability of destruction of
earlier-formed deposits is much higher in struc-
tures that host the large mud volcanoes rather
than the small ones. In other words, the condi-
tions of hydrocarbons’ preservation in such
structures are highly unfavorable. We assume
that these morphostructural criteria should be
guided when assessing the possibilities and
planning of prospecting and exploration opera-
tions in the South Caspian.
It is necessary to mention that such pic-
ture is typical not only for the mud volcanic
structures of the South-East Gobustan in par-
ticular, but for the South-Caspian depression
generally. It is common knowledge that nearly
all anticlinal structures in the South-Caspian
depression are complicated by the mud volca-
noes; the oil-and-gas bearing structures are
those that host only small and medium volca-
noes. The following structures should be
pointed out in addition to the mentioned-
above: Gushkhana, Palchig Pillpilyasi, Neft
Dashlari, Pirallakhi, Chilov Adasi, Zikh,
Mishovdag, Kurovdag, Neftchala, Khilli, Gum
Adasi, Guneshli. The mud volcanic channels
are observed within the mentioned structures.
Besides it, there are the structures Balakhani,
Sabunchi-Ramana, Binagadi, Puta-Kergez-
Gizilgaya, Shongar, Pirsaat, Babazanan com-
plicated by the mud volcanoes but beyond the
accumulations.
Conclusion
Proceeding from the mentioned above, one
can come to the following basic points:
1. The structures, complicated by the mud
volcanoes, are clearly divided into two groups
according to nature of their relation with oil-
and-gas manifestations and morphostructure of
the mud volcanoes. The oil-and-gas bearing
structures are those that host the mud volcanoes
of “small” group, such as Galmaz, Lokbatan,
Zenbil Island, Khare-Zire Island, Dashgil. Here
the hydrocarbon accumulations directly adjoin
to mud volcanic conduits or locate nearby. This
group also includes the buried mud volcanoes
(Bulla-deniz, Zikh, Bibiheybat). The second,
“large” group includes the structures complicat-
ed by the large mud volcanoes like Goturdag,
Toragay, Beyuk Kanizadag. The specific feature
of such structures is that they are not productive
near the conduits or the oil-gas outline locates
far from the conduit and the hydrocarbon accu-
mulations are mainly gas, or more rarely gas-
condensate (Kanizadag, Garadag);
2. The building of large morphostruc-
tures of mud volcanoes requires the tremen-
50
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MORPHOSTRUCTURAL INDICATORS OF OIL-AND-GAS CONTENT OF MUD VOLCANIC EDIFICES
FROM THE EXAMPLE OF GOBUSTAN AND THE ADJACENT TERRITORIES, SOUTH-CASPIAN BASIN
dous energy spent by the mud volcanic sys-
tem. Consequently, zone of dynamic effect
around the eruptive channel will be multiples
higher than when forming of relatively small
mud volcanoes.
Acknowledgment
This work was supported by the Science
Development Foundation under the President of
the Republic of Azerbaijan – Grant № EİF-
BGM-4-RFTF-1/2017
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Aliyev, Ad.A., Guliyev, I.S., Dadashev, F.H., Rakhmanov, R.R., 2015. Atlas of the world mud volca-
noes. Baku: Nafta-Press, 322 p.
Aliyev, Ad.A., Guliyev, I.S., Rakhmanov, R.R., 2009. Catalogue of recorded eruption of mud volca-
noes of Azerbaijan (for period of years 1810–2007). Second edition. Baku: Nafta-Press, 110 p.
Helmersen, G.P., 1886. Issledovaniya gryazevikh vulkanov i neftyanikh istochnikov v Krimu i na
Tamanskom poluostrove (Study of mud volcanoes and oil sources in Crimea and on the Ta-
man peninsula) //Records of Imperial Mineralogical Society, Part 1: pp. 294–295 (in Russian)
Yakubov, A.A., Aliyev, Ad.A., 1978. Gryazeviye vulkani (Mudvolcanoes).Moscow: Znaniye, "Earth
Sciences" series, № 8, 56 p. (in Russian)
Yakubov, A.A., Alizade, A.A., Zeynalov, M.M., 1971. Gryazeviye vulkani Azerbayjanskoy SSR
(Mud volcanoes of Azerbaijan SSR). Atlas.Baku: Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan SSR, 257
p. (in Russian)
Aliyev, Ch.S., Kopf, A., Delisle, G. et al., 2010. Long-term in sute monitoring at Dashgil mud vol-
cano, Azerbaijan: a link between seismicity, pore-pressure transients and methane emission //
Int J Earth Sci (Geol Rundsch) 99 (Suppl 1): S227–S240.
Mud Volcanoes of Azerbaijan: Report of the GIA, BP and Statoil Joint study, 1994.
QOBUSTAN VƏ ONA BİTİŞİK ƏRAZİLƏR TİMSALINDA AZƏRBAYCANIN
PALÇIQ VULKANI STRUKTURLARININ NEFT VƏ QAZLILIĞININ
MORFOSTRUKTUR TƏZAHÜRLƏRİ, CƏNUBİ-XƏZƏR HÖVZƏSİ
Tofiq Rəşidov
Təqdim olunan işdə Qobustan və ona bitişik ərazilərin bəzi palçıq vulkanlarının morfostruktur
xüsusiyyətləri (palçıq vulkanı strukturlarının ölçüləri, püskürülən brekçiyanın həcmi və s.) ilə bu
vulkanların yerləşdiyi strukturların neft və qazlılığı arasındakı əlaqə araşdırılmışdır. CİS texnolo-
giyasından istifadə edilərək tədqiq edilən palçıq vulkanlarının 3D modelləri yaradılmış və həmçinin
palçıq vulkanı strukturlarının həcmləri hesablanmışdır. Hesablamalar nəticəsində bütün palçıq
vulkanları şərti olaraq iki qrupa bölünmüşdü – kiçik palçıq vulkanları qrupu və böyük palçıq vul-
kanları qrupu. Zənbil adası, Xərə-Zirə adası, Lökbatan, Daşgil kimi nisbətən kiçik ölçülü palçıq
vulkanlarının strukturları neftli-qazlıdır. Burada karbohidrogen yığımları bilavasitə palçıq vulkanı
kanallarına bitişir və ya onlara yaxın yerləşir. İkinci qrupu iri vulkanlarla mürəkkəbləşmiş struk-
turlar təşkil edir. Bu strukturların xüsusiyyəti ondan ibarətdir ki, bu strukturlar palçıq vulkanları
kanallarına yaxınlıqda qeyri-məhsuldardır və yaxud neft-qazlılıq konturu palçıq vulkanları kanal-
larından əhəmiyyətli dərəcədə uzaqda yerləşir, karbohidrogen yığımları isə faza tərkibinə görə əsa-
sən qaz və daha nadir qaz-kondensatlarından ibarətdir (Kənizədağ, Qaradağ).
51
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МОРФОСТРУКТУРНЫЕ ПРОЯВЛЕНИЯ НЕФТЕГАЗОНОСНОСТИ ГРЯЗЕВУЛ-
КАНИЧЕСКИХ ПОСТРОЕК НА ПРИМЕРЕ ГОБУСТАНА И ПРИЛЕГАЮЩИХ
ТЕРРИТОРИЙ, ЮЖНО-КАСПИЙСКИЙ БАССЕЙН
Тофиг Рашидов
В данной работе рассмотрена связь между морфоструктурными особенностями
(размеры грязевулканической постройки, объемы изверженной брекчии, и т.д.) некоторых
грязевых вулканов Гобустана и прилегающих территорий, и нефтегазоносностью струк-
тур, где расположены данные вулканы. Были созданы 3D модели изучаемых грязевых вул-
канов с использованием технологии GIS, а также подсчитаны объемы грязевулканических
построек. В результате подсчетов все грязевые вулканы были условно разделены на две
группы – группу малых грязевых вулканов и группу больших грязевых вулканов. Нефтегазо-
носными являются структуры, пораженные грязевыми вулканами сравнительно малых
размеров, такие как Зенбил-адасы, Хара-Зиря-адасы, Локбатан, Дашгил. Здесь залежи УВ
непосредственно примыкают к каналам грязевых вулканов или находятся вблизи от него.
Вторую группу составляют структуры, осложненные крупными вулканами. Особенно-
стью этих структур является то, что эти структуры не продуктивны вблизи каналов
грязевых вулканов или же контур нефтегазоносности находится на значительном рас-
стоянии от канала грязевого вулкана, а залежи УВ по фазовому составу являются пре-
имущественно газовыми, реже газо-конденсатными (Кянизадаг, Гарадаг).
