Formation water geochemistry of the Sverdrup Basin: Implications for hydrocarbon development in the High Arctic

The Sverdrup Basin holds significant reserves of discovered and undiscovered petroleum that have not been produced to date given its remote arctic setting. Loss of perennial sea ice increases the prospects for producing reserves from this region. Potential renewed drilling and production requires knowledge of formation water geochemistry to aid both exploration as well as regulatory development. Historic data shows formation waters typically have a seawater origin, although there is high variability in formation water geochemistry. Salt diapirs lead to localized brine generation with salinities over an order of magnitude higher than average for the basin. Evidence also shows fresh water influx occurred along the basin margins that initiated biogenic gas generation.

► In this study, we examine regional formation water and gas geochemistry of the Sverdrup Basin.
► The High Arctic basin holds significant petroleum reserves and will be the likely focus of future exploration and development.
► Formation waters on average are consistent with a seawater origin but local brines develop in association with salt diapirs.
► Freshwater intrusion on the basin margin has associated microbial gas generation.