Hydrocarbon Plumbing System above the Snohvit Gas Field, Hammerfest Basin SW Barents Sea - Evidence of Structural Control

Dedicated Fluids and Fluid Flow: Detection, Calibration and Mechanisms - Implications for Hydrocarbon Exploration, Development and Production. Analysis of high resolution 3D seismic reflection data from the Snhvit and Albatross gas fields provided insights into the nature and dynamics of the fluid flow plumbing system in the Hammerfest Basin. The area investigated is characterized by a high density of large-giant pockmarks (100-300 m wide) as well as mega-pockmarks (over 1 km wide), linked to shallow, deep regional faults and seismic chimneys. Thermogenic gas hydrates are inferred through the presence of a bottom simulating reflector (BSR), where the fluids are thought to be sourced through regional tectonic faults from the deep reservoirs. Evidence of glacial erosion processes suggests that the focussed fluid escape took place during the ice retreat on two separate occasions, where the pockmarks and chimneys are thought to have been formed by the decomposition of gas hydrates. Evidence of large numbers of fluid flow structures may indicate potential geohazards for future exploration, developments and CO2 sequestration at the Snhvit field. This work addresses the identification and causes for the focussed fluid flow in the study, which may be used in other glacially influenced areas.