In a lava over oil prediction system
Aberdeen University researchers are taking developing a software modelling system that could unearth major new oil fields beneath lava on the sea bed off the Shetland Isles
Researchers at
are developing a software modelling system that could unearth major potential new oil fields hidden under ancient lava on the sea bed off the Shetland Isles, opening up an entire new area of production for petroleum engineers to exploit.
The Faroe-Shetland basin is one of the world's largest lava fields, situated under the sea surface in what was once a narrow continental seaway. However, such lava fields have historically proven to be a serious obstacle to oil exploration below and within the lavas. In this area, a 3km thick layer of lava covering over a 300km2 area acts as a seal, trapping sand and mud – the sediment where oil can be found – between and beneath its flows.
Researchers from Aberdeen's College of Physical Sciences are taking part in a two year £600,000 project aimed at developing a system that can predict the conditions and location of oil below this layer of lava in a way which has never before been trialled.
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