SEISMOTECTONICS OF OIL AND GAS AREAS IN LOWER KURA DEPRESSION OF AZERBAIJAN

Abstract

On the basis of data about the earthquakes that occurred on the territory of Azerbaijan in the Lower Kura depression and in adjacent areas, the possible impact of seismotectonic processes in the areas of active tectonic faults on hydrocarbon
deposits is studied. Using isoseist maps of seismic fields of strong earthquakes and data of weak seismic shocks recorded by digital stations network, were determined potential source zones in the study area and was estimated their seismic potential. The results show that in the Lower Kura depression and in the border areas, there are potential source zones where there is a possibility of earthquakes with an intensity of Iₒ = IX ÷ X points (M = 6,6 ÷ 7,4). The cracks formed in the sources of these earthquakes cause destruction of the structures of oil and gas deposits that can eventually lead to migration of the oil and gas.