Scientists from the Scientific Research Institute of Geology, Geophysics and Mineral Deposits, affiliated with the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, will assess the prospects of the Russian Arctic oil and gas bearing areas using electromagnetic sounding data.

“Specialists from Novosibirsk are working on a fundamental research problem linked with expanding the Russian Arctic’s raw materials deposits. They want to analyze the specifics of the region’s oil and gas bearing areas and their structure using electromagnetic sounding data,” the institute’s press service said.

The work will help expand research and development projects aiming to evaluate the potential of Arctic territories, including the coastal shelf and islands. During the current survey, experts will study the Khatanga-Vilyui oil and gas bearing province. Earlier, a similar project was conducted at the Troitsko-Mikhailovsky Range in the Angara River sector.

Electromagnetic sounding data and drilling results helped assess two gas bearing strata.

The electromagnetic sounding method makes it possible to see through the Earth’s multiple layers using AC and DC generators. The method measures the electromagnetic field’s components at one or several points on the terrestrial surface simultaneously. The penetrating depth of electric currents increases steadily.

Scientists now suggest drilling parametric wells in two sectors. The electromagnetic sounding method can help predict mineral deposits with improved properties inside the Chunkinsko-Paimbinskaya area.