Abstract
Over the past few decades, a major increase in the availability of sub-surface geophysical data including 2D and 3D seismic, potential field and many commercial well penetrations within basins with associated volcanic constructions have been acquired by the hydrocarbon industry. This new data reveals insights into the interaction between igneous systems and sedimentary basins, often in spectacular detail. In this talk we will explore how igneous rocks are being characterized in the subsurface using borehole and seismic examples from the NE Atlantic and how this characterization is being used to help understand the influence of igneous systems on past climate. The case study of the North Atlantic is discussed, where vast volumes of hydrocarbon gases are hypothesized to have been generated by the intrusion of sills into organic rich sediments during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Finally, a brief summary of volcanic reservoirs will be presented alongside a discussion on their potential importance for hydrocarbons, water, geothermal, and permanent carbon storage.
