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Forecast of oil and gas potential of the sedimentary cover of the Afghan-Tajik Depression

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Parent Category: 2026

Category: Content №2 2026

Created on 25 April 2026

Last Updated on 25 April 2026

Published on 30 November -0001

Written by B. T. Ratov, T. X. Shoimurotov, V. L. Khomenko, I. S. Togaev, Zh. B. Bekeshova

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Authors:

B. T. Ratov*, orcid.org/0000-0003-4707-3322, Satbayev University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

T. X. Shoimurotov, orcid.org/0009-0000-7159-430X, Institute of Geology and Exploration of Oil and Gas Fields, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

V. L. Khomenko, orcid.org/0000-0002-3607-5106, Dnipro University of Technology, Dnipro, Ukraine, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I. S. Togaev, orcid.org/0009-0006-8190-7035, National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Zh. B. Bekeshova, orcid.org/0009-0006-1867-0979, Caspian State University of Technology and Engineering named after Sh. Yesenov, Aktau, Republic of Kazakhstan, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

* Corresponding author e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

повний текст / full article

Naukovyi Visnyk Natsionalnoho Hirnychoho Universytetu. 2026, (2): 005 - 012

https://doi.org/10.33271/nvngu/2026-2/005

Abstract:

Purpose. Identification of geological structure characteristics and sediment accumulation conditions to improve the regional assessment of hydrocarbon potential in the Mesozoic-Cenozoic deposits of the Afghan-Tajik Depression.

Methodology. The following scientific methods were used: generalization and systematization of available factual data; analysis and validation of geological and geophysical information; identification of the main petroleum-bearing complexes and types of hydrocarbon traps.

Findings. A variety of hydrocarbon traps associated with the platform (anticlinal and non-anticlinal) and orogenic (subthrust with horizontal displacements up to hundreds of meters) stages has been established; the variability of seals (Jurassic evaporites up to 800 m, Cretaceous clays 400–800 m, Paleogene Suzak Formation 10–210 m) with regional differences in mineralogy (montmorillonite, chlorite) has been clarified; high prospects of Paleogene-Cretaceous anticlines and Jurassic deposits throughout the basin have been confirmed. About 20 productive horizons (sandstones, carbonates) have been identified in 30 fields with a predominance of heavy sulfur oils and methane gases.

Originality. A comprehensive synthesis and structural analysis of the geological characteristics of the Mesozoic–Cenozoic deposits in the Afghan-Tajik Depression have been performed. Stratigraphic and tectonic parameters–previously not considered in an integrated manner – have been clarified, including the spatial variability of cap rocks and the influence of neotectonic processes. A comparative analysis of hydrocarbon composition in various types of traps, including sub-thrust and hydrodynamic traps, has revealed patterns of hydrocarbon generation and preservation. These results form the basis for a refined petroleum potential model of the region and provide new guidance for exploration.

Practical value. The practical significance of the research results lies in the justified selection of optimal zones and hydrocarbon-prospective areas for exploration, which enhances the potential for discovering industrially significant oil and gas accumulations, which contributes to strengthening the hydrocarbon resource base of the Afghan-Tajik Depression.

Keywords: Afghan-Tajik Depression, reservoir, section, oil and gas deposits, geology

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