Thermobaric Conditions in the South Caspian Basin

The most important feature of the South Caspian basin is that its section contains intervals with anomalous high pores and reservoir pressures. Analysis and generalization of many temperature measurements in wells show that the temperature distribution in sections reflects the essential tectonic features of the South Caspian Basin. The Pliocene–Quaternary interval in SCB sedimentary cover is characterized by a very low geothermal gradient ranging from 12 to 27 °C/km with anomalous low values marked within the basin water area. Low heat flow values connected with eastern and southeastern South Caspian have coincided with the tectonically stable region. The zones of high heat flows correspond to the regions of large oil/gas fields and mud volcano locations. The generation of abnormal pressure in clay rocks increases progressively during their submergence, reaching its maximum at 105–110 °C.