Geodynamic aspects of the development of offshore oil and gas deposits: Case study of Barents region

Geodynamic aspects of the development of offshore deposits in the Russian sector of Barents region are considered. The main technogenic geohazards at oil hydrocarbon extraction are shown to be land subsidence and earthquakes. A concept of studying geodynamic manifestations is substantiated. This concept is based on the evolution of oil-and-gas-producing enterprise with appropriate portion of geological environment, regarded as a complex open natural-engineering system. The geodynamic situation at the Shtokman gas-condensate field was simulated using a mathematical model. The model showed some regularities in the deformation of the fluid-bearing massif because of gas extraction, including the up to 30% volumetric compaction of the production strata, resulting in a regression deflection (subsidence) of seabed and considerable subhorizontal deformations and displacements of bottom rock beds. The specific features of gas pipeline laying from the Shtokman field through Murmansk province are discussed, and the structure of geodynamic monitoring is proposed. Substantiation is given to the need to carry out special geodynamic studies in the Barents region with the aim to ensure operation geosafety and stability of structures of oil-and-gas facilities and pipeline transportation of hydrocarbons materials.