Hydrocarbon systems of the Crimean-Caucasian segment of the Alpine folded system

The article is devoted to the generation and accumulation systems in the territory of the Crimean-Caucasian segment of the Alpine folded system. An area of prolonged and stable sagging in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic – the Azov-Kuban Trough, which is a typical foreland basin – is distinguished within this segment. According to the results of geological and geochemical studies and modelling, depocentres are identified in this area, consolisated in four generative and accumulative hydrocarbon systems: Triassic-Jurassic, Cretaceous, Eocene and Maikop. Chemical-bitumenological, pyrolytic and coal petrology analysis of rock samples were carried out to assess geochemical conditions of oil and gas content in Meso-Cenozoic sediments. The modelling results made it possible to study and model the elements and processes of hydrocarbon systems in the Meso-Cenozoic in the Western Crimean-Caucasian region. It has been established that the extended catagenetic zoning is typical for these areas, which is caused by high rates of sedimentation and sagging, and large thicknesses of oil-bearing sediments in the source of oil formation, accordingly. The degree of organic matter depletion characterized the residual potential of the oil and gas source strata, was investigated. It is important for predicting and assessing the possibility of hydrocarbon generation.