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Geophysicists Reveal a Hidden Sunken World Beneath the Pacific

Geophysicists Reveal a Hidden Sunken World Beneath the Pacific

A groundbreaking study by geophysicists from ETH Zurich and the California Institute of Technology has uncovered unexpected anomalies in the Earth’s lower mantle beneath the Pacific Ocean. Using advanced high-resolution models, researchers have identified zones where seismic waves behave differently, suggesting the presence of previously unknown materials. This discovery challenges long-standing theories of plate tectonics and opens up a new chapter in understanding Earth’s internal dynamics.

Hidden Anomalies in the Earth’s Mantle

The research, published in Scientific Reports, highlights areas under the western Pacific where seismic waves travel at varying speeds, indicating differences in rock composition or temperature. These zones, which appear as regions where waves either slow down (red) or speed up (blue), were previously undetected. Notably, a large blue zone in the western Pacific presents a significant mystery, as it contradicts existing models of plate tectonics.

The Role of Seismic Waves

Seismic waves are crucial tools for geophysicists to investigate Earth’s interior. When an earthquake occurs, these waves propagate through the Earth, providing valuable data on the planet’s internal structure. The speed and behavior of these waves depend on the material they traverse, allowing scientists to infer the composition and characteristics of subsurface layers.

Unexpected Findings

Traditionally, geophysicists have mapped subducted tectonic plates in expected regions, such as subduction zones where one plate sinks beneath another. However, the new model reveals plate-like anomalies in locations far from any known subduction zones, such as under vast oceans and within continental interiors. These findings defy current geological theories, which do not account for subducted material in these regions.

Potential Explanations and Implications

The anomalies might represent ancient, silica-rich material from the early formation of Earth’s mantle or zones where iron-rich rocks have accumulated over billions of years. These possibilities suggest a more complex and dynamic Earth than previously understood.

According to Thomas Schouten, the study’s lead author, “We believe these anomalies in the lower mantle have diverse origins. They could be remnants of ancient materials or result from mantle convection processes over billions of years.”

The Need for Advanced Models

The researchers emphasize the necessity for even more refined models to further explore these anomalies. Current seismic wave data primarily reveal wave speeds, but deeper analysis of material properties is required to fully understand the nature of these zones. Andreas Fichtner, an ETH professor, notes, “With better examination tools, we can uncover more details, just like a doctor discovering unexpected arteries with advanced imaging technology.”

Future Directions

This discovery sets the stage for further research into Earth’s interior. By enhancing models and incorporating diverse wave types, geophysicists aim to unravel the mysteries of these anomalous zones and their implications for Earth’s geological history and dynamics.

Reference

Schouten TLA, Gebraad L, Noe S et al. Full-waveform inversion reveals diverse origins of lower mantle positive wave speed anomalies. Sci Rep 14, 26708 (2024). DOI: external page10.1038/s41598-024-77399-2

Global Oil & Gas Discoveries 2024 Key Finds and Industry Impact

Global Oil & Gas Discoveries 2024 Key Finds and Industry Impact

The year 2024 was a big year for finding new oil and gas around the world. Many important discoveries were made, which had a big impact on the energy industry. These discoveries show how much better we’ve gotten at finding these resources and how much the world still needs energy. Here, we take a look at the most important discoveries of the year.

1. Guyana’s Offshore Discoveries – 11 Billion BOE

ExxonMobil, in partnership with Hess and CNOOC, continued its prolific exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, with total recoverable resources estimated at around 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE). This development positions Guyana as a burgeoning petrostate with substantial economic growth prospects.

2. Kuwait’s Al-Nokhatha Field – 3.2 Billion BOE

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation announced a substantial discovery in the Al-Nokhatha field, located east of Failaka Island. The find includes approximately 2.1 billion barrels of light oil and 5.1 trillion cubic feet of gas, totaling around 3.2 billion BOE.

3. Namibia’s Orange Basin – 2 Billion BOE

Namibia’s Orange Basin has garnered significant attention following discoveries by companies like Galp. The Mopane field, for instance, is expected to commence production by 2030, potentially reaching a plateau of 211,000 BOE per day by 2037.

4. China’s Bohai Bay Discovery – 1.3 Billion BOE

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced a significant discovery in Bohai Bay, adding an estimated 1.3 billion BOE to the country’s reserves. This discovery reaffirms the potential of Bohai Bay as a key energy hub for China.

5. Colombia’s Historic Gas Find

Ecopetrol made a landmark gas discovery, marking the largest in Colombia’s history. While the exact volume of recoverable reserves has not been disclosed, the discovery is poised to significantly enhance the country’s energy security and reduce reliance on imports.

Global Oil & Gas Discoveries 2024 Key Finds and Industry Impact

Figure 1 Historical number of oil & Gas discoveries

6. Talos Energy’s Gulf of Mexico Discovery – 15 to 25 Million BOE

Talos Energy reported a discovery in the Ewing Bank 953 well in the Gulf of Mexico, with estimated reserves between 15 to 25 million BOE. Production is anticipated to begin by mid-2026, contributing to the region’s output.

7. Vår Energi’s Goliat Field Discovery

Vår Energi announced a new oil find in the Goliat field, located in the Barents Sea. Although the exact volume of reserves has not been disclosed, this discovery strengthens the field’s potential and opens opportunities for further exploration in the region.

8. Pakistan’s Bhittani Well Discovery

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) reported a discovery in the Bhittani X-1 well located in the Bannu Basin. The hydrocarbons were encountered in the Middle Jurassic Samanasuk Formation, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’s exploration activities.

Global Exploration Trends in 2024

Despite concerns about declining exploration activity in previous years, 2024 marked a resurgence in global oil and gas discoveries. Significant finds in regions like Guyana, Namibia, and Kuwait highlight renewed efforts and advancements in exploration technologies. While the industry continues to face challenges such as increasing operational costs and environmental pressures, these discoveries signal optimism for meeting future energy demands.

Conclusion

The discoveries of 2024 highlight both the potential and challenges within the oil and gas industry. While new reserves promise to bolster energy security for various nations, the overall decline in global discoveries suggests a need for continued innovation and strategic exploration to meet future energy demands.

Global Oil & Gas Discoveries 2024 Key Finds and Industry Impact

Figure 2 Countries with largest oil & gas projects of year 2022-23

References

ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block Updates: ExxonMobil Official SiteKuwait Petroleum Corporation’s Al-Nokhatha Field Announcement: KPC Press Release

Namibia’s Orange Basin Developments: Galp Energy Reports

China’s Bohai Bay Discovery: CNOOC Official Announcement

Ecopetrol’s Gas Find in Colombia: Ecopetrol Newsroom

Talos Energy’s Gulf of Mexico Discovery: Talos Energy Press Release

Vår Energi’s Goliat Field Update: Vår Energi Official Site

OGDCL’s Bhittani Well Discovery: OGDCL Public Statement

What Caused Dinosaur Extinction Meteorite or Volcanism

What Caused Dinosaur Extinction Meteorite or Volcanism

The disappearance of dinosaurs is still one of Earth’s most fascinating mysteries. For years, scientists have argued about whether a giant meteorite or huge volcanic eruptions led to their extinction 66 million years ago. A recent study in *Science Advances* by climate experts from Utrecht University and the University of Manchester brings new insights. Their research shows that the Chicxulub meteorite was the main reason for the dinosaurs’ extinction, while volcanic activity had little to do with it.

Meteorite vs. Volcanism: The Great Debate

The Chicxulub meteorite crash in the Gulf of Mexico is well known as the huge disaster that wiped out the dinosaurs. But the massive volcanic eruptions in India, called the Deccan Traps, also played a role. These eruptions released a lot of CO₂, sulphur, and dust into the air, which changed the Earth’s climate. This caused short-term cooling and long-term warming. The question is: how much did these changes really affect the extinction of the dinosaurs?
What Caused Dinosaur Extinction Meteorite or Volcanism

Greg Price, Rhodri Jerrett and Lauren O’Connor sampling fossilised peats at West Bijou, USA. Photo: Tyler Lyson.

New Insights from Ancient Peats

The research team used ancient peat samples from the United States to study air temperatures around the time of these events. They found that a large volcanic eruption happened about 30,000 years before the meteorite hit, causing global temperatures to drop by 5°C. This cooling, caused by volcanic sulphur blocking sunlight, lasted for about 10,000 years. By 20,000 years before the meteorite impact, temperatures had returned to normal, helped by volcanic CO2 emissions.
Lauren O’Connor, a scientist from Utrecht University, said, “These volcanic eruptions and the release of CO2 and sulphur had a big impact on life on Earth. But these events happened thousands of years before the meteorite impact and probably didn’t play a major role in the extinction of the dinosaurs.”

The Fatal Blow: Chicxulub Meteorite Impact

New studies highlight the terrible damage caused by the Chicxulub meteorite crash. While volcanic activity can cause short-term climate shifts, the meteorite set off a chain of extreme disasters: massive fires, huge ocean waves, earthquakes, and a long period of darkness called an “impact winter” that blocked the sun and wiped out ecosystems.
Rhodri Jerrett from the University of Manchester explains, “The asteroid caused a series of events that destroyed life on Earth. We think it was the asteroid that finally caused the extinction.”

Reconstructing Earth’s Past Climate

The researchers used a new method to study old fossil molecules found in ancient soil layers. These molecules, made by bacteria, change their shape depending on the temperature of the environment. By looking at these changes, scientists were able to build a clear timeline of temperatures before the extinction event.
This approach not only helped understand when the volcanic activity and meteorite impact happened but also provided a fresh way to explore other important moments in Earth’s past.

Conclusion

The scientists tried a new way to study old fossil molecules discovered in ancient soil layers. These molecules, created by bacteria, change their form based on the temperature of their surroundings. By examining these changes, researchers could create a detailed timeline of temperatures before the extinction event.
This method not only helped figure out when the volcanic eruptions and meteorite strike occurred but also offered a new approach to studying other key events in Earth’s history.

Reference

According to a recent publication in Science Advances by O’Connor et al. (2024), the volcanic eruptions that occurred before the meteorite impact likely played a small role in the extinction event. You can read more about the study here.

Namibia Offshore Exploration and Lessons for Pakistan

Namibia Offshore Exploration and Lessons for Pakistan

Namibia Offshore Exploration and Lessons for Pakistan

Namibia’s offshore exploration history offers a remarkable case study for nations like Pakistan aiming to unlock their hydrocarbon potential. Both countries have faced challenges in establishing offshore oil and gas production despite promising geological settings. By examining Namibia’s approach and outcomes, Pakistan can identify actionable strategies to rejuvenate its offshore exploration efforts.

Namibia’s Offshore Exploration Journey: Key Phases and Insights

  1. Early Licensing Rounds (1969–1979)

Namibia initiated its offshore exploration in 1969, awarding eight blocks during the first licensing round. The Kudu Gas discovery (Kudu 9A-1) by Chevron, Regent, and SOEKOR marked the first gas find in the Orange Basin. However, UN sanctions in the late 1970s halted international participation, with rights transferred to the nascent national oil company, SWAKOR.

2. Renewed Exploration Efforts (1987–1990)

With collaboration from Halliburton, SWAKOR conducted seismic surveys and drilled additional wells (Kudu 9A-2 and 9A-3). Despite limited success, the groundwork was laid for modern exploration techniques and resource assessment.

  1. Post-Independence Licensing Rounds (1990s)
  • Namibia launched a series of licensing rounds from 1991 to 1999, awarding blocks to international players like Shell, Chevron, and Sasol.
  • Exploration activity surged with over 88,000 km of 2D seismic data collected and multiple exploratory wells drilled. While discoveries were elusive, critical insights into basin geology were gained.
  1. Open Licensing System and Modern Discoveries (1999–Present)

The adoption of an open licensing system in 1999 attracted numerous global operators, including Shell and TotalEnergies. Key outcomes included:

  • Enhanced seismic data acquisition with advanced 2D and 3D surveys.
  • Significant light oil discoveries in 2021/2022 by Shell Namibia (Graff-1) and TotalEnergies (Venus-1X.T1) in the Orange Basin.

 

Namibia Offshore Exploration and Lessons for Pakistan

Figure courtesy to NVENTURES.

Pakistan’s Offshore Exploration: Challenges and History

  1. Early Attempts (1960s–1980s)

Pakistan’s offshore exploration began in 1963, with Sun Oil drilling three wells in the Indus Delta. Subsequent efforts in the 1970s and 1980s by Wintershall, Marathon, and OGDCL revealed limited success. Key findings included gas shows in the Miocene and shaly source rocks beneath the Deccan volcanics.

  1. Exploration Stagnation (1990s–2010s)

Despite the discovery of gas at Pakcan-1, efforts by international operators such as Total Energies, Oxy, and PPL yielded no major breakthroughs. The most recent well, Kekra-1 (2019), drilled by ENI, failed to confirm commercially viable resources.

  1. Current State

Pakistan’s offshore remains underexplored, with technical challenges, governance issues, and a lack of consistent policy direction deterring investment.

Namibia Offshore Exploration and Lessons for Pakistan

Lessons from Namibia for Pakistan

  1. Persistence and Long-Term Vision
    Namibia’s success came after decades of effort and numerous dry wells. Pakistan must adopt a similar mindset, understanding that significant discoveries often require persistence over time.
  2. Investor-Friendly Policies
    Namibia’s transparent regulations and open licensing system encouraged international participation. Pakistan must revise its offshore policies to offer competitive fiscal terms, ensuring clarity and fairness for foreign investors.
  3. Data-Driven Exploration
    Namibia invested heavily in seismic data acquisition and geological modeling, reducing exploration risk. Pakistan should prioritize similar initiatives, including basin analog modeling and leveraging advanced seismic technologies.
  4. Strategic Partnerships
    Collaboration with supermajors like Shell and TotalEnergies brought cutting-edge technology and expertise to Namibia. Pakistan should foster partnerships with global leaders in offshore exploration.
  5. Political and Economic Stability
    A stable environment is crucial for attracting and retaining investors. Pakistan must focus on creating a favorable business climate, addressing governance issues, and ensuring policy continuity.
  6. Technology and Innovation
    Namibia’s adoption of advanced 2D and 3D seismic methods proved pivotal. Pakistan should invest in modern exploration technologies to improve success rates.

Conclusion: A Path Forward for Pakistan

 Namibia’s offshore journey illustrates the power of resilience, innovation, and collaboration in unlocking hydrocarbon potential. By drawing inspiration from Namibia’s approach, Pakistan can chart a path toward energy security.

Key steps include fostering an investor-friendly ecosystem, prioritizing data acquisition, and engaging with international experts. With sustained efforts and strategic planning, Pakistan’s offshore potential can transform into a vital resource for the nation’s energy needs.

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