Ann: Operations Update, page-360

The uplift issue is an interesting one Chilly BUT by my research on the uplift, as it was in the EF has been minimal in comparison to what happened further north on the Barrow Arch and south on the Broooks Range.

The over pressure has been created by the sedimentary compaction process (disequilibrium compaction) in conjunction with the secondary over pressure created by the hydrocarbon kitchen generation of which we cannot under estimate as per OWs assertion.

Its theoretically impossible for uplift to create overpressure, but over pressure can be CONSERVED/CONTAINED(?) by the seals and then uplift brings it closer to the surface once the necessary hydrocarbon generating processes have taken place. In fact as long as the Tmax conditions remain due to depth/temp/pressure the process will continue. If the HC generating strata are lifted too much the lowering in the Tmax factors will halt HC generation as such massive uplift is usually accompanied by breaking of effective seals.

The time factor must not be forgotten as with any chemical reaction. The longer it goes the more HC s will be converted to gases.

PB has stated that one of the things that makes the HRZ unique in this location is the relatively conservative geological processes that it has been exposed to.

There is an excellent item on the millenial development of the north slope by Ken Peters et al which illustrates how all hell has taken place to the north and south of the central slope but the slope strata is essentially relatively untouched between the Brooks Range and the Barrow Arch.

Ill try and post a link when I have access to the poota that has all this info contained within.

d.