Malton

Location

The Malton oil project is situated in the Cleveland Basin, which is located in northeast England, specifically in the area around Malton, Yorkshire.

Geological Context

The Cleveland Basin is a significant geological area known for its potential in hydrocarbon exploration. The basin includes formations from various geological periods, including the Carboniferous and Permian, which are relevant for oil and gas exploration.

Borehole and Exploration

The Malton-4 borehole is one of the key exploration sites within the Cleveland Basin. This borehole is part of the efforts to assess the hydrocarbon potential of the area, particularly focusing on shale gas and oil prospects.

Geological Formations

The area around Malton includes several geological formations that are of interest for hydrocarbon exploration. These include the Bowland-Hodder Unit, which is part of the Mid-Carboniferous sequence and is known for its shale gas potential. Other relevant formations might include the Upper Permian Zechstein Group, which has been identified as a potential source rock for hydrocarbons in the region.

Hydrocarbon Potential

The Malton area is considered prospective for both shale gas and oil. Studies have indicated that the Bowland-Hodder Unit has significant shale gas potential, and there is also evidence of oil-bearing formations in the region. The Upper Permian source rocks, such as those identified in the nearby Yorkshire area, suggest a viable source for hydrocarbon generation.

Research and Studies

Several studies and research papers have been published on the geology and hydrocarbon potential of the Cleveland Basin, including the Malton area. These studies cover aspects such as organic geochemistry, depositional environments, and the characterization of unconventional reservoirs using seismic data.

Conclusion

The Malton oil project is part of a broader effort to explore and develop hydrocarbon resources in the Cleveland Basin. With its location in a geologically promising area, the project involves the exploration of both shale gas and oil prospects, leveraging detailed geological and geochemical studies to understand the potential of the region.