Petroleum Systems of the Shu-Sarysu Basin, Kazakhstan: A Review of Devonian–Permian Gas Potential
Zhumagulov A. Abetov A. Manzari M.T. Ismailova J.
June 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Geosciences (Switzerland)
2025#15Issue 6
The Shu-Sarysu Basin in central-southern Kazakhstan remains one of the underexplored gas-prone provinces, with 12 discovered gas fields including Amangeldy (884 Bcf) and Pridorozhnoye (225 Bcf). In the context of global energy transition, such basins require integrated geological assessment to constrain exploration potential. Historical studies within the region were spatially limited and prematurely discontinued, resulting in fragmented datasets and a lack of modern interpretation. This review reassesses published geological data within a petroleum systems framework, applying contemporary geodynamic and stratigraphic concepts. Analysis shows that tectonostratigraphic evolution of the basin during Devonian–Permian time (390–250 Ma) favored formation of mature, gas-prone systems within structurally compartmentalized troughs, with effective source, reservoir, and seal configurations. Building on these findings, a three-tier classification of exploration zones is proposed based on system maturity, trap integrity, and gas shows, reflecting geological success probability. This provides a basis for prioritizing future exploration despite limited seismic and drilling coverage in many areas. Recommended priorities include digitization of archival data, structural modeling, modern geochemical and diagenetic analysis, and focused evaluation of promising areas to support future exploration.
Devonian–Permian succession , energy transition , gas prospectivity , geological evolution , Kazakhstan , petroleum systems , Shu-Sarysu Basin , stratigraphy and tectonics
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
International Center for Deposit Analysis and Development, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemical Processes and Industrial Ecology, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Geophysics and Seismology, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, 111559567, Iran
Department of Petroleum Engineering, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
International Center for Deposit Analysis and Development
Department of Chemical Processes and Industrial Ecology
Department of Geophysics and Seismology
School of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Petroleum Engineering
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026