Initial Assessment of Hydrocarbon Potential in the Alor Basin Using Integrated Hydrographic Data

Department of Geomatics Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia

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Abstract

Identification of hydrocarbons is a preliminary step in oil and gas exploration. By using hydro-acoustic data, this study aims to assess the hydrocarbon potential of the Alor Basin. Several data were acquired during the Jala Citra III Expedition in the Flores Sea in 2023, including Multibeam Echosounder and Marine Magnetometer. Bathymetric processing indicates that the Alor Basin reaches a maximum depth of 4,777.68 meters. The seabed is predominantly composed of clay-rich sediments, inferred to result from the deposition of fine-grained marine biogenic material or volcanic ash. This sediment analysis indicates depositional environments that may influence hydrocarbon generation and accumulation processes. Marine magnetometer data revealed residual magnetic anomalies ranging from –1,031.022 nT to 361.214 nT, with negative anomalies corresponding to intense tectonic activity. This interpretation is supported by fault structures analysis along the seismic profiles from the Marine Geological Research and Development Centre (P3GL), which may act as structural traps or migration pathways for hydrocarbons. Integrated bathymetric, magnetic, and seismic interpretations explain the basin’s geodynamic evolution and its correlation to hydrocarbon system formation. The fault patterns, seabed morphology, and magnetic anomalies all indicate active tectonic processes, suggesting that the Alor Basin holds significant potential for hydrocarbon accumulation and future exploration.