Application of modern concepts of petroleum genesis, migration, and accumulation permits an evaluation of the petroleum potential for the Scotian Shelf area of the Atlantic outer continental shelf. Conclusions are that shows of gas and oil are to be expected, but commercial scale production is unlikely in the area studied. The paucity of accumulated petroleum derives from two primary factors: (1) unfavorable conditions of deposition resulting in a low conversion of organic matter; and (2) losses, probably to the surface, of a large proportion of the petroleum generated. A third factor of secondary importance is low concentrations of source material in some formations. The results of this study can be used to evaluate other parts of the basin where conditions may be more f vorable for the formation of economic accumulations of petroleum.

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