Abstract

The paleoclimatic maps were generated by the INTERGRAPH using PALEOCLIMATE and PALEOMAP software. The outlines of paleogeography contained in the recently generated Phanerozoic Paleogeographic maps are used as input for paleoclimatic modeling. The PALEOCLIMATE program models global atmosphere pressure, derive paleowind directions and estimate the likelihood of coastal upwelling. The program is based on the paleoclimatic models first developed by Judy Parrish, adopted by C.R. Scotese and modified by M.I. Ross. The Phanerozoic paleotemperature maps from PALEOCLIMATE contain surface temperature superimposed on paleogeographic templates (elevated areas, land masses, shallow and deep sea patterns). The paleotemperature map can be used as input for geochemical modeling software like COMPAS and for basin maturation evaluations. The paleoclimatic maps suite contains 58 maps (29 age slices, Cambrian to Present, winter and summer maps for each slice). The maps depict air pressure, wind directions, humid zones and areas favourable for upwelling conditions plotted on the paleogeographic background.

The paleoclimatic modeling techniques can help evaluate the risk for source rocks in frontier exploration plays. Computer-predicted upwelling areas include major producing regions such as the Persian Gulf, Central Asia, Siberia, SE Asia, North Africa, North Sea, U.S. and Mexico. The map interpretation, integrated with traditional source rock prediction, indicates new potential exploration regions. These include the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Barents Sea, Soviet Arctic, South America, offshore Australia and China.