Any geologists?

[aap1966]

Settle an argument for me...I know that without prospecting this can't be answered with certainty, but....What are the chances of Anarctica holding significant oil and gas reserves?
(Let's assume for the sake of argument extraction is not an issue, nor is the Antarctic Treaty banning mining and drilling.)

[Esel Mann]

Well consider for a moment the following: with the exception of the continent of Antartica, can you name any continent where oil or gas has not been found? I can't think of one.

Asia: Yes oil and Yes gas
North America: Yes oil and Yes gas
South America: Yes oil and Yes gas
Europe: Yes oil and Yes gas
Africa: Yes oil and Yes gas
Australia: Yes oil and Yes gas

Note the above is not a question as to whether a particular continent is oil and/or gas self sufficient. Merely it has the presence of either.

As such, it would seem appropriate that Antartica would be no different, no?


Regards,
Carlton

[Evans, Marv]

Not being familiar with any of the general geology of Anarctica, if there are significant amounts of sedimentary structures there, there is a good probability of finding oil. If it is mostly igneous, chances are probably not much.

[imcarthur]

From Wiki

"East Antarctica is geologically very old, dating from the Precambrian era, with some rocks formed more than 3 billion years ago. It is composed of a metamorphic and igneous platform which is the basis of the continental shield. On top of this base are various more modern rocks, such as sandstones, limestones, coal and shales laid down during the Devonian and Jurassic periods to form the Transantarctic Mountains. In coastal areas such as Shackleton Range and Victoria Land some faulting has occurred.

The main mineral resource known on the continent is coal. It was first recorded near the Beardmore Glacier by Frank Wild on the Nimrod Expedition, and now low-grade coal is known across many parts of the Transantarctic Mountains. The Prince Charles Mountains contain significant deposits of iron ore. The most valuable resources of Antarctica lie offshore, namely the oil and natural gas fields found in the Ross Sea in 1973. Exploitation of all mineral resources by signatory states is banned until 2048 by the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty."

So that seems to lean to no, except for offshore but there is that Devonian/Jurassic layer . . .

Ian (not a geologist)

[Esel Mann]

Actually the wiki leans to yes. Presuming the wiki information is correct, then they have found oil/gas off shore. If I recall the definition of a continent is much more than just the physical land above water. It extends well into the oceans as well. Hence off-shore is very likely still on-continent.

Oh, I forgot to add the disclosure to my prior response: "I am not a geologist, nor do I play one on tv or broadway".

Regards,
Carlton

[imcarthur]

A interesting 'picture' on that wiki page. Antarctica with the ice removed.



Ian

[Esel Mann]

That's a cool picture!

Now tell me there's no oil, gas, alien base stations, or nake mermaids!

Regards,
Carlton

[imcarthur]

In perspective then . . .



Ian

[Esel Mann]

Absolutely hillarious !


Regards,
Carlton