Formation of thrusts and hydrocarbon potential of Urals foredeep

The paper presents the study of thrust tectonics widely represented in the Urals Foredeep and formed during the convergent evolution of the Timan-Pechora Petroleum Basin. The correlation between thrust faults and hydrocarbon potential of the main plays is illustrated by specific examples. The authors make an attempt in classification of thrust structures in the foredeep, brief description of the main natural oil reservoirs, and illustrate much better porosity of reservoirs in allochthonous blocks as compared to autochthonous ones. Three orders of thrust faults are identified, they are: local (III), zonal (II) and regional (I). There is only one regional thrust falut identified at the moment, one more can be confirmed in the future by drilling on the western slope of the Korotaikhinsky depression. Different-order faults are illustrated by specific examples - various structures and oil and gas fields. As a rule, reservoirs with high porosity and permeability are associated with allochthonous blocks because of wider development of fracture. The most promising oil- and gas-bearing zones are determined in the areas of the thrust dislocations