This project and its resultant report present a high-resolution cyclostratigraphic analysis of the Lower Triassic reservoir interval in the UK and Dutch sectors of the Southern North Sea. We applied time-series (spectral) analysis to gamma-ray logs from 20 wells, confirming the presence of long- and short eccentricity (c. 405 kyr and c. 100 kyr) cycles and documenting their sedimentological expression and regional distribution. By integrating this with core sedimentology and XRF geochemistry, a new high-resolution framework is established for correlation and prediction of reservoir architecture and compartmentalisation. The results offer new insights into facies distribution and porosity–permeability trends, supporting stratigraphic de-risking for geological carbon storage (GCS) and reservoir appraisal.

Recognition of orbitally paced controls on sedimentation provides a powerful basis for understanding reservoir architecture. Prediction of high- and low-permeability intervals has implications for the management of CO₂ injectivity, plume migration, containment, pressure management and compartmentalisation. The near-isochronous nature of the cycles provides a chronostratigraphic foundation to enhance subsurface prediction and reduce stratigraphic uncertainty across the basin.

Delivery of data

The data are presented in a fully illustrated physical and electronic report (167 pages), which includes a detailed well correlation panel, well-by-well spectral analysis and summary tables. A supplementary package includes the StrataBugs project used for correlation (with band-pass–filtered long- and short-eccentricity curves and surface/cycle picks), the XRF dataset (1,498 measurements from four wells) and a GIS project of well locations.

Completed: October 2025

Report details: Cyclostratigraphy of the Lower Triassic, Southern North Sea Basin: implications for the Bunter Sandstone CO₂ storage complex

For further information, including licensing details, contact: [email protected]