Onshore Axios-Thermaikos Basin (Northern Greece): an example of a gas-prolific area

The onshore Axios-Thermaikos basin in northern Greece developed during the Neogene. An offshore gas field has been verified in the area, indicating significant potential for hydrocarbon resources. Although many surveys have been conducted, a complete model of its subsurface remains unpublished. The primary goal of this study is to increase the overall understanding of the hydrocarbon potential of the basin through a comprehensive analysis of multi-geophysical (gravity, magnetic, reflection seismic) and borehole data. The gravity and magnetic data were analyzed to identify the structural and lithological trends governing the formation and evolution of the basin. The magnetic data were used to delineate the sediment-basement boundary. The seismic data were analyzed using various attributes to interpret and reconstruct the geological contacts and tectonic regime of the basin. Density variations in depth were investigated by utilizing two-dimensional forward modeling, constrained by seismic data. The 2D gravity model shows the boundaries between the geological formations and the prominent faults. Preliminary three-dimensional models were created using the seismic data and the stratigraphy obtained from boreholes. These models depict the stratigraphic and tectonic regimes, identifying potential hydrocarbon traps and providing insights into the various depositional environments that have influenced the basin over time.