Ribblesdale Fold Belt and Formby area: action?
- We think the RFB’s large transpressional folds originated as growth fault rollovers on extensional ramps, which inverted in late Westphalian and again in Stephanian-early Permian, with dextral shear operating rather than cross-basin shortening. They are open-acreage conventional gas prospects in mid-basal Tournaisian mainly mudstone sequences, the best of them is Gisburn Anticline, first-rank play. If its got viable fractured Chatburn shales and carbonates this structure could trap substantial reserves, and upgrade Slaidburn Anticline for follow-up. When the area is next offered we’d be tempted to bid 3D as the structure model looks secure and justifies sizable cash spend.
- Regarding Formby area, this region is currently licensed for non-conventional exploration work programmes targetting the Bowland Shale but that initiative has stopped, possibly permanently. A large Tournaisian dome below Formby-1 is untested, its a first-rank major conventional gas play. Consider buying the seismic, re-mapping and decide on a possible farm-in.
- The Central Lancashire High has carbonate shelf sequences and was drilled at Roddlesworth-1, but we think a third, high-rated untested high lies up-structure to east of the well. The acreage is presently open, except the west end of the High, its worth re-mapping for Tournaisian and top of Visean limestone targets.
