Kazakhstan journal for oil & gas industryKazakhstan journal for oil & gas industry2707-42262957-806XKMG Engineering10887210.54859/kjogi108872Research ArticleEvaluating the potential for gas reserve growth at the Aktas fieldBayzhigitovaZhanar N.zh.baizhigitova@kmge.kzhttps://orcid.org/0009-0005-1416-9493NurmukhambetMadina B.m.nurmukhambet@kmge.kzhttps://orcid.org/0009-0002-1605-302XSuleyevaAigul Zh.a.suleyeva@kmge.kzhttps://orcid.org/0009-0007-0011-0241Branch of KMG Engineering “KazNIPImunaigaz”24122025748171305202518082025Copyright © 2025, Bayzhigitova Z.N., Nurmukhambet M.B., Suleyeva A.Z.2025<p><strong>Background: </strong>This paper examines the opportunity to expand the gas reserves of reservoir unit J-IIA of the Aktas field. A previously overlooked prospect was identified based on production anomalies from Well No. 11, whose output did not align with the earlier geological model of the formation. It is proposed that the unusually high production may be linked to the presence of a previously undetected paleo-channel, not captured in earlier seismic interpretations.</p> <p><strong>Aim: </strong>Aim of this study is to refine the geological model of the Aktas field and to identify prospective zones – sandy bodies that may serve as lithological gas traps.</p> <p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The study was based on production well data, integrated with a time cube of the ExChroma attribute extracted from the seismic volume covering the Aktas Field and adjacent areas</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Among the technologies evaluated, the eXchroma method proved most effective for identifying ancient channel systems in the seismic wavefield of the study area. Using this technique, a channel feature was identified extending along the western structural nose of the Aktas structure, near Well No. 11. The study also highlights a non-structural geological link between the Aktas and Zhetybai structures, and provides an estimate of the gas resources associated with the interpreted paleo-channel.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The integrated analysis of available data revealed promising non-structural traps within the Jurassic deposits of the study area. The results of seismic data processing and interpretation are supported by geological, geophysical, and production data obtained from Well No. 11.</p>seismic wavefieldNarmaul Upliftgas condensate reservoirnon-structural trapfloodplain channel zonpaleo-bodyтолқын өрісіНармаул құрылымыгаз конденсатты кен орнықұрылымдық емес коллекторарнаның жайылма бөлігіпалеоденеволновое полеНармаульское поднятиегазоконденсатная залежьнеструктурная ловушкапойменная часть руслапалеотело1.Yurgens YG, Baizhigitova ZN, Anisimova NA, Suleyeva AZ, et al. Pereschyot zapasov UVS po gazokondensatnym zalezham mestorozhdeniya Aktas. TEO KIG I KIK. Branch of KMG Engineering LLP “KazNIPImunaigaz”. Aktau; 2024. Report No. 73, Contract No. 1361-222//54/2020АК. (In Russ).2.Dzhangirov AN, Shestakov AG, Bogomazov AI. Otchyot o rezul’tatakh obrabotki i kompleksnoy interpretatsii seysmorazvedochnyh dannykh 3D-MOGT na uchastke Bekturly Vostochnyy v 2017 g. Professional Geo Solutions Kazakhstan LLP. Almaty; 2017. (In Russ).3.Tikhonov VP, Anderson D, Il’tukov R. Otchyot o rezul’tatakh pereinterpretatsii seysmicheskikh dannykh 3D po mestorozhdeniyam Aktas i Tasbulat na kontraktnoy territorii Tasbulat Oil Corporation za 2011–2012 gg. OMV Exploration and Production. (In Russ).4.Safonov AS, Kondrat’yeva OO, Fedotova OV. Poisk neantiklinal’nykh lovushek uglevodorodov metodami seysmorazvedki. Moscva: Nauchnyi mir; 2011. 512 p. (In Russ).5.Krupin AA, Kyshko IG, Dyussemaliyeva LM. Perspektivy vospolneniya resursov uglevodorodov v Mangistauskom regione, novye napravleniya i tehnologii. International Scientific-Practical Conference “Mangystau Oil and Gas Future”; 2024 Apr 25–27; Aktau, Kazakhstan. (In Russ).6.Chakabayev SY, Kononov YS, Ivanov VA. Stratigrafiya i kollektorskiye svoystva yurskih otlozheniy Yuzhnogo Mangyshlaka v svyazi s ikh neftegazonosnost’yu. Moscow: Nedra; 1971. 168 p. (In Russ).