The exploration and characterization of petroleum systems remain central to addressing critical challenges at the intersection of energy security, decarbonization, and sustainable subsurface resource management. As the global energy transition accelerates, a deeper understanding of hydrocarbon systems plays an essential role not only in efficient resource extraction but also in informing strategies for carbon capture and storage (CCS), repurposing depleted fields, and developing geological analogues for CO₂ injection and storage. Consequently, advancing subsurface characterization techniques has far-reaching implications beyond hydrocarbon production, extending to broader geo-energy and climate solutions.

Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis in complex geological settings, such as fold-and-thrust belts, faulted basins, and mixed carbonate-siliciclastic systems - require the integration of multidisciplinary approaches. These include geochemistry, basin modelling, structural geology, petrophysics, and seismic interpretation. Key challenges arise from the variability of source rock quality, diagenetic overprint, tectonic activity, and fluid-rock interactions, which collectively influence hydrocarbon generation, migration, entrapment, and production potential.

This Research Topic aims to push the boundaries of petroleum geoscience by explicitly integrating advanced data analytics, particularly machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI)—with traditional basin modelling and reservoir characterization workflows. By harnessing these technologies, the objective is to improve predictive capabilities for porosity-permeability relationships, reservoir quality, and dynamic fluid flow modelling in both conventional and unconventional systems.

In addition, the Topic strongly encourages studies that demonstrate how hydrocarbon system knowledge can directly support low-carbon initiatives. Examples include the reuse of depleted reservoirs for CO₂ storage, analogues for hydrogen storage, and subsurface screening for geo-energy applications. Emphasis is also placed on expanding the global scope of contributions, with particular interest in underexplored or frontier basins across Africa, South America, Asia, and other regions.

To further enhance the applied impact of this special issue, submissions arising from industry-academia collaborations are highly encouraged. Such partnerships often leverage proprietary datasets and real-world challenges, providing valuable insights into complex tectonic regimes and advanced reservoir development strategies.

We welcome original research, reviews, and case studies addressing (but not limited to) the following themes:

• Structural, stratigraphic, and tectonic controls on hydrocarbon generation, migration, and entrapment
• Source rock evaluation, biomarker and isotopic analysis, and thermal maturity assessment
• Petrophysical properties, fracture networks, and diagenetic modifications in varied lithologies
• Basin and petroleum system modelling integrated with machine learning techniques
• Applications of AI/ML in seismic interpretation, well-log analysis, and reservoir simulation
• Case studies from structurally complex and underexplored basins worldwide
• Subsurface analogues and datasets supporting CCS, hydrogen storage, or other geo-energy solutions

This collection aims to provide a platform for rigorous, interdisciplinary research that not only advances petroleum system understanding but also bridges the knowledge gap toward sustainable subsurface energy applications.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Exploring Hydrocarbon Origins and Reservoir Dynamics in Complex Geological Settings