Southern Nansen Basin and Yermak Plateau sediments studied for gas geochemistry.
Low concentrations of pore water methane exclude active gas seepage.
δ13C of sorbed hydrocarbons suggest paleoseepage from mostly type II organic matter.
2D seismic data demonstrate up to 2000 m sedimentary cover.
1D-modelling and heat flow support locally oil window maturity of Eocene sediments.