Title : Thermal maturity and hydrocarbon generation histories of the Silurian Tannezuft Shale formation, Ghadames Basin, Northwestern Libya
Abstract:
The Silurian Tannezuft Formation within the Ghadames Basin of Northwestern Libya, like other Silurian shales in North Africa and the Middle East, represents a significant prospect for unconventional hydrocarbon exploration. Unlike the more popular and extensively studied Sirt Basin, the Ghadames Basin remains underexplored, presenting untapped potential that warrants further investigation. This study focuses on the thermal maturity and hydrocarbon generation histories of the Tannezuft shales, utilizing calibrated basin modeling approaches. The Tannezuft shales are organic-rich and primarily contain Type II kerogen, especially in the basal layer, which contains up to 10 wt. % TOC, leading to its designation as "hot shale". The research integrates geological, geochemical, and basin modeling data to elucidate the unconventional hydrocarbon potential of this formation, which is crucial given the global demand for energy and the need for new resources.
By employing PetroMod software from Schlumberger, calibrated modeling results simulate hydrocarbon generation and migration within the Tannezuft shales. The findings suggest dual-phase hydrocarbon generation from the Lower Silurian Tannezuft source rock, related to deep burial prior to Hercynian orogeny and subsequent Alpine orogeny events. The Ghadames Basin's tectonic history, including major Hercynian and Alpine orogenies, has significantly influenced the generation, migration, and preservation of hydrocarbons, making the Ghadames Basin a promising area for further exploration.
Audience Take Away Notes
- The geological and geochemical characteristics of the Silurian Shale Tannezuft Formation and its significance in hydrocarbon generation.
- The application of basin modelling tools to predict hydrocarbon generation and migration within a complex geological setting.
- Insights into the tectonic and depositional history of the Ghadames Basin and its impact on hydrocarbon accumulation.
- The audience will gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing hydrocarbon generation in unconventional reservoirs, which can be directly applied to exploration and development strategies in similar basins worldwide.
- Yes, the methodology and findings can serve as a foundation for further research in basin modelling and unconventional hydrocarbon systems, providing valuable case studies for academic and industry applications.
