The Tectono-Sedimentary Framework of Palaeozoic Series in Morocco: Geology and Play Concepts
Exploratory drilling in the Paleozoic basins has established significant Paleozoic petroleum potential. The discovery of gas and condensate in the Essaouira basin, oil productions in the Sidi Fili trend and also the various oil and gas shows encountered in the Paleozoic rocks in number of wells drilled in Morocco, have stimulated the considerable interest in exploring and study petroleum potential of the Paleozoic depositional system.
Geochemistry analyses suggest that these hydrocarbons are generated from Paleozoic source rocks. They were trapped in structures that are essentially Hercynian structures that were cut later in the Triassic by normal faults. The tectonic events responsible of the structuring of the Paleozoic beds are the passive margin stage that lasted from the Cambrian to Middle Devonian and was followed by the Upper Devonian to Carboniferous synsedimentary compression.
During this folding event, a series of ridges and depocenters took place. These ridges may have regional size such as the Western Meseta.
This uplift introduced progressive unconformities, changes in thicknesses and variations in source and reservoir distribution during the Hercynian.
All these geological considerations led to definition of new play concept that will make more attractive the Paleozoic series and minimize the risks in future exploration.
The previous oil and gas discoveries in the country are to great extend related to the Hercynian structures which were cut later by normal faults. This makes the Paleozoic petroleum system viable. More similar prospects and larger are present and await to be tested.
Gondwana Palaeozoic Basins
2006 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, (November 5-8, 2006) Technical Program