Regional Structure, Stratigraphic and Facies Studies (including stratigraphic framework, regional mapping and correlation)
Third order sequence stratigraphic framework for the Palaeozoic reservoirs of North Africa PhD research by Stefan Lubeseder and Dr Jonathan Redfern (Current research) This study aims to develop a third-order sequence stratigraphic framework for the Silurian and Devonian of North Africa. A sequence stratigraphic scheme together with the geometry of depositional systems and the key characteristics of their boundaries has created a valuable tool for the prediction of reservoir units in areas beyond data control.
Palaeozoic sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of North Africa Research by Dr Ian Carr (Completed research) Published sedimentological studies of the Palaeozoic strata of North Africa have been used to create sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic models and to derive a eustatic sea-level curve. A comparison of Palaeozoic basin stratigraphy of Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco, was then used to assess regional sedimentary history and sequence stratigraphy.
Mesozoic sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of North Africa Research by Dr Ian Carr (Completed research) A synthesis of the sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the Mesozoic succession of North Africa has been undertaken. This study has used the vast amount of literature available to attempt to construct a unifying stratigraphic framework for North Africa.
Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy of Syn-rift Nukhul and Asl formations, Suez Rift, Egypt Postdoctoral research by Dr Ian Carr (Completed research) The project used the exceptionally well exposed Nukhul and Asl Formations in the Suez Rift to develop 4D high resolution sequence stratigraphic concepts and models for shallow marine depositional systems which can be applied at both exploration and production scales in the subsurface, particularly in extensional rift basins.
Research by Dr Ian Carr, Professor Rob L. Gawthorpe, Dr Christopher A.L. Jackson, Dr Ian. Sharp and Dr Ali Sadek (Completed research) Facies and tectono-stratigraphic models for the tidally-influenced Miocene Nukhul Formation are presented, based on outcrop data from the Hammam Faraun Fault-Block, Suez Rift, Egypt.
Research by Dr Ian D. Carr and Professor Rob L. Gawthorpe (Completed research) The Miocene aged Asl Formation was deposited on the ramp-like hangingwall dipslope of the western limb of the El Qaa Syncline during rift climax times. Key surfaces have been used to divide the succession into six sequences to assess depositional environment and controls.
Research by Dr Frank Lisker, Dr Jonathan Redfern, and Stefan Lubeseder (Current research)
The research project evaluates regionally significant source facies of North Africa. A synthesis study is being carried out about Upper Cretaceous (Campanian to Maastrichtian) organic-rich strata. Silurian and Devonian black shales are studied in the field and using well data. The project includes an assessment of techniques to accurately measure source rock quality of Palaeozoic shales from outcrop studies. Research by Dr Sebastian Luning, Stephan Lubesder and Dr Jonathan Redfern (Current research) The Campanian-Maastrichtian study covers an important source rock phase in North Africa, during which e.g. the famous source rocks in the Sirte Basin and of some Egyptian basins were deposited. Also in the offshore of NW Africa this unit may be important.
Research by Dr Sebastian Luning, Stephan Lubesder and Dr Jonathan Redfern (Current research) Fieldwork was carried in November 2003 in the Moroccan Anti-Atlas where the Frasnian and Silurian hot shales have been studied in outcrops by portable gamma-ray spectrometer. Mapping of the organic richness of the Silurian / Upper Devonian shales in weathered outcrops, (e.g. in Morocco, Algeria or Libya) was carried out.
Research by Henning Kocks and Dr Sebastian Luening (Completed research) The project aim is to demonstrate the value, applicability and technical feasibility of apatite fission track studies (AFTA) for petroleum exploration in the Berkine, Illizi and Murzuq basins using outcrop and downhole samples.
Characterisation of the El Garia Formation, Tunisia PhD research by Dr Simon J Beavington-Penney (Completed research) Nummulitic limestones are a common component of Eocene circum-Tethyan sediments. They form hydrocarbon reservoirs in North Africa, and are potential exploration targets in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. This study focuses on the Lower Eocene El Garia Formation (Tunisia), and also the Middle Eocene Seeb Formation (Oman).
Tectonic evolution of the Palaeozoic of North Africa Research by Dr Gianluca Badalini (Completed research) This project consisted of a synthesis of recent published research on the structural evolution of the North Africa. The most significant tectonic events that affect the region during the Palaeozoic and their effect on the petroleum systems briefly discussed.
Tectonic evolution of the Mesozoic / Cenozoic of North Africa Research by Dr Gianluca Badalini (Completed research) In continuation to the Palaeozoic discussion, this summary on the tectonic Mesozoic and Cenozoic evolution of North Africa was compiled from a large number of papers, discussing the structural evolution and its impact on petroleum systems.
Research by Dr Gianluca Badalini (Completed research) This literature based pilot study on the Western Desert of Egypt is aimed to integrate structural and stratigraphic studies to assess the main themes of basin evolution, structural framework, regional stratigraphy and its effects on reservoir distribution, size and exploration potential. |
