Structural Framework, Reservoir and Source Rock Distribution of Southern Libya: Insights from Recent Field Observations in Eastern Murzuq and Kufra

Major risk elements for hydrocarbon exploration in the Murzuq and Kufra basins include: 1) The distribution and geochemical nature of the source rock, 2) the distribution and textural variation in the reservoir, and 3) the structural framework of the basins and the relative timing of deformation.

At present, our perception of the petroleum potential and risk elements for southern Libya is dominated by subsurface data. Although limited surface data is available, a robust characterization of reservoir and source lithologies from surface analysis is lacking. Furthermore, whilst the regional structural elements of southern Libya are broadly known, a detailed understanding of the evolution of structural controls on both reservoir and source remains poorly constrained.

Recent fieldwork in the Jebel Asba & Jebel Dalma region of Kufra, and the Dor El Gusa region of eastern Murzuq is aimed at resolving much of these issues. Detailed structural analysis, at both regional to outcrop scales, combined with textural & geochemical analysis of Infracambrian to Late Ordovician sandstones and shallow-drilling of Silurian source rocks will provide important geological constraints for regional hydrocarbon exploration.