--> Abstract: Petroleum Potential off Gabon, by J. R. Delteil, P. A. C. De Ruiter; #90968 (1977).

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Abstract: Petroleum Potential off Gabon

J. R. Delteil, P. A. C. De Ruiter

The sedimentary evolution and petroleum potential of the Gabon coastal basin are tied closely with plate tectonics. Two kinds of objectives associated with the two main phases can interest the petroleum geologists.

1. Some detrital deposits in the proto-oceanic rift have a great extension as the "gres de base" and the Gamba Formation, whereas the Lucina and Dentale Formations have only a local extension. All of them constitute good reservoir beds. Source rocks are proved to be in situ. They have to be located in the organic-rich levels of the same formations. Traps are associated with extensional tectonics of the rift on the fringes of old moles and horsts.

2. Evolution and embankment of the continental margin of the growing ocean provide deposits worth exploring. Salt deposition occurred at the end of the rift phase and/or the very beginning of the oceanic opening. Structural features of the overlying sedimentary series are conditioned mainly by salt tectonics.

The progradation of the continental edge is done by a succession of overlapping lenses. The Batanga, Anguille, and Tertiary formations are thought to be deep-sea fans. These hydrocarbon bearing formations have been fed by surrounding marine-shale source rocks.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90968©1977 AAPG-SEPM Annual Convention and Exhibition, Washington, DC