--> Abstract: Evolution of the Madiela Carbonate Platform, Southern Gabon, West Africa, by L. Gilmore; #91012 (1992).

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ABSTRACT: Evolution of the Madiela Carbonate Platform, Southern Gabon, West Africa

GILMORE, LAURENCE, Baylor University, Houston, TX

The Albian-aged carbonates of the South Atlantic have been one of the best producers of oil in West Africa and Brazil for many years. However, to date little exploration has been undertaken in the Albian Madiela carbonates in Gabon.

A detailed look at the Madiela carbonates in southern Gabon reveals a number of variations both laterally and vertically in the depositional environments across the "platform" exemplified by a rapid change in the width of the platform from south to north. The widening of the platform results in broad facies belts within the Madiela carbonates.

The Madiela carbonates initially developed as a ramp on the gently sloping Ezanga Salt. The platform later evolved into a shoal rimmed carbonate shelf as a result of higher carbonate production at the shelf edge and sediment starvation toward the basin. The Lower Madiela is a result of deposition in the ramp setting while the middle-upper Madiela is a result of deposition in the shelf stage. A series of paleogeography maps illustrates the evolution of the platform.

A comparison of the Madiela with other Albian carbonates in the Aptian salt basin of the South Atlantic leads to a recognition of several differences with these carbonates and the Madiela. These differences include broader facies belts and a greater thickness of Albian carbonates in Gabon (up to 3000 m).

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91012©1992 AAPG Annual Meeting, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 22-25, 1992 (2009)