--> Exploration Geology and Opportunities in Morocco, by A. Morabet; #90986 (1994).

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Abstract: Exploration Geology and Opportunities in Morocco

Almoundir Morabet

Morocco could be divided into the following tectonic subdivisions. The Rif domain in North Morocco, the High Plateau, the western Meseta along the Atlantic coast, the Middle Atlas mountains, the High Atlas, the Anti Atlas belt and the saharian basins. Basin development in Morocco has been the consequence of major tectonic events including the latest Devonian to Carboniferous Hercynian and the Tertiary age alpin orogenies. Broad Atlantic continental margins with different types of tectonic and halokinitic structures were developed during the Jurassic and later episodes.

Potential source rocks are well known in the Paleozoic (Silurian, Devonien, Carboniferous), in the Jurassic, Cretaceous and Miocene. Maturation models of the different source rocks vary from basin to basin as the subsequent of the geodynamics of those basins. Abundant reservoir rocks are present in the paleozoic (ie cambro-ordovician sandstone, Devonian reefs, carboniferous sandstone and limestone) in the Triassic sands, Jurassic limestone and sandstone, Cretaceous sandstone and Miocene sands and limestone.

Recent basin analysis realized by ONAREP staff and partners using modern seismic reflection, magnetometry and gravimetry acquired during the last few years demonstrated clearly that most of the Moroccan basins are presently unexplored and require sustained and systematic exploration.

In addition, even within those basins from which hydrocarbons have been produced, drilling has been largely limited to shallow horizons. Many large deeper structures have been identified from seismic data but remain undrilled, i.e. offshore Casablanca, offshore Tarfaya, and Essaouira basin, etc. Modern seismic data integrated with geologic basin analysis techniques could result in upgrading them and other as yet unidentified leads into drillable prospects.

The presence of rich source rocks, excellent reservoirs and large sealed structures both in Mesozoic and Paleozoic could yield into the discovery of important hydrocarbons accumulation in the near future if adequate financial means were put into drilling.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994