Abstract: Interpretation Results of the Western Algerian Atlas Megaregional Project

Allen J. Bertagne, Nat G. Smith, Abdelaziz Gouri

The International Megaregional Project is a worldwide project involving the compilation and interpretation of long regional seismic lines which cross several basins with the same transect. The goal of the project is to synthesize the current geologic knowledge of the areas traversed and to identify new areas of exploration interest. The international Megaregional framework which has been established serves as a focus for the geologic efforts and seismic data compilation. This project is conducted with the cooperation of a consortium of multinational oil companies as well as Sonatrach and CGG.

Megaregional lines can provide new insights into: (1) what is and is not basement, (2) maturation history and migration pathways, (3) regional structure, and (4) regional stratigraphy. The lines can thereby lead to the development of new exploration concepts.

The poster session discusses the interpretation of a seismic segment that traverses the Saharan Atlas, Hauts Plateaux, Telagh basin, Cheliff basin and terminates in the deep Mediterranean. The line shows the complex history of the area and varying thicknesses of Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments. Alter the Hercynian Orogeny, during the Triassic, crust was extended and thinned slightly. During the Jurassic and Cretaceous, salt flowage resulted in the formation of pilows and extensional faults. This was locally followed by tectonic overprinting in the Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic (Alpine Orogeny). Although the tectonic history of the area is complex, selected parts of the western Algerian Atlas may be prospective.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90956©1995 AAPG International Convention and Exposition Meeting, Nice, France