--> Abstract: Modeling of Thermal Maturation and Hydrocarbon Generation and Expulsion in Northern Tunisia Thrust Belt, by Moncef Saidi, H. El Euchi, L. Fourate, and R. Ghenima; #90914(2000)

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Moncef Saidi1, H. El Euchi2, L. Fourate2, R. Ghenima2
(1) Enterprise Tunisienne d'Activité s Pé troliè res(ETAP), Tunis, Tunisia
(2) ETAP

Abstract: Modeling of thermal maturation and hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in Northern Tunisia thrust belt

In Northern Tunisia thrust belt area, the oil generation and expulsion histories were mainly affected by the thrusting movement which started around the Serravalian-Tortonian period.

Geological and geochemical studies resulted in the identification of outcropping source tocks and oil seeps. The source rocks correspond to the L. Barremian, the Albian, the Cenomanian-Turonian, theYpresian and the Oligocene-Miocene. They are mature and rich mainly in type Ii organic matter (TOC up to 2%) and exhibit high petroleum potential (up to 18 kg of HC/t of rock).

Oil seeps to source rocks correlation studies based on biomarker parameters and carbon isotopic composition clearly demonstrate that at least three petroleum systems are active at present. These are related to the Albian, Cenomanian-Turonian and Ypresian source rocks.

Basin modeling studies using GENEX software (Gentec module) performed on 6 pseudo-wells show that the maximum hydrocarbon generation is reached since the late Serravalian for the Albian and since the Tortonian for the Cenomanian-Turonian and the autochthonous Ypresian source rocks, and during L. Tortonian or later for the allochthonous Ypresian and the Oligocene-Miocene source rocks. In addition the main expulsion phase occurred between 14 and 5 MYBP.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90914©2000 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana