--> Abstract: Analysis of the Petroleum System in the Western Gulf of Cadiz: Offshore Algarve Basin, by Hugo Matias, Frode Sandnes, Cabrita Da Silva, Luis Matias, and Fernando Santos; #90072 (2007)

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Analysis of the Petroleum System in the Western Gulf of Cadiz: Offshore Algarve Basin

Hugo Matias1, Frode Sandnes2, Cabrita Da Silva3, Luis Matias4, and Fernando Santos4
1REPSOL YPF, Madrid, Spain
2Genesis Petroleum Norway (Formerly; TGS-Nopec Geophysical Company AS), Asker, Norway
3DGGE, Lisbon, Portugal
4CGUL, Lisbon, Portugal

The Algarve Basin is poorly explored and its petroleum system(s) have not been properly described by previous studies. The acquisition of high quality 2D seismic data in 2001 by TGS renewed the interest of the oil companies for the deep offshore part of the Algarve Basin. These data have allowed a careful analysis of the potential petroleum system of the basin. An integrated study is presented, combining seismic data interpretation with log and geochemical well data, providing a better understanding of the full potential of the deepwater plays.
Potential source rocks have been identified within the Paleozoic, Lower and Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous. Potential reservoirs are the Upper Jurassic carbonates, Lower Cretaceous sandstones in addition to the Messinian turbidite system proven in the Eastern Gulf of Cadiz. Traps and migration pathways are strongly dominated by basement and salt tectonics. Most of the trap styles are salt related and include mixed traps of reservoirs pinching-out against diapir flanks and anticlines above salt diapirs. Claystones and salt provide seal.
There is some uncertainty concerning the proposed petroleum system(s) since the proposed source rocks have not yet been proven in the deep offshore. However, results from this study, coupled with proven production in the neighboring area (Spain`s Poseidon gas fields), strongly suggest their occurrence and the presence of an active petroleum system in the basin.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90072 © 2007 AAPG and AAPG European Region Conference, Athens, Greece