Petroleum Potential in the Gulf of Taranto

Due to large scale exploration and production throughout recent decades on the European continental shelf, most of the hydrocarbon provinces within this region are considered as mature in the hydrocarbon exploration terminology. One of the last remaining un-explored petroleum provinces left on the European shelf, and hence one of the few remaining frontiers, is the Italian Gulf of Taranto.

The Gulf of Taranto is located at the offshore elongation of the Italian Apennines mountain chain, stretching from the Alps in the northwest to the Mediterranean in the southeast. The geology of the Apennines is characterized with mainly Cenozoic compression of Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary strata, mainly consisting of carbonate deposits. Recently acquired reflection seismic data, covering the entire Gulf of Taranto and western parts of the Ionian Sea, reveal a complicated tectonic setting in the region. The Gulf of Taranto experienced large scale NE-SW compression during the Cenozoic, with a counter clockwise rotation. Relaxation along the established thrust faults prevailed during the Late Neogene, and is, in some places, still ongoing. Ongoing extension has given rise to the development of numerous normal faults and transverse faults striking NW-SE.

Direct analogs to onshore petroleum reservoirs have been identified in this study in the offshore record, and the petroleum system are believed to be similar to what is found onshore. The main reservoir intervals are represented by carbonates identified within the thrust sheets, surrounded by flysch sediments. Highly complex potential reservoirs are identified, where both back thrusting and transverse displacement makes up the trap. Also, anticlines are identified in connection with the NE-SW compression, representing potential major hydrocarbon reservoirs. Based on a modern 2D data set covering the whole gulf of Taranto, a complete interpretation of the main thrust sheets has been achieved, and the transverse movement’s related to active extension has been mapped. The interpretation reveals a complex structural setting, with the potential of storing vast quantities of hydrocarbon, similar to what is proven onshore.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90142 © 2012 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, April 22-25, 2012, Long Beach, California