The petroleum potential of the Medjez El Bab region, Tunisia
Mohamed Hedi Negra
University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
: J Chem Appl Chem Eng
Abstract
This study focused on a geochemical characterization of oil seeps and source rocks outcropping in several areas of the North of Tunisia, especially at Medjez El Bab and Mateur. Our interest mainly concerns lower M'Cherga (Valanginian-Barremian) deposits in Oued Bazina (Mateur region), lower Fahden (lower Albian) series in Oued Siliana (Beja area) and upper Cenomanian-Lower Turonian Bahloul deposits in Oued Faouar ( Medjez El Bab area). Our approach used specific analyses based on Rock Eval pyrolysis and the GC-MS techniques. In addition, three oil indices of Cenomanian and Turonian collected from Medjez El Bab area were also analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry. This study underlines the existence of, at least, two active petroleum systems related to the Lower Fahden and Bahloul deposits (Fig.5). Within the two systems, the reservoir series could pose serious problems, especially in terms of frequency and quality. Reservoir levels may correspond to fractured carbonate units included in the same interval or above, such as the Campanian Abiod limestones. On the other hand, fracturing is common in the studied area. Further studies have to identify the main tectonic phases and establish a relative chronology considering other significant processes, such as hydrocarbon genesis, migration, faulting-folding, traps genesis, etc.
Biography
Mohamed Hedi Negra ,is Professor of Geology at Tunis El Manar University, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis since 2003 and teacher since 1984 (34 years experience). He has published more than 45 papers in reputed journals. He has participated to the organization of 6 International Meetings, Workshops and Courses and has presented more than 70 Oral communications and Posters in International and National meetings.
E-mail: hedi.negra@fst.utm.tn
