ARCHITECTURE AND PETROLEUM INTEREST OF ABIOD RESERVOIR IN THE GULF OF TUNIS AND NEIGHBORING AREA

The sedimentary and tectonic history of the North African margin has always been governed by the geodynamic evolution of the northern basin, which is currently the Mediterranean. The Gulf of Tunis as a part of the... [ view full abstract ]

The sedimentary and tectonic history of the North African margin has always been governed by the geodynamic evolution of the northern basin, which is currently the Mediterranean. The Gulf of Tunis as a part of the Mediterranean shows a complex typology and a particular tectonic system. The main objective of the study is to highlight both of the structural architecture of the Gulf of Tunis and the evolution of petroleum system in the northeastern Tunisia. The study uses well data analysis, a structural maps and 2D seismic lines.
The Abiod Formation is a reservoir rock of Campanian–Maastrichtien age. The interpretation of the isochron and isobaths maps of this formation reflects a tectonic complex architecture expressed mainly 3 directions of fault system, the NE-SW, NW-SE and E-W directions.This fault system form an irregular network of juxtaposed uplifted and subsiding tectonic blocks. The analysis of stratigraphic sequences and well logs from the studied area exhibits several local gaps, erosion surfaces, hiatus and subsiding zones. The same tectonic context was also observed in the onshore area around Gulf of Tunis. Actually, this architecture and complexity are mainly controlled by several tectonic trends associated with halokinesis events.
The presence of both reservoir rocks and several uplifted blocks within the same area suggests the relevance of petroleum exploration in the northeastern area of Tunisia.

Key words: Tunisia, Golf of Tunis, Geodynamic and petroleum system.