Geologically/geophysically constrained integrated basin analysis for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and its implications for hydrocarbon exploration.

摘要

This study incorporates lithologic data, plate kinematic data, seismic stratigraphic interpretation, and results of previous research related to the timing of rift development, rift mechanism, and the nature of the crust in an integrated basin analysis of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.;The analysis of tectonic subsidence for 12 wells suggests an episodic rather than a continuous rifting and determines 3 tectonic subsidence events in the Red Sea and 6 in the Gulf of Aden. A detailed seismic stratigraphic interpretation of the Tokar Delta, Sudan, reveals the relationship between Neogene clastic sedimentation and basement induced faulting. The application of BMT, a geologically and geophysically constrained 2-D basin modelling program by PROCOM, results in crustal and sub-crustal stretching factors typical for extended continental margins.;The influence of the high thermal conductivity of salt on the maturation of organic matter in sub-salt sediments is forward modelled. The results are a cooling effect owing to the presence of salt in general and in particular for the Tokar Delta this effect loses its significance owing to the high heat flow in the region. As a consequence for hydrocarbon exploration in the Red Sea, sub-salt plays only become interesting in areas with mean heat flow values below 75 mW/m