The Architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean and Implications for Play Potential, Tying the Marginal Basins Together

Abstract

Summary Using a regional, integrated 2D seismic dataset, we have evaluated the overall geological history and play types across the Eastern Mediterranean region. Results are presented focused on three specific areas due to their particular interest from a hydrocarbon exploration. The Libyan offshore and North African transform margin: here we show how the relationship between the outer high of the transform margin and the extensional basins landward have created ideal conditions for a restricted, shelfal basin to develop which we demonstrate has great exploration potential. The Levant Margin, Herodotus Basin and Nile Delta: this complex area has been the focus of hydrocarbon exploration success for over three decades with discovery and exploitation of multiple play types. Here we place those plays into the tectonic framework and discuss future opportunities The Ionian and related Accretionary Systems: here we investigate the relationship between the Calabrian and Hellenic accretionary systems of the dual subduction zones of the Ionian oceanic plate and place them in the context of the petroleum plays