Basin Evolution from Integrated Seismic, Gravity, and Magnetic Data Interpretation in North Africa

Abstract

Abstract This paper shows the approach and first results of integrating land and airborne high-resolution potential field data (gravity and magnetics) with new, deep penetrating seismic data to understand the deep basin evolution in Libya and Algeria. Although long offset seismic data acquisition has enabled a better seismic image at depth, due to the complex structuration of old rift systems, the interpretation in the Libya Sirte basin and Shell's Algeria blocks remains a challenge. Gravity data helps to understand crustal thickness variation, magnetic data enables mapping of basement depth and composition and presence of intra-sedimentary volcanics. The remaining gravity anomalies enable a better understanding of the lateral lithology variation in the shallow overburden.