Abstract
In this study, the available 2D seismic lines have been interpreted to understand the basin development and petroleum potential of the Late Cretaceous–Quaternary stratigraphy of the Tanga offshore Basin in Tanzania. Conventional seismic interpretation has delineated eight sedimentary fill geometries, fault properties, stratal termination patterns and unconformities characterizing the studied stratigraphy. The Late Cretaceous was found to be characterized by tectonic quiescence and uniform subsidence where slope induced gravity flows that resulted during the Miocene block movements was the major mechanism of sediment supply into the basin. The Quaternary was dominated by extensional regime that created deep N-S to NNE-SSW trending graben. The graben accommodated thick Pleistocene and Holocene successions deposited when the rate of tectonic uplift surpasses the rate of sea level rise. Thus, the deposition of lowstand system tracts characterized by debris flow deposits, slope fan turbidites, channel fill turbidites and overbank wedge deposits, known for their excellent petroleum reservoir qualities, especially where charged by Karoo Black Shales. Subsequent tectonic quiescence and transgression lead to the emplacement of deep marine deposits with characteristic seismic reflection patterns that indicate the occurrence of Quaternary shale sealing rocks in the study area. The occurrence of all the necessary petroleum play systems confirms the hydrocarbon generation, accumulations and preservation potential in the Tanga Basin.
Highlights
An increase in the demand for hydrocarbon resources to fuel industrialization across the globe has led to the overexploitation of currently identified hydrocarbon reserves (IEA 2017)
The 2D seismic lines analyzed in this study were employed to establish the interplay between the tectonics and sea level fluctuations, especially as this influences the development of the late Cretaceous–Quaternary stratigraphy off the coast of Tanga Basin
Two dimensional (2D) seismic images have been analyzed in order to evaluate the Late Cretaceous–Quaternary geology of the Tanga offshore Basin which is characterized by several unconformities
Summary
An increase in the demand for hydrocarbon resources to fuel industrialization across the globe has led to the overexploitation of currently identified hydrocarbon reserves (IEA 2017). This has necessitated the need to investigate new unexplored/frontier basins to identify future reserves (Busygin et al 2010). Tanga onshore Basin covers most part of the Tanga region located in the north-eastern Tanzania (Fig. 1). Tanga offshore Basin covers the offshore part off the coast of Tanga region. The basin is dissected by several structural elements including Quaternary faults (Fig. 1)
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