Exploration targets in the Côte d'Ivoire-Ghana transform margin in Equatorial West Africa

Abstract

Abstract The Cote d'Ivoire-Ghana transform margin is a typical transform margin in the world. Extended margins (e.g. Abidjan-Cape Three Points and Accra-Benin segments) and transform margins (e.g. Cape Three Points-Accra segment) are present in this margin which have different evolution histories and structures. Along the Romanche Transform Fault was formed the high-uplifted Cote d'Ivoire-Ghana Margin Ridge. The transform margin experienced pre-transform, syn-transform and post-transform stages, and structures in different stages controlled their respective styles and sediments. In the Abidjan and Benin basins, the shelves are narrower and the slopes wider, obvious depocenters are formed with thick marine, non-marine and turbidity current sediments in the pre-transform and syn-transform stages, and the maturity of hydrocarbon sources is higher. In the Ghana Platform margin, the shelf is wider and the slope steeper, there isn't any obvious depocenter. The sediment load in this margin is small, and the maturity of hydrocarbon sources (even the Palaeozoic source) is low. The bathyal and deep sea in the Abidjan and Benin basins is the most attractive area for hydrocarbon exploration. But the exploration in the Ghana platform margin should focus on Palaeozoic to Early Cretaceous reservoirs.