Mesozoic Oceanic Anoxic Events and the Associated Black Shale Deposits as a Potential Source of Energy

Abstract

Oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) are considered as periods of oxygen deficiency in many oceans; accompanied by accumulation of organic-rich black shales. Mesozoic anoxic events were recognized based on the presence of black shales that are rich in organic matter. The most significant anoxic events during the Mesozoic are the Early Toarcian, the Early Aptian, and the Cenomanian–Turonian. The less significant events are the Valanginian-Hauterivian, the Hauterivian-Barremian, the Aptian-Albian, the Late Albian, the Albian-Cenomanian, and the Coniacian-Santonian. The recognized OAEs in Egypt are the Early Aptian (OAE 1a), the Aptian-Albian (OAE 1b), the Late Albian (OAE 1c), the Albian-Cenomanian (Breistroffer, OAE 1d), and the Cenomanian–Turonian (Bonarelli Event, OAE 2). However, the most widely recoded event is the OAE 2. The Cretaceous oceans hosted huge amounts of organic-rich black shales that sufficient to source all of the hydrocarbons. Black shales are considered as the most important source of hydrocarbons. The exploitation of black shales to generate hydrocarbons becomes a vital substitutional resource for energy. Such utilization of black shales may compensate the shortage of hydrocarbons in Egypt. Detailed filed work and analytical data are required before final estimation of black shale resources in Egypt.