Abstract
The Aptian hydrocarbon-producing reservoirs, in the onshore Semmama and Douleb oil fields of west-central Tunisia are characterized by a heterogeneous flow with continuous decline. Petroleum exploration in this area requires detailed knowledge of the structural development of the basin and its relationship to the reservoir sequence and the source rock distribution. The structural configuration of west-central Tunisia is characterized by NE-SW, NW-SE and N-S deep-seated faults, which outline tectonic structures and it is influenced by Triassic salt intrusions. During the Aptian period, the basin was extensive and shallow at the center, though moderately deep to the North. The northeast-southwest dominated synsedimentary extensional tectonics induced high and subsiding zones and thus controlled sedimentary deposition. The Aptian reservoir is characterized by the lateral variation of sedimentary facies. The first zone, dominated by dolomitic lithofacies has been proven as a petroleum reservoir. The second zone corresponds to carbonate reef and para-reef facies. The third zone, trending north-south is characterized by shallow marine sedimentation, punctuated by episodes of detrital influx. The early Aptian is outlined by the emergence of Kairouan Island that took place in central Tunisia. This study facilitated mapping of the areas exhibiting hydrocarbon reservoir potential which resulted from the conjunction of extensional tectonics and salt ascension.
Highlights
The area of central Tunisia hosts several productive petroleum systems including the Douleb, Semmama, and Tamesmida oil fields (Figs. 1 and 2)
West-central Tunisia has been studied by many authors who discussed the tectonic settings and geodynamic evolution of the different structures related to North Africa tectonics (e.g. BUROLLET, 1956; DLALA, 1984; ZARGOUNI, 1985; MARTINEZ et al, 1990; BEN AYED, 1993; EL EUCHI, 1993, BOUKADI, 1994, CHIHI, 1995; RIGANE et al, 2010; ZOUAGHI et al, 2011, 2013; HARZALI et al, 2019)
In west-central Tunisia, Aptian sedimentary evolution is largely controlled by structures inherited from extensional halokinesis phases associated with the opening of the Tethys ocean
Summary
The area of central Tunisia hosts several productive petroleum systems including the Douleb, Semmama, and Tamesmida oil fields (Figs. 1 and 2). Oil-producing wells, developed in the Douleb and Semmama area, penetrate the Aptian dolomitic reservoir. West-central Tunisia has been studied by many authors who discussed the tectonic settings and geodynamic evolution of the different structures related to North Africa tectonics Previous stratigraphic and sedimentological studies have contributed to interpretations of Cretaceous palaeogeography in west-central Tunisia (Fig. 3), which is considered to represent a large transitional zone between the platform to the south, and a deep trough to the north The main aim of this study is to characterize the reservoir properties of the Aptian series in west-central Tunisia, the facies evolution from the southern to northern areas, based on the interpretation of the sedimentary succession from well and seismic data. A geometric and structural model that shows the spatial distribution and evolution of the reservoir units, between the high platform and subsiding basin, is a potential exploration objective in west-central Tunisia
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