Source Rock and Reservoir Evaluation in Madagascar: Insights from New Fieldwork And Outcrop Analyses

Abstract

In frontier areas geological fieldwork remains a basic but essential and highly valued tool for evaluating under explored regions. Compared with more sophisticated exploration techniques, fieldwork is a cost effective method that can reduce exploration risk and provide a deeper understanding of complex geology. In the summer/autumn of 2016 Robertson CGG geological teams collected 590 samples from 403 locations in the Morondava, Majunga and Diego Ambilobe basins as well as along the east coast of Madagascar. Seeps were also sampled at various locations. Field traverses covering a cumulative distance of ~12,000 km, often with poor road conditions in remote areas were overcome to complete this work in an eleven week period. The sampling and analytical programme primarily targeted source rock and reservoir horizons in the Karoo and younger Mesozoic and Tertiary intervals. The results of new biostratigraphy, sedimentology and geochemistry studies will assist in refining the stratigraphy, understanding the proven and potential source rocks and gaining a deeper insight into the quality of both clastic and carbonate reservoirs.