Petroleum Systems of Lebanon: An Update and Review

Abstract

This paper presents a new interpretation of the Levant margin, offshore Lebanon, with a review of Lebanese onshore geology and a new evaluation of the petroleum systems of the Eastern Mediterranean. Here, we divide the Lebanese onshore and offshore into four domains: the distal Levant Basin, the Lattakia Ridge, the Levant margin, and the onshore. Each domain is characterised by a particular structural style and stratigraphic architecture, resulting in different source‐reservoir‐trap configurations. This new division draws attention to specific areas of exploration interest in which there are distinct petroleum systems. Following a review of previously published data, this study presents new results from stratigraphic, structural and geochemical investigations. The results include a new interpretation of the Levant margin, focussing on the carbonate‐dominated stratigraphy of this area and its petroleum potential. New petroleum systems charts are presented for each of the four domains to refine and summarize the updated geological knowledge.

Key geological characteristics of the Saida-Tyr Platform along the eastern margin of the Levant Basin, offshore Lebanon: implications for hydrocarbon exploration

“…The seismic facies analysis followed seismic stratigraphic principles presented by Mitchum (1977), Sangree and Widmier (1977), Roksandi'c (1978) and Van Wagoner et al (1988). The use of such seismic stratigraphic and facies analysis principles allowed to better link the onshore observations and interpretations to the offshore (Hawie et al, -2015Ghalayini et al, 2018). Proposed interpretations are also supported by published 3D seismic results (e.g.…”

“…Onshore, the Senonian/Campanian-Maastrichtian Chekka Formation is 100-500 m thick, with the thickest succession documented in the southern Bekaa valley. This formation is well documented along the Levant margin onshore and offshore (Bou Daher et al, 2014;Ghalayini et al, 2018;Hawie et al, 2014). Organic-rich argillaceous limestones with TOC values between 2% and 10%, with higher values in South Lebanons (Hasbaya locality), make out of the Chekka Formation a potential source rock (Bou Daher et al, 2014.…”

“…3). The onshore Nabatiyeh Plateau (east of Adloun-1 well) and the nearby STP, together illustrating the typical southern Levant margin, include the Chouf sandstones, which consists of organic-rich intervals as well as potentially good reservoirs (Ghalayini et al, 2018). These are overlain by thick shallow marine carbonate sequences capped by the Late Cretaceous pelagic limestones and marls (typical regional seal and source rock; Bou Daher et al, 2016;Fig.…”

“…Such observations indicate that the Saida fault is most likely a dextral strike-slip fault. Ghalayini et al (2014Ghalayini et al ( , 2018 provide an analogy between the geometry of this fault, that of its extension onshore (the Damour fault), and the other ENE-WSW dextral strike-slip cross-cutting the northern Levant margin, which are still active at present day based on seabed deformation. The large vertical displacement observed on Saida fault could point to a previous normal event prior to the strike-slip movement.…”

“…Recent research projects, focusing on the northern part of the Levant Basin, provided substantial new data and concepts for better understanding the crustal, structural, and stratigraphic characteristics of this region, as well as its key petroleum systems (e.g. Hawie et al, 2015;Bou Daher et al, 2016;Inati et al, 2016Inati et al, , 2018Ghalayini et al, 2017aGhalayini et al, , 2017bGhalayini et al, , 2018Symeou et al, 2017;Grohmann et al, 2018;Papadimitriou et al, 2018aPapadimitriou et al, , 2018b. These studies also led to the distinction between the basin and the margins of the Levant.…”