Digital analysis brings renaissance for petroleum geology outcrop studies in North Africa

Dr Jonathan Redfern,1 Dr Dave Hodgetts,2 and Ivan Fabuel-Perez of the North Africa Research Group, University of Manchester, describe how digital outcrop analysis can provide valuable new geological insights for exploration and production operations in North Africa. The recent increase in hydrocarbon exploration activity across North Africa - in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Egypt is leading to a renaissance in outcrop studies in the area. The main reservoir, source, and seal facies can all be studied in the field, providing valuable data to better constrain the subsurface geology, reduce exploration risk, help develop new play concepts, and enhance field productivity in North Africa. The North Africa Research Group (NARG) at the University of Manchester, UK, with partners Heriot Watt, Cardiff and Bremen Universities are being supported by 10 leading international oil companies to undertake regional scale outcrop studies. These include regional mapping and correlation to the subsurface, developing a regional sequence stratigraphic framework, regional basin modelling, Apatite Fission Track dating, detailed reservoir characterization, and seismic studies across North Africa.