Crustal-Scale Architecture and Heat Flow Account in Ultra-Deep Water Lower Congo Basin

In the present study the integration between interpreted seismic reflection profiles, available seismic refraction data, 2D gravity modelling, 2D structural restoration and sandbox analogue modelling are used to depict the crustal-scale architecture and elucidate heat flow issues in the ultra-deep water Lower Congo Basin in order to provide a constrained input to the subsequently performed thermo-tectonic and petroleum system modelling of the investigated region. The integrated analysis provides a state-of-the-art of the large-scale structural and basin evolution of the ultra-deep water Lower Congo Basin. Locally hyper-extended and denser continental crystalline crust is revealed in the area of study. Structural restoration indicates anomalously extensive subsidence at a short time-interval (112-98 Ma) just after breakup. Considerable stretching β-factors are revealed within the ultra-deep water region at two modelled transects. Processes that governed the pre-breakup extension have been constrained through analogue modeling. Based on the above multi-fold analysis potential geothermal-gradient scenarios have been considered in petroleum system modelling that shown important effect on the generation history of a presalt source rock potentially present in the deep-water.