Distribution of Infracambrian rocks and the hydrocarbon potential within the Murzuq and Al Kufrah basins, NW Africa

This paper presents an overview of the distribution of the Infracambrian rocks within the Murzuq and Al Kufrah basins obtained by integrating existing data and new outcrop and subsurface data, and discusses the implications for the regional depositional setting and hydrocarbon potential. In the Murzuq Basin the Infracambrian units comprise volcaniclastics, metasediments and fine-to medium-grained sandstones with an average thickness of 61 m, reflecting a proximal, clastic-dominated depositional system. In the Al Kufrah Basin carbonate facies in Jabal Arkanu (eastern margin) indicate that the distal facies may become organic-rich. Interpreted seismic lines reveal Infracambrian graben systems similar to those found elsewhere that provide good hydrocarbon source rocks in petroliferous basins.