Abstract:

Based on plate theory, using the IHS and Tellus energy geological database and on the basis of prototype basins rebuilt, this paper systematically analyzes the basin evolution and the distribution characteristics of oil-gas accumulation conditions for the main geological period of North Africa, and points out the control effect of basin evolution environment on the petroleum geological conditions from the aspects of ancient plate position, ancient sea level change, ancient temperature and ancient climate. Authors put forward that (1) the development of passive continental margin and rift basin with transgression environment in Silurian and Cretaceous controlled the formation of two-major hydrocarbon source rocks in North Africa at that time;(2) the low latitude plate position, higher temperatures and sea back environment at that time controlled the formation of most important North Africa evaporated salt cap rocks in Triassic period; (3) the different basin evolution characteristics of different basin areas made source rock, reservoir and cap rock different in each basin, and formed today's oil and gas distribution pattern that the western basin mainly formed Paleozoic oil and gas system and the east-central basin mainly formed Mesozoic-Cenozoic oil and gas system in North Africa, which has certain theoretical significance and practical value to understand the basin formation and evolution, oil and gas distribution and development potential of North Africa.

Key words: North Africa, petroliferous basin, oil and gas geologic characteristic, basin evolution, control effect