Beyond Albert — Is There Significant Potential in Other East African Rifts?

Heather Clegg, Rachael B. Harrison, Jenny Hoyle, Simon C. Otto, and Rob Crossley
Tellus Division, Fugro Robertson, LLandudno, LL30 1SA, United Kingdom

A multidisciplinary assessment of the East African Rift area has recently been completed by Fugro. This project has digitally captured the proven petroleum systems and play fairways operating in the Albertine Graben and potential petroleum systems/play fairways in the remaining basins of the East African Rift basins (Tanganyika, Rukwa, Luangwa, Malawi and North Central Gregory).

Historically the abundance of seeps in and around Lake Albert has proven that a viable mature source rock was present in this area. However it was not until 2002 to 2007 that exploration has revealed new oil and gas discoveries with significant potential from Middle Miocene fluvial sandstones. Principal source rocks are Middle Miocene lacustrine shales. 1D modelling illustrates that the main phase of hydrocarbon generation occurred during Pliocene.

How analogous are the other rifts in the area? Are they, too, sleeping successes or are there geological reasons why they may not be as successful? The presence of oil seeps in Tanganyika and oil shows in North Central Gregory suggests the presence of mature source rocks in these basins. A detailed understanding of the regional rift geology and petroleum systems analysis will help to provide a clear understanding of where new opportunities may arise in this area.

AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Cape Town, South Africa 2008 © AAPG Search and Discovery