Tectono-stratigraphic analysis of the East Tanka fault zone (ETFZ), Suez Rift, indicates that the evolution of normal fault segments was an important control on syn-rift depositional patterns and sequence stratigraphy. Sedimentological and stratigraphic analysis of the Nukhul Formation indicates that it was deposited in a narrow (ca 1-2 km), elongate (ca 5 km), fault-bounded, tidally influenced embayment during the low subsidence rift-initiation phase. The Nukhul Formation is composed of transgressive (TST) and highstand (HST) systems tract couplets interpreted as reflecting fault-driven subsidence and the continuous creation of accommodation in the hangingwall to the ETFZ. The overlying Lower Rudeis Formation was deposited during the high subsidence rift-climax phase, and is composed of forced regressive systems tract (FRST) shallow marine sandbodies, and TST to HST offshore mudstones. Activity on the ETFZ led to marked spatial variability in stratal stacking patterns, systems tracts and key stratal surfaces, as footwall uplift, coupled with regressive marine erosion during deposition of FRST sandbodies, led to the removal of intervening TST-HST mudstone-dominated units, and the amalgamation of FRST sandbodies and the stratal surfaces bounding these units in the footwall. This study indicates that the evolution of normal fault segments over relatively short (i.e. <1 km) length-scales has the potential to enhance or suppress a eustatic sea-level signal, leading to marked spatial variations in stratal stacking patterns, systems tracts and key stratal surfaces. Crucially, these variations in sequence stratigraphic evolution may occur within time-equivalent stratal units, thus caution must be exercised when attempting to correlate syn-rift depositional units based solely on stratal stacking patterns. Furthermore, local, tectonically controlled variations in relative sea level can give rise to syn-rift stacking patterns which are counterintuitive in the context of the structural setting and perceived regional subsidence rates.

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A synthesis of the sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the Palaeozoic succession of North Africa is presented. Two chronostratigraphic correlation panels have been constructed at roughly right angles to each other across North Africa, in WNW-ESE and NNW-SSE orientations. The panels illustrate the way in which sedimentology and hydrocarbon geology vary across the continent through time. The Palaeozoic succession is divided into five second-order sequences (NA 1, Early Cambrian to Late Ordovician; NA 2, Late Ordovician to Late Silurian; NA 3, Devonian; NA 4, Carboniferous; NA 5, Permian), with sequence boundaries, maximum flooding surfaces and systems tracts being defined for NA 1 to NA 4. Palaeogeographic reconstructions for the North African region from the Cambrian to the Carboniferous are illustrated, and a sea-level curve based on the panels and palaeogeographic reconstructions is compared to other published sea-level curves. The proximity of the North African region to the South Pole during the Palaeozoic and its relative tectonic stability suggest that sea-level curves derived from the area should closely reflect Palaeozoic glacio-eustasy. This study may be used to investigate the occurrence of reservoir, seal and source rocks away from areas of data control, and is intended to provide a useful framework for future third-order studies. SECOND-ORDER SEQUENCES WITHIN THE NORTH AFRICAN PALAEOZOICIn this section, each sequence is described in terms of key surfaces and general characteristics; within each sequence, systems tracts have been defined by age, bounding

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A synthesis of the sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the Mesozoic succession of North Africa is presented. Two chronostratigraphic correlation panels have been constructed at roughly right angles to each other across North Africa, in approximately E‐W and NNW‐SSE orientations. The panels illustrate the way in which sedimentology and hydrocarbon geology vary across the continent through time. The Mesozoic succession is divided into two sequences (NA 6, Early Triassic to Middle Cretaceous; and NA 7, Middle to Late Cretaceous), for both of which sequence boundaries, maximum flooding surfaces and component systems tracts are defined. The systems tracts are of tens of Ma duration and approximate to the second‐order cycles of previous publications. New palaeogeographic reconstructions for North Africa for the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous are illustrated, and a new sea level curve based on the panels and palaeogeographic reconstructions is compared to other published sea level curves.