The Petroleum Prospectivity of Lebanon: An Overview

Abstract

This paper presents an updated review of the petroleum prospectivity of Lebanon. It is based on a re‐assessment of the tectono‐stratigraphic succession in Lebanon, correlation with nearby countries and the results of a recent offshore seismic survey. A generalized model illustrating potential petroleum system(s) in Lebanon is presented with data on Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic plays. Major lithological units are described with respect to their source, reservoir and cap‐rock potential. Based on a general review of previous studies and existing data, Lebanese exploration prospects may comprise on‐ and offshore as well as coastal (margin) targets. They include potential Triassic reservoirs in onshore central‐northern Lebanon including those at the Qartaba structure. Offshore plays are discussed with reference to recent seismic profiles; potential offshore targets comprise Oligo‐Miocene reservoirs sealed by Messinian evaporites as well as deeper Mesozoic reservoirs.

Petroleum Systems of Lebanon: An Update and Review

“…The margin is distinguished from distal parts of the Levant Basin by the presence of a thick Mesozoic carbonate succession, above which the Cenozoic pinches-out and onlaps (Figs 4,5,6). Hawie et al (2013) interpreted the stratigraphy along the Levant margin and correlated the units identified in seismic data to those documented onshore (Dubertret, 1955;Hawie et al, 2014;Nader, 2011). Cenozoic units are similar to those expected to occur in the distal basin and include the Eocene, Oligo-Miocene, Messinian and Pliocene (Figs 4, 6, 9).…”

“…Onshore, thick Upper Triassic evaporites of the Kurrachine Formation could seal underlying dolomitic reservoirs and protect them from meteoric influence (Nader, 2011). The evaporites provide a regional seal in the Palmyrides (Barrier et al, 2014; and the equivalent Saharonim and Mihilla Formations provide a seal in the southern Levant (Gardosh and Tannenbaum, 2014).…”

“…Onshore, potential traps include four-way dip-closed anticlines adjacent to the Levant Fracture System (Nader, 2014b;Nader et al, 2016). Structures with the most promising exploration potential include the Qartaba anticline (Nader, 2014 a,b;Nader, 2011). The Sir-Ed-Denie and Terbol anticlines, whose subsurface geometries may be similar to that at Qartaba, may also be prospective (locations in Fig.…”

Integrated 3D forward stratigraphic and petroleum system modeling of the Levant Basin, Eastern Mediterranean

“…Following a late Callovian to early Oxfordian regression, Oxfordian massive alkaline volcanic rocks were subaerially deposited—locally called the Bhannes Formation—with a preserved thickness of up to 180 m on the onshore (Dubertret, ; Walley, ). The uppermost Jurassic comprises volcanics, micritic limestones and oolitic limestones interbedded with marl‐, clay‐ and sandstones of shallow marine origin (Nader, ). Seismic data reveal the extent of carbonate platforms further towards the more distal basin (away from onshore outcrops) and a maximum thickness of 700 m at the margin in Upper Jurassic units (Figure , SP1, Hawie, Gorini, et al, ).…”

An Integrated Approach to State Decision-Making in Upstream Hydrocarbon Operations With Application to Lebanon

“…There has been growing interest in oil and gas exploration offshore Lebanon following recent discoveries off the Levantine margin. Results of recent studies indicate that the sedimentary succession offshore Lebanon may include source and reservoirs rocks similar to those in neighboring countries that have yielded confirmed gas discoveries [6]. Accordingly, the Lebanese government has shown great interest in this subject since 2000, and has employed several companies to carry out 2-D and 3-D seismic surveys.…”