Petroleum Potential in the Gulf of Taranto
Due to large scale exploration and production throughout
recent decades on the European continental shelf, most of the hydrocarbon
provinces within this region are considered as mature in the hydrocarbon
exploration terminology. One of the last remaining un-explored petroleum
provinces left on the European shelf, and hence one of the few remaining
frontiers, is the Italian Gulf of Taranto.
The Gulf of Taranto is located at the offshore
elongation of the Italian Apennines mountain chain, stretching from the Alps in
the northwest to the Mediterranean in the southeast. The geology of the
Apennines is characterized with mainly Cenozoic compression of Mesozoic and
Cenozoic sedimentary strata, mainly consisting of carbonate deposits. Recently
acquired reflection seismic data, covering the entire Gulf of Taranto and
western parts of the Ionian Sea, reveal a complicated tectonic setting in the
region. The Gulf of Taranto experienced large scale NE-SW compression during
the Cenozoic, with a counter clockwise rotation. Relaxation along the
established thrust faults prevailed during the Late Neogene, and is, in some
places, still ongoing. Ongoing extension has given rise to the development of
numerous normal faults and transverse faults striking NW-SE.
Direct analogs to onshore petroleum reservoirs have been identified in this study in the offshore record, and the petroleum system are believed to be similar to what is found onshore. The main reservoir intervals are represented by carbonates identified within the thrust sheets, surrounded by flysch sediments. Highly complex potential reservoirs are identified, where both back thrusting and transverse displacement makes up the trap. Also, anticlines are identified in connection with the NE-SW compression, representing potential major hydrocarbon reservoirs. Based on a modern 2D data set covering the whole gulf of Taranto, a complete interpretation of the main thrust sheets has been achieved, and the transverse movement’s related to active extension has been mapped. The interpretation reveals a complex structural setting, with the potential of storing vast quantities of hydrocarbon, similar to what is proven onshore.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90142 © 2012 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, April 22-25, 2012, Long Beach, California