ABSTRACT

The Hoggar and Eglab massifs are located in the north-central African continent, surrounded by Paleozoic outcrop cover. Geochemical analyses of the sedimentary series on the north Hoggar margin indicate that organic maturation was delayed in comparison with homologues in the centre of the Saharian basins.

Geochemical results challenge the idea that heat flow increases south toward the Hoggar Massif. According to certain authors, heat flow occurred during the Cretaceous, when the Hoggar Massif was uplifted.

The absence of Mesozoic cover in the central part of the Saharian basins is inferred from the lack of burial of the Paleozoic strata. Overmaturity is inherited from the Paleozoic. Oil window and gas generation in some cases had been reached in the early Paleozoic layers by the end of the Carboniferous. Since the beginning of Paleozoic sedimentation, the tectonic basement has had structural control on sedimentation in those areas.

The moderate heat flow around the old Targui Massif and Reguibat High, the presence of oil shows and even bitumen (south Hoggar) are well documented, and demonstrate that oil exploration could be successful if seals exist in the southern margin of the Saharian Platform.

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