Journal of Petroleum Geology, Vol.
15, No.3, pp. 305-318, 1992
©Copyright 2000 Scientific Press,
Ltd.
LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY OF
OIL-BEARING TERTIARY BIOHERMS IN THE SIRTE BASIN, LIBYA
Y. D. Gumati*
*Geology Department, UAE
University, PO Box 16596, Al-Ain, UAE.
Abstract
In the early Palaeocene, a carbonate
platform existed in the southern part of the Sirte Trough (a
NW-trending depression in the eastern Sirte Basin), and a shale
basin in the north. A major transgression occurred during the
early Palaeocene, and part of the platform subsided, resulting in
the formation of a basinal re-entrant within the carbonate
province. A positive northerly-trending ridge, which was active
in the early Palaeocene, persisted within the re-entrant during
the late Palaeocene. This positive element provided a platform on
which isolated bioherms grew, surrounded by shale deposits in the
subsiding basin. The bioherms began as foraminiferal banks that
built-out on local mounds in shallow water. Sparse coral growth
bound coralline detritus, until richer coral development resulted
in a large coral reef
