Tectonic evolution and structural analysis of south-western Sirte Basin, Central Libya

Saleem, Mohamed Abdalla A. (2015). Tectonic evolution and structural analysis of south-western Sirte Basin, Central Libya. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The study attempts to address the tectonic evolution of the Sirte Basin, The seismic work reveal that seven fault zones dominate the area, mostly are NW-SE trending, particularly in the north part, while further to the south a NE-SW trend is noticeable. The thickness variation of the sedimentary fill is extremely affected by these fault zones. The analysis of the tectonic subsidence curves reveals that the tectonic subsidence of the Sirte Basin caused by two rift phases. Initial syn-rift subsidence began in the mid-Cretaceous (~100Ma) and ended at ~84Ma and was followed by slow post-rift subsidence which continued until renewed rifting and rapid syn-rift subsidence at ~65Ma, this phase continued through the Paleocene–Eocene and ceased at ~40Ma, during which ~400–615m of subsidence occurred, after which a second phase of slow post-rift subsidence took place right up to the present. The maximum crustal stretching factor calculated is 1.226 (22.6%).
Few numbers of sills intruded into the pre Upper Cretaceous stratigraphic unit probably during the Late Cretaceous rifting. The area dominated by three broad highs anomalies, and a wide depocentre extends NE-SW at the southern part. The study reveals a Moho depth ~26.6–35.8km, and basement depth ranges 4.5-9.5km.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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