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New insights into the stratigraphic, paleogeographic and tectonic evolution

and petroleum potential of Kerkennah Islands, Eastern Tunisia

Article in Journal of African Earth Sciences · November 2016

DOI: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2016.10.015

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The following paper is a post-print (final draft post-refereeing) of:

Elfessi, M., 2017. New insights into the stratigraphic, paleogeographic and tectonic evolution
and petroleum potential of Kerkennah Islands, Eastern Tunisia. Journal of African Earth
Sciences 125, 88-102. DOI: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2016.10.015

New insights into the stratigraphic, paleogeographic and tectonic evolution and
petroleum potential of Kerkennah Islands, Eastern Tunisia

*Corresponding Author: Maroua ELFESSI

Department of geology, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Natural Sciences of Tunis,

Tunisia

E-mail: marwafessi@yahoo.fr

Abstract
This work presents general insights into the stratigraphic and paleogeographic evolution as
well as the structural architecture and the petroleum potential of Kerkennah Islands, located in
the Eastern Tunisia Foreland, from Cenomanian to Pliocene times. Available data from twenty
wells mostly drilled in Cercina and Chergui fields are used to establish three lithostratigraphic
correlations as well as isopach and isobath maps in order to point out thickness and depth
variations of different geological formations present within our study area; in addition to a
synthetic log and isoporosity map of the main carbonate reservoir (the nummulites enriched
Reineche Member). The integrated geological study reveals relatively condensed but generally
continuous sedimentation and a rugged substrate with horsts, grabens and tilted blocks due to
the initiation and the individualization of Kerkennah arch throughout the studied geological
times. Furthermore, a relationship was highlighted between the evolution of our study zone and
those of Sirt basin, Western Mediterranean Sea and Pelagian troughs; this relationship is due to
the outstanding location of Kerkennah Islands. The main Bou Dabbous source rock is thicker
and more mature within the central-east of the Gulf of Gabes indicating therefore the southeast
charge of Reineche reservoir which shows NW-SE trending tilted block system surrounded by
normal faults representing the hydrocarbon migration pathways. Besides, the thick Oligo-
Miocene formations deposited during the collapse of the Pelagian block caused the maturation

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of the Ypresian source rock, while the Pliocene unconformity allowed basin inversion and
hydrocarbon migration.

Keywords

Kerkennah Islands; Cercina and Chergui fields; Sirt basin; Western Mediterranean
Sea; Pelagian troughs; Bou Dabbous; Reineche; Tilted block system; Pliocene unconformity

1. Introduction

Kerkennah Islands are situated in the offshore of Sfax, northwestern part of the Gulf of Gabes
and at 25 Km from Sfax city. They are subdivided into two islands, Chergui and Gharbi and
they occupy 160 km² within the south of the Pelagian Sea. Our study zone is also located west
of the Sirt basin, south of the Pelagian block and the Sicily Channel rifting system and east of
the Atlas belt. In 1991, British Gas discovered the productivity of the Middle Eocene Reineche
reservoir which becomes the primary exploration target of all the next drilled wells in Cercina
and Chergui fields located within our study area, therefore the aim of our work is to define the
main petroleum system of Kerkennah Islands (Fig. 1a). However, if the neotectonic evolution
of Kerkennah Islands is well developed by Burollet (1979), Delteil (1982) and Oueslati (1995);
the stratigraphic, paleogeographic and tectonic studies of Late Cretaceous, Paleogene and
Neogene series remain poorly known. In the present work, seismic profiles and available data
from twenty wells mostly drilled in Cercina oil field and Chergui gas field are used to establish
lithostratigraphic correlations, isopach and isobath maps and a synthetic log in order to
provide ‘an image’ of the subsurface of Kerkennah yielding the best understanding of its
tectonic, paleogeographic and stratigraphic evolution.

2. Geological setting

2.1. Structural setting

Kerkennah Islands are considered as a paleohigh separating the Gulf of Hammamet, northern
part of the Pelagian block, from the Gulf of Gabes towards the south. Today, these two gulfs
show an active subsidence. The tectonic architecture of the study zone as well as the Pelagian
Sea is in close relationship with the Tethyan ocean evolution and the African and Eurasian
plates dynamic. The continuous opening of Tethyan Seaway and the breakup of the Pangaea
(Ben Ferjani et al., 1990; Barrier et al., 1993) have generated, during the Triassic period, an
extensional tectonic regime as well as an important sedimentation within the Gulf of Gabes
(Mejri et al., 2006). The Jurassic rifting has generated an N-S trending extensional regime

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(Barrier et al., 1993; Bouaziz et al., 1994; Hlaiem et al., 1997). In fact, the Gulf of Gabes was
characterized at this time by a low and continuous subsidence (Hlaiem et al., 1997) with
development of E-W trending half-grabens (Guiraud and Maurin, 1991). The NW-SE trending
compressional regime of Santonian times has generated, in the Gulf of Gabes, folds and flower
structures (Boccaletti et al., 1989). The Campanian- Maastrichtian times are characterized by a
NW-SE trending extensional regime. The Eocene times are characterized, in Tunisia, by the
synchronism of compressional (reverse faults and NE-SW trending folds) and extensional
deformations with reactivation of Mesozoic inherited faults (Touati, 1985; Brahim and
Mercier, 2007; Taktak et al., 2010) delimiting NW-SE trending horsts and grabens (Chandoul
et al., 1996). During Middle Eocene to Langhian times, salt remobilization (Touati, 1985) and
positive flower structures were developed within the Gulf of Gabes (Mejri et al., 2006). During
the Oligocene times, the opening of the Western Mediterranean Basins has generated a SW-NE
and NW-SE trending extensional regime in the Eastern Tunisia (Dercourt et al., 1986). The
Miocene compression, Alpine event, has generated, in the Gulf of Gabes, a W-E and NW-SE
trending horsts, grabens, half-grabens (Bédir et al., 1992; Touati and Rodgers, 1998) and
normal faults (Gharbi et al., 2014). During the atlassic phase, Serravallian to Tortonian times,
the Eastern Tunisia was collapsed (Mejri et al., 2006); sedimentation and tectonic activity were
important (Bishop, 1988; Ben Ferjani et al., 1990; Burollet, 1991) with reactivation of strike
slip (Shahar, 1994; Guiraud and Bosworth, 1997; Bosworth et al., 1999) and major faults
(Castany, 1951; Zargouni, 1985; Ben Ayed, 1986). During the Pleistocene times, Cercina town
was submerged due to an active subsidence (Burollet et al., 1979). Finally, During Plio-
Quaternary time, four structural directions were mobilized in Kerkennah Islands. Their
kinematics correspond to an extensional regime interrupted by one compressive episode
(Delteil, 1982). The four structural directions are:

-The North-South direction is manifested by normal faults affecting the Eutyrrhenian

deposits in Ras Amer within Chergui Island and indicating an extensional dynamic (Delteil,
1982).

-The N 40 direction, the atlassic direction is manifested by normal faults structuring the
southeastern part of Kerkennah Islands and indicating an extensional phase (Burollet, 1978).

-The East-West direction is represented by east-west folding, in Ras Amer within Chergui
Island, affecting Neotyrrhenian and Würmian deposits and indicating a compressional phase
(Delteil, 1982).

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 -The N 130 direction is manifested by normal faults causing an active subsidence and the
collapse of the Roman town of Cercina (Burollet, 1978). The extensional tectonic regime is
manifested by the opening of grabens and N 130 trending basins, which is in relationship with
the opening of Malte-Pantelleria-Linosa fosses (Delteil, 1982).

2.2. Stratigraphic setting

During the Triassic regression, continental evaporitic facies were deposited (Lefranc and
Guiraud, 1990; Busson and Cornée, 1991) in the southern part of the Pelagian block (Bishop,
1975). Whereas, during the Jurassic times, Nara formation was deposited within the

Gulf of Gabes. Albian to Turonian times are characterized by the deposition of Zebbag shallow
marine carbonate platform in the Gulf of Gabes (Bishop, 1988). The lateral equivalents of this
latter are Fahdene and Bahloul formations deposited in deep environments (Burollet et al.,
1978; Bishop, 1988; Soua et al., 2008; Haji et al., 2014). These formations are overlain by
Aleg, which fits laterally, in part, to Bireno, Miskar and Douleb formations. Aleg facies are
overlain by the chalky Abiod formation (Bishop, 1975; Burollet et al., 1978; Salaj, 1978). This
latter is covered by the clayey El Haria formation (Burollet, 1967; Bishop, 1975), which is
absent in the southwestern part of the Pelagian block due probably to exposure and erosion
(Bishop, 1975). The Ypresian Bou Dabbous formation was deposited in paleolows inherited
from the extensional tectonic regime of Paleocene and Late Cretaceous times, while El Garia
nummulitic formation occupied tops and flanks of uplifted zones (Jorry et al., 2003). During
the Late Oligocene to Burdigalian times, we note the deposition of Salammbô formation in the
Gulf of Gabes, which is the lateral equivalent of Ketatna in offshore and Fortuna in the
nearshore marine environment (Erraoui, 1994; Tlig et al., 2010; Taktak et al., 2011). The
transgressive Ain Ghrab and the clayey Mahmoud formations were deposited within the Gulf
of Gabes during the Middle Miocene times. Finally, the sandy Beglia formation and the
transgressive Melquart facies were deposited within Kerkennah Islands (Fig. 2).

3. Methodology

3.1. Industry wells data

3.1. 1. Isopach and isobath maps

We used the Surfer software to generate isopach and isobath maps; therefore it’s important to
define some technical concepts.

 Isopach map

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 A map showing thickness variations in a specific geological formation and is composed of
isolines commonly called contour lines representing equal thickness values. The interpretation
of isopach maps needs an important knowledge of the structural and stratigraphic evolution of
the study zone.

 Isobath map

A map showing depth variations in a specific geological formation and is composed of equal
depth lines.

 Surfer software

Surfer is a mapping software and program enabling generation of grids and maps such as
image, 3D surface, vector, contour maps and Digital Elevation Model. We used the Surfer 12
version in order to create isopach and isobath maps from numerical values inferred from well
data. In fact, each point is defined by three values (X, Y and Z) introduced in an excel file.

X: Longitude (constant)

Y: Latitude (constant)

Z: Thickness/ depth (variable)

After creating grid files, we established contour maps showing thickness and depth variations
of different geological formations present within our study zone. Then, we changed contour
map properties. It is worth noting that contour maps generated by Surfer software can’t provide
a geological interpretation and that the studied program can just generate maps from data that
you introduce. Coordinates of wells are expressed in degrees but Surfer software can read only
values in decimal degrees, so we must convert them using this following conversion formula:

Decimal Degrees = Degrees + (Minutes / 60) + (Seconds / 3600)

Grid files are created using the kriging interpolation method yielding the best representation of
our well data. This interpolation allows the estimation of the missing variable values (thickness
or depth).

3.1.2. Lithostratigraphic correlations

We established lithostratigraphic correlations in order to determine facies and thickness

variations of the different geological formations crossed by the chosen wells. Thanks to this
cited method we can predict if tectonic activity has controlled the sedimentation or not.
Stratigraphic logs are drawn using CorelDRAW software and correlated using the Pliocene

5
unconformity as a datum. In fact, we used data from wells drilled in Cercina and Chergui
concessions, South Kerkennah Permit and an additional well from the Amilcar Permit (Fig.
1b). We established four well to well correlations for different objectives:

The first lithostratigraphic correlation follows the NW-SE direction and encompasses the
three deepest wells K3, K20 and K9 (Fig. 3). The main objectives of this latter are:

-The characterization of the Abiod reservoir,

-The description of the pinchout of Reineche reservoir towards the southeast within the
Chergui prospect,

-Highlighting the relationship between Kerkennah Islands and the Sirt rifting.

The second lithostratigraphic correlation follows the NW-SE direction crossing Cercina and
Chergui fields and including K6, K3, K7, K18 and K9 wells (Fig. 4).

The main objectives of this correlation are:

-Highlighting facies and thickness variations of the

Paleogene and Neogene formations within the study area;

-The description of the pinchout of Reineche Member towards the Chergui Island.

The third lithostratigraphic correlation follows the NW-SE direction crossing Cercina and
Chergui concessions and Amilcar Permit and encompasses K3, K9, K11 and K23 wells (Fig. 5,
6).

The main objectives are:

-Showing the thickening of Bou Dabbous bedrock towards the southeast,

-Showing the reduced series deposited within Kerkennah arch comparing to the adjacent basin,

-Determining the migration timing.

3.2. Seismic data

We used two seismic profiles covering Cercina and Chergui prospects to study the structural
architecture of our study zone from Late Cretaceous to Miocene times (Fig. 7, 8). These
seismic profiles are provided by ETAP Company.

4. Results

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It’s worth noting that only three wells reach the Late Cretaceous series, the deepest K3 well
attains the Cenomanian Fahdene formation and has Bireno reservoir as the main objective,
while the other wells have the Reineche reservoir as a primary target. In general, the crossed
stratigraphic sequence shows almost reduced but continuous sedimentation explained by the
initiation and the individualization of Kerkennah paleohigh through the different geological
times and especially, during the Upper Cretaceous, Middle to Late Eocene and Miocene times.
This continuous sedimentation can be explained by the non-long exposition and erosion of
Kerkennah during Paleogene and Neogene times.

4.1. Stratigraphic, paleogeographic and tectonic evolution of Kerkennah Islands from

Late Cretaceous to Paleocene times

4.1.1. Interpretation of Late Cretaceous series

The Cenomanian Zebbeg formation is crossed only by the K3 well and composed of claystones
with occasional limestones indicating deep deposit environment. This formation is present in
the north and northwestern parts of Tunisia, Hammamet and Gabes Gulfs. In the study area,
Fahdene bedrock is overmature and doesn’t contribute in the charge of Kerkennah reservoirs.
During Late Cenomanian to Early Turonian times, the Tethyan Ocean started to close due to
the beginning of the North Atlantic rifting. During this time, the sea level rise caused a
drowning and anoxic event called “Oceanic Anoxic Event 2” leading to the deposition of
Bahloul formation in Kerkennah. The K3 well shows a very thin Bahloul formation with only
8m of light to dark gray limestones and because the non-availability of well data, we can’t
follow the lateral evolution of this formation and we can’t highlight the presence of grabens,
where this latter is expected to be thick and mature. The Turonian Annaba Member is only
crossed by the K3 well and composed of limestones grading downwards to calcareous
claystones. This transition can be explained, almost certainly, by a fall in the sea level. Then,
we note a shallowing upward sequence characterizing Bireno shallow carbonate platform.

In our study zone, Bireno is present with two types of facies: peritidal and shelf margin. The
peritidal facies are composed of very poor porous limestones interbedded with very thin
claystones and grading downwards to shelf margin facies with an anhydrite cap, dolomites and
limestones. Bireno Member is also a productive oil reservoir in Guebiba, Mahares and El Ain
fields in the eastern zone and an important reservoir rock in Central Tunisia, where it produces
gas in El Jem field and oil in Guebiba field (Mejri et al., 2006).”

7
During the Santonian times, we note the onset of the convergence between African and
Eurasian tectonic plates, the Pyrenean phase (Sub-hercynian phase), causing therefore the
generation of compressional structures (folds, basin inversions…) in the north of the

African margin and west of the N-S axis, while the NE-SW trending extensional structures in
Eastern Tunisia caused the drowning of Bireno carbonate platform and the deposition of Aleg
formation (Camoin, 1991). This extensional tectonic regime caused the initiation of the rifting
in the Pelagian block and the northwestern part of Libya (Guiraud, 1998). This rifting is
responsible for the mafic and extrusive volcanic rocks detected in K3, K20 and K9 wells. The
NW-SE trending strike slip faults are responsible for the mafic volcanism (Ouazaa, 1994)
during the extensional tectonic regime. During Campanian to Maastrichtian times, the chalky
Abiod formation was deposited in our study zone and showed micro-fractures filled by
calcites. Besides, stylolites and green volcano-clastic inclusions are present in K3 well. This
chalky formation represents an external platform to open marine environment and outcrops in
the north of Tunisia, Bizerte area, where it reaches 200m of thickness (Melki et al., 2012),
whereas this latter is totally absent in the western part of the Gulf of Gabes due to erosion
(Dkhaili et al., 2010). In fact, Abiod formation is only crossed by three wells, K3, K9 and K20
and demonstrates positive structural features such as: condensed sequence and local gap. The
maximum thickness of this latter reaches 28m in K9 well with a gap in K20 well, where El
Haria formation overlies the thick clayey Aleg formation. This local gap can be explained by
erosion or non deposition. The absence of karstification indicates the non exposition and the
initiation of Kerkennah paleohigh due maybe to strike slip movement and wrench faulting or to
the onset of the collision phase with a NW-SE trending compressional regime inducing, after
Ellouz (2003), the surrection of the boundaries of Gabes basin. Seismic profile shows strike
slip tectonics with development of flower faults affecting Late Cretaceous formations (Fig. 7).
The Abiod formation is considered as a productive reservoir in Miskar and Sidi El Kilani
fields.

4.1.2. Interpretation of Paleocene series

The Paleocene El Haria formation shows thickness variations and reaches 310,5m in K9 well.
This clayey formation is considered as a detachment level and a seal for the Abiod reservoir.

4.1.3. Interpretation of Eocene series

During the Ypresian times, the vertical transit from Chouabine to Bou Dabbous formation, in
Chergui Island, indicates a relative deepening of the deposit environment. Well data show

8
reduced Chouabine and Bou Dabbous formations with maximum thickness of, respectively,
43m and 74m in K9 well. Chouabine formation is present in the western Central Tunisia and
deposited in confined and subsiding basins. Near Moularès and Metlaoui areas, the thickness of
Chouabine reaches 50m (Henchiri, 2007) against 60m in Gafsa basin. Bou Dabbous source
rock is composed of argillaceous limestones with planktonic foraminifera confirming the deep
deposit environment. This formation is considered as reservoir in both, El Manzah and Belli
fields and source rock in Cercina and Ashtart oil fields. Unfortunately, due to the limited well
data, we can’t follow the thickness variations of Bou Dabbous bedrock and therefore, we can’t
detect the deepest grabens where this latter will be thick and more mature, whereas isopach
map of Bou Dabbous formation shows generally, low thickness within our study area with
thickening towards the southeast and northwest. This disposition and repartition can explain
the direction of oil migration from basins to Kerkennah paleohigh (Fig. 6).

Bou Dabbous source rock fits laterally to the nummulitic El Garia formation deposited in mid
to outer ramp environment. This transition is recorded in Kerkennah Islands and seems to be
related to bathymetric change caused by NW-SE trending faults (Jorry, 2004). During the
Paleocene to Early Eocene times, we note an uplift of the Saharan Atlas in Algeria, whereas in
Central Tunisia and Gulf of Gabes, we note an E-W trending dextral strike slip movement
generating an extensional structures such as the NW-SE trending normal faults under a NW-SE
trending regional compressive regime; Pyrenean phase (El Ghali et al., 2003). However,
Bouaziz (2002) suggested a purely extensional tectonic regime during this time. Souar
formation consists of thick claystones with limestone stringers outlining a deep deposit
environment. Reineche Member of Middle Eocene pinches out towards the northeast in
Chergui Island and is absent in some wells drilled within the Gulf of Gabes. This fact is
explained by the Lutetian transpressive regime (Taktak et al., 2010). In fact, active faulting and
tectonic pulses, during the Eocene times, are mentioned by several authors (Haller, 1983;
Bédir, 1995; Rabhi, 1999; Boussiga, 2008; Taktak et al., 2010; Haji et al., 2014). Well to well
correlation and seismic profiles (Fig. 7, 8) show that the Reineche Member was deposited in
tilted block, horst, graben and half-graben structures surrounded mainly by reactivated NW-SE
trending normal faults inherited from Mesozoic period. It’s worth noting that the distribution of
Reineche Member follows the direction of predominant NW-SE trending faults. However, the
absence of the upper Reineche limestones within the Chergui Island indicates non deposition or
erosion. The isopach and isobath maps of Reineche Member show the development of NW-SE
trending horsts and grabens with deepening towards the southwest (Fig. 9a, 10a).

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Lithostratigraphic correlation shows the pinchout of Reineche Member towards the northeast
within Chergui field with development of NW-SE trending tilted blocks during Lutetian times.
The structural architecture of the study zone during the deposit of Reineche Member indicates
a syn-sedimentary tectonic control explaining the thickness variation. Bartonian to Priabonian
times are characterized by the deposition of the thick Souar B formation composed of
claystones with some limestone levels. Claystones show abundant benthonic and planktonic
micro-fossils, glauconite and pyrite, while limestones show mudstone, wackestone and
packstone textures. Sedimentary gap characterizes the Upper Eocene-Oligocene boundary, it’s
the Pyrenean compression. This gap is due to erosion or non deposition and maybe, it reflects
the upper Eocene compression which was recorded in the nearby Sidi El Itayem field. The
carbonate facies of the Eocene period suggests the weakness and/or the absence of the
continental supply in Kerkennah mole.

4.1.4. Interpretation of Oligo-Miocene series

The Eocene-Oligocene boundary is characterized by a regional fall of the sea level followed by
the deposition of the transgressive Vascus formation during sea level rise. This latter is the
lateral equivalent of Korbous Member which is well expressed in Korbous and Abderrahman
folds. Vascus Member is a regional marker, but it shows very low thickness values reaching
rarely 5m with a pinchout towards the Chergui field where it reaches only one meter.
Therefore, despite its good petrophysic parameters (inter and intra porosity…), this member is

commercially unprofitable and doesn’t constitute a target for the exploration activity, but it has
an important stratigraphic and chronologic value and serves for the dating. Vascus unit is
characterized by the presence of Vascus nummulite and shows the presence of horst and

graben structures. During the Oligo-Miocene times, the Algero- Provençal Basin was opened
and oriented NNE-SSW. This extensional regime has migrated to the southeast towards the
Atlas belt and foreland basins (Khomsi et al., 2005). Furthermore, the opening of the Western
Mediterranean Sea caused the collapse of the Pelagian block and the deposition of Salammbô
formation which thickens towards the southeast. This clayey infratidal formation is rich on
benthic microfauna such as Ostracoda, corals and bryozoa, phosphatic fish teeth and scales,
glauconite and phosphate. This lithology indicates basinal environment.

Salammbô formation is overlain by Ketatna formation. This latter characterizes a mixed

carbonate and silisicastic platform proven by the presence of limestones, marine claystones and
sandstones of mid to outer platform. It’s worth noting that Salammbô formation dominates the

10
Oligocene to Aquitanian interval of time, whereas Ketatna facies dominate the Early Miocene
times indicating that our study zone occupies a transitional position between carbonate
platform and intrashelf basinal environment. In Kerkennah Islands, Ain Ghrab and Ketatna
formations are represented by limestones with good visible porosity and clayey stringers. The
clayey Mahmoud formation lies above the carbonate Ain Ghrab formation indicating a strong
deepening of the deposit environment. Isopach maps of Ketatna and Ain Ghrab formations
show subsidence inversion, for example, the K15 well, which records the highest thickness
value of Ketatna formation, represents the lowest value during the deposition of Ain Ghrab
formation. In addition, the K9 well, which records the lowest thickness of Ketatna formation,
shows the highest value during the deposition of the carbonate Ain Ghrab formation (Fig. 9b,
9c). The closely spaced contour lines of isopach and isobath maps of Mahmoud formation
indicate strong thickness variations implying a tectonic control with development of NW-SE
trending horst and graben structures (Fig. 9.d, 10.b).

After the deposition of Mahmoud formation, Numidian and Tellian nappes advanced towards
the south hence the collision between Alkapeca terranes and the northern part of the North
Africa (Mejri et al., 2006). This collision caused folding and uplift of the atlassic domain and
allowed an important sandy supply of Beglia formation (Mejri et al., 2006) while, an
extensional regime characterized the Pelagian block and caused the occurrence of NW-SE
trending grabens during the Miocene times. The distal Beglia formation shows continuous
sedimentation above Mahmoud deposits. This latter was deposited during an extensional
tectonic regime causing the development of normal faults (Hezzi, 2014) and it outcrops in Cap
Bon, within the northern flank of Sidi Abderrahmane fold. Isopach map of Beglia formation
shows horst and graben structures with subsidence inversion recorded in K20 and K15 wells
(Fig. 9e). The lower part of Beglia formation is represented by claystones, whereas the upper
part is dominated by rounded and very fine sandstones with the presence of lignite in
association to sandstones. The presence of lignite indicates the maximum of regression (Ben
Mokthar et al., 2014). The sandy Beglia formation presents an average thickness of 200 m and
was deposited during sea level fall “regressive period”. This formation characterizes fluviatile
environment (coastal plain) and represents the carrying of sediments from the southwest to
northeast. Besides, the presence of rounded grains within Kerkennah archipelago confirms the
long transport and the distal position. Miocene times are characterized by detritic deposits,
claystones and sandstones of Beglia formation as well as some marine episodes (Ain Ghrab,
Mahmoud and Melquart formations). Beglia is overlain by Melquart formation deposited

11
 during an extensional and transgressive period (Mejri et al., 2006). In Kerkennah, this latter is
mainly composed of claystones with some limestone stringers and fits laterally to the oolitic
limestone Beni Khiar formation in Cap Bon (Mannai-Tayech, 2004). It’s worth noting that the
Late Messinian Oued Bel Khedim formation is crossed only by the K23 additional well and
composed of claystones with rare sandstones, limestones and gypsum traces. This latter is
overlain unconformably by the open marine Early Pliocene Raf Raf formation. However, in the
study zone, the absence of Messinian deposits can be explained by the isolation of the Gulf of
Gabes due to the Messinian salinity crisis as consequence of the segregation of the
Mediterranean from the Atlantic Ocean during Tortonian to Messinian times (Moissette et al.,
2010). Ultimately, the extensional phase of the Late Miocene times caused the reactivation of
NE-SW trending faults causing therefore the compartmentalization and the enhancement of the
quality of Reineche reservoir.

4.1.5. Interpretation of Pliocene series

Raf Raf formation overlain unconformably the subreefal Melquart formation therefore we note
the presence of an erosive surface separating Messinian formations from Raf Raf deposits. It’s
worth noting that this latter was deposited during an NE-SW trending extensional regime. The
Pliocene continental and fluviatile Segui formation is present only within Gharbi Island and
reaches 128m in K1 well, whereas this latter is absent within Cercina and Chergui fields. From
Pleistocene times to the present day, Kerkennah Islands are characterized by an active
subsidence causing the submersion of Cercina town as a consequence of Pantellaria, Linosa
and Malta rifting (Burollet et al., 1979).

4.2. Petroleum potential

Our study zone is integrated into the Bou Dabbous-Tertiary Total petroleum system which is
separated from the Jurassic-Cretaceous composite Total Petroleum system by the clayey El
Haria Formation.

4.2.1. Source rocks

The two main source rocks in the Gulf of Gabes are: Late Cretaceous Bahloul and Ypresian
Bou Dabbous formations. These two bedrocks are mature within Cercina and Chergui fields
and they feed the Reineche reservoir.

 Fahdene

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 In Kerkennah Islands, R0 values of Fahdene source rock range from 1.3 to 2% indicating post
mature stages. Instead, the geochemical work of Naggar (2011) shows the non contribution of
this bedrock in the charge of Kerkennah’ reservoirs.

 Bahloul

Bahloul bedrock is a type II organic matter indicating marine environment of deposit. Thermal
maturity values (R0) range from 0.7 to 1% (Naggar, 2011). Besides, Bahloul source rock is
more mature in the NW, SW and SE flanks of Kerkennah Is.

 Bou Dabbous

Bou Dabbous formation shows low thickness values within our study area and a thickening
towards the southeast and northwest flanks. This disposition and repartition explains the
hydrocarbon migration pathways from basins to Kerkennah archipelago. Bou Dabbous source
rock is more mature in the northwest and southeast flanks of Kerkennah Islands with Ro values
ranging from 0.7 to 1% which corresponds to mature stage. Whereas Bou Dabbous source rock
is less mature within Kerkennah Islands, therefore we suppose that oil migrated from northwest
and southeast flanks to the mole of Kerkennah. The geochemical study of samples from Bou
Dabbous formation in our study zone, by Naggar (2011), shows strong petroleum potential
ranging from 4, 69 to 8, 92 mg of HC/g of rock. T max values are about 436 to 441°C
indicating that organic matter is type II.

4.2.2. Reservoir rocks

Paleogene and Neogene times are characterized by the development of several reservoirs such
as, El Garia, Jirani, Reineche Member, Ketatna, Ain Ghrab and Birsa. Ashtart, Sidi El Itayem,
Behara, Salammbô and Hasdrubal fields produce from El Garia formation, while Reineche
Member is considered as a potential reservoir.

 Productive Reineche reservoir

Reineche Member is Late Lutetian to Early Bartonian of age and was defined by Burollet, in
1956, in Abderrahmane fold (Cap Bon). It’s a carbonate unit occurred within Cherahli/ Souar
formations. Reineche Member constitutes a gas reservoir in Chergui field and oil reservoir in
Cercina field. The quality of Reineche reservoir is controlled by both, nature and intensity of
diagenetic processes such as dissolution, dolomitization and calcite precipitation causing the
development of moldic and vuggy porosities. The Lower Reineche Unit has the best reservoir
quality due to the diagenetic effects, the nature of facies and the texture, packing, size and

13
 distribution of nummulites. Isoporosity map of the Reineche reservoir (Fig. 11) shows an
average porosity of 22-23% with maximum value of 30% in K3 well and minimum value
reaches 20% in K14 well. This enhanced porosity is due to diagenetic effects. The decrease of
porosity is in relationship with the increase and decrease in thickness. Porosity value decreases
and pinches out towards the southeast, in K9 well, following the same direction of the
thickness pinchout of Reineche Member in Chergui field. Decreasing of the porosity is also
recorded in Cercina field following the deepening of the Reineche Member towards the SW, in
K5, K13, K15, K6 and K14 wells due to increasing of the argillaceous content. For example,
the K5 well shows a poor quality of lower Reineche reservoir which is characterized by
mudstone texture and important clay content. In general, the porosity variation of Reineche
reservoir in the area reflects the diagenetic overprint, the environment deposit change and the
tectonic control. The development of horst structures with reduced thickness and the secondary
dissolution caused the enhancement of porosity.

Like EL Garia reservoir, the intensive dissolution of Reineche Member is explained by the
circulation of fluid enriched in CO2 (Ratcliffe et al., 1994). The circulation of the aggressive
fluids is due to the presence of salt corps in some fields within the Gulf of Gabes such as
Didon, Ashtart and Zarat, causing the increase of the heat flow above El Garia reservoir
(Penney et al., 2008). Therefore, a same dissolution model can be applied for Reineche
reservoir to explain the extensive dissolution especially that the Eocene time is well known by
the salt activity.

It’s worth noting that the well developed porosity of Reineche represents a migration pathway
for the oils of Bou Dabbous source rock. Although, the porosity of Reineche pinches out
towards the southeast and representing, therefore a good stratigraphic trap.

In addition, the high permeability values of Reineche Member indicate the occurrence of
important vertical connections between the different levels especially that the Reineche is
considered a fractured and compartmentalized reservoir, therefore a vertical connections
through faults is possible. The vertical connections are also enhanced by secondary dissolution
process and by the presence of large microporosity in the limestone matrix.

 Potential reservoirs

The Cretaceous Bireno, Aleg and Abiod formations are considered as important reservoirs in
several hydrocarbon fields. In fact, Bireno reservoir is the primary objective of K3 well but it
presents very weak oil shows and after testing, it shows water and small amount of gas riches

14
in CO2. Furthermore, Aleg reservoir presents very weak oil shows from limestones in K3 well
and gas shows in K20 and K9 wells. Abiod reservoir is considered as a secondary target and
presents very poor oil shows with low porosity in K3 well. The test of Abiod reservoir shows
no flow and this latter is expected to be charged, as Bireno reservoir, by Bahloul bedrock. The
K9 well presents no oil shows in Abiod and poor oil shows in Bou Dabbous and Chouabine
formations. The Late Cretaceous reservoirs present low hydrocarbon potential in the very few
crossed wells, unless these latter can be productive if they present fractures enhancing reservoir
properties or if there are some closures or traps. In K22 and K6 wells, the Eocene Souar B
formation presents traces of oil shows. Ketatna, Ain Ghrab, Beglia formations are considered
as the main Miocene reservoirs but, in our studied zone, they show almost weak gas shows.

4.2.3. Seals and traps

The main Reineche reservoir is sealed by the clayey Souar B formation. Structural traps such
as horsts can be considered as good traps during the Cretaceous to Paleocene times and after
their reactivation during the Miocene-Quaternary folding (Bédir et al., 1992). Anticlines and
wrench faults can also constitute structural traps. Stratigraphic traps are represented by the
pinchout of Reineche Member and Souar formation.

4.2.4. Maturation and migration

The collapse of the Pelagian block during the Oligo-Miocene times allowed a high subsidence
rate and caused therefore the maturation of hydrocarbons. Subsidence and heat flow controlled
the maturation and the generation of hydrocarbons during the Langhian times (Yukler et al.,
1944).

Bou Dabbous source rock feeds laterally El Garia reservoir and vertically Reineche Member
along faults, while Bahloul bedrock feeds Bireno and Abiod reservoirs. The migration towards
the different reservoirs, in the Gulf of Gabes, took place during the Mio-Pliocene times
(Chandoul et al., 1996). The Pliocene unconformity indicates an uplift, erosion and basin
inversion causing the mobilization of hydrocarbons and their migration towards Reineche
reservoir. Finally, we establish a synthetic log for the overall crossed stratigraphic series within
our study zone; we present the maximum and minimum thickness values for each geological
formation and we define the main components of the working Eocene petroleum system
characterizing Kerkennah Islands (Fig. 12).

5. Discussion

15
Despite its economical interest, the geology of Kerkennah Islands is rarely studied except some
works dealing mainly with the neotectonic evolution of the study zone. Therefore, we think
that this research paper represents the opportunity to know more about this zone, to delineate
its paleogeographic evolution as well as its structural architecture and to define the working
petroleum system. However, the outstanding location of Kerkennah Islands plays a key role in
the structural and paleogeographic evolution of the study zone which recorded the opening of
the Sirt basin since Late Cretaceous times, the Western Mediterranean Sea during the Oligo-
Miocene times and the Pelagian block during Late Miocene to the present day. All these events
took place during the closure of the Tethyan Ocean as a result of the convergence between
African and Eurasian plates. Well to well correlation shows the presence of an extrusive and
mafic volcanic deposits in Aleg formation deposited during Coniacian to Santonian times. This
geological period is characterized by the onset of the closure of the Tethyan Ocean causing the
initiation of the Sirt rifting. During Campanian to Maastrichtian times, the chalky Abiod
formation was deposited within our study zone with a reduced thickness and a local gap in K
20 well indicating the initiation of Kerkennah paleohigh at least during these times. In fact,
Kerkennah Islands show facies change from the nummulitic El Garia formation to the deep and
basinal Bou Dabbous formation implying a tectonic control and indicating that our study zone
occupies a transitional zone. This intermediate location characterized Kerkennah Islands during
the Middle Miocene times by the deposition of both Salammbô and Ketatna formations.
However, we demonstrate that the Middle Eocene Reineche Member shows a NW-SE trending
tilted block structure with a pinchout towards the northeast within Chergui Island where
Reineche Member is represented only by the lower nummulitic unit. The deposition of the deep
and basinal Salammbô formation within our study zone during the Oligocene to Early Miocene
times indicates that Kerkennah Islands have recorded the collapse of the Pelagian block which
is in relationship with the opening of the Western Mediterranean Sea (Dercourt et al., 1986).
We demonstrate also that the Miocene times are characterized by several tectonic inversions
such as between Ketatna and Ain Ghrab formations as well as between Mahmoud and Beglia
formations indicating tectonic instability.

Regarding the petroleum system, we demonstrated that the main Ypresian Bou Dabbous source
rock is more thick and mature towards the southeast of Kerkennah Islands as shown by an
additional well from the Amilcar Permit yielding therefore to the estimation of the hydrocarbon
migration pathways from the basin to the arch. Seismic profile and lithostratigraphic
correlations show that the main Reineche reservoir is controlled by normal faults inherited

16
from the Mesozoic rifting and representing hydrocarbon migration pathways. The condensed
and continuous sedimentation of Kerkennah is due to the initiation and the individualization of
the arch throughout the studied geological times. This reduced sedimentation leads to the
development of reservoirs than bedrocks. Furthermore, our results show that Kerkennah
Islands, which seem to be a stable zone, have shared with the southwestern part of the Pelagian
block its paleogeographic and structural evolutions.

Unlike the other previous works which have focused mainly on the characterization of
Reineche reservoir; in this work we present the structural and paleogeographic evolution of
Kerkennah Islands from Late Cretaceous to Miocene times and we define the different
components of the main Eocene working petroleum system. So, this present research work has
an important value regarding the stratigraphic and paleogeographic studies in this part of
eastern Tunisia and the Pelagian block.

6. Conclusion

This work is undertaken in collaboration with the National Oil Company (E.T.A.P) to discuss
the stratigraphic and paleogeographic evolution of Kerkennah Islands, to describe its structural
organization and to define its petroleum system. This zone is well known, in the industrial
sector, by the presence of two hydrocarbon fields, Cercina and Chergui. The subsurface
architecture of the study zone inferred from well data and seismic profiles shows rugged
substrate with tilted or rooted blocks, grabens, half grabens and horsts … All these structural
elements are surrounded by normal and strike slip faults controlling the sedimentation. This
architecture is maybe inherited from the Tethyan oceanization of Mesozoic times. We succeed
in the definition of the Eocene working petroleum system, in the description of the crossed
stratigraphic column and the structural organization of our study zone and in determining how
tectonic activity has controlled thickness and facies variations of different geological
formations present within the study area. To sum up, well to well correlations show that the
most of Miocene formations are thinner in Kerkennah Islands than in the central-east of Gabes
Gulf indicating that this latter was the basin when Kerkennah was relatively a high zone.
Kerkennah Islands and its southeast basin have recorded the same stratigraphic series except
the Messinian and Ketatna formations and have recorded also tectonic inversions during
Middle Miocene times. Concerning the petroleum interest, well data and seismic profiles
demonstrate that only the Reineche reservoir shows tilted block structure limited by reactivated
normal faults forming migration pathways for oil and gas. Nevertheless, Reineche is a
compartmentalized reservoir with the presence of some sealed faults. The main Bou Dabbous
17
bedrock is thicker and more mature towards the southeast and northwest flanks of Kerkennah.
The direction of hydrocarbon migration is from the central-east of the Gulf of Gabes to
Kerkennah Islands. The pinchout of the thickness and porosity of Reineche Member towards
Chergui field indicates the presence of an important stratigraphic trap crossing our study zone.
The reduced thickness of the different geological formations present in Kerkennah Islands
indicates the development of a paleohigh through the studied geological times indicating that
our study zone is more favorable to the development of reservoirs than bedrocks. The collapse
of the Pelagian block during Oligocene to Early Miocene times caused an important subsidence
in the Gulf of Gabes allowing therefore the maturation of Bou Dabbous bedrock. The Pliocene
unconformity indicates an uplift, erosion and basin inversion causing the mobilization and the
migration of hydrocarbons towards the Eocene reservoirs.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Entreprise Tunisienne d’Activités Pétrolières for providing all
the available seismic lines used in the realization of the present manuscript.

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Figure captions

Figure 1: (a) Location map of Chergui and Cercina fields within the Kerkennah West Permit,
Sfax offshore (after Hauptman et al. 2000). (b) Location map of the studied wells.

Figure 2: Stratigraphic column of the K3 well within Cercina field.

Figure 3: The first lithostratigraphic correlation.

Figure 4: The second lithostratigraphic correlation.

27
 Figure 5: The third lithostratigraphic correlation.

Figure 6: The third lithostratigraphic correlation (a).

Figure 7: Interpreted seismic profile in Cercina prospect showing flower faults affecting the
Late Cretaceous formations and tilted block structure of Reineche Member.

Figure 8: Interpreted seismic profile in Chergui prospect showing the structural architecture of
Reineche Member.

Figure 9: Isopach mapping: (a) Reineche Member. (b) Ketatna formation. (c) Ain Ghrab
formation. (d) Mahmoud formation. (e) Beglia formation.

Figure 10: Isobath mapping: (a) Reineche Member. (b) Mahmoud formation.

Figure 11: Isoporosity map of Reineche reservoir.

Figure 12: Synthetic log for the study zone.

28

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