Hunt for Oil in Offshore Angoche, Mozambique

Abstract

Summary Interpretation of seismic data combined with petroleum systems modeling highlights the exploration potential of the Angoche for liquid hydrocarbons. Turbidite systems have been quite actively depositing sediments in deep offshore since late Jurassic, but high sediment rates are observed from late cretaceous onwards. Upper Cretaceous-Lower Tertiary is dominated by basin floor fans whereas onshore African uplift during the Priabonian significantly increased clastic input. We can see vertical incision of the channel systems during Mid to late Tertiary in the form of stacked channel complexes. Since the mid Miocene, the southward propagation of the East African Rift has destabilized the margin resulting in slope failure systems and mass transport deposits acting as the main form of sediment supply in more recent times. Numerous leads are identified at various stratigraphic intervals. These are mapped out and supported by AVO analysis (Class II & III) and PSM study. Cretaceous source rocks are modeled to be expelling oil even to present day, which would be indicative that the Angoche basin is more oil prone. Upper & lower Cretaceous intervals reach critical moment in Palaeocene & Miocene respectively. The next-round of drilling campaigns in Mozambique over the Angoche area will provide further necessary data to conclude the oil or gas debate.