Distribution of magmatic intrusions and key petroleum system elements in the Pliocene–Holocene Pangani Rift Basin, Northeastern Tanzania

Abstract

The sedimentary fills in the Pangani rift basin (PRB) of northeastern Tanzania have not yet been studied in detail and their petroleum potential is poorly understood. This study aims at assessing distribution of magmatic intrusions and key petroleum system elements in the PRB based on 2D seismic, remote sensing, and aeromagnetic data interpretations. Results show that evolution of the basin fill was influenced by sediment supply, magmatism, and tectonics. The PRB contains Pliocene–Holocene clastic, magmatic, and volcaniclastic deposits. The clastic sediment was sourced from the north-northeast and east-southeast of the PRB. The magmatic and volcaniclastic rocks were formed during Pleistocene–Holocene and are increasing in frequency toward the north and northeast of the basin. Tectonics and faulting created depocenters and magma conduits; magmatic intrusions and fault systems form potential petroleum traps. Seismic interpretation has shown that PRB contains potential reservoir and seal rocks for possible petroleum accumulations. Fault systems dissecting the PRB provided petroleum migration pathways from deep buried source rocks to potential reservoirs. For the first time, this study has shown that the PRB contains key petroleum system elements for petroleum accumulations to occur. Our results will be of interest to researchers working in different East African Rift basins.