Cambrian-Devonian paleogeographic evolution of the western and central segments of North Africa

This study reconstructs the lithofacies and paleogeographic evolution of North Africa during the Cambrian to Devonian periods, emphasizing the influence of tectonic events, sea-level fluctuations, and climatic changes on the region's depositional systems and basin development. Integrating seismic, well log, and core data, we identify key depositional patterns and their implications for hydrocarbon exploration. During sedimentation of diverse stages, the source-to-sink systems underwent significant transitions under provenance variation. During the Cambrian–Ordovician periods, intracratonic sag basins dominated, with braided river systems transitioning into glacial deposits in response to climatic cooling and glaciation. Under the control of the source-to-sink system, Silurian witnessed the opening of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, leading to extensive marine transgressions and the deposition of organic-rich shales of the Lower Silurian, a primary hydrocarbon source rock. Regression during the Late Silurian introduced deltaic and fluvial systems, influenced by tectonic uplifting. During the Devonian period, the Hercynian Orogeny significantly impacted basin architecture, facilitating the development of passive margin basins. Braided and meandering river systems transitioned into deltaic and shallow marine environments, with Late Devonian anoxic conditions fostering the formation of additional hydrocarbon source rocks. This research highlights the interplay of tectonics, climate, and sea-level changes in shaping North Africa's sedimentary history. The findings provide critical insights into the distribution of hydrocarbon source and reservoir rocks, offering valuable guidance for exploration and development in the region.