Abstract:
The petrographical and geochemical evaluation of the black shales of the Al Jurf Formation in the offshore Well C-NC 41, Sabratah Basin, NW Libya, is the main objective of this work. Generally, the black shales of the Upper Member are considered as very good to excellent source rocks, while the black shales of the Lower Member have a fair quality. Smectite, illite, kaolinite, gibbsite, chlorite and mixed layer clays are the main clay minerals. The black shales are considered as mature sediments (ICV< 1). Semi-humid climate is prevalent during deposition. The black shales contain high contents of vitrinite and liptinite, with lesser amounts of inertinite. The organic matter is thermally mature. Kerogens of type II and II/III are predominant in the black shales. The proved depositional environment of the Al Jurf Formation is the suboxic marine.
