Multi-channel seismic and well data from Agadem (Termit Basin), a Mesozoic–Cenozoic intra‐continental rift basin located in the West and Central African Rift System (WCARS), has been analyzed. Regional unconformities, including the top of acoustic basement, have been identified from seismic data.
The correlation of wells in the Agadem Block, as well as the seismic data interpretation, show that the lateral thickness variations of the layers is linked to the synsedimentary normal activation of the N140° to N150° trending fault system of the Termit Basin. The well logs correlation exhibits a high hydrocarbon potential, in the axial zone of the Agadem Block, which is characterized by a strong subsidence rate.
This study shows that the NW-SE-trending graben shaped Termit Basin exhibits a tilted block structuring, controlled by the synsedimentary reactivation of normal faults. Two major periods of structuring characterize the evolution of the Termit Basin:
- The first period, which was an extension stage, including the first rifting stage relayed by a thermal subsidence, occurred from early Cretaceous to Upper Cretaceous, during the south Atlantic opening.
- During the second period, which prevailed from Paleocene to Oligocene, the Termit basin was also affected by a second rifting event, followed by a thermal tectonic subsidence. The NW-SE trending faults was secondly reactivated during a NE-SW extensional regime.