Palyno-Geochemical Study of Southwestern Chad Basin : Palyno-Geochemical Characterization of Late Albian - Early Paleocene Lithofacies of the Southwestern Chad Basin

The Chad Basin is the largest intracratonic basin in Africa, with one-tenth of its surface area located along the NE-SW transect of the Bornu Basin. This study characterized the lithofacies and infers possible hydrocarbon potentials of the basin. Integrated analytical methods involving Palyno-stratigraphic, Sedimentological and Organic geochemical studies were employed on ditch samples retrieved from exploratory wells.The palynological zones were identified.Sedimentological analysis indicates that the sandstone units' range from poorly to well sorted with angular to sub rounded grains. The TOC and the Rock Eval parameters indicate marginally mature, poor liquid hydrocarbon generating potential. Eight palynological zones were identified. The source rock potentials exhibited by the basin were moderate. The northward basinward decrease in maturation and corresponding increase of TOC in the upper section of the Fika Shale Formation suggest increase in sedimentation. The higher thermal maturation at volcanically active basin flanks were the most prospective area where the phase of hydrocarbon expulsion may be reached.