Sedimentary characteristics of turbidite fan and its implication for hydrocarbon exploration in Lower Congo Basin

The turbidite is favorable for accumulation of oil and gas and it is the most important reservoir in the deepwater area of West Africa. Currently, some commercial discoveries in such the deepwater area generally belong to turbidite sandstone reservoirs. Based on comprehensive analysis of lithology, lithofacies and configuration of the turbidite, and combined with changes of seismic attributes and sedimentary cycle, the turbidite in the deepwater area of West Africa can be classified into by-pass channel (including the constructive by-pass channel and the erosive by-pass channel), confined channel complex, weakly confined channel complex, and lobe. Different types of turbidite reservoirs have different physical property, so there are differences in hydrocarbon exploration potential; the sandstone in the weakly confined channel complex is the key exploration target in the deepwater area of the Angola Sea.