8. Conclusion
The geological and geophysical studies carried out in this area show
that the western Gulf of Gabes is mainly characterized by extensive
structures generally trending NW–SE. These structures consist of tilted
blocks, horst and graben structures bordered by listric faults. The presence
of unconformities (U1, U2 and U3) records several important
tectonic episodes that occurred in this region and which reactivated
deep seated pre-existing lineaments. The movements resulted in new
and extensive strike–slip structures and associated structural and
stratigraphic traps. Resultant Early Cretaceous clastic sediments
and later Cretaceous carbonates have well developed pore systems
that can be related to these tectonic events. In addition faulting
and erosional unconformities provide excellent migration routes
for hydrocarbons generated in the underlying Callovian source
kitchens. In the light of these major conclusions and the exploration
successes in neighboring areas to the south and to the north-east,the Western Gulf of Gabes is considered an interesting area for future
hydrocarbon exploration.