Summary of the geological evolution of Syria through geophysical interpretation: Implications for hydrocarbon exploration

Abstract

Intracontinental deformation, caused by plate boundary processes, dominates the past and present tectonics of Syria (Figure 1). This deformation has created structures that form hydrocarbon traps in several different areas of the country. Current production from Syria is around 600,000 barrels per day and the country hosts ongoing exploratory efforts. Deformation within Syria can be conveniently divided into four zones (Figure 2): the Dead Sea fault system; the Palmyride fold and thrust belt; the Euphrates fault system; and the Abd el Aziz / Sinjar structures in the northeast of the country. Each of these areas have been, and continue to be, studied in detail by the Cornell Syria Project. The Syria Project is an industry sponsored collaborative program between Cornell and Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) scientists that uses diverse geophysical and geological data to analyze the tectonics of the northern Arabian platform.