Evaluating Fold-Thrust Structures and Hydrocarbon Potential in the Western Marwat-Khisor Ranges and Sheikh Budin Hills, North Pakistan
Keywords:
Himalayan Frontal Ranges, Structural Architecture, Punjab Foredeep, Hydrocarbon prospectsAbstract
The Marwat-Khisor Range, part of Pakistan’s Himalayan frontal fold-thrust belt, showcases thin-skinned tectonics driven by north-south crustal shortening from the Indo-Asian collision. This work presents the structural style, geometries, and potential of the hydrocarbon in the western part of the Marwat Khisor and Sheikh Budin hills. The key structures include the south-divergent thrust sheets, asymmetric folds, and active faults (e.g., Khisor Frontal Thrust) juxtaposing Cambrian strata against younger sediments. Recent deformation near Dhupsari shapes the Punjab foredeep basin, accumulating synorogenic deposits having Permian-Triassic marine sequences that correlate with adjacent ranges. The notable units have shale with high organic content that is rich in carbon, as seen in the outcrop. These units are the Amb Formation and the Sardhai Formation of Permian Age. Based on outcrop observations, these units can act as source rock in the area. The Reservoir potential exists in porous Permian sandstones (e.g., Warchha Sandstone), sealed by Triassic evaporites. The Structural traps (anticlines, fault compartments) and thick carbonate overburden enhance hydrocarbon retention. This system mirrors productive analogs in the Potwar Basin, suggesting significant untapped potential. Recommended exploration includes 3D seismic surveys and geochemical analysis to target areas where mature source rocks align with structural complexity. The region is positioned as a promising frontier for hydrocarbon development, having source, reservoir, and cap rocks within Pakistan’s fold-thrust belt.
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