Characteristics of salt of Gabon coastal basin in West Africa:implications for petroleum exploration

Gabon Coastal Basin can be mainly divided into South Gabon Sub-basin and North Gabon Sub-basin, and it is a typical west African passive margin salt basin. Its salt distribution shows some patterns and differences, and it is a controlling factor of the reservoir formation in the basin. This paper analyses the geological aspects of Gabon Coastal Basin as follows:tectonic evolution, sedimentary filling, basic geological conditions and salt distribution, and studies their controlling effects on source rock, reservoir distribution, trap, sealing and reservoir formation. In conclusion, this paper points out that it is important to further research the salt distribution in the basin as the formation of most reservoirs in Gabon Coastal Basin is closely correlated with the salt, and it is of great significance for the evaluation of exploration potential of Subsalt Strata in North Gabon Sub-basin and Dentale Trough in South Gabon Sub-basin.