Libya has the largest petroleum reserves of any country in Africa and since production began in 1961 over 20 billion barrels of oil have been produced. Libya is scheduled to reach the mid-point of depletion of reserves in 2001 and this provides a timely point at which to review the state of petroleum exploration in Libya.A large amount of data has been published on the geology of Libya, but it is scattered through the literature; much of the older data has been superceded, and several of the key publications, especially those published in Libya, are difficult to find. This book represents the first attempt to produce a comprehensive synthesis of the petroleum geology of Libya. It is based exclusively on published data, supplemented by the author’s experience gained during ten years work in Libya. The aim of the book is to systematically review the plate tectonics, structural evolution, stratigraphy, geochemistry, and petroleum systems of Libya, and provides valuable new data on fields, production, and reserves. This volume will provide a ready source of reference to individuals and companies who wish to obtain an overview of the petroleum geology of Libya, and will save them the laborious task of sifting through hundreds of publications to find the data they require. The book includes 148 newly drawn figures.

Petroleum Geology of Libya, Second Edition, systematically reviews the exploration history, plate tectonics, structural evolution, stratigraphy, geochemistry and petroleum systems of Libya, and includes valuable new chapters on oil and gas fields, production, and reserves. Since the previous edition, published in 2002, there have been numerous developments in Libya, including the lifting of sanctions, a new licensing system, with licensing rounds in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, many new exploratory wells, discoveries and field developments, and a change of regime.
A large amount of new data has been published on the geology of Libya in the past fourteen years, but it is widely scattered through the literature. Much of the older data has been superseded, and several of the key publications, especially those published in Libya, are difficult to access. This second edition provides an updated source of reference which incorporates much new information, particularly on petroleum systems, reserves, oil and gas fields, play fairways, and remaining potential. It presents the results of recent research and a detailed description of Libyan offshore geology. The book includes an extensive and comprehensive bibliography.

– Presents over 180 full colour illustrations including maps, diagrams and charts, illustrating the key concepts in a clear and concise manner

– Authored by two recognized world authorities on geology in Libya, with over 40 years’ experience in Libya between them

– Provides an expanded and updated version of the bestselling previous edition, nicknamed the Explorationist’s Bible

– Lays the foundation for the post-revolution exploration age in Libya