The thermal history of the Mesozoic Algarve Basin (South Portugal) and its implications for hydrocarbon exploration

The Algarve Basin is the southernmost geological province of mainland Portugal, outcropping along the entire south coast area and extending offshore, where it is recognised on seismic lines and in hydrocarbon exploration wells. It mainly comprises Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous limestones and marls making a succession over 3 km thick. This sedimentary basin belongs to a series of basins that were initiated by rifting associated with the opening of the North and Central Atlantic Ocean, following the breakup of Pangaea