Abstract

This project has been conducted for the General Directorate of Turkish Coal Enterprise. The aim of this study is to understand lignite potential of the basin. Subsurface data (including numerous wells and several seismic lines) provided by TPAO, MTA and TKİ were used. Structure and thickness maps of Oligocene-Miocene-Pliocene units prepared for the basin. Purpose of this work is to understand economical values of lignite seam beds interbedding in the Danişmen Formation (Oligocene-Early Miocene). For this purpose, from bottom to top following maps were prepared: Structural map of the top Osmancık (Oligocene) Formation, thickness map of the Danişmen Formation, paleo-topographic map of unconformity surface which is at the top of the Danişmen Formation, total thickness map of Ergene-Kırcasalih formations (Late Miocene-Pliocene). Finally total thickness map of the lignite layers was prepared. It was the main purpose of the work. Lignite seam layers are located in middle of the Danişmen Formation. Also several stratigraphic correlations were conducted to unders- tand lateral continuation of lignite layers. The first obstacle to reach lignite is thickness of the Ergene and Kırcasalih formations which overlie lignite bearing Danişmen Formation. Main structural event controlling the thickness variation of the Danişmen Formation is Thrace Fault System (Perinçek, 1991); it was active during Middle Miocene. Danişmen Forma- tion extensively or partially was eroded along the fault zone and on the en-echelon folds of the fault system. Amount of erosion is variable and in some areas Danişmen Formation completely was eroded. As a result Ergene Formation lies directly on Osmancık Formation. Lignite layers are also eroded at these localities. Elevated areas related the Thrace Fault System partially was eroded; however these areas were still paleo-elevated areas during the accumulation of Ergene Formation. Onlapping sequence of Ergene Formation is thinner on these areas. At the end of this project, thicker lignite areas were delineated. Addition to this, thin overburden areas on lignite are located. Considering these results, new permit areas were selected. In order to refine this work, a suggested facies map of Danişmen Formation is advise to be prepared.

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