The East Mediterranean Basin (EMB) is an emerging exploration province. The gas is accumulated in Pliocene deepwater turbidite sands, and it is considered an extension of the Nile delta biogenic province offshore Egypt. Other thermogenic hydrocarbon systems (oil and gas) in the basin and on its margin are, however, under-explored. Geochemical fingerprints of the hydrocarbons encountered indicate at least four thermogenic systems: 1) Heletz system – reservoired in Lower Cretaceous siliciclastics and Jurassic carbonates on the basin margin. The source is the Middle Jurassic Barnea limestone; 2) Meged system – oil in Triassic carbonates tested east of the basin. The suggested source is unknown Silurian shale; 3) Yam system – non-commercial accumulations of condensates tested in Jurassic carbonates in offshore wells. The suggested source is unknown rocks deposited within Early Mesozoic grabens; 4) Mango system – sub-commercial oil quantities in Mango-1 well offshore Sinai. The suggested source is an unknown Lower Cretaceous rock.

(attached map of Eatern Med by USGS)