Abstract
Seventy-three samples from the Bahi Formation from four boreholes in the western part of the Sirt Basin have been analysed for 26 elements to indicate the geochemical signature of the Bahi Formation. Variation in the major elements and the trace elements both laterally and vertically within the formation have been correlated, to give some indication of the provenance and to throw light on the tectonic setting of the sediment.
Geochemical studies of the major and trace elements distribution within the Bahi Formation showing a high SiO2 content, indicate a high degree of maturity in most of the samples whereas K2O and Al2O3 and most of the trace elements are associated with feldspar and/or clay minerals. The relationship between the various trace elements suggests that the Bali Formation was derived largely from pre-existing sedimentary sources. The discriminant function analysis of the major elements suggests that the Bali Formation was derived from a craton interior and/or a passive continental margin.