Hydrocarbon Exploration under Kruja Zone in Tirana-Rodon Area, Albania

Albania is part of the Mediterranean Alpine Fold Belt and fits in the Dinaric-Hellenic range. The geological structure of the Albanides comprises of two major units: the Internal Albanides to the East and the External Albanides to the West. The Kruja zone consists of carbonate neritic deposits and belongs to the External Albanides. From a tectonic point of view, it is composed of several linear anticline structural chains separated by relatively narrow synclinal chains. Numerous oil seeps at outcrops and in deep wells have attracted attention for hydrocarbon exploration 50 years ago. The combined interpretation of geological and geophysical data, suggests that the folding of Paper-Rove flysch belt are surface indication of the continuation of the Ionian zone North of Elbasan–Diber transverse fault. These data are in agreement with the region pale geographic and geodynamic development. These lead us to the conclusion that Ionian zone, represented by two structural ranges described above, should continue further North, at least up to the line Nr.8-8.