Petroleum System of Gindi Basin and Mubarak Sub-Basin, Qarun Concession, Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

The study area is located to the west-southwest of Cairo, which includes Qarun and East Bahariya Concessions. Two main prolific sedimentary basins included; Gindi and Mubarak basins. Geophysical and 3D seismic data integrated with well logs, as well as geochemical data from 5 wells, all resulted in an accurate delineation of the structure traps and a reassessment of the elements of the petroleum system in this area. Mentioned basins are formed as a result of Late Cretaceous wrench tectonics. Such tectonic regime was responsible for generating oil entrapment and conduit faults in Cretaceous reservoirs. Detailed geochemical analysis proved that the Jurassic Khatatba shales, and the Cretaceous Abu Roash "F" act the main source rocks in these basins. On the other hand, isopach maps prepared for Apollonia and Khoman carbonates clarified that such formations are considered the main top seal in this area. This study aimed to re-evaluate the elements of the petroleum system, and to provide new opportunities to select the best locations for drilling. The result of the current study showed that most of the oil entrapments are in the form of three-way dip-fault-dependent closures, and the fault system acts as the main conduit for oil migration. Also, the Cretaceous Abu Roash "F" carbonates and the Jurassic Khatatba shale are the main source rocks, with an oil window at 4500-5500 ft. depth for Abu Roash "F" Member and at 7500-8500 ft. depth, and a gas window at 12000-13000 ft. depth for Khatatba Formation. Oil to oil correlation suggested that two types of oil are there (type I and type II).