Structural and petroleum system analysis using seismic data interpretation techniques to Upper Cretaceous rock units: A case study, West Abu-Sennan oil field, Northern Western Desert, Egypt

South West Abu-Sennan (SWS) area is located in the Abu-Gharadig basin, Northern Western Desert in Egypt. This area is characterized by being a multi-reservoir with a complex structure and reservoir architecture. Therefore, we analyzed several datasets and practices to assess the Upper Cretaceous rock unit's hydrocarbon potentiality by combining the unconventional (using seismic attributes) and conventional interpretation approaches, moreover, analyzing the petroleum system elements to uplift the hydrocarbon potentiality figure. The structural features of the SWS are characterized by northeast-southwest (NE-SW) axis-directed anticlinal forms that are dissected by northwest-southeast (NW-SE) trending faults. the axis of these anticlines is most probably curved due to the effect of the cross-cutting normal faults. Reference analysis of the well HF35/1 geochemical data, burial history, and source rock pyrolysis evaluation proved the maturity of Masajid and Khatatba (Jurassic time) source rock units and the ability to expel hydrocarbons of types 2 and 3 to the probable reservoirs. The structural analysis illustrates that the anticlines are dissected by NW-SE faults, and act as structural traps for the migrated hydrocarbon from the deep source rocks at the Jurassic levels. An event chart has been created to clarify the petroleum system story. The conducted workflow in this study can be utilized to better understand similar reservoirs in neighboring areas.

Automated summary

The South West Abu-Sennan area in Egypt is a multi-reservoir region characterized by a complex structure. By analyzing datasets and practices, the hydrocarbon potential of the area's Upper Cretaceous rock unit was assessed using both unconventional and conventional approaches. The structural features of the area include anticlinal forms dissected by faults with specific orientations.