A multi-disciplinary approach for trap identification in the Southern Meleiha Area, North Western Desert, Egypt: integrating seismic, well log, and fault seal analysis

The southern Meleiha concession, situated within the development encouragement areas of the Agiba Petroleum Company between Matrouh Basin and Shushan basin, spans approximately 700 km2. This study examined late Cretaceous strata to improve trap identification in the Bahariya, Alamein Dolomite, and Alam El Bueib Members. This required a thorough study of 33 seismic lines and five well log records. Our investigations revealed the presence of hydrocarbons in the deep, mid, and shallow target zones, underscoring the significant potential of the Khatatba-Ras Qattara and Bahariya layers. The net pay thicknesses observed ranged from 12 to 43 feet, while effective porosity values fluctuated between 10 and 18%. Water saturation varied from 10 to 98%, while hydrocarbon saturation varied from 48 to 90%. Seismic interpretation revealed abundant normal faults in the study area, and our maps showed structural closures, including three-way and four-way dip closures, influenced by these faults. The shallowness of the Bahariya layer, coupled with Shally Sand facies intercalations in the upper target, makes it particularly susceptible to fault leakage, necessitating careful consideration when selecting drilling locations. Notably, the western half of our investigation area exhibited more Alam El Bueib Member net pay zones compared to the eastern and south-eastern regions. The geological structure of the deep-target Khatatba-Ras Qattara is of particular interest, revealing a total of 37 potential leads across all levels. These leads encompass destinations like Bahariya, Alam El-Bueib, and Khatatba formations, some of which may have dual targets, while others may focus on a single objective. Deep, mid, and shallow target zones in Bahariya, Alamein Dolomite, and Alam El Bueib Members contain hydrocarbons.Seismic interpretation revealed normal faults with three-way and four-way dip closures in depth structure maps.The deep-target Khatatba-Ras Qattara geological structure yields 37 possible leads at all levels.

Automated summary

This study examines the geological structure and hydrocarbon potential of the southern Meleiha concession. Through detailed investigations and seismic interpretation, hydrocarbon resources in the deep, mid, and shallow target zones of the Khatatba-Ras Qattara and Bahariya layers were identified. The study area exhibits abundant normal faults and structural closures, and careful consideration is needed to prevent fault leakage when selecting drilling locations. The western half of the area shows more potential net pay zones compared to the eastern and southeastern regions. A total of 37 potential leads were found in the geological structure of the deep-target Khatatba-Ras Qattara.