The hydrocarbon potential of miocene source rocks for oil generation in the South Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Sixteen cutting and four core samples, in addition two crude oil samples are representative for the Miocene source rocks and reservoirs in some wells in the southern part of Gulf of Suez. These samples were subjected to advanced geochemical tools (pyrolysis, elemental analyses, gas chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). In addition, burial history model of the deepest well is recognized. The results showed that the Middle-Upper Miocene source rocks are immature, originated mainly from mixed organic sources, have poor to fair potentiality to produce oil, and did not reach the early stage of hydrocarbon generation until the present time. Lower Miocene source rocks are mature, derived from marine organic sources, have good potential to generate oil and gas, and entered the early stage of hydrocarbon generation and oil window till present time. The crude oil samples are mature, originated mainly from marine sources, and show good correlation with the Lower Miocene source rocks. Therefore, the Lower Miocene source rocks may be considered an effective source for oil generation in the southern part of Gulf of Suez.