2D Seismic Structural Interpretation of Yamama Formation in Al-Fao Area, Basrah, Iraq

Abstract

A structural study was conducted in Al-Fao area, southeastern Iraq using two-dimensional seismic data. The seismic lines were divided into three surveys (F, Kl, and Sa). Al-Fao is an exploratory area that does not contain any wells; the well information was based on Siba field, located north of the study area. The primary reservoir target in the lower Cretaceous was Yamama Formation. Two reflectors,top and base Yamama Formation are defined using synthetic seismogram in the time domain for Sb well. A top Yamama Formation was defined as Z-crossing, and a base Yamama Formation as S-crossing. The results showed that the strata tended to slope from the south and southwest to the north and northeast, and the area was affected by multiple structural orogenies. Siba field is an elongated fold whose axis extends northeast-southwest; it consists of a structural nose and northeastern dome. The Two-Way Travel Time map showed higher values in the southeast and east, indicating sloping reflectors in those directions. The depth maps of Yamama Formation showed the deepest part in the southeast and east, suggesting a plunging structure in those directions. The study also revealed the presence of numerous closures as structural noses, which could serve as potential structural traps.