Geophysical appraisal and oil potential for Rudeis Formation at West Hurghada area, southern Gulf of Suez: detection of stratigraphic trap

Abstract

This study suggests a suitable stratigraphic trap in West Hurghada area at the southwest Gulf of Suez Basin based on the interpretation of seismic and well logging data. This stratigraphic trap formed by lateral and vertical facies change from porous limestone to massive marl within Rudeis Formation. The examination of the available mud logs revealed that Rabeh East-22 Well displays positive criteria opposite a thick limestone interval between depths 4550 and 4630 ft (zone 1) to be considered a potential oil-bearing zone. This thick limestone bed did not appear in the other examined wells (Nageh-1, Rabeh East-8, and Rabeh East-25) which are so close to Rabeh East-22 Well confirming the lateral facies change. The expected stratigraphic trap on seismic data extends for about 1.5 km in north-south direction and for 0.75 km in east-west direction throughout the study area. The quantitative petrophysical analysis for this thick limestone interval (zone 1) in Rabeh East-22 Well indicated that the interval between 4569 and 4595 ft (26-ft thick) represents the most promising interval within zone 1. This promising interval reflects good reservoir characteristics with average hydrocarbon saturation of 53%, average shale volume of 21%, average total porosity of 20%, average effective porosity of 15%, and average bulk volume of water of 0.07.