Geophysical Modeling and Its Contribution on the Reservoir Characterization of Al Baraka in El Gallaba Plain, South Egypt

Abstract

Summary The early Cretaceous formations in recent years are considered significant potential hydrocarbon-bearing rocks in many rift basins such as Komombo, south Egypt. Therefore, this study is focused on the critical analysis and interpretation of well logging together with seismic reflection data on the Al Baraka petroliferous reservoir in the Komombo subbasin. The interpretation of these data was used to construct the first 3D geophysical models in this area which were subsequently interpreted in terms of their potential to be hydrocarbon-bearing or not. The 3D petrophysical models were deduced to illustrate the spatial distribution and propagation of the petrophysical properties (laterally and vertically) within the reservoir. Additionally, 3D seismic models were prepared to get a comprehensive, in-depth picture of how the productive hydrocarbon reservoir zones are structurally controlled in different depths. So, these models are crucial for explaining reservoir characteristics and providing supported geological reservoir models for precise reservoir performance prediction. This study aims to differentiate and determine hydrocarbon potential zones in terms of the petroleum system. The results of these progressive analyses showed that only two zones (C and D) in the Six Hills Formation are considered the most productive zones because they have a large thickness of sand bodies, low-water saturation values, high porosity, and high permeability. These zones are located in the northeastern and central parts of the studied area, which represent the depocenter of the subbasin. This evidence supported and confirmed the presence of petroleum accumulations in certain zones within the Six Hills Formation. Therefore, this work can give and encourage experts with adequate knowledge to understand the development of the rift basins in Komombo and other basins in middle and south Egypt.