Hanifa Exploration Potential on the Flank of the Bahrain Field

Abstract

Abstract The Jurassic Hanifa formation is known to be a very good regional source all over the Arabian Gulf and it is reported to be producing in some of the fields in the area. This study focuses on the Hanfia exploration potential especially around the flank of the Bahrain field. It has been observed that some of the wells in N.Eastern flank of the Bahrain field are showing some indication of oil in the Hanifa reservoir. Theoretically, stratigraphic porosity and permeability controlled traps are expected between NE Bahrain Wells and the Bahrain field. Based on seismic attributes analysis and inversion as well as integration of well data the full potential of this formation is being assessed. Introduction The Jurassic petroleum systems of the Arabian Peninsula form one of the most prolific petroleum producing system in the world. Source rocks of this system extend throughout the eastern Arabian Peninsula and Arabian-Persian Gulf. Primary elements of this Jurassic petroleum system - source, reservoir and seal rocks—are of great areal extent. The regional extension of this petroleum system and formation of subtle structural closures and / or stratigraphic traps prior to, or coincident with hydrocarbon generation and migration are significant for prospect generation. Structures that trap hydrocarbons in this system in Arabian Peninsula are mostly 1) large, gentle anticlines formed from reactivated basement fault blocks, 2) salt domes and 3) structural traps resulting from combination of these two processes. Hanifa oil accumulation is also reported within stratigraphic traps due to facies change. Hydrocarbon presence has been reported during drilling OF well #F #H n the Middle Jurassic section within Hanifa. Hydrocarbon shows were also reported within Hanifa at Well #C All the above wells are located at north-east flank of Awali. It is interesting to note that Hanifa section encountered at up dip Well #A was found to be water bearing. This integrated study was initiated to outline the Hanifa prospect at Awali flank in general and north-east flank (Fig 1) in particular. The preliminary finding of the study as well as further G & G work envistaged to convert it into drillable prospects is documented in this study.