Hydrocarbon potentiality, burial history and thermal evolution for some source rocks in October oil field, northern Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Abstract

This paper attempts to apply a one dimensional model on four source rocks (Belayim, Lower Rudeis, Thebes, and Brown Limestone formations), in East Warda concession, October oil field, throughout the different geological times. Moreover, the fundamental aspects of the petroleum system in the study area is evaluated through studying maturation and hydrocarbon potential in order to gain an understanding of onset of oil generation and expulsion. The position of three wells (syn. or pseudo wells) is proposed based on the available geological and thermal data. Also, the existing temperature database is enhanced by using the available temperature data for 220 wells in the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea, 53 wells in the Mediterranean Sea, 29 wells in the Nile delta, 7 wells in Sinai, 2 wells in Upper Egypt and 39 wells in the Western desert. Finally, the timing of oil generation for Belayim, Thebes, Lower Rudeis and Brown Limestone source rocks in the Northern Gulf of Suez area is updated. From this study we conclude that, the cumulative yield of the Belayim and Lower Rudeis formations is lower than that of the Thebes and Brown Limestone formations.