Integrative 1D-2D Basin Modeling of the Cretaceous Beni Suef basin, Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

An integrated seismic, borehole petrophysical and geochemical data constrained 1D and 2D basin model study is conducted for the Beni Suef basin (Western Desert, Egypt) to enhance the understanding of the Cretaceous plays while demonstrating how basin modeling can be used to reduce exploration risk and improve exploration success. The Cretaceous petroleum systems consist of two major source rocks (the Upper Cretaceous limestone of Abu Roash “F’’ member, and Lower Cretaceous shales of Kharita and Alam El-Bueib formations), five reservoirs (Cretaceous sandstones of Abu Roash “A, E & G’’, Baharyia and Kharita formations), three seals (Lower Cretaceous and Upper Cretaceous shales of Kharita and Bahariya formations and fine grained limestones of the Abu Roash Formation), and vertical source mixing migration pathways owing to vertical faults resulting from four episodes of elastic crustal extension and above trap lateral migration. The entrapment style of the generated hydrocarbons and its roles on the charge and migration process in the Cretaceous reservoir rocks were determined from the seismic interpretation. Three episodes of uplift erosion (Early Cretaceous, Late Cretaceous-Paleocene, and Paleogene-Neogene) have occurred in the basin and have increased exploration risk in some areas by breaching the integrity of the seal. Migration from the source rock into the trap is mainly vertical migration. However, in areas where the hydrocarbons have escaped through the faults at the boundaries of the basin, migration in the layers above the trap is mainly lateral. The hydrocarbons generated are predominantly oil. The Lower Cretaceous shales of the Kharita and Alam El-Bueib formations exhibit good thickness, total organic content (TOC), kerogen type (mixed type II and III), and maturation.