Seismic Stratigraphic Analysis and Hydrocarbon Potential of Miocene-Quaternary Deposits in the Western Nile Delta Basin

Mahmoud Elsheikh

doi:10.46717/igj.54.2c.1ms-2021-09-20

Abstract

This study focuses on the subsurface Miocene-Pleistocene sedimentary sequence of the Western Delta of Deep-Sea field. Analysis of seismic, based on obtainable well data, and seismic data, allows us to divide the studied successions into two mega sequences: Pre and Post Messinian complexes resulting in transgressive-regressive sedimentation cycles of sea level during the evolution of the Miocene-Pleistocene subsurface sedimentary sequence. The Relative level of the sea was extremely falling in the time of the Messinian period, although it was largely rising at the time of the lower to Middle Pliocene. Pre-Messinian complex encompasses the Miocene strata, while the Post-Messinian complex consists of a thickness pattern of deposits in the time of Pliocene to Pleistocene and ended up with Holocene. The comprehensive study presented here divides these complexes into several orders of sea-level cycles. Pre and Post-Messinian complexes are consisting of several third-order cycles, which is called a depositional sequence, hence the thickness pattern starts from Sidi Salem Formation and ends up with Mit Ghamr Formation (Pleistocene). The interpreted anticline represents a characteristic overlap that can create an appropriate structural trap for hydrocarbons in the sandy intermission of the formations of the Western Deep-Sea Delta field such as Kafr El Sheik siliceous clastic. Besides, the recognized individual and various hidden routes, such as channel and sub-channel in the Pre-Messinian complex are approved for additional inspection to discover hydrocarbons.

Highlights

The Nile Delta is one of the major hydrocarbon regions in Egypt
Based on the geometry of the reflectors, amplitude stacking patterns, continuity, stacking patterns, and seismic facies, we interpreted an average of 10 representative reflectors in addition to, Collection and systematization of the ArcMap database based on published data of the Nile Delta basin such as the literature data, various maps were obtained - structural, tectonic, location of seismic profiles, well logs
Each multiform or individual hidden channel has been found within the lenticular form Kafr Elsheikh Formation. These channels can be traced, as they appear as bright spots in seismic profiles in the western sector of the Nile delta basin (Fig.9)

Summary

Introduction

The Nile Delta is one of the major hydrocarbon regions in Egypt. Like other deltas in the world, the Nile Delta has attracted the attention of many major oil companies. The Nile Delta Offshore area has immense exploration potential with existing commercial oil and gas fields in and around this basin. The Nile Delta is considered to be a suitable place for alluvial kinds of channel sediments, especially in the Pliocene and Miocene times. In the deep waters of the Mediterranean from south to north, numerous inclined channel deposits were created. The seismic and sequence stratigraphy is a good tool for the interpretation of the hydrocarbons and oil reservoir (Alsultan et al, 2021).

Methods

Results

Conclusion