The Upper Triassic Minjur Formation: A New Bio- and Sequence Stratigraphic Framework and Its Implications for Hydrocarbon Prospectivity

Abstract

The Upper Triassic (Norian to Rhaetian) Minjur Formation is a siliciclastic succession present at surface and also in the subsurface across large parts of central and southern Saudi Arabia. Until recently its stratigraphy and sedimentology have been poorly understood and it has largely been ignored as a target for hydrocarbon exploration. A recent study by the Area Exploration Department of Saudi Aramco built a regional bio- and sequence stratigraphic framework to support regional exploration efforts in Central Arabia and better understand its prospectivity. This study utilizes core and cuttings data from 26 wells, combined with wireline logs from an additional 100 wells. It should be noted that all 600 ft of available Minjur Formation core in Saudi Arabia was studied.