Thickness Variations, Lithofacies Changes, and Time of Hydrocarbons Generation in the Khalda West Area, North Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

The lithostratigraphic cross-sections, thickness variations, and lithofacies changes of the Jurassic (Khatatba) and Cretaceous (Alam El Bueib and Bahariya) Formations, as well as time of hydrocarbon generation were discussed in the study area. The results showed that the thickness of the Jurassic and Cretaceous rock units increases from east to west. Results also showed shallow marine environment for the Khatatba Formation, a fluvio-deltaic environment for the Alam El Bueib Formation, and a fluvial to shallow marine environment for the Bahariya Formation. Also, the Khatatba Formation entered the early stage of hydrocarbon generation during the Late Cretaceous-Eocene and Alam El Bueib Formation during the Late Cretaceous-Oligocene. Bahariya Formation is still immature and do not reach the onset of hydrocarbon generation.