Kafr El Sheikh Formation Research Articles

Petrophysical evaluation of the turbidite channels in Kafr Elsheikh Formation using wireline logging, West El-Burullus gas field, Offshore Nile Delta, Egypt

Petrophysical evaluation of the turbidite channels in Kafr Elsheikh Formation using wireline logging, West El-Burullus gas field, Offshore Nile Delta, Egypt

Three-dimensional reservoir modeling of the pliocene reservoir based on seismic data advances for new prospect assessment

This study presents a comprehensive characterization of the Pliocene reservoir formation in the Temsah gas field, located 65 km NNW of Port Said in the northeastern Nile Delta Basin. The research integrates seismic data with well log analysis to enhance reservoir characterization. The Temsah gas field is distinguished by its intricate geological structure, featuring numerous normal faults oriented along northeast-southwest and northwest-southeast trends. The field’s stratigraphy is predominantly composed of sandstone and shale facies, which are considered highly prospective for hydrocarbon accumulation. A full geological field analysis was conducted to identify key prospects for enhancing productivity. To accurately delineate seismic features, data from four wells and twenty-nine 2D seismic lines were interpreted. Depth maps of the reservoir layers were constructed, highlighting critical transitions between sandstone and shale facies, which are pivotal for future exploration efforts. A detailed 3D static model was developed to illustrate the impact of lithological composition on reservoir characteristics, with a specific focus on the Upper Sand of Kafr El-Sheikh Formation. Petrophysical properties, including effective porosity (13–23%), shale content (7–31%), and water saturation (30–45%), were meticulously evaluated to inform the creation of a robust 3D property model. This model provides a detailed spatial distribution of rock facies and petrophysical parameters within the Temsah gas field. The integration of these studies identified two promising areas, with estimated original gas in place (OGIP) ranging from 2.86 to 4.04 stock cubic feet (SCF), indicating significant potential for field development and enhancement.

Geophysical assessment for the gas-bearing sandstones of the Pliocene Kafr El-Sheikh Formation in Tao Field, Offshore Nile Delta Basin, Egypt

Geophysical assessment for the gas-bearing sandstones of the Pliocene Kafr El-Sheikh Formation in Tao Field, Offshore Nile Delta Basin, Egypt

Geomechanical Study of Rock Properties in the Kafr El-Sheikh Formation at Sapphire Field, West Delta Deep Marine, Egypt

Geomechanical Study of Rock Properties in the Kafr El-Sheikh Formation at Sapphire Field, West Delta Deep Marine, Egypt

1D Geomechanical Model and Wellbore Stability Analysis for Kafr El-Sheikh Formation at Sapphire Field, West Delta Deep Marine, Egypt

The Messinian Abu Madi Formation considered the most prospective reservoir target in the Nile Delta, is situated under the Pliocene Kafr El-Sheikh Formation, where most non-productive time takes place. Nevertheless, reaching the desired reservoir presents a greater level of complexity than first perceived. To mitigate the occurrence of significant non-productive time caused by wellbore instability problems, including stuck pipes, tight holes, pack-offs, and jarring or fishing operations, there has been an increased focus on geomechanical analysis. Therefore, this work aims to offer a comprehensive 1D mechanical earth model for a specific set of wells situated in the sapphire field, which is situated inside the West Delta Deep Marine region. The mechanical parameters of the rock were determined by the use of empirical equations, since the absence of core sample data necessitated reliance on wireline data. The analysis of the borehole image has provided clarification that the orientation of the maximum horizontal stress is aligned with the NNE-SSW direction. The calibration of this model was conducted using data obtained from wellbore stability events that occurred during the drilling operations of these wells. This model would be valuable in forecasting and minimizing prospective problems by predicating the proper safe mud window. Sapphire-Da, the primary key, is utilized in this particular piece of writing.

Concealed Canyons Delineation and Depositional Elements Analysis Applying a Multidisciplinary Geological and Geophysical Approach: A Case Study of the Pliocene Turbidites, West El-Burullus Area, Offshore Nile Delta, Egypt

A detailed geological-depositional model and a clear understanding of the depositional elements of reservoirs decrease the drilling risks in the development of oil and gas fields. Building an effective geological model is a challenge in West El-Burullus (WEB) area because of its complicated reservoir, which consists of turbidite incised canyons system of Pliocene shales intercalated with sands. These canyons have occurred due to turbidity currents associated with the basin slope forming Kafr El-Sheikh Formation. Deducting the geological-depositional model and basins architecture is carried out utilizing the integration of seismic geomorphology, seismic facies analysis, sequence stratigraphy, and petrophysical analysis. The available datasets comprise a 3D seismic cube and logs of the WEB-1 well. Analyses of these data revealed various lithological facies relations and their paleo-depositional environments. This study demonstrated that Kafr El-Sheik Formation comprises a third-order sequence of turbidite units in-filling a canyon named WEB canyon with five sedimentary facies components: basal lobe through the incised old canyon, amalgamated channels fill, followed by splays, lobes, levees either proximal or distal facies, then the last plugged channels. Time–frequency spectral decomposition of time slices at the base and the top of the WEB canyon assisted the description of the litho-morphological and facies distribution of the concealed Kafr El-Sheikh Formation turbidity incisions and recognized reservoir trending and the canyon fairway. The turbidity facies with high reservoir quality was found in the overbank sedimentary distribution channels such as proximal levees and splays that reflected good to excellent petrophysical reservoir characteristics.

Integrated AVO inversion and seismic attributes for tracing hydrocarbon accumulation in Kafr El-Sheikh Formation, South Batra field, Nile Delta, Egypt: A case study

Utilizing advanced seismic techniques for delineating hydrocarbon accumulations in HST (High Stand System Tract) turbidite channel of Kafr El-Sheikh (KS) formation (Pliocene Age) located in the western part of South Batra field (SBF), Nile Delta – Egypt is investigated. 3D seismic data and four well logs helped in studying the properties of the channel. Three wells encountered the central part of the channel and showed thicker reservoir thickness than the fourth well, which encountered the levee. The channel is characterized by high porosity (25–30%) and relatively low water saturation (27–50%). The structural map showed that the channel is dipping towards the NE–SW. AVO analysis, scaled Poisson's ratio, post-stack seismic inversion, and seismic attributes confirmed the presence of Class III gas sand. Variance attribute helped in imaging the channel and faults. Maps generated from spectral decomposition showed that the dominant frequency is around 15 hertz. Results of integrating different techniques were consistent and successfully helped in determining the geometry of the channel, discriminating between different lithologies and fluids, in addition to delineating the sweet spots and recommended locations for drilling.

Gas-generative potential for the post-Messinian megasequence of Nile Delta Basin: a case study of Tao Field, North Sinai Concession, Egypt

The main aim of the article is to evaluate the gas potentiality for the post-Messinian megasequence in TAO Field, North Sinai Concession, offshore Nile Delta Basin. The detailed petrophysical analysis for three deviated wells in the study area (Tao-3 ST1 Well, Tao-5 STA Well and Tao-7 Well) revealed that the Pliocene Kafr El-Sheikh Formation includes eleven gas-bearing zones. These zones were named: A, B, C in Tao-3 ST1 Well and D, E, F in Tao-5 STA Well. In Tao-7 Well, the interesting zones are named G, H, I, J and K. All of these sandy intervals are relatively shallow in depth and differ in thickness between 4 and 56 m. These zones are characterized by shale volume (10%), total porosity (30–40%), effective porosity (30–35%), gas saturation (50–90%), high effective permeability to gas and low permeability to water. The seismic data displayed that listric faults and the associated rollover folds have an important role in forming structural traps for the examined gas-bearing zones in Tao Field and its surroundings. This work revealed that the success rate in discovering new gas prospects within the Pliocene–Pleistocene succession at North Sinai Concession is very high.

2D seismic interpretation and hydrocarbon prospects for the Neogene-Quaternary succession in the Temsah Field, offshore Nile Delta Basin, Egypt

This study is concerned with the Neogene-Quaternary subsurface sedimentary succession of the Temsah Field in the northeastern offshore Nile Delta Basin. A sequence stratigraphic analysis based on seismic and available well data enables the subdivision of the investigated succession into two megasequences: the Pre- and Post-Messinian Megasequences. The Pre-Messinian Megasequence encompasses Miocene rock units, whereas the Post-Messinian Megasequence includes Pliocene-Pleistocene rock units. The detailed sequence stratigraphic analysis presented herein subdivides the Pre-Messinian Megasequence into three 3rd-order depositional sequences as follows (from the base to the top): Sequence-1 (Serravallian Sidi Salim Formation), Sequence-2 (Tortonian Wakar Formation), and Sequence-3 (Messinian Rosetta Formation). The Post-Messinian Megasequence is also subdivided into three additional 3rd-order seismic sequences: Sequence-4 (Lower-Middle Pliocene Kafr El-Sheikh Formation), Sequence-5 (Late Pliocene El-Wastani Formation) and Sequence-6 (Pleistocene Mit Ghamr Formation). This study suggests that the sea level underwent six transgressive-regressive depositional cycles during the evolution of the Neogene-Quaternary succession. The greatest relative sea level fall occurred during the Messinian, while the highest identified relative sea level rise occurred during the Lower-Middle Pliocene. The interpreted NW-SE anticline represents a distinctive four-way closure that may form a suitable structural hydrocarbon trap within the sandy intervals of the siliciclastic Sidi Salim and Wakar Formations in the Temsah Field. Moreover, the identified single and multiple buried channels within the Kafr El-Sheikh Formation are recommended for further exploration and possible drilling.

Application of Seismic Attributes for Detecting Different Geologic Features within Kafr El Sheikh Formation, Temsah Concession, Nile Delta Basin

The seismic attributes help the interpreter to extract more information from conventional seismic data to support the geologic interpretations for the examined study area. The present work has revealed that the best seismic attributes which can be used to display the buried channels include, envelope, RMS amplitude, sweetness, chaos and spectral decomposition attributes. However, structural dip and variance attributes enhance the appearance of faults and fractures on the seismic sections.

DETECTION OF HYDROCARBON, BY USING ADVANCED WELL LOG TOOLS FOR KAFR EL-SHEIKH FORMATION AT SAPPHIRE FIELD, OFFSHORE NILE DELTA, EGYPT

The present work is devoted to study the geologic setting, reservoir characterization and hydrocarbon detection with conventional and advanced well log methods for Kafr El-Sheikh Formation at Sapphire field, Offshore Nile Delta, Egypt. The used wells are Sapphire-Da, Db, Dc, De, Dh and Dq. By using open hole logging tools, advanced logging tool like Modular dynamic tester (MDT), Mud log during drilling and conventional core that analyzed carefully, to detect the clean sandstone and thin bedded sandstone of the study Location. These basic well log tools (Gamma Ray, Resistivity, Density and Neutron) reflectclean sandstone reservoir with good way, but can’t detectthin bedded sandstone reservoir, as a result of their low vertical resolution, this may miss several intervals charged with hydrocarbons during perforation and production from the field.So, we should run advanced tool like the Modular Dynamic Tester (MDT) and analyze conventional core, if found, and the hydrocarbons in Mud log to detect these missed intervals. Also by using the conventional cores and mud logging while drilling. The results had showed clean sandstone and thin bedded sandstone reservoirsthroughthe advanced well log tools, which identify more than 68% deep water reserve didn’t use beforethis should be takeninto consideration in the future wells, workover wells, excellent distribution of facies in both the static and dynamic models, to increase the hydrocarbon production and life time of producible wells. . The optimum location for forthcoming wells is south west of the field, because it has the best petrophysical parameters. It has high porosity, hydrocarbon saturation, and net to gross, in addition to low shale volume.

Manual of Neogene foraminifera from off-shore Nile Delta (Egypt) and their biostratigraphic significance

The Mediterranean Nile Delta is a major target for hydrocarbon reservoirs. In the search for hydrocarbons, high-resolution biostratigraphy has long been established as high-impact and low-cost solution to face the challenges in the move towards structurally more complex and unexplored areas. To date, the biozonation of the Nile Delta is largely provided by benthic and planktonic index foraminifera. We have examined the foraminifera assemblages from NDOB-1, a borehole in the northern part of the Nile Delta. The material recovered provides unique and exceptionally well-preserved microfossil biotas that completely cover the Neogene succession (Middle Miocene to Pleistocene). This allows the establishment of an intact biozonation scheme for the Nile Delta region with reliable chronostratigraphic correlation and suitable industrial applications.The stratigraphic succession of the Nile Delta region consists of seven formations: Sidi Salim Formation, Qawasim Formation, Rosetta Formations, Abu Madi Formation, Kafr El Sheikh Formation, El Wastani Formation and Mit Ghamr Formation. Examination of the planktonic foraminifera assemblages of the NDOB-1 borehole from the deep part of the Nile Delta lead to the identification of twelve biozones: Globorotalia inflata Interval Zone, Globorotalia aemiliana Interval Zone, Globorotalia puncticulata Interval Zone, Globorotalia puncticulata- Globorotalia margaritae Concurrent Range Zone, Globorotalia margaritae Interval Zone, Sphaeroidinellopsis seminulina Acme Zone, Non-distinctive Zone, Globorotalia suterae Interval Zone, Globigerina woodi Interval Zone, Globorotalia mayeri Interval Zone, Globorotalia fohsi peripheroronda Interval Zone and Praeorbulina glomerosa Interval Zone. The biozones fully cover the time span from the Middle Miocene to the Pleistocene. The benthic foraminifera recovered allow the identification of five benthic biozones for the Pliocene and Pleistocene: Hyalinea balthica Interval Zone, Bulimina marginata Interval Zone, Bulimina aculeata Interval Zone, Gyroidinoides laevigata Interval Zone and Uvigerina rutila Interval Zone. The identified planktonic bioevents were used to calibrate the studied Neogene section with the Astronomically Tuned Neogene Time Scale (ATNTS, 2012).

Sequence stratigraphic evolution of The post-rift MEGASEQUENCE in The northern part of The Nile Delta basin, Egypt

The stratigraphic succession of the subsurface Pliocene-Quaternary post-rift megasequence in the north-central part of the Nile Delta includes the rock units; Kafr El-Sheikh Formation (Early-Middle Pliocene), El- Wastani Formation (Late Pliocene), Mit-Ghamr and Bilqas formations (Quaternary). These rock units were analyzed according to the sequence stratigraphic principles to construct their stratigraphic architecture and discuss the depositional events influencing their evolution. Accordingly, seven 3rd order depositional sequences were encountered, of which six 3rd order seismic depositional sequences (sequences 1–6) are found in the Early–Middle Pliocene Kafr El-Sheikh Formation, whereas sequence-7 includes the Quaternary rock units. Sequences 1 and 7 were further subdivided, on the basis of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy into 8 and 11 4th order subsequences respectively. The results of the sequence stratigraphic analyses suggested that the depositional evolution of the examined Pliocene-Quaternary megasequence represents a complete prograding depositional phase during the Nile Delta history. The lower part of Kafr El-Sheikh Formation (sequences 1, 2, 3 and 4) was deposited as a thick outer marine shelf succession over which the younger rock units were deposited. However, the depositional sequences 5 & 6 of Kafr El-Sheikh Formation and the lower parts of El-Wastani Formations may indicate a deposition within active prograding prodelta sub-aqueous deltaic-subenvironments. The upper parts of El-Wastani Formation were deposited as a constructive delta-front pushing its way northward. The Pleistocene Mit-Ghamr Formation was evolved as a direct result of a huge fluvial input, organized as coalescing laterally extensive sand-rich bars. These were laid-down by active fluvial distributary streams that dominated the delta plain as the final phases of the present deltaic subaqueous environments.

Sedimentology and reservoir characterization of the Upper Miocene Qawasim Formation, El-Tamad Oil Field onshore Nile Delta, Egypt

The Upper Miocene Qawasim Formation is an important hydrocarbon reservoir in the Nile Delta Province. This paper presents the diagenetic features and the reservoir characteristics of this formation based on conventional core analysis performed on the El-Tamad-2 well. The Qawasim Formation is consisted of low compacted, poorly cemented, massive, and laminated sandstones with gradual upward facies change to tightly cemented bioclastic and dolomitic sandstones. The sandstones are capped by shallow marine bioclastic limestones followed by the open marine Globigerina wackestone and mudstone facies of the Pliocene Kafr El-Sheikh Formation. The channel-fill massive and laminated sandstones are classified as subarkose arenites with well-preserved primary intergranular porosity and good secondary porosity due to the dissolution of feldspars. In addition, they have low clay volume, well-connected pore spaces, and hence very good reservoir quality. On the other hand, the bioclastic and dolomitic sandstones were affected by the diagenetic alterations. Dolomite cement blocked the intergranular pores and reduced the primary porosity, while the dissolution of bioclasts and feldspars increased the secondary porosity. The reservoir quality decreases dramatically with increasing the marine influence from the channel-fill sandstones to dolomitic and bioclastic sandstones, shallow marine bioclastic limestone, and marine mudstone facies. The massive sandstones at the bottom of the upper part of the Qawasim Formation represent the best reservoir quality interval with excellent porosity and permeability values and have proven to be the main target for future exploration activities.

Bio-seismic and sequence stratigraphy of the Neogene of the Northwest Damietta Concession, Nile Delta, Egypt

The stratigraphic framework of the Neogene sequence drilled by two offshore wells located in the north-eastern shore of the Nile Delta (the wells Sekhmet-1 and Sekhmet-2) has been established. The lithostratigraphic units with their sequences, from older to younger, are as follows: the Sidi Salim Formation (including Sr1 SB, Sr2 SB, Sr2 MFS, Sr3 SB and Sr3 MFS), a sequence representing the uppermost part of the Sidi Salim and most of the lower part of the Qawasim Formations (including Tor 1.1 SB, Tor 1.2 SB, Tor 1.3 SB, Tor 1.4 SB and ?Tor 2 SB), a sequence representing the uppermost part of Qawasim and the lower part of the Abu Madi Formations (including ?Me1 SB, Me2 SB and Me2 MFS), the Kafr El Sheikh Formation (including alternatively Za 1 and 2 SB and MFS and Ge 1 SB and MFS), the El Wastani Formation (including Ge 2 SB and MFS) and a Quaternary sequence represented by the topmost part of El Wastani and Mit Ghamr/Bilqas Formation (including alternatively ?Cala 1 and 2 SB and MFS and ?Io 2 SB). The lower part of the Qawasim in well Sekhmet-2 includes two LST: Tor 2 LST and Me 1 LST.

Quantitative calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy of the subsurface Pliocene sequence, north-east Nile Delta, Egypt

Detailed quantitative calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy was carried out on a subsurface lower–upper Pliocene succession (Kafr El Sheikh Formation) in three offshore wells (Ras El Barr-1, Bougaz-1 and Bougaz East-1), north-east Nile Delta area, Egypt. The standard zonations are easily applied in these sediments and additional biohorizons have been adopted in this study. For early to late Pliocene interval, the following five bioevents are considered reliable: last occurrences (LOs) of Discoaster surculus, D. tamalis, Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilicus and Amaurolithus tricorniculatus and first occurrence of D. asymmetricus. The LO of R. pseudoumbilicus was used to detect the early/late Pliocene boundary in the three studied wells. In Bougaz-1-Well, the LO of D. intercalcaris was used to approximate the Miocene/Pliocene boundary. The calcareous nannofossils are moderate to good preserved. Lower–upper Pliocene sediments are dominated by small-sized reticulofenestrids (R. minuta), Pseudoemiliania lacunosa, Helicosphaera carteri and H. kamptneri. Large size (>7 μm) R. pseudoumbilicus is recorded. Discoaster species is rarely represented. No nannofossils were found in the top part of the Kafr El Sheikh and the overlying Wastani Formations.

Analysis of well log and pressure data of the gas-bearing sand reservoirs of Kafr El-Sheikh formation: Case study from the off-shore Nile Delta-Egypt

The off-shore Nile Delta is one of the most promising areas for gas exploration and production in Egypt and the Middle East. The present study deals with evaluation of the gas-bearing sand anomalies at the off-shore Nile Delta of Egypt using the available well logging and the pressure datasets. The early to middle Pliocene sediments (Kafr El Sheikh Formation) of eleven wells scattered in the Darfeel and Port Fouad Concessions are analyzed and studied for determining the different petrophysical parameters necessary for reservoir evaluation. This study reveals the presence of three gas-bearing sand zones (anomalies-1, -2 and -3), with good hydrocarbon potential, encountered at different depth levels at the Early Pliocene sediments of Kafr El Sheikh Formation. The detailed petrophysical analysis of these zones shows that anomalies-1 and 2 attain good reservoir parameters, while anomaly-3 is not penetrated in majority of wells in the study area. However, anomaly-2 exhibits unique characteristics; in terms of the good porosity (27 to 33%), low shale volume (Vsh<10%) and high gas potentiality (42 to 93%), which it attains. The constructed petrophysical property maps of gas anomalies-1 and -2, reveal an observed diminish of gas saturation towards the eastern flank of the study area. The potential accumulations with the best reservoir cut-off parameters, are recognized in the central and western parts of Darfeel Concession. The analysis of pressure data is concerned mainly with locating the different fluid contacts and determining the pressure gradients of the gas-bearing zones. Very close pressure regimes are detected for most of the investigated gas anomalies through out the study area. Pressure gradient ranges of 0.331 to 0.345 psi/ft and 0.314 to 0.444 psi/ft are indicated for anomalies-1 and 2, respectively. Key words: Well logs, pressure data, gas-bearing sand anomalies, off-shore Nile Delta, Egypt.

Subsurface stratigraphy and micropaleontology of the Neogene rocks, Nile Delta, Egypt

Three wells (Naf-2, Naf-3 and Naf-101), were described and sampled in order to increase understanding of the stratigraphy and micropaleontology of the North Abu Qir Field, Nile Delta, Egypt. Lithostratigraphic studies aided recognition of the following Miocene-Pliocene rock formations (from base to top); Qantara Formation, Sidi Salim Formation, Qawasim Formation, Rosetta Formation, Abu Madi Formation, Kafr El Sheikh Formation, Baltim Formation, Mit Ghamr Formation, and Bilqas Formation. Biostratigraphic studies were based on the distribution of foraminifera through the Miocene-Pliocene succession. The environmental conditions of the Neogene rocks of the studied wells are interpreted using the results of palaeoecological parameters (e.g. the total number of foraminifera (T.N.F) and planktonic/benthonic ratio (P/B).

SOURCE ROCK EVALUATION AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF CONDENSATES AND NATURAL GASES, OFFSHORE NILE DELTA, EGYPT

Geochemical analyses of mudstones from wells in the NE offshore Nile Delta suggest that the Early Miocene Qantara Formation has “good” potential to generate hydrocarbons at the studied locations. Its generating capability and oil‐proneness increase northwards, towards areas where better organic‐matter preservation and a greater contribution from marine source material can be expected. By contrast, the Middle Miocene Sidi Salem Formation has “poor to fair” potential to generate mixed gas and oil, while the overlying Wakar and Kafr El Sheikh Formations have “poor” capability to generate gas with minor oil. Based on pyrolysis Tmax and thermal alteration index assessments, the Wakar and Kafr El Sheikh Formations are immature in the study area. The Sidi Salem and Qantara Formations are immature in the southern part of the study area, but are within the oil window in the north, around well Temsah‐4.Biomarker distributions based on GC‐MS analyses of two condensate samples from the Wakar and Sidi Salem Formations indicate that hydrocarbons are derived from siliciclastic source rocks containing significant terrestrial material and limited marine organic matter. The condensates were generated during early maturation of Type III kerogen from deeper and more mature source rocks than those encountered in the drilled wells. Geochemical and isotopic data from natural gas produced from the Kafr El Sheikh Formation suggest mixed biogenic and thermogenic sources.

A feasibility study for pore-pressure prediction using seismic velocities in the offshore Nile Delta, Egypt

Overpressure in a formation, caused by abnormally high fluid pressures, is a concern during all phases of oil field operations—exploration, drilling, casing, completion, and reservoir evaluation. Accurate knowledge of formation pore pressure and fracture pressure is essential for drilling efficient and safe wells with optimum mud weights. Furthermore, knowledge of these pressures aids understanding of fluid migration pathways, sealing potential, and probability of fault leakage. Overpressure by definition occurs when pore pressure exceeds normal hydrostatic pressure and is related to certain environmental conditions in a given earth section. In the offshore Nile Delta, for example, low permeability shale in the Pliocene can trap fluids and cause overpressured shale as a result of undercompaction. Overpres-sured sediments also can be caused by fluid expansion mechanisms (e.g., heating, hydrocarbon maturation and expulsion of intergranular water during clay transformation). Local tectonic compression can also generate overpressured sediments. Given the young age and shallowness of overpressured sediments in the offshore Nile Delta, the observed pore pressure is largely attributed to undercompaction. Several methods for detecting/estimating overpressured formations are based on interpretation of drilling data, wireline logs, and geophysical data. Drilling and wireline log data are obtained while the well is drilled. They cannot, therefore, be used for predrill pore-pressure prediction. This paper describes a feasibility study to predict pore pressure before drilling and the subsequent calibration of pore pressure and seismic velocities in a key well. Port Fouad Field was discovered in 1982 when exploratory well Port Fouad-1 penetrated gas-bearing formations in the late Miocene. The field is approximately 35 km northeast of Port Said (Figure 1). Figure 1. Map of Port Fouad Field. Gas is present at shallow and deep depths. Shallow zones, less than 2200 m, belong to the Kafr El Sheikh Formation of Pliocene age which is characterized by high porosity and permeability. The …