Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Science - Department of Geology

The Tertiary Nile Delta is considered as one of the most important hydrocarbon gas provinces in Egypt with several giant gas fields and a great potential for more future discoveries. The present study addresses the Plio-Pleistocene tectono-stratigraphic framework and its impact on the hydrocarbon accumulation in northeastern Nile Delta. It sheds more light on the geological and petrophysical aspects of the Low Resistivity Low Contrast (LRLC) intervals (i.e. heterolithic levee facies) of the investigated reservoirs, which are usually overlooked during conventional reservoir evaluation procedures. Seismic attributes combined with DHIs (Direct Hydrocarbon Indicators) and conventional seismic interpretation are utilized to identify shallow gas targets in the area. This study is based on biostratigraphic, 3D seismic and wireline log data from seven wells distributed in the study area.The study area is divided into three tectono-stratigraphic sectors based on structural framework interpretation that are; (1) southern un-deformed sector, (2) central sector, and (3) northern sector. Each sector has its own stratigraphic, structural and gas potential characteristics. The integration of geological and seismic data revealed that the Plio-Pleistocene sedimentary regime and reservoir distribution are influenced and framed by three main NW trending structural lines.The Plio-Pleistocene reservoirs (Kafr El Sheikh and El Wastani formations) were deposited in the middle to distal parts of a turbidite system including turbidite lobes and channel-levee complexes. These could be seismically detected and confirmed from the facies analysis using core description and wireline logs interpretation along with borehole image data analysis. Consequently, three main facies associations could be identified: (1) massive thick bedded sandstone facies (stacked lobes), (2) channel fill deposits facies, and (3) heterolithic levee facies (low resistivity reservoirs)

Issued also as CD