--> Abstract: Sequence Stratigraphy and Reservoir Characterization of the Lower Cretaceous Upper Thamama in the United Arab Emirates, by M. G. Salah and M. Mersal; #90933 (1998).

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Abstract: Sequence Stratigraphy and Reservoir Characterization of the Lower Cretaceous Upper Thamama in the United Arab Emirates

Salah, M.G. - Landmark Graphics Corporation; M. Mersal - UAE University

This paper deals with the stratigraphic framework, depositional settings and reservoir potential of the Lower Cretaceous Shuaiba and Kharaib carbonates, known as the Upper Thamama carbonates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The data and interpretations presented in this study were based on detailed examination of surface and subsurface data (electric logs, seismic lines, core samples, side-wall cores and ditch cuttings). The UAE, one of the world?s richest in oil reserves, contains 55 oil fields and produces oil from the carbonates of the Kharaib and Shuaiba formations.

The Upper Thamama section represents cyclic sedimentation due to fluctuation of eustatic sea level and consists of interbedded dense limestone, deposited in an intertidal lagoonal settings, and porous carbonates, deposited in a shallow shelf setting of a carbonate ramp.

The sequence stratigraphy analysis of this section revealed that the entire Shuaiba and Kharaib formations are part of a second-order super cycle, known as Zuni B-4 (ZB4) by Haq et al (1987). It has four third-order sequences, with four sequence boundaries and five downlap surfaces.

The Shuaiba and Kharaib carbonates form one of the most important reservoir lithologies, and produce oil at several super-giant oil fields, such as Bu Hasa, Zakum and Fateh. These carbonates reach up to 130 m in reservoir net thickness and yields porosities that range between 8% to 32% and permeabilities between 0.1. and 110.0 md. Overall reservoir quality depends on the importance of diagenetic processes such as calcite recrystallization, dolomitization, fracturing, leaching and secondary pore filling,

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90933©1998 ABGP/AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil