--> Abstract: High-Resolution Sequence Stratigraphic Interpretation of the Upper Jurassic Arab Formation from New Field Development, Offshore Abu Dhabi, by Christoph T. Lehmann, Khalil Ibrahim, Hani Bu-Hindi, Reyad Al-Kassawneh, David Cobb, and Ahmed Al-Hendi; #90078 (2008)

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High-Resolution Sequence Stratigraphic Interpretation of the Upper Jurassic Arab Formation from New Field Development, Offshore Abu Dhabi

Christoph T. Lehmann, Khalil Ibrahim, Hani Bu-Hindi, Reyad Al-Kassawneh, David Cobb, and Ahmed Al-Hendi
FDD (UDS), ADMA-OPCO, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Upper Jurassic carbonates of the Arab Formation form some of the most important hydrocarbon reservoirs for future development offshore Abu Dhabi. A detailed sequence stratigraphic interpretation for one of the fields was established in order to understand the internal architecture and reservoir quality.

Carbonates and evaporites of the Arab Formation exhibit a long-term shallowing-upward trend to the overlying Hith Formation and are interpreted as part of the highstand systems tract (HST) of the Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian to Tithonian) 2nd order sequences. The lower part of the Arab D is characterized by bioturbated lime mudstones which grades into outer ramp storm deposits and a series of shoaling-upward cycles and sequences of the upper part of the Arab D. Reservoir quality is related to interparticle porosity of the grainstone part of the cycles and sequences and vuggy porosity related to stromatoporoid layers. The Arab D is overlain by a series of thin peritidal cyles which are interpreted to be correlative to evaporites in other parts of the basin. The Arab D and the overlying peritidal cycles are interpreted as a 3rd order sequence.

The style and the make up of the cycle and sequences above the Arab D change dramatically. Smaller-scale sequence and cycles are composed of dolomitized packstones and grainstones shallowing upward to evaporites. Reservoir quality is closely related to dolomitization and small scale facies changes within the succession. Two other third-order sequences can be identified: The Arab C / Arab B third-order sequence and the Arab A / Hith third-order sequence.

Establishing a detailed sequence stratigraphic framework is essential in order to understand the Arab reservoir architecture and quality. This work will be key in building a reliable reservoir model for the next fields to be developed offshore Abu Dhabi.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas