--> Abstract: Integrated Geophysical Investigation of Al Hiyar Area, Eastern Abu Dhabi: Implications for Structure of the Frontal Fold Belts of Oman Mountains, by Saif A. Al Mesaabi, Ammar H. El Husseiny, Ahmed A. Hassan, and Mohamed Ali; #90105 (2010)

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AAPG GEO 2010 Middle East
Geoscience Conference & Exhibition
Innovative Geoscience Solutions – Meeting Hydrocarbon Demand in Changing Times
March 7-10, 2010 – Manama, Bahrain

Integrated Geophysical Investigation of Al Hiyar Area, Eastern Abu Dhabi: Implications for Structure of the Frontal Fold Belts of Oman Mountains

Saif A. Al Mesaabi1; Ammar H. El Husseiny1; Ahmed A. Hassan1; Mohamed Ali1

(1) Petroleum Geosciences, Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Gravity, magnetic and seismic surveys were conducted in Al Hiyar area, eastern Abu Dhabi, located on the border between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman on the western edge of the northern Oman mountains as part of a study to determine the subsurface structures and sedimentary sequences of the area. The interpretation of these new data was integrated with a new interpretation of reprocessed commercial seismic reflection profiles recorded close to the area.

We recognize five major tectonostratigraphic sequences in the seismic profiles. These are: Mesozoic shelf carbonates, Upper Cretaceous foreland (primarily Fiqa Formation), the Sumeini allochthon, Upper Cretaceous to Lower Tertiary, and Upper Tertiary sequences. The seismic sections suggest a number of backfolded anticlines which were probably initiated during Oligocene-Miocene times, corresponding to the beginning of the collision of Arabia and central Iran. In addition, the seismic sections reveal high angle reverse faults that cut downward through the Mesozoic shelf carbonates and are interpreted to be related to the inversion of deep structures.

The residual gravity anomalies decline to the east of study area. This is attributed to uplifted basement structures which probably resulted from deep-seated east dipping reverse fault that was reactivated during the Late Cretaceous and Late Tertiary times. We modeled that the area is containing a sequence of thick uplifted Mesozoic shelf carbonates to the west giving rise to high residual gravity anomalies. Magnetic anomalies are weak over most of the area suggesting no continuation of the Semail ophiolite westward from its outcrop into the subsurface of the study area.