Characterization of the Qishn sandstone reservoir, Masila Basin–Yemen, using an integrated petrophysical and seismic structural approach

• Petrophysical and seismic analysis is carried out over Qishn reservoir.
• Qishn sandstone is classified into four subunits.
• S1A unit attains the most prolific hydrocarbon saturations.
• Hydrocarbons are indicated as NE-SW oriented closures.
• Entrapment is due to stratigraphic and faulted anticlinal structure.

This study presents an integrated petrophysical and seismic structural analysis that is carried out to evaluate the reservoir properties of Qishn sandstone as well as the entrapment style of the hydrocarbons at Sharyoof field, Sayun-Masila Basin that is located at the east central of Yemen. The reservoir rocks are dominated by clean porous and permeable sandstones zones usually intercalated with some clay stone interbeds. As identified from well logs, Qishn sandstone is classified into subunits (S1A, S1B, S1C and S2) with different reservoir characteristics and hydrocarbon potentiality.A number of qualitative and quantitative well logging analyses are used to characterize the different subunits of the Qishn reservoir and identify its hydrocarbon potentiality. Dia-porosity, M-N, Pickett, Buckles plots, petrophysical analogs and lateral distribution maps are used in the analysis. Shale volume, lithology, porosity, and fluid saturation are among the most important deduced parameters. The analysis revealed that S1A and S1C are the main hydrocarbon-bearing units. More specifically, S1A unit is the best, as it attains the most prolific hydrocarbon saturations (oil saturation “SH″ up to 65) and reservoir characteristics. An average petrophysical ranges of 4–21%, 16–23%, 11–19%, 0–65%, are detected for S1A unit, regarding shale volume, total and effective porosity, and hydrocarbon saturation, respectively. Meanwhile, S1B unit exhibits less reservoir characteristics (Vsh>30%, ϕEff<15% and SH< 15%).The lateral distribution maps revealed that most of the hydrocarbons (for S1A and S1C units) are indicated at the middle of the study area as NE–SW oriented closures. The analysis and interpretation of seismic data had clarified that the structure of study area is represented by a big middle horst bounded by a group of step-like normal faults at the extreme boundaries (faulted anticlinal-structure). In conclusion, the entrapment of the encountered hydrocarbon at Sharyoof oil field, seems to be due to the combined effect of the stratigraphic position of the Qishn reservoir clastics with their overlying thick-sealing sediments and the structural setting as represented by faulted anticlinal-structure associated with the bounding step-like normal faults.