Integration of seismic interpretation and well logging analysis of Abu Roash D Member, Gindi Basin, Egypt: Implication for detecting and evaluating fractured carbonate reservoirs

Based on seismic interpretation, the time structure map on top of the Abu Roash D Member in the area of study within the Gindi Basin displays an NE-SW anticline plunging toward the NE intersected by two NE-SW reverse faults. This faulted anticline has been interpreted to have formed by the Late Cretaceous tectonic inversion resulting from the NW movement of the African Plate relative to Laurasia. This anticline creates a distinctive closure which may represent a possible structural hydrocarbon trap in the fractured limestone of the Abu Roash D Member in this area. Through well-logging analysis, the variable cementation exponent “m” has been calculated using the Pickett Plot for the available wells in order to examine the presence of fractures within the entire carbonate Abu Roash D Member. The calculated “m” for Abu Roash D in the two studied wells are 1.56 and 1.34 for SWQ-21 and SWQ-25; respectively which is indicative of the fractured limestone nature. The application of the correct “m” (1.56) instead of 2 (traditional for the intergranular carbonate) for SWQ-21 well has revealed that, the water saturation for the uppermost part of Abu Roash D Member is lower than 50% (normal cut off for carbonate) possessing high porosity and reflecting good reservoir quality. The cross-plot between Archie water saturation (Sw) and neutron porosity (ΦN) for the uppermost part of this Member follows hyperbola with low BVW (Φ*Sw) value (0.06) which means that the reservoir is at irreducible state. The visual inspection for the log curve shapes in addition to the application of the presented technique in SWQ-25 well shows that the entire carbonate of Abu Roash D Member is water producing (Sw>50%). These results indicate that the upperpost part of the Abu Roash D Member in well SWQ-21 is fractured limestone and highly promising for hydrocarbon exploration within the Gindi Basin.