The use of seismic interpretations to discover and evaluate the new hydrocarbon prospects of Jurassic formations in JG field, NEAG concession, North Western Desert

Khatatba Formation is Middle Jurassic and act as a completely hydrocarbon system in the Northeast Abu Gharadig basin (NEAG) especially in JG field. This study is an attempt to discover and evaluate the new hydrocarbon prospects in Khatatba Formation and define the nature of the source rock in this investigation area. This study was done by interpreting forty (40) 3D seismic sections in addition eight wells drilled in this area. The geochemical reports of many samples from JG-1 well have been carried out to identify the maturity of the source rock. Four horizons are interpreted from this study and represented as two way time (TWT) and depth structure contour maps. These horizons are arranged from the top to the bottom as; top Masajid, top Khatatba, Top Kabrit and top lower Safa. The lower Safa sand member in JG1-ST well act as the main reservoir in Khatatba Formation that is characterized by high porosity 22%, low GR and SW is 12% that is led to the presence of oil zone. The lower Safa depth is ranges between 3120 m in the southern part of the JG field and gradually increases toward the northwest to 3580 m and to 3680 m in the northeast part of the study area. Two main faults are interpreted in the NE-SW and in NW-SE directions and form a pattern of horst and graben blocks. Four and three-way dip structural closures (A, B, C and D) are representing the fruitful locations for high production and new prospect wells in the JG oil field. The Khatatba Formation consists of organic-rich shales, revealing mainly type II-III and type III kerogen and TOC content ranges from 2.7 to 4.98 wt%. Vitrinite reflectance data indicate the mature to over mature stages of oil window for significant hydrocarbon generation. The overburden rocks of Masajid carbonates perform sufficient levels of thermal maturity for hydrocarbon generation.