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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

CSPG Bulletin

Abstract


Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology
Vol. 39 (1991), No. 2. (June), Pages 224-224

"Source/Previous HitMaturationNext Hit Evaluation and Hydrocarbon Potential of the Western Red Sea and Southern Gulf of Aden [Abstract]"

Sikander, A.H.1, Allen, R.B.2, Abouzakhm, A.G.3

ABSTRACT

The hydrocarbon potential assessment is based on data from 35 wells, geochemistry on 19 wells, and regional interpretation of 20,000 km of seismic. Mesozoic pre-rift source-reservoir sequences, seen in the western onshore areas of the Red Sea, are absent in offshore wells, probably due to pre-Miocene erosion over horsts or insufficient well penetration. The middle Miocene syn-rift sequence, containing fair to good Type II/III source rocks in northern Red Sea wells and poor to fair source rocks elsewhere, is marginally mature over highs and may have a greater generative potential in structural lows due to better preservation of source units. The post-evaporite sequence, containing thin, gas-prone source beds, is partially mature in thick late Miocene-Pliocene depocentres, and has generated gas and condensate.

Geothermal gradients in Red Sea wells are similar to, or slightly higher than, those in the productive Gulf of Suez. The top of the oil window often coincides with the base of thick salt. A steep underlying gradient implies that about 750 m of the uppermost pre-salt section lies within the oil window.

In the Gulf of Aden, a high geothermal/Previous HitmaturationNext Hit gradient results in the Previous HitmaturationTop of source-rich pre-rift Upper Jurassic, Upper Cretaceous, Paleocene, and syn-rift Oligocene-Miocene sequences at depths of less than 2,000 m. The Oligocene-Miocene clastics are relatively thin and lack a thick evaporite seal; hydrocarbon potential is thus restricted to pre-rift rocks.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ASSOCIATED FOOTNOTES

1 The World Bank, Cairo, Egypt

2 University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208

3 Consultant, London, United Kingdom W1H 1DA

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