Journal of Petroleum Geology, Vol.13, No.4, pp. 397-420, 1990

©Copyright 2000 Scientific Press, Ltd.

THE JURASSIC SYSTEM IN NORTHERN EGYPT: I.
Regional stratigraphy and implications for hydrocarbon prospectivity

M.L. Keeley*, G. Dungworth**, C.S. Floyd**, G.A. Forbes***,
C. King***, R.M. McGarva*** and D. Shaw***

* ECL Petroleum Technologies, Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4PS.

** Earth Science Applications, 54 park Hill Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP1 1TP

*** Paleo Services Ltd., Paramount Ind. Est., Sandown Road, Watford, Herts. WD2 4XP

Abstract

A systemotic lithostratigraphical description is presented of those Jurassic rocks encountered in Egypt north of 29°N at surface and in the subsurface. Based upon the scheme first proposed by Al-Far (1966), five formations (Masajid, Khatatba, Bir Maghara, Shusha and Rajabiah) are shown to make up a continuous succession from late Pliensbachian probably up to early Tithonian: the Gebel el Maghara Group. The compositions of stratigraphically -useful and diverse biotas are outlined, and used to erect a chronostratigraphical framework. From this, reliable comparisons are made with the Jurassic sequences of Palestine and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, this more refined means of correlation enables a fuller understanding of the distribution of potential Jurassic source and reservoir rocks in northern Egypt.