Stratigraphic Evaluation of Unconventional Hydrocarbon Targets of the Abu Roash Formation, Northern Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

This dissertation aims at evaluating and understanding the Cretaceous Abu Roash Formation as a potential unconventional play in the Western Desert, Egypt. The Cretaceous Abu Roash G and E members central part of the Abu Gharadig Basin is evaluated as potential shale oil and gas bearing strata based on their litofacies, total organic content, thermal maturity, Kerogen type, depth, thickness and lateral extension. Data from five wells ( TOC, Maturity, Kerogen type and lithology description) were integrated with the interpretation of thirty 2D seismic profile to assess the potential hydrocarbon shale play of the study area. The dissertation consists of five chapters in addition to the references list, English and Arabic summaries. Chapter one includes the introduction, the aim of the study and its location. The previous related studies were concluded highlighting the stratigraphy, structure geology of the northern Western Desert with a main focus on the Abu Gharadig Basin. The detailed study area comprises an area of 1778 Km2. it extends from Lat 29°23’ 20’’ N to 29° 47’ 25’’ N and from Long 28° 24’ 45’’ E to 28° 53’ 42’’ E. The study area was chosen based on geochemical and geological criteria. Definitions and key indicators were described for the main unconventional hydrocarbon resources: shale oil; shale gas, gas shale, coal bed methane and basin centered gas.