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3D Subsurface Modeling for Studying Structural Features and Identifying Potential Hydrocarbon Zones Using Well Logging and Seismic Reflection Data in the Al Baraka Oil Field, Komombo Basin, Upper Egypt

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Abstract

The Komombo basin, as well as other rift basins west of the Nile River in Egypt, has not been sufficiently studied from the perspective of petroleum activity. Therefore, an evaluation of the available data on this basin should be performed to provide more valuable information about the hydrocarbon potential there. Early Cretaceous rifting contributes to the maturation of the deeper source rocks within this basin. Moreover, the presence of different structural features (subsidence, uplifts, and normal fault propagation) is a significant factor controlling the movement of the oil and its entrapment within the Al Baraka reservoir. A comprehensive study of seismic reflection and well logging data was applied to investigate the subsurface structural features and identify the promising hydrocarbon-bearing zones in the reservoir. The Six Hills Formation of the Early Cretaceous includes the main reservoir rocks that contribute to the petroleum potential in the area. The objective of this study is to visualize and evaluate the subsurface geological features of the surveyed area that controls petroleum accumulation and trapping. Different maps, cross-sections, 3D geometrical, and 3D structural models were constructed to visualize the subsurface structural configuration and architecture of the reservoir. A calibration process between sonic logs with the velocity of the existing vertical seismic profiling (VSP) data was carried out to produce a more accurate and detailed time–depth relationship at the well location. All results deduced from this study were used to identify and determine the locations of the depocenter and the shoulder of the basin. Also, the results provided a clear and detailed vision of the architecture of the productive hydrocarbon-bearing zones and encourage specialists to look for future hydrocarbon potential in the Komombo basin. Moreover, this study can provide specialists with sufficient information to understand the evolution of rift basins in Komombo and other parts of Egypt.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the South Valley Egyptian Petroleum Holding Company (GANOPE) for the provision of data used for this study. Also, the authors extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to Prof. Dr. Hassan Abdel Hamid Soliman for his great efforts and assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, 71516, Egypt

    Hamza Ahmed Ibrahim

  2. North Sinai Petroleum Company (NOSPCO), New Maadi, Maadi, 11931, Cairo, Egypt

    Hattem Farouk Ewida

  3. Geology Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharga, 72512, New Valley, Egypt

    Ahmed Hosseny Senosy & Mohamed Osman Ebraheem

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  1. Hamza Ahmed Ibrahim
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  2. Hattem Farouk Ewida
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  3. Ahmed Hosseny Senosy
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  4. Mohamed Osman Ebraheem
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Correspondence to Hamza Ahmed Ibrahim.

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Ibrahim, H.A., Ewida, H.F., Senosy, A.H. et al. 3D Subsurface Modeling for Studying Structural Features and Identifying Potential Hydrocarbon Zones Using Well Logging and Seismic Reflection Data in the Al Baraka Oil Field, Komombo Basin, Upper Egypt. Pure Appl. Geophys. 179, 4465–4487 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-022-03175-w

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