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Structural control of the geometry and grain size distribution of the Miocene reservoir in the coastal region of Sfax, Tunisia, using well logging data

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Abstract

The Miocene sandstones are defined as resulting from fluvial systems during the Miocene in the Sfax region, which belongs to the Oriental platform of Tunisia. These deposits represent a potential reservoir that can be used to satisfy water needs in the region. However, misunderstanding the reservoir geometry and quality could be a challenging issue during drilling, development and production operations. This study, then, aimed to (i) characterize the geometry and the grain size of the Miocene aquifer in the region of Sfax and (ii) unveil the parameters that might be directly involved in the control of those characteristics. Since gamma-ray (GR) logs have shown high reliability for grain size characterization in several studies, a reliable formula for average grain-size calculation was identified and adopted. Therefore, six multidirection cross-section correlations and a grain-size distribution map were constructed based on the lithological and GR logs of 22 drilled wells. The established correlations reveal the existence of several normal fault sets that define NW-trending horst and graben systems. These identified faults, which have been identified in several published studies of the region based on seismic profile interpretations, tend to outcrop, and they show clear thickness and facies control for the Miocene and overlying Plio-Quaternary deposits. A clear direct correlation between the established horst/graben systems and Miocene grain-size maps was deduced. Indeed, the grains are most likely finer in the graben areas and tend to be coarser in the horst zones. The findings of this pioneering research in Tunisia allowed the accurate characterization of the geometry and grain-size distribution of the Miocene reservoir in the Sfax region based on GR log analysis and interpretation. The direct correlation between the structural scheme and the grain-size distribution of the Miocene reservoir in the study region is explained by the direct influence of the tectonic context on the compartmentation and grain-size distribution of the Miocene reservoir. A conceptual model was proposed to explain this relation.

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Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Mr. Achref Megduich, hydrogeologist at the National Water Distribution Company of Tunisia (SONEDE), who provided us with data needed for this project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Water Energy and Environment (LR3E), National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia

    Chaouki Khalfi, Nouha Marouani, Syrine Baklouti, Najeh Bouarrouj & Riadh Ahmadi

  2. Laboratory of Marine Geosciences and Soil Sciences, CNRST Associated Unit (URAC 45), Earth Sciences Department, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco

    Khalid El Khalidi

  3. Research Laboratory of Sciences and Environmental Technologies, ISET Borj Cedria, University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia

    Lassâad Dassi

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  1. Chaouki Khalfi
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  2. Nouha Marouani
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Correspondence to Chaouki Khalfi.

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Khalfi, C., Marouani, N., Baklouti, S. et al. Structural control of the geometry and grain size distribution of the Miocene reservoir in the coastal region of Sfax, Tunisia, using well logging data. Euro-Mediterr J Environ Integr 9, 207–222 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41207-023-00433-8

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