300

Middle East Journal of Applied Sciences, 4(2): 300-317, 2014

ISSN: 2077-4613

Subsurface Geology and Potential Capability of Oil Generation of some Jurassic and
Lower Cretaceous Source Rocks in North Western Desert, Egypt.
1
F.S. Ramadan, 2M.M. El Nady, 1E.A. Eysa and 1N.M. Abdel Wahed
1
Geology Dept, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Egypt.
2
Exploration Dept, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute, Egypt.

ABSTRACT

The present work deals with subsurface geology, the identification of the potential and generating
capability of oil generation of some Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous formations in the North Western Desert
were investigated by studying the composite logs for seven wells. Jurassic units include; Ras Qattara, Khatatba
and Masajid formations. Ras Qattara and Khatatba formations are not recorded in the investigated wells except
at Salam-3X well. Lower Cretaceous units are represented in this work by Alam El-Bueib Formation. Isopach
and lithofacies maps and lithostratigraphic correlation charts of these formations are constructed and discussed
in order to distinguish the shape, the extent of sedimentary basins and the environment of deposition. Isopach
maps showed that the thickness of Masajid sediments increases toward the northeastern and western directions
and the thickness of Alam El-Bueib sediments increases toward the eastern and western directions. Triangle
facies maps showed that limestone (non-clastic) facies are predominance in Masajid Formation reflecting open
marine depositional environment and argillaceous sandstone facies are predominance in Alam El-Bueib
Formation reflecting terrestrial to shallow marine depositional environment. The geochemical analysis results
showed that Ras Qattara Formation constitutes a mature source rock have good very good generating capability
for both oil and gas. Khatatba Formation bears a mature source rock, and has poor to good generating capability
for both oil and gas. Masajid and Alam El-Bueib formations bear mature source rocks and have poor to fair
generating capability for generating gas (type III kerogen). The burial history modeling shows that Ras Qattara
and Khataba formations lie within the gas window, Masajid Formation lies within oil and gas windows and
Alam El-Bueib Formation is still within the early stage of hydrocarbon generation. Therefore, Ras Qattara and
Khatatba formations are the main source rock for hydrocarbon accumulations at Salam-3X well. Masajid and
Alam El-Bueib formations are also considered as effective source rocks for generating hydrocarbons.

Key words: Egypt, geochemical, subsurface, source rock, Western Desert.

Introduction

The Western Desert of Egypt represents an important part of the unstable shelf of the Northern Africa and
comprises a total area of 700,000 square kilometers, west of the Nile River and Delta. It extends from the
Libyan borders in the west of the Nile Delta and Nile River in the east, and from the Mediterranean Sea Coast to
the Sudan borders in the south. The Western Desert has numerous oil potentialities and may soon jump as a
great oil province. The study area is located in the northern part of the Western Desert at north Qattara
Depression between latitudes 31 29' and 31 52' N and longitudes 26 37' and 27 00' E (Fig. 1).
The generalized stratigraphic column of the northern Western Desert includes most of the sedimentary
succession from Pre-Cambrian basement complex to Recent (Fig. 2). The general structural and stratigraphical
aspects of the Western Desert have been the subject of many studies, such as; Amin (1961), Said (1962 and
1990), Norton (1967), Parker (1982), Meshref (1982), El-Khadragy and Sharaf (1994), Shalaby et al. (2000),
Zein El-Din et al. (2001), El-Khadragy et al. (2010) and others. Geochemical characteristics of Jurassic and
Cretaceous source rocks in the Western Desert have been discussed by many authors including Matbouly
(1993), Abdel Aziz (1994) and others.
The main objectives of this study are: (i) trace the thickness variations, triangle facies change of the
penetrated formations and assess the depositional environments of the different rock units, (ii) identify and
characterize potential source rocks and their generating capability, (iii) investigate the maturation level of the
proven potential source formations for oil preservation dead lines, and (iv) predict the levels of thermal maturity
of the studied sequences in terms of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion.

Materials and Techniques:

1) The fundamental materials which applied in this work include seven representative composite logs wells.
These wells are: (Dorra-1X, Amoun-1X, Tut-1X, Tut-44, Salam-3X, Zahra-1X and Yasser-1X). Fifty nine

Corresponding Author: F.S. Ramadan, Geology Dept, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Egypt.
 301
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

representative cutting samples of argillaceous dark-grey shales and limestones, represented Jurassic rock units
(Masajid, Khatatba and Ras Qattara formations) and Lower Cretaceous rock units (Alam El-Bueib Formation),
were collected from Salam-3X well at different depths. The composite logs and ditch samples were supplied by
Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation approval (EGPC). Pyrolysis analyses of the source rocks have been
carried out in StratoChem laboratories.

Fig. 1: Base map showing the drilled wells and correlation chart profile (A-A').
 302
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

Fig. 2: Generalized litho-stratigraphic column of the North Western Desert (Schlumberger, 1984 and 1995).

2) Isopach and Lithofacies maps of the studied rock units were constructed using to Krumbein and Sloss
(1963) technique to show the thickness and facies variation of different rock units in the study area. As well as
one stratigraphic correlation chart was constructed to illustrate the subsurface geological conditions,
lithostratigraphy and trends of lateral change in thickness of the studied rock units..
3) Rock-Eval/Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis was carried out by a Rock-Eval II analyzer. This
procedure was used by Espitalie et al. (1985), to obtain total organic carbon (TOC wt %), free hydrocarbons
(S1= mg HC/g rock), and residual petroleum potential (S 2= mg HC/g rock). All these parameters are used in the
 303
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

present work to determine of hydrogen index (HI= mg HC/g TOC) and oxygen index (OI= mg CO 2/g TOC),
generating potential (GP= S1+S2), type of hydrocarbons products (QI= S2/S3).
4) Vitrinite reflectance (Ro %) measurements were made on thin section under reflected light.
5) The thermal burial history modeling was constructed using the method introduced by Lopatin (1971) that
was modified and calibrated by Waples (1980 and 1985) to predict the level of thermal maturity of the studied
sequences in terms of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion.

Results and Discussion

 Isopach and Facies maps:

Two isopach maps are constructed for Jurassic rock units (Masajid Fm.) and Lower Cretaceous rock units
(Alam El-Bueib Fm.), to demonstrate and clarify the variation and direction of thinning and /or thickening in
relation to the shape of the depositional basins. As well as, triangle facies maps are constructed for studied
reservoirs to illustrate the facies distribution within the basin and interpret environment conditions during
Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous times. Generally, the varying proportions of sandstone, siltstone, shale and
carbonate indicate different environments of sedimentation, although the limestone definitely is marine, the
sandstone and shale is related to continental, fluvio-deltaic and fluviomarine or marine conditions.

Masajid Formation (Upper Jurassic):

Lithologically, Masajid deposits are composed of dense limestones. The isopach map shows variable
thicknesses, which related to the paleotopography or the tectonic activity during the deposition of this formation.
The thickness of Masajid sediments increases toward the northeastern and western directions of the study area
reaching the maximum thickness (106 m) around Dorra-1X well and decreases toward the central and south
directions reaching its minimum thickness (52 m) around Zahra-1X well (Fig. 3a). In the southeastern part, the
wide contours spacing indicates that the rate of subsidence in this part was possibly lesser than the other parts.
On the other hand, the ovate and circular patterns of isopach lines indicate that the subsidence was
contemporaneous with deposition (Krumbein and Sloss, 1963).
The triangle facies map shows that Masajid Formation is characterized by the predominance of limestone
(non-clastic) facies at all recorded parts of the study area (Fig. 3b). The absence of clastic facies in the studied
wells reflects open marine nature of the deposition of this formation.

Fig. 3: Isopach (a) and triangle facies (b) maps of Masajid Formation.
 304
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

Alam El-Bueib Formation (Lower Cretaceous):

Alam El-Bueib Formation lithologically consists of sandstones interbeded with shales and thin carbonate
beds (limestones and dolomites). The isopach map shows the variation in thickness of Alam El-Bueib Formation
through the different studied wells. The thickness increases toward the east and western direction and attains the
greatest value of about 982 m around Dorra-1X well at the northeastern part, while it decreases toward the
central and southwestern parts of the study area (Fig. 4a). This formation is completely disappeared in Amoun-
1X well, Tut-44 well and Yasser-1X well. This reflects that the area has been uplifted during the deposition or
subjected to several stages of erosion which give rise to reduction in thickness of Alam El-Bueib sediments. The
increase in thickness at the western direction indicates a deep basin of deposition.
Triangle facies map of Alam El-Bueib Formation reflects uniformity in lithology. It is characterized by the
predominance of argillaceous sandstone facies at all parts of the study area except at Amoun-1X, Tut-44 and
Yasser-1X wells where no deposition took place at these wells (Fig. 4b). Non-clastic facies are not recorded on
the studied wells. These facies indicate terrestrial to shallow marine depositional environment.

Fig. 4: Isopach (a) and triangle facies (b) maps of Alam El-Bueib Formation.

 Lithostratigraphic Cross Section:

The lithostratigraphic correlation chart illustrates the change in lithologic characters or any break in the
depositional continuity. This section shows the equivalency of stratigraphic units, and exhibits thickness
variation. Borehole data from three composite logs are used to construct one correlation chart AA' in the NW-
SE direction (Fig. 1).
This lithostratigraphic cross section A-A' (Fig. 5) extends along NW-SE direction and passes through Tut-
1X, Salam-3X and Zahra-1X wells. It shows that Lower and Middle Jurassic rock units (Ras Qattara and
Khatatba formations) are not easily to be correlated. Cretaceous rock units are well corellated (Fig. 5) where
they are represented at all studied wells.
The disappearance of Ras Qattara and Khatatba formations at Zahra-1X well may be because the drilling
stopped, non-deposition of basin in this area. The thickness of Masajid Formation (Upper Jurassic) relatively
decreases toward the southeast direction reaching the lowest thickness at Zahra-1X well. Alam El-Bueib
Formation (Lower Cretaceous) shows a variation in thickness from well to another. Its maximum thickness is
present at Tut-1X well and the minimum thickness is found at Salam-3X well. Alamein and Dahab formations
(Lower Cretaceous) are nearly homogenous in their thickness at all the correlated wells. The thickness of
Kharita Formation (Lower Cretaceous) is relatively variable from well to another. Its maximum thickness is
located at Tut-1X well and the minimum thickness is occurred at Salam-3X well. As well as, Bahariya
Formation (Upper Cretaceous) relatively differs from well to another. Its maximum thickness is at Salam-3X
well and its minimum thickness is at Zahra-1X well. Also, the chart shows that the thickness of Abu Roash
Formation (Upper Cretaceous) relatively decreases toward the southeast direction reaching the lowest thickness
at Zahra-1X, while the thickness of Khoman Formation (Upper Cretaceous) relatively increases toward the
southeast direction reaching the greatest thickness at Zahra-1X.
 305
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

Fig. 5: Lithostratigraphic correlation chart along the profile (A-A').

 Source rock characteristics:

The potentiality and generating capability source rocks for oil generation is evaluated by measuring of total
organic carbon (TOC), pyrolysis derived (S1, S2) (Waples, 1985), Rock-Eval temperature pyrolysis (Tmax),
production index (PI) and vitrinite reflectance (Ro %) of the rock samples. Peters (1986) reported that the
samples which contain TOC less than 0.5 wt %, S1 less than 0.5 mg/g and S2 less than 2.5 mg/g are considered
poor source rocks. Samples contain from 0.5 to 1.0 wt % TOC, S1 from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/g and S2 from 2.5 to 5
mg/g are fair source rocks. Meanwhile, those containing TOC from 1-2 wt %, S2 from 1-2 mg/g and S2 from 5-
10 mg/g are good source rocks and samples that contain more than 2 wt % TOC, S1 more than 2 mg/g and S2
>10 mg/g are considered very good source rocks.
The generation potential (GP), is identified by using the sum of S1+S2 obtained from pyrolysis analysis. The
type of hydrocarbons products (QI) such as oil and gas generated from a source rock by using the ratio of the
values S2 and S3 derived from pyrolysis analysis. Ratio of S 2/S3 is proportional to the amount of hydrogen in a
source rock and is an indicator of the potential to generate oil and gas (Hunt, 1996). Peters (1986) stated that the
geochemical parameters describing source rock generative potential and reported that the samples which contain
QI (=S2/S3) less than 1 are considered poor source rocks. Samples contain from 1 to 5 QI indicating a potential
 306
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

source for generating gas, and samples contain QI from 5 to 10 indicating a potential source for generating oil
and gas. Meanwhile, those containing QI more than 10 indicating a potential source for generating oil.
Waples (1985) used the hydrogen index values (HI) to differentiate between the types of organic matter.
Hydrogen index below about 150 mg/g indicate a potential source for generating gas (mainly type III kerogen).
Hydrogen index between 150-300 mg/g contain more type III kerogen than type II and therefore are capable for
generating mixed gas and oil but mainly gas. Kerogen with hydrogen index above 300 mg/g contain substantial
amount of type II macerals and thus are considered to have good source potential for generating oil and minor
gas. Kerogen with hydrogen index above 600 mg/g usually consists of nearly type I or type II kerogen, they
have excellent potential to generate oil.
Peters, 1986; Espitalie et al., 1985 and Bordenove et al., 1993, reported that oil generation from source
rocks began at Tmax from 435 oC to 465 oC, vitrinite reflectance (Ro %) between 0.5 to 1.35 % and production
index (PI) between 0.2 to 0.4, the organic matters are in immature stage when Tmax has a value less than 435 oC,
Ro% less than 0.5 % and PI less than 0.2 and the gas generation from source rocks began at Tmax 470 oC, Ro %
more than 1.35 % and PI more than 0.4.

Ras Qattara Formation (Lower Jurassic):

Ras Qattara Formation has total organic carbon content (TOC wt %) ranging from 1.22 wt % to 3.86 wt %
(Table 1) indicating good to very good source rocks. The TOC values follow the contouring pattern as indicated
by TOC versus depth (Fig. 6a). The pyrolysis-derived (S1 and S2) values of Ras Qattara samples range from 0.36
to 6.36 mg/g and 1.63 to 7.71 mg/g, respectively (Table 1), indicating poor to good generating potential (Peters,
1986). The S1 and S2 values follow the same contouring pattern as the organic richness as indicated by the
generating potential graph (Fig. 6 b,c).

Table 1: Pyrolysis analysis and vitrinite reflectance measurments of the studied source rocks in Ras Qattara Formation.
Depth T.O.C S1 S2 S3 Tmax Ro % PI S1+S2 S2/S3 HI OI
( ft ) (wt. %) ( °C )
11345 1.22 0.36 1.84 0.92 451 0.87 0.16 3.20 2.00 151 75
11355 1.62 0.47 2.19 0.75 448 - 0.18 3.66 2.92 135 46
11360 1.38 0.51 1.66 1.15 451 - 0.24 3.17 1.44 120 83
11365 1.79 0.61 2.88 1.57 445 - 0.17 4.49 1.83 161 88
11375 2.05 0.65 2.99 0.91 447 0.98 0.18 4.64 3.29 146 44
11385 3.86 6.36 7.49 0.59 449 - 0.46 13.85 12.69 194 15
11390 1.65 0.58 2.26 0.99 454 - 0.20 3.84 2.28 137 60
11395 2.10 0.46 3.05 1.30 441 - 0.13 4.51 2.35 145 62
11420 1.32 0.41 1.63 0.82 453 1.24 0.20 3.04 1.99 123 62
11450 2.55 0.75 4.86 0.90 444 - 0.13 6.61 5.40 191 35
11480 2.20 0.70 3.84 0.93 449 - 0.15 6.54 4.13 175 42
11510 3.06 1.11 7.71 0.91 441 1.43 0.13 9.82 8.47 252 30
11540 1.59 0.53 2.40 0.75 448 - 0.18 3.93 3.20 151 47
11570 2.98 0.85 7.00 1.05 440 - 0.11 7.85 6.67 235 35
11600 1.35 0.66 2.55 0.86 442 - 0.21 4.21 2.97 189 64
11630 1.28 0.54 1.74 1.00 449 1.57 0.24 3.28 1.74 136 78
Note: TOC: Total Organic Carbon in weight percent; S1: Free hydrocarbons percent in the rock (mg HC/g rock); S2: Residual petroleum
potential (mg HC/g rock); S3: Releasing of organically bound CO2 over the temperature range (300–550oC). HI: Hydrogen Index (mg HC/g
TOC); OI: Oxygen Index (mg CO2/g TOC). Tmax: The temperature at which the maximum pyrolytic hydrocarbon (S2) liberated. Ro (%):
Vitrinite reflectance measurements. PI: Production Index = S1/S1+S2. S1+S2: Generation Potential (GP). S2/S3: hydrocarbons products
type or Quality Index (QI).

The generation potential (GP) ranging from 3.04 to 13.85 mg HC/g (Table 1). This data of Ras Qattara
Formation indicates that the organic matters are rated from poor to good generation potential (Ghori and Haines,
2007). The type of hydrocarbons products (QI) such as oil and gas generated from a source rock, is obtained by
using the ratio of S2/S3. The type of hydrocarbons products (QI) of Ras Qattara Formation ranging from 1.44 to
12.69 (Table 1) indicating that this formation is mainly good source for oil generation.
For Ras Qattara Formation the hydrogen index and oxygen index range from 120 to 252 mg/g and 15 to 88
mg/g (Table 1). The relationship between the Hydrogen Index (HI) and Oxygen Index (OI) reflects that this
formation has a potential source rock for generating mixed oil and gas (type III/II of kerogen), (Fig. 7a). The
relation between TOC % and HI indicates that the oil potential of this formation is no source to poor source and
it show that the potential is increased upward to be good source (Mann. et al., 2009) (Fig. 7b).
 307
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

11000 11000 11000

11100 11100 11100

11200 11200 11200

Depth (ft)

Depth (ft)
11300
Depth (ft)

11300 11300

11400 11400 11400

11500 11500 11500

11600 11600 11600

11700 11700 11700

0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TOC (wt %) S1 (mg/g) S2 (mg/g)

Fig. 6: Source rock charactaristics of Ras Qattara Formation at Salam-3X well (Peters, 1986).

1000
900
Hydrogen Index ( mg HC / g TOC )

800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

TOC (wt %)

Fig. 7: Hydrogen index versus Oxygen index (a, Van Krevelen, 1961 modified by Espitalie et al, 1977) and
total organic carbon (b, Mann et al., 2009), show type of source rocks of Ras Qattara Formation.

Ras Qattara Formation has Tmax values range from 440 oC to 454 oC (Table 1) indicating that the samples lie
within oil generation stage (Fig. 8a) and Ro % values range from 0.87 to 1.57 % (Table 1) indicating that the
source rocks are mature where the majority of samples lie within oil generation stage except two samples lie
within gas generation stage (Waples, 1980 and 1985) (Fig. 8b). On the other hand, the production index (PI) of
this formation ranges from 0.11 to 0.46 (Table 1) revealing that the samples lies within gas generation stage and
oil generation stage (Fig. 8c).
In addition, the relation between hydrogen index (HI) and Tmax values confirms that Ras Qattara Formation
is mature (oil generative) source rock and also shows that the organic matter of this formation ranges between
type III and type III/II (Fig. 9a). Furthermore, the relation between PI and Tmax (Fig. 9b), it is indicated that Ras
Qattara Formation is mature approaching to the main stage of hydrocarbon generation (Waples, 1985).

Khatatba Formation (Middel Jurassic):

Khatatba Formation has content of TOC wt % ranging from 0.5 wt % to 5.1 wt % (Table 3) reflecting that
Khatatba source rocks are variegated mainly from fair to very good source rocks (Fig. 10a). The studied samples
 308
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

of Khatatba Formation are characterized by S1 and S2 values range from 0.14 to 1.59 and 0.35 to 9.59 mg/g,
respectively (Table 2) reflecting poor to good source potential (Fig. 10b,c).
The generation potential (S1+S2) of Khatatba Formation ranging from 0.18 to 11.1 8 mg HC/g rock (Table
2) revealing the organic richness of this formation varies from poor to good. The type of hydrocarbons products
(S2/S3) ranging from 0.31 to 19.18 (Table 2) indicates mainly fair to good of oil generation.

11000 11000
11000

11100 11100 11100

11200 11200 11200

Depth (ft)
Depth (ft)

11300 11300 11300

Depth (ft)
11400 11400 11400

11500 11500 11500

11600 11600 11600

11700 11700 11700

420 430 440 450 460 470 480 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
Tmax (deg.c) 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6
Ro (%) Production Index

Fig. 8: Thermal maturity of of Ras Qattara Formation at Salam-3X well (Peters, 1986).

1000 480
Hydrogen Index ( mg HC / g TOC )

900
470
800
700
460
Tmax (deg.c)

600
500 450
400
440
300
200
430
100
0 420
420 430 440 450 460 470 480 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Tmax (deg.c) Production Index

Fig. 9: Relationship between Tmax and Hydrogen Index (a, Espitalie et al, 1985) and Production Index (b, Peters,
1986) of Ras Qattara Formation at Salam-3X well.

The hydrogen index (HI) values of Khatatba Formation range from 53 to 174 mg/g, and OI (oxygen index)
values range from 10 to 270 mg/g (Table 3). The relationship between the HI and OI indicates that the organic
matter classified as type III/II kerogen (mixed type) (Fig. 11a). The relation between TOC % and HI indicates
that the oil potential of this formation is poor to good source and it shows that the potential increases upward to
be good source (Fig. 11b).
 309
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

Table 2: Pyrolysis analysis and vitrinite reflectance measurments of the studied source rocks in Khatatba Formation.
Depth T.O.C S1 S2 S3 Tmax Ro % PI S1+S2 S2/S3 HI OI
( ft ) (wt. %) ( °C )
10040 0.61 0.67 0.76 1.02 440 0.65 0.47 1.43 0.75 125 167
10130 0.66 0.65 0.97 1.42 437 - 0.40 1.62 0.68 147 215
10160 0.56 0.67 0.72 1.03 436 - 0.48 1.39 0.70 129 184
10190 0.50 0.39 0.59 0.86 435 0.69 0.40 0.98 0.69 118 172
10340 1.12 0.77 1.42 2.05 442 - 0.35 2.19 0.69 127 183
10370 0.75 0.47 0.40 0.88 443 - 0.54 0.87 0.45 53 117
10400 1.72 1.05 2.63 1.39 442 - 0.29 3.68 1.89 153 81
10430 0.72 0.43 1.10 1.30 446 0.83 0.28 1.53 0.85 153 181
10460 0.78 0.61 0.70 1.66 445 - 0.47 1.31 0.42 90 213
10490 0.50 0.52 0.35 1.03 442 - 0.60 0.87 0.34 70 206
10860 0.61 0.14 0.54 1.65 444 - 0.21 0.68 0.33 89 270
10890 0.55 0.24 0.40 0.59 443 0.99 0.38 0.64 0.68 73 107
10920 0.50 0.15 0.43 1.01 445 - 0.26 0.58 0.43 86 202
10950 1.07 0.28 1.01 1.54 447 - 0.22 1.29 0.66 94 144
10980 1.36 0.54 1.44 0.80 445 - 0.27 1.98 1.80 106 59
11000 0.93 0.35 1.17 0.79 444 - 0.23 1.52 1.48 126 85
11030 1.11 0.42 1.39 0.68 449 1.45 0.23 1.81 2.04 125 61
11060 0.81 0.24 0.94 0.33 447 - 0.20 1.18 2.85 116 41
11090 1.54 0.47 1.97 0.59 448 - 0.19 2.44 3.34 128 38
11120 1.14 0.19 1.14 0.19 455 - 0.14 1.33 6.00 100 17
11150 0.92 0.32 1.11 0.85 454 - 0.22 1.43 1.31 121 92
11180 1.02 0.32 1.36 0.43 455 1.45 0.19 1.68 3.16 133 42
11210 1.21 0.38 1.41 0.46 455 - 0.21 1.79 3.07 117 38
11240 1.12 0.27 1.14 0.41 452 - 0.19 1.41 2.78 102 37
11270 0.92 0.28 1.04 0.92 452 - 0.21 1.32 1.13 113 100
11295 4.27 1.44 9.05 0.69 447 - 0.14 10.49 13.12 212 16
11300 1.55 0.53 1.81 0.80 451 1.61 0.23 2.34 2.26 117 52
11305 1.50 0.43 2.06 0.67 448 - 0.17 2.49 3.07 137 45
11315 2.95 0.97 5.21 0.63 445 - 0.16 0.18 8.27 177 21
11325 1.19 0.38 1.63 0.89 448 - 0.19 2.01 1.83 137 75
11330 1.85 0.70 2.62 0.98 452 - 0.21 3.32 2.67 142 53
11335 5.10 1.59 9.59 0.50 447 1.67 0.14 11.18 19.18 188 10

10600 10600 10600

10700 10700 10700

10800 10800 10800

Depth (ft)

10900 10900 10900

Depth (ft)

Depth (ft)

11000 11000 11000

11100 11100 11100

11200 11200
11200

11300 11300
11300

11400 11400
11400
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
TOC (wt %)
S1 (mg/g)
S2 (mg/g)

Fig. 10: Source rock charactaristics of Khatatba Formation at Salam-3X well (Peters, 1986).

The maturity parameters of Khatatba Formation as indicated by T max values ranging from 435 to 455 oC,
vitrinite reflectance Ro % measurements ranging from 0.65 to 1.67 % and production index (PI) of this
formation ranges from 0.14 to 0.60 (Table 2) indicating that the studied samples lie in between within oil and
gas generation stages (Fig. 12 a-c).
Moreover, the cross plot of the pyrolysis T max and hydrogen index (HI) (Fig. 13a) revealing that type III
kerogene of organic matters of Khatatba Formation and lie in mature stage of oil zone. The relation between PI
and Tmax (Fig. 13b), indicates that the source rock of Khatatba Formation is mature approaching to the main
stage of hydrocarbon generation.
 310
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

1000 1000

Hydrogen Index ( mg HC / g TOC )

Hydrogen Index ( mg HC / g TOC ) 900 900

800 800

700 700

600 600
500 500
400 400
300 300
200 200
100 100
0
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Oxygen Index (mg CO2 / g TOC) TOC (wt %)

Fig. 11: Hydrogen index versus Oxygen index (a, Van Krevelen, 1961 modified by Espitalie et al, 1977) and
total organic carbon (b, Mann et al., 2009), show type of source rocks of Khatatba Formation.

10600 10600 10600

10700 10700 10700

10800 10800 10800

Depth (ft)

10900 10900
Depth (ft)

10900
Depth (ft)

11000 11000 11000

11100 11100 11100

11200 11200 11200

11300 11300
11300

11400 11400
11400
420 430 440 450 460 470 480 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6
Tmax (deg.c) Ro ( %) Production Index

Fig. 12: Thermal maturity of of Khatatba Formation at Salam-3X well (Peters, 1986).

Masajid Formation (Upper Jurassic):

The content of TOC wt % of Masajid Formation ranges from 0.60 to1.02 wt % (Table 3) revealing that the
organic richness of this formation varies from poor to fair (Fig. 14a). This indicates that the organic matters of
Masajid Formation are deposited in intermediate between oxidizing and reducing, where preservation of lipid-
rich organic matter with limited and substantial source potential (Gogoi et al., 2008). The pyrolysis-derived (S1
and S2) values of Masajid Formation range from 0.48 to 0.91 mg/g and 0.68 to 1.37 mg/g, respectively (Table
3), indicating poor to fair generating source potential. The representation of S 1 and S2 values (Fig. 14b,c)
confirms that the generating potential of the source rocks of this formation is rated from poor to fair.
The generation potential (S1+S2) of Masajid Formation ranging from 1.21 to 2.28 mg HC/g rock (Table 2)
revealing that the organic richness of this formation varies from poor to fair. The type of hydrocarbons products
(S2/S3) ranging from 0.32 to 0.85 (Table 2) indicates mainly fair for oil generation.
The hydrogen index (HI) values of Masajid Formation ranging from 110 to 134 mg/g and oxygen index
(OI) ranging from 148 to 382 mg/g, (Table 3). The relationship between the Hydrogen Index (HI) and Oxygen
Index (OI) suggests a potential to generate type III kerogen as shown in Van Krevelen type diagram (Fig. 15a).
 311
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

The relation between TOC wt % and hydrogen index (HI) indicates that the oil potential of this formation is
poor to good source and it shows that the potential is increased upward to be good source (Fig. 15b).

1000 480
Hydrogen Index ( mg HC / g TOC )

900
470
800

700
460

Tmax (deg.c)
600

500 450

400
440
300

200
430
100

0 420
420 430 440 450 460 470 480 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Tmax (deg.c)
Production Index

Fig. 13: Relationship between Tmax and Hydrogen Index (a, Espitalie et al, 1985) and Production Index (b,
Peters, 1986) of Khatatba Formation at Salam-3X well.

Table 2: Rock Eval pyrolysis and vitrinite reflectance measurments of Masajid Formation.
Depth T.O.C S1 S2 S3 Tmax Ro % PI S2+S3 S2/S3 HI OI
(ft) (wt. %) ( °C )
9830 0.62 0.66 0.78 0.92 434 0.59 0.46 1.44 0.85 126 148
9860 0.75 0.52 0.93 1.52 437 - 0.36 1.45 0.61 124 203
9890 0.80 0.63 0.95 2.62 430 0.75 0.40 1.58 0.36 119 328
9920 0.73 0.57 0.98 1.79 441 - 0.37 1.55 0.55 134 245
9950 0.60 0.48 0.73 2.29 441 0.91 0.40 1.21 0.32 122 382
9980 0.62 0.71 0.68 1.88 435 - 0.51 1.39 0.36 110 303
10010 1.02 0.91 1.37 2.83 439 1.10 0.40 2.28 0.48 134 277

9500 9500 9500

9600 9600 9600

Depth (ft)

9700 9700 9700

Depth (ft)

Depth (ft)

9800 9800 9800

9900 9900 9900

10000 10000 10000

10100 10100
10100
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TOC (wt %) S1 (mg/g) S2 (mg/g)

Fig. 14: Source rock charactaristics of Masajid Formation at Salam-3X well (Peters, 1986).

Masajid Formation (Upper Jurassic) has T max values range from 430 oC to 441 oC (Table 3) reflecting that
the samples lie in between marginally mature to mature stage (Fig. 16a). The vitrinite reflectance measurements
of Masajid Formation, ranging from 0.59 to 1.10 % (Table 3), place this formation within the early stage of
hydrocarbon generation to oil window (Fig. 16b), where the source rocks are considered as mature source rock.
 312
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

Production index (PI) of this formation ranges from 0.36 to 0.51 (Table 3) indicating that the samples lie in
between within oil generation and gas generation stages (Fig. 16c). Moreover, the cross plot of the pyrolysis
Tmax and hydrogen index (HI) (Fig. 17a) reveals type III kerogene of organic matters and lie in mature stage of
oil zone. The relation between PI and T max (Fig. 17b), indicates that the source rock of Masajid Formation is
marginally mature approaching to the main stage of hydrocarbon generation.

1000 1000

Hydrogen Index ( mg HC / g TOC )

900 900
Hydrogen Index ( mg HC / g TOC )

800 800

700 700

600 600

500 500

400 400

300 300
200 200
100 100
0 0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
TOC (wt %)
Oxygen Index (mg CO2 / g TOC)

Fig. 15: Hydrogen index versus Oxygen index (a, Van Krevelen, 1961 modified by Espitalie et al, 1977) and
total organic carbon (b, Mann et al., 2009), show type of source rocks of Masajid Formation.

9500 9500 9500

9600 9600 9600

9700 9700 9700

Depth (ft)

Depth (ft)
Depth (ft)

9800
9800 9800

9900
9900 9900

10000
10000
10000

10100
10100
420 430 440 450 460 470 480 10100
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
Tmax (deg.c)
Ro (%) Production Index

Fig. 16: Thermal maturity of of Masajid Formation at Salam-3X well (Peters, 1986).

Alam El-Bueib Formation (Lower Cretaceous):

The organic richness (TOC wt %) of Alam El-Bueib Formation samples varies from 0.53 to 0.98 wt %
indicating poor to good source rocks (Fig. 18a) (Table 4). This TOC wt % values are associated with
depositional environments intermediate between oxidizing and reducing, where preservation of lipid-rich
organic matter with limited source and substantial source potential (Gogoi et al., 2008). The pyrolysis-derived
S1 and S2 values of Alam El-Bueib Formation samples range from 0.55 to 0.97 mg/g and 0.6 to 1.41 mg/g,
respectively (Table 4), indicating poor to fair generating potential (Peters, 1986). The S 1 values follow the same
contouring pattern as the organic richness as indicated by the generating potential map (Fig. 18b, c). However
few samples are rated as a good potential and all the other samples have poor to fair generating capability; these
 313
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

samples may be contaminated before analysis as they have high production index (PI) from 0.36 to 0.57 (Fig.
18).

1000 480
Hydrogen Index ( mg HC / g TOC )

900
470
800
700
460

Tmax (deg.c)
600
500 450
400
440
300
200
430
100
0 420
420 430 440 450 460 470 480 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Tmax (deg.c) Production Index

Fig. 17: Relationship between Tmax and Hydrogen Index (a, Espitalie et al, 1985) and Production Index (b,
Peters, 1986) of Masajid Formation at Salam-3X well.

8000 8000 8000

8200 8200 8200
8400 8400 8400
8600 8600 8600
Depth (ft)
Depth (ft)

8800 8800
Depth (ft)

8800
9000 9000 9000
9200 9200 9200
9400 9400 9400
9600 9600 9600
9800 9800
9800
10000 10000
10000
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TOC (wt %) S2 (mg/g)
S1 (mg/g)

Fig. 18: Source rock charactaristics of Alam El-Bueib Formation at Salam-3X well (Peters, 1986).

The generation potential (GP), is identified by using the sum of S 1+S2 obtained from pyrolysis analysis. The
generation potential (S1+S2) of the studied samples range from 1.15 to 2.21 mg HC/g rock (Table 4) indicates
that the organic matters are poor to fair generation potential (Ghori and Haines, 2007). Table (4) shows that the
hydrocarbon products S2/S3 of Alam El-Bueib Formation ranging from 0.45 to 1.86 indicate mainly fair of oil
generation.
The hydrogen index (HI) values of the Alam El-Bueib Formation range from 106 to 144 mg/g and oxygen
index (OI) values range from 78 to 248 mg/g (Table 4). The relationship between the Hydrogen Index (HI) and
Oxygen Index (OI) suggests a potential to generate type III kerogen as shown in Van Krevelen type diagram
(Fig. 19a). The relation between TOC wt % and hydrogen index (HI) (Fig. 19b) indicates that the oil potential of
this formation is no source to poor source and it show that the potential is increased upward to be good source
(Mann. et al., 2009).
 314
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

1000 1000

900 900
Hydrogen Index ( mg HC / g TOC )

Hydrogen Index ( mg HC / g TOC )

800 800

700 700

600 600

500 500

400 400

300 300

200 200

100 100

0 0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Oxygen Index (mg CO2 / g TOC) TOC (wt %)

Fig. 19: Hydrogen index versus Oxygen index (a, Van Krevelen, 1961 modified by Espitalie et al, 1977) and
total organic carbon (b, Mann et al., 2009), show type of source rocks of Alam El-Bueib Formation.

Alam El-Bueib Formation (Lower Cretaceous) has Tmax values range from 432 oC to 437 oC (Table 4)
reflecting that the samples lie in mature stage (Fig. 20a), and vitrinite reflectance measurements range from 0.65
to 1.29 % (Table 4) which places this formation within the oil window as it is considered as mature source rock
(Fig. 20b), (Waples, 1980 and 1985). Production index (PI) of this formation ranges from 0.36 to 0.57 (Table 4)
indicating that the samples lie in lie in between within oil generation and gas generation stages (Fig. 20c).
Moreover, the cross plot of the pyrolysis T max and hydrogen index (HI) (Fig. 21a) confirms that Alam El-
Bueib Formation lies in mature stage and is characterized by kerogen of type III. From the relation between PI
and Tmax (Fig. 21b), it indicates that this formation is marginally mature approaching to the main stage of
hydrocarbon generation (Waples, 1985).

8000 8000 8000

8200 8200 8200
8400 8400 8400
8600 8600 8600
Depth (ft)

8800 8800 8800

Depth (ft)
Depth (ft)

9000 9000 9000

9200 9200 9200
9400 9400 9400
9600 9600 9600
9800 9800 9800
10000 10000 10000
420 430 440 450 460 470 480 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
Tmax (deg.c) Ro ( %) Production index

Fig. 20: Thermal maturity of of Alam El-Bueib Formation at Salam-3X well (Peters, 1986).

Timing of Petroleum Generation:

In the present study, the burial history model of the different hydrocarbon bearing rock units in Salam-3X
well was constructed to predict the maturity of the source rock, timing of hydrocarbon generation, expulsion and
migration (Fig. 22). The oil window in this work is defined as the depth interval between peak of hydrocarbon
generation (Ro= 0.85 %) and the oil floor (Ro= 1.35 %) according to Waples (1980 and 1985).
 315
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

Burial modeling (Fig. 22) shows that Ras Qattara Formation entered to the early stage of hydrocarbon
generation during Early Cretaceous time at 100 Mybp (million years before present). It reached to the oil
window during Late Cretaceous time at 92 to 72 Mybp and entered to the gas generation at 76 Mybp during
Late Cretaceous till present time. Khatatba Formation started to generate hydrocarbons during Cretaceous time
at 93 to 76 Mybp as indicated by the thermal burial history model (Fig. 22). It reached to the oil window (peak
of hydrocarbon generation) during Late Cretaceous at 90 Mybp till Eocene time at 42 Mybp and reached to the
gas generation at 72 Mybp during Late Cretaceous till present time. Khatatba Formation bears a mature source
rock with good generating capability for both oil and gas.
Masajid Formation entered to the early stage of hydrocarbon generation at 90 Mybp (million years before
present) during Early Cretaceous time. It reached to the oil window to during Late Cretaceous time at 75 Mybp
till Oligocene time at 35 Mybp and entered to the gas generation at 40 Mybp during Eocene till present time
(Fig. 22). Meanwhile, Alam El-Bueib Formation reached to the early stage of hydrocarbon generation during
Late Cretaceous time at 88 Mybp till present time. Also, it entered to the peak of hydrocarbon generation during
Late Cretaceous time at 73 Mybp till present time and reached to the gas generation during Oligocene time at 34
Mybp till present time (Fig. 22).

1000 480
900
470
800
Hydrogen Index ( mg HC / g TOC )

700
460
Tmax (deg.c)

600

500 450

400
440
300

200 430
100
420
0
420 430 440 450 460 470 480 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
Tmax (deg.c) Production index

Fig. 21: Relationship between Tmax and Hydrogen Index (a, Espitalie et al, 1985) and Production Index (b,
Peters, 1986) of Alam El-Bueib Formation at Salam-3X well.

Conclusions:

1. The isopach map showed that the thickness of Masajid sediments increases toward the northeastern and
western directions. Triangle facies map of Masajid Formation showed that limestone (non-clastic) facies are
predominance in this formation reflecting open marine depositional environment. In addition, the isopach map
showed that the thickness of Alam El-Bueib sediments increases toward the eastern and western directions.
Moreover, triangle facies map of Alam El-Bueib Formation showed that argillaceous sandstone facies are
predominance in this formation reflecting terrestrial to shallow marine depositional environment.
2. The lithostratigraphic correlation chart illustrated that Jurassic formations, except Masajid one, are not
easily correlated through the correlated wells, while Cretaceous formations are easily correlated where they are
well represented at all the correlated wells. Also, it shows that the thickness of Kharita and Abu Roash
formations relatively increases toward the north direction while, the thickness of Khoman Formation relatively
increases toward the south direction. This may be due to tectonic regime prevailing in the area.
3. Ras Qattara Formation constitutes a mature source rock has good very good generating capability for both
oil and gas.
4. Khatatba Formation bears a mature source rock, and has poor to good generating capability for both oil and
gas.
5. Masajid and Alam El-Bueib formations bears a mature source rocks and have poor to fair generating
capability for generating gas (type III kerogen).
6. The burial history modeling of the sedimentary section shows that Ras Qattara and Khataba formations lie
within the gas window, Masajid Formation lies within oil and gas windows, and Alam El-Bueib Formation is
still within the early stage of hydrocarbon generation.
 316
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

Therefore, Ras Qattara and Khatatba formations are the main source rock for hydrocarbon accumulations at
Salam-3X well. Masajid and Alam El-Bueib formations are also considered as effective source rocks for
generating hydrocarbons.

Fig. 22: Burial history model for Salam-3X well in the North Western Desert, Egypt.

References

Abdel Aziz, A.L., 1994. Jurassic source rock maturity and thermal history modeling of the Khalda west area,
North Western Desert Egypt. EGPC 12th Petrol. Explor. and Prod. Conf., Cairo, Egypt, 2: 217-233.
Amin, M.S., 1961. Subsurface features and oil prospects of the Western Desert, Egypt. 3 rd Arab. Petrol. Cong.,
Alexandria, Egypt, pp: 2-8.
Bordenove, M.L., J. Espitalie, P. Leplat, J.L. Oudin and M. Vandenbrouke, 1993. Screening techniques for
source rock evaluation. In: Bardenove (ed.), Applied Petrol. Geochem., Paris Editions Technip., pp: 217-
278.
El-khadragy, A.A. and M. Sharaf, 1994. Inferring the basement structure of northwestern Desert, using potential
field data. Bull. Fac. Sci., Zagazig Univ., 16(2): 92-110.
El-khadragy, A.A., M.H. Saad and A. Azab, 2010. Crustal modeling of south Sitra area, north Western Desert,
Egypt using Bouguer gravity data. Journal of Applied Science Research, 61(1): 22-27.
Espitalie, J., G. Deroo and F. Marquis, 1985. Rock-Eval pyrolysis and its application. Rev. Inst. Fr. Petrol, 40:
748-755.
 317
Middle East J. Appl. Sci., 4(2): 300-317, 2014

Espitalie, J., M. Madec, B.P. Tissot, J.J. Mening and P. Leplate, 1977. Source rock characterization method for
petroleum exploration. 9th Annual offshore Tech. Conf., OTC 2935, 3: 439-448.
Ghori, K.A.R. and P.W. Haines, 2007. Paleozoic petroleum systems of the canning basin, Western Australia:
Search and Discovery Article No.10120.
Gogoi, K., M.N. Dutta and P.K. Das, 2008. Source rock potential for hydrocarbon generation of Makum coals,
Upper Assam, India. Current Sci., 95(2): 233-239.
Hunt, J.H., 1996. Petroleum geochemistry and geology. 2nd. ed., Freeman and Comapny, New York, 743 p.
Krumbein, W.C. and L.L. Sloss, 1963. Stratigraphy and sedimentation. 2 nd Ed., San Francisco, California,
Freeman, 660 p.
Lopatin, N.V., 1971. Time and temperature as factors in coalification, Izvestiya Akademiya Nauk USSR.,
Seriya Geologich- eskaya, 3: 95-106.
Mann, U., J. Knies, S. Chand, W. Jokat, R. Stein and J. Zweigel, 2009. Evaluation and modeling of Tertiary
source rocks in the central Arctic Ocean, Marine and Petroleum Geology, 26: 1624-1639.
Matbouly, I.S., 1993. Geochemistry of the Jurassic system in the Northern Western Desert. EGPC 1st Seminar
on Study of Jurassic System in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt.
Meshref, W.M., 1982. Regional structural setting of northern Egypt. 6 th Explor. and Prod. Conf., Cairo, Egypt,
1: 17-34.
Norton, P., 1967. Rock-stratigraphic nomenclature of the Western Desert, Egypt. Int. Report of GPC, Cairo,
Egypt, 557.
Parker, J.R., 1982. Hydrocarbon habitat of the Western Desert, Egypt. EGPC 6 th Explo. and Prod. Conf., Cairo,
EGPC Bull., 1: 24.
Peters, K.E., 1986. Guidelines for evaluating petroleum source rock using programmed pyrolysis. AAPG Bull.,
70: 318-329.
Said, R., 1962. The geology of Egypt. Elsevier Publ. Co., Amsterdam, Oxford and New York, 277 p.
Said, R., 1990. Cretaceous paleogeographic maps. In Said, R. (ed.). The Geology of Egypt. Balkema-
Rotterdam-Brook field, pp: 439-449.
Schlumberger, 1984. Well Evaluation Conference, Egypt. Geology of Egypt, pp: 1-64.
Schlumberger, 1995. Well Evaluation Conference, Egypt. Schlumberger Technical Editing Services, Chester,
pp: 58-66.
Shalaby, M.R., A.T. Abdel-Hameed, M.M. El-Awady and A.N. Abu Shady, 2000. Structural setting and
sedimentary environments using dipmeter analysis of some Jurassic reservoirs, North Western Desert,
Egypt. 5th International Conf., Geology of the Arab World, Cairo Univ., Egypt, pp: 217-220.
Van Krevelen, D.W., 1961. Coal Typology Chemistry Physics Constitution, Elsevier Publishing Company.
Waples, D.W., 1980. Time and temperature in petroleum formation, application of Lopatin's method to
petroleum exploration, AAPG Bull., 64: 916-926.
Waples, D.W., 1985. Geochemistry in petroleum exploration. International Human Resources Development
Corporation, Boston, 232 p.
Zein El Din, M.Y., A.A. El-Gawad, H.M. El-Shayb and I.A. Haddad, 2001. Geological studies and hydrocarbon
potentialities of the Mesozoic rocks in Ras Kanayis onshore area, North Western Desert, Egypt, pp: 488-
505.