Elhamy A. Tarabees

Polygonal faults in chalk: Insights from extensive exposures of the Khoman Formation, Western Desert, Egypt

Although polygonal fault systems and related features are common in fine-grained sediments in modern submarine basins and have been studied in basins worldwide using three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data, extensive on-land exposures have remained elusive. We report here on the discovery of a polygonal fault system occurring in nearly continuous surface exposure over ∼900 km 2 in chalk of the Cretaceous Khoman Formation near Farafra Oasis, Egypt. Field exposures reveal polygon boundaries defined by clusters of dozens of normal faults with strongly grooved fault surfaces and coarse calcite veins along faults with evidence for multiple fluid flow events. Geometric patterns and fault intersections reveal that mechanically interacting normal faults with multiple orientations were active contemporaneously in a horizontal strain field that was essentially isotropic and extensional. We interpret the very steep dips (∼80°) to reflect fault initiation in response to elevated pore fluid pressures. In the uppermost part of the Khoman Formation, a terrain of isolated circular structures displaying shallow inward dips overlies the polygonal fault network. The spatial relationship to the underlying faults is consistent with these small circular basins having formed as fluid escape structures as the polygonal fault system evolved. Outcrops in the Khoman Formation provide an unprecedented look into the 3-D geometry of a polygonal fault system, providing context for the analysis of analogous systems in marine basins and other on-land exposures.

RESERVOIR EVALUATION OF BAHARIYA FORMATION IN TUT OIL FIELD, NORTH WESTERN DESERT, EGYPT

Tut Oil Field is located in the northwestern part of the Western Desert, Egypt. This work aims to study the subsurface and reservoir characteristics to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of Bahariya Formation based on subsurface data available from open-hole well log records of nine wells distributed in the area of study. The subsurface geologic setting, in terms of determining the stratigraphic and structural settings, is gained through the construction of different aligned stratigraphic and structural cross sections, isopach and lithofacies maps. The petrophysical evaluation, in terms of determining the petrophysical characteristics; net pay thickness, effective porosity (∅eff), shale content (Vsh ), water saturation (Sw) and hydrocarbon saturation ( Sh ), is acquired through quantitative computer processed interpretation. The petrophysical characteristics are illustrated laterally in the form of iso-parametric maps and vertically in the form of litho-saturation cross-plots. According to subsurface study and petrophysical evaluation the most productive area is located in central and southern parts of Tut field.