Petrophysical and structural evaluation of the Jurassic Khatatba Formation (Lower Safa Member) in JG Field, Abu Gharadig Basin, Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

This research assessed the hydrocarbon prospectivity of the Lower Safa Member (Khatatba Formation) of the JG Field, Abu Gharadig Basin (AGB), Egypt, for future exploration in the AGB and comparable basins. Twenty-nine seismic lines and five wells' wireline logs (JG-8 ST, JG-5 ST, JG-1 ST, JG-13, and JG-16) were utilized to examine the reservoir's structural and petrophysical properties. Seismic interpretation provided a fault-controlled pattern of NE-SW and NW-SE striking normal faults that form 3-way dip closures. Petrophysical analyses revealed reservoir zones with net pay thicknesses up to 50 m, effective porosity of 13–21 %, low shale content of 2–10 %, hydrocarbon saturation of 50–95 %, and low BVW (0.01–0.08). Core photo analysis of the JG-8 well revealed six different lithofacies, e.g., laminated shales, silty shales, and well-sorted sandstones. These are in accordance with interpretations of various depositional environments, e.g., fluvial channels, deltaic distributary systems, and floodplain to marginal marine environments. These findings highlighted the multi-facies architecture and structural compartmentalization of the Lower Safa Member and demonstrated its strong reservoir potential and regional exploration significance.