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The Arab Formation in central Abu Dhabi: 3-D reservoir architecture and
static and dynamic modeling

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GeoArabia, Vol. 8, No. 1, 2003
Gulf PetroLink, Bahrain Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

The Arab Formation in central Abu Dhabi:


3-D reservoir architecture and static and dynamic modeling

Jürgen Grötsch, Omar Suwaina, Ghiath Ajlani,


Ahmed Taher, Reyad El-Khassawneh, Stephen Lokier, Gordon Coy,
Erik van der Weerd, Shehadeh Masalmeh and Johan van Dorp

ABSTRACT

A 3-D geological model of the Kimmeridgian-Tithonian Manifa, Hith, Arab, and Upper
Diyab formations in the area of the onshore Central Abu Dhabi Ridge was based on a
newly established sequence stratigraphic, sedimentologic, and diagenetic model. It was
part of an inter-disciplinary study of the large sour-gas reserves in Abu Dhabi that are
mainly hosted by the Arab Formation. The model was used for dynamic evaluations and
recommendations for further appraisal and development planning in the studied field.

Fourth-order aggradational and progradational cycles are composed of small-scale fifth-


order shallowing-upward cycles, mostly capped by anhydrite within the Arab-ABC. The
study area is characterized by a shoreline progradation of the Arab Formation toward
the east-northeast marked by high-energy oolitic/bioclastic grainstones of the Upper
Arab-D and the Asab Oolite. The Arab-ABC, Hith, and Manifa pinch out toward the
northeast. The strongly bioturbated Lower Arab-D is an intrashelf basinal carbonate
ramp deposit, largely time-equivalent to the Arab-ABC. The deposition of the Manifa
Formation over the Arab Formation was a major back-stepping event of the shallow-
water platform before the onset of renewed progradation in the Early Cretaceous.

Well productivity in the Arab-ABC is controlled mainly by thin, permeable dolomitic


streaks in the fifth-order cycles at the base of the fourth-order cycles. This has major
implications for reservoir management, well completion and stimulation, and
development planning. Good reservoir properties have been preserved in the early
diagenetic dolomitic streaks. In contrast, the reservoir properties of the Upper Arab-D
oolitic/bioclastic grainstones deteriorate with depth due to burial diagenesis.

A rock-type scheme was established because complex diagenetic overprinting prevented


the depositional facies from being directly related to petrophysical properties. Special
core analysis and the attribution of saturation functions to static and dynamic models
were made on a cell-by-cell basis using the scheme and honoring the 3-D depositional
facies and property model. The results demonstrated the importance of integrating
sedimentological analysis and diagenesis with rock typing and static and dynamic
modeling so as to enhance the predictive capabilities of subsurface models.

INTRODUCTION

This paper focuses on an Upper Jurassic intrashelf basin (Figures 1 and 9) and, in particular, on the
architecture of the Arab Formation in onshore Abu Dhabi. Previous studies of the Upper Jurassic in
Abu Dhabi were mainly of offshore areas or the intrashelf basin infill of the Diyab Formation
(de Matos and Hulstrand, 1995; Al-Silwadi et al., 1996; Azer and Peebles, 1998; Al-Suwaidi et al., 2000;
Al-Suwaidi and Aziz, 2002). Until now, stratigraphic analysis and well correlations had been mostly
limited to the main reservoir-bearing intervals of the Arab depositional system (the Arab-ABC and
Upper Arab-D), which has led to confusing definitions of Arab-A, -B, -C and -D. In this study, a large
onshore data set was used, including newly acquired information from a well that had been fully
cored through the Arab sequence.

47
Grötsch et al.

Maydan Fateh
52°E Mahzam Bul Salman 54°Falah Hamidiyah 56°
(Sassan) Fateh SW
Hanine Sajaa
North Dome
Idd Al-Shargi Nasr Rashid Moveyeid
Abu Al Bukhoosh Juwaiza
South Dome Kahaif
Bu Danah Dubai
Mandous
A-Structure North Umm Khubai
Shaif 25°
Al-Karkara El Bunduq Margham
QATAR Belbazem ARABIAN
A-Structure South Bu Haseer
Umm Umm Al Dholou GULF
25°N Satah Al Salsal
Bin Nashef Zakum
Jarnain Umm
Arzanah Saath Khusub
Al Razbooth Mubarraz Al Dalkh
Bu Jufair C Abu
Umm
Dalma Al Anbar Dhabi
UNITED ARAB
A EMIRATES
Ghasha B Umm Zal
Hair
Dalmah Al Lulu
Neewat
Al Ghalan Hail Jarn Yaphour

Shuweihat
Shanayel
0
N 100
Murban-Bab Al Dabb'iya
Central
Abu Dhabi Ridge Rumaitha km
Arjan
Ruwais
Bida Al Qemzan Basin OMAN
Sahil

Intrashelf
TURKEY Caspian basin margin Shams
SAUDI Sea Bu Hasa
ARABIA N Asab
SYRIA Riqeah
0 km 300
Med Sea IRAN
Dhafra Safah
Marzuk Huwaila Platform Haliba
IRAQ
JORDAN Mushash
KUWAIT
L-II-B Bu Qalla L1 G 23°
Lekhwair Madiq
Ar G u
ab l f

Al Barakah
ia
n

BAHRAIN Shah
23° 2
QATAR Lekhwair E2 Daleel
EGYPT Arabian Zarrarah Qusahwira Mender
Shield UAE
OMAN 1
3 Mezoon
Dhulaima
52°SAUDI ARABIA 54° Shaybah
Red
SUDAN Sea

YEMEN Figure 1: Location map indicating studied field with Arab reservoir
ERITREA
Arabian Sea
(red frame).
ETHIOPIA Gulf of Aden

The Upper Jurassic Arab-ABC, and Upper Arab-D are hydrocarbon-bearing (Figures 2 and 3) in onshore
and offshore Abu Dhabi as well as in neighboring countries (Meyer et al., 2000; Lucia et al., 2001).
There is commercial hydrocarbon production from several offshore fields but onshore fields in the
Arab Formation have not yet been developed. Reservoirs consist of a series of thinly bedded dolomite
and limestone streaks of variable reservoir quality interbedded with impermeable anhydrite layers
(Arab-ABC) and a more uniform coarse-grained oolitic/bioclastic limestone unit below (Upper Arab-
D). The ultimate top seal for this sequence in western Abu Dhabi was previously thought to be the
Hith Anhydrite, but may rather be the tight limestones of the basal Cretaceous Habshan Formation.
Evidence for this is that sour gas of similar composition as in the Arab-ABC, has been found in the
Manifa Formation (Figure 3) that overlies the Hith Anhydrite in the studied field. Oil and gas with a
high H2S content has also been found in the Habshan. This suggests that sour gas has migrated into
even higher overlying reservoirs, possibly along fault planes.

A potentially significant sour-oil accumulation has been identified offshore toward the west and north,
and adjacent to the large accumulation of sour gas in the Arab Formation within the studied field.
This discovery has triggered further exploration activities in the Central Abu Dhabi Ridge area. In the
studied onshore field (Figure 1), the Arab-A, -B, -C and -D reservoirs contain gas (Figure 2). The sour
gas (57% C1 /C2, 33% H2S, 10% CO2) occurs in a gas-down-to situation. An overall goal of the study
team was to develop an optimized sustainable way of separating the hydrocarbon components from
the acid gas (H2S, CO2) and use the latter in enhanced oil recovery schemes (not discussed in this
paper). A regional-scale 3-D geological field model was developed for the Arab Formation and its
surroundings, as well as the results of dynamic modeling from sour-gas production and acid-gas re-
injection.

48
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

CENTRAL ABU DHABI RIDGE


South-southwest North-northeast
X27 Bb-116
Bb-427 X16 X02
Bb-2 X89
Bb-389
A A'

Depth
Gas

(ft)
Middle Cretaceous

Nahr Umr Formation


Wasia Group

8,000
Oil

Water

Bab Mbr
A
Kharaib

B 9,000

D
Lekhwair Fm
Lower Cretaceous
Thamama Group

10,000
Habshan Fm

11,000

A'
Hith/Manifa
1 ,5 0 .
Upper Jurassic

10 ,60 0 ft
10 ,70

Arab-ABC
10

10 0,4 00
10 ,3 00
Sila Group

(Qatar)
,2 00

00
10,1 0
0

Arab-D
(Fahahil)

N
Diyab 0 km 20
A 12,000

Figure 2: Schematic cross-section through the studied field. See Figure 5 for location.

So far, no consensus has been reached on the lithostratigraphic nomenclature of the Upper Jurassic
Arab Formation. No model was available that described the sequence architecture of the Formation in
Abu Dhabi beyond discussions by Al-Silwadi et al. (1996), Azer and Peebles (1998), Ayoub and
En Nadi (2000), and the Arabian Plate summary of Sharland et al. (2001). A prime objective of this
study was to generate a comprehensive depositional and high-resolution sequence stratigraphic model.
The studied field and its surroundings are ideally suited for this as the area straddles the maximum
progradational coastline during Arab times, and therefore allows analysis of lateral as well as vertical
facies changes.

In order to allow for quantitative evaluation, the integrated reservoir characterization and modeling
study had the following objectives:

1. To assess key geological uncertainties in the Arab Formation.


2. To build a regional 3-D static model of the Arab Formation for the quantitative evaluation of reservoir
architecture and volumetric ranges.

49
Grötsch et al.

HYDROCARBON HABITAT AND STRATIGRAPHY

Seq.
System

Strati-
Group
Western Central and Southeast Shows graphy
Northeast (Sharland
et al., 2001)
Cretaceous

Simsima
Upper

Aruma

Fiqa
Halul
Laffan

Ruwaidha
Cretaceous

Tuwayil
Mishrif
Middle

Mishrif
Wasia

Shilaif AP8

Mauddud
Limestone
Nahr Umr

Bab Member Oolitic grainstone


Cretaceous

Shu'aiba
Thamama
Lower

Kharaib
Dolomite
Lekhwair
Gypsum, anhydrite
Habshan MFS J110
Manifa
Asab
Jurassic

Hith Oolite 149 Ma Sandstone


Upper

Arab ABC
Arab-D Upper
Arab-D (Lower)
Hanifa MFS J70
Diyab
Shale
Tuwaiq Mountain Lst. Hadriya
Sila

Upper Araej
AP7 Source rock
Lower/Middle
Jurassic

Lower Araej Uwainat Aquifer


Izhara Gas
Hamlah
Oil
Marrat
Minor oil

Figure 3: The Arab Formation in the context of the hydrocarbon habitat of the Central Abu Dhabi
Ridge, showing stacked Jurassic and Cretaceous intrashelf basins.

3. To provide input for dynamic modeling to allow for uncertainty analysis related to sour-gas
production and acid-gas re-injection.
4. To develop the basic decision-making tools for further Arab appraisal and field development
planning.
5. To provide, in part, for future Arab exploration, appraisal, recovery process evaluation, and field
development planning in the Central Abu Dhabi Ridge area.

Using the Arab reservoir as an example, a workflow outline is provided of an integrated reservoir
characterization and modeling study as performed by an asset-based team using Shell’s proprietary
subsurface 3-D modeling tools, such as GEOCAP and MoReS (Grötsch et al., 2000).

GEOLOGIC SETTING

The Jurassic and Cretaceous sedimentary successions of Abu Dhabi (Figures 2 and 3) fill intrashelf
basins that developed as a result of the repeated generation of large volumes of accommodation space
on the Arabian Plate (Murris, 1980). Until recently, the organization and architecture of the intrashelf
basin infill was poorly understood due to difficulties in dating the events, the limited and low-resolution
regional seismic data, and the traditionally used lithostratigraphic terminology (see page 52). Only in
the past few years has the complexity and depositional architecture of these individual basins begun
to be unraveled with the advent of high-resolution seismic data and the application of sequence

50
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

PETROPHYSICAL AND REGIONAL MARKERS


Formation Core
Depth (ft)
Core Density Porosity Water Sequence
Gamma- Permeability 1.95 g/cc 2.95 0 % 20
Ray Unsmoothed
Saturation Stratigraphy
CNL µsec/m CPI Porosity
0 API 100 0.1 mD 1,000 45 NPHI -15 100 0 0 % 20 100 % 0
MFS J100
AP8
Top Manifa
11,200 AP7

Top Hith
11,250

11,300
Top Arab-ABC

11,350

11,400

11,450

11,500

11,550
Top Arab-D
upper
11,600

Top Arab-D
11,650
lower

11,700

11,750

11,800

11,850

11,900

11,950

12,000
Top Diyab
12,050
MFS J70
12,100

Figure 4: Petrophysics and regional markers for Well-X01. This petrophysical overview for
the Manifa, Hith, Arab-ABC, and Upper Arab-D was used in the 3-D model. Note the
pronounced streakiness of the reservoir in the Arab-ABC. See Figure 5 for well location.

stratigraphic concepts. Often the fill of these intrashelf basins contains both reservoir rocks,
predominately shallow-water facies along the prograding margins, and source rocks in slightly deeper
ramp settings within the central part of the intrashelf basins. However, the quality of both reservoir
and source rocks are highly variable through time in the different intrashelf basin infill cycles.

The Arab and its associated formations and members (Hith, Manifa, Arab-ABC, Upper and Lower
Arab-D, and Asab Oolite) are of Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian to Tithonian) age. These lithostratigraphic
units are summarized as the Arab sequence. This is a large-scale eastward-prograding intrashelf basinal
depositional system that encompasses several sedimentary environments on the Arabian Platform.
The Arab-ABC, Hith and Manifa formations pinch out toward the northeasternmost part of the studied

51
Grötsch et al.

field. The Lower Arab-D is considered to be an intrashelf basinal deposit, time-equivalent to the Arab-
ABC. Coastal deposits are characterized by oolitic grainstones of the Upper Arab-D and its younger
facies equivalent, the Asab Oolite. In onshore and offshore Abu Dhabi, a large-scale eastward
progradation of the coastline took place over more than 150 km. This was the expression of the infill
of accommodation space in an intrashelf basin generated by a long-term Late Jurassic rise in sea level,
which was part of the Tectonostratigraphic Megasequence (TMS) AP7 of Sharland et al. (2001).
Slope angles in the intrashelf basin are very low (< 0.5°), which qualifies the depositional system as a
carbonate ramp.

Lithostratigraphy

Historically, correlation in the Arab intrashelf basin-infill cycle (Arab-ABC, Manifa, Hith, Arab-D, and
Asab Oolite) was primarily based on lithostratigraphic concepts using mainly porosity logs and data
from reservoir development for guidance. This caused miscorrelation of reservoir units on both field
scale and regional scales (Al-Silwadi et al., 1996). Therefore, all key marker horizons in the Upper
Jurassic were re-evaluated with respect to their chronostratigraphic or lithostratigraphic significance
for input into the evaluation of the seismic data and the regional 3-D geological model.

The Top Upper Jurassic (Top Manifa) is defined at the base of the high gamma-ray response below the
basal Cretaceous limestone (Base Habshan) (Figure 4). It marks the beginning of a renewed transgressive
phase and has chronostratigraphic significance. It most likely corresponds to the Sharland et al. (2001)
Arabian Plate tectonostratigraphic megasequence AP7/8 boundary at 149 Ma—the Late Jurassic
unconformity. The Hith Formation is defined in the model area on gamma-ray markers and not simply
on base and top of the anhydrite. This was necessary as the Hith and upper Arab-ABC units become
more anhydrite-rich toward the west, and therefore cross time lines.

The Arab Formation is traditionally divided into the Arab-A, -B, -C and Arab-D. However, definitions
of Arab-A, -B, and -C vary from field to field and do not necessarily represent the same
chronostratigraphic unit. The combined Arab-ABC is here defined as the lithostratigraphic unit
composed of high-frequency dolomite-anhydrite shallowing-upward cycles capped by the massive
Lower and Upper Hith Anhydrite. The top of the Arab-D reservoir is picked at the top of the clean
gamma-ray trend, which is an oolitic and bioclastic grainstone section. It coincides with the occurrence
of a black marker limestone that commonly contains pyrite. However, this marker is clearly
lithostratigraphic and does not represent a time-line suitable for sequence stratigraphic analysis,
although it is important in 3-D model construction (see below). The pick for the Top Diyab Formation
is characterized by an increase in the gamma-ray response below the base of the Lower Arab-D
(MFS J70 at 152.75 Ma after Sharland et al., 2001). Therefore, the lithostratigraphic unit of the Lower
Arab-D is a time-transgressive deposit of a mid- to deeper ramp environment within the Arab intrashelf
basin on the Arabian Platform.

Structural History

Pre-Cretaceous structural lineaments are one controlling factor in the development of the present-day
large-scale structures in Abu Dhabi. Major lineament sets trend approximately north and northwest.

The N-trending lineaments are basement ridges similar to the Qatar Arch. They cross the whole of
Abu Dhabi and are offset by predominantly NW-oriented wrench-fault zones. The studied area is
part of one ridge, here named the Central Abu Dhabi Ridge. It was later tectonically overprinted by
several anticlines (onshore) and salt domes (offshore) that contain major hydrocarbon accumulations
in Abu Dhabi.

The large-scale regional depositional architecture in the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous of Abu
Dhabi shows only small lateral thickness variations. This suggests that the area was tectonically stable
while expansion of the NeoTethys was ongoing.

52
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

A major phase of tectonic activity in eastern Abu Dhabi occurred in the mid and Late Cretaceous
(Aptian to Maastrichtian) in response to the closure of NeoTethys and continental collision with the
Arabian Plate. During the deposition of the Middle Cretaceous Wasia Group, the first sign of growth
of present-day major structures is indicated by slightly reduced formation thicknesses in several fields,
and by thickening in the Hamra syncline of southeastern Abu Dhabi. This was probably the initial
response of the foreland to the onset of collision and the downwarping of the eastern Emirates and
Oman due to crustal thickening in the Oman Mountains. Progressive infill in this area took place
during deposition of the Mishrif, Laffan, and Halul formations (Figure 3) in Turonian to Santonian
times. The increased flexing of the foreland area created small extensional faults in a NNW-strike
direction toward the end of this period.

By the time the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) Fiqa Formation (Figure 3) was deposited, the foreland
area was being affected by a major compressional phase in response to the emplacement of the Oman
Mountains ophiolite thrust sheets. This caused folding and subsequent wrench faulting in Abu Dhabi
with the wrench faulting taking place on reactivated, deep-seated WNW-trending lineaments. Wrench
faulting and folding in onshore Abu Dhabi and thrusting along the Oman Mountain front ceased at the end
of the Cretaceous (Maastrichtian). It had created the anticlinal structures of the present-day major oil and
gas fields and had caused crestal erosion and thickening of the Fiqa on their flanks (Figure 5). The complex
collision geometry evidenced by the Maastrichtian structures in the Hajar (Oman) Mountains, suggests
that several different phases of compression may have taken place. It is possible that the earlier phase was
more oblique and created the pull-apart wrench faults prior to compressional wrenching.

3-D seismic data from other parts of the region clearly demonstrate that the large anticlines are cut by
wrench-fault zones containing typical small pull-apart and pop-up blocks, and horsetail fault patterns
(Javaux et al., 1994; Silva et al., 1996; Melville et al., in press). However, compressional anticlines, as
developed in onshore Abu Dhabi, are replaced or overprinted by salt movement and the development
of salt domes offshore.

TOP JURASSIC

U01
N

Z05 Y01
Cross-section (Figure 20)

W02 3,146
X89
Cross-section
(Figure 2)
X02
X27 3,221
Depth (m)

Seismic lin
X16 X61 e (Figure
10)
X01 Correlation
panel
V01 3,297
0 20 (Figure 19)

km

3,448
Figure 5: Tentative Top Jurassic structure map of the studied field with faults shown as red
lines. Dip angles in the flanks of the field are less than 5°. Well locations are shown as X01.

53
Grötsch et al.

The Maastrichtian Simsima Formation filled part of the residual morphology over the major tectonic
structures. It is thicker in the west due to isostatic uplift of the eastern area during the Maastrichtian
that caused exposure at the mountain front between Al ‘Ain and Ra’s Al-Khaima. Subsequent burial
and uplift, with tilting toward the west, plus compaction and possible ongoing growth of some anticlines
due to movement on deep-seated salt cores, continued into the early Tertiary. The Zagros compression
in the Oligocene caused preferential tilting down toward the northeast.

Older and deeper structural elements may also have controlled some of the main depositional events.
Examples are the edge of the Upper Jurassic Hith Anhydrite and the Asab Oolite with its clinoforms,
and the Lower Cretaceous progradation of the Habshan Formation with a north-northwesterly strike
direction. The main axis of the Shu’aiba intrashelf basin is oriented northwest and therefore deviates
slightly from the general northerly strike direction.

Hydrocarbon System

Over long distances, significant changes in hydrocarbon fill (gas–condensate–light oil) occur in the
Arab Formation on the Central Abu Dhabi Ridge. On a smaller scale, the Arab-ABC consists of thinly
layered beds of dolomite and anhydrite. Both examples suggest the possibility of lateral and vertical
compartmentalization in the reservoir.

The principal source rock is the prolific underlying Diyab Formation, and possibly other unknown
sources (Figure 3). The Diyab Formation is directly overlain by the Arab reservoirs (Al-Suwaidi et al.,
2000; Al-Suwaidi and Aziz, 2002). It is part of the pre-Arab intrashelf basin infill. However, unlike the
Arab Formation, the progradational direction in Abu Dhabi during the Oxfordian to lower
Kimmeridgian was from east to west. This is the opposite direction to that in the upper Kimmeridgian
to Tithonian Arab intrashelf-basin infill. The Diyab Formation in onshore Abu Dhabi is still within the
gas-generating window and the charge may be ongoing.

The Diyab Formation is subdivided into the Upper, Middle, and Lower Diyab lithological units. The
Lower Diyab provides more than 90 percent of the Diyab source potential and is the main hydrocarbon-
generating interval. It has a very high gamma-ray log response and relatively low sonic velocity. In
western Abu Dhabi it is particularly rich in organic matter with a present-day average Total Organic
Carbon (TOC) value of up to 1.5 weight percent. However, the original source rock potential of the
Lower Diyab must have been substantially higher. The potential of the Middle Diyab is more moderate
with an effective source-rock thickness ranging from 25 to 75 ft, with the greatest thickness in the west.
The Upper Diyab is organically lean and has a residual TOC of less than 0.8 weight percent in much of
Abu Dhabi.

The trapping mechanism for the gas is mainly structural with a stratigraphic component due to the
Arab-ABC pinch-out toward the eastern edge of the studied field. Wrench faulting has been interpreted
from 3-D seismic data in several onshore and offshore fields in Abu Dhabi and is likely to also occur in
the studied field where 3-D seismic acquisition has only recently started. As a third component, it is
expected that lateral fault sealing in a ENE-direction supported trapping of hydrocarbons. The Hith
Anhydrite and anhydrite interbedded within the Arab-ABC reservoir can form additional
intraformational seals or areally limited barriers to vertical flow.

Significant hydrocarbon generation and expulsion started in southwestern onshore Abu Dhabi at the
end of the Maastrichtian. The major period of hydrocarbon expulsion was during the early Tertiary in
most onshore areas. The present-day maturity of the Diyab Formation indicates that the studied field
is still within the gas generation window, as are other onshore structures. However, most of the original
source-rock potential is largely exhausted, which is consistent with the relatively low source-rock
potential yields recorded from core material. Vertical migration along wrench faults is assumed to be
the main transport path for the hydrocarbons, with an additional lateral component being especially
important for the Arab reservoirs.

54
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

Oil and gas in the Arab are sour due to the high hydrogen sulfide (H2S) content. The H2S was probably
formed by thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR), common in anhydrite (calcium sulfate) successions
at temperatures greater than 100°C (Goldhaber and Orr, 1994; Machel et al., 1995; Nöth, 1997; Worden
et al., 2000). The current temperature in the reservoir is about 140°C. The products of TSR are H2S,
water, and calcite and this basic reaction has two profound implications for the reservoir. Not only are
the hydrocarbons sour but, commonly, there is an increase in porosity due to anhydrite dissolution
together with occlusion due to calcite precipitation. In general, the H2S content in the Arab Formation
in Abu Dhabi increases with the cumulative thickness of anhydrite intercalations, and decreases with
shallower depth (less TSR). Therefore, onshore fields in Abu Dhabi tend to have significantly higher
H2S contents than offshore areas.

Arab sour gas in the studied field is not fully saturated with elemental sulfur. This may indicate that
TSR is still ongoing and mainly constrained by the lack of suitable heavier hydrocarbon components.

DEPOSITIONAL MODEL AND


STRATIGRAPHIC ARCHITECTURE

Problems had been recognized in the characterization of the reservoir architecture in the Arab intrashelf
basin cycle. A detailed core and sedimentological analysis was therefore made to improve the
understanding of the dramatic lateral changes in depositional environments and associated geometries.
A high-resolution cyclostratigraphic framework of integrated seismic data, 2-D well correlations, and
3-D geometry modeling was the basis for establishing a predictive reservoir model.

The study of the depositional environments was a crucial step in the integration of microfacies analysis,
petrographic core analysis, analog studies, seismic analysis, regional correlation, high-resolution
reservoir-scale correlation, and 3-D body modeling.

Facies Analysis

As a result of the facies analysis, it became apparent that the traditionally defined lithostratigraphic
units represent depositional systems that are to a large extent laterally time equivalent. The facies
belts from west to east (i.e. landward to intrashelf basin) are as follows, based on lithofacies associations
(LA):

• a supratidal to intertidal environment alternating between anhydritic sabkha and salina (LA-1/2;
Figure 6a, 6b);
• an intertidal to subtidal lagoonal environment with algal laminates (LA-3/4; Figure 6c, 6d);
• a shoreline to inner ramp environment with oolitic and bioclastic grainstones (LA-5; Figure 6e);
• a mid-ramp environment with a transition from oolitic grainstones to bioturbated wackestones
(LA-6; Figure 6e); and
• an outer ramp environment with micritic, bioturbated limestones (LA-7, Figure 6f).

The lithofacies associations LA-1 to LA-4 form distinct shallowing-upward cycles within fourth-order
aggradational and progradational phases in the Arab-ABC (Figure 7a). LA-5 represents the deposits
of the prograding coastline during the Kimmeridgian and Tithonian, which cannot be clearly recognized
on seismic but are identified on well-log characters (Figure 7b). The younger facies equivalent to this
unit is called the ‘Asab Oolite’. LA-6 and LA-7 form the mid- to deeper ramp deposits of the Arab
intrashelf basin cycle. Core from Well-X01 suggests that the ramp deposits in the Arab sequence,
prograding toward the east, are very similar to those seen in the underlying Upper Diyab sequence
that progrades westward. Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of the lithofacies associations in
central Abu Dhabi.

55
Grötsch et al.

FACIES ASSOCIATIONS
(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f) Figure 6:


(a) Sabkha lithofacies
association 1 (LA-1):
chicken wire anhydrite
overprints the original
dolomite; well X27.
(b) Sabkha lithofacies
association 1 and 2
(LA-1/2) with laminated
anhydrite intercalated;
well X27.
(c) Intertidal lithofacies
association (LA-3);
well X27.
(d) Intertidal and subtidal
lithofacies association
(LA-3 and LA-4); well X27.
(e) Inner ramp lithofacies
association (LA-5) with
cross-bedded oolitic
grainstones; well X27.
(f) Mid-ramp (LA-6) and
outer ramp lithofacies
association (LA-7);
well X89.
Scale bar = 1 cm.
56
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

Seismic Stratigraphy and Geometries

As 3-D seismic data are not yet available from the field, the seismic analysis was based on a few 2-D
seismic lines of varying vintage and on 3-D seismic from adjacent fields.

The evaluation of impedance contrast and 1-D synthetic seismograms from several wells suggests
that the top Arab-D or its lateral equivalent, the top Asab Oolite, is the main mappable reflection in the
Arab succession in central Abu Dhabi. The acoustic response can be explained by a negative impedance
contrast between the tight lime-mudstones of the lowermost Arab-ABC and the porous Upper
Arab-D oolitic grainstones (15–50 m thick). Laterally, the transition is from the tight basal Cretaceous
limestones of the Habshan Formation to the porous Asab Oolite. However, the seismic interpretation
is complicated, as the amplitudes created at these boundaries are rather weak due to the low average
velocity contrast between the Arab-ABC and the Upper Arab-D. Nevertheless, results show that the
main seismic reflection at the Arab level is a lithostratigraphic boundary not a chronostratigraphic
boundary and this hampers a sequence stratigraphic analysis based only on seismic.

The acoustic impedance inversion on a NE-trending 2-D siesmic line across the field (Figure 10)
highlights the presence of the porous Asab Oolite zone in the northeast. It also suggests that low-
angle clinoforms occur in the Lower Arab-D.

2-D synthetic seismic was generated using the same seismic section, together with the depositional
geometries to be expected from the sequence stratigraphic model (see below) and the first iteration of
the 3-D static model. The interpretation of the original 2-D seismic line and the 2-D synthetic seismic
modeling using porosity data from wells and the model, supported the presence of low-angle eastward-
prograding clinoforms in the Lower Arab-D, indicating the infill of the intrashelf basin morphology.
Sensitivity tests with varying degrees of noise suggested that prograding clinoforms could be imaged,
despite low-porosity contrasts in the Lower Arab-D.

The 2-D synthetic seismic was also used to investigate the imaging of small-scale, NS-oriented ridges
of oolitic grainstones in the Upper Arab-D and the younger facies-equivalent of the Asab Oolite. The
synthetic seismic model was constrained based on observed thickness variations in the Upper Arab-D
from core (15–50 m), and velocity contrasts from the well data. The ridges, recognizable from 3-D
seismic surveys in Abu Dhabi (Figure 9), are visible on the 2-D synthetic seismic (Figure 10) and give
support to the depositional model and its sequence stratigraphic interpretation. The ridges are oriented
north-northwest, parallel to the paleocoastline of the Arab intrashelf basin (Figures 1 and 9). Thus,
although the seismic data is sparse, it supports the interpretation of the reservoir architecture.

A comparison of the 3-D seismic amplitude extraction maps with the flattened 2-D seismic data along
the intrashelf basin margin indicated a good match with the ridge geometries and the spacing observed
between the ridges (Figure 10). This suggested that the ridge spacing in Central Abu Dhabi was recording
high-frequency cyclicity and trends in progradational and aggradational phases of the accommodation
space infill within the intrashelf basin. In addition, the data on ridge spacing can be used as a quantitative
input for predictive 3-D modeling (Figure 11), as petrographic analysis (discussed below) indicated that
the reservoir quality in the Upper Arab-D was a function of the abundance of ooids.

SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY

The Arab intrashelf basin-infill cycle (including Upper Arab-D, Lower Arab-D, Arab-ABC, Manifa,
Hith, and Asab Oolite) is a major depositional system that progrades from west to east through central
Abu Dhabi (Figure 12). This is in the opposite direction to the intrashelf basin cycle of the underlying
Diyab Formation (de Matos and Hulstrand, 1995; Al-Suwaidi et al., 2000). In a chronostratigraphic
framework, the dolomite-anhydrite shallowing-upward cycles of the Arab-ABC are time-equivalent
to the Upper Arab-D oolitic grainstone belt. This formed the progradational coastline during the
Kimmeridgian and Tithonian and its trend can be derived from the seismic data (Figure 9). The Lower
Arab-D (equivalent to the Fahahil Formation) forms the time-equivalent ramp deposit leading into
the intrashelf basin center.

57
(a) LITHOFACIES ASSOCIATIONS ARAB-ABC
Core Density Core Permeability
Core Description
Grötsch et al.

Gamma-Ray g/cc (mD)


1.95 2.95 0.01 1,000
(API) Grain size and Core Porosity
sedimentary Deep Lateralog (LLD)
0 50 Lithofacies 2,000
structure 45 (%) -15 0.2 (ohm-m)
Texture Introduction Log Medium
CNL

Depth (ft)
45 NPHI (ohm-m)

cycles
Delta-T -15 0.2 2,000

Lithofacies
Association

Lithology
Grainstone Formation Density Shallow Lateralog
µsec/ft

Driller's depth
(ftRKB)
g/cc (ohm-m)

Core
Color
Cements
Fractures/Stylolites
Floatstone
Rudstone
Grainstone
Packstone
Wackestone
Mudstone
Clay
Silt
Very fine
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Very coarse
Packstone
Wackestone
Mudstone
A 1-4
80 40 1.95 2.95 0.2 2,000

Accommodation
10,990 LA-3

11,000

LA-1/2
11,010

11,020
11,050

11,028
11,030
Core-to-
log shift
LA-4

58
11,040

11,050
?

? ?
11,060
An
A n

A n

11,070
11,100
#

11,080

11,090

11,100

11,110

Figure 7a: Typical core and log expressions of the Arab-ABC shallowing-upward cycles for the various lithofacies associations.
(b) OOLITIC GRAINSTONE FACIES UPPER ARAB-D

Core Description Core Density Core Permeability


Gamma-Ray 1.95 g/cc 2.95 0.01 (mD) 1,000
(API) Grain size and
0 50 sedimentary Lithofacies Core Porosity Deep Lateralog (LLD)
structure 45 (%) -15 0.2 (ohm-m) 2,000
Texture
CNL Introduction Log Medium
45 NPHI -15 (ohm-m)

Depth (ft)
Delta-T 0.2 2,000

Lithology
Lithofacies
Association
µsec/ft Grainstone Formation Density Shallow Lateralog

Fractures/Stylolites

Driller's depth
(ftRKB)
Core
Color
Cements
1.95 g/cc 2.95 0.2 (ohm-m) 2,000

Clay
Silt
Very fine
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Very coarse
Accommodation
cycles
Packstone
Wackestone
Mudstone
A 1-4

Floatstone
Rudstone
Grainstone
Packstone
Wackestone
Mudstone
80 40
p y
p y
p y
p y
p y
p y p y

p y

11,140

11,150 A n

A n

A n

A n
A n

A
n

11,160

11,170

11,200

59
11,180

11,190

11,250 11,200 6

6
6

11,210
6

6
6

6 6
6

6
11,220
6

6
6

11,230 6

Figure 7b: Typical core and log expressions of the oolitic grainstones in the Upper Arab-D. Note the sharp gamma-ray spike at the top, which can be
observed in all the studied wells.
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi
Grötsch et al.

3-D DEPOSITIONAL MODEL FOR THE ARAB FORMATION


IN CENTRAL ABU DHABI

LA-1/2
Sabkha/
Salina
LA-3
LA-4
Intertidal
LA-5
Sea L
evel
Subtidal LA-6

Inner ramp LA-7


Mid-ramp B
FWW B
SWW

Outer ramp

Figure 8: Paleo-environmental reconstruction of the observed lithofacies associations of the Arab


intrashelf basin infill cycle. Note that both salina and sabkha anhydrite types are present (pink).
(FWWB = fair weather wave base and SWWB = storm weather wave base).

DEPOSITIONAL GEOMETRY FROM 3-D AMPLITUDE EXTRACTIONS


52° 54° 56°

25°
QATAR ARABIAN
25° GULF

UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES

OMAN

SAUDI
ARABIA
N
0 km 100 23°
23°
52° 54°

Figure 9: Merged seismic


amplitude extraction maps of
the Upper Arab-D reflector
Coastline from a series of 3-D seismic
Progradation surveys having different
acquisition parameters and
quality in the vicinity of the
investigated field. Note the
NNW trend, which bends
slightly more toward the east
in south-central Abu Dhabi.
The lineaments shown
represent the strike of
eastward-progradating beach
ridges in the Upper Arab-D.
They indicate the significant
thickness variations of
N the Upper Arab-D oolitic
0 20

km
grainstones, and therefore the
variable reservoir quality
within the unit.

60
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

ARAB SHELF EDGE WITH PROGRADING OOLITE RIDGES


Southwest Northeast
Well-X61 Well-V01
Hith Edge

2-D Seismic

3-D Seismic
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28

Progradation (km) as derived from 3-D seismic


Figure 10: Due to the absence of 3-D seismic in the studied field, a flattened 2-D seismic line was
used to investigate the possible presence of oolitic ridges. General, and even detailed spacing of
ridges observed from 3-D seismic elsewhere, matches well with observations from 2-D data and
illustrates the significant progradation and therefore intrashelf basin infill within about 5 my. The
seismic data is tied to vertical seismic profiles at wells X61 and V01 as shown by the red trace. See
Figure 5 for well locations.

RIDGE HISTOGRAM

2
Abundance

1 Figure 11: Histogram of distance between Upper


Arab-D ridges as seen on 3-D seismic suggesting an
average spacing of 2–3 km between the thicker oolite
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 ridges.
Distance between Ridges (km)

Following the maximum flooding surface (MFS) based concept of Sharland et al. (2001), approximately
330 m of Arab were deposited between MFS J70 (152.75 Ma) and MFS J110 (147 Ma) within about
5 to 6 my (see Figure 4). The two flooding surfaces can be considered as reliable correlation markers in
the United Arab Emirates and surrounding countries.

The MFS J80, J90, and J100 of Sharland et al. (2001) could potentially coincide with three aggradational
cycle sets in the Arab-ABC. Their initial fifth-order shallowing-upward cycles within the fourth-order
cycles contain dolomite streaks that have the best reservoir properties in the Arab-ABC. However,
due to the lack of biostratigraphic and isotope stratigraphic resolution, such regional comparisons of
candidate flooding surfaces requires further validation in order to avoid miscorrelation between fields
as a result of lateral facies changes.

It is difficult to correlate with confidence the time-equivalent fourth-order cycle packages of the shallow-
water Arab-ABC with the intrashelf basin interior ramp setting of the Lower Arab-D. This is because
of the intervening coastal deposits of the Upper Arab-D and the limited well data available from the
Lower Arab-D. However, as the 3-D reservoir model is based on a combination of sequence stratigraphic
and lithostratigraphic units best representing major flow units, this was not a requirement (see below).

61
Grötsch et al.

Cyclostratigraphy

The predominantly intertidal to supratidal environments of the Arab-ABC show a distinct high-
frequency cycle-stacking pattern (see also Azer and Peebles, 1998). It is a reflection of alternating
aggradational and progradational periods, and it is therefore a function of changes in the
accommodation space through time related to the intrashelf basin infill (Figure 12).

The shallowing-upward cycles have a predominantly dolomitic intertidal facies at the base and are
capped by playa or sabkha-type anhydrite, often with signs of subaerial exposure. Diagenetic
overprinting of individual cycles can affect the underlying sediment, and cause cycle amalgamation.

Correlation of fourth-order cycle stacking patterns based on Fisher plots (Fischer, 1964; Sadler et al.,
1993) using the approach of Day (1997), indicated that the best reservoir quality (highest permeability)
was preserved at the base of the fourth-order cycles immediately above the main thick anhydrite
intercalations. This showed that the increase in reservoir quality in the Arab-ABC apparently coincided
with the maximum increase in accommodation space of the fourth-order cycles during aggradation
(Figure 13).

The upper two good-quality reservoir intervals in Figure 13 may be related to MFS J100 and J90 of
Sharland et al. (2001: Fig. 4.43) respectively. The lower reservoir is between MFS J90 and J80, and is
support for the observation that best reservoir quality in the study area is related to re-flooding of the
platform and to an overall aggradational fourth-order phase.

DEPOSITIONAL FACIES DISTRIBUTION


West East
Shallow platform/sabkah/salina Intra-shelf basin
Prograding intrashelf
Platform-drowning succession basin ramp
Asab Oolite (slope angles <0.1°)
and backstepping
Manifa
Hith Sabkha/salina anhydrite (LA-1/2)
Arab Intrashelf-basin Infill Cycle

Lagoonal dolomite/limestone (LA-3/4)


Arab-ABC

Intrashelf basin
(mid ramp LA-6)
Oolitic ridges/
grainstone bodies (LA-5)
Bioclastic grainstone-
packstone (LA-5) Porous dolomite streaks
Lower Upper

Intrashelf basin
Arab-D

Black marker limestone


(outer ramp LA-7)
0 20

km Vertical exaggeration: x300

Figure 12: Schematic summary of the depositional facies distribution (lithostratigraphic units) and
sequence stratigraphic architecture based on chronostratigraphic interpretation (red dashed lines).
Data integration indicates that the Lower Arab-D, Upper Arab-D, Arab-ABC, Asab Oolite, Hith
and Manifa formations are lithostratigraphic units of the Kimmeridgian to Tithonian intrashelf
basin-infill cycle on the Arabian Plate. The Arab-ABC and the Upper Arab-D show clear indications
of fourth-order cycles with aggradation at the base and progradation toward the top, and associated
thicker anhydrite intercalations. Moderate/good reservoir quality units are lagoonal dolomite/
limestone (LA-3/4), Bioclastic grainstone-packestone (LA-5), oolitic ridges/grainstone bodies
(LA-5), and porous dolomite streaks.

62
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

From seismic data it was also apparent that FISHER PLOT OF ARAB-ABC
the distance between coastal oolitic ridges in
the Upper Arab-D varied greatly. Closely
spaced ridges indicated higher rates of Well-X01 4th order Well-X27
cycles
aggradation; conversely, widely spaced ridges rise fall rise fall

indicated periods of faster progradation.


Hence, both the cycle stacking pattern and the 1
seismic data reflected relative changes in sea
level as recorded in the Arab-ABC and Upper
2
Arab-D, and their resultant reservoir quality.

Arab-ABC
Lithostratigraphy versus Sequence 3

Stratigraphy

The above discussion has illustrated that 4


lithostratigraphic units are to a large degree
time-equivalent lateral depositional facies
within the Arab intrashelf-basin infill cycle. ?
In general, the thick anhydritic units in the
Arab-ABC and the Hith represented periods
Figure 13: Fisher plot for the Arab-ABC in two wells
of limited accommodation space and of cycle
showing the deviation from mean cycle thickness
amalgamation, and therefore of rapid
plotted (x-axis) against the true cycle thickness
progradation. Hence, the Hith Anhydrite
(y-axis). Note, that the best reservoir quality (arrowed)
represented a period of maximum
is present at the base of fourth-order aggradational
progradation (low accommodation space)
cycles, just above the thickest anhydrite intercalations.
with its lateral equivalent, the Asab Oolite,
This suggests that reservoir quality is better during
forming the paleocoast environment. The last
maximum rate of aggradation and that thicker
stage of the Arab intrashelf basin cycle was
anhydritic intervals are indicating the reduction of
represented by the Manifa Formation. This
accommodation space and therefore progradation of
unit is interpreted as a drowning succession
the Arab coastline. See Figure 5 for well locations.
of the Arab cycle that culminated in a major
backstepping of the platform and the onset of
the first intrashelf-basin infill cycle of the Cretaceous Habshan Formation. Hence, the position of the
sequence boundary between AP7 and AP8 of Sharland et al. (2001: Fig. 4.43) is supported by the
observations in central Abu Dhabi.

DIAGENESIS

Petrographic analyses were made to characterize the nature and timing of diagenetic overprinting of
the reservoir and to allow prediction of the distribution of pore-enhancing and pore-destructive phases.
At the same time, the relationship between depositional facies and diagenetic overprinting was
investigated. The diagenetic analysis also provided the framework for the development of the reservoir
rock-type scheme and the input for the 3-D static and dynamic model. It is apparent from these
studies that diagenesis has exerted a strong secondary control on reservoir quality within the Arab,
Hith, and Manifa formations.

Paragenesis

The inferred paragenetic sequence for the Arab in the study area is shown in Figure 14 with the key
events summarized below:

Anhydrite Formation and Dolomitization


This occurred during, or shortly after, deposition in an evaporitic setting and led to the formation of
laterally rather continuous anhydrite and interbedded dolomite layers in the Arab-ABC (Butler, 1969).
The best reservoir quality is in dolomite streaks that occur in the basal part of the fourth-order cycles
(Figure 15a).

63
Grötsch et al.

DIAGENETIC EVENTS

Syn-depositional
Paragenetic event Early burial Late burial
Marine Evaporitic

1 Grain-rimming non-ferroan calcite cement


2 Micritization of allochems
3 Dissolution of aragonitic allochems
4 Gypsum laths
5 Replacive non-ferroan dolomite
6 Displacive anhydrite
7 Replacive/cementing anhydrite
8 Pyrite formation ? ?
9 Non-ferroan dolomite cement
10 Stylolitization
11 Grain rotation interpenetration
12 Fracturing ? ?
13 Pore-filling non-ferroan calcite
14 Replacive quartz ?
14a Leaching of ooids/peloids
15 Quartz cement
Extent uncertain
16 Saddle dolomite ?
Porosity enhancement
17 Barite cement Porosity reduction
18 Elemental sulphur Porosity distribution Sour gas?
19 Hydrocarbon Bitumen

Figure 14: Paragenesis of diagenetic events as observed from petrographic analysis of the Lower
Arab-D, Upper Arab-D, Arab-ABC, Hith and Manifa formations.

Pore-filling Calcite Cementation


Interparticle pores in the oolitic and bioclastic grainstones of the Upper Arab-D are commonly blocked
by porosity-destroying non-ferroan calcite cements (Figure 15b). The intraparticle pore-filling
cementation phase was associated with an initial charge of hydrocarbons, as suggested by residual
bitumen within the blocky calcite, and is therefore of burial origin.

Leaching of Allochems
Leaching in the Upper Arab-D postdates the cementation by burial-type calcite and is a function of
ooid abundance in the beach deposits. The leaching event predated a last-stage precipitation of pore-
filling corrosive cement that reduced the leached porosity in the ooid coatings. This final cementation
occurred late in burial history and is assumed to be a result of thermochemical sulfate reduction on
anhydrite to generate calcite and water (Machel et al., 1995).

Principal Diagenetic Controls on Reservoir Quality

The primary depositional fabric of the sediment, and ultimately of the reservoir architecture, can exert
a strong control on reservoir quality, especially within the Lower Arab-D clinoforms. However,
throughout most of the Arab reservoirs, diagenetic modification has significantly affected reservoir
quality. In order to classify the changes, a petrophysically based rock-type scheme was required
alongside the lithofacies association scheme that could only classify depositional facies (Figure 16).
The following diagenetic processes are considered the most important for control on reservoir quality.

Dolomitization
LA-3 (and to a lesser extent LA-4 and LA-7) is pervasively dolomitized. Depending on the dolomite
fabric, this can lead to either an increase or reduction in reservoir quality, as follows:

• The higher permeability dolomites, mainly in LA-3, generally have crystal-supported planar-e fabrics
(Mazzullo, 1992) with moderately well-connected intercrystalline macropores (>10%; see
Figure 15a). However, where intercrystalline pores are occluded by residual limestone and/or
anhydrite and non-ferroan calcite cements, permeability is reduced substantially (Figure 6c).

64
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

POROSITY AND RESERVOIR QUALITY

0 mm 5 a 0 mm 5 b

Figure 15: (a) The best reservoir quality in the Arab-ABC shallowing-upward cycles is associated
with crystal-supported planar-e dolomite. Intercrystalline porosity is indicated in blue.
(b)Macroporosity in the oolitic grainstone of the Upper Arab-D is occluded by block calcite. The
remaining porosity and permeability is associated with microporosity hosted in the ooid coatings,
which developed during leaching in a later stage of diagenesis.

POROSITY/PERMEABILITY FROM CORE


100

10
Figure 16: Cross-plot of core porosity and
Horizontal Permeability (mD)

permeability labelled with the corresponding


lithofacies association. Note that there is poor
correlation except in the sabkha/salina
1 anhydrite (non-reservoir). Depositional factors
are an important control of reservoir quality.
However, early dolomitization and burial
Sabkha/salina (LA-1/2)
diagenesis with calcite cementation exert a
Intratidal (LA-3)
0.1 strong secondary control on rock properties.
Intratidal/subtidal (LA-4)
Inner ramp (LA-5)
Therefore, depositional facies cannot be used
Mid ramp (LA-6) alone to define reservoir quality and attribution
Outer ramp (LA-7) of saturation functions in the static and dynamic
model (see Figure 18).
0.01
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Helium Porosity (%)

• Planar-s fabrics, with high proportions of interlocking dolomite crystals, have a lower permeability
due to the blocking of intercrystalline microporosity and/or microfractures.

It is assumed that accommodation space was restricted and water depths during deposition were
shallow enough to permit such pervasive dolomitization of the Arab-ABC host sediment. As
accommodation space was further reduced later in the third-order highstand systems tract (HST),
replacement of the sediment by nodular anhydrite became increasingly common, so destroying porosity
and degrading reservoir quality.

Reflux of brines with elevated salinities and/or flood recharge and evaporitic pumping in a sabkha
setting were potential mechanisms for dolomitization of the Arab-ABC during the third-order mid-
HST (Adams and Rhodes, 1960; Hardie, 1987; McKenzie, 1991). Due to the deep-water setting of the
dolomite units in the Lower Arab-D, it is probable that there was a second mechanism for dolomitization
as a result of the diffusion or circulation of seawater at depositional surfaces.

65
Grötsch et al.

Calcite Cementation and Subsequent Leaching


The interparticle pore system of the Upper Arab-D grainstone lithofacies association (LA-5) has been
destroyed by the precipitation of blocky or drusy non-ferroan calcite cements (Figure 15b). Permeability
(0.01–2 mD) is therefore controlled by the degree of microporosity hosted by peloids and ooids, and
also by intercrystalline boundaries.

In summary, dolomitization is the dominant diagenetic controlling factor for porosity preservation within
the Arab-ABC cycles, whereas calcite cementation and subsequent leaching has determined reservoir
quality within Upper Arab-D. However, depositional facies cannot be directly related to reservoir quality
due to incoherent diagenetic overprinting within the reservoir (Figure 16). From the available core material
in the studied field, no obvious depth-dependant trend in reservoir quality was recognized.

RESERVOIR DEVELOPMENT

The main factors that controlled reservoir development in the Arab Formation were three distinctly
different elements within the lithostratigraphic units Arab-ABC (equivalent to the Qatar Formation)
and Arab-D (equivalent to the Fahahil/Jubaila).

1. Thin streaks of early diagenetic dolomite within the small-scale, shallowing-upward cycles of the
Arab-ABC pinch out toward the east-northeast in the studied field.
2. Oolitic and bioclastic grainstones of variable thickness occur in the Upper Arab-D. In them, most
of the porosity is represented by intraparticle micro-porosity within oolitic coatings. Hence, the
reservoir quality is largely controlled by the abundance of ooids.
3. Good-quality stratiform dolomite streaks in the Lower Arab-D (mid- to outer-ramp setting) enclosed
in tight bioturbated limestones (mudstone to wackestone) of the gently dipping carbonate ramp.

Reservoir Quality

The two main controls on reservoir quality are (1) cyclostratigraphy and (2) a complex series of
diagenetic events.

1. The best reservoir quality in the lagoonal and sabkha deposits of the Arab-ABC was developed
during the early phases of the generation of accommodation space in fourth-order cycles (Figure
13, 15a). This occurred when the shallow-water platforms were flooded (basal fifth-order cycle in
fourth-order stack). Reservoir properties deteriorated as the accommodation space was reduced.
2. The diagenetic events that affected Arab reservoir quality most significantly are, in approximate
paragenetic order:

• replacive dolomitization––variably porosity reducing and enhancing (LA-3, LA-4, rarely LA-7);
• anhydrite and gypsum formation––porosity reducing (predominantly LA-1/2);
• pore-filling and allochem-replacive non-ferroan calcite cementation––porosity reducing
(predominantly LA-5);
• intraparticle leaching of allochems––porosity enhancing (predominantly LA-5); and
• syn-depositional/shallow-burial dolomite characteristic of LA-3 and LA-4 (Hith and Arab-ABC)
and rarely bed tops in LA-7 (Lower Arab-D).

Reservoir Rock-type Scheme

As reservoir quality and properties cannot be directly related to depositional facies/architecture, a


petrophysically based rock-type scheme was developed. This was for use with open-hole logs and
for input into static and dynamic modeling whereby saturation functions were attributed on a
cell-by-cell basis.

66
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

As discussed above, individual lithofacies associations have highly variable reservoir properties. As
such, they cannot be used to predict permeability distribution or to attribute saturation and relative
permeability functions to a 3-D reservoir model (Figure 16). In order to reconcile this issue, a
petrophysically based rock-typing approach was followed so as to improve the understanding of
reservoir-quality distribution in the Arab sequence.

The scheme is that of Grötsch et al. (1998). A preliminary rock-fabric scheme, based on petrographic
and core observations was established and used to select representative samples for Mercury Injection
Capillary Pressure (MICP) analysis. The preliminary scheme was refined using MICP curves and
associated pore-throat size distributions to develop the petrophysically based rock-type scheme. After
several iterations, five reservoir rock types––one anhydrite and four carbonates––were defined, each
with distinctive pore characteristics that could be related to the sedimentary fabrics and diagenetic
overprinting (Figure 17).

The five Reservoir Rock Types (RRT) have the following characteristics:

• RRT1 (Figure 17a): good-quality planar-e dolomite with moderately well-connected intercrystalline
macroporosity—porosity = 21%, range 17.5–29.2%; permeability = 10 mD, range 2.87–49.5 mD.
• RRT2 (Figure 17b): moderate-quality microporous lime grainstones (cemented interparticle pores) and
planar-e/s dolomite—porosity = 13%, range 8.1–18.1%; permeability = 0.7 mD, range 0.20–3.48 mD.
• RRT3 (Figure 17c): poor-quality microporous lime wackestones, packstones and grainstones, and
planar-s dolomites—porosity = 7%, range 5.0–12.0%; permeability = 0.1 mD, range 0.02–0.30 mD.
• RRT4 (Figure 17d): negligible-quality lime mudstones and wackestones and rare planar-s dolomites
and tight peloidal skeletal grainstones, non-reservoir—porosity = 1%, range 0.01–14.2%; permeability
= 0.01 mD, range 0.01–0.05 mD.
• RRT5 (Figure 17e): negligible-quality anhydrite, non-reservoir—porosity = 1%, range 0.01–7.4%;
permeability = 0.02 mD, range 0.01–0.28 mD.

This scheme was then upscaled (Figure 18) so that the rock types could be predicted from open-hole
logs and particularly from neutron (NPHI) and density (RHOB) logs. This was achieved by extrapolating
the rock-type samples from the combined petrographic and MICP dataset of 60 sample from three wells,
to the total petrographic dataset of 205 samples from four wells and subsequently to the total routine
core-analysis dataset. The core analysis rock-type dataset and lithofacies association distribution was
used to assign rock-types to the open-hole log data for the cored intervals.

To allow saturation functions to be attributed to the 3-D reservoir model, high case, most likely, and low
case saturation curve scenarios were defined for each rock type. These were later used to constrain
Gas Initially In Place (GIIP) uncertainty.

STATIC RESERVOIR MODEL

The main goals of the static (and dynamic) reservoir modeling were to build a 3-D geological model
for the Arab sequence in order to allow evaluation of uncertainties relating to reservoir architecture,
GIIP, sour-gas production, acid-gas re-injection, and field-development planning. Pre-studies and
computer modeling demonstrated the complexity of the Arab reservoirs and their sequence stratigraphic
architecture (Figure 12).

Hierarchical Correlation

In order to allow for realistic model construction (including object-based modeling), a detailed and
hierarchical digital well-correlation scheme was a pre-requisite. All correlations were performed using
GEOLOGIX, which is a module in the 3-D modeling suite GEOCAP.

67
Grötsch et al.

RESERVOIR ROCK TYPES RELATED TO RESERVOIR QUALITY

0 mm 5 a % Total Core Analysis


Dataset
4% LA-4 Dol

96% LA-3 Dol

300 1 Figure 17a: RRT1. Good-quality


planar-e dolomite, with
0.8 moderately well-connected
Pore-size Distribution

intercrystalline macroporosity
Free Water Level (ft)

200
0.6 typical of the dolomitic part of
the Arab-ABC shallowing-
0.4 upward cycle.
100

0.2

0 0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100
Saturation (%) Pore-throat Diameter (µm)

0 mm 5 b % Total Core Analysis


Dataset
5% LA-6 Lst

31% LA-3 Dol

61% LA-5 Lst 1% LA-3 Lst


2% LA-4 Dol

300 1 Figure 17b: RRT2. Moderate-


quality microporous lime
0.8 grainstones with cemented
Pore-size Distribution
Free Water Level (ft)

200 interparticle pores and planar-


0.6 e/s dolomite. Note that different
lithofacies associations have the
0.4 same petrophysical properties
100
and saturation height functions.
0.2

0 0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100
Saturation (%) Pore-throat Diameter (µm)

68
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

RESERVOIR ROCK TYPES RELATED TO RESERVOIR QUALITY

0 mm 5 c % Total Core Analysis


Dataset

1% LA-7 Dol 4% LA-7 Lst

11%
LA-6
Lst
38%
LA-3 Dol

32%
LA-5 Lst
13%
LA-3 Lst

1% LA-4 Dol

300 1 Figure 17c: RRT3. Poor-quality,


microporous lime wackestones,
0.8 packstones and grainstones, and
Pore-size Distribution
Free Water Level (ft)

200 planar-s dolomites. Note that this


0.6 rock type can occur in most of the
carbonate lithofacies associations.
0.4 Hence, lithofacies association is not
100
a good indicator of reservoir quality.
0.2

0 0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100
Saturation (%) Pore-throat Diameter

0 mm 5 d % Total Core Analysis


Dataset

12%
LA-3 Dol
10%
LA-3 Lst
1% LA-4 Dol
46%
LA-7 Lst 11% LA-4
Lst
13%
LA-5 Lst

1%
6%
LA-7 Dol
LA-6 Lst

300 1 Figure 17d: RRT4. Negligible-


quality lime mudstones and
0.8 wackestones, and rare planar-s
Pore-size Distribution
Free Water Level (ft)

200 dolomites and tight peloidal


0.6 skeletal grainstones. This rock
type can occur in all of the
0.4 carbonate lithofacies associations.
100

0.2

0 0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100
Saturation (%) Pore-throat Diameter(µm)

69
Grötsch et al.

RESERVOIR ROCK TYPES RELATED TO RESERVOIR QUALITY

0 mm 5 e % Total Core Analysis


Dataset

100% LA-1/2
Anhydrite

300 1
Figure 17e: RRT5. Anhydrite
0.8 with negligible reservoir
Pore-size Distribution

quality. This rock type is


Free Water Level (ft)

200
0.6 considered non-reservoir and
the only one where reservoir
0.4 quality is truly linked to
100
lithofacies. However, overall
0.2 it is not possible to use
lithofacies alone for reservoir
0 0 quality prediction.
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100
Saturation (%) Pore-throat Diameter (µm)

Main Correlation Units


The definition of the main markers and reservoir units (first hierarchical level) used in the 3-D model
was based on a combination of sequence stratigraphic and lithostratigraphic units. The constraints
that were given to realistically model the reservoir architecture as shown in Figure 4 used only 10
wells in the large model area of 70 by 50 km. Figure 4 shows a pronounced streakiness in the
Arab-ABC reservoir.

High-resolution Correlation
As a second step in reservoir modeling, a high-resolution well correlation (second hierarchical level)
was performed, based on the sequence stratigraphic architecture of the main correlation units––the
Manifa, Hith, Arab-ABC, Upper Arab-D, and Lower Arab-D (Figure 19). The correlation allowed 3-D
modeling of all the main reservoir elements within each correlation hierarchy (e.g. pinch out of Manifa,
Hith, and Arab-ABC; thin streaks of dolomitic reservoir in Arab-ABC in Figures 20 and 21; and oolitic
grainstones of the Upper Arab-D).

Both first and second hierarchical levels were used for sequentially modeling the reservoirs. As a
result, the second-level models were constrained by the object shapes of the first level.

Structural Model

The studied field has not been surveyed by 3-D seismic. However, the interpretation of the 2-D seismic
results suggests that wrench faults are present in the modeled area. Recent horizontal appraisal and
development drilling in several locations also confirmed the faults and associated fracture systems.

70
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

CROSS-PLOTS IN RELATION TO RESERVOIR ROCK TYPES


100 1.9
a b
2

2.1

10
2.2
Permiability (mD)

2.3

RHOB (g/cc)
2.4
1
2.5

2.6

2.7
0.1
2.8

2.9

0.01 3
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -0.05 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4
Helium Porosity (%) Neutron (NPHI)

RRT1 Dolomite RRT2 Dolomite RRT3 Dolomite RRT4 Dolomite RRT5 Anhydrite
RRT1 Limestone RRT2 Limestone RRT3 Limestone RRT4 Limestone

Figure 18: (a) Cross-plot for porosity and permeability labeled with the new petrophysically based
reservoir rock types. This established relationship was used for attributing rock types on a cell-by-
cell basis to the 3-D model using the depositional facies model together with the predicted porosity
and permeability model; (b) Cross-plot for NPHI (neutron log) against RHOB (density log) labeled
with the new petrophysically based rock types. Note the separation of dolomite from limestone.

This indicated that the field is transected by a series of wrench-fault zones, similar to other onshore
fields to the north, south, and east, which have been surveyed by 3-D seismic (Figure 9). Three main
structural directions have been identified based mainly on Formation Micro-Imaging (FMI). The two
most prominent directions are N135°E and N105°E (Figure 5).

However, the location of the faults cannot be determined with a high degree of certainty, and fault
mapping is not possible based on the available well information and the sparse 2-D seismic data.
Therefore, faults have been delineated using data from several sources, such as the regional stress
field evolution, 3-D seismic from neighboring fields, pressure maps, water production, step-like porosity
changes in reservoirs, horizontal well trajectories, and FMI to prepare a schematic vertical fault network.

The presence of even small offsets along faults becomes important in terms of dynamic-flow behavior.
This is particularly so in the Arab-ABC reservoir where the juxtaposition of its small-scale dolomite-
anhydrite cycles has caused localized sealing or communication between different layers. A tentative
and schematic faulted top-structure map was therefore generated for input into the 3-D model so as to
allow a sensitivity analysis in the static and dynamic models.

As there were few 2-D seismic lines available in the field, the top marker horizon of the model was
interpolated from Cretaceous Thamama markers derived from the many well penetrations.
Subsequently, isopachs were drawn down to the Top Jurassic level using the 10 deep-well penetrations
in the area of interest. The 3-D geological model was constructed in such a way that it can be quickly
updated with a new 3-D seismic-derived structural map, once it is available.

71
CORRELATION OF DEPOSITIONAL GEOMETRIES
Grötsch et al.

West East
Well-X01 Well-X27 Well-X61 Well-X16 Well-X89
RHOB RHOB RHOB RHOB RHOB
2.5 g/cc 3.0 2.5 g/cc 3.0 2.5 g/cc 3.0 2.5 g/cc 3.0 2.5 g/cc 3.0

Neutron Porosity Neutron Porosity Neutron Porosity Neutron Porosity Neutron Porosity
0 % 30 0 % 30 0 % 30 0 % 30 0 % 30

Depth Gamma-Ray Gamma-Ray Gamma-Ray Gamma-Ray Gamma-Ray


0 API 50 0 API 50 0 API 50 0 API 50 0 API 50
(m)
3,420 3,220 Manifa
3,320 3,220
3,320

3,440 3,240
3,240 Hith anhydrite
3,340 3,340
D2

D3
D4
3,460 D5 3,260
D6
3,360 3,260
3,360
D7
D8
Arab-ABC

72
D9
3,480 3,280
3,380 3,280
3,380

229 ft
D11

3,500 D12
3,300
Arab-D upper
3,400 3,300
3,400

3,520 3,320
3,420 3,320
3,420

3,540 3,340
3,440 3,340
3,440 Arab-D lower

Figure 19: 2-D correlation of five wells used in the model for the interval shown in Figure 4. Note the eastward pinch-out of the Arab-ABC cycles
and of the dolomite (D2–D12) and anhydrite layers, each of which forms a discrete body in the model. Also note the significant difference in
thickness of the Upper Arab-D along the transect. See Figure 5 for location of wells.
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

Palinspastic Reconstruction
The top structure map (see Figure 5) was used in GEOCAP as the reference for a palinspastic
reconstruction. In this case, the marker horizon used in the model was MFS J110 of Sharland et al.
(2001) near to the base of the Lower Cretaceous Habshan Formation, which was seen in all wells. In
part of the model it equates with the Top Manifa Formation but to the east it is the Top Asab Oolite.
The marker can be identified by its high gamma-ray response in all wells of the Central Abu Dhabi
Ridge (Figure 4) and regionally (Sharland et al., 2001: Fig. 4.43). This horizon was chosen as the Arab-
ABC and Manifa pinch out in the eastern part of the model area.

Palinspastic reconstruction of the structured grid and flattening on the Top Jurassic allowed successive
object modeling of depositional bodies in a paleodomain based on the hierarchical correlation.

Object Modeling

Based on well data and high-resolution hierarchical well correlations, depositional geometries were
modeled in 3-D following the same hierarchy as used for correlation (Figure 19). Most were not present
throughout the whole of the area modeled but are correlatable, as they are present in more than one
well. Examples are the Arab-ABC (first hierarchical level), and the dolomitic reservoir streaks (second
hierarchical level). The sum of the depositional objects in the individual levels determined the reservoir
architecture and therefore the 3-D depositional facies model (Figures 20–22a).

Depositional Facies Model


Object modeling based on facies analysis of core and log data allowed definition of the Arab depositional
system in the Central Abu Dhabi Ridge area. It formed the basis of the 3-D reservoir architecture that
combined sedimentological data, sequence stratigraphic analysis, and the definition of the main flow
units (Figure 22a). The high-resolution object-based depositional facies model and the structural models
were the key constraints in reservoir property modeling.

Property Modeling
3-D property distribution for porosity and permeability was to a large degree constrained by the 3-D
depositional facies model. Kriging, directional kriging along depositional trends, and co-kriging using
trend maps as constraints were the preferred interpolation methods. Kriging orientations were
preferentially parallel to the prograding shoreline of the Arab intrashelf basin infill and
trended north.

Because the model area was large and the available well control was limited, multiple realizations
were generated for various properties to cater for the remaining uncertainties. All realizations were
based on a deterministic control derived from the depositional facies analysis, regional geologic studies,
and diagenetic analysis. Such external control was used for guiding stochastic modeling as well as for
pure deterministic modeling.

The vertical resolution for property modeling was chosen as 0.3 m (1 ft) in order to honor the thin-
streak nature of the Arab-ABC reservoir and to allow calculation of the vertical permeability by
upscaling. The latter was a crucial input parameter for dynamic modeling.

• Porosity. Based on the depositional facies analysis and the 3-D body modeling results, a base-case
porosity realization was prepared. This used parallel coastline trends for the Arab-ABC and Upper
Arab-D and a down-flank property-reducing trend for the limestones of the Upper Arab-D together
with the petrophysical control from 10 wells (Figure 22b). A low-case realization was generated by
co-kriging with a porosity map using downscaling factors and by maintaining data integrity at the
well locations. Upgrading the net pore volume by 20 percent generated the high-case realization.
Ranges used for upgrading and downgrading 3-D property distributions were based on uncertainty
estimates derived from the petrophysical re-evaluation of the Arab log data.

73
Grötsch et al.

FLATTENED SECTION SHOWING DEPOSITIONAL FACIES


West East
Well-Z05 Well-Y01 Well-X27 Well-X02 Well-X89 Well-W02

Manifa

Hith Anhydrite

Arab-ABC
1,100 ft

D upper
Arab-

Arab-D lower

Diyab

Figure 20: Cross-section through the depositional facies model and flattened on Top Jurassic. Note
the anhydrite and dolomite bodies in the Arab-ABC indicating the aggradational and progradational
fourth-order cycles composed of fifth-order shallowing-upward cycles. Total thickness of the
Kimmeridgian-Tithonian succession is decreasing toward the intrashelf basin center in the east.
Note that the section is highly exaggerated vertically. See Figure 5 for location of cross-section.

STRUCTURAL CROSS-SECTION

Manifa

Hith Anhydrite

Arab-ABC
1,100 ft

Arab-D upper

Arab-D lower

Diyab N
0 10

km

Limestone (tight) Playa/Sabkah anhydrite Dolomite/Limestone Oolitic grainstone shoals

Figure 21: Structural cross-section through well locations as in Figure 20. Note that the section is
highly exaggerated vertically.

74
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

• Permeability. Permeability data were available from many core plugs as 90 percent of the wells in
the Arab Formation have core data available for the modeling interval. It was therefore not necessary
to apply the inherently uncertain permeability estimation based on log data. The core data provided
a good basis for 3-D permeability modeling that was well constrained by the 3-D reservoir
architecture and the coastline orientation (Figure 22c).

Reservoir Rock-type Model


Petrographic analysis demonstrated that there was no clear relationship between depositional facies,
reservoir properties, and saturation functions. A new petrophysically based rock-type scheme was
therefore developed and used as input for the 3-D static and dynamic model.

The reservoir rock-type model presented an additional modeling step between depositional facies
modeling and property modeling (porosity and permeability) on the one hand and saturation modeling
and dynamic simulation on the other (Grötsch et al., 1998). Whereas the main flow units are defined
by the structured hierarchical facies model, which are layer or body based, the rock-type model had to
be cell based (Figure 22d). This was essential in order to allow attribution of different saturation-
height functions during saturation modeling and model initialization, on a cell-by-cell basis within
simulation layers.

Rock types were attributed to each cell by using the porosity and permeability models and definitions
from the petrographic study. This study had identified the five rock types graphically represented in
Figure 18. On a porosity-permeability cross-plot, four distinct areas were defined using petrographic
data and capillary pressure measurements. Attributing these relationships to the cellular property
models allowed for gradual lateral changes in saturation-height/relative permeability functions within
the particular reservoir architecture and within each individual facies body (e.g. down-flank rock-
type deterioration in Upper Arab-D). The cell-by-cell based rock-type model was then used as input
for saturation modeling and the initialization of the dynamic model (Figure 22d).

Saturation

Results from a first-pass model and the petrophysical review showed large uncertainties when using log
saturation data for 3-D interpolation. Uncertainties were the result of calculated log saturations as well
as spatial property distribution using various interpolation techniques. A key constraining factor was
the number of wells available and their location with respect to the 3-D reservoir architecture. Therefore,
saturation-height functions together with the developed rock-type model were used for saturation
modeling in the static model and for model initialization in the dynamic model (Figure 23a).

Saturations were calculated per rock type per cell, as a function of height above Free Water Level
(FWL) using the newly acquired mercury capillary pressure data and the resulting saturation-height
functions. Connate water saturations were defined for each rock type and honored in the saturation
functions. To cater for the uncertainty ranges in the data set, three realizations (Low, Mid, High) with
one type curve each were defined (Figure 23b).

All Arab wells have a gas-down-to situation, and therefore the FWL for the main reservoir units had to
be estimated. The estimate was based on the dominant rock type in the reservoir unit, saturation-
height functions for the dominant rock type, uncertainty range in the saturation-height functions,
water saturation ranges measured from logs, and matching saturations from the 3-D model, together
with log-derived saturations at well locations. This provided a minimum FWL estimate that was the
basis for further FWL definitions for each realization of the saturation model (Figure 24). Synthetic
saturation logs from the model suggested that the deeper FWLs better matched with actual resistivity
log data and were therefore more realistic.

75
Grötsch et al.

OBJECT MODELS - 1 FOOT VERTICAL RESOLUTION

(a) Facies

Manifa/Hith
Limestone (tight) Arab-D upper
Arab-ABC

Playa/Sabkah anhydrite Arab-D lower

1,127 ft
Dolomite/Limestone
Diyab
Oolitic grainstone shoals

72
,75
0m 50 m
50,2

(b) Porosity
Figure 22:
(a) 3-D view of the depositional
facies architecture looking Manifa/Hith
north. Note the pinchout of the Arab-ABC
Arab-D upper
Arab-ABC, Hith and Manifa
toward the east. Stratabound Arab-D lower
dolomite streaks in the Lower
Arab-D indicate eastward
progradation of the Arab
intrashelf basin infill cycle.
(b) 3-D view of the porosity model
looking northwest. Non-reservoir
is shown in dark-blue, moderate
porosity in light-blue and good (c) Permeability
porosity in light-green. Note the
streakiness of porosity in the Arab- Manifa/Hith
ABC and the more continuous Arab-ABC
property distribution in the Upper Arab-D upper
Arab-D. Arab-D lower
(c) 3-D view of the permeability
model looking northwest.
Non- and poor reservoir is
shown in pink, moderate
permeability dark-blue and
good permeability light-blue,
and black is best permeability.
Note the streakiness of
permeability in the Arab-ABC
and the more continuous (d) Rock Type
property distribution in
the Upper Arab-D. RRT2
Manifa/Hith
Arab-ABC RRT3
(d) 3-D view of the reservoir
rock-type model looking north.
The petrophysically based Arab-D
upper RRT1
reservoir rock types are
Arab-D
attributed on a cell-by-cell basis lower RRT4
using the relationships derived RRT5
from the petrographic study
(Figure 18). RRT4 and RRT5 are
non-reservoir.

76
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

Upscaling

Preservation of key geological features in the dynamic model proved essential for prediction of the
dynamic behavior within the Arab reservoir. This was achieved by upscaling in the vertical sense
only, while preserving the tentative fault scheme. In addition, the geological model based on
sedimentary objects/bodies facilitated the preservation of reservoir heterogeneity that was crucial for
fluid flow during upscaling and elsewhere in the dynamic model. All dolomitic reservoir streaks of
the Arab-ABC were preserved as individual layers (the reservoir parts of fifth-order cycles), separated
by non-reservoir anhydrite layers. This allowed preservation of small-scale shallowing-upward cycles
and the modeling of body pinch-out. The Upper Arab-D is the only unit that is continuous over the
total model area. For upscaling, it was subdivided into four reservoir simulation layers that reflected
the observed (rather than a uniform) property distribution. Arithmetic averaging was used for vertical
porosity upscaling, and harmonic averaging was applied to the upscaling of the permeability.

DYNAMIC MODEL

The static model is an integral part of field development planning. It formed the basis for the analysis
of well-test data, the design of appraisal-well testing, and the analytical evaluation of productivity
and injectivity. A dynamic element model was extracted to evaluate the feasibility of acid-gas re-
injection, and of a full-field model to determine well- and in-field production compression requirements
under various development scenarios.

Well-test Analysis
Test data from appraisal wells were inconclusive due to the limited duration of the tests and because
of mechanical failures during testing. Well-test data from the most recent down-flank appraisal well
(Well-X01; Figure 5) were analyzed in detail. Additional information from production logging showed
that only a single Arab-ABC dolomite streak controlled well inflow, which proved crucial in the realistic
analysis of well-test data. Furthermore, production logging indicated the importance of effective well-
stimulation design and acid diversion.
The analysis was performed both analytically and by dynamic element modeling. Through this iterative
process, a flow match of the test results was achieved by using linear flow with parallel faults. The
results suggested that the reservoir was faulted in the vicinity of the well and that faults impaired
lateral fluid flow in the Arab-ABC. In combination with analog data and inflow performance
relationships derived from the crestal Well-X16 and midflank Well-X27, production tests were used to
assess the potential benefit of horizontal wells in the Arab reservoirs. It was concluded that the absolute
open-flow potentials of 110 to 120 million standard cubic feet/day (MMscf/d) could be achieved from
horizontal well trajectories. For appraisal and development, horizontal drilling is planned such that
the horizontal sections will penetrate the full vertical section of the Arab reservoirs and link all Arab-
ABC shallowing-upward cycles to the wellbore.

Well-test Design

An appraisal well is planned to confirm the sustainable output from such a high-angle well. Other
objectives of well testing are to ascertain reservoir boundaries and to measure reservoir parameters
such as permeability, skin, and reservoir pressure.
The layered nature of the Arab-ABC added to the complexity of the well-test design and analysis.
Anhydrite layers are likely to act as vertical flow barriers. Therefore, even though the thickness of the
Arab-ABC averaged 52 m, it is possible that the effective reservoir is composed of only a few layers
with very limited cross-flow. Assuming the well will penetrate the entire vertical section of the Arab-
ABC reservoir, each separate layer is likely to be vertically isolated and the effective well length in
each layer would be much less than the total length. In such complex cases, analytical models and
solutions would not satisfactorily capture the physics of reservoir behavior. Hence, a single well 3-D
dynamic model in MoReS was used to capture the complete spatial and physical reservoir description.
The reservoir pressure was then exported to the PanSystem™ for well-test analysis.

77
Grötsch et al.

SATURATION HEIGHT FUNCTIONS


(a) Per RRT (b) Three scenarios per RRT
250 250
RRT1
RRT3 high
RRT2 RRT3 mid
200 200
RRT3 RRT3 low
RRT4
150 RRT5 150

Height (ft)
Height (ft)

100 100

50 50

0 0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
Water Saturation Water Saturation
Figure 23: (a) The model was initialized using saturation-height functions and Free Water Level
(FWL) estimates, as log saturation and its modeling in 3-D did not provide satisfactory results due
to reservoir quality and well distribution. The 3-D rock-type model allows the attribution of
saturation-height functions on a cell-by-cell basis within the reservoir layers and bodies for each
RRT. (b) In order to quantify gas-in-place uncertainties, a low, mid, and high saturation-height
function was defined for each rock type, which allowed for a set of FWLs to deterministically define
expected gas-in-place ranges through various saturation-model initializations (see Figure 24).

FENCE DIAGRAM OF REALIZATION X

0.95
0.855
Gas saturation (%)

0.76
0.665
0.57
0.475
0.38
0.285
0.19
0.095

Figure 24: One of the realizations generated using the rock-type model together with a set of
saturation-height functions and free-water levels for the various reservoir units.

78
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

Two major questions had to be addressed: (1) How long should the test last? and (2) What is the
optimum test strategy? (i.e. whether to test the Arab-ABC alone or commingled with the Upper
Arab-D). Results showed that testing the Arab-ABC and Upper Arab-D together would not give
proper information on faulting or compartmentalization of the reservoir. Testing the Arab-ABC reservoir
streaks alone reveals faults more easily and this result allowed the test objectives to be refined.
Determining the distances to possible faults is the reason for extended testing of the horizontal section
in the Arab-ABC, whereas the prime objective of testing the Upper Arab-D alone, and commingled
with Arab-ABC, was to establish the overall well deliverability.

Feasibility of Acid-gas Re-injection

The development of the Arab sour gas in the studied field requires the flexibility to re-inject acid gas
(80% H2S and 20% CO2) into the Arab reservoirs. Given the layered nature and reservoir property
contrasts of the Arab-ABC, the issue of long-term reservoir management had to be addressed. It is
expected that future acid-gas injection will take place at the crest of the structure because of the favorable
reservoir properties found in appraisal wells, the requirement of limiting acid-gas contamination to
only part of the field, and health and safety considerations such as the proximity to surface facilities.
The purpose of this feasibility study was to assess the displacement process and the recovery factor of
methane in various acid-gas disposal scenarios. For this purpose, an element model was extracted
from the static model to investigate the feasibility of simultaneous production of sour-gas and re-
injection of acid-gas.

A symmetrical element model of dimensions 1,500 by 1,500 m (Figure 25) was generated that reflected
vertical reservoir property contrasts as observed in the mid-dip appraisal Well-X27. The model consisted
of one injector/producer pair positioned diagonally across the model. Given the layered nature and
reservoir property contrasts of the Arab-ABC—as opposed to the relatively homogenous Upper
Arab-D reservoir—it was determined that acid-gas injection (if necessary) should be limited to the
Upper Arab-D, and that injection into the Arab-ABC should be delayed as long as possible.

It was concluded that no special reservoir management policy was required to maximize the recovery
of sour gas should re-injection of acid gas become necessary. Although it was recommended that
re-injection should be avoided, it may be necessary for a limited amount of time because of operational
circumstances. Completion of the wells should allow selective monitoring and optional shut-in of the
Arab-ABC and/or Arab-D reservoir units. Monitoring surrounding producer wells is a requirement
for the detection of potential premature acid-gas breakthrough.

Full-field Modeling

In addition to element models, a full-field model was extracted from the geological model so as to
support field-development planning (Figure 26). The dynamic model was limited to the main field
and was slightly refined compared to the static model in order to allow for the modeling of horizontal
wells. Faults were transferred from the static model and they separate the dynamic model into 11
blocks (Figure 5). Flow across the faults is assumed if the juxtaposition of reservoir versus non-reservoir
layers permits.

In the Arab-ABC, each of the carbonate/dolomite reservoir streaks was represented by a separate
simulation layer or body of grid blocks that were separated by the anhydrite layers/bodies. The latter
were subsequently voided out for flow modeling. Permeabilities and rock types had been previously
defined from the static model. The rock type selected for each simulation grid cell is that which
occupied the largest net pore volume in the static model. This rock type was then used to assign the
capillary pressure and relative permeability to each grid cell in the model as defined in the rock-type
scheme. The model was initialized, assuming proven contact levels for gas-initially-in-place.

Several development scenarios were investigated to determine the requirements and timing of
development wells and in-field production compression. A phased development is planned with a
maximum off-take rate of 710 MMscf/d. Based on the currently available data for the static and

79
Grötsch et al.

ACID-GAS ADVANCE SIMULATION


3,200 2.0 x 103
(a) 10 Years
3,220

Arab-ABC
3,240

Mass (kg)
Depth (m)

3,260

Arab-D
3,280

1.2 x 106
3,300

3,320

3,200
(b) 14 Years
3,220

3,240
Depth (m)

3,260

3,280

3,300

3,320

3,200
(c) 18 Years
3,220

3,240
Depth (m)

3,260

3,280

3,300

3,320

3,200
(d) 26 Years
3,220
Figure 25: Cross-section
3,240 through a dynamic element
model of 1,500 x 1,500 m. Acid
gas advance in the Arab-ABC
Depth (m)

3,260
and Upper Arab-D:
3,280 (a) after 10 years;
(b) after 14 years;
3,300
(c) after 18 years;
3,320 (d) after 26 years.
0.0 500 1,000 1,500
Distance (m)
80
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

DYNAMIC FULL-FIELD MODEL


3,150 350
(a) 2 Years

3,250

Pressure (psi)
Depth (m)

3,350

3,450 Arab-ABC
Arab-D
5,900
3,550

3,150
(b) 7 Years

3,250
Depth (m)

3,350

3,450

3,550

3,150
(c) 17 Years

3,250
Depth (m)

3,350

3,450

Figure 26: Cross-section through the


3,550 dynamic full-field model of 26 km
length. Well trajectories and projected
trajectories are shown as dashed lines.
The wells were successively added
(d) 40 Years from crest to flank. Colors show
pressure behavior for the following
3,250 depletion cases:
(a) after 2 years of simulation;
Depth (m)

3,350 (b) after 7 years of simulation. Note the


different sweep efficiency in the
streaky Arab-ABC reservoir and the
3,450 more homogeneous depletion in
Upper Arab-D;
(c) after 17 years of simulation;
3,550
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 (d) after 40 years of simulation.
Distance (m)

81
Grötsch et al.

dynamic modeling results and the Arab reservoir property trends, the development requires a higher
than expected number of wells. Several alternatives were investigated, which indicated that a flexible
approach to reservoir development was crucial, and that the appraisal value of early wells positioned
both on the crest and flank of the structure was significant. Appraisal results may lead to a larger
project with a maximum off-take rate of 910 MMscf/d. Several crestal producer wells are planned and
will be completed early in order that they can be converted to acid gas injectors at minimum cost and
short notice.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The following regional trends were observed in the Arab sequence:

• Arab-ABC increases significantly in thickness from east to west and pinches out at the eastern edge
of the investigated field.
• Reservoir quality in the onshore areas is poorer than in the Arab offshore, as related to increased
diagenetic overprinting caused by the increased depth of burial and thermochemical sulfate
reduction.
• Well data suggest a complex variability of lateral reservoir quality within the Arab-ABC shallowing-
upward cycles. No simple down-flank decrease in properties is observed in the Arab-ABC in the
study area whereas this occurs in the overlying Cretaceous Thamama reservoirs (Grötsch et al.,
1998; Melville et al., in press). Large lateral variations occur within individual cycles or stacks of
cycles.
• Early diagenetic (syn- to early post-depositional) dolomitization of Arab-ABC reservoir streaks
enhances the likelihood of porosity preservation during burial.
• The reservoir quality of the Upper Arab-D oolitic and bioclastic grainstone is likely to deteriorate
in a down-flank direction due to burial diagenesis.

The new geological model for the onshore part of the Central Abu Dhabi Ridge was prepared for the
Manifa, Hith, Arab, and Upper Diyab formations. It was built with a high vertical resolution in order
to tackle the crucial issue of well inflow being predominantly controlled by thin streaks of enhanced
reservoir properties in the Arab-ABC. The prime advantage of this model is its preservation of the
reservoir architecture with its strong vertical and lateral permeability contrast.

The modeling exercise has demonstrated the complexity of the Arab reservoir and its sequence/
cyclostratigraphic architecture. In the studied field, clear signs of a westward progradation of the
Arab Formation coastal deposits (oolitic/bioclastic grainstone in Upper Arab-D, Asab Oolite) have
been identified. The Arab-ABC, Hith, and Manifa formations pinch out in the northeastern part of the
field, whereas the Lower Arab-D is an intrashelf basinal deposit that is to a large degree the time-
equivalent of the Arab-ABC.

The results of the integrated reservoir characterization and modeling exercise show that well
productivity in the Arab-ABC is predominantly controlled by the development of thin dolomitic streaks
in a series of hierarchically organized small-scale, shallowing-upward cycles. This is important for
well completion, well stimulation, and development planning, as the best reservoir properties are
preferentially found at the base of fourth-order aggradational cycles.

The models presented have been greatly improved by using iterative feedback and updating as a vital
part of the modeling process. The full-field geological model allows for upscaling and input from
various dynamic modeling processes (element, sector, full-field) and the evaluation/optimization of
development scenarios.

The full integration of the various detailed models and a multidisciplinary approach are of paramount
importance for reservoir characterization, modeling, and development planning for the complex gas
development of the Arab Formation. Understanding the remaining uncertainties and constraints has
led to a clear definition of requirements with respect to project phasing, appraisal activities, well
completion, reservoir management, and monitoring.

82
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Shell Abu Dhabi BV for permission to
publish these results. In particular, we would like to express our gratitude for the support of Mohamed
Al-Qubaisi, Mohammed Juma, and Ali Al Shamsi. We also thank Cathy Hollis of Badley Ashton and
Associates (now with Shell) for her support of this work. The comments of GeoArabia’s anonymous
referees were greatly appreciated. The design and drafting of the final figures was by Gulf PetroLink.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Jürgen Grötsch is Reservoir Studies Team Leader for the Al Furat Petroleum
Company in Damascus, Syria. He joined Al Furat in late 2002. He was
previously Geology and Geophysics Co-ordinator at Shell Abu Dhabi
assigned to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Jürgen obtained his MS
from the University of Erlangen, Germany in 1987. After being a Research
Fellow at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Diego, he received a
PhD from the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg in 1991 for a study on the
evolution of Cretaceous carbonate platforms. Following a post-doctoral
fellowship at the University of Tübingen, Jürgen joined Shell International
Exploration and Production as a Seismic Interpreter. Later, he was assigned
to Shell Exploration and Production Technology and Research as a Production Geologist. There,
he worked mainly on the application and development of novel 3-D modeling techniques for
carbonate reservoirs with emphasis on the integration of 3-D seismic and outcrop analogs. Jürgen
has provided technical services to operating companies in Oman, Abu Dhabi, Venezuela,
Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. He has given numerous keynote speeches and lectures
in international conferences around the world and is an editor and reviewer for several international
journals. j.grotsch@afpc.net.sy

Omar Suwaina is Strategy and Exploration Team Leader with the Abu
Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). He was awarded a BSc in
Geological Engineering from Colorado School of Mines in 1990 and joined
ADNOC the same year. Omar has led and worked with several
multidisciplinary exploration teams, and has been involved in the processing
and interpretation of 2-D and 3-D seismic surveys in Abu Dhabi. His
main interests are in seismic reservoir characterization and exploration. He
is a member of the Emirates Society of Geoscience and SEG.
osuwaina@adnoc.com

84
Arab Formation, Abu Dhabi

Ghiath Ajlani is Team Leader of the Geophysical Technology Support Group


in the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). He has a BSc in
Geology from the University of Damascus, a BSc in Geophysics from the
University of Missouri-Rolla, and an MSc in Geophysics from the University
of Utah, Salt Lake City. Before joining ADNOC in 1996, Ghaith was a
Geophysical Advisor for Conoco from 1984 in North America and the Middle
East. His major areas of interest are seismic modeling, inversion, land and
marine multidisciplinary geophysical feasibility studies, seismic acquisition
and processing, and reservoir geophysics for oil and gas exploration and
development. Ghiath is a member of the SEG. gajlani@adnoc.com

Ahmed Taher is a Senior Geologist with the Strategy and Exploration Team
of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). He has a BSc from
United Arab Emirates University. He joined ADNOC in 1982 as a Well-
site Geologist and became an Explorationist in the Areas Section in 1986.
During 1997 and 1998, Ahmed worked as a member of the Zakum
Development Team. Ahmed has professional interests in stratigraphic trap
and basin modeling evaluation and has published several technical papers.
He is a member of the Emirates Society of Geoscience.
ataher@adnoc.com

Reyad El-Khassawneh is a Senior Geologist with the Abu Dhabi National


Oil Company (ADNOC). He received a BSc degree in Geology from Mousel
University, Iraq, in 1976 and a PhD in Geology from Bucharest University,
Romania, in 1980. Reyad has been involved in numerous exploration and
production projects in Abu Dhabi, and until recently he was working with
the ADNOC/Shell Sour Gas Development Team.

Stephen Lokier is a Carbonate Reservoir Geologist with Badley Ashton


and Associates. He obtained a BSc in Geological Sciences from Oxford
Brookes University in 1996. He then undertook research at Royal Holloway
College, University of London on the influences of clastic sediments in a
variety of equatorial carbonate depositional settings. Since gaining his PhD
in 2000, Stephen has been employed by Badley Ashton on several Middle
Eastern reservoirs and has coordinated the development of the company’s
Carbonate Sedimentology course. Stephen is a fellow of the Geological
Society of London and a member of AAPG, BSRG, IAS, PESGB, and SEPM.
He has presented papers at many international conferences. Stephen is
particularly interested in the application and integration of sedimentological and petrological
techniques so as to enhance paleoenvironmental analysis, and sequence stratigraphic and diagenetic
interpretations, thereby aiding the construction of reservoir architecture.
slokier@badley-ashton.co.uk
lokier@blinternet.com

85
Grötsch et al.

Gordon Coy is a Carbonate Reservoir Geologist with Badley Ashton and


Associates. He obtained a BSc in Geology from the University of
Birmingham in 1994 before moving to the Department of Earth Sciences,
University of Cambridge, to undertake research on regional dolomitization
of the Akhdar Group of Oman. After completing his PhD in 1998, Gordon
joined Badley Ashton where he has worked on several Middle Eastern
reservoirs. He has been responsible for the development of Microsoft Access-
based petrographic databases, and currently acts as Middle East (Abu Dhabi)
Team Leader. Gordon is a member of the BSRG, PESGB and SEPM. He
has presented papers at national and international conferences and has
published on diagenesis and dolomitization. Gordon has interests in carbonate depositional systems,
diagenesis, pore-system analysis and rock typing, and their integration into reservoir models.
gcoy@badley-ashton.co.uk

H. (Erik) van der Weerd is a Reservoir Studies Coordinator with the joint
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company/Shell Sour Gas Team. He received a
Petroleum Engineering and Geophysics degree from the Technical University
of Delft, The Netherlands, in 1979 and joined Shell International the same
year. Erik has been assigned to various Shell operating units including
Spain, Oman, Denmark, Venezuela, The Netherlands, and now the United
Arab Emirates. He is a member of the SPE.
evanderweerd@adnoc.com
erik.vanderweerd@shelldub.simis.com

Shehadeh Masalmeh is a Reservoir Engineer with Shell. He holds a BSc


(1990) in Physics from Birzeit University, Palestine. He obtained an MSc
(Honors) in Atomic Physics from the University of Amsterdam in 1992
and a PhD in Laser Physics from the University of Leiden in 1997. Shehadeh
joined Shell the same year to work in the Special Core Analysis Team. He is
a member of the Society of Core Analysts and has published several articles
covering SCAL, wettability, hysteresis, and transition zones. Shehadeh’s
research interests include multiphase flow in porous media, wettability,
hysteresis, enhanced oil recovery processes, and asphaltene precipitation and
its effect on sweep efficiency.
smasalmeh@adnoc.com
shehadeh.masalmeh@shelldub.simis.com

Johan van Dorp is Team Leader of a joint Abu Dhabi National Oil
Company/Shell Sour Gas Study Team. He has an MSc (1980) in
Experimental Physics from RU Utrecht and joined Shell in 1981. After a
spell with Shell Expro in North Sea operations, Johan moved to NAM as a
Reservoir Engineer. This was followed by assignments in California and
Denmark. Johan transferred to Shell Abu Dhabi in 1999. He is a member
of the SPE and is professionally interested in recovery mechanisms, well
testing, PVT, and process analysis.
jdorp@adnoc.com
johan.j.j.van-dorp@shelldub.simis.com

For additional information about the authors see Geoscience Directory at www.gulfpetrolink.com

Paper presented at the 5th Middle East Geoscience Conference and Exhibition,
GEO 2002, Bahrain, April 15–17, 2002

Manuscript Received June 24, 2002


Accepted August 3, 2002

86

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