The Upper Cretaceous petroleum system of the East Beni Suef Basin, Egypt: an integrated geological and 2D basin modelling approach

Abstract

We integrated geological and 2D basin modelling to investigate the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the East Beni Suef Basin (EBSB) of north central Egypt and its implications for the Upper Cretaceous petroleum system. Two intersecting seismic sections and three exploration wells were used for this study. The geological model defines the structural and geometrical framework of the basin, which formed the basis for subsequent 2D basin modelling. The developed basin models were calibrated and fine-tuned using vitrinite reflectance and corrected temperature data. Modelling results indicate that the Abu Roash ‘F’ source-rock maturity ranges from the early oil window at the basin margins to the main oil window in the centre. The main phase of hydrocarbon generation occurred during the Eocene after trap formation in the Late Cretaceous. Generated hydrocarbons have migrated both laterally and vertically, most likely from the central part of the basin towards the basin margins, particularly eastwards to the structural traps. The model predicts low accumulation rates for the EBSB, which are caused by the ineffective sealing capacity of the overburden rocks and normal faults. In addition to the proven kitchen for the charging of the Abu Roash ‘E’ reservoirs, an additional kitchen area to the NW of the basin is suggested for the Abu Roash ‘G’ reservoirs.