Journal of Petroleum Geology, Vol.

30(2), April 2007, pp 175-188

175

THE USE OF WELL LOGS TO DETERMINE THE RESERVOIR CHARACTERISTICS OF MIOCENE ROCKS AT THE BAHAR NORTHEAST FIELD, GULF OF SUEZ, EGYPT
E. A. Abd El-Gawad*

This paper is concerned with the petrophysical evaluation by means of electric logs of Miocene reservoir rocks at the Bahar Northeast field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The reservoir rocks are assigned to the Hammam Faraun and Sidri Members of the Middle Miocene Belayim Formation and the Lower Miocene Kareem Carbonate. Computer-assisted log analyses were used to evaluate petrophysical parameters such as the shale proportion (Vsh), effective porosity (E), water saturation (SW), hydrocarbon saturation (Sh), flushed zone saturation (Sxo) and true resistivity (Rt). Lithological compositions, effective porosity, and water and hydrocarbon saturations are illustrated on cross-plots of depth versus lithology and saturation. Isoparametric maps are used to illustrate the spatial variation of petrophysical parameters and to show their relationships with the geologic setting of the study area. Based on the results obtained, the Hammam Faraun and Sidri Members of the Belayin Formation and the Kareem Carbonate appear to possess promising reservoir characteristics which should be taken into consideration during future development of the field area.

INTRODUCTION The Gulf of Suez is the most important oil-producing region in Egypt and accounts for more than 75% of Egyptian oil production and more than 90% of cumulative production (EGPC, 1996). The Bahar Northeast field is located onshore on the SW margin of the Gulf, about 65 km north of Hurghada (Fig.1), and occupies an area of about 2 km2. The field was discovered by General Petroleum Company (GPC) in 1983 following the drilling of well BNE-1, and twelve wells have subsequently been drilled here. Bahar Northeast may be considered as an onshore extension of the Zeit Bay field.Total oil reserves are estimated to be about 30 MM brl, and cumulative production had reached 21.7 MM brl by mid-1995 with an annual production rate of 136,000 brl. The oils gravity is 31o API (EGPC, 1996).
*Geology Department, Faculty of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17551, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates. email: esam.abdelgawad @ uaeu.ac.ae

The Bahar Northeast field lies on a SW-tilted fault block which is aligned with the regional N35 E trend (Meshref, 1990). Major reservoir units include Mesozoic sandstones (so-called Nubian facies) and Miocene carbonates. The latter include the Middle Miocene Hammam Faraun (72 90m thick) and Sidri (40105m thick) Members of the Belayin Formation and the Lower Miocene Kareem Carbonate (29125m thick) (Figs 2 and 3). Many stratigraphic complexities have been observed in the study area (e.g.pinch-outs, truncations and onlap), and it was believed that these uncertainties could be clarified with the aid of detailed well log and facies analyses of the reservoir units. The present study attempts to integrate subsurface geological studies and well-log characteristics in order to improve understanding of the hydrocarbon potential of Miocene reservoir rocks at Bahar Northeast and nearby parts of the SW Gulf of Suez.
Key words: Gulf of Suez, Bahar NE field, Miocene, Belayin Formation, Kareem Formation, petrophysics.

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Reservoir characteristics of Miocene rocks at the Bahar Northeast field, Gulf of Suez

33o 00`

33o 30` N

34o 00`

Age

Group Formation Member

Lithology

PLIOCENE-RECENT

S I N A I
28o 30`

M I O C E N

28o 00`

M I D D L E

M A L A A B

ZEIT

27o 30`

EASTERN DESERT

R A S

SOUTH GHARIB

H. FARAUN FEIRAN

BELAYIM
20 km

SIDRI BABA SHAGAR RAHMI

GHARANDAL

Fig. 1. Location map of Bahar Northeast field, SW Gulf of Suez. Bahar Northeast is an onshore extension of Zeit Bay field.

LOWER MIOCENE

KAREEM RUDEIS

MATERIALS AND METHODS The subsea depths of the top crystalline Basement, top Pre-Miocene Nubia sandstone, and top Rudeis, Kareem, Belayim, South Gharib and Zeit Formations penetrated by 13 wells together with seismic data (fault trend maps) were used to construct a series of isopach and facies maps, structure contour maps and structural cross sections.Complete sets of logs (Micro Spherically Focused Log, Latero Log Deep, Latero Log Shallow, Formation Density Compensated Log, Compensated Neutron Log, Bore Hole Compensated Sonic Log, Spontaneous Potential Log, Gamma Ray Log and Caliper Log) for the reservoir units studied (Hammam Faraun and Sidri Members of the Belayim Formation and Kareem Carbonate) were digitized. Environmental corrections and depth matching were applied using particular subroutines for the logs prior to evaluation to compensate for poor borehole conditions and for depth discrepancies for the various types of logs. Formation evaluation was carried out for the studied reservoirs by means of QLA2 software,

MIOCENECAMBRIAN

NUBIA
CRYSTALLINE BASEMENT
xxxxxxxxx

Fig. 2. Lithostratigraphic column for the Bahar Northeast field. The synrift Belayim and Kareem Formations, the subject of this paper, rest unconformably on rocks of the pre-rift sequence.

which combines a broad range of log interpretation techniques such as Schlumberger Principles, 1990; Essentials, 1972; Charts, 1972; Applications, 1974 and Helander, 1978. A number of water samples were collected from the Hammam Faraun Member at well BNE-9 and from the Kareem Formation at well BNE1, and were analyzed for salinity. Pickett plots (Schlumberger, 1990) were constructed to confirm the results of water analysis. Neutron/density and apparent matrix / apparent grain density cross-plots were constructed to show the lithology, density and porosity of the studied reservoir units.

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33o 33`

33o 33`

R. EL BAHAR

R. EL BAHAR

GULF OF SUEZ

GULF OF SUEZ

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

EASTERN DESERT

EASTERN DESERT

33o 33`

C.I.: 50 m

500 m

33o 33`

C.I.: 25 m

500 m

Fig. 3. Isopach and facies maps of the Belayim Formation (above, left) and Kareem Formation (above, right) at the Bahar Northeast field,Gulf of Suez.

The shale content (Vsh) was determined from the gamma ray, SP, neutron, neutron-density and neutronresistivity logs. The minimum shale content given by these shale indicators is likely to be close to the actual value of Vsh. The corrected effective porosity was estimated using a combination of the density and neutron logs after applying various corrections. The water saturation (Sw) was calculated using the so-called Indonesia equation (Schlumberger, 1990)
1 Rt =[ Vcl (1 Vcl / 2 ) m / 2 n / 2 + ]Sw 1 1 aRw Rcl

whose terms are defined on page 186. Determination of the fluid contents as water, movable and residual saturation was also carried out. Litho-saturation plots and isoparametric maps for the studied Miocene reservoirs (Hammam Faraun Member, Sidri Member and Kareem Carbonate) were constructed to illustrate the vertical and lateral changes in the petrophysical characteristics of these reservoirs. GEOLOGICAL SETTING The regional geology of the Gulf of Suez has been described by many authors including Steckler et al.,

1988; Meshref, 1990; Lelek et al., 1992; Abdine et al., 1990; Schutz, 1994; Bosworth, 1995; EGPC, 1996; Salah and Alsharhan, 1997; McClay et al. 1998; and El-Ghamri et al., 2002. The Gulf is generally divided into three structural provinces (northern, central and southern) according to structural setting and regional dip direction. Bahar NE field is located in the southern province which is bounded to the north by the Morgan hinge zone. This extends from the northern end of Esh El Mellaha to Ras Shukheir, to the north of well LL 87-1, then offshore north of Gebel Araba on the eastern bank. It is characterized by the occurrence of surface outcrops of Miocene and Pre-Miocene sedimentary rocks and basement rocks in the Gebel El Zeit and Esh El Mellaha ranges. The regional dip of strata is towards the SW and the main (clysmic) and cross-faults throw towards the NE and SE, respectively. The Galala and Morgan hinge zones are shifted southwards on the eastern bank of the Gulf of Suez by some 45 km at Zeneima and 30 km at Gebel Nakus, respectively. According to EGPC and Beicip (1988), principal sedimentary and tectonic events in the Gulf of Suez can be divided into pre-rift (pre-Miocene), syn-rift (Miocene) and post-rift (post-Miocene) phases. At the Bahar NE / Zeit Bay structure, peneplained Precambrian Basement is overlain by a Pre-Miocene

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Reservoir characteristics of Miocene rocks at the Bahar Northeast field, Gulf of Suez

33o 33` N

33o 33`

R. EL BAHAR

R. EL BAHAR

GULF OF SUEZ

GULF OF SUEZ

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

EASTERN DESERT

EASTERN DESERT

500 m

500 m

C.I.: 100 m

33o 33`

C.I.: 50 m

33o 33`

Fig. 4. Structure contour maps, top-Belayim Formation (above, left) and top-Kareem Formation (above, right), Bahar Northeast field, Gulf of Suez. Wells indicated by open circles with well-number marked above.

sedimentary sequence typical of the southern Gulf of Suez, with strata ranging in age from Palaeozoic to Early Tertiary (Eocene). In common with the rest of the southern Gulf of Suez, the Zeit Bay / Bahar NE structure was then uplifted and tilted about 20 towards the SW and underwent intense erosion. The deepest erosion occurred along the up-dip edge of the fault block towards the eastern side. Well data shows that upthrown and downthrown blocks were levelled at this time as a result of the erosion. Erosion products from uplifted and exposed structural highs filled accommodation space in downthrown blocks to the west of fault FA (Fig. 4). The sediments pinch out towards the west before reaching the location of well BNE-l. This is confirmed by the presence of thick Early Miocene sandstones of similar facies to the Nubia sandstone, with intercalations of marine shales in well BNE-12 within the interval 1,750 to 1,885 m. After this thin Basal Miocene sandstone was deposited, marine carbonates of the Rudeis Formation were deposited along the downthrown block west of fault FA, thus again levelling the block with the eastern upthrown block of fault F2. Well BNE-1 encountered Rudeis carbonates at 1,871 1,995 m MD; they are thought to be of Eocene age (EGPC, 1996), although Suez Oil Company geologists consider this interval to be Miocene. Rudeis carbonates were deposited to the east and on the downthrown

block of fault F4. During the Early-Middle Miocene, the siliciclastics of the Shagar Member of the Kareem Formation were deposited on the NE flank of the Bahar NE / Zeit Bay structure. On the deeper western flank, a more typical Kareem Formation sequence, including shales of the Shagar Member and anhydrites of the Markha Member, were developed, as encountered in well BNE-1. In the centre and on the western flank, a build-up of carbonates took place (Kareem Carbonate).These carbonates were karstified and fault F3 became active. During deposition of the Baba evaporites at the base of the Belayim Formation, fault F1 was rejuvenated as shown by the different thicknesses of the Belayim evaporites across the fault. A thin layer of Sidri carbonates was then deposited throughout the area except for the central high corresponding to the Kareem Carbonate build-up. The absence of Sidri carbonates in the central high is therefore due to non-deposition. Following the deposition of the Sidri carbonates, a thin anhydritic layer (Feiran Member) was deposited, covering the Sidri carbonates and the Baba anhydrites where the Sidri was not deposited. This has led to the term Belayim evaporites, which refers to the undifferentiated Baba-Feiran evaporitic section. This is followed by the thin shales and carbonates of the Hammam Faraun Member. The Zeit Bay / Bahar

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Hamman Faraun Member

Kareem Carbonate

Fig. 5. SW-NE structural cross-section through wells BNE 3, 2 and 7, Bahar Northeast field, Gulf of Suez.

Fig. 6. Pickett plots (Schlumberger, 1990) for Rw determination, Hamman Faraun Member (above) and Kareem Carbonate (below) Bahar Norteast field, Gulf of Suez.

NE structure was defined by the end of Belayim time. Following the deposition of the Hammam Faraun clastics, marine regression occurred and thick evaporites (salt and anhydrite) of the Middle-Late Miocene South Gharib and Zeit Formations were deposited. These evaporitic sequences represent the cap rock overlying the structure. The Hammam Faraun and Sidri Members of the Belayim Formation together with the Kareem Carbonate represent the most important targets for exploration in the Gulf of Suez. An isopach map of the Belayim Formation (Fig. 3a) shows that its thickness increases towards the central and southcentral parts of the field area. The formation consists mainly of limestones and anhydrites with minor shales and sandstones. The Hammam Faraun Member consists of shales in the upper part and of limestones in the lower part with minor sandstones. The Sidri Member is mainly composed of carbonates. The lithofacies and faunal content of the Hammam Faraun and Sidri Members reflect a littoral depositional environment, while the Feiran and Baba Members were deposited under lagoonal conditions.

An isopach map of the Kareem Formation (Fig. 3b) shows that its thickness increases towards the west and SW of the field area. The Kareem Formation consists of (i) relatively deep-water shales and sandstones with some limestones, which occur in the west and SW of the field area - these are divided into the Shagar Member above and the Markha Member below; and (ii) thick carbonates which are mainly represented by a dolomitic, highly pyritic limestones, which occur as a depositional wedge along the central and western flank of the field. The Kareem Formation is absent on the crest of the structure (e.g.at well BNE-7l) (Fig. 5). Structural configuration In order to understand the structure in the study area, a series of structure contour maps were compiled for most of the penetrated formation tops using the subsea depths of the drilled formations together with seismic data. For example, the structure at topKareem Formation level (Fig. 4) is an elongated SWtilted fault block dissected by a number of normal faults (FA, FB, F2, F3 and F4). Faults F4 and FB

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Reservoir characteristics of Miocene rocks at the Bahar Northeast field, Gulf of Suez

Fig. 7. Neutron/density and apparent matrix/apparent grain density cross-plots for the Hammam Faraun Member, Bahar Northeast field, showing main and minor lithological constituents, bulk density and average porosity.

trend NW-SE, and are down-thrown to the NE forming a step structure. Faults FA, F2 and F3 trend NNW-SSE and are downthrown to the SW. Faults F3 and F4 form a horst structure in the northern part of the field area. Top-Kareem Formation varies from 1,334 m at well BNE-4 to 1,704 m at well BNE-1, with dips generally to the SW. The structure contour map at top Belayim Formation level shows almost the same structural configuration as at top-Kareem Formation level, except that it is not affected by fault F3 (Fig. 4). To study the structure further, a series of palaeotectonic and structural cross-sections were constructed. These show almost the same structural configuration as the structure contour maps. In addition, they show that the faults bounding the study area are most likely of Pre-Miocene age, but most of them were rejuvenated on a number of occasions (Fig.5). RESULTS WELL LOG ANALYSIS The NaCl content of water samples from the Hammam Faraun Member and Kareem Formation varied from 210,000 to 240,000 ppm, which was equivalent to a water resistivity (Rw) ranging from 0.023 to 0.025 ohm.m at 130 F. Pickett plots were constructed and showed that Rw values range from 0.025 to 0.035 ohm.m (Fig. 6). Neutron/density and apparent matrix/apparent grain density cross-plots show that the Hammam Faraun

Member is principally composed of sandy dolomitic limestones with bulk density RHOB ranging from 2.20 to 2.79 gm/cc, and an average porosity of about 20% (Fig. 7). Calcite and dolomite are the main constituents together with quartz and some heavy minerals (Fig. 7). The Sidri Member is dominated by sandy dolomitic limestone and minor anhydritic calcareous dolomite with bulk density RHOB ranging from 2.30 to 2.90 gm/cc and an average porosity of about 10% (Fig. 8). Dolomite and calcite are the major matrix constituents together with quartz and some Kfeldspar (Fig. 8). The Kareem Carbonate is almost entirely composed of dolomitic limestone and/or calcareous dolomite, with RHOB ranging from 2.15 to 2.83 gm/cc and an average porosity of about 19.5% (Fig. 9). The matrix is composed of dolomite, calcite and quartz with minor heavy minerals, anhydrite and illite (Fig. 9). RESERVOIR ROCK EVALUATION Litho-saturation logs and isoparametric maps for the Hammam Faraun and Sidri Members and Kareem Carbonate were constructed in order to illustrate the vertical and lateral changes in the petrophysical characteristics of these reservoir units. Litho-saturation logs The Hammam Faraun Member at Well BNE-1 Fig. 10a shows a litho-saturation log for the Hammam Faraun Member at well BNE-1 (depths 1420 to

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Fig. 8. Neutron/density and apparent matrix / apparent grain density cross-plots for the Sidri Member, Bahar Northeast field, showing main and minor lithological constituents, bulk density and average porosity.

Fig. 9. Neutron/density and apparent matrix/apparent grain density cross-plots for the Kareem Carbonate, Bahar Northeast field, showing main and minor lithological constituents, bulk density and average porosity.

a
c

182

Reservoir characteristics of Miocene rocks at the Bahar Northeast field, Gulf of Suez

Fig. 10. Lithosaturation logs for well BNE-1 (location in Fig. 4), depths (a) 1420-1435 m, (b)1610-1624 m, (c)1804-1838 m, illustrating vertical variations in the petrophysical characteristics of the reservoir units studied.

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a,b

33o 33`

33o 33`

VSh

R. EL BAHAR

R. EL BAHAR

GULF OF SUEZ

GULF OF SUEZ

10
27o 45`
27o 45` 27o 45`

27o 45`

20 30
EASTERN DESERT
33o 33`

EASTERN DESERT

C.I.: 10%

500 m

33o 33` 33o 33`

C.I.: 5%

500 m

c, d

33o 33`

Sw

R. EL BAHAR

Sh

R. EL BAHAR

GULF OF SUEZ

GULF OF SUEZ

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

EASTERN DESERT

EASTERN DESERT

33o 33`

C.I.: 5%

500 m

33o 33`

C.I.: 5%

500 m

Fig. 11. Isoparametric maps for the Hammam Faraun Member, Bahar Northeast field (a) shaliness, (b) effective porosity, (c) water saturation, (d) hydrocarbon saturation.

1438m).In this interval, the shale content in the limestone is 50% - 60%, and the effective porosity varies from 10% to 16%. Water is present throughout the unit and oil is also present in significant volumes. The Sidri Member at Well BNE-1 Fig. 10b shows a litho-saturation log for the interval 1,610 to 1,624m, which has a shale content ranging from 29 to 53%. The effective porosity varies from 4 to 15% and generally increases downwards. Water

is dominant and movable hydrocarbons occur in small quantities. The Kareem Formation at Well BNE-1 Fig. 10c illustrates a litho-saturation log for the interval between 1804 and 1838 m. The Kareem Formation is represented by limestones intercalated with shales and thin sandstones in the lower part. The shale content varies from 22% to 60%, while the effective porosity ranges from 50% to 17%. Oil is present in significant

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Reservoir characteristics of Miocene rocks at the Bahar Northeast field, Gulf of Suez

a, b

33o 33`

33o 33`

VSh

R. EL BAHAR

R. EL BAHAR

GULF OF SUEZ

GULF OF SUEZ

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

EASTERN DESERT

EASTERN DESERT

33o 33`

C.I.: 10%

500 m

33o 33` 33o 33`

C.I.: 10%

500 m

c, d
Sw

33o 33`

R. EL BAHAR

R. EL BAHAR

Sh
GULF OF SUEZ

GULF OF SUEZ

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

EASTERN DESERT

EASTERN DESERT

33o 33`

C.I.: 5%

500 m

33o 33`

C.I.: 10%

500 m

Fig. 12. Isoparametric maps for the Sidri Member, Bahar Northeast field (a) shaliness, (b) effective porosity, (c) water saturation, (d) hydrocarbon saturation.

volumes in the lower part of the unit and water is present throughout except in the oil zone Isoparametric maps of the Hammam Faraun Member (Fig. 11) An iso-shaliness map of the Hammam Faraun Member at Bahar NE (Fig. 11a) shows that the shale content varies from 0% at wells BNE 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, to 1227% at well BNE-10. This SW-NE trend of

decreasing shaliness appears to correlate with variations in effective porosity. Fig. 11b shows that effective porosity in the Hammam Faraun Member varies from 11% at well BNE-1 to 28% at well BNE-10, generally increasing from SW to NE. This trend approximately matches the direction of decreasing shaliness within the member (Fig. 11a). Also, compared to the structure contour map on the top of the Belayim Formation

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a, b

33o 33`

33o 33`

VSh

R. EL BAHAR

R. EL BAHAR

GULF OF SUEZ

GULF OF SUEZ

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

EASTERN DESERT

EASTERN DESERT

c, d
Sw

33o 33` 33 33`

o

C.I.: 10%

500 m

33o 33` 33 33`

o

C.I.: 10%

500 m

R. EL BAHAR

Sh

R. EL BAHAR

GULF OF SUEZ

GULF OF SUEZ

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

27o 45`

EASTERN DESERT

EASTERN DESERT

33o 33`

C.I.: 5%

500 m

33o 33`

C.I.: 5%

500 m

Fig. 13. Isoparametric maps for the Kareem Formation, Bahar Northeast field (a) shaliness, (b) effective porosity, (c) water saturation, (d) hydrocarbon saturation.

(Fig. 4), it may be noted that the highest-porosity areas occur on relative structural highs in horsts and step blocks. This suggests that the effective porosity of the Hammam Faraun Member was affected by both sedimentological factors (e.g. shaliness) and the structural setting. The map of water saturation (Fig. 11c) shows that water occurrence within the Hammam Faraun Member varies from 15% at well BNE-3 to 50% at

well BNE-9, generally increasing to the SW. This distribution can roughly be correlated with the structural setting of the field area. Thus, in general areas with low water saturation occur in horst blocks (e.g. the areas around wells BNE 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 13), reflecting the migration of oil up and into these blocks; while more highly water-saturated areas occur within step blocks. Moreover, the less water-saturated horst blocks coincide with sectors in the field area

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Reservoir characteristics of Miocene rocks at the Bahar Northeast field, Gulf of Suez

with elevated porosities, while the other step blocks represent lower porosity areas. This suggests that the distribution of water saturation in the Hammam Faraun Member was controlled both by the structural setting and the effective porosity of the member.Finally, Fig. 11d shows that hydrocarbon (oil) saturation varies from 51% at well BNE-1 to 85% at well BNE-3. This map resembles the map of water saturation, although the trend of overall increase is to the NE.

Isoparametric maps of the Sidri Member (Fig. 12) The shale content of the Sidri Member varies from 8% at well BNE-6 to 31% at well BNE-11, with general trend of increase towards the NW (Fig. 12a). Porosity in the Sidri Member (Fig. 12b) ranges from 10% at well BNE-6 to 25% at well BNE-3, and in general increases eastward.In wells BNE-2, 4, 5 and 7, the Sidri Member cannot be differentiated, and may be represented by anhydrite intercalated with thin beds of limestone. Water saturation in the Sidri Member varies from 10% at wells BNE 3 and 10 to 81% at well BNE-1 (Fig. 12c). It generally increases towards the SW. Hydrocarbon saturation within the Sidri Member ranges from 19% at well BNE-1 to 90% at wells BNE3 and 12 (Fig. 12d). The hydrocarbon saturation generally increases towards the NE.
Isoparametric maps of the Kareem Formation (Fig. 13) The shale content in the Kareem Formation varies from 0% at wells BNE- 2, 9 and 11 to 23% at well BNE-1 with a general trend of increase towards the SW and the central parts of the study area (Fig. 13a). Porosity varies from 11% at well BNE-10 to 30% at well BNE-6, and increases towards the northern and eastern parts of the field area (Fig. 13b). Water saturation in the Kareem Formation increases from 20% at well BNE-2 to 90% at well BNE-12 towards the SW of the study area (Fig. 13c). The hydrocarbon saturation of the Kareem Formation (Fig. 13d) increases from 10% at well BNE-12 to 85% at well BNE-3 towards the NE (i.e towards the structurally higher parts of the field area). DISCUSSION The results show that the Hammam Faraun Member is mainly composed of sandy dolomitic limestones with an average porosity of about 20%. The shale content is low and the average water saturation is about 30%. An inverse relationship between porosity and shaliness is indicated by the iso-parametric maps. Areas of high porosity and low water saturation occur

on horst blocks (e.g. around wells BNE 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 13), reflecting the migration of oil into these blocks; while areas of low porosity and high water saturation occur within step blocks. The Sidri Member is dominated by sandy dolomitic limestones and minor anhydritic calcareous dolomites with an average porosity of about 10%. Minor shales also occur. The Members water saturation is about 37%. It cannot be differentiated in the eastern margin of Bahar NE field where it may be represented by anhydrite intercalated with thin beds of limestone. The Kareem Carbonate is dominated by dolomitic limestones and/or calcareous dolomites with an average porosity of about 19.5%. The shale content is minor and correlates closely with porosity values. The water saturation is about 45%, and decreases towards structurally high areas. CONCLUSIONS The best reservoir characteristics of the Miocene reservoir units studied (the Hammam Faraun and Sidri Members of the Belayim Formation and the Kareem Formation) occur in the NE of the study area, in structurally high areas, where the units have low shale contents, high effective porosity and low water saturations. The effective porosity of these reservoir units is affected by both sedimentological factors (e.g. shaliness) and the structural setting, i.e. whether located on a high or a low structural block. The distribution of water and hydrocarbon saturation in the reservoirs was strongly affected by the structural setting and elevation and by the effective porosity; areas of high porosity and low water saturation occur on horst blocks. The shale content in the reservoir units is minor and shows a good correlation with the porosity values.

abbreviations:
Rt: true resistivity; Rw: formation water resistivity; Rcl: clay resistivity; Vcl: clay volume; Sw: water saturation; : corrected effective porosity; a: coefficient in the Archie Equation; m: cementation (porosity) exponent; n: saturation exponent. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author acknowledges with thanks the Exploration Department of the General Petroleum Company

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(GPC), who provided the raw data upon which the present work was based. Review comments on a previous draft by Martin Keeley and David A. Pivnik are acknowledged with thanks. REFERENCES
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Reservoir characteristics of Miocene rocks at the Bahar Northeast field, Gulf of Suez