International Journal of Coal Geology 190 (2018) 29–41

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International Journal of Coal Geology

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/coal

Multi-proxy approach to screen the hydrocarbon potential of the Jurassic T

succession in the Matruh Basin, North Western Desert, Egypt
⁎
Thomas Gentzisa, , Humberto Carvajal-Ortiza, Amr Deafb, Sameh S. Tahounc
a
Core Laboratories, 6316 Windfern Road, Houston, TX 77040, USA
b
Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, 71516 Assiut, Egypt
c
Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, 12613 Giza, Egypt

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: This paper discusses the hydrocarbon potential of the Jurassic succession in a mature basin in Egypt as an
Jurassic important element of a larger petroleum system study. Prior to any organic petrographic and organic geo-
Palynology chemical analyses, a palynological age dating of the originally undifferentiated Jurassic sequence was carried
Vitrinite reflectance out to identify different formations under investigation. This was based on key bioevents of some recovered
Rock-Eval pyrolysis
dinoflagellate cysts and the identified lithology. Palynological, TOC/Rock Eval pyrolysis (including modified
Multi-proxy approach
Rock-Eval methods), and vitrinite reflectance (VRo%) data from a total of 14 samples taken from the uppermost
Geochemical screening
Matruh Basin lower-upper Jurassic sequence represented by the Wadi Natrun (Toarcian-Aalenian), Khatatba (late Bathonian-
Western Desert, Egypt Callovian), and Masajid (Oxfordian) formations in the Abu Tunis-1 × well, are presented. In addition, two
samples from the Abu Tunis-1 × well and the proximal (~32 km to the east) Siqueifa-1 × well, having the
highest remaining hydrocarbon potential (S2 yields), were analyzed and their results were compared using
modified pyrolysis programs. Although the data showed a good correlation between the TAI of the palynomorph
assemblage, vitrinite reflectance, and Tmax from Rock-Eval pyrolysis in the shallower intervals, the correlation
between VRo and Tmax was poor in the lower half of the studied succession (middle Khatatba and Wadi Natrun
formations). The very low Tmax values indicate immature OM while VRo and TAI indicated middle stage of oil
window to past peak oil generation. The reason for this discrepancy is that the deeper samples are reservoir
rocks, not source rocks, and the majority of the organic matter is not composed of reactive kerogen but consists
of migrated hydrocarbons and NSO compounds. Contamination due to oil-based mud (OBM) was eliminated
because the Abu Tunis-1 × well was drilled in 1969, prior to the extensive use of OBM in drilling. This study
showed that a multi-proxy approach is the best way to screen the hydrocarbon potential in a thick succession
that contains interbedded source and reservoir rocks.

1. Introduction
The potential of the oil reserves in Jurassic-age strata in northern
Egypt and their economic significance dates back to the 1990s (EGPC,
1992, 1994, 1998; Schlumberger, 1995). The Jurassic strata include
multiple generative source/reservoir horizons in the northern basins of
the Western Desert. Thus, they are considered as the main deeply-se-
ated exploration targets of major operating companies in Egypt (e.g.,
Shell, Apache and Eni). A closer view of the Jurassic strata shows that
they have been under explored compared to the Cretaceous strata (e.g.,
Keeley et al., 1990; Bagge and Keeley, 1994; Darwish et al., 1994;
Keeley and Massoud, 1998; McCain, 1998; Wever, 2000; Zein El-Din
et al., 2001; Waly et al., 2001; Dolson et al., 2001; Al-Sharhan and
Abdel-Gawad, 2002; Metwalli and Pigott, 2005; Moretti et al., 2010;
Younes, 2012; Shalaby et al., 2013; El Nady et al., 2016). Little atten-
tion has been given to the middle-upper Jurassic strata represented by
the Khatatba and Masajid formations (e.g., Al-Sharhan and Abdel-
Gawad, 2008; Shalaby et al., 2011; Felestteen et al., 2014; El Diasty,
2015; Abdel-Gawad et al., 2015). Thus, the limited amount of in-
formation and the incomplete picture of the hydrocarbon potential of
the Jurassic strata require further investigation in order to form a
comprehensive source rock evaluation across the north Western Desert.
Recently, there has been an increased focus on the lower Jurassic/
lowermost middle Jurassic (Wadi Natrun Formation or its equivalents
Shusha and Rajabia units) succession in northern Egypt. The Matruh
Basin is located at the northern part of the Western Desert (Fig. 1) and
contains one of the major Cretaceous hydrocarbon systems in northern
Egypt (EGPC, 1992; Schlumberger, 1995). However, there is a great

⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: thomas.gentzis@corelab.com (T. Gentzis).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coal.2017.12.001
Received 7 May 2017; Received in revised form 8 December 2017; Accepted 8 December 2017
Available online 15 December 2017
0166-5162/ © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
T. Gentzis et al.
shortage of information regarding the Jurassic hydrocarbon potential in
that basin because of the great difficulty in identifying the various
Jurassic formations. The calcareous and siliceous microfauna are
usually scarce in these Jurassic units and are not very helpful in bios-
tratigraphic investigations in this basin.
On the contrary, palynological studies have confirmed their super-
iority in resolving the age-dating issues of the Jurassic strata (e.g.,
Aboul Ela and Mahrous, 1990; Ibrahim and Schrank 1996; Aboul Ela
and El Shamma, 1997; El Beialy and Ibrahim, 1997; Mahmoud et al.,
1999; Mahmoud and Moawad, 2000; El Beialy et al., 2002; Aboul Ela
and Tahoun, 2010; Tahoun et al., 2012). Recently, a small number of
palynological and organic geochemical studies of the Jurassic source-
rock potential has emerged (e.g., Felestteen, et al., 2014). Conse-
quently, this study aims to screen the hydrocarbon potential of the
Jurassic section in the Abu Tunis-1 × well, Matruh Basin, through the
use of a multi-proxy approach that involves integrating palynology,
organic petrology, and geochemical (Rock-Eval pyrolysis/TOC) ana-
lyses.
2. Geologic and stratigraphic setting
The north Western Desert of Egypt is located in the tectonically
active Unstable Shelf (Said, 1962) and encounters complex Palaeozoic
and Mesozoic subsurface structures covered by Neogene sedimentary
rocks and sediments (Kerdany and Cherif, 1990). The north Western
Desert covers a vast area in northern Egypt (~ 250,000 km2) and is
made up of a thick sedimentary sequence of Cambro-Ordovician to
Recent age showing a gentle seaward dip. The study area (i.e., Matruh
Basin), located at the north western part of the Western Desert, is si-
tuated to the northeast of the Siwa Basin and is bounded to the south by
the Qattara Ridge (Figs. 1 and 2). The Matruh area is a large Jurassic-
early Cretaceous Basin with a unique NNE-SSW orientation and a
northwest-sloping basin axis (Selley, 1997; Moustafa et al., 2002).
Subsidence in the Matruh Basin was probably initiated in the Paleozoic
and was reactivated again during the Jurassic. During the Cretaceous,
the basin extended southward and reached the Qattara Depression and
Jebel Agila, where it was attached to the Umbarka subbasin. Approxi-
mately 1830 m of sediments were deposited in the above subbasin.
Sedimentation of the Jurassic strata in the north Western Desert was
mainly affected by syn-sedimentary tectonics due to movement of the
30
International Journal of Coal Geology 190 (2018) 29–41
Fig. 1. Location map of the studied Abu Tunis-1X well in
the northern part of the Western Desert of Egypt.
African continent toward Laurasia as a result of the opening of the
Atlantic Ocean and rifting of the Neotethys (Meshref, 1990; Kerdany
and Cherif, 1990; Guiraud et al., 2001). Clastic sedimentation of the red
sandstone of the Bahrein Formation prevailed during Early Jurassic
time, when sediment influxes were supplied from the east and south.
The first Jurassic transgression occurred during the latest Early and
Middle Jurassic times, when shales and carbonates of the Wadi Natrun,
Khatatba and Masajid formations were deposited, respectively (Hanter,
1990; EGPC, 1998). Sedimentation in the Matruh Basin was mainly
affected by two rifting phases. The first phase occurred during the early
stage of Jurassic rifting, where fluvio-lacustrine sedimentation was in-
terrupted with frequent subaerial erosion and resulted in the deposition
of red beds of the Bahrein Formation. However, in the north, marine
conditions prevailed during the latest Early-Late Jurassic that deposited
the Wadi Natrun, Khatatba, and Masajid formations (Moustafa et al.,
2002). The second phase of rifting occurred during the Early Cretac-
eous, where fluvio-marine conditions resulted in the deposition of a
thick, mainly sandstone, unit represented by the Alam El Bueib For-
mation. Late Cretaceous-early Tertiary basin inversion formed NNE-
oriented folds that are dissected by NW-oriented normal faults (Guiraud
et al., 2001; Moustafa et al., 2002). In the Abu Tunis-1 × well, the focus
of this study, undifferentiated subsurface Jurassic strata were en-
countered originally, which were identified based on the current age-
dating (Section 4.1) and lithology into three formations; from base to
top they are: the Wadi Natrun, the Khatatba, and the Masajid. A general
description of each formation in the north Western Desert of Egypt
follows.
2.1. Wadi Natrun Formation
Norton (1967) designated the Wadi Natrun Formation as the marine
carbonate-shale sequence of the latest Early to early Middle Jurassic
(Toarcian-Bajocian) age (Hanter, 1990; Kerdany and Cherif, 1990;
EGPC, 1998) (Fig. 3). The carbonates of the type locality (Wadi Natrun-
I well) are mostly dolomitic. The formation rests over the basement, the
Paleozoic, or conformably over the red sandstone of the Bahrein For-
mation of the late Lias age (Hanter, 1990; Kerdany and Cherif, 1990). In
the northern part of Western Desert, the Wadi Natrun is usually over-
lain by the Khatatba Formation, with the contact separating them
drawn based on paleontological evidence. Lithologically, the Wadi
T. Gentzis et al.
Natrun Formation is characterized at its topmost part by a prominent
limestone unit, which is used to define the boundary contact with the
overlying Khatatba Formation (Hanter, 1990). Pyrite and carbonaceous
matter occur locally in some areas. The paleontological and sedi-
mentological evidence suggests a shallow marine, reducing and stag-
nant, low energy depositional environment for this formation (Hanter,
1990; Keeley et al., 1990; Ibrahim et al., 2001).
2.2. Khatatba Formation
Norton (1967) introduced this name for the marine Middle Jurassic
(Bathonian-Callovian) dominantly clastic subsurface rock unit en-
countered in the north Western Desert (e.g., Keeley et al., 1990; EGPC,
1992; Shalaby et al., 2011). The clastic Khatatba Formation consists of
sandstones and shales. Some limestone interbeds are found only near
the upper part of this formation, especially in the eastern and north-
eastern parts of the Western Desert. Thin coal seams are sporadically
present at different horizons. This formation rests conformably over the
Wadi Natrun Formation in some areas and over the Bahrein Formation
(Fig. 3) in other parts of the Western Desert (Hanter, 1990; Kerdany and
Cherif, 1990). However, the Khatatba Formation changes laterally in
some areas of the Western Desert into the Early-Late Jurassic Ras
Qattara clastics (EGPC, 1992). In addition, it underlies the Masajid
Formation conformably. The contact with the Masajid Formation is
sharp and easily discernible by the facies change from the dominantly
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International Journal of Coal Geology 190 (2018) 29–41
Fig. 2. Geological map of Egypt showing the distribution of
sedimentary (Mesozoic and Cenozoic) and igneous rocks
(after Egyptian Geological Survey, 1991).
clastic Khatatba to the more calcareous Masajid. This formation was
deposited in deltaic to shallow marine settings (e.g., Hanter, 1990;
Keeley et al., 1990; Keeley and Wallis, 1991; Guiraud et al., 2001;
Shalaby et al., 2011).
2.3. Masajid Formation
This formation is comprised of a thick limestone with shale inter-
beds of the late Jurassic (Oxfordian to Kimmeridgian) age (Hanter,
1990; Ibrahim and Schrank, 1996; EGPC, 1998). However, in other
areas of the north Western Desert, especially in the north and east, it
may range down to the Callovian (e.g., Hanter, 1990, Ibrahim et al.,
2002). The name was given by Al Far (1966) to a surface exposure in
Wadi Masajid, north Sinai, as a type locality. Notable shale interbeds
become more common particularly near the base and top of the Masajid
in the northern and eastern parts of the Western Desert. It underlies
uncomfortably the clastic Lower Cretaceous sequence. The Masajid
changes laterally toward the south and west into the Bahrein and
possibly into the Khatatba (Hanter, 1990). The Masajid is of shallow
marine (inner-middle) shelf settings (Schlumberger, 1984; Hanter,
1990; Keeley et al., 1990; Keeley and Wallis, 1991; Kerdany and Cherif,
1990; El Beialy and Ibrahim, 1997; Tawadros, 2011).
T. Gentzis et al.
Fig. 3. Generalized columnar section of the north Western Desert of Egypt (after EGPC,
1992).
3. Material and methods
A total of fourteen (14) cuttings samples were selected. These 14
samples cover the Jurassic period. More specifically, four samples came
from the Wadi Natrun, five samples from the Khatatba, and five samples
from the Masajid formations, Abu Tunis-1 × well. This well is located in
the Matruh Basin, north Western Desert, Egypt, at geographic co-
ordinates of Lat. 31° 16′ 08″ N, and Long. 26° 50′ 41″ E (Figs. 1 and 2).
It was drilled in 1968 by the Western Desert Operating Petroleum
Company (WEPCO). All samples were prepared using the standard HCl/
HF palynological extraction technique (e.g., Wood et al. 1996). Sieving
of the organic residues was carried out using 10 μm nylon mesh. The
oxidation step was passed up in the initial processing phase to avoid the
destruction of amorphous organic matter (AOM) for reliable palyno-
facies and kerogen studies. However, because of the rather poor paly-
nomorphs recovery and the dominance of AOM, oxidation of a split of
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International Journal of Coal Geology 190 (2018) 29–41
each of the last 7 samples (sample 8–14) were made to obtain a better
palynomorph recovery. The organic residues were permanently
mounted on slides using Canada balsam. A quantitative counting of
only 200 palynomorph specimens was done and all the encountered
taxa were qualitatively classified and identified for the age assessment.
Up to 500 grains of the particulate organic matter were counted from
the non-oxidized samples for the palynofacies and kerogen study, where
their relative frequencies were used for determining the kerogen types.
The representative marker forms and the identified palynofacies asso-
ciations were photographed using an Axioskope Zeiss microscope
(Model 4375) equipped with ISH1000 Tucsen digital camera at the
Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University and depicted
in Plate 1.The studied slides are housed in the Palynolab, Geology
Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt.
Pyrolysis of the same 14 cuttings samples was carried out at the
Core Laboratories facilities in Houston using a Rock-Eval 6 pyrolysis
and oxidation instrument (RE 6). The depth interval ranged from ap-
proximately 3000 m to 3810 m (Fig. 5). The Basic/Bulk-Rock method of
the RE 6 was employed. This method, which is aimed at source-rock
characterization, uses a very small quantity (~ 60 mg/sample) and
measures the TOC, S1, S2, S3 (CO and CO2), S4 (CO and CO2), and S5
(mineral carbon) parameters as well as the Tmax, HI, OI, PI, and OSI
(Oil Saturation Index). This pyrolysis method heats the sample from
room temperature to 300 °C over a period of 3–4 min, the temperature
remains at 300 °C for 3 min before starts increasing to 650 °C at a rate of
25 °C/min. Once pyrolysis is completed, oxidation takes place in a se-
parate oven (Behar et al. 2001; Carvajal-Ortiz and Gentzis, 2015).
In addition, 2 samples from the Cretaceous Kharita Formation
(Fig. 3), a unit comprised of continental and shoreline sandstones and
siltstones with minor shale intercalations in the Abu Tunis-1 × well,
and 2 samples from the same formation in the Siqeifa-1 × well (those
having the highest reported hydrocarbon and kerogen yields, S1 and S2
pyrolysis parameters) were analyzed by two modified pyrolysis
methods. These methods (known as the Reservoir and the Shale Play),
provide a better separation of the hydrocarbon versus the kerogen
fractions present in source rocks. For the Reservoir method, the tem-
perature was kept at 150 °C isotherm for 10 min (for calculating the
S1r), then the temperature was ramped up to 650 °C at 25 °C/min (for
calculating the S2a and S2b). For the Shale Play method, the initial
temperature was 100 °C, then the temperature was increased up to
200 °C at 25 °C/min and held constant for 3 min (for Sh0 calculation),
then increased to 350 °C at 25 °C/min, stayed isotherm for 3 min (for
Sh1 calculation), and finally up to 650 °C at 25 °C/min (see Romero-
Sarmiento et al., 2015). For a detailed description of the Reservoir and
Shale Play methods, the reader is referred to Trabelsi et al. (1994) and
Sanei et al. (2015).
For organic petrologic analysis, the 14 cuttings (~ 15 g/sample)
were crushed to −20 mesh (840 μm) and mixed with epoxy resin (Epo-
Thin) and hardener. The resulting pellets were grinded using a com-
bination of 320 μm and 600 μm cloths and polished using two stages of
a slurry of alumina powder (0.3 μm and 0.05 μm) and water. The pellets
were analyzed using a Zeiss Axio Imager® A2m reflected light equipped
with a UV light source for qualitative fluorescence observations of the
liptinitic organic matter. A 50× oil immersion objective (noil = 1.514
at 23 °C) was used and the combined magnification was 500 ×. The
samples were analyzed on a whole-rock basis. Random reflectance va-
lues were measured on primary vitrinite and/or bitumen using a set of
glass standards. A digital camera was used to take representative pho-
tomicrographs. The petrographic analysis was carried out at the facil-
ities of Core Laboratories in Houston, TX. For more details of the sample
preparation protocol, the reader is referred to ASTMD2797/D2797M-
09, 2007.
T. Gentzis et al.
4. Results and discussion
4.1. Age assignment and identification of the formations
This section provides an abridged discussion of the age dating of the
undifferentiated Jurassic sequence in the Abu Tunis-1 × well to identify
different formations, which were originally unidentified by the drilling
company (Fig. 4). However, a detailed discussion that includes a full
quantitative distribution of all recorded palynomorphs will be provided
in a separate contribution. The biostratigraphic analysis of the re-
covered palynomorphs indicated the presence of few age diagnostic
Tethyan dinoflagellate cysts species up on which the current age dating
was based (Fig. 4). On the other hand, the sporomorphs assemblages
were found to be dominated by long-ranging spores (e.g., Cyathidites)
and pollen grains (e.g., Sphaeripollenites psilatus, Classopollis classoides,
and Araucariacites australis), and thus they are not helpful in the age
discussion.
As the current palynological dating is based on ditch cutting sam-
ples, it was necessary to assess any possible caving or reworking in the
studied samples that would alter the actual stratigraphic range of the
marker species. For the caving issue, the studied section is fortunately
composed of major hard limestone units, which are mainly intercalated
with thin horizons of shale. The carbonate and sandstone lithologies are
known to show minimal caving (e.g., Selley, 1998; Crain, 2016;
33
International Journal of Coal Geology 190 (2018) 29–41
Plate 1. Each transmitted light microphotograph is se-
quentially attended by corresponding depth, slide desig-
nation beside light microscopic citation coordinates. Scale
bar = 25 μm.
Fig. 1: Nannoceratopsis gracilis Alberti, 1961; depth
11,910 ft. (3631 m), Sample 4, Slide 1, Corrd. 97/19.5.
Fig. 2: Nannoceratopsis sp.; depth 12,360 ft. (3768 m),
Sample 2, Slide 1, Corrd. 100.5/22.
Fig. 3: Dichadogonyaulax sellwoodii Sarjeant, 1975; depth
11,450 ft. (3490 m), Sample 8, Slide 1, Corrd. 95/5.5.
Fig. 4: Korystocysta gochtii (Sarjeant) Woollam, 1983; depth
10,710 ft. (3265 m), Sample 11, Slide 1, Corrd. 90/23.
Fig. 5: Systematophora penicillata (Ehrenberg) Sarjeant,
1980; depth 10,520 ft. (3207.3 m), Sample 12, Slide 1,
Corrd. 106.3/17.
Fig. 6: Woody tracheid phytoclast shows moderate surface
biodegradation and alteration to amorphous organic
matter. Depth 12,360 ft. (3768 m), Sample 2, Slide 1,
Corrd. 116.4/7.5.
Fig. 7: Woody tracheid phytoclast shows extensive surface
biodegradation and alteration to amorphous organic
matter. Depth 12,360 ft. (3768 m), Sample 2, Slide 1,
Corrd. 98/15.2.
Fig. 8: Palynofacies Association 1; depth 10,390 ft.
(3167 m), Sample 13, (Masajid Formation), Slide 1.
Fig. 9: Palynofacies Association 2; depth 11,670 ft.
(3557 m), Sample 6, (Khatatba Formation), Slide 1.
Fig. 10: Palynofacies Association 1; depth 12,360 ft.
(3768 m), Sample 2, (Wadi Natrun Formation), Slide 1.
Bjørlykke, 2015) in contrast to the soft shales, which are commonly
known to exhibit maximum caving with drilling (Baker Hughes, 1985;
Schlumberger, 1989, 2000; Asquith and Krygowski, 2004). The plot of
the vitrinite reflectance data of the studied section on the semi-loga-
rithmic scale (Tahoun et al., 2017a, Fig. 4) suggests an unconformity
surface and removal of a part of the sedimentary record at the basal
section because of possible uplifting and erosion. Thus, assessment of
potential reworking is also necessary. For these reasons, a careful as-
sessment of the palynomorph assemblages was carried out to spot any
caved or reworked palynomorphs. This was done by investigating the
populations of the long-ranging spores and pollen grains, where no
inconsistency in the color or the preservation status of the sporomorphs
was detected. This, in turn, ruled out any possible caving or reworking
of the palynomorph-bearing sediments. Consequently, the quality of the
palynological data seen here is reliable and not compromised by the
nature of the samples and/or by local tectonism. However as a pre-
cautionary approach, the last appearance datum (LAD = first down-
hole appearance) of each index dinoflagellate cyst species was princi-
pally used following the approach of Tahoun et al. (2015), Tahoun and
Deaf (2016), Deaf and Tahoun (2017), and Tahoun et al. (2017b). The
first appearance datum (FAD = last down-hole appearance) was only
used in case of lack of last appearance of marker dinoflagellate cyst
taxa.
T. Gentzis et al.
4.1.1. Earliest Late Jurassic (Oxfordian)
The uppermost part of the studied Abu Tunis-1 × section is covered
by samples 12–14 (3206–3118 m) and extends to just below depth
3063 m. Sample 13 witnesses the last appearance datum of Korystocysta
gochtii, which is considered one of the most precious species for the
Upper Jurassic. Its last appearance was defined from micro-
palaeontologically and palynologically dated lower Kimmeridgian
strata in the Tethyan Realm (e.g., Thusu et al., 1988; Keeley et al.,
1990; Smelror, 1993; El Beialy and Ibrahim, 1997; El Beialy et al.,
2002; Hssaida et al., 2014; Jaydawi et al., 2016). Terminating also at
Sample 13 was another marker species, Dichadogonyaulax sellwoodii.
Such a taxon is considered one of the most valuable species for the
Middle-lower Upper Jurassic (Bathonian-Oxfordian) in the Tethyan
Realm. It was documented to range from ammonite, foraminifera, and
calpionellids calibrated and from dinoflagellate dated Bathonian-Ox-
fordian strata (e.g., Smelror and Leereveld, 1989 in southern France;
Keeley et al., 1990; El Beialy et al., 2002 in Egypt; Smelror et al., 1991
in Spain; Smelror, 1993 in southern France, Spain, and southern Ger-
many/Switzerland; Hssaida et al., 2014 in Morocco). In Sample 12
occurs Systematophora penicillata, a taxon that was reported in the
southern Tethys from the micropalaeontologically controlled Callovian-
Kimmeridgian (e.g., Thusu and Vigran, 1985; Thusu et al., 1988 in
Libya; Hssaida et al., 2014 in Morocco). In Egypt, the LAD of this
species was also documented from micropalaeontologically dated (e.g.,
El Beialy and Ibrahim, 1997; El Beialy et al., 2002; Aboul Ela and
Tahoun, 2010) and palynologically dated (e.g., Naim et al., 1990;
Mahmoud and Moawad, 2000; Ibrahim et al., 2002) upper Oxfordian-
lower Kimmeridgian sections. However, in the northern Tethys, Sys-
tematophora penicillata was found to range from the early Bathonian to
the early Kimmeridgian (e.g., Smelror 1993 in southern France and
Spain; Borges et al., 2011 in Portugal). Thus, the termination of K.
gochtii and D. sellwoodii, together with the co-occurrence S. penicillata,
indicates a late Jurassic age that is not younger than the Oxfordian for
the current interval. The samples of this interval were also designed by
WEPCO (1968) as comprising the topmost part of the Upper Jurassic in
the Abu Tunis-1 × well. The Oxfordian age of the main carbonate unit
34
International Journal of Coal Geology 190 (2018) 29–41
Fig. 4. Selected key dinoflagellate cyst events, proposed
age dating, and the identified Jurassic formations in the
Abu Tunis-1X well.
suggests assigning the present section to the lower Masajid Formation
of the known Late Jurassic (Oxfordian to Kimmeridgian) age (Hanter,
1990; Ibrahim and Schrank, 1996; EGPC, 1998). In the Abu Tunis-1 ×
well, the upper Masajid (middle Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian) is missed,
where uplift and erosion reflected in the formation of an unconformity
surface (WEPCO, 1968) was probably responsible for erosion and/or
non-deposition of the uppermost Jurassic and the lowermost Cretaceous
sections. This is evidenced by the careful biostratigraphic investigation
carried out by Deaf et al. (2016) on the Cretaceous succession of the
Abu Tunis-1 × well, where strata of the Berriasian to early Hauterivian
age are not represented in the well (Fig. 4). This unconformity surface is
widespread across northern Egypt and is attributed to the Cimmerian
orogeny (mid Tithonian-mid Berriasian), which formed a major break
between the upper Jurassic and the lower Cretaceous. In Egypt, this
Cimmerian event resulted in regional block-tilting, uplifting, and some
folding that were associated with a major late Jurassic drop in the
eustatic sea level (e.g., Kerdany and Cherif, 1990; Keeley and Wallis,
1991; Guiraud, 1998; Guiraud and Bosworth, 1999; Guiraud et al.,
2001). Furthermore, the thickness of the Masajid Formation commonly
ranges from 300 to 500 m (Keeley et al., 1990) and attains a maximum
thickness of 840 m in Q-72-1 well (Hanter, 1990). Consequently, the
present thickness (150 m) of the Masajid Formation in the Abu Tunis-
1× well also indicates that the upper Masajid Formation is not re-
presented here.
4.1.2. Late Middle Jurassic (late Bathonian-Callovian)
Samples 5–11 to just below Sample 12 (3594–3205.9 m) represent
the middle part of the studied section (Fig. 4). Rhynchodiniopsis clado-
phora appears in sample 5 and has its LAD in Sample 7 (Fig. 4). This
species is known from palynological and ammonite dated latest Bath-
onian-late Hauterivian strata in the northern and southern Tethys (e.g.,
Thusu et al., 1988; Smelror and Leereveld, 1989; Conway, 1990,
Smelror et al., 1991; Smelror, 1993; El Beialy and Ibrahim, 1997;
Torricelli, 2000). In other parts of the Tethyan Realm, the inception of
Rhynchodiniopsis cladophora was also recorded from a strontium dated
latest Bathonian-earliest Callovian section in Qatar (Ibrahim et al.,
T. Gentzis et al.
2003). Rhynchodiniopsis cladophora is probably facies-controlled; it is
not observed from the overlying clastics samples of the current interval
and from the inner-middle shelf carbonates of the Masajid Formation
(e.g., Schlumberger, 1984; Hanter, 1990; El Beialy and Ibrahim, 1997;
Tawadros, 2011). Rhynchodiniopsis cladophora is regarded as an open
marine (middle shelf) form (sensu latoSmelror and Leereveld, 1989; El
Beialy and Ibrahim, 1997) and is commonly connected to maximum
transgressive sedimentation in open marine, middle to outer shelf set-
tings (e.g., Habib et al., 1994; page 327; Piasecki and Stemmerik,
2004). This is in accordance with the highest occurrences (61% and
64% of total palynomorphs) of the sphaeroidal pollen grains Sphaer-
ipollenites psilatus, Classopollis classoides, and Araucariacites australis in
samples 5 and 7, respectively, where Rhynchodiniopsis cladophora was
recorded. In the shallower marine samples, for example Sample 8, a
decrease in these sphaeroidal pollen grains to about 50% (of total pa-
lynomorphs) and the occurrence of about 28% (of total palynomorphs)
of the ornamented Verrucosisporites spp. and Converrucosisporites var-
iverrucatus and the thick-walled Gleicheniidites senonicus and Gleichenii-
dites circinidites were recorded. This points to a shallowing upward in
sedimentation, which was unfavorable for the occurrence of the open
marine form Rhynchodiniopsis cladophora. The upward increase in the
continental/marine ratio also indicates this shallowing sedimentation
phase (Fig. 5). The co-occurrence of Dichadogonyaulax sellwoodii and
Korystocysta gochtii in samples 10, 11, and 13 of the Masajid Formation
Fig. 5. Chart shows the lithostratigraphy of the studied Jurassic section, position of the samples, the recognized palynomorph assemblages beside the palynofacies associations and
vertical stratigraphic distributions of the recorded principle palynofacies components from Abu Tunis-1X well.
35
International Journal of Coal Geology 190 (2018) 29–41
(Fig. 4) also suggests restricted shallow marine settings (e.g., Riding
et al., 1985; Riding and Thomas, 1992) for the Masajid interval. Also,
the occurrence of Pareodinia ceratophora in the same samples (10, 11,
and 13) probably supports these restricted marine conditions. This
proximate species is commonly found to be connected with the re-
stricted shallow marine shale and marls (e.g., Shahin and El Beialy,
1989; El Beialy and Ibrahim, 1997; Dehbozorgi et al., 2013).
The current studied interval does not contain additional key dino-
flagellate cyst species that would enable a precise age dating of the
overlying samples (8–11), where it mainly contains long-ranging
gymnosperm pollen grains. However, the occurrence of the index form
Dichadogonyaulax sellwoodii of the known lower Oxfordian LAD in the
overlying Masajid Formation suggests at least a Callovian age for the
current interval. The plot of the vitrinite reflectance data of the current
and the overlying interval (i.e. Masajid Formation) on the semi-loga-
rithmic scale (Tahoun et al., 2017a, Fig. 4) shows a systematic ex-
ponential upward decrease with decreasing depth. This, in turn, in-
dicates that no hiatus exists within the two intervals or even between
them (e.g., Hunt, 1996), where deposition of the Jurassic sediments at
the Abu Tunis-1 × well was continuous until the occurrence of the
unconformity surface that separates the upper Jurassic from the lower
Cretaceous (Fig. 4). Therefore, at least a Callovian age can be inferred
for the present interval. Moreover, the same plot of the vitrinite data
shows a dog-leg trend (Fig. 4) between samples 4 (0.98%) and 6
T. Gentzis et al.
(0.86%), which is commonly taken to indicate removal of sedimentary
sections by uplift and erosion and/or non-deposition (Dow, 1977; Hunt,
1996; Katz et al., 1988). Thus, an unconformity surface is suggested to
occur between the current interval and the underlying one. This con-
sequently does not exclude the non-deposition of at least a part of the
lower Bathonian (Fig. 4). This cannot be assessed or confirmed by the
available palynological data. Thus, a probable late Bathonian to more
evident Callovian age is suggested to the lower part (samples 5–7) of
the studied interval based on the occurrence of Rhynchodiniopsis cla-
dophora. Furthermore, the thickness of the Khatatba Formation ranges
from 593 to 1050 m (Keeley et al., 1990) and has a maximum thickness
of 1375 m (Hanter, 1990). In the Abu Tunis-1 × well, the current
thickness of the Khatatba Formation is about 390 m, and this also points
to a possible non-deposition of the lower Khatatba and probably sup-
ports the proposed late Bathonian-Callovian age. Based on the available
biostratigraphic and lithostratigraphic information presented herein, a
possible late Bathonian to Callovian age is proposed for this interval.
WEPCO (1968) referred to the middle interval of the studied section as
comprising a part of the upper Jurassic with no differentiation of the
formation. By connecting the late Bathonian-Callovian age to the clas-
tic‑carbonate unit that changes upward into more carbonate facies and
ends up with coarse clastics suggests designation of this interval as the
middle-upper Khatatba Formation of the known Bathonian-Callovian
age (e.g., Keeley et al., 1990; EGPC, 1992).
4.1.3. Latest Early to earliest Middle Jurassic (Toarcian-Aalenian)
Samples 1–4 to just below Sample 5 (3801–3593.9 m) represent the
basal part of the studied section of the Abu Tunis-1 × well (Fig. 4).
Appears in samples 1 and 3 (Fig. 4) the index species Mancodinium
semitabulatum, which was observed in the Tethyan Realm from am-
monite, foraminifera, and nannofossils calibrated lower Pliensbachian-
Toarcian sections in Portugal (Davies, 1985), and in central Italy and
southwest France (Bucefalo Palliani and Riding, 1997a, b, 2003;
Bucefalo Palliani and Mattioli, 1998). The same taxon was reported
from palynologically dated Toarcian-Aalenian strata in different parts
of the Tethys, for example from offshore Eastern Canada (Williams
et al., 1990). Rauscher and Schmidt (1990) recorded its LAD from the
Bajocian of France. In this study, the recorded LAD of M. semitabulatum
in the Aalenian may be attributed to the absence of the younger Bajo-
cian record due to the previously mentioned unconformity between
samples 4 and 6. In Sample 4 occurs another important index form
Nannoceratopsis gracilis (Plate 1, Fig. 1). This species was recorded in
the Tethyan Realm, from ammonite-dated latest Pliensbachian-Toar-
cian strata of Portugal (Davies, 1985), Hungry (Baldanza et al., 1995),
and from ammonite dated Toarcian-Aalenian of southwest France
(Bucefalo Palliani and Riding, 1997b). In Egypt, the LAD of Nannocer-
atopsis gracilis terminates at the upper limit of a foraminifera and os-
tracods dated late Pliensbachian-Aalenian section (Keeley et al., 1990).
Pareodinia ceratophora, which has an Toarcian inception and ranges
up into the lower Kimmeridgian in the Tethyan Realm (e.g., Conway,
1978 in Israel; Rausher and Schmidt, 1990 in France; El Beialy and
Ibrahim, 1997; El Beialy et al., 2002 in Egypt), occurs in samples 3 and
4. This species probably has a long range that may extends up into the
lower Cretaceous (e.g., Ibrahim and Schrank, 1996), and consequently
its LAD is not stratigraphically helpful. The concurrent occurrence of
Nannoceratopsis gracilis and Mancodinium semitabulatum would suggest a
Pliensbachian-Aalenian age for the current interval. However, the oc-
currence of the red sandstone of the Bahrein Formation (WEPCO, 1968)
of the late Lias age (Hanter, 1990; Kerdany and Cherif, 1990) just below
the Wadi Natrun carbonates excludes the Pliensbachian time and sug-
gests a possible Toarcian-Aalenian age for the studied interval. More-
over, the occurrence of R. cladophora of the known latest Bathonian
inception in the Tethys in most of the overlying interval (Khatatba) also
confirms the Bajocian time is mostly not represented in Abu Tunis-1 ×
well. This could be further supported by the occurrence of the suggested
hiatus between samples 4 and 6 as is also revealed from the vitrinite
36
International Journal of Coal Geology 190 (2018) 29–41
data profile (Fig. 4), where uplifting and erosion and/or non-deposition
of the Bajocian are not ruled out. This can be also inferred from the
current thickness (171 m) of the formation in the Abu Tunis-1 × well in
comparison to its known total thickness (462 m) at the type locality
(Norton, 1967). From the above discussion, a Toarcian-Aalenian age is
suggested for the current interval.
The clastic‑carbonate section represented by samples 1–4
(3801–3630 m) to just below Sample 5 was recognized by WEPCO
(1968) as comprising a part of the upper Jurassic of the Abu Tunis-1 ×
well with no identification of the corresponding formation. Based on
the age dating proposed here and on the alternating shale and carbo-
nate lithology, this rock section is suggested to represent the lower to
middle Wadi Natrun Formation of the known latest Early to early
Middle Jurassic (Toarcian-Bajocian) age in the north Western Desert
(Norton, 1967; Hanter, 1990, Kerdany and Cherif, 1990). The upper
Wadi Natrun Formation (Bajocian) is missed in the Abu Tunis-1 × well.
4.2. Organic petrography and kerogen typing
In order to determine kerogen types, organic petrographic analysis
using the light microscopy (i.e., visual palynofacies) and the UV
fluorescence was employed. The organic matter was classified into
kerogen types following the guidelines of Tyson (1995). The vertical
stratigraphic abundances of the principal palynofacies components re-
corded in the samples are illustrated in Fig. 5. In addition, the main two
palynofacies associations are illustrated in Plate 1. Frequency of the
particulate organic matter was categorized here as: very abundant >
50%, abundant 36–50%, frequent 16–35%, common 5–15%, and
rare < 5%. The majority of the samples are principally dominated by
abundant AOM ranging from 72 to 92% of the total organic particles
(Fig. 5), while the opaque phytoclasts are rare (1–3%) and small in size.
The translucent phytoclasts (cuticles and woody tracheids) are common
to frequent (6–27%) and represent the second dominant palynofacies
component. The percentages of the translucent phytoclasts and the ratio
of continental/marine palynomorphs were used to differentiate the two
palynofacies units (Fig. 5).
4.2.1. Palynofacies Association 1
AOM-dominated with low terrestrial palynomorphs (Plate 1, Figs. 8
and 10).
Stratigraphic distribution: This palynofacies is recorded from the
Wadi Natrun Formation (Sample 1/3801 m to Sample 4/3630 m),
the lowermost (samples 5 and 6; 3594–3557 m) and the uppermost
(sample 11; 3237 m) Khatatba Formation, and the Masajid
Formation (Sample 12/3206 m to Sample 14/3118 m). Very subtle
variations in this palynofacies association are recorded, which can
be used to differentiate them from those recorded in the Wadi
Natrun and Masajid formations. In the Wadi Natrun and the low-
ermost Khatatba formations, this association is predominantly
characterized by very abundant AOM (70–88%) and common to
frequent translucent phytoclasts (11–27%) (Plate 1, Fig. 10). Gen-
erally, the recovered dinoflagellate cysts and sporomorphs as well as
the translucent phytoclasts show moderate to extensive surface
biodegradation and alteration to amorphous organic matter. Sample
2 (3767 m) and Sample 6 (3557 m) show slightly high abundance
(26% and 27% of total kerogen) of phytoclasts respectively, and
illustrate partial to complete alteration to AOM (Fig. 5; Plate 1,
Figs. 6 and 7). In the Masajid Formation, this association is char-
acterized by abundant AOM (87–92%) and common translucent
phytoclasts (6–12%).
Kerogen type: Type IIa/III was suggested for this palynofacies based
on the dominance of non-fluorescing AOM and the minor occur-
rence of marine (kerogen type IIa) and terrestrial (kerogen type IIb)
palynomorphs that show dull yellow fluorescence according to
T. Gentzis et al.
Plate 2. In Plates 2 to 5, all photomicrographs were taken under oil immersion, using a
50 × objective lens. The long axis of each photo is 240 μm. The parameters for the UV
light photos (fluorescence) were taken using an excitation filter at 465 nm and a com-
bined beam splitter and barrier filter that had a cut at 515 nm.
Fig. a: Primary vitrinite (Vit) enclosing pyrite (P) in the middle part of the Masajid
Formation. The mean Ro is 0.65%. The depth of all figures in Plate 2 is 3207.3 m.
Fig. b: Spherical solid bitumen (Bit) with mean Ro of 0.70%.
Fig. c: Oil-prone liptinite, probably an algal cyst (Alg).
Fig. d: Amorphous organic matter (AOM) of liptinitic origin.
Fig. e: Oil-prone alginite (Alg) having weak yellow fluorescence.
Fig f: Sporinite (Sp) having weak greenish-yellow fluorescence.
Tyson (1995) and based on the common to frequent occurrence of
gas-prone material (woody phytoclasts). The abundance of AOM
does not contradict the identified kerogen type III. Thompson and
Dembicki (1986) and Tyson (1995) pointed out that not all AOM is
oil-prone upon maturation; thus, some types of AOM could belong to
37
International Journal of Coal Geology 190 (2018) 29–41
kerogen type III.
4.2.2. Palynofacies Association 2
AOM-dominated with high terrestrial palynomorphs (Plate 1,
Fig. 9).
Stratigraphic distribution: The current palynofacies is recovered
from the upper Khatatba Formation (from just above Sample 6/
3557 m to just below Sample 11/3237 m). This palynofacies asso-
ciation is also characterized predominantly by abundant AOM but
with lower percentages (75–84%) than the first palynofacies asso-
ciation (Fig. 5). A common to frequent percentage of translucent
cuticles and woody phytoclasts (14–24%) is recorded.
Kerogen type: Type IIb/III is suggested for this palynofacies based
on the dominance of non-fluorescing AOM, the minor occurrence of
terrestrial and marine palynomorphs that show dull yellow fluor-
escence, and on the common to frequent occurrences of gas-prone
material.
4.3. Geochemical screening
In the Jurassic interval, Abu Tunis-1 × well, average values are as
follows: TOC = 1.4 wt%, S1 = 2.3 mg HC/g rock, S2 = 2.4 mg HC/g
rock, HI = 175 mg HC/g TOC, OI = 146 mg CO2/g rock, and Oil
Saturation Index (OSI) of 172. The pyrograms show a distinct low-
temperature S2 shoulder (see Tahoun et al., 2017a).
The high S1 is not the result of oil-based mud (OBM) contamination
because the above well was drilled in 1968, before OBM started to be
used in drilling operations. It most likely represents migrated hydro-
carbons. The agreement between Tmax and VRo is poor in the lower
part of the Khatatba and the Wadi Natrun formations (Fig. 5). The
samples with low Tmax values (414 to 428 °C) are not source rocks
containing reactive kerogen but conventional petroleum accumula-
tions. In order to rule out the effect of residual hydrocarbons on Tmax
values, samples were run fresh and on solvent-extracted using the
Basic/Bulk-Rock pyrolysis method. Additionally, four samples were
analyzed using the two modified pyrolysis method (Shale Play and
Reservoir). The results showed that the type of organic matter in the
deeper sections of the Abu Tunis-1 × well (Wadi Naturn and Khatatba
formations) consists mainly of migrated hydrocarbons and non-hydro-
carbon moieties. The above low Tmax measured on S2, indicating im-
mature organic matter (pre oil-window), are not reliable Tmax values
for thermal maturity determination purposes because they come pri-
marily from non-hydrocarbon compounds rather than from reactive
kerogen. The absence of any appreciable amounts of reactive kerogen
fractions in the S2 in the lower Khatatba and the entire Wadi Natrun
argillaceous limestones can explain the major discrepancy between the
maturity estimate derived from the Tmax versus that from the vitrinite
reflectance measurements (see Fig. 5). The modified pyrolysis methods
used in this study did not show any significant difference in the mea-
sured Tmax values, confirming that residual hydrocarbons had very
little to no effect on thermal maturity as determined by Tmax. This also
confirms the conventional hydrocarbon accumulation nature of the
entire Jurassic succession in the Abu Tunis-1 × well.
In the Abu Tunis-1 × well, vitrinite reflectance (VRo, ran) in the
interval from 3118.9 m to 3801.8 m, which represents the Wadi Natrun,
Khatatba, and Masajid formations, varied from 0.67% to 0.98%, in-
dicating early oil window to early-upper oil window and past peak oil
generation (Fig. 5). Dispersed organic matter (DOM) consisted of ter-
restrial type III gas-prone kerogen (vitrinite), a lower-reflecting (sup-
pressed) population of vitrinite, solid bitumen, bitumen lamellae,
amber-colored protobitumen, and liptinite of marine origin (kerogen
type IIa unicellular oil-prone alginite) and terrestrial origin (kerogen
type IIb consisting of sporinite and rare cutinite) (Plate 2, Figs. a-f; Plate
3, Figs. a–f). The mixed Type II/III kerogen type in the samples, capable
T. Gentzis et al. International Journal of Coal Geology 190 (2018) 29–41

Plate 3. Fig. a: Primary vitrinite (Vit) in the lower Khatatba Formation with mean Ro of
Plate 4. Fig. a: Primary vitrinite (Vit) with mean Ro of 0.47% in the Kharita Formation.
0.75%. The depth is 3490.8 m.
Depth is 2027.4 m.
Fig. b: Hydrogen-rich (perhydrous) vitrinite (P-Vit). The Ro is 0.48%. Same depth as in
Fig. b: Sporinite (Sp) showing the characteristic trilete mark. Depth is 2423.8 m.
Fig. a.
Fig. c: Oil-prone alginite (Alg). Depth is 2027.4 m.
Fig. c: A thick band of perhydrous vitrinite (P-Vit) in the lowermost Khatatba Formation
Fig. d: Low-reflecting spherical bitumen (Bit) generated from algal matter. Depth is
having mean Ro of 0.45%. Depth is 3557.9 m.
2118.9 m.
Fig. d: Oil-prone liptinite of algal origin (Alg). Same depth as in Fig. c. Fig. e: Terpene resinite (Res) having greenish-yellow fluorescing color. Same depth as in
Fig. e: Oil-prone alginite (Alg) having weak yellow fluorescence; Middle Masajid Fig. d.
Formation. Depth is 3207.3 m. Fig. f: Microspores (Sp) with dull-yellow fluorescence along with brown fluorescing
Fig. f: A pollen grain (Pol) having weak greenish-yellow fluorescence. Same depth as in
perhydrous vitrinite (Fl Vit). Same depth as in Fig. d–e.
Fig. e.

increasing maturity was noted. Due to the absence of significant

of generating oil and gas, was also indicated by Rock-Eval pyrolysis.
quantities of reactive kerogen (S2), the only reliable way to determine
Amorphous liptinitic OM is also present, which is more pronounced in
the true thermal maturity of the Jurassic succession in this well is by
its concentrated form under transmitted light. A decrease in fluores-
using organic petrography techniques.
cence color intensity, from golden-yellow to dull-yellow/orange with
In the Cretaceous Kharita Formation (Fig. 3), the sandstones are

38
T. Gentzis et al.
Plate 5. Fig. a: Oil-prone alginite (Alg), possibly recycled, having golden-yellow to
slightly dull-yellow fluorescence; Kharita Formation. Depth is 2423.8 m.
Fig. b: Sporinite (Sp) exhibiting weak greenish-yellow fluorescence. Same depth as in Fig.
a.
Fig. c: Primary vitrinite (Vit) having mean Ro of 0.56%. Depth is 2591.5 m.
Fig. d: Oil-prone unicellular marine alginite (Alg). Same depth as Fig. c.
thick (85.3–802.5 m) and considered to be good to excellent reservoirs
for gas in the north Western Desert (such as in the Mansour, Kanayis,
and Kheima areas and in the Abu Gharadig and Gindi basins) as a result
of their high effective porosity (estimated to range from 10.1–23.8%)
and permeability (15.3–2420 mD) (Barakat et al., 1988). The VRo in
the Kharita Formation ranges from 0.49% to 0.58% (see Tables 1 and 2
in Tahoun et al., 2017a), indicating immature to early-mature stage,
and the DOM consists of vitrinite (normal and perhydrous), sporinite,
cutinite, protobitumen, bitumen lamellae, and rare fusinite (Plate 4,
Figs. a–f; Plate 5, Figs. a–d). The deepest sample contains perhydrous
vitrinite (Plate 4, Fig. f) with suppressed Ro (by 0.25%) compared to
normal (non-suppressed) vitrinite and having a weak brown fluores-
cence color. In the Siqeifa-1 × well, VRo ranges from 0.48% at
1432.9 m to 0.96% at 3144.7 m, indicating that the DOM is immature
to mature (pre- to early-upper stage of the oil window). DOM is similar
to that in the Abu Tunis-1 × well but less abundant. In the Cretaceous
interval of the Abu Tunis-1 × well, the agreement between Tmax, VRo,
and TAI (see Tables 1 and 2 in Tahoun et al., 2017a) is reasonably good
(both techniques indicating immature reactive kerogen). Based on the
above analysis and the findings reported in Tahoun et al. (2017a), it
appears that the only interval in the Abu Tunis-1 × well that has any
source-rock potential is in the Cretaceous. However, the thermal ma-
turity assessment of these source-rock intervals, based on both Tmax
and VRo values, indicates that organic matter is thermally immature.
This suggests that the hydrocarbons produced to date in the area have
39
International Journal of Coal Geology 190 (2018) 29–41
migrated from distant/or deeper source-rock intervals and have not
been generated in-situ.
5. Conclusion
The present study shows the application of a multi-proxy approach
to screen the hydrocarbon potential, as one of many elements in a
petroleum system, with special focus on the uppermost lower to upper
Jurassic interval in the Abu Tunis-1 × well, drilled in the Matruh Basin,
north Western Desert, Egypt. The correlation between the Rock-Eval
Tmax and vitrinite VRo in the lower half of the studied succession is
poor, while the correlation of the above maturity parameters, as well as
the TAI of the palynomorph assemblages is good in the upper half of the
succession. This discrepancy is due to the fact that the deeper interval
contains reservoir rocks, not source rocks, and the majority of the or-
ganic matter is not made up of in-situ kerogen but consists of migrated
hydrocarbons and NSO compounds as shown by the modified Rock-Eval
(RE) methods employed. Without the application of these modified RE
methods and evaluation of the pyrograms, it would not have been
possible to identify the above discrepancy (since oil-based mud con-
tamination was discounted). This study demonstrates that a multi-proxy
approach is the best way to screen the hydrocarbon potential in a basin
that contains both source and reservoir rocks.
Acknowledgments
The excellent assistance provided by Ms. Jean Nie and Mr. Majid
Tabandeh of Core Laboratories, Houston, TX, in preparing the samples
for TOC/RE6 pyrolysis and organic petrologic analyses, respectively, is
gratefully acknowledged. We would also like to thank the three re-
viewers for their valuable comments and suggestions, which improved
the quality of our manuscript.
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