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Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:139

DOI 10.1007/s12517-015-2240-6

ORIGINAL PAPER

Characterization of sandstone units as proven reservoirs


in the Upper Jurassic M’Rabtine formation, SE Gulf of Gabes,
Tunisia
Karima Hammami 1,2 & Mohamed Faouzi Zagrani 2,3 & Imen Hamdi Nasr 1,5 &
Hassen Ghuedifi 1,5 & Abdelhamid Ben Salem 4 & Mabrouk Bougdiri 1

Received: 25 June 2015 / Accepted: 15 October 2015


# Saudi Society for Geosciences 2016

Abstract Upper Jurassic studies, based on well correlation, Keywords Kimmeridgian–Tithonian . Petrophysical
stratigraphy, and well-logging analysis, allow us to define six analysis . Reservoir . M’Rabtine formation . Gulf of Gabes
sedimentary units of M’Rabtine formation in the Gulf of
Gabes. Unconformities characterized by the absence of the
evaporitic member (MEVP), unit of M’Rabtine formation Introduction
(Kimmeridgian–Tithonian), in the most western part and the
gap of the M’Rabtine formation in the most eastern part of the The present-day structural belt of the northern African margin
study area give us an idea of the paleogeography and the in Tunisia results from a complex tectonic evolution from late
variation of deposit environment. Petrophysical evaluation Permian with the beginning of the breakup of Pangea and
and lithological determination from well-logging data show achieved during the Cenozoic Alpine orogeny. Tunisia oc-
that sedimentary unconformities and facies lateral variation cupies a special position in the northern African margin. It is
are related to salt tectonic and/or probably eustatic events. located between two major domains: (1) in the east, the pas-
Reservoir parameters show grained sandstone units defined sive continental margin extends from pelagian bloc to the Sirt
as potential reservoirs and producing hydrocarbon in P6 and Basin in northern Libya and (2) the Cenozoic Alpine orogenic
P8. M3 and M5 units in P6 are a good oil reservoir with a belt that fringes northwestern Tunisia (Bouaziz 1995).
porosity average between 17.5 and 25 %. In P8, M3, M4, and The South Atlas fault marks the limit between the Tunisian
M5 correspond to the aim reservoir with a porosity average Atlas and the Saharan Platform. The area is underlined by
between 24 and 29 %. strongly deformed Precambrian basement but has been influ-
enced by minor rather than real compressive movements
throughout the Paleozoic to Cenozoic.
The Gulf of Gabes is located in the eastern part of central
Tunisia; it extends to the southern part of the offshore fields of
* Karima Hammami the Pelagian Sea. It is located between the meridians 10° 30′
karimahammami76@yahoo.com and 12° and parallel 34° and 35° 30′. It is bordered to the south
by the Djerba island, to the north by the Kerkennah island, and
to the west by the coast of the Gulf of Gabes (Fig. 1). The Gulf
of Gabes is an important oil province in North Africa which is
1
Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Bardo, Tunisia proven by many discoveries, Ashtart field in 1975 (located at
2
Applied Hydro-Sciences Research Unit (UR 13ES81), University of 75 km south of Sfax); several exploration activities were car-
Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia ried out such as Didon, Cercina, El Biban, Robbana, and
3
Higher Institute of Techniques and Water Sciences, 6072, University Miskar, in addition to four others which have recently started
of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia producing (Isis, Zarat, Hasdrubal, and Chergui). In the
4
Tunisian National Oil Campany (ETAP), Tunis, Tunisia Southern part of the Gulf of Gabes, exploration allowed oil
5
Applied Geophysics Research Unit, Faculty of Sciences of Tunisia, discoveries: Ezzaouia, Zarzis, and El Biban from Jurassic and
URGAMM, Tunis, Tunisia Cretaceous formations.
139 Page 2 of 12 Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:139

Fig. 1 Location of the study area from structural map of southern Tunisia (Bouaziz 2000)

The Gulf of Gabes is a part of the Pelagian platform and study allows us to understand the paleogeographic evolution
provides continuity to the NE of a subsiding area of Tunisian and to estimate the petrophysical parameters of the M’Rabtine
Jeffara mesozoic basins (Touati 1985; Ben Ayed 1986; reservoir in the southeastern part of Tunisia.
Bouaziz et al. 2002; Trigui 1989; Bouaziz 1995; Touati and
Rodgers 1998). It is presented as a transition zone between a
stable area of southern Saharan platform, and a very fractured Methodology
area to the North of the Pelagian block (Bedir 1995 and Ellouz
1984). The first part of our study is based on mud-logging data from
Structural development of the Pelagian block in general which we investigated the lithological succession in selected
and the Gulf of Gabes in particular is a direct consequence wells, and we generated synthetic log of upper Jurassic for-
of many major tectonic phases. Starting with the major intra- mations. Well correlation was used to demonstrate lateral var-
plate Hercynian uplift, followed by Tethysian rifting (Trias) iation of thickness and facies.
which are widely complicated by Austrian phase during the In the second part, we focused in the M’Rabtine formation.
middle Cretaceous, Alpine compression, and Neogene tecton- We have used well-logging data to make the lithological mod-
ic events (Chihi 1995). el and to characterize its petrophysical parameters. Well-
In southern part of the Gulf of Gabes, the Kimmeridgian– logging data of four wells are analyzed by interactive
Tithonian interval corresponds to a series of sandstone inter- petrophysics to calculate porosity (Φ) from sonic log (DT),
calated with limestone and marl of M’Rabtine formation, volume shale (VShale) from GR log and water saturation (SW)
which constitutes the main reservoir in the study area (Ben from Archie equation. Compilation of different results allows
Ismail 1991; Soussi 2000). us to generate facies and isopach maps.
Many studies that have been devoted to this interval in
onshore and offshore show a lot of facies lateral variation.
To the west, in the Jeffara basin, it consists on a carbonate Geological setting
platform with interbedded sandstone and shale (Burollet
1991). Toward the east, the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian deposits During Triassic, Jurassic, and some episodes of Cretaceous
disappear, this can be explained by an instability of the sedi- times, this area is characterized by faulted blocs forming a
mentary environment or/and by a tectonic activity. transition zone with the Jeffara platform. Salt tectonic was
In this paper, we will discuss the sedimentology evolution very active, and some diapirs pierced through the Mesozoic
and facies variation of the M’Rabtine formation and the Cenozoic series often forming long submarine salt
(Kimmeridgian–Tithonian) from well-logging data. This walls. Protected from Atlasic compression by the NS Axis,
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:139 Page 3 of 12 139

the Pelagian platform is affected by NW–SE distension faults Ghomrassen formation (20 to 25 m) composed by a limestone
which border grabens such as the Zohra Trough. This is a bar which begins with an oolitic horizon (grainstone) contain-
continuation of the Tripolitania offshore where distension ing rich fauna of echinoids and foraminifera to the top, the
structures constitute by the tilted blocks of basement and where limestone become thinner (packstone mudstones) (Ben Ismail
Jurassic and Cretaceous series are sealed by prograding Late and Razgallah 1988; Chaieb 2006). The Haddada formation
Cretaceous and Cenozoic formations (Bouaziz et al. 2002). (25 m) describes a succession of clay and lumachellic lime-
Deposition throughout the Gabes–Tripoli basin was strong- stone with dolomitic and sandstone interbeds. The second one
ly influenced by uplifting, by the reactivation of faults (related is represented by Tlalett formation and M’Rabtine formation.
to Cretaceous–Eocene compression of earlier extensional The Tlalett formation (100 to 150 m) is a powerful carbonate
structures) and salt movement (Latreille et al. 1980; sequence with interbedded fine clay beds sealed by the
Letouzey and Tremolière 1980; Ben Ayed 1986; Bishop M’Rabtine formation (can reach 500 m) essentially constitut-
1988; Bernansconi et al. 1991; Zaier et al. 1998; Anketell ed by sandstone series intercalated by limestone and dolomites
and Mriheel 2000; Patriat et al. 2002). with some clay past. In some case, the M’Rabtine formation is
From the structural map of southern Tunisia (Fig. 1), the sealed by anhydrite proving a lagoon environment.
Gulf of Gabes is affected by a fault system overall oriented
NW–SE (Burollet 1973; Ben Ferjani et al. 2006), which has
the same orientation of relay structures. Well-logging analysis
Located in the southeastern most part of Tunisia, the Gabes
basin is influenced by the same tectonic evolution as that in Lithostratigraphic units
the Sirt Basin (WNW–ESE direction between Tunisia and
Libya). In Jurassic time, corresponding to the extensional pro- The interpretation of well-log signatures allows us to identify
cesses, subsidence was sustained, around 25 m/Ma, until in the M’Rabtine formation six separate units that are repre-
Malm. Subsidence slowed down at the end of Malm, earlier sented by units M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and MEVP. This for-
than in the Hammamet and Chotts basin. At the end of this mation varies in facies within four wells used in our study. We
distension phase, in Barremian, rates increased and reached took two wells that have a different facies (P16 and P8). The
values superior to 50 m/Ma. At a large scale, it is synchronous P8 well is generally sandstone with some carbonate and clay
to the opening of the central African rift and to the inception of intercalations and presents the M’Rabtine formation with its
rifting in the Sirt Basin (Guiraud and Maurin 1992). Based on six units (Fig. 3).
structural studies, it is possible to evaluate the importance of The M1 unit presents a regular and constant signal and
local tectonic control on subsidence. The permanent role of shows a net cyclicity. Facies of this unit is generally sandstone
salt movement in the behavior of the different blocks should with some dolomite. In the M2 unit, the signal is different to the
also be realized. Halokinesis has been demonstrated to be first unit. Indeed, firstly, the signal does not show a net cyclicity
active since Aptian time in Tunisia (Perthuisot 1991; Snoke and secondly, the gamma ray values are also clearly higher than
et al. 1988; Gabtni et al. 2009), but could be much older (Bedir those of the underlying unit showing more claystone. In the M3
1995) as in Algeria (Bracene and Frizon de Lamotte 2002). unit of M’Rabtine formation, the signal is characterized by an
To understand the geodynamics of this zone during Upper organization in repetitive sequences. High values of sonic cor-
Jurassic, we used a data base including 26 boreholes. The respond to carbonate deposits, and low values correspond to
present paper makes use of this extensive data base and focus- sandstone and silts. In the unit M4, the signal is different to the
es on nine boreholes logs. This study is divided into two main M3 unit. On the top, it becomes progressively enriched by clays
parts, a well-logging analysis and lithostratigraphical correla- with increased gamma ray values. The unit M5 shows some
tion and facies map of M’Rabtine formation (Fig. 2). cyclicity with a succession of high and low sonic values. High
values correspond to carbonates that are enriched to the top by
clays. Low values are indicated by a reduction of radioactivity.
Lithostratigraphy In the MEVP unit, the signal does not show a large variation
except that in front of evaporite levels.
During the Mesozoic, the southern part of Gulf of Gabes had P16 well shows the five units of the M’Rabtine forma-
functioned as a passive margin. The EW and ESE–WNW tion where dominated by dolomite (Fig. 4). The M1 unit
strike-slip fault played an important role in the first move- presents a regular signal with decreased gamma ray, it is
ments of Triassic evaporites (Haller 1983; Ellouz 1984; composed by a bar of dolomite. The M2 unit, presenting a
Bedir 1995). signal different from the first unit at the base, the litholo-
In Gulf of Gabes, the Upper Jurassic is organized in two gy of this unit is claystone. The M3 unit shows a signal
main lithological groups. The first one is represented by the with net cyclicity and presents alternation between car-
Ghomrassen formation and Haddada formation. The bonate and clay. The M4 unit presents more limestone
139 Page 4 of 12 Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:139

Fig. 2 Generalized stratigraphic column of Upper Jurassic (Gulf of Gabes) compiled with the log data, 1: dolomite, 2: limestone, 3: sandstone, 4:
claystone, 5: anhydrite

and some evaporates. The M5 unit signal does not show a correlation are P10, P8, P6, and P16. Along this correlation,
net cyclicity, and the gamma ray values are also clearly we can see that the evaporitic member of M’Rabtine forma-
higher at the base. tion is present in P8 and P6 well, while it is absent from both
sides at the P16 and P10.
Correlations and facies lateral distribution The M’Rabtine formation consists of five units except at
the P10 well where it is absent. This lack is due to the phe-
Well-log correlation was conducted (Fig. 5) to understand the nomenon of Triassic ascension that took place in this region
structural evolution of the region and to characterize the (SE Gulf of Gabes). Thickness and facies variations detected
M’Rabtine reservoir. Wells used in this WNW–ESE can be explained by the complex structure of our study area.
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:139 Page 5 of 12 139

Fig. 3 Log plot of P8 well, GR


gamma ray (natural radioactivity),
Cali Caliper, SP spontaneous
potential, NPHI neutron porosity,
RHOB density, DT sonic (velocity
of sound propagation), PEF
photoelectric factor, LLD deep
investigation dual laterolog, LLS
shallow investigation dual
laterolog, Sw water Saturation,
PHIT total porosity, PHIE
effective porosity, BVW water
volume in the borehole, VWCL
clay volume, V Salt salt volume, V
Sand sandstone volume, V Lime
limestone volume, V Dol
dolomite volume
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Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:139 Page 7 of 12 139

ƒFig. 4 Log plot of P16 well, GR gamma ray (natural radioactivity), Cali reference plane (Datum Plane) for this correlation, we took
caliper, SP spontaneous potential, NPHI neutron porosity, RHOB density, the mean sea level. We conducted a WSW–ENE correlation
DT sonic (velocity of sound propagation), PEF photoelectric factor, LLD
deep investigation dual laterolog, LLS shallow investigation dual
between wells (P16, P5, P6, P8, P3, and P10).
laterolog, Sw water saturation, PHIT total porosity, PHIE effective In the Gulf of Gabes, petroleum exploration wells encoun-
porosity, BVW water volume in the borehole, VWCL clay volume, V tered many lithostratigraphical unconformities affecting
Salt salt volume, V Sand sandstone volume, V Lime limestone volume, Jurassic and Cretaceous series (Haddad et al. 2013) (Fig. 6).
V Dol dolomite volume
By examining lithological correlation (WNW–ESE direction)
between the wells P16, P5, P6, P8, P3, and P10, we can as-
sume several sedimentology and structural results.
The structure is formed by tilted blocks giving rise of a The M’Rabtine formation has the maximum of thickness
closed zone where evaporitic members are deposed (wells (356 and 418, 5 m) at both P6 and P8 essentially represented
P8 and P6), attesting a depositional environment type by sandstone with carbonate and clay intercalation. To the
“Sebkha” to join the platform at well P16 (essentially lime- west, at P16 and P5, its thickness is reduced (218 and
stone and dolomite). 150 m) and presents carbonate facies (dolomite limestone).
Lithostratigraphic correlation is a comparison of isochro- To the east, at the P3 well, the M’Rabtine formation has the
nous series (same age) in facieses in order to reconstruct the same characteristics such shown in P6 and P8 with a reduced
different paleogeographic and structural domains. As a thickness (221 m). Further east, at the P10 wells, the

Fig. 5 Log correlation between P16, P6, P8, and P10 WNW–ESE trending
139 Page 8 of 12 Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:139

Fig. 6 Lithostratigraphic correlation between wells P16, P5, P6, P8, P3, and P10 (WNW–ESE), 1—sandstone, 2—anhydrite, 3—limestone, 4—dolomite,
and 5—clay

Fig. 7 Geological and facies map


of M’Rabtine formation in the
study area, 1—dolomitic
limestone, 2—grained sandstone,
3—interbedded dolomite and
anhydrite, 4—sandy limestone,
5—no M’Rabtine deposits, 6—
trias, 7—M’Rabtine limits, 8—
faults, 9—wells
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:139 Page 9 of 12 139

M’Rabtine formation is absent where the Tlalett formation is Through this correlation, we can define a lateral var-
in contact with the Cretaceous (Bouhedma formation). The iation in facies, in fact in the westernmost well (P16), it
eroded series between late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous are is dolomitic with anhydritic and claystone intercalation;
estimated to be more than 1000 m. Regarding the sedimento- however, in P6, P8, and P3, it is more siliciclastic with
logical aspects, a depocenter may explain the basin kinematic grained sandstone and anhydritic and claystone intercala-
according to the P6 and P8 wells where there is a maximum of tion with a thin level of carbonate. This facies variation
detritic deposits. In the western part, a platform edge assump- is represented in the distribution facies and geological
tion is presented where the deposit is formed by carbonate map according to subsurface faults by the seismic data.
facies (P16 and P3). These faults are generally directed NW–SE. There are
Structurally, the subsidence of the blocks where the also E–W faults and salt extrusion to the eastern part
drilled P6 and P8 wells regarding normal fault shape that (Fig. 7).
led to the detritic accumulations and a mainly confined The isopaque map of M’Rabtine formation in southern
environment resulting of an evaporate deposits (MEVP). Gulf of Gabes (Fig. 8) confirms the results that we have find
This structure allows us to reconstitute the environmental out during the lithostratigraphic correlations. Indeed, we find
deposits of this area which is lagoonal. We can also ex- that the M’Rabtine formation in the Ezzaouia field is very
plain the gap of the M’Rabtine formation at the P10 well developed (depocenter) and disappears to the east at the P10
by the Triassic ascension that took place in this region well. It also decreases in thickness toward the north in Djerba
(Dey and Ouahchi 2002). island.

Fig. 8 Isopach map of


M’Rabtine formation in the study
area
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Fig. 9 Seismic section showing salt intrusion

The facies distribution map of the M’Rabtine formation Petrophysical characteristics of the M’Rabtine
(Fig. 7) shows an abrupt lateral variation between siliciclastic formation
deposits and evaporitic deposits. The establishment of terrig-
enous detrital deposits (sandstone) occurred in the coastal ma- We have studied, through logging, four wells (P6, P8, P10,
rine area in the front of outfall streams to create a deltaic body. and P16), and we can divide the M’Rabtine reservoir into
This area covers a paleogeographical subsiding area (Fig. 8). several units.
The evaporites encountering the south of the Zarzis region P16 well is deep, 3735 m (Fig. 4); the last reached forma-
characterize a sheltered environment that does not receive tion is M’Rabtine that has been divided into five units. The
the detrital supplies. This area corresponds to an area much porosity is very low; despite its lithology, it is favorable to be a
less subsiding (Fig. 8). This distribution of paleogeographic good reservoir; therefore, the reservoir presents only a few oil
areas reflects a paleotopography generated by an important shows at the unit M3 and M4. VShale value variation indicates
tectonic activity. Indeed, the limit between these two areas the enrichment or depletion of clays, from one well to another
coincides with a major accident NE–SW (Bouaziz 2000; for the same member.
Ben Jemia et al. 2010 …). It is noteworthy that in the area From petrophysical results (Table 1), we can conclude that
of study, NE–SW and E–W faults play a prominent role in the the M3 unit thick of 69.95 m presents 11.4 % in the range of
ascension of salt-bearing materials Triassic (Fig. 9). These porosity and clay volume of order of 14.1 %. The M4 unit
diapiric structures formed high zones that are insulating bar- (51.66 m) presents a porosity (Φ) of 12.6 and 0.6 % for VShale.
riers that sheltered lagoon areas, favoring deposits and The M5 unit (111.1 m) presents a porosity (Φ) of 13.6 % and
preventing the transport of coastal siliciclastic materials.

Table 1 Petrophysical parameters calculated in well P16 Table 2 Petrophysical parameters calculated in well P8

Zones Thickness (m) Net (m) Porosity (%) VShale (%) SW (%) Members Thickness (m) Net (m) Porosity (%) SW (%) VShale (%)

M1 551.69 0 – – – M1 58.9 7.16 14 16.3 12.1


M2 44.5 0 – – – M2 84.9 7.16 21.6 10.2 21.4
M3 69.95 0.30 11.4 14.1 21.8 M3 101.5 22.25 24 24.1 18.9
M4 51.66 0.30 12.6 0.6 26.2 M4 62.4 17.53 29.1 25.8 18.5
M5 111.1 0.46 13.6 5.6 14.8 M5 107.2 4.11 29.2 31.5 29.11
Cutoff used ≥0.1 ≤0.35 ≤0.5 Cutoff used ≤0.1 ≤0.35 ≤0.5
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:139 Page 11 of 12 139

Table 3 Petrophysical parameters calculated in well P6 Tithonian) is divided into six (06) distinct units when it was
Members Thickness (m) Net (m) Porosity (%) SW (%) VShale (%) spared from erosion. The presence of the evaporitic members
(MEVP) in P6 and P8 proves lagoonal environmental deposits
M1 31.9 2.33 18.7 – 21 (‘sebkha’ type). The lateral variation in facies and thickness is
M2 10.7 0.57 17.3 – 19.2 due to salt tectonic events that took place in the study area.
M3 19.8 5.18 17.5 21.8 17.6 Halocinitic activities lead to the formation of diapiric sub-salt
M4 57.8 1.98 16.4 26.2 23.7 structures. These activities caused the gap of M’Rabtine forma-
M5 198.2 33.83 25 14.8 23.4 tion in the eastern part of the study area.
Cutoff used ≥0.1 ≤0.35 ≤0.5 Analyzing the facies distribution map, we distinguish four
different lithology aspects: a carbonate domain in the western
part (P16), a grained sandstone domain that is very developed
and corresponds to the potential reservoir (P6, P8, and P3), a
VShale of 5.6 %. The water saturation at the M3 unit is 21.8 %, carbonate and evaporitic domain to the southeastern part, and
it is 26.2 % at the M4 unit, and 14.8 % at the M5 unit. finally a sandy limestone domain to the most eastern part of
The P8 well total depth is 3535.4 m (Fig. 3) where its latest the study area. This facies lateral variation gives us an idea
achievement formation is Adjadj/Bhir formation. The about the deposit environment. The carbonate domain pre-
M’Rabtine formation is divided into two sub-formations that sents a platform edge environment, the grained sandstone do-
are evaporitic members (MEVP) and the actual M’Rabtine main corresponds to a detritic depositional environment, and
formation that was divided into five units (M1, M2, M3, the evaporitic and dolomitic domain define a closed zone and
M4, and M5). These rock units are a good oil reservoir. a lagoonal deposit.
Units M3, M4, and M5 are the most oil productive units. Petrophysical parameters of M’Rabtine formation allow us
From the data in Table 2, we see that only 7.16 m of M1 unit to characterize this reservoir rock. We can conclude that the
represents the net with a porosity (Φ) of 14 % and a saturation aim units producing hydrocarbon are the grained sandstone
(Sw) of 16.3 %. levels (M3 and M5 in P6 with an average porosity between
The unit M2 has a net of 7.16 m; porosity (Φ) is 21.6 % and 17.5 and 25 % and M3, M4, and M5 in P8 with an average
saturation (Sw) of 10.2 %. The M3 unit of M’Rabtine forma- porosity between 24 and 29 %). In P16, M’Rabtine reservoir
tion has a net of approximately 22.25 m admitting a porosity has a good potential (average porosity about 12.6 %) but there
(Φ) of 24 % and a saturation (Sw) of 24.1 %. The M4 unit are no oil production (just hydrocarbon shows), this may be
(62.4 m thick) has a net of approximately 17.53 m having a explained by the the type of reservoir. In fact, this reservoir is
porosity of about 29.1 % and the saturation (Sw) is in the order compact and not fractured; also, the net reservoir is very thin
of 25.8 %. The M5 unit (107.2 m) corresponds to only a Net of (between 0.3 and 0.46 m).
4.11 m with a porosity (Φ) about 29.2 % and saturation (Sw) of
31.5 %.
At P6 well, M’Rabtine formation is divided into five units
(M1 to M5) of various lithological compositions (Table 3).
The data in Table 3 shows that only the unit M5 (thickness References
198.2 m) presents a “net” of 33.83 m admitting a porosity of
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