Supervised by : Radvan Khuseyn Written and compiled by : Mohamed Abouel-maaty

Chief Geologist Well Site Geologist

LUKOIL Saudi Arabia Energy Ltd. LUKOIL Saudi Arabia Energy Ltd.
E-mail: rkhusein@luksar.com.sa E-mail: mmaaty@luksar.com.sa
mohamed_abouelmaaty@yahoo.com
OPERATIONAL GEOLOGY CHART
Saudi Arabia Stratigraphic column
MARKER ( PICK CRITERIA) FOR THE FORMATION TOPS, Lithologies Description, Estimated Formation Pore pressure,
GENERALIZED
SYSTEM SERIES STAGE FORMATION MEMBER LITHOLOGY
Recommendation for Drilling Mud Weigt, Loss of Circulation Zones, Reservoir Zones & Recommendation for Casing
Points.

Hofuf, Dam, and Hadrukh Formations : are usually exposed at the surface, It is composed mainly of Layers of
(Sandstone, Claystone, Limestone, Marl) with Minor streaks of Anhydrite & Traces of Chert.
HOFUF Loss of circulation is possible in (Hofuf, Dam, and Hadrukh) Formations.

OLIGOCENE
MIOCENE
Sandstone: Lse qtz gr, clss, transl - transp, m - crs gr, occ/ v.crs grn, sub ang - sub rd, p - mod srtd, w/ silceous cmt i/p, fosiliferous
DAM i/p, w/ traces of gravel & chert, no vis por under visual exam., no oil shows.
Claystone: Rdsh brn, grnsh gry, frm - mod frm, blky - sbblky,stky, slty i/p,sli calc,washable i/p
Limestone: Wh - off wh, sf t- mod hd, crpxln,chky i/p, fosiliferous i/p, wash i/p, no vis por under visual exam, no oil shows
.

Anhydrite: Mlky wh,wh,occ/ off wh sft - mod hd, pstd, amorph,chky tex i/p,washable i/p.
Marl:Lt gy, dk gry, occ/ crmy, crpxln,sft - mod hd, stky, hily calc occ/ gradg to hi arg Limestone, no vis por under visual exam, oil
HADRUKH
shows.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 61 - 63 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 64 - 65 pcf
Dammam Formation : It is composed mainly of Dolomit and Limestone with streaks of (Marl, Claystone & Anhydrite), it is picked
by slow ROP & appearance of carbonate (Dolomite or Limestone).
ALAT

EOCENE
MIDDLE
Loss of circulation is possible in Dammam Formation.
Limestone: Tansh wh - wh, occ/ tansh brn, mod hd - hd, mic xln - v.fn xln, dol i/p, no vis por under visual exam, no oil shows.

DAMMAM KHOBAR Dolomite: Crmy wh, off wh, tan, lt brn, mod hd - hd, micrxl - v.fnxl, vugy i/p, suc tex, no vis por under visual exam, no oil shows.
Marl : Gnsh gy, gy, sft - mod hd, cryptoxln, stky, no vis por under visual exam, no oil shows.
ALVEOLINA
Claystone : Gy - grnsh gy, redsh brn, sft, mod hrd i/p, blky - sbblky, slty i/p, sli calc, stky, washable i/p.
SAILA

TERTIARY
Anhydrite : Mlky wh - wh, off wh, mod hd - hd, pstd, amorph, w/ Gypsum.
MIDRA Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 62 - 63 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 64 - 65 pcf

Rus Formation : It is composed mainly of Anhydrite occasionally with very minor streaks of (Dolomite & Limestone), it is picked
by appearance of Anhydrit or Limestone after drilling through 30 to 40 ft of Shale at the bottom of the previous fm (Dammam Fm.), in

LOWER EOCENE
case of RUS Fm. starts with Anhydrite ROP slows down relative to the overlaying section but in case of RUS Fm. starts with
Limestone relatively faster ROP compared to the Dammam Formation.

Anhydrite : Mlky wh - wh, smky wh i/p, md hd - hd, occ/ sft, pstd, amorph.
Dolomite : Tan, crmy, occ/ lt brn, tansh wh, mod hd - hd, mic xln - v.fn xln, no vis por under visual exam.
RUS
Limestone : Yelsh wh, tansh wh, occ/ of wh, md hd - hd, mic xln - v f xln, dol i/p, no vis por under visual exam.
Note : Dolomite streaks in some places for example Off Shore KHAFJI field having high gas peak & oil show.
Rus Formation Casing Point : It is highly recommended to set the casing into Rus Formation to protect the Umm Er
Radhuma aquifer below Rus & to prevent shallower formations collapsing (these shallow formations are mainly loose with loss of
circulation zones).
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 62 - 65 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 66 - 68 pcf
Umm Er Radhuma Formation : It is composed mainly of Limestone and/or Dolomite and/or Dolomitic
Limestone with minor streaks of (Anhydrite, claystone and marl) especially toward the lower part of the Fm.
It is picked by appearance of Carbonates (Limestone or Dolomite or Dolimitic Limestone) and fast ROP.

Loss of circulation is highly possible in Umm Er Radhuma Formation.

PALEOCENE
Dolomite : Tan - tansh wh, crmy, occ/ lt brn, mod hd - hd, micrxln - v.fxln, vug i/p, no vis por under visual exam.
UMM ER
Limestone : Lt gy, lt brn, gysh wh, mod hd - hd, micro xln - crypto xln, sli arg i/p, no vis por under visual exam.
RADHUMA
Dolomitic Limestone : wh - off wh, occ/ grysh brn, microxln - vfnxln,mod hd - hd,sli arg, no vis por under visual exam.
Anhydrite : Mlky wh - wh, smky wh i/p, md hd - hd, pstd, amorph.
Marl : Gy , gysh wh, grensh gy , v sft - sft, cryptoxln, stky, washable i/p, no vis por under visual exam.
Claystone : Gy - grnsh gy, sft - v sft, blky - sbblky, hi calc, stky, washable i/p.
Note : Umm Er Radhuma Formation is a major aquifer in Saudi Arabia
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 62 - 65 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 66 - 68 pcf

Aruma Formation : It is composed maily of Limestone interbedded with (shale and marl) layers
It is picked by appearance of a thin layer of shale at the top with Slow ROP relatively than that in
the Umm Er Radhuma Formation, followed by a thick section of Limestone.
Loss of circulation is possible in the upper part of the Aruma formation.
Shale : Dk gy, med gy, grnsh gy,frm - mod frm, occ/ sft, blky - sb blky, pyrc i/p, hi calc occ/ grdg to Marl.
Limestone : Off wh, lt gry, occ/ lt brn, mod hd - hd, micro xln - crypto xln, sli arg i/p, no vis por under visual exam
Lignite (Coal) "Traces" : Blk, mod hd - hd, Blky - sb blky.
ARUMA
Lower Aruma Shale (L.A.S) Casing Point : It is recommended to set the casing into Lower
Aruma Shale (L.A.S) as it is a common casing point, picking Lower Aruma Shale (L.A.S) depends mostly on
the ROP correlations as it will be Slow down with apperance of thickest shale section.

Note : Aruma Fm. Is an oil bearing reservoir in some fields

Caved Shale is highly possible while drilling Aruma Formation.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 63 - 65 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 66 - 68 pcf

Wasia Formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone interbedded with (Shale & Limestone) Layers.
Wasia - Aruma Unconformity can be picked by appearance of shale or sand sections of (Wara or Safania)
MISHRIF
member which exhibit fast ROP.
Note : Caved Shale is highly possible while drilling Wasia Formation.
Wasia formation consists of seven members: (top to bottom) as follow :-

CRETACEOUS
Mishrif Member : It is composed mainly of Limestone.Note : it is a gas-oil reservoir in some fields.
RUMAILA Limestone : Off wh - wh, sft - mod hd, micorxln - cryptoxln, wash i/p, sli arg, sli dolc, no vis por under visual exam.
Rumaila Member : It is composed mainly of Shale & Limestone interbeds, It is picked by apperance of Shale with slow down
ROP followed by Limestone, Rumila includes a limestone gas- reservoir in some fields.
Shale : Lt gy, lt grnsh gy, frm - mod frm, blky - sb blky, stky, wash, sli calc.
Limestone : Off wh, lt gy, tan gy, sft -mod hd, cryptoxln - microxln, sli arg, no vis por under visual exam.
AHMADI Ahmadi Member : It is composed mainly of Shale & Limestone interbeds
It is picked by appearance of Shale followed by Limestone.
Shale : Brn, lt brn, lt grnsh gy, frm - mod frm, sft i/p, blky - sbblky, stky, wash i/p, sli calc.
Limestone : Tan - tansh wh, occ/ brn, sft - md hd, microxln - v.fnxln, suc tex i/p, no vis por under visual exam.
Wara Member : It is composed mainly of Sandstone, Siltstone & Shale interbeds.
It is picked by appearance of Shale or Sandstone.
Shale : Lt grnsh gy, dk gy, dk brnsh gy, sft, occ/ mod hd, blky - sb blky, stky, sli calc, occ/ w/ blk carb mat.
WARA
Sandstone : Lse qtz gr, clse, transl - transp, fn- v.fn gr, sbang- sbrnd, p -mod srtd, no vis por under visual exam.
WASIA
Siltstone : Lt gy, grnsh gy, dk brnsh gy, blky, md hd, hi sdy occ/ grdg to v.fn sandstone, glauc i/p, sli calc .
Note : Wara is an oil reservoir in some fields.
Loss of circulation is possible in Wara Member.
Mauddud Member : It is composed mainly of Limestone, It is picked by appearance of Limestone.
MAUDDUD Limestone : Tansh wh, off wh, occ/ lt gry,mod hd, cryptoxln - vfnxln, sli arg i/p, no vis por under visual exam.
Loss of circulation is highly possible in Mauddud with fast ROP.
Safaniya Member : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with minor streaks of Shale.
(Nahr Umr Shale)
It is picked by appearance of Sandstone or Shale with fast ROP.

Sandstone : Lse qtz gr, clse, transl - transp, v.fn gr, sbang- sbrnd, p -mod srtd, no vis por under visual exam.
Shale : gry, grnsh gry, frm - mod frm, sft i/p, blky - sb blky, glauc.
SAFANIYA Note : Safania is a major reservoir in some fields.
Khafji Member : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with minor streaks of Shale.
Sandstone : lse qtz gr,transl - transp, med - fn gr, occ crs gr, sb ang - sb rnd, pr - mod srtd, no vis por under visual exam.
Shale : grnsh gry, occ/ brnsh gry, frm - mod frm, blky - sbblky, glauc i/p, slty i/p occ/ grdg to Sltst non calc.
KHAFJI Note : Khafji is a major reservoir in some fields.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 63 - 65 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 66 - 68 pcf

Shu'aiba Formation : It is composed mainly of Carbonates (Limestone or/and Dolomite).

It is picked by appearance of Limestone or/and Dolomite with Fast ROP.
Loss of circulation is highly possible in Shu'aiba Formation.
SHU'AIBA Limestone : wh, off wh, occ/ crmy, mod hd, microxln - cryptoxln, hi dol, sli arg, no vis por under visual exam.
Dolomite : Tan, brn, lt brn, off wh, hd - v hd, cryptoxln - micxln, suc tex i/p, sli arg, no vis por under visual exam.
.
Note : Shu’aiba is an oil bearing reservoir in Shybah and many off-shore fields, It is highly recommended to control on ROP
(Minimize ROP) while drilling Shu'aiba as it is a highly porus formation to avoid break down.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 63 - 64 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 65 - 67 pcf

Biyadh Formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with Minor streaks of (Shale & Limestone) and minor traces of Lignite

CRETACEOUS
(Coal), It is picked by appearnce of Sandstone with fast ROP.
Sandstone : Lse qtz gr, clse, transl - transp, yel i/p, fn - med gr, occ/ crs gr, sb ang - sb rnd, silceous cmt i/p, poorly - mod srtd, no
vis por under visual exam.

Shale : Rdsh brn, brn, occ grnsh gry, sft - mod frm, blky - sb blky, sandy i/p,stky i/p, washable, non calc.
BIYADH Limestone : Wh, off wh, occ lt gry, mod hd - hd, crptoxln - microxln, arg i/p, glauc i/p,no vis por under visual exam.
Note : Sandstone of Biyadh Fm. In Zubair field is an oil reservoir.
Biyadh Formation Casing Point : In case of complete loss of circulation into Shu'aiba Fm., It is highly recommended to set
the casing into Biyadh Fm. to seal off the loss circulation zone of Shu’aiba and the swelling shale of (upper Biyadh Fm.& Wasia Fm.),
Casing point is placed +/- 300 feet into Biyadh Formation.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 62 - 64 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 65 - 67 pcf
Buwaib Formation : It is composed mainly of Limestone with streaks of (Sandstone & Shale).
It is picked by appearance of Argillaceous Limestone with slow down ROP.
Note : sandstone section is an oil reservoir in some fields
Limestone : Wh, off wh, lt gy, mod hd - hd, microxln - crptoxln, sli - hi arg, sli dolc, no vis por, no oil shows.
BUWAIB
Sandstone : Lse qtz gr, clse, transl - transp, fn - med gr, occ/ crs gr, sb ang - sb rnd, silceous cmt i/p, poorly - mod srtd, no vis por
under visual exam.
Shale : Gnsh gry, lt gry, occ lt brn, mod frm - frm, blky, sb fisile, slty i/p occ/ gradg to Siltstone, sli calc
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 64 - 65 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 66 - 68 pcf
Yamama Formation : It is composed mainly of Limestone, It is picked by appearance of Limestone which is below the last
Shale streak at bottom of Buwaib Fm. With a relatevely fast ROP .
Limestone : Lt tan, tansh brn, occ/ v lt brn, mod hd - hd, microxln - v fnxln, no vis por under visual exam.
YAMAMA Note : Yamama Fm. is considered as an oil reservoir in some fields
Yamama Formation Casing Point : It is not a regular casing point, The casing point is placed at base of Yamama
Formation.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 64 - 66 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 67 - 69 pcf
Sulaiy Formation : It is composed mainly of Limestone, It is picked by appearance of Limestone with fast ROP relatevely to the
previous Fm top (Yamama Fm.).
SULAIY Limestone : Tansh wh, lt brn, sft - mod hd, microxln - v f xln, vugy i/p, no vis por under visual exam.
Note : Water flow may occur in the Sulaiy formation.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 65 - 68 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 69 - 71 pcf
Hith Formation : It is composed mainly of Anhydrite with minor streaks of Carbonates (Limestone and/or Dolomite), It is picked
by apperance of Anhydrite with Slow down ROP.
Anhydrite : Mlky wh, wh, occ/ off wh sft, amorph, pstd, chky tex i/p, washable.
Limestone : Lt brn, brn, gry, mod hd - hd, microxln - crptoxln, no vis por under visual exam.
HITH
Dolomite : Lt brn - brn, occ/ dk brn mod hd - hd, microxln - v.fxln, suc text, no vis por under visual exam
Hith Formation Casing Point : It is not a regular casing point, The casing point is placed +/- 100 feet into Hith Fm.

Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 66 - 68 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 70 - 72 pcf
Arab Formation : It is composed mainly of Limestone & Anhydrite interbeds w/ minor streaks of Dolomite, It is picked by
appearance of Limestone with fast ROP, Arab formation consists of 4 members, (Arab -A, B, C, D), It consists of porous layers of soft
carbonates (Limestone) separated by anhydrite.

A Arab " A " Member : It is composed mainly of Carbonates (Limestone and/or Dolomite) & Anhydrite, It is picked by appearance
of carbonates (Limestone and/or Dolomite) with fast ROP.
Limestone : Lt gy, gysh wh, gy, micxln - cryptxln, mod hd - hd, sli arg, dolc, no vis por under visual exam.
Dolomite : Brn, lt brn, tansh brn, mod hd - hd, microxln - crptoxln, no vis por under visual exam.
Anhydrite : Wh, off wh, mlky wh, sft - mod hd, amorphous, washable i/p.
JURASSIC

Arab " B " Member : It is composed mainly of Carbonates (Limestone and/or Dolomite) & Anhydrite, It is picked by appearance
of carbonates (Limestone and/or Dolomite) with fast ROP
B Limestone : Brn, lt gy, tnsh gy, sft - mod hd, microxln - crptoxln, dolc , no vis por under visual exam.
Dolomite : Brn, lt brn, tansh brn, mod hd - hd, microxln - crptoxln, no vis por under visual exam.
Anhydrite : Wh, off wh, mlky wh, sft - mod hd, amorphous, washable i/p.
Arab " C " Member : It is composed mainly of Carbonates (Limestone and/or Dolomite) & Anhydrite, It is picked by appearance
ARAB of carbonates (Limestone and/or Dolomite) with fast ROP.
C
Limestone : Off wh, lt brn, lt gy, microlxn - vfxln, mod hd - hd, dolc, no vis por under visual exam.
Dolomite : Brn, lt brn, tansh brn, mod hd - hd, microxln - crptoxln, no vis por under visual exam.
Anhydrite : Wh, off wh, mlky wh, sft - mod hd, amorphous, washable i/p.
Arab " D " Member : It is composed mainly of Carbonates (Limestone and/or Dolomite).It is picked by appearance of carbonate
(Limestone and/or Dolomite) with fast ROP.
Limestone : Lt gry - dk gry, lt brn, off wht, sft - mod hd, dolc, micxln - crpxln, no vis por under visual exam.
Dolomite : Brn, lt brn, tansh brn, mod hd - hd, microxln - crptoxln, no vis por under visual exam.
Note : ROP slows down in Anhydrite and faster (speeds up) in the carbonates (Limestone & Dolomite), Halit (Salt) stringers occur in
D the Arab formation, it can be identified by distinctive fast ROP breaks and an increase of salin ity (chloride) in the drilling mud.
Carbonates in Arab Fm. could be oil bearing reservoir.
Arab " D " Formation Casing Point : It is not a regular casing point but in some areas the high pressure water flow zones
occure above Arab " D ", so it is highly recommended to set the casing in this case, The casing point is placed 10 -15 feet above top o
Arab " D ".
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 63 - 70 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 71 - 73 pcf
Jubaila Formation : It is composed mainly of Limestone, It is picked by appearance of Argillaceous Limestone with slow ROP
relatevely to the above Fm. (Arab-D Fm.),
JUBAILA
Limestone : Med gry,dk gry,occ/ lt brn, mod hd-hd, microxln-v f xln, sli arg, dolc i/p, no vis por under visual exam.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 62 - 64 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 65 - 67 pcf
Hanifa Formation : It is composed mainly of Limestone, It is picked by appearance of Limestone (thick bed of oolitepellet
calcarenite at the top) with Fast ROP relatevely to the above formation.
HANIFA Limestone : Off wh, lt gy, tan, occ/ med - dk gry, mod hd-hd, micxln-cryptxl, no vis por under visual exam.
Note : Hanifa is an oil reservoir in many areas.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 62 - 64 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 65 - 67 pcf
Tuwaiq Mountain Formation : It is composed mainly of Limestone, It is picked by appearance of Limestone (massive &
compacted) with Slow ROP relatevely to the above formation.
TUWAIQ Limestone : Tan, tnsh gry, crmy, dk gry, mod - hd, micro-v fxln, hi arg, no vis por under visual exam.
MTN. Note : Tuwaiq Fm. is an oil reservoir in some fields
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 62 - 64 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 65 - 67 pcf

HISYAN Dhruma Formation : It is composed mainly of Limestone and/or argillaceous Limestone.

UPPER
JURASSIC

It is picked by appearance Shale bed at its top but not in all areas. i.e it can be picked by appearance of
ATASH
Limestone with Slow ROP relatively to the above formation.

Limestone : Lt gy - gysh wh,occ/ md gy-dk gy,sft-mod hd,crypotxln-microxln,hi arg, no vis por under visual exam.
DHRUMA MIDDLE
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 62 - 66 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 66 - 70 pcf
DHIBI

LOWER

Marrat Formation : It is composed mainly of Limestone and/or Dolomite & Shale interbeds with minor streaks of Anhydrite, It is
picked by apperance of Anhydrite as Anhydrite is found in various wells at the top of Marrat with Slow down ROP.

Anhydrite : wh,mlky wh,sft - mod hd, amorphous, washable i/p, sli calc.
MARRAT Limestone : Wh, off wh, occ/ lt gy, mod hd - sft, micxln - vfnxln, no vis por under visual exam.
Dolomite : crmy,tn - tnsh wh,mod hd - hd, microxln - v fxln, occ/ grdg to Dolomitic Limestone, no vis por under visual exam.
Shale : Red, redsh brn, frm - mod frm, occ/ sft, mood hd, blky - sblky, stky, non calc.
Note : Marrat reservoir exists in the limestone section at the upper part of the formation.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 65 - 66 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 68 - 72 pcf
Minjur Formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone interbedded by (Shale, Siltstone, Anhydrite &
carbonates"Limestone and/or Dolomitic Limestone"), It is picked by appearance of Sandstone w/ fast ROP

Sandstone : Lse qtz gr, clse, trnsp - trnsl, fn - vfn gr,occ/ crs gr, friable,rndd - sbrndd, pr-mod srtd,sli cmt, no vis por under visual
exam.
UPPER
Siltstone : gnsh gry, off wh, lt gry, rdsh brn i/p, occ/ tansh brn, sft - mod hd, blky - sbblky, sli calc i/p, no vis por under visual exam.

Anhydrite : wh,mlky wh,sft - mod hd, amorphous.

MINJUR Shale : rdsh brn, grnsh gry, dk gry, frm - mod frm, blky - sb blky, hi slty i/p occ/ grdg to Siltstone, non calc.
Limestone : Wh, off wh, occ/ lt gry, mod hd - sft, microxln - vfn xln, no vis por under visual exam.
Dolomitic Limestone : Off wh, lt gry,occ/ lt brn, mod hd - hd, micro xln - cryptoxln, no vis por under visual exam.
LOWER
Note : Mijur Formation is considered as an oil reservoir in some fields.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 65 - 66 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 68 - 72 pcf
TRIASSIC

Jilh Formation : It is composed mainly of Carbonates (Dolomitic Limestone and Dolomite) with streaks of (Anhydrite & Shale), It
is picked by Appearance of Carbonates and/or Anhydrte with Slow down ROP.
Jilh formation is divided intoUpper Jilh & Lower Jilh

Upper Jilh Formaion is divided into two sections ( the upper section is composed mainly of Dolomite
and/or Dolomitic Limestone w/ streaks of ( Shale & Anhydrite) with a very thin stingers of Halit (Salt).
The bottom section of the Upper Jilh Dolomite is called byJilh Dolomite& It is compsed mainly of Dolomitic
Limestone w/ only one thin Shale Layer (25 - 40 ft thickness) at base of Jilh Dolomite, this Shale layer
Is considered as a Casing point, Jilh Dolomite is a relatevily thick (100 - 150 ft thickness).
Dolomitic Limestone : Off wh - lt gry, tan, crmy i/p, occ/ med - dk gry, mod hd, micxln - v.fnxln, suc tex i/p
no vis por under visual exam.

UPPER Anhydrite : Wh, mlky wh, occ/ off wh, mod hd - hd, amorph, pstd, washable.
Shale: gnsh gry, lt gry, occ/ dk gry, blky - sbblky, frm - sft, stky, washble, sli calc.
Jilh Formation Casing Point : It is a common casing point and it is highly recommended to set the casing into the Shale
layer which is located at base Jilh Dolomite prior to drilling into the Lower Jilh section as the Lower Jilh section is generally a high
pressure zone which is requires to increase the mud weight, it is conseder a critical casing point which is require to not drill more
than 20 ft into the Shale layer as its thickness range is ~ 25 - 40 ft from area to another area to avoid encountering the high pressure
JILH zone prior to setting the casing.
Casing Point ( Shale Layer ) is picked by appearance ofShale with slow ROP relatevely than the above dolomitic limestone & decrease
in formation back ground Gas (Shale: gnsh gry, lt gry, occ/ dk gry blky - sbblky, frm - sft, stky, washble, sli calc.).

Note : Jilh Dolomite is considered to be oil reservoir in some fields.

Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 71 - 73 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 75 - 78 pcf

Lower Jilh Formation : It is composed mainly of Carbonates (Dolomitic Limestone and Dolomite)
with streaks of (Anhydrite & Shale), It is picked by Appearance of Carbonates and/or Anhydrte directly
after the Shale Layer of the base jilh dolomite and fast ROP.
the Lower Jilh is known to be a high pressure zone. Therefore, casing is set in the Base Jilh Dolomite
to increase the mud weight to compensate for the high-pressure zone.
TRIASSIC

LOWER Dolomitic Limestone : Lt gry - gry , crmy , sf t - mod hd, vf xln - microxln, hi arg, no vis por under visual exam.
Anhydrite : Wh, mlky wh, occ/ off wh, mod hd - hd, amorph, pstd, washable.
Shale: Dk gy, gnsh gry, blky - sbblky, frm - sft, stky, washble, sli calc.

Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 75 - 80 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 78 - 90 pcf

Sudair Formation : It is composed mainly of Shale with streaks of (Anhydrite, Siltstone and
Dolomitic Limestone), It is picked by appearance of Shale with Slow down ROP.
Shale : Red, redsh brn, occ/ gnsh brn, blky - sb flky, frm - mod frm occ/ sft, stky, slty i/p, sl calc i/p.
UPPER
Siltstone : Off wh, gnsh wh, mod hd - hd, blky, compctd, pyr i/p, grdg to Sandstone, no vis por under visual exam.
SUDAIR Anhydrite : Off wh, mlky wh, occ/ smky wh, mod hd - hd, amorph, pstd, washable.
Dolomitic Limestone : Lt gy, gy, off wt, mod hd, microxln - cryptoxln, arg, no vis por under visual exam.

LOWER
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 80 - 82 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 90 - 93 pcf

Khuff Formation : It is composed mainly of carbonates (Limestone and/or Dolomite and/or

KHUFF A Dolomitic Limeatone) with streaks of (Anhydrit & Shale).
It is picked by appearance of chocky Limestone with fast ROP.
Limestone : Chky, off wt, lt gy, tansh gy, cryptoxln - microxln, sft - md hd, sli arg i/p, dolc i/p, no vis por under visual exam.

Dolomite : Lt brn, med gry, brnsh gry, tan, mod hd - hd, v hd i/p, micxln - vfxln, succ text i/p, no vis por under visual exam.
KHUFF B
Dolomitic Limestone : Lt gy, gy, gysh wt, occ/ dk gry, micxln - vfxln, occ/ crypxln, mod hd - hd, occ/ v.hd, sli arg i/p,
no vis por under visual exam.

Anhydrite : Off wh, mlky wh, occ/ smky wh, mod hd - hd, amorph, pstd, washable.
Shale : Redsh brn, grn, olve grn, occ/ grnsh gry, frm - mod frm, sft i/p, blky - sb blky, occ/ sb flky,
slty i/p, pyrc i/p, non calc.
KHUFF
Note : The Khuff formation contains three gas reservoirs (Khuff A, B, and C).
KHUFF C Khuff Formation Casing Point : It has two common casing points :-
1- Set the casing at top of Khuff formation : In cse of the Lower Jilh formation has a high pressure zone that requires a high mud
weight to drill, So it is highly recommended to set the casing at top of Khuff formation (10 - 15 ft) below the top of Khuff formation.

2 - Set the casing below Khuff " D " Anhydrite : In cse of the Lower Jilh formation has no high pressure zone
PERMIAN

"D"ANHYDRITE So, it is recommended to set the casing 400 - 500 ft below the top of Khuff " D " Anhydrite,

Khuff " D " Anhydrite is picked by appearance of Anhydrite below the base of Khuff " C " Reservoir with slow
KHUFF D ROP, Khuff " D " Anhydrite is exists in two separate stringers of Anhydrite, these two stringers
are separated by a 20 ft to 30 ft of carbonates layers.
KHUFF E Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 80 - 93 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 90 - 98 pcf
Unayza Formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with minor streaks of (Shale & Siltstone),
It is picked disappearance of (Carbonates & Anhydrite) and appearance of Sandstone with fast ROP.
Unayza Formation consists of 3 members: (top to bottom) as follow :-

Unayza " A " Member : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with minor streaks of (Shale & Siltstone),
A It is picked by appearance of fine to very fine grain size of Sandstone with fast ROP.
Sandstone : Lse qtz gr, transp - transl, f - vf gr, occ/ med gr, sb ang - sb rndd, pr - mod srtd, w/silic cmt i/p, well compacted i/p, no
vis por under visual exam.
Shale : Grnsh gry,med gy,occ/ rdsh brn, occ/ dk gry, frm - mod frm, blky - sbfiss, non calc.
Siltstone : Off wh - grysh wh, occ/ tansh brn, sft , blky - sbblky, arg cmt, no vis por under visual exam.
Unayza " B " Member : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with minor streaks of (Shale & Siltstone),
It is picked by appearance of fine to very fine Sandstone same as Unayza " A ", that's why it is a very difficult to differentiate between
UNAYZAH B
both unayzah " A " & " B " BY samples.
Sandstone, Siltstone & Shale : As above description in Unayzah " A ".
Unayzah " C " Member :It is composed mainly of Sandstone with minor streaks of (Shale & Siltstone),
It is picked by appearance of medium to coarse grains size of Sandstone.
Sandstone : Lse qtz gr, trnsp - trnsl, occ/ lt brn occ/ yell, med - fn gr, occ/ crse gr, sb ang - sbrnd, p - mod srtd, well cmpct, sil cmt
i/p, no vis por under visual exam.
C
Shale : Rdsh brn, lt brn, frm - mod frm, blky - sbblky, slty i/p , washable, stky, non calc.
Siltstone : Off wh - grysh wh, occ/ tansh brn, sft , blky - sbblky, arg cmt, no vis por under visual exam.
Note : Unayzah Formation is considered to be Gas or Oil reservoir.
CARBONIFEROUS

Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 75 - 100 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 84 - 104 pcf

Berawath Formation : It is composed mainly of Shale with minor streaks of ( Dolomite & Sandstone ).
It is picked by appearance of thick body of Shale with Slow ROP.
Shale : Rdsh brn, lt brn, frm - mod frm, blky - sbblky, slty i/p , washable, stky, non calc.
Sandstone : Lse qtz gr, trnsp - trnsl, occ/ lt brn occ/ yell, med - fn gr, occ/ crse gr, sb ang - sbrnd, p - mod
BERWATH srtd, well cmpct, sil cmt i/p, no vis por under visual exam.
Dolomite : Lt brn, med gry, brnsh gry, tan, mod hd - hd, v hd i/p, micxln - vfxln, no vis por under visual exam.

Note : Berawath Formation is missing in most areas due to unconformity exists at its top
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 75 - 80 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 82 - 90 pcf

Jubah Formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with minor streaks of ( Siltstone & Shale ).
It is picked by appearance of fine to medium grains size Sandstone with fast ROP & the Shale straks at its top is more than that in
Unayzah " C ".
Sandstone : Lse qtz gr, transp - trnsl, fn - med gr, occ/ crse gr, sbang, sbrnd - rnd, por - mod srtd, occ/ w/ silc cmt, occ/ w/ kao i/p,
occ/ w/ tr of free pyrite, occ well cmpctd, no vis por under visual exam.

JUBAH Shale : Dk grnsh gry, occ/ lt gry, occ/ brnsh gry, frm - mod frm, blky - sb blky, pyrc i/p, hi slty occ/ grdg
to Siltstone, non calc.
Siltstone : Off wh - wh, brnsh gry, occ/ dk gry, sft, blky - sb blky, arg cmt, no vis por under visual exam.
Note : Jubah Formation is missing in some areas due to unconformity exists at its top.
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 75 - 79 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 82 - 90 pcf
DEVOIAN

Jauf formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with minor streaks of ( Siltstone & Shale ).
It is picked by appearance of fine to very fine grains size Sandstone with fast ROP.
FIYADH Sandstone : Trnsl - transp, clse, occ/ off wh, fn - vfn grn, md hd, sb ang - sb rnd, sil cmt, por - mod srtd, pyrc i/p, w/ 50 - 60% lse
Sand, no vis por under visual exam.
Shale : Dk gy, occ/ blk, frm - md frm, blky - sbblky, occ/ fiss, hi mic., non calc.
JAUF Siltstone : Lt gy - grnsh gy, occ/ dk gy, mod hd, blky - sblky, non calc, no vis por under visual exam.
HAMMAMIYAT Note : Jauf Formation consists of 5 members: (top to bottom) as follow :-
1. Murayr (Fiyadh) 2. Hammamiyat 3. Subbat: contains Jauf Reservoir 4. Qasr 5. Sha’iba
SUBBAT Jauf Formation is missing in some areas due to unconformity exists at its top.

QASR
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 75 - 79 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 82 - 90 pcf
SHA'IBA
Tawil Formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with minor steraks of Shale.
It is picked by appearance of fine to very fine grains size Sandstone with fast ROP.
Sandstone : Trnsl - transp, clse, fn - vfn grn, occ/ md grn, md hd, sb rnd - sbang, sil cmt, por - mod srtd, pyr i/p, well comactd, w/ 70
- 80% lse Sand, no vis por under vis exam.
TAWIL Shale : Med - dk gry, occ/ brnsh gry, frm - mod frm, blky - sb blky, fiss i/p, , hi slty i/p occ/ grdg to Siltstone, non calc.
Note : Tawil Formation is missing in some areas due to unconformity exists at Jauf top.

Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 75 - 79 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 82 - 90 pcf

Qalibah Formation : It is composed mainly of Shale interbedded with Sandstone & Siltstone.
It is picked by appearnace of micaceous Shale with slow down ROP.
Qalibah Formation consists of2 members: (top to bottom) as follow :-

SHARAWRA
Sharawra Member : It is composed mainly of sandstone interbedded with Shale and/or siltstone.
It is picked by appearance of micaceous Shale (Shale with mica) which is not available in the above formations with slow down ROP.

Shale : Med - dk gry , occ/ grn - grnsh gry, frm - mod frm, sb flky - sbblky , w/ mica, slty /p, pyr i/p, non calc.

Sandstone : Trnsp - trnsl, md - f n gr, ang - sbang, mod srtd, silc cmt, w/ 40 - 60% lse Sand, no vis por under visual exam.
SILURIAN

Siltstone : Med gry, grnsh gy, sbblky, mod hd, glauc i/p, non calc, no vis por under visual exam.
Qusaiba Member : It is composed mainly of Shale and Siltstone with streaks of Sandstone.
It is picked by appearance of micaceous Shale (Shale with mica) with slow down ROP, Shale is more thick than the above fm.
Shale : Med - Dk gy, gysh blk, occ/ lt gy, frm - mod frm, occ/ sft, blky - sb blky, silty i/p, micaeuas, calc.
QALIBAH
Siltstone : Yelsh wh, lt gy, lt brn, blky, mod hd, non calc, no vis por under visual exam.
QUSAIBA Sandstone : Lse qtz gr, transl- transp, occ/ off wh, fn - vfn grn, occ/ md gr, ang - sub ang, sil cmt i/p, md - por srtd , pyrc i/p, no vis
por under visual exam.

Note : the Sandstone streaks into Qusaiba formation considered to be the Mid-Qasaiba gas reservoir.
* Base of Qusaiba Member is marked by a thin layer of Hot Shale ( 15' - 40' thickness )Shale : Blk, frm - mod frm, blky - sb blky,occ
sb fiss,w/ blk carb org mat, ferr lstr, non calc ( It looks like Coal exactly ).

Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 80 - 94 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 99 - 104 pcf

Sarah Formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with very minor streaks of Shale.
It is picked by disappearance of Calcareous cement Sandstone & Appearance of Sileceous Sandstone which is ( clear, very clean,
Glassy ) with very slow ROP or fast ROP in case of productive zone & Srah Fm. Top has a very clear change in the trend of Back
Ground Gas as it's increased while drlg Sarah Reservoir Fm.

SARAH Sandstone: Lse Qtz gr, clss, glas, transl - transp, clr, wh, occ/ smky wh, rr rdsh brn, fn - crs gr,occ/ v. crs gr, sb ang - sb rnd, wl
rnd, pr srtd, sil cmt, pyrc i/p, v ti, wl cpct, Kaol, glauc i/p, w/ 80 - 90% Sand lse, no vis por under visual exam. ( Note: the Crs & v. Crs
gr are well rounded ).

Silty Shale : Dk gy - gysh blk, gry, lt gy, frm - mod frm, occ/ sft, blky - sb blky, flky i/p, hi slty, micaeuas, non calc.
Note : Sarah Formation is considered to be Gas or Oil reservoir.
All lithologies types can be Exist @ Bottom of Sarah Fm. due to Exist of the Unconformity Surface @ Bottom of Sarah.

Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 90 - 94 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 98 - 100 pcf

Qasim Formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with very minor streaks of Siltstone & Shale.
It is picked by appearnace of very fine to fine grains Sandstone with a relatively fast ROP, & changing in Sandstone colors as ( Qasim
Formation Sandstone is dark colors " Gry - Med gry " , but Sarah Fm. sandstone is is light colors " Lt gry - wh" ).

Qasim Formation consists of 4 members: (top to bottom) as follow :-

1. Quwarah 2. Ra’an 3. Kahfah 4. Hanadir

QUWARAH Note : Quwarah & Kahfah Members are considered to be Gas Reservoirs.
There is Unconformity Surface at Top of Qasim Formation which is can affect of missing some of the above Members.
Qasim Formation Subdivided into 2 Formation: (top to bottom) as follow :-
Qasim " 1 " Formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with very minor streaks of Siltstone & Shale.
It is picked by appearnace of very fine to fine grains Sandstone with a relatively fast ROP.
ORDOVICIAN

Sandstone : Lse Qtz gr,clss, gry - med, gry, off wh i/p, vfn - fn gr, occ/ med, gr, sbang - sbrnd, mod srtd, wl cpct, w/ sil cmt, arg mtx
i/p, no vis por under visual exam, no oil shows
Siltstone : Med brn - rdsh brn, occ/ med gry, mod hd, sbblky - blky, w/ micaseous mat i/p, washbl i/p, non calc.
RA'AN Shale : Lt - med gry, occ/ gnsh gry, frm - mod frm, sbblky - blky,occ/ sbfis, occ/ slty, occ/ micaous, non calc.
QASIM

Qasim " 2 " Formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with very minor streaks of Siltstone & Shale.
It's highly diffuclty to picking up Qasim " 2 " Formation Top by using ROP as the ROP range is the same for
both ( Qasim 1 & 2 ) Formations, but Qasim " 2 " picked by appearance of fine to medium grains Sandstone.

KAHFAH Sandstone : Lse qtz gr, clss, gry - med gry, lt gry, occ/ off wh i/p, fn - med gr,occ/ vfn gr, sbang - sbrnd, mod - wl srtd, cpct w/sil
cmt, no vis por, tr blk carb mat, no vis por under visual exam.

Siltstone : Rdsh brn, off wh, occ med gry, mod hd, blky - sbblky, shally gradg to slty shale, non calc
Shale : Lt gry, med - dk gry, occ/ blk, frm - mod frm, micaceous i/p, sbblky - blky, slty i/p, non calc.

Note: Siltstone which is grdg to Silty Shale with redsh brn color due to Oxidization environment.
HANADIR
Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 90 - 94 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 98 - 100 pcf

Saq Formation : It is composed mainly of Sandstone with very minor streaks of ( Siltstone & Shale ).
It's highly diffuclty to picking up Saq Formation Top by grains size of Sandstone as both of ( Qasim" 2 " & Saq ) Formations has same
grains size which is fine to medium grains Sandstone, but Saq Formation Top is picked by a relatively Slow ROP
SAJIR Saq Formation Subdivided into 2 Member : (top to bottom) as follow :-
1. Sajir Member 2. Risha Member

SAQ Sandstone : Lse Qtz gr, trnsp - trnsl, off wh, f - med gr, crs gr i/p, sbang - sbrnd, p - wl srtd, silic cmt, occ w/ blk carb. matter,
mic i/p, no vis por under visual exam.

Siltstone : Brn - redsh brn, lt gry, occ/ grysh wh, frm - mod frm, occ mic, no vis por under visual exam.
Shale : Rd - redsh brn, frm - mod frm, blky - sb blky, occ/ mic, non calc.
CAMBRIAN

RISHA Note: ( Shale w/ Rd - Rdsh brn color is normally @ base of Saq Fm. )

Estimated Fm. Pore pressure : 90 - 94 pcf EMW Recommended drilling Mud Weight : 98 - 100 pcf

BURJ

SIQ
INFRA- "METASE-
DIMENTS"
CAMBRIAN
BASEMENT

PRECAMBRIAN

Note : The Estimated formation pore pressure based on (connection gases, hole condition, DC exponent & offset wells )
and it is changed from area to another area depending on the TVD (true vertical depth) for each formation and
Structure Geology for each area.

ANHYDRITE SHALE LIMESTONE CALCARENITE DOLOMITE SANDSTONE

DOLOMITIC MARL CALCARENITIC DOLOMITIC SILTSTONE ARGILLACEOUS

LIMESTONE LIMESTONE CALCARENITIC LIMESTONE
LIMESTONE