The Paleozoic and Mesozoic petroleum systems of Saudi Arabia

The Paleozoic petroleum system is principally sourced by the early Silurian Qusaiba Member, with some contributions from algal beds in the Permian Khuff, Devonian and Ordovician shales (AbuAli, 2012a, b, c; Abu-Ali and Littke, 2005; and Abu-Ali et al., 1999, 1991). The main reservoirs, from oldest to youngest, include the Ordovician Sarah, Devonian Jauf, Carboniferous-Permian Unayzah and Permian-Triassic Khuff. Seals for this petroleum system include the Triassic Sudair Shale at the top of the Khuff, interbedded anhydrites within the Khuff, basal Khuff carbonates above the Unayzah reservoirs, shales at the top of the Devonian, and the Silurain source rock shale at the top of the Sarah Reservoir. The Mesozoic petroleum system is composed of organic-rich carbonate mudstone source rocks of the Tuwaiq Mountain, Hanifa, Shuaiba and Wasia formations. The main reservoir units are the Arab, Manifa, Hanifa, Hadriya, Fadhili, Shuiaba and Wasia. The medium-light, sulfur-rich crude oil and associated gas generated within this system are generally in structural traps, with regional Hith evaporite seals above the Arab main reservoirs. Other seals include intra-Arab evaporites and tight argillaceous carbonate rocks of the Dhruma, Tuwaiq Mountain and Hanifa formations.

Author(s)Jason M. Abboud, M. Cathryn RyanGroupUniversity of CalgaryYear2018