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Document Type

Original Study

Subject Areas

Energy; Geology

Keywords

Nile Delta; Abu Madi Formation; Baltim Field; sequence stratigraphy; seismic interpretation; petrophysical analysis; reservoir characterization.

Abstract

Despite the economic significance of the Messinian Abu Madi Formation as a primary gas reservoir target in the Nile Delta Basin, a high-resolution, field-scale integration of seismic sequence stratigraphy with quantitative petrophysical characterization remains lacking for the Baltim area. This study addresses this gap by presenting an integrated seismic sequence stratigraphic and petrophysical analysis of the Upper Miocene Abu Madi Formation within the prolific Baltim gas fields, offshore Nile Delta, Egypt. The objectives are to characterize its depositional architecture, delineate reservoir distribution, and assess hydrocarbon potential. The workflow synthesizes well log data from five key wells with a grid of 30 2D seismic reflection profiles. Seismic interpretation reveals that the formation comprises two primary depositional sequences (SQ1 and SQ2) deposited within a northwest-southeast-trending incised valley complex. Both sequences comprise complete lowstand, transgressive, and highstand systems tracts, with the lowstand systems tract (LST) sandstones hosting the primary hydrocarbon reservoirs. Petrophysical evaluation confirms these LST reservoirs possess favorable properties, with shale volumes (Vsh) ranging from 6–21.6%, effective porosity (φe) between 16.7–19.7%, and water saturation (Sw) from 21.2–58%. The results highlight significant spatial heterogeneity, with the highest reservoir quality observed in the southern sector of the field. The integration of seismic and well-log data demonstrates that a high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework is essential for accurately mapping reservoir geometry. The identified high-quality southern sector and the distinct reservoir intervals (LST1 in North, LST2 in East) provide clear targets for future well placement and field development planning. This work provides a validated geological model that supports ongoing exploration and development strategies in this significant Nile Delta gas province.

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