Unearthing Hidden Treasures Beneath Our Feet: The Thrilling Journey of Recent Oil Field Discovery and Charting Future Opportunities, Onshore Abu Dhabi

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a case study of the successful discovery of an appraisal well on a fault-bounded oil accumulation, carried out recently. The discovery was made adjacent to two big mature fields, highlighting the importance of careful geological and geophysical evaluation in identifying and targeting untapped potential hydrocarbon reserves. This paper also showcases the pre-drilled estimation of the probability of success (PoS) to properly evaluate the risk associated to the prospect and improve drilling success. The study involved a comprehensive and thorough evaluation of geological, geophysical, and petrophysical data to understand the complexities of the petroleum system elements of the prospect. A range of advanced geoscience techniques were utilized, including seismic interpretation, advanced seismic imaging, well log analysis, core analysis, structural analysis, basin modeling, and play fairway analysis to develop a detailed understanding of the petroleum system elements of the area. This enabled the identification of high-quality potential hydrocarbon accumulation target in the fault-bounded reservoir. The appraisal well was drilled vertically using the latest drilling technologies and advanced data acquisition programs that allowed for better understanding on the reservoir characterization. The well intersected significant oil column thickness with good reservoir properties and the oil was of good quality. The discovery of the fault-bounded oil accumulation was a significant achievement, highlighting the analysis of drilling data, mud log, well logs, and production testing data to further understand the reservoir potential and productivity for field development plan purposes. The discovery also demonstrated and provided valuable insights into the importance of careful geological and geophysical evaluation in identifying and targeting potential hydrocarbon traps and reserves with same geological setting and trap concept in other onshore areas. The success of the appraisal well discovery on a fault-bounded oil accumulation demonstrates the importance of utilizing a range of advanced geoscience techniques to understand the complexities of the petroleum system elements of the prospect. This allows for the identification and targeting of potential hydrocarbon traps, and ultimately, the successful discovery of new reserves.