3D Modeling of the Arab Formation (Maydan Mahzam Field, Offshore Qatar): An Integrated Approach

Abstract

Abstract The Late Jurassic Arab Formation consists of complex carbonate and evaporite facies associations deposited along ramps and intra-shelf Arabian basins, which form large hydrocarbon fields. Most of the time, the 3D reservoir characterization of such reservoirs is challenging, due to superimposed diagenetic overprints. The aim of this paper is to present an integrated approach using original rock-typing and modeling methods for the characterization of the four main reservoirs of the Arab Formation in Maydan Mahzam Field (Qatar). A sedimentological study was conducted on cores, and a sequence stratigraphy framework was developed. Three depositional models are proposed to illustrate the progradation of the Arab D carbonate platform toward the Southeast and the deposition of inner ramp/sabkha facies of the Arab A, Arab B and Arab C reservoirs. Rock-types that are characterized by specific geological, petrophysical and Kr/Pc properties have been defined from cores and thin sections, taking into account log response and SCAL measurements. These rock-types have been extended to all the wells by mean of a semi-interactive statistical classification applied on log data. They have been propagated in a 3D grid using a non-stationary geostatistical approach guided by 3D probability cubes. The probability cubes calculation is based on local vertical proportion curves determined from well sets and from the sedimentological models which cover undrilled areas. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the sedimentology of the Arab Formation in Qatar and helps to refine the regional distribution of the Arab D reservoir facies. It demonstrates that an accurate rock-typing scheme combined with the definition of a sequence stratigraphy framework are of prime importance for building 3D static models, which honor geological concepts for carbonate reservoir simulation.