See

discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/263698090

New Exploration Opportunities Associated with

the Natih E Intra New Exploration
Opportunities Associated with the Natih E
Intra--Shelf Basin Shelf Basin
CONFERENCE PAPER JANUARY 2002

READS

61

4 AUTHORS, INCLUDING:
Omar Al Ja'aidi
Qatar Petroleum
41 PUBLICATIONS 118 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE

Available from: Omar Al Ja'aidi

Retrieved on: 12 November 2015

New Exploration Opportunities Associated with the Natih E IntraIntra-Shelf Basin

Poster 1 of 5

Hisham A. Al-Siyabi, Omar S. Al-Ja'aidi, Hilal H. Al-Rashdi and Yaqoob M. Al-Sa'adi

Petroleum Development Oman, Musact, Sultanate of Oman.
Abstract

The architecture of the Cenomanian shallow marine Natih E carbonate platform in North Oman was influenced by the development of an associated intra-shelf basin. The accommodation space
created by the development of this basin, coupled with high sedimentation rates, led to platform progradation, which occurred from sites preferentially located on paleo-highs toward the center of
the basin. On 3D seismic, mounded features are recognised seaward of the platform edge that show downlap and/or onlap reflection terminations. Two interpretation scenarios are considered to
explain the origin of these untested exploration opportunities.
In the first scenario
scenario, the mounds are interpreted as carbonate buildups. Accordingly, the prograding Natih E platform is part of a highstand systems tract, that is capped by a sequence boundary
which is not downlapped by lowstand wedges. Nucleation of the mounds is thought to have occurred during the following transgression. Reservoir facies within these mounds are expected to
consist of Rudist boundstones. Top and lateral seal is provided by lime mudstones and shales of the transgressive lower part of the Natih D.
In the second scenario,
scenario highstand deposits of the Natih E platform are capped by a sequence boundary which is downlapped by the mounded features that represent lowstand deposits. These
deposits are expected to consist of carbonate breccia and grainstones delivered to the slope as sediment gravity flows. The lower part of the Natih D provides the top and lateral seal.
A dedicated exploration well is planned during Q4/2001 to test one of the most attractive mounded features mapped from seismic.
Fig.1

Introduction
The Albian to Turonian Natih Formation is one of the several
successive warm climate carbonate platform sequences that
developed on the Arabian plate during the Cretaceous. The Natih
Formation is composed of three major transgressive-regressive
sequences, which were built by the stacking of numerous higher
frequency cycles. Higher frequency cycles can be further
subdivided into genetic units, commonly measuring several
metres in thickness. Higher frequency cycles are correlated
regionally over several hundreds of kilometers, and the major
transgressive-regressive sequences may be found over much of
the South Tethyan realm, or the Arabian plate at least. On 3D
seismic, mounded features are recognised seaward of the
platform edge that show downlap and/or onlap reflection
terminations. Two interpretation scenarios are considered to
explain the origin of these untested exploration opportunities.

Nasser Allamki, 1999

Regional Setting

Palaeogeographic reconstructions during the late Albian show the region as a stable passive margin along the
eastern Margin of the Arabian shield, across which an extensive shallow marine carbonate platform developed

Fig.2

(Mauddud Fm.) passing laterally into an eastern NW-SE to NNW-SSE trending platform margin facing the Tethys
Ocean to the NE (AlSharhan, 1995). The western inner margin of the carbonate platform along the Arabian shield,
was fringed by a shallow marine system of mixed clastics and carbonate coastal environments (AlSharhan, 1995).
Figure 1, illustrates the Natih Fm which forms part of the Wasia Group which is recognised across most of the Arabian Gulf.
Fig.3

Stratigraphy
In Oman the Natih Fm prograded from the
centripetal nucleation sites along the SE margin
of the Shilaif Basin.
Van Buchem et al., 2002

The Natih Fm is divided into seven lithologic members (A to G) (Hughes Clarke, 1988). Each
representing a successive phase of platform development. The lower most two members; Natih F
to Natih G are considered equivalent to the Mauddud Fm, whilst the overlying members; Natih E
to Natih A are the lateral equivalent to the large scale shallowing upwards successions identified
within the Khatiyah and Mushrif Fms (Burchette, 1993; Van Buchem et al., 2002).
Figures 2 & 3, illustrate the Natih stratigraphic framework and a type log of the Natih Formation.

Charge
Modeling shows oil migration at the Natih Fm level was initially directed toward the inverted
Ghaba salt basin and peripheral bulge of the basin; however, formation of the Fahud fault,
early in the development of the foreland basin, created an extensive shadow zone and is the
most likely reason Natih oils have not been found across the Fahud salt basin. However, Huqf
and Q charge are both possible as oil (re)-migrated vertically through faults (which cut
through the regional Nahr Umr shales) and laterally from deeper Shuaiba and Gharif
reservoirs. Figure 4, Natih charge common risk segment map.

Fig.4

Droste & vanSteenwinkel, in press

New Exploration Opportunities Associated with the Natih E IntraIntra-Shelf Basin

Hisham A. Al-Siyabi, Omar S. Al-Ja'aidi, Hilal H. Al-Rashdi and Yaqoob M. Al-Sa'adi
Petroleum Development Oman, Musact, Sultanate of Oman.

Poster 2 of 5

Natih stratigraphic frame work

The middle Albian Early Turonian Natih Fm is comprised of a number of facies

Fig.5

representing different depositional environments (Fig.5). Pronounced variations in

facies, thickness, and depositional geometries, are mostly exhibited by the Natih A
and E members. In addition, this two units comprise the main producing reservoirs at
fields such as Natih and Fahud. Figures 6, 7 and 8 show Natih E depositional facies.
Fig.6

Natih E Facies
FA2 (PBBM/MS) Pelle tal Biocla stic Be nthic Foraminife ra l muds and muddy sands.
BACK SHOAL LAGOON
FA3b (PBRS) Pe lle tal bio rudist sands.
HIGH ENERGY SHOALS
FA3a PBM/MS(O) Pe lleta l Biocla stic muddy sa nds (Orbitolina ).
Shoal BANK COMPLEX
FA4 (PBBM/MS) Peleta l Bioclastic Fora minife ral muds a nd muddy sa nds and chert.
FORE SHOAL SLOPE

Lateral Facies Relationships

Fig.7

Sea-level

FA5 ( BM) Biocla stic mud.

FORE SHOAL OPEN MARINE SHELF

10-30m
FA6 OPEN SHELF (S UB OXIC CONDITIONS). P RESERVATION OF ORGANIC MATERIAL.

(FA2)

Slope Facies Association

SHOA L BANK
COM PLEX (FA 3)

FO RE-SHO AL
SLOPE (FA4)

FA 3

(FA3a/FA3b)
Peletal Bioclastic Muddy Sands
Shoal Crests Colonised by Rudists
Thickness: 45-65m
Porosity: 16-41 (24)
Permeability: 0.01-90 (12)

F A2

Sm all, isolated m inor

s hoal colonis ed by
rudists

Fore-Shoal Slope

(FA4)
Peletal Bioclastic
Foram iniferal Muds &
Muddy Sands & Cherts
Thickness: 38-40m
Porosity: 11-39 (22)
Perm eability: 0.01-28 (8)

Localis ed landward
extens tion of s hoal belt
com plex (now
abandoned)

BACK SHOAL
CO MPLEX (FA2)

S hoal Facies Association

FORE-SHO AL
OPEN SHE LF
(F A5)

Peletal Bioclastic Benthic

Muds and Muddy Sands
Thicknes s: 15-20m
Porosity: 8-15 (9)
Perm eability: 0.03-0.11
(0.07)

Back Shoal
Facies Association

Fig.8

30-45m

Shoal Bank Complex

Back Shoal Lagoon

LOW DENSITY GRAVITY FLOWS

Distal Slope

(FA5)

Peletal Bioclastic
Muddy Sands &
Terrignous Muds

Open
Shelf
(FA6)

Thicknes s: 0.8-1m

Natih A and E systems were deposited in a ramp setting, platform geometries. Natih E
platform morphology was influenced by the development of an intra-shelf basin. The
additional accommodation space created by this feature coupled with high sedimentaion

F A4

rates induced the Natih E platform to prograde. Progradation occurred from nucleation

FA 5

sites, located preferentially on palaeo-highs, towards the centre of the intra-shelf basin.
Local colonisation of shoal
cres t by rudists and redistrution of rudis ts debris
onto s hoal flanks

Platform progradation occurred during highstand conditions, which then halted due to a
relative rise in sea-level. During this transgressive phase, distal slope sediments covered
the unfilled part of the intra-shelf basin. Areas that were relatively high supported the
development of rudist build-ups.

Fig.9

Fig.10

Figure..9. Top Natih E amplitude map

Figure
showing the NW and SE platform
edges and the associated intraintra-shelf
basin..
basin

Fahud Fault
NW platform edge

Platform Facies

Yibal
Platform Facies

Intra--shelf basin
Intra
Platform Facies

Figure..10
Figure
10.. Outline of intraintra-shelf basin
super imposed onto the top Natih E
Platform Facies

depth map
map..
N

SE platform edge

New Exploration Opportunities Associated with the Natih E IntraIntra-Shelf Basin

Hisham A. Al-Siyabi, Omar S. Al-Ja'aidi, Hilal H. Al-Rashdi and Yaqoob M. Al-Sa'adi
Petroleum Development Oman, Musact, Sultanate of Oman.

Poster 3 of 5
Fig.11

Seismic Observations

Mounded features are

recognised seaward of
the platform edge that
show downlap and/or
onlap reflection
terminations

Tp Natih_E

Tp Natih_E

Jubair Geometries

Onlap

Downlap
Strike View

Dip View

Downlap

Fig.12

First scenario
NW

TS
T

II

SE

F-290

KLD-1H1

HN-1H1

D
H
S
T

TST

HST

TST

TS
T

F
G

Mounded features are interpreted as carbonate buildups. Accordingly, the prograding Natih E platform
is part of a highstand systems tract, that is capped by a sequence boundary which is not downlapped by
lowstand wedges. Nucleation of the mounds is thought to have occurred during the following
transgression. Reservoir facies within these mounds are expected to consist of Rudist boundstones.
Top and lateral seal is provided by lime mudstones and shales of the transgressive lower part of the
Natih D.

Fig.13

Second scenario
NW

SE

F-290

T
S

KLD-1H1

HN-1H1

D
II T

D
H
S
T

TST

E
E

II
HST
TST

T
S
T

Highstand deposits of the Natih E platform are capped by a sequence boundary which is downlapped
by the mounded features that represent lowstand deposits. These deposits are expected to consist of
carbonate breccia and grainstones delivered to the slope as sediment gravity flows. The lower part of
the Natih D provides the top and lateral seal.

New Exploration Opportunities Associated with the Natih E IntraIntra-Shelf Basin

Hisham A. Al-Siyabi, Omar S. Al-Ja'aidi, Hilal H. Al-Rashdi and Yaqoob M. Al-Sa'adi
Petroleum Development Oman, Musact, Sultanate of Oman.

Poster 4 of 5

Play Concept
Fig.14

Fig.15

Jubair-1

The Natih E platform play is based on Natih E carbonate

platform edge rudist bearing limestones fully surrounded
and surmounted by intra-shelf basinal facies (non-

Natih A

Jubair

reservoir) which provide top and lateral seals.

Jubair lookalikes

Natih E
Natih E Carbonate

The architecture of the Cenomanian, shallow marine

Natih E platform in North Oman was influenced by the
development of an associated intra-shelf basin. The
accommodation space created by development of this
basin coupled with high sedimentation rates led to

Fig.16

platform progradation and lateral accretion, which

occurred from sites preferentially located on paleohighs, toward the center of the basin. On 3D seismic,
clinoformal geometries are recognized at the platform
edges that show downlap and/or onlap reflection
terminations.
Fig.17

NW-SE cross section showing

the platform and intra-shelf basin
depositional facies (Fig. 17).
An amplitude map was extracted 40ms below top Natih E, which shows
significant variation of amplitude due to the prograding clinoforms

Structure

towards the intra-shelf basin (in green/blue colours) Fig.16.

The Jubair structure (Figs.18,19 & 20) consists of a combined

4-way dip closure (max.60m relief) and stratigraphic trap of
prograding platform carbonates located on the Musallim

Fig.19
Crossline

Fig.18

Slope, close to the southern edge of the Fahud Salt Basin.

The area is tilted due to the related salt tectonics. Mapping
studies have also shown that a major part of structuration in
the area is contemporary to the emplacement of nappes in
late Cretaceous time further north in the North Oman Basin.
During late Tertiary times, the area was subjected to regional
tilting to the northwest. Several other much smaller Jubair
lookalikes have been identified at the edge of the platform
(Fig15.). The Jubair prospect was drilled on the
Fig.20

2.5 km

Inline

Top Natih E carbonate depth map.

2.5 km

SW-NE Crossline across the

Jubair structure.

NW-SE Inline across the Jubair

structure.

2.5 km

New Exploration Opportunities Associated with the Natih E IntraIntra-Shelf Basin

Hisham A. Al-Siyabi, Omar S. Al-Ja'aidi, Hilal H. Al-Rashdi and Yaqoob M. Al-Sa'adi
Petroleum Development Oman, Musact, Sultanate of Oman.

Poster 5 of 5

Fig.21

and

wackestones

shallowing

vertically

Interparticle and mouldic porosity are observed

into

throughout the package, though they are typically

rudistic grainstones (Fig.21).

reduced in more cemented horizons.

No core analysis data yet

Core Description
Naith E)

Most of the core is dominated by rudist

skeletal fragments.

Interpretation

The packstone to rudstone textures

1390.00

and the fining/cleaning upwards beds

From core description, deposition of the Natih E

suggest relatively.

occurred within the photic zone of a shallow marine

Lithologies are arranged into cm to m-

environment, possibly in a high-energy setting as

scale cleaning upward beds that in turn

indicated by the presence of re-worked skeletal

are organised into m-scale

erosive

fragments. It is likely that deposition occurred close

based cleaning/fining upward cycles

to a rudist mound in an inner ramp or near-platform

comprised

margin setting, thereby favouring the first scenario.

of

clean

rudist-rich

High-energy inner ramp, possibly close to a platform margin

lithologies.

series of monotonous progradational packstones

Isolated mouldic porosity

Depositional
Environment

bands that commonly occur in rudist and skeletal-rich

ocean chemistry. The Natih E is characterized by a

CA Data

cementation throughout with pervasive cemented

(eustatic and tectonic) and changes in marine

Lithofacies

Thalassinoides. The package displays weak calcite

platform evolution are relative sea level variations

Graphic
lithology

The primary controls on the Natih E carbonate

Depth
(m dd)

Bioturbation is rare and comprises diffuse cm-scale

Formation

Reservoir Quality

Rudist
floatstone (Fr)
with locally
pervasive
calcite cement

Good interparticle porosity, pore

networks appear connected, though
this awaits confirmation.
Isolated mouldic porosity

Tightly packed
(rudist
supported)
cemented
Rudist rudstone

Cm-scale rudist fragment in

skeletal peloidal grainstone,
potentially good reservoir
quality

rudstones and floatstones with skeletal

Rudist rudstones

Skeletal peloidal grainstones

peloidal grainstones and packstones

Rudist floatstones

Rudist grainstones

Skeletal peloidal packstones

(often rudist-rich).
Fig.22

Fig.23

Charge
Charge is the critical risk of this prospect. Few
wells in the vicinity have hydrocarbon shows in
the Natih. Huqf and Q charge are both possible
as oil (re)-migrated vertically through faults
(which cut through the regional Nahr Umr shales)

Jubair-1

and laterally from deeper Shuaiba and Gharif

reservoirs. Lateral charge from the Natih kitchen
some 30 km to the North is considered least
likely, but not impossible (Figs.22 & 23).

Natih Charge Map, highlighting the various spatial distribution kitchens

responsible for charging the Natih reservoirs. The map also indicates the
position of Jubair-1 in relation to the kitchens.

NS 3D seismic section , indicating a schematic representation of Huqf (and

possibly Q ) oil migration path towards the Jubair prospect.

Conclusions

Fig.24

From core description, deposition of the Natih E

occurred within the photic zone of a shallow
marine environment, possibly in a high
high--energy
setting as indicated by the presence of rere-worked
skeletal

fragments
fragments.. It is likely that deposition

occurred close to a rudist mound in an inner ramp

or nearnear-platform margin setting, thereby favouring

References
Alsharhan, A.S., 1995, Facies variations, diagenesis, and exploration potential of the
Cretaceous Rudist-bearing Carbonates of the Arabian Gulf, AAPG Bulletin, v.79.

the first scenario

scenario..
Jubair--1 well resulted in a dry hole
Jubair
hole..

Burchette, T.P., 1993.

Mishrif Formation (Cenomanian-Turonian), Southern Arabian Gulf:

Carbonate Platform Growth Along A Cratonic Margin, In: J.A.T. Simo, R.W. Scott And Masse,
Eds., Cretaceous Carbonate Platforms: AAPG Memoir, v.56.

Jubair-1 proves good reservoir quality and

Jubairthe presence of top seal
seal.. The unsuccessful
outcome is due to the lack of charge
charge..

Drilling Jubair follow

follow--ups strongly relies on
reducing charge risk
risk..
The Natih E platform edge (in green) superimposed onto 2D and 3D seismic
surveys of North Oman.

Jubair-1

Jubair follow-ups

Pursuing the platform edge play northwards

(less charge risk) is constrained by limited
3D seismic coverage
coverage..

Hughes Clarke, M.W., 1988, Stratigraphy and rock nomenclature in the oil producing area of
interior Oman, Journal of Petroleum Geology, v.11.

Van Buchem, F. S. P, Razin P., Homewood PW.,Oterdoom, W.H., Philip J., 2002. Stratigraphic
organisation of carbonate ramps and organic-rich intrashelf basins: Natih Formation (middle
Cretaceous) of northern Oman. AAPG Bulletin, v.86/1.