Journal of Geology & Geophysics
Open Access

Abstract

Shale Gas Geochemistry of the Middle Jurassic Upper Safa Member, Amoun Field, Shushan Basin, Western Desert, Egypt

Mohammad Ahmad Elsaqqa*, Mahmoud Yousry Zein El-Din and Waleed Afify

Shale gas resources are known for their high organic content and maturity, which allows for gas generation. Accurate assessment of their productive potential requires evaluating the geochemical properties of shale gas reservoirs and subsequent basin modeling. In this study, the geochemical characteristics of the Middle Jurassic Upper Safa Shale in the Amoun field, Shushan Basin, Western Desert, Egypt were evaluated. The study assessed the Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content, kerogen type, and maturity of organic matter. Additionally, the basin modeling technique was used for constructing different 1D models such as vitrinite reflectance, burial histories, and hydrocarbon zones. The Upper Safa member is sub-divided into two zones (Upper Safa Top and Upper Safa Bottom), with TOC values ranging from 1.31 to 80.4 wt.%, indicating varying source rock quality from poor to very good. The modified Van Krevelen diagrams indicate that the sediments are primarily consisting of type (III) kerogen with some extent of type (II) kerogen. The sediments have reached late maturity based on Tmax values, which range from 462 to 475 degrees Celsius. The Ro% values range from 0.7 to 1.09, indicating that the sediments are in the mature stage, have passed the peak of oil generation, and are in the peak of the gas generation stage. The estimated hydrocarbon generation windows indicate that the Middle Jurassic Upper Safa Shale has been generating gas from the Middle Paleogene to the Neogene and continues to generate gas to date. This study provides valuable information for the exploration and development of shale gas resources in the Middle Jurassic Upper Safa Shale in the Amoun field, Shushan Basin, Western Desert, Egypt, and indicates a strong resemblance between the evaluated sediments and highly productive shale gas reservoirs around the world.

Published Date: 2023-06-21; Received Date: 2023-05-22