Characterization of Unique Miocene Gachsaran Formation in Relation to Prospective Shallow Biogenic Gas Resources Across Onshore Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Khan Riaz , Al Hanaee Ahmed , Al Tameemi Kate , Kurniawan Redy , Omonigho Neil , Gueddoud Abdelghani , Abdelaal Atef , Vantala Aurifullah 
Published: November 2019

The Gachsaran Formation across Onshore Abu Dhabi and possibly across U.A.E poses high potential of generating Shallow Biogenic Gas (mainly methane) and as such has taken the attention to further investigate, understand and evaluate its capability for promising Gas Resources. The paper provides a detailed G&G analysis that has potentially allowed an appropriate characterization of this unique formation that has first time uncovered interesting data responses in differentiating the sweet spot.

For the first time in the history of U.A.E., new data was acquired targeting specifically the Miocene, Gachsaran Formation. This includes; 2D Seismic and party 3D Seismic interpretations, thousands of feet continuous core, conventional and advanced subsurface and surface loggings, Formation Pressure, Fluid sampling, Geochemical and Geomechanical labs measurements, stimulations and Frac tests data. The Gachsaran Formation is very challenging due to complex, thinly bedded and intercalated lithological varitions, and tightness provides difficulties in identifying the promising areas of Gas bearing layers. A comprehensive analysis was performed, in the light of regional understanding, by integrating the results of all available data in the form of correlation, cluster analysis, cross plotting and well based rock physics to differentiate the effect of Gas existence within the formation. The potential zones were further tested and results were integrated to confirm the analysis.

The Gachsaran Formation has been subdivided into Lower, Middle and Upper Gachsaran Members. The Lower Member is predominantly evaporitic, becoming more argillaceous carbonate and shale –bearing in the the Middle Member with comparatively less anhydrites. The Upper Member contains mainly anhydrites with interbedded shales and carbonates. The potential sequences which represent high Total Organic Carbon and Gas Shows are found within the Middle Gachsaran.

Consequently, the Middle Gachsaran Member was analyzed based on the robust data acquisition performed. Several relationships among GR, TOC, Gas shows, Lithology, RHOB, NPHI, Sonic, AI, Vp/Vs, Gradient Impedance and XRD Clay mineralogy have been attempted to check possible identification of Gas existence effect on the data. This has led to identify the sweet spots caused by the existence of any dominant Gas within the Study Area. The potential zones were confirmed by well testing. Furthermore, data variables were distributed within a 3D Grid and based on the analysis performed the area of sweet spots were identified. In the next phase of the study, the results will be integrated with the upcoming Geophysical Seismic Inversion studies to further optimize the possibility of identifying the sweet spot across the Study Area.

The robust data acquisition targeting Gachsaran was performed first time in the history of U.A.E. The results are encouraging in establishing the relationship to identify the dominant existence of Gas effects within the area. The estimation of realistic Gas In-Place and its confirmation of commercial discovery will open a new era of Shallow Gas resources within U.A.E.