Deep under the southern desert of Oman, hidden by several 1000m of datable and well understood rocks, the Ara-Group has kept some of its secrets for more than 500 Ma. There are no outcrop analogues, almost no fossils, almost no absolute dates, and several depositional and tectonic models. All we have are some well penetrations - and oil.
Oil is produced from dolomitized carbonates that are encased in evaporites.
Understanding of the sedimentology and diagenesis of these rocks is essential to future exploration in S Oman, as the Ara is thought to contain important hydrocarbon reserves. 15 wells with a total length of appr. 400 m have been selected for this study. Deposition took place in the rift-related Interior Oman Salt Basins. High sea level is represented by carbonate deposition.