Conceptual Structural Model of an Onshore Carbonate Hydrocarbon Field in Abu Dhabi: Constraints and Implications

Abstract

Abstract A carbonate field in Onshore Abu Dhabi is characterized by its complicated structural setting, which involves basement tectonics. A new seismic attributes analysis has been conducted to reveal the structural style, and to identify significant lineaments representing possible major and minor faults. Based on this analysis, a conceptual model is presented, which reveals the development mechanism of the major structure and associated faults. Structural constraints such as lineaments length, faults throw and displacements are strongly related to the seismic resolution constraint. Whereas timing of the structural development events represents a challenge and needs to be linked to sedimentation and sequence stratigraphic framework and thus needs further study. In total, six fracture sets have been identified including the N75W, N45W, NS, EW, NE-SW and N70E. The Conceptual structural model shows that the contractional structure has been modified as a giant positive flower structure-like associated with a basement strike slip fault. At least two major longitudinal faults bound the structure parallel to its fold axis (NE-SW), which pose sigmoidal map geometry. There are numerous transverse faults linking and/or cross cutting those longitudinal faults creating andulations that may define new minor plays. Significant implications of this study include better understanding of the regional structural geology of Abu Dhabi, and define new plays within the studied structure. In addition, the new identified fracture system provides essential information for the ongoing and future development plans for this field and for other fields in the region with similar structural settings.