Geophysical structural interpretation of Esh El Mallaha basin, southern Gulf of Suez: implications for oil potential in South Malak and Rabeh fields

Esh El Mellaha area is located at the western margin of the Gulf of Suez rift system. It is one of the most important potential hydrocarbon resources in the north Eastern Desert. Satellite images, field observations (e.g. measure relevant structures, lineaments mapping, compile maps at the outcrops) and seismic data were used to delineate the surface and subsurface structural elements of the area west of Esh El Mellaha range. The present study revealed that, the main structural trends have the directions NW–SE, NE–SW to NNW–SSE, WNW–ESE and ENE–WSW. The NW–SE trending faults are the major dominating trend which is related to the Gulf of Suez rift opening. The seismic interpretation step led to the identification of four prominent continuous reflectors and five depositional seismic sequences. The recognised seismic reflectors were named; Q, F, R and K and ranging in age from the Lower Miocene to the Middle–Upper Miocene. The petrophysical examination exhibits good reservoir quality for the sandstones of Matulla Formation in Rabeh and South Malak fields, southern Esh El Mellaha area. These reservoirs display low shale volume (5–20%); high effective porosity (10–20%), relatively low water saturation (40–55%) and pay thickness varies between 30 and 85 ft. Accordingly, this study highlights the oil potentiality of the Matulla sandstones for further exploration purposes in both Rabeh and South Malak fields. Highlights The main structural system controlling the Esh El Mellaha basin. The sandstones of Matulla Formation exhibit promising hydrocarbon reservoir in Esh El Mellaha basin. Future explorations in the Esh El Mellaha basin are recommended and should focus on the Matulla Formation especially in Rabeh and South Malak fields.