Oil–Source Rocks Correlation Based on the Biomarker Distribution of EWD and Qarun Oilfields, North Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

The oil–source rock correlation between oils from Baharyia and Abu Roash “E” member from the EWD 19–1x oilfield and extracts of Kharita and Abu Roash “F” member from the Qarun 2-1 oilfield were carried out through the advanced gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses of four extracts and oil samples from the oilfields to characterize the depositional environments and to assess the thermal maturity of the respective source rocks. The results show that the oil sample from Bahariya reservoir originated from mixed organic matters and is more mature. The oil sample of Abu Roash “E” reservoir is originated from source rocks rich in marine derived organic matters with little input from mixed sources and is less mature. The extracts of Kharita formation and Abu Roash “F” Member originated mainly from mixed and marine organic sources, respectively. The oil–source correlation indicates that there is well correlation between oils from the Bahariya and Abu Roash “E” reservoirs and extracts of source rocks including Kharita formation and Abu Roash “F” member.

Keywords:

• biomarkers distribution
• crude oil
• Egypt
• extracts
• oilfields
• North Western Desert