Deep Water Slope Channel Reservoirs from the Nile Delta, Egypt

Abstract

Slope channels are increasingly being recognised as highly prospective deep water exploration targets . An extensive dope channel system is exceptionally well developed in the West Delta Deep Marine Concession, offshore Nile Delta, operated since 1995 by BG with partner Edison . Withm the concession the Scarab, Saffron, Simian, and Channel 12 & 13 systems have all recently been successfully tested by a number of exploration Wells (Figure 1) . When gas-charged these Upper Pliocene E[ Wastani Formation channels are spectacularly imaged by 3D seismic, both in time sections and through a variety of amplitude extractions . Remarkable variations are revealed in their stratigraphic architecture, with changes apparent both withm individual channels and between the different channel systems .A variety of trap types are evident . The majority of the channels exhibit well developed flatspots to the north where dip-closure is evident . Up-dip closure varies between dip, fault and perched contacts . Typically, the shale-dominated channel margins provide the lateral seals . Gas trapeed witkin the structures is derived from a mixture of biogenie and thermogenic activity .An extensive program of core and wireline log acquisition and analysis kas enabled high resolution definition of the channel-fill sediments and their depositional geometries . The channels veere initiated by the introduction of coarse sediments to the shelf edge possibly at times of relative sea-level faal . Gravity transport of this material down-dope either initially caused slumping or followed the love topography of pre-existing slump stars . In some channels there was significant erosion in areas up depositional dip prior to infill/backiill from love and high-density turbidites, debris flows, slumps and slides . Subsequent channel evolution varies from backfilling, plugging by slumping to re-incision .Tere is an excellent match between the seismic expression of the channels and their fill and a channel model kas been developed based on integration of the well and seismic data . The model reveals significant variations in the architecture and likely production characteristics of the channels . Internat connectivity is promoted by the thin-bedded turbidite, laminated and levee facies . Detailed examination of the seismic data also reveals insights into the smaller state channel depositional architecturen and a vide variety of channel types have been identified . Some elements of the channels are characterised by near-vertical aggradational stacking of nested channels . In other channels the sands are laterally extensive and display welt developed accretion surfaces .