Facies, thickness variations and reservoir characterization of the Arab Formation (Surmeh), Eastern part of the Persian Gulf

The (Kimmeridgian-Tithonian) Arab Formation is characterized by prolific hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs in eastern part of the Persian Gulf, offshore of Iran. These zones were deposited in an arid climate which dominated during Late Jurassic. The Berriasian to Thitonian Hith Formation witch overlies the Arab reservoir constitutes the cap rock, which pinches out gradually to the east. a N-S feather adge. The study reveals that Arab zones form a N-S massive to interbedded anhydrite with varying proportion of limestone and dolomite and generally have regressive units which was deposited on a broad carbonate platform .This formations are thick in center (Salman field) and mostly consist of intertidal pack/grainstones with high porosity/permeability, good cap rock and also close to the source rock, which has the most hydrocarbon potential, but towards east the layers getting thinner with unsuitable cap rock and are away from source rock ,so as a result Arab Formation in this part of the Persian Gulf does not seem to be attractive..
This study reveals that there is still some undrilled structure within this area which could be attractive for further exploration drilling.