The Relationship between Sequence Stratigraphy, Chemostratigraphy, and Mechanical Stratigraphy: Implication for Reservoir Layering, and Zonation for Khuff Outcrop Analogue, Central Saudi Arabia

The Permian to Triassic carbonate Khuff reservoirs (and equivalents) in the Middle East are estimated to contain about 15-20 % of the world's gas reserves. Excellently exposed Permian-Triassic outcropping strata in central Saudi Arabia provide good outcrop analog to the subsurface Khuff reservoir. The study aims to investigate the relationship between sequence stratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, and mechanical stratigraphy. The project tasks include field work, Gamma-Ray survey, facies analysis, sampling, petrographic studies, field and laboratory data integration, geological analysis and finally geomechanical outcrop analog model construction will be conducted. Samples will be collected for experimental measurements which include geomechanical measurements; such as point load index, Schmidt hammer rebound hardness, ultrasonic wave velocity, Poisson's ratio, Young's modulus, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, and dry density; petrophysical measurements such as porosity, and permeability; geochemical measurements such as major, minor oxide, data trace elements. Results of these measurements will be analysed statistically to find out the nature of the relationship between these properties (exponential, power, or linear) and to validate these relationships. This study also aims to identify the effect of facies changes on the change in these properties. Vertical profiles will be constructed to figure out the vertical variations of physical properties ,effect of facies changes, and also the lateral changes of these properties. This study is expected to provide field and laboratory data that might help to understand the geomechanical behavior of Khuff reservoir based on outcrop analogue. This eventually might help to predict the geomachanical behavior of Khuff reservoir in the subsurface. Consequently, this also can help in exploration and development of carbonate reservoir in Saudi Arabia. The direct benefit of this work is the development of a new methodology and technology related to reservoir characterization, production enhancement and recommends strategies to development and management of Kingdom's gas resources in Khuff reservoir in the subsurface. Other benefits of this project is to develop and build up research capabilities at KFUPM, integrates students teaching and research in project activities. The project team includes members from the Earth Sciences Department of KFUPM. Both students and technicians will participate fully in all activities of project work. The Earth Sciences and KFUPM research and laboratory facilities will be utilized in the project work. The project shall benefit from the advice of local and international experts in the field as consultants. The project duration is expected to be 18 months with a budget estimated at 100,000 Saudi Riyals, and this amount will cover manpower, travels and field work, laboratory analysis, materials and services.