Abstract
The structure and stratigraphy of the area are discussed and related to the geology of the surrounding areas. Possible correlations of the various beds penetrated with the successions in bordering territories are suggested.
The geological characteristics of the producing horizons are described and their effect on the reservoir properties discussed.
The subdivision of the oil-bearing horizons into recognisable reservoir units, their physical characteristics and influence on the methods of production currently in use are described.
Introduction
The Abu Dhabi Marine Areas Concession, originally of about 12,000 sq. miles, is held by Abu Dhabi Marine Areas Ltd. in which The British Petroleum Company has a two thirds interest. The terms of the concession were revised during 1966 and two areas totalling about 1705 sq. miles were relinquished by Abu Dhabi Marine Areas Ltd. on 10th January 1967. A map showing the area and the location of the various oilfields is at Figure 1.
Exploration has been active and continuous since the original grant of the concession by the Ruler of Abu Dhabi in March 1953. The first phase was a topographical and geological investigation of the sea bed combined with a reconnaissance gravity survey carried out from the m.v. CALYPSO under the command of Cdt. J.Y. Cousteau, by BP surveyors and geologists, and geophysicists of the Geophysical Prospecting Company's staff.
The second phase consisted of a reflection seismograph survey, the traverse lines for which were laid out in accordance with an interpretation of the previous gravity survey. This survey ran from 14th December, 1954 until 23rd April, 1955 and included 2760 miles of single cover line. Most of the traverse lines were laid out on a 10 mile grid but indications were sufficiently conclusive for a location for a test well to be selected at Umm Shaif the results from which have already been described.
