Exploring Complex Sub-Seismic Channelized Reservoirs Combination Traps of North Oman

Exploring complex sub-seismic channelized reservoirs and combination traps in North Oman presents unique challenges due to the region’s varied depositional environments, including fluvial, deltaic, and shallow marine settings. These environments create intricate channel systems with complex facies and sealing mechanisms, making it difficult to identify hydrocarbon-bearing zones, especially below seismic resolution. An example of this is the Gharif play, a well-known channelized reservoir in the region, which is part of the early to middle Permian Gharif Formation ( Figure 1 ). The Gharif play is characterized by meandering river channels and deltaic deposits that are highly heterogeneous in reservoir continuity, depositional & sedimentation thickness, creating both reservoir and seal complexities.

The Gharif Formation can be subdivided into three members of a depositional sequence: upper Gharif, which is dominated by fluvial and deltaic channel deposits; the middle Gharif, characterized by marine transgressive deposits with tidal and lagoonal facies; and the lower Gharif, which is largely composed of offshore marine shales and carbonates that provide sealing horizons. These three members reflect the evolving depositional environments and contribute to the complex heterogeneity of the reservoir and trap systems.

Studying these complex reservoirs in North Oman, particularly the Gharif play not only presents significant exploration potential.