Sedimentary Basins andPetroleum Geology of theMiddle East

AS. AlsharhanFaculty of Science, UAE UniversityP.O. Box: 17777, Al AinUnited Arab Emirates

A.E.M. NairnEarth Science and Resources InstituteUniversity of South CarolinaColumbia, S.C. 29208U.S.A.

ELSEVIERAmsterdam — Oxford - New York - Tokyo 1997

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, we would like to acknowledge our deep gratitude and appreciation to ourwives and families for their forchearance and support. and their acceptance of the inroads on our timewhich resulted from the preparation of this volume. The book could never have taken shape withoutthe help of many coworkers of whom we would like particularly to express our thanks to Ma. BonitaValdez-Cruzada and Dhabia Bakhit for their help in all phases of writing, drafting and assembly ofthe hook, also to Eileen Ross, Jo Render and Connie Bartemus for their assistance in the preparationof the text and to Rhonda Boyle. Valerie Gray, Joel McGee and Jamil Antar for their help in draftingthe figures. and to our colleagues in the Earth Sciences and Resources institute, especially M.Waddell, for their encouragement and support.

We were fortunate to have colleagues such as R.W. Scott, K.W. Glennie. J. Skickl in, A.A.Al Laboun, R.J. Murris. J. Rogers. and K. Magara, who read critically initial, rough drafts of somechapters of the book before finalization and whose comments improved the final text, and the longlist of fellow scientists who provided copies of their work basic to the geology of the region. Wethank our editor, Mrs. Femke Wallien, of Elsevier for her patience and encouragement from theinception of this book to its completion.

The editors and publishers of many journals provided permission to reproduce many of thefigures. in particular the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin. Bulletin of theGeological Society of America, Journal of the Geological Society of London. Dr. rs.u. Hussein' ofGulf Pctrolink, Bahrain, Canadian Society of Geologists, Journal of Petroleum Geology. ElsevierGeosciences. American Geophysical Union. Schlumberger, Middle East Technical Review. Societyof Petroleum Engineers. Gordon and Breach (Modern Geology), Micropaleontology, John Wiley andSons, Analytical Chemistry. Royal Society of Edinburgh. J.G. Malpas. Palynology. CanadianJournal of Earth Science, Balkema, Cambridge University Press. Chapman and Hall. ColumbiaUniversity Press, Journal of Geophysics, Springer-Verlag, Oil and Gas Journal. PetroleumGeoscience and Nature.

We also would like to express our appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak AlNahyan. Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the United ArabEmirates University for his encouragement and support.

In attempting to synthesize such a field as the Sedimentary Basins and Petroleum Geologyof the Middle East. we have undoubtedly missed many references and under-represented a part of thefield of study. We apologize kir the pertinent work not cited and for the "gaps" in our text.

Dedication

This hook is dedicated to my mother and to the memory of my father.

A.S.A.

This book is dedicated to my family and friends.

A.E.M.N.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART ONEChapter I: An Introductory Overview

Geographic and Geomorphologic Setting .........................................................................................Geologic Setting .................................................................................................................................... 4Sequence Stratigraphy .......................................................................................................................... 7

Chapter 2: The Geological History and Structural Elements of the Middle East

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. ISGeological History ................................................................................................................................. 22

Phase I The Consolidation of the Arabo-Nubian Massif .......................................... 22Phase 2 Tectonic Stability 36Phase 3 The Hercynian Event ............................................................................ 37Phase 4 The Triassic Extensional Phase ............................................................. 38Phase 5 Jurassic and Cretaceous Events .............................................................. 38Phase 6 Cenozoic Events .................................................................................. 39

Main Structural Elements 44• Sedimentary Basins 46

Tabuk sub-basin. Saudi Arabia ......................................................................... 46Widvan sub-basin. Saudi Arabia....................................................................... 46Sirhan sub-basin, Jordan .................................................................................. 47Rub Al Khali and Ras Al Khaimah sub-basins, Saudi Arabia - U.A.E ...................... 48Zagros Basin, Iran 48Palmyra and Sinjar sub-basins. Syria-Iraq........................................................... 50The Mesopotamian sub-basin, Iraq .................................................................... 50Red Sea and Gulf of Aden sub-basin, Saudi Arabia - Yemen ................................... 50

• Arches 52Huqf-Ilaushi Arch, Oman ................................................................................. 52Hadhramout Arch, Yemen ................................................................................ 52Central Arabian Arch, Saudi Arabia ................................................................... 52Qatar-South Fars Arch. Qatar - Iran .................................................................. 53Hail-Ruthah-Ga'ara and Khleissa Arches, Saudi Arabia - Iraq .................................. 53Mardin High. Turkey ....................................................................................... 53

• Transform Faults and Normal Faults ................................................................... 54Southeastern Arabian platform .......................................................................... 54

Masirah Transform Fault. Oman .................................................................. 54Maradi Fault, Oman 54Saiwan-Nafun Fault. Oman ........................................................................ 54Dibba Zone, Oman - UAE ........................................................................ 54Oman Line. Oman ..................................................................................... 54Owen Fracture Zone, Yemen - Oman ........................................................... 54

Northern Arabian Platform : Central Syrian Fault Zone ........................................ 54Northwestern Arabian Platform : Jordan-Dead Sea Fault System ............................. 55Fold Belts: Taurus Mountains. Turkey .............................................................. 55

Zagros, Mountain. Iran ................................................................................. 58Oman Mountains. Oman - U.A.E ............................................................... 59

Discussion 62

PART TWOChapter 3: Infracambrian of the Middle East

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 65Stratigraphy of Infracambrian Rocks in Oman: ............................................................................... 69

fluqf Group: 69Abu Mahara Formation .................................................................................. 70Khufai Formation 70Shuram Formation .......................................................................................... 70Buah Formation ............................................................................................ 73Ara Formation 73

CONTENTS

The Age of the Huqf Group .................................................................................................. 74Comparison of the Huqf Group with other Outcrops in Oman ............................................. 76

Mistal Formation 76Hajir Formation 76Mi'aidan Formation 76Kharus Formation 76Hijam Formation 76

Comparison of Oman with Other Outcrops in the Middle East ............................................. 77Comparison with the Republic of Yemen ............................................................................ 77Comparison with the United Arab Emirates ........................................................................ 78Comparison with Saudi Arabia ............................................................................................. 78Comparison with Jordan ........................................................................................................ 80Comparison with Southeast Turkey ...................................................................................... 81Comparison with Iraq ............................................................................................................. 81Comparison with Iran 81

Paleogeography and Geologic History of the Infracambrian ................................................. 84

Chapter 4: The Early Paleozoic Quiescent Phase in the Middle East: The Sauk Cycleand the Early Part of the Tippecanoe Cycle

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... ... 87The Early Paleozoic of Oman ....................................................................................... 94

• The Sauk Sequence in Central and South-central Oman .................................................... 94Haima Group (Cambrian? to earliest Silurian): ............................................................. 94

The Karim and Haradh formations .......................................................................... 94The Amin Formation ............................................................................................... 95The Mahwis/Andam formations .............................................................................. 95

• The Tippecanoe Sequence in Central Oman: 96Ghudun Formation ........................................................................................................... 96Safiq Formation 96

• The Sauk and Tippecanoe Sequences in Southern Oman (Dhofar Province) .......................... 97Murhat Sandstone Formation ......................................................................................... 97

• The Sauk and Tippecanoe Sequences in Eastern and Southwestern Arabia .......................... 98Oman Mountains (Oman Region): Amdeh Formation .................................................. 98Oman Mountains (United Arab Emirates Region): Ra'an Formation ............................. 1(X)Southwestern Saudi Arabia: Dibsiyah Formation .......................................................... 100

The Early Paleozoic of Northern Saudi Arabia and Jordan .................................................. 103• The Sauk Sequence in North and Northwestern Saudi Arabia: ........................................... 103

Yatib Formation 103Saq Formation 103

• The Sauk Sequence in Jordan ............................................................................................ 108Ram Group ..................................................................................................................... 108

Subsurface Formations: ............................................................................................ 108Salib Formation 108Burj and Abu Khusheiba formations ............................................................... 110Ajram Formation ............................................................................................... 110Amud Formation ................................................................................................ 110

Surface Formations: 110Salib Arkosic Sandstone Formation ................................................................ 110Umm Ishrin Sandstone Formation ................................................................... IIIDisi Sandstone Formation 1 IIUmm Salim Sandstone Formation ................................................................... 1 II

• The Tippecanoe Sequence in North and Northwestern Saudi Arabia ..................................... 1.11Tahuk Group . III

Hanadir Formation ................................................................................................ 112Kahfah Formation ............................................................................................... 112Ra'an Formation ................................................................................................... 113Quwarah Formation (and its equivalent Ordovician Formations 1-5) ..................... 114

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CONTENTS

Zarqa Formation .................................................................................................... 114Sarah Formation 115Qalihah Formation 115

• The Tippecanoe Sequence in Jordan 115Khreim Group ............................................................................................................. 116

Subsurface Formations: ......................................................................................... 116Sahl as Suwwan Formation .............................................................................. 116Umm Tarifa Formation ...................................................................................... 119Trebeel Formation 119Batra Formation 119Alna Formation 119

Surface Formations: 119Hiswah Formation .............................................................................................. 119Dubaydib Formation ........................................................................................... 120Mudawwara Formation ...................................................................................... 120Khushsha Formation ........................................................................................... 120

• The Tippecanoe Sequence in Iraq: Khabour Formation ............................................................ 120• The Tippecanoe Sequence in Kuwait: Tabuk Formation .......................................................... 121• The Tippecanoe Sequence in Qatar: ............................................................................................ 121

Tabuk Formation .......................................................................................................................... 121Sharawra Formation ...................................................................................................................... 121

• The Tippecanoe Sequence in the United Arab Emirates: Sharawra Formation .......................... 122The Early Paleozoic Sequence in Southeast Turkey and Syria ............................................................... 123

• The Sauk Sequence in Southeast Turkey: .................................................................................. 123Sadan Formation 123Zabuk Formation ....................................................................................................... 123Koruk Formation ........................................................................................................ 126Sosink Formation 126Seydisehir Formation 126

• The Sauk Sequence in Syria: Zabuk, Burj and Sosink formations ........................................... 128• The Tippecanoe Sequence in Southeast Turkey: ........................................................................ 128

Bedinan Formation ..................................................................................................... 128Sort Tepe Formation ................................................................................................. 128

• The Tippecanoe Sequence in Syria: ............................................................................................. 128Khanasser Formation .................................................................................................. 129Swab Formation .......................................................................................................... 129Afandi Formation 129Tanf Formation .......................................................................................................... 129

The Early Paleozoic of Iran ............................................................................................................................ 129• The Sauk Sequence ............................................................................................................................ 129

Lalun Formation 129Dahu Formation ......................................................................................................... 129Mila Formation 130Kalshanch Formation 130Derenjal Formation 130Ileheyk Formation 130

• The Tippecanoe Sequence: ............................................................................................................. 130Shirgesht Formation 1 33Niur Formation 133Lashkerak Formation ................................................................................................. 133Zard Kuh Formation .................................................................................................. 134

Paleogeography and Geologic History of the Early Paleozoic ............................................................... 134

Chapter 5: The Early-Late Paleozoic of the Middle East: The Kaskaskia Cycle

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... ...141The Kaskaskia Cycle in the Middle East 141

• The Kaskaskia Sequence in Northern Saudi Arabia 141

CONTENTS

Jauf Formation 141Sakaka Formation .......................................................................................................................... 147Pre-Unayzah Clastics (Berwath Formation) ............................................................................ 148

• The Kaskaskia Sequence in Southwest Saudi Arabia: Khusayyayn Formation ......................... 148• The Kaskaskia Sequence in Qatar: Tawil Formation ................................................................ 149• The Kaskaskia Sequence in the United Arab Emirates: ............................................................ 149

Outcrop Formation: Ayim Formation ...................................................................................... 149Subsurface Formation: Tawil Formation ................................................................................ 149

• The Kaskaskia Sequence in Oman: Misfar Group ..................................................................... 150• The Kaskaskia Sequence in Kuwait: Jauf Formation ................................................................ 150• The Kaskaskia Sequence in Iran: .................................................................................................. 150

Padeha Formation .................................................................................................................. 150Sibzar Formation .................................................................................................................... 150Bahram Formation ................................................................................................................ I50Geirud Formation .................................................................................................................. 150

• The Kaskaskia Sequence in Iraq: ................................................................................................. 150Pirispiki Redbeds 151Kiasta Formation 151Ora Shale Formation ............................................................................................................ 151Harur Formation ........................................................................................................................ 151

• The Kaskaskia Sequence in Southeast Turkey: ........................................................................... 151Dadas Formation ................................................................................................................... 151Hazro Formation ................................................................................................................... 153Yiginli Formation 153Koprulu Formation 153Kirtas Quartzite and Hasanbeyli Formations ................................................................... 154

• The Kaskaskia Sequence in Syria: Markada Group .................................................................... 154Paleogeography and Geologic History of the Late Paleozoic Kaskaskia Cycle ..................................... 156

Chapter 6: The End of the Paleozoic and the Early Mesozoic of the Middle East:The Absaroka Cycle

The Lower Part of the Absaroka Cycle (Latest Carboniferous-Permian) ............................................... 161The Paleozoic Part of the Absaroka Cycle ............................................................................................... 161

Absaroka Sequence South of the Central Arabian Arch ............................................................... 168• Absaroka Sequence in Oman ................................................................................................. 168

Haushi Group . 169Al Khlata Formation ................................................................................................... 169Gharif Formation ......................................................................................................... 169

Khuff Formation 171Saiq Formation 173

• Absaroka Sequence in the United Arah Emirates: .............................................................. 173Subsurface Formations: Haushi Group: ........................................................................... 173

Gharif Formation .............................................................. 174AI Khlata Formation ........................................................ 175Khuff Formation ............................................................... 175

Surface Formations:Asfar and Qamar formations ........................................................... 175Russ Al Jihal Group: .......................................................... 175

Bib Formation .................................................................... 176Hagil Formation ................................................................ 176Ghail Formation ................................................................ 176

• Absaroka Sequence in Qatar: ................................................................................................. 176Haushi Formation 176Khuff Formation .................................................................................................................... 177

• Absaroka Sequence in southwestern Saudi Arabia:Juwayl Member .................................. 178• Absaroka Sequence in the Republic of Yemen: Akhra Shale Formation ........................... 178

Absaroka Sequence North of the Central Arabian Arch: .............................................................. 178• Absaroka Sequence in Central and Northern Saudi Arabia ................................................ 178

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CONTENTS

Unayzah Formation .................................................................................. 178Khuff Formation ...................................................................................... 182

• Absaroka Sequence in Kuwait: Khuff Formation ............................................... 186• Absaroka Sequence in Bahrain: Khuff Formation .............................................. 186

Absaroka Sequence in Northwest and Northeast of the Arabian Platform ............................... 186• Absaroka in Jordan ...................................................................................... 186

Outcrop Section: Urnm Irna Formation ....................................................... 186Subsurface Section: Hudayb Group ............................................................ 187

Anjara Formation .................................................................. 187Huwayra Formation .............................................................. 188Buwayda Formation .............................................................. 188

• Absaroka Sequence in Iraq ........................................................................... 189Western Iraq (flail-Rutbah Arch area): ........................................................ 189

Nijili Formation 189Clara Formation ....................................................................... 189

Northern Iraq (Northern Thrust Belt Area): Chia Zairi Formation ........................ 189• Absaroka Sequence in Southeast Turkey: Gomaniibrik Formation ........................... 189• Absaroka Sequence in Syria: ........................................................................ 190

Dolaa Formation 190Heil Formation 191Amanus Sand Formation ........................................................................... 191

• Absaroka Sequence in Iran: .......................................................................... 191Southwest Iran: Faraghan Formation ....................................................... 192

Dalan Formation ........................................................................ 192Northern and Central Iran: ..................................................................... 192

Dorud Formation ........................................................................ 192Butch Formation ........................................................................ 193Nesen Formation ........................................................................ 193Jamal Formation ........................................................................ 193

The Upper Part of the Absaroka Cycle (Triassic) .................................................................. 193The End of the Absaroka Cycle in Central Arabia ............................................................... 194

• Triassic of Saudi Arabia: ............................................................................. 194Sudair Formation 197Jilh Formation 198Minjur Formation ..................................................................................... 198

The End of the Absaroka Cycle in Eastern Arabia- 199• Triassic of United Arab Emirates .................................................................. 195

Abu Dhabi and Dubai Region (Subsurface Section) ........................................ 199Sudair Formation ........................................................................ .1 99Jilh (Gulailah) Formation .......................................................... 199Minjur Formation ....................................................................... 199

Northern Emirates Region (Outcrop Section) ............................................... 201Milaha Formation ....................................................................... 201Ghalilah Formation ..................................................................... 201

• Triassic of Oman ......................................................................................... 201Central and Southern Oman (Subsurface Section) .......................................... 201

Sudair Formation ........................................................................ 202Jilh Formation 202

Central Oman Mountains (Allochthonous Units) ........................................... 203Mahil Formation 204Sumeni Group . 204

The Maqam Formation ................................................................ 204Jebel Wasa Formation ................................................................. 206

Hawasina Assemblage .......................................................................... 206Ilamrat Mau Group: Zulla Formation ................................................ 206

Wahrah Formation .......................................................................... 207Al Ayn Formation ......................................................................... 207Haifa Formation 209

CONTENTS

Haliw Formation ............................................................................................ 209Al Aridh Formation ...................................................................................... 209Ibra Formation ................................................................................................ 211

Haybi Complex: ................................................................................. 211Hawasina Mélange ......................................................................................... 211Exotic Limestone ........................................................................................... 211Haybi Volcanics ............................................................................................. 211Basal Serpentine and Tectonic Mélange ...................................................... 211

Batinah Complex-................................................................................ 211Barghah Formation ........................................................................................ 213Sakhin Formation ........................................................................................... 213Salahi Formation ............................................................................................ 213Batinah Limestone Blocks ............................................................................ 213

• Triassic of Qatar ............................................................................................................ 213Suwei (Sudair) Formation .......................................................................... 213Gulailah (Jilh) Formation ........................................................................... 213Minjur Formation ....................................................................................... 213

The End of the Absaroka Sequence in the Eastern Arabian Gulf: .......................................... 214• The Triassic of Southwestern Iran ............................................................................... 214

Kangan Formation .................................................................................... 216Dashtak Formation ................................................................................... 217Khanch Kat Formation ............................................................................. 217

The End of the Absaroka Sequence in the Central and Northern Arabian Gulf: ....................... 217• The Triassic of Bahrain: ............................................................................................... 217

Sudair Formation ........................................................................................ 217Jilh Formation ........................................................................................... 217

• The Triassic of Kuwait.................................................................................................. 218Sudair Formation ........................................................................................ 218Jilh Formation ........................................................................................... 218Minjur Formation ....................................................................................... 218

The End of the Absaroka Sequence in North and Northeastern Arabia: .................................. 218• The Triassic of Iraq: .................................................................................................... 218

Mirga Mir Formation ............................................................................... 218Beduh Shale Formation .............................................................................. 218Geli Khana Formation .............................................................................. 218Mulussa Formation ..................................................................................... 219Zur Hauran Formation ............................................................................... 219Kurra Chine Formation ............................................................................. 220Baluti Formation ........................................................................................ 220

• The Triassic of Jordan: ................................................................................................... 220Outcrop Formation: .................................................................................. 220

Abu Ruweis Formation ......................................................................... 220Urn Tina Formation .............................................................................. 220IN Al Amir Formation ........................................................................... 220Mukheiris Formation ............................................................................... 221Hisban Formation .................................................................................... 221Ain Musa Formation ............................................................................. 221Dardun Formation ................................................................................... 221Ma'in Formation. .................................................................................. 221

Subsurface Formation: Ramtha Group- ......................................................... 222Suwayma Formation ................................................................................ 222Hishan Formation .................................................................................... 222Mukheiris Formation ............................................................................... 222Salit Formation ....................................................................................... 223Abu Ruweis Formation ........................................................................... 223

• The Triassic of Syria-..................................................................................................... 223Amanus Shale Formation ............................................................................ 223Kurra Chine Formation ............................................................................................... 223

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CONTENTS

Butmah Formation ...................................................................................................................Adaiyah Formation ......................................................................................................Mus Formation .............................................................................................................Alan Formation

The Triassic of Southeast Turkey ...................................................................................

224224224224224

Cigli Group 224Cudi Formation ....................................................................................................... 224Aril Formation 224Beduh Formation ...................................................................................................... 225

Palcogeography and Geologic History of the Absaroka Cycle ................................................ 225The Lower Part of the Absaroka Cycle (latest Carboniferous-Permian) ............................ 225The Upper Part of the Absaroka Cycle (Triassic) ............................................................ 229

Chapter 7: The Late Mesozoic Part of the Zuni Cycle in the Middle East: The Jurassic

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 235The Jurassic Section in Central Arabia .................................................................................................... 245

The Jurassic of Saudi Arabia: ............................................................................................... 245Marrat Formation 245Dhruma Formation .............................................................................................................. 245Tuwaiq Mountain Formation ............................................................................................ 248Hanifa Formation ................................................................................................................ 250Jubailah...Formation .................................................. ..... 250Arab Formation .................................................... ........................................................ 250Hith Formation ........................................................... 252

The Jurassic of Bahrain ............................................................................................................ 254Marrat Formation 254Dhrutna Formation .............................................................................................................. 254Tuwaiq Mountain Formation ............................................................................................ 254Hanifa Formation ................................................................................................................ 254Jubailah Formation 254Arab Formation .................................................................................................................... 254Hith Formation 254

The Jurassic Section in Southern and Southwestern Arabia: The Republic of Yemen ......................... 254KohIan Formation 255Amran Group •........................................................................................................................ 257

Shuqra Formation ............................................................................................................ 258Madhi Formation ............................................................................................................ 258Sabatayn Formation 258Haifa Formation ...............................................................................................................

The Jurassic Section in Eastern Arabia: .................................................................................................... 225598

• The Jurassic of the United Arab Emirates (Subsurface Formations) ..................................... 259Marrat Formation .............................................................................................................. 259Hamlah Formation ............................................................................................................... 259! Mara Formation ................................................................................................................. 259Aracj Formation 261Diyab Formation .................................................................................................................. 262Arab Formation and its equivalents (Fahahil and Qatar formations) ................................. 263Hith Formation and its equivalents ................................................................................ 263The Jurassic of the Northern United Arab Emirates (Surface Fonnations):Musandam Group 266

• The Jurassic of Qatar .......................................................................................................... 266Hamlah Formation ..................................................................................................................... 266[ Mara Formation .......................................................................................................................... 267Aracj Formation ........................................................................................................................... 267Diyab Formation .......................................................................................................................... 269Darh Formation ............................................................................................................................. 269

Hanifa and Jubailah Formations ............................................................................................... 269Arab Formation and its equivalents ((Fahahil and Qatar formations) .................................... 269

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CONTENTS

Hith FormationThe Jurassic Section in Extreme Eastern Arabia: Oman ...................................................................

• The Jurassic of Northern Oman: Musandam Group ............................................................• The Jurassic of Central Oman .............................................................................................

Subsurface Formations: Sahtan Group: ..........................................................................

271271271273273

Mafraq Formation .......................................................................................................... 273Dhruma Formation ........................................................................................................ 273Tuwaiq Mountain Formation ......................................................................................... 273Hanifa Formation 273Jubailah Formation 274

Surface Formations: Sahtan Group .................................................................................... 274Saih Hatat Formation 275Mayhah Formation .......................................................................................................... 277Guweyza Sandstone Formation ...................................................................................... 278Guweyza Limestone Formation ................................................................................... 278

• The Jurassic of South Oman: Kohlan Formation ................................................................ 279Kohlan Formation 279

The Jurassic Section on the Eastern Sidc of the Arabian Gulf: Southwestern Iran ............................. 279Ncyriz Formation ....................................................................................................................... 279Adaiyah Formation .................................................................................................................... 279Mus Formation ............................................................................................................................ 279Alan Formation ........................................................................................................................... 279Sargelu Formation ...................................................................................................................... 279Najmah Formation ...................................................................................................................... 279Gotnia Formation ....................................................................................................................... 279Hith Formation 280Surmah Formation ...................................................................................................................... 280

The Jurassic Section in Northeastern Arabia: .................................................................................. 280• The Jurassic of Kuwait • 280

Marrat Formation 280Dhruma Formation .............................................................................................................. 280Sargelu Formation 282Najmah Formation ............................................................................................................... 282Gotnia Formation 283Hith Formation 283

• The Jurassic of Iraq ............................................................................................................... 283I. Liassic Section of Iraq: 283

Uhaid Formation .......................................................................................................... 283Butmah Formation ........................................................................................................ 283Baluti Formation 283Adaiyah Formation 283Mus Formation ............................................................................................................. 284Alan Formation ............................................................................................................. 284Sarki Formation 284Sekhanian Formation ................................................................................................... 284

2. Dogger Section of Iraq: .............................................................................................. 285Muhaiwir Formation .................................................................................................... 285Sargelu Formation 285

3. MaIm Section of Iraq (Early Sub-Cycle)..................................................................... 285Najmah Formation ........................................................................................................ 285Gotnia (Anhydrite) Formation .................................................................................... 286Naokelekan Formation ................................................................................................ 286Barsarin Formation 286

4. MaIm Section of Iraq (Late Sub-cycle): .................................................................... 286Makhul Formation 286Chia Gara Formation ................................................................................................... 286Karima Mudstone Formation ..................................................................................... 287Sulaiy Formation 287

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CONTENTS

The Jurassic Section in Northwestern and Northern Arabian Platform: ........................................... 287• The Jurassic of Jordan ......................................................................................................... 287

Surface Formations • 287Deir Alla Formation .................................................................................................... 287Zarqa Formation ........................................................................................................... 287Dhahab Formation ..................................................................................................... 288Umm Maghara Formation .......................................................................................... 289Arda Formation ............................................................................................................ 289Muaddi Formation ....................................................................................................... 289

Subsurface Formations:Azab Group ............................................................................... 289Hihi Formation 290Nimr Formation ............................................................................................................ 290Silal Formation 290Dhahab Formation ........................................................................................................ 290Ramla and Haman) Formations ................................................................................. 290Mughanniya Formation ............................................................................................... 291

• The Jurassic of Syria: Qamchuqa Formation ..................................................................... 291• The Jurassic of Southeast Turkey: Cudi Group ................................................................... 291

Jurassic Paleogeography and Geologic History ................................................................................ 291

Chapter 8: The Late Mesozoic Part of the Zuni Cycle in the Middle East: The Cretaceous

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 297The First Cycle: The Early Cretaceous .............................................................................................. 311

• Early Cretaceous of Saudi Arabia-........................................................................................ 311Sulaiy Formation ................................................................................................................. 316Yamatna Formation ............................................................................................................. 316Buwaib Formation ............................................................................................................... 317Biyadh Formation ................................................................................................................ 317Shuaiha Formation .............................................................................................................. 319

• Early Cretaceous of Eastern Arabia-...................................................................................... 319Early Cretaceous in the United Arab Emirates ............................................................... 319

Subsurface Formations: 319Rayda and Salil Formations ................................................................................ 319Habshan Formation ................................................................................................. 320Lckhwair Formation ............................................................................................... 320Kharaib Formation .................................................................................................. 320Shuaiba Formation ................................................................................................ 320

Surface Section: Musandam Group Unit 4................................................................ 321Early Cretaceous in Qatar ................................................................................................. 324

Sulaiy Formation 324Yamama Formation ..................................................................................................... 324Ratawi Formation 324Kharaib Formation ........................................................................................................ 324Hawar Shale Formation .............................................................................................. 324Shuaiba Formation ....................................................................................................... 324

Early Cretaceous of Bahrain .............................................................................................. 325Sulaiy Formation 325Yamama Formation ..................................................................................................... 325Ratawi Formation 325Kharaib Formation ........................................................................................................ 325Hawar Formation .......................................................................................................... 325Shuaiba Formation ....................................................................................................... 325

Early Cretaceous of Oman ................................................................................................ 325Western Oman Mountains (subsurface formations) .................................................. 325

Rayda Formation ..................................................................................................... 325Sahil Formation 327Habshan Formation ................................................................................................. 327

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CONTENTS

Lekhwair Formation .............................................................................. 327Kharaib Formation 327Shuaiba Formation ................................................................................ 327

Central Oman Mountains (Allochthonous Units) ............................................ 327Sidr Formation 327Nay id Formation ................................................................................... 327Mayhah Formation C Member................................................................ 328Mayhah Formation D Member................................................................ 328

Northern Oman Mountains: Member-G and Members H-I of the Musandam Group .. 329• Early Cretaceous on the eastern side of the Arabian Gulf: southwestern Iran ........................ 329

Fahliyan Formation 329Gadvan Formation ..................................................................................... 330Dariyan Formation 330Garau Formation ....................................................................................... 330

• Early Cretaceous in the Northern. Northwestern and Northeastern Arabian Platform: ............ 330Early Cretaceous in Kuwait- 330

Sulaiy/Makhul Formation .................................................................... 330Minagish Formation 330Ratawi Formation................................................................................. 332Zubair Formation ................................................................................ 332Shuaiba Formation ............................................................................... 332

Early Cretaceous in Iraq- 3321. Southern Iraq: 332

Ratawi Formation ........................................................................................ 332Zuhair Formation ........................................................................................... 333Shuaiba Formation ........................................................................................ 333

2. Northern Iraq 334Garagu Formation ........................................................................................ 336Lower Balambo Formation ......................................................................... 336Lower Sarmord Formation .......................................................................... 336Lower Qamchuqa Limestone Formation .................................................... 336

Early Cretaceous in Syria- 336Qamchuqa Formation ........................................................................... 336Rutbah Formation ................................................................................ 336Hayanc Formation ............................................................................... 336

Early Cretaceous in Jordan: Kurnuh Group ................................................... 336Early Cretaceous in Souheast Turkey: ......................................................... 337

Mardin Group ................................................................................... 337Arehan Formation ........................................................................................... 338

• Early Cretaceous in Southern and Southwestern Arabia: ...................................... 339The Republic of Yemen: Qishn Formation ......................................................... 339

The Second Cycle: The Mid-Cretaceous .......................................................................................... 340• Mid-Cretaceous in Eastern Arabia: The United Arab Emirates ............................................ 340

Subsurface Formations: 341Nahr Umr Formation ................................................................................. 341Mauddud Formation ................................................................................... 341Shilaif/Khatiyah Formation 341Mishrif Formation ...................................................................................... 341

Outcrop Formations: Nahr Umr and Mauddud formations ..................................... 344• Mid-Cretaceous in Eastern Arabia: Oman .......................................................................... 344

Western Oman Mountains (subsurface formations) ............................................... 344Nahr Umr Formation ................................................................................ 344Natih Formation 344Mauddud Formation ................................................................................... 345Mishrif Formation ...................................................................................... 345

Central Oman Mountains (Allochthonous Units): Qumayrah Formation ..................... 346Northern Oman Mountains (Musandam Peninsula) .............................................. 347

Outcrop Section: Wasia Group ................................................................... 347

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CONTENTS

Subsurface Section: 348Kazdhumi Formation ............................................................................................ 348Mauddud Formation ........................................................................................... 348Khatiyah/Mishrif formations .............................................................................. 348

Southcrn Oman (Dhofar Region) ..................................................................................... 348Qamar Formation ......................................................................................................... 348Harshiyat Formation .................................................................................................... 348Fartaq Formation 348

• Mid-Cretaceous in Southwestern Iran ................................................................................... 349Bangestan Group: 349

Kazdhumi Formation ................................................................................................... 349Sarvak Formation ......................................................................................................... 349Surgah Formation ......................................................................................................... 349

• Mid-Cretaccous in Central and Eastern Arabia: .................................................................. 349Mid-Cretaceous in Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia: Wasia Formation .......................... 350Mid-Cretaceous in Northwestern Saudi Arabia: Wasia Formation .................................... 350Mid-Cretaceous in Kuwait: 352

Burgan Formation ......................................................................................................... 352Mauddud Formation .................................................................................................... 352Wara Formation ........................................................................................................... 353Ahmadi Formation 353Magwa Formation ........................................................................................................ 353

Mid-Cretaceous in Qatar: ................................................................................................. 354Nahr Umr Formation ................................................................................................... 354Mauddud Formation .................................................................................................... 354Ahmadi Formation ....................................................................................................... 354Khatiyah Formation 354Mishrif Formation ........................................................................................................ 354

Mid-Cretaceous in Bahrain: ............................................................................................. 355Nahr Umr Formation ................................................................................................... 355Mauddud Formation .................................................................................................... 355Wara Formation ........................................................................................................... 355Ahmadi Formation ........................................................................................................ 355Rumaila Formation ....................................................................................................... 355

Mid-Cretaceous in Northern Arabian Platform ........................................................................ 355• Mid-Cretaceous in Iraq ................................................................................................... 356

1. South and Southwestern Iraq: ............................................................................. 356Nahr Umr Formation ............................................................................................ 356Mauddud Formation ............................................................................................. 356Wara Formation .................................................................................................... 356Ahmedi Formation 356Rumaila Formation 356Mishrif Formation 356

2. Western Iraq: 356Rutbah Formation 356M'sad Formation ................................................................................................... 356

3. Northern and Northeastern Iraq: .......................................................................... 357Rim Siltstonc Formation 357Jawan Formation 357Upper Qamchuqa Limestone Formation ............................................................. 357Upper Sarmord Formation ................................................................................... 357Upper Balatnho Formation ........................................................... ............... 358

Kill Formation .............. 358

Dokan Limestone Formation ....................................................... ............... ... 358

• Mid-Cretaceous in Jordan .............................................................................................. 358Ajlun Group: 358

Maur Formation ................................................................................................... 358Fuheis Formation 359

xi

CONTENTS

Hummar Formation .............................................................................................. 359Shuayh Formation ................................................................................................. 359Wadi As Sir Formation .................. ............................................................. 359Khurcij Formation ........................ ........................................................... 359

• Mid-Cretaceous in Syria ...................... ............................................................ 360Judea Formation ........................................................................................ 360Massive Limestone Formation .................................................................... 360

• Mid-Cretaceous in Southeast Turkey ............................................................... 360Sabunsuyu Formation ................................................................................. 360Derriere Formation ..................................................................................... 360

Mid-Cretaceous in Southern and Southwestern Arabia:The Republic of Yemen................... 362Harshiyat Formation ........................................................................................ 362Fartaq Formation 362

The Third Cycle: The Late Cretaceous ............................................................................................. 362Late Cretaceous in southern Arabian Gulf the United Arab Emirates: ............................. 363

Laffan Formation 363Halul Formation 363Ilam Formation 363Fiqa Formation 363Simsima Formation .......................................................................................... 365Muti Formation 365Juweiza Formation 365Qahlah Formation 365

Late Cretaceous in Eastern Arabia: Oman ................................................................ 365I. Western Oman Mountains ............................................................................ 365

I.affan Formation 365Fiqa Formation .......................................................................................... 367Muti Formation 367Juweiza Formation ...................................................................................... 367Qahlah Formation ....................................................................................... 367Simsima Formation .................................................................................... 367

2. Central Oman Mountains (Allochthonous Units) . 367Scmail (Ophiolitc) Nappe ........................................................................... 367

3. Northern Oman Mountains (Musandam Peninsula) ............................................ 367Outcrop Section: Muti Formation ................................................................Subsurface Section: Laffan Formation 337700

Ilam FormationGurpi Formation ..........................................................................

.333770700

Late Cretaceous in Eastern Arabian Gulf: Southwestern Iran .......................................Ilam Formation 370Gurpi Formation ............................................................................................ 370Tarbur Formation ...........................................................................................Amiran Formation ..........................................................................................

Late Cretaceous in Western and Northwestern Arabian Gulf ........................................................... 333777(02)• Late Cretaceous in Qatar: ............................................................................ 372

Laffan Formation 372Halul Formation 372Fiqa/Ruilat Formation 372Simsima Formation .................................................................................... 372

• Late Cretaceous in Bahrain: Aruma Group ....................................................... 373• Late Cretaceous in Kuwait: ......................................................................... 373

Khasib/Mutriha Formation .......................................................................... 373Sa'di Formation 373Hartha Formation 373Bahrah Formation ...................................................................................... 373Tayarat Formation 373

Late Cretaceous in Central and Southwestern Arabia: ..................................................................... 373• Late Cretaceous in Saudi Arabia: Aruma Formation ........................................... 373

xii

CONTENTS

• Late Cretaceous in the Republic of Yemen- 374Mukhalla Formation 374Sharwain Formation 374Tawilah Group ........................................................................................ 374

Chins Formation 374Medj-Zir Formation ................................................................................ 374

Late Cretaceous in the Northern Arabian Platform: ............................................................ 375• Late Cretaceous in Iraq .................................................................................................. 376

I. Southern Iraq: 376Khasib Formation ................................................................................. 376Tanuma Formation ............................................................................... 376Sa'di Formation 376Hartha Formation ................................................................................ 376Qurna Formation ................................................................................. 376Tayarat Formation ............................................................................... 376

2.Western Iraq: Digma Formation............................................................... 3763.High Folded Zone of Iraq: ..................................................................... 377

°tither' Formation 377Kometan Formation ............................................................................. 377Shiranish Formation 377Bekhmc Formation ............................................................................... 377Hadiena Formation ............................................................................... 377Tanjero Formation ............................................................................... 377Agra Formation ................................................................................... 377

• Late Cretaceous in Jordan: Belga Group....................................................................... 377Surface Formations: 378

Wadi Umm Ghudran Formation .......................................................... 378Amman Formation ........................................................................... 378Al Hisa Formation 378Muwaqqar Formation ....................................................................... 379

Subsurface Formations: ...................................................................... 379Rajil Formation 379Hama Formation ............................................................................. 379Hazim Formation ............................................................................. 379Amman and Al Hisa formations ........................................................ 379Usaykhim Formation 379Muwaqqar Formation ....................................................................... 379

• Late Cretaceous in Syria ............................................................................................... 380Soukhne Formation 380Shiranish Formation • 380

• Late Cretaceous in Southeast Turkey ............................................................................ 380Karababa Formation ................................................................................... 380Karahogaz Formation ................................................................................. 380Sayindcrc Formation .................................................................................. 380Korkandil Formation 380Kastel Formation 380Terhuzek Formation ................................................................................. 381Besni Formation 381Germav Formation...................................................................................... 382

Cretaceous Paleogeography and Geologic History ................................................................. 382Tectonic Events 382Paleogeography and Cyclicity........................................................................................... 384

Early Cretaceous Cycle .............................................................................. 384Mid-Cretaceous Cycle ................................................................................. 388Late Cretaceous Cycle ............................................................................... 390

CONTENTS

Chapter 9: The latest part of the Zuni and Tejas cycles of the Middle East: The Cenozoic

Introduction 393Part I: The Paleogene of the Middle East ............................................................................................... 396

• The Paleogenc of the Central, Eastern and Northeastern Arabian Platform .............................. 408Paleogenc of Saudi Arabia ....................................................................................................... 409

Umm Er Radhuma Formation ......................................................................... 409Rus Formation 409Dammam Formation .................................................................. ............... ...411

Paleogene of Qatar ......................................................................................... .............. 412Umm Er Radhuma Formation .................................................. ............... 412Rus Formation 412Dammam Formation ....................................................................................... 412

Paleogene of Bahrain ................................................................................................................. 414Umm Er Radhuma Formation ......................................................................... 414Rus Formation .................................................................................................... 414Dammam Formation ......................................................................................... 414

Paleogene of Kuwait .................................................................................................................. 415Radhuma Formation .......................................................................................... 415Rus Formation .................................................................................................... 416Dammam Formation ......................................................................................... 417

Paleogene of Southern and Western Iraq .............................................................................. 417Umm Er Radhuma Formation ......................................................................... 417Rus Formation ................................................................................................... 417Dammam Formation ......................................................................................... 417

Paleogene of Southwestern and Southeastern Iran and adjoining areas .............................. 418Pabdeh Formation .............................................................................................. 418Jahrum Formation ............................................................................................. 419Shahhazan Formation ....................................................................................... 419Taleb Zang Formation ..................................................................................... 420Kashkan Formation 420Asmari Formation 420

Paleogene of the United Arab Emirates ................................................................................ 420Umm Er Radhuma Formation ......................................................................... 421Rus Formation 421Dammam Formation ......................................................................................... 421Asmari Formation ........................................................................................... 422Pabdeh Formation ............................................................................................ 422

Paleogenc of Oman ..................................................................................................................... 423Central and Western Oman Mountains (outcrop formations) .......................................... 423

Jainayn Limestone Formation ................................................................................ 423Rusayl Formation ................. 423

Seeb Limestone Formation ........................................................... .............. 424

Ruwaydah Formation ...................................................................... ............... 425

Fahud Formation 425Muthaymimah Formation ........................................................................................ 425

Southern Oman (Dhofar Region): (outcrop formation) .................................................... 426Umm Er Radhuma Formation ................................................................................ 426Rus Formation 426Andhur and Qara formations .................................................................................. 426Taqa Formation ......................................................................................................... 426

Central and Southern Oman: (subsurface formations) ..................................................... 426Umm Er Radhuma Formation ................................................................................ 426Rus Formation 427Dammam Formation ................................................................................................ 427

Fars Group: Taqa Formation .................................................................................................. 427Northern Offshore Oman ....................................................................................................... 428

Pabdeh Formation 428

xiv

CONTENTS

Lower Fars Formation ............................................................................................... 428Guri Formation ......................................................................................... 428Mishan and younger formations ................................................................ 428

• The Paleogene of Southern. Southwestern and Western Arabia .......................................... 428Paleogene of Western Saudi Arabia (Red Sea Region) .......................................... 428

Suqah Group: ........................................................................................... 428Pre-Usfan Formation ............................................................................................ 428Usfan Formation ................................................................................................... 429

Matiyah Formation ...................................................................................... 429Paleogene of the Republic of Yemen ............................................................... 429

Paleogene of East and Southeast Yemen ...................................................... 429Umm Er Radhuma Formation ............................................................................ 429Jeza Formation ...................................................................................................... 429Rus Formation ....................................................................................................... 429Habshiya Formation .............................................................................................. 429

Paleogene of West and Northwest Yemen .................................................... 429Yemen Volcanics (Aden Trap Series)) ................................................................ 430

• The Paleogene of the Northern Arabian Platform: ............................................................. 430Paleogene of Northwest Saudi Arabi: Hibr Group ............................................... 430Paleogene of Jordan ....................................................................................... 431

Subsurface Formation: Umm Rijam Formation ................................................ 432Wadi Shallala Formation ....................................................... 432

Surface Formation: Umm Rijatn Formation .................................................... 433Wadi Shallala Formation ............................................................. 433Tayiha Formation ......................................................................... 433Taqiye Marl Formation ............................................................... 433Sar'a Chalk-Flint Formation ....................................................... 433Ma'an Nummulitic Limestone Formation .................................. 434Dhahkiye Chalk Formation ........................................................ 434

• Paleogene of Syria ........................................................................................................ 434Aaliji Formation ......................................................................................... 434Palmyra Formation ...................................................................................... 434Kermav Formation ...................................................................................... 434Sinjar Formation ......................................................................................... 434Jaddala Formation ........................................................................................ 434Chilou Formation ........................................................................................ 434Midyat Formation ....................................................................................... 434

• Paleogene of Northern Iraq ........................................................................................... 435Kolosh Formation ..........................................................................................435Sinjar Formation .......................................................................................... 435Khurmala Formation .................................................................................... 435Aaliji Formation ......................................................................................... 435Jaddala Formation ........................................................................................ 435Avanah Formation ....................................................................................... 435Gercus Formation ........................................................................................ 436Pila Spi Limestone Formation ...................................................................... 436Kirkuk Group: Shurau Limestone Formation ............................................... 436

Sheikh Alas Formation ................................................................. 436Tarjil Formation ............................................................................... 436Bajawan Formation .......................................................................... 436Baba Formation ................................................................................ 436Anah Formation ............................................................................... 437Azkand Formation ........................................................................... 437Ibrahim Formation ........................................................................... 437

• Paleogene of Southeast Turkey .................................................................................... 437Part 2: The Neogene of the Middle East ........................................................................................ 437

The Neogene of the Central and Eastern Arabian Platform: .................................................. 439• Neogene of Saudi Arabia ............................................................................................. 439

x v

CONTENTS

Hadrukh Formation ........................................................................................................ 439Dam Formation .............................................................................................................. 439Hofuf Formation ............................................................................................................. 439Kharj Formation ............................................................................................................. 439

• Neogene of Qatar .......................................................................................................... 439Lower Fars Formation ................................................................................................... 439Dam Formation .............................................................................................................. 439Hofuf Formation ............................................................................................................ 439

• Neogene of Bahrain ...................................................................................................... 439Jabal Cap Formation ..................................................................................................... 439Ras al Aqr Formation ................................................................................................... 439

• Neogene of the United Arab Emirates .......................................................................... 441Gachsaran Formation ..................................................................................................... 441Mishan Formation .......................................................................................................... 441Hofuf Formation ............................................................................................................. 441

• Neogene of Oman ......................................................................................................... 441Miocene Conglomerate and Younger Deposits........................................................... 441

The Neogene of Southern and Western Arabia: .................................................................... 441• Neogene of Western Saudi Arabia (Red Sea Region) ................................................... 441

Tayran Group: Musayr Formation .............................................................................. 442Yanbu Formation ........................................................................................ 442Al Wajh Formation ................................................................................... 442Jizan Volcanic Formation ........................................................................ 442

Burcian Formation ........................................................................................................... 442Magna Group: Kial Formation ................................................................................. 442

Jabal Kibrit Formation 442Mansiyah Formation ....................................................................................................... 442Ghawwas Formation ...................................................................................................... 442Lisan Formation ............................................................................................................. 442

• Neogene of Yemen: Aden Volcanic Series .................................................................. 443The Neogene of Northeast Arabia: ........................................................................................ 443

• Neogene of Kuwait ....................................................................................................... 443Ghar Formation ............................................................................................................. 443Lower Fars Formation ................................................................................................ 443Dibdibba Formation ..................................................................................................... 443

• Neogene of Southern Iraq ............................................................................................ 443Ghar Formation ............................................................................................................. 443Lower Fars Formation ................................................................................................ 443Upper Fars Formation ................................................................................................ 443Zahra Formation ........................................................................................................... '443Bakhtiari Formation 443

• Neogene of Southwestern Iran ..................................................................................... 444Gachsaran Formation ................................................................................................... 444Rank Formation .......................................................................................................... 445Mishan Formation 445Agha Jari Formation 446Bakhtiari Formation 446

The Neogene of the Northern Arabian Platform: .................................................................. 447• Neogene of Jordan ......................................................................................................... 447

Sirhan-Azraq-Jafr Basins (Subsurface Formation) .................................................... 447()Irma Formation 447Azraq Formation 447Jafr Formation 447

Northeastern and Eastern Jordan (Surface Outcrop) .................................................... 447Tertiary Basaltic Plateau 447

Surface outcrop in Dead Sea-Jordan Rift ................................................................... 447Dana Conglomerate Formation .................................................................................... 447Lisan Marl Formation .................................................................................................... 447

xvi

CONTENTS

• Neogene of Syria ...................................................................................................................... 449

Dhiban Formation ........................................................................................................ 449Jeribe Formation .......................................................................................................... 449Lower Fars Formation ................................................................................................ 449Upper Fars Formation ................................................................................................ 449

Bakhtiari Formation ..................................................................................................... 449• Neogene of the Foothills and High Folded Zone of Northern Iraq .................................... 449

Euphrates Limestone Formation ................................................................................ 449Serikagni Formation .................................................................................................... 449Dhiban Formation ........................................................................................................ 449Jeribe Limestone Formation ...................................................................................... 449

• Neogene of Southeast Turkey ................................................................................................ 449

Part 3: Cenozoic Paleogeography and Geologic History ........................................................................ 451

Paleogene Paleogcography ..................................................................................................... 458Neogene Paleogeography ....................................................................................................... 462

PART THREEChapter 10 : Hydrocarbon Habitat of the Middle East

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 467

Surface Oil and Gas Seeps ........................................................................................................................... 467

Turkey ......................................................................................................................................... 468Iran .............................................................................................................................................. 468Iraq .............................................................................................................................................. 469Kuwait ........................................................................................................................................ 469Saudi Arabia ............................................................................................................................. 469Bahrain ....................................................................................................................................... 469Yemen ......................................................................................................................................... 469Syria. Lebanon and Jordan ..................................................................................................... 469

History of Exploration .................................................................................................................................... 470

Current Status of Middle East Oil ................................................................................................... 473

Hydrocarbon Productivity ........................................................................................................ 489Source Rocks ............................................................................................................................ 492Geochemistry of Oil and Gas ................................................................................................ 502Reservoir Rocks ....................................................................................................................... 510

Infracambrian to Paleozoic .............................................................................................. 511Triassic and Jurassic ........................................................................................................ 516Cretaceous ........................................................................................................................... 516Tertiary .................................................................................................................................. 516

Cap Rocks (Seals) .................................................................................................................. 517Traps ............................................................................................................................................ 520Timing of Trap Formation ........................................................................................................521

The Greater Arabian and Oman Basins .......................................................................... 521The Zagros Basin .............................................................................................................. 521

Potential Plays .................................................................................................................................................... 522

Chapter 11: Hydrocarbon Habitat of the Greater Arabian BasinIntroduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 525Kuwait and the Kuwait-Saudi Arabia Neutral Zone ................................................................................ 525

Stratigraphic History ................................................................................................................ 527Structural History .................................................................................................................... 528Reservoir Rocks ....................................................................................................................... 530

Lower Cretaceous Reservoirs .......................................................................................... 530Minagish Formation .............................................................................................. 530Ratawi Formation ................................................................................................... 530Zubair Formation ................................................................................................... 530

Middle Cretaceous Reservoirs ......................................................................................... 531

xvii

CONTENTS

Burgan Formation ................................................................................................... 531Mauddud Formation ............................................................................................... 531Wara Formation ..................................................................................................... 531Mishrif Formation 531

Upper Cretaceous Reservoirs ........................................................................................... 531Tayarat Formation ................................................................................................. 531

Tertiary Reservoirs 531Radhuma Formation ............................................................................................... 531

Seals and Seal Formations ....................................................................................................... 532Gotnia Formation 532Sargelu Formation 532Ratawi Formation 532Zubair Formation ................................................................................................... 532Burgan Formation ................................................................................................... 532Ahmadi Formation .................................................................................................. 532Mutriba Formation 532Khasib Formation 532Rus Formation 532Lower Fars Formation ........................................................................................... 532

Oil Geochemistry and Source Rocks ..................................................................................... 532Middle Cretaceous Source Rocks ................................................................................... 534

Rumaila and Mishrif Formations ............................................................................. 534Ahmadi Formation ..................................................................................................... 534Wara Formation ......................................................................................................... 534Mauddud Formation .................................................................................................. 534Burgan Formation ...................................................................................................... 534

Lower Cretaceous Source Rocks ..................................................................................... 534Shuaiba Formation 534Zubair Formation 537Ratawi Formation 537Minagish Formation 537Sulaiy Formation 537

Jurassic Source Rocks 537Dhruma Formation .................................................................................................... 537Sargelu Formation 537Najmah Formation ...................................................................................................... 537

Kuwait Oil Fields 537Greater Burgan Field ........................................................................................................ 538Bahrah Field .540Raudhatain Field 541Sahriya Field 542Minagish Field 542Umm Gudair Field ........................................................................................................... 544

Kuwait-Saudi Arabia Neutral Zone Fields 544Khafji Field 544Wafra Field 544Dorra Field 547Haut Field 547Lulu field 547Umm Gudair South Field ................................................................................................ 547South Fuwaris Field 547

Bahrain ........................................................................................................................ 548Structure 549Stratigraphy 551Reservoirs 551

Khuff Formation 553Arab Formation 554Mauddud Formation ............................................................................................................ 554

xviii

Qatar

CONTENTS

Seals ................................................................................................................... 554Source Rocks and Hydrocarbon Migration and Accumulation ...................................... 554Production and Reserves ....................................................................................... 558

............................................................................................................................ 559Structure .............................................................................................................. 559Stratigraphy .......................................................................................................... 559Reservoir Characteristics ...................................................................................... 561

Tabuk Formation ............................................................................................ 561Sharawra Formation ....................................................................................... 561Tawil Formation 561Haushi Formation ........................................................................................... 561Khuff Formation 561Izhara Formation 561Araej Formation 561Arab Formation 561Kharaib Formation ......................................................................................... 564Shuaiba Formation ......................................................................................... 564Nahr Umr Formation ...................................................................................... 564Mauddud Formation ....................................................................................... 564Mishrif and Khatiyah formations ..................................................................... 564

Seals and Seal Formations .................................................................................... 564Tabuk Formation ............................................................................................ 564Sharawra Formation ....................................................................................... 564Tawil Formation 564Haushi Formation ........................................................................................... 564Sudair Formation 564Izhara and Araej formations ............................................................................ 564Hanifa and Lower Jubailah formations ............................................................. 564Arab Formation .............................................................................................. 564Hith Anhydrite 564Hawar Formation ........................................................................................... 565Nahr Umr Formation ...................................................................................... 565Khatiyah Formation ........................................................................................ 565Laffan Formation 565

Source Rocks ....................................................................................................... 565Sharawra Formation ....................................................................................... 565Haushi Formation .......................................................................................... 565Hanifa Formation 565Jubailah Formation '565Shuaiba Formation ......................................................................................... 565Mauddud Formation ....................................................................................... 565Mishrif/Khatiyah formations 565

Oil characteristics and hydrocarbon maturation .......................................................... 566Oil and Gas Fields .............................................................................................. 566

Dukhan Field 566Idd El Shargi Field ........................................................................................ 568Maydan Mahzam Field ................................................................................... 571Bul Haninc Field 571North Field 574

United Arab Emirates ......................................................................................................... 575Regional Stratigraphy 575Reservoir Characteristics 576

Unayzah Formation ........................................................................ .... 578Khuff Formation 578Sudair-Gulailah-Minjur formations .................................................. .... 578Aracj Formation 578Diyab Formation ........................................................................................ 579Arab Formation .......................................................................................... 579

xix

CONTENTS

Thamama Group ...........................................................................................................Habshan Formation ............................................................................Lekhwair Formation ...........................................................................Kharaib FormationShuaiba Formation

579579579579579

Mishrif Formation .................................................................................... 579Aruma Group•............................................................................................. 580

Ilam Formation 580Halul Formation 580Simsima Formation 580

Asmari and Gachsaran formations .............................................................. 580Seals 580Source Rocks and Oil Geochemistry ................................................................. 580Traps 585Oil and Gas Fields ........................................................................................ 590

Zakum Oil Field ...................................................................................... 590Asab Oil Field 590Bu Hasa Oil Field ................................................................................... 591Margham Gas-Condensate Field ................................................................. 594Patch Oil Field 595Bab Oil Field 595El Bunduq Oil Field 595Sajaa Gas-Condensate Field ...................................................................... 596

Jordan 598History of Exploration 602The Sedimentary Basins and their Hydrocarbon Potential ...................................... 604

Dead Sea-Jordan Valley Basin ................................................................... 604Azraq Basin 605Sirhan Basin 605North Jordanian Highlands ........................................................................ 605Al Jail- Basin 606Risha Basin 607Basalt Plateau 607

Saudi Arabia ........................................................................................................................... 608Tectonic and Stratigraphic Framework .............................................................. 608Hydrocarbon Systems ..................................................................................... 611Source Rocks ................................................................................................. 613

Paleozoic Formations ............................................................................... 613Jurassic Formations ,618Cretaceous Formations ............................................................................. 621Cenozoic Formations ............................................................................... 622

Reservoir Rocks ............................................................................................. 625Saq Formation ..................................................................................... 626Tahuk Formation ................................................................................ 626Jauf Formation 626Unayzah Formation ............................................................................ 626Khuff Formation ................................................................................ 626Marrat Formation ............................................................................... 628Dhruma Formation ............................................................................. 628Tuwaiq Mountain Formation ............................................................... 628Hanifa Formation 628Jubailah Formation 629Arab Formation 629Hi th Formation 631Sulaiy Formation 631Yamama Formation ............................................................................ 631Buwaih Formation ............................................................................... 631Biyadh Formation 631

xx

CONTENTS

Shuaiba Formation ............................................................................................... 633Wasia Formation ................................................................................................ 633Lower Aruma Formation .................................................................................. 633Tertiary Formations ........................................................................................... 633

Seals and Seal Formations ......................................................................................... 633Hanadir Shale Member .................................................................................... 633Ra'an Shale Member.......................................................................................... 634Qusaiba Shale member .................................................................................... 634Unayzah Formation .......................................................................................... 634Khuff Formation ............................................................................................... 634Lower Sudair Formation .................................................................................. 634Marrat Formation .............................................................................................. 634Dhruma Formation ............................................................................................ 634Hanifa Formation .............................................................................................. 634Jubailah Formation ............................................................................................ 634Arab Formation ................................................................................................. 634Hith Formation 634Buwaib Formation ............................................................................................. 634Biyadh Formation 634Wasia Formation (Ahmadi Member) .............................................................. 634Wasia Formation Rumaila Member) ............................................................... 634Aruma Formation .............................................................................................. 634Dam Formation ................................................................................................. 634Mansiyah Formation ......................................................................................... 634Ghawwas Formation ......................................................................................... 634

Structure and Trap Mechanisms ...................................................................................... 634Oil Field Examples 637

Supergiant Ghawar Oil Field .................................................................................... 637Harmaliyah Oil Field 638Qatif Oil Field 638Khursaniyah Oil Field 639Abgaig Oil Field 639

Yemen ........................................................................................................................................... 642Structural and Stratigraphic Framework .......................................................................... 643Hydrocarbon Parameters .................................................................................................. 644

Ma'rib-Jawf-Shabwa-Balhaf Graben System ............................................................... 644Eastern Tableland 644

Northern Flank ..................................................................................................... 644Hadhramout-Jeza-Qamar Basin ............................................................................ 644Sayhut Basin 644

Red Sea Coastal Area and the Tihama Sub-basin ........................................................ 647Gulf of Aden Basin ..................................................................................................... 647

Chapter 12: The Hydrocarbon Habitat of the Zagros Basin

Introduction 651Southeast Turkey ............................................................................................................................................ 653

Introduction and History of Exploration ................................................................................. 653Structure and Traps 653Reservoir Characteristics 658

Paleozoic ................................................................................................................................ 659I3edinian Formation 659Handal Formation ...................................................................................................... 659Hazro Formation ........................................................................................................ 659

Mesozoic ................................................................................................................................ 659Aril Formation 659Mardin Group'............................................................................................................... 659

Sabunsuyu Formation ......................................................................................... 659

xxi

CONTENTS

Derdere Formation ............................................................................................ 659Karababa Formation ............................................................................................ 659

Karabogaz Formation ............................................................................... 659Raman Formation ..................................................................................... 659Garzan Formation .................................................................................... 659Germav Formation ................................................................................... 660

Late Mesozoic to Cenozoic .............................................................................. 660Sinan Formation ...................................................................................... 660

Crude Oil Geochemistry ........................................................................................ 661Source Rocks: ..................................................................................................... 662

Paleozoic Formations-....................................................................................... 664Bedinian Formation .................................................................................. 664Dadas Formation ..................................................................................... 664

Triassic-Jurassic Formations ............................................................................ 664Cretaceous Formations ...................................................................................... 664

Derdere Formation ................................................................................... 664Ortabag Formation ................................................................................... 664Kiradag Formation ................................................................................... 664Karababa Formation ................................................................................. 664Karabogaz Formation ............................................................................... 664Kastel Formation ..................................................................................... 665

Tertiary Formations ......................................................................................... 665Seals and Seal Formations ..................................................................................... 667

Telhasan Formation ....................................................................................... 667Kastel Formation ............................................................................................ 667Mardin Group ................................................................................................. 667Karabogaz. Sayindere and Beloka formations ...................................................... 667Kiradag Formation ......................................................................................... 667Germay Formation ......................................................................................... 667Gercus formation ............................................................................................. 667

Oil Field Examples ............................................................................................... 667Raman and Bati-Raman fields ........................................................................... 667Garzan Field ................................................................................................... 669Dodan Field .................................................................................................. 669

Syria ........................................................................................................................................................ 670Introduction and History of Exploration .................................................................. 670Structure and Traps ............................................................................................... 673Reservoir Characteristics ........................................................................................ 673

Kurra Chine Formation .................................................................................... 680Mulussa Formation ......................................................................................... 681Butmah Formation .......................................................................................... 681Dolaa Group .................................................................................................. 681Cherrife Formation ........................................................................................ 681Qamchuqa Formation ..................................................................................... 681Soukhnc Formation ........................................................................................ 681Massive Limestone ........................................................................................ 681Shiranish Formation ...................................................................................... 681Jaddala Formation ............................................................................................ 681Chilou Formation ........................................................................................... 681Dhihan Formation .......................................................................................... 681Jeribe Formation ........................................................................................... 681

Source Rocks ......................................................................................................... 681Crude Oil Geochemistry ......................................................................................... 683Seals and Seal Formations ..................................................................................... 685

Mulussa Formation ......................................................................................... 688Kurra Chine Formation ................................................................................... 688Adaiyah Formation ........................................................................................ 689Alan Formation .............................................................................................. 689

Iraq

CONTENTS

Sargelu Formation 689Cherrife Formation 689Shiranish Formation 689Aaliji Formation 689Jaddala Formation .......................................................................................... 689Dhiban Formation ......................................................................................... 689Lower Fars Formation .................................................................................... 689

Oil Field Examples ............................................................................................... 690.............................................................................................................................. 691Introduction ........................................................................................................... 691Stratigraphy ............................................................................................................ 694Structure and Traps .............................................................................................. 696Reservoir Characteristics 697

Arabian Basin Reservoir Formations .................................................................... 697Khabour Quartzite Formation .......................................................................... 698Alan Formation 698Gotnia Anhydrite Formation ........................................................................... 698Najmah Limestone Formation ........................................................................... 698Yamama Formation ....................................................................................... 698Sulaiy Formation 698Ratawi Formation ........................................................................................... 700Zubair Formation 700Shuaiba Formation ........................................................................................... 700Nahr Imr Formation ...................................................................................... 700Rumaila Formation 700Mishrif Formation 700Hartha Formation .......................................................................................... 702Lower Fars Formation/char Formation ............................................................. 702

Zagros Basin Reservoir Formations ...................................................................... 702Kurra Chine Formation ................................................................................... 702Butmah Formation .......................................................................................... 702Sargelu Formation 702Chia Gara Formation ...................................................................................... 702Garagu Formation .......................................................................................... 702Sarmord Formation ........................................................................................ 702Jawan Formation ............................................................................................ 702Dokan Limestone Formation ........................................................................... 702Upper Balambo Formation ............................................................................. 702Komctan Formation ........................................................................................ 702Mushorah Formation ....................................................................................... 702Shiranish Formation 702Asmari Formation .......................................................................................... 702Kalhur Formation 702Scrikagni Formation 702Euphrates Limestone Formation ....................................................................... 702Jeribe Limestone Formation ............................................................................. 703Qamchuqa Group ........................................................................................... 703Kirkuk Group .................................................................................................. 703

Source Rocks and Oil Geochemistry ....................................................................... 705Seals and Seal Formations ..................................................................................... 706Cap Rocks in the Arabian Basin ........................................................................... 710

Gotnia Formation 710Ratawi Formation ........................................................................................... 710Zuhair Formation 710Nahr Umr Formation ....................................................................................... 710Khasih Formation 710Shiranish Formation 710Lower Fars Formation ................................................................................... 710

CONTENTS

Cap Rocks in the Zagros Basin ............................................................................................ 710Pirispiki Redbeds ........................................................................................... 710Baluti Formation ............................................................................................. 710Adaiyah Formation ........................................................................................ 710Naokclekan Formation ................................................................................... 710Khasib Formation ......................................................................................... 710Shiranish Formation ...................................................................................... 710Aaliji Formation ............................................................................................ 710Dhihan Formation ......................................................................................... 710

Oil Field Examples ................................................................................................................... 710Ain Zalah Field ............................................................................................ 710Butmah Field .................................................................................................. 711Kirkuk Field .................................................................................................. 711Rai Hassan Field ............................................................................................. 712Qaiyarah fields ................................................................................................ 712Buzurgan Field ................................................................................................ 712Nahr Umr Field .............................................................................................. 713Rumaila Field .................................................................................................. 713Zubair Field .................................................................................................... 713

Iran ............................................................................................................................................................................ 716Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 716Stratigraphy................................................................................................................................... 716Structure and Traps ................................................................................................................... 718Reservoir Characteristics ........................................................................................................... 720

Zagros Basin Reservoir Formations ................................................................... 720Faraghan Formation ................................................................................. 720Dalan Formation (Khuff equivalent) ........................................................... 721Kangan Formation .................................................................................... 721Surmeh Formation .................................................................................... 721Fahliyan Formation .................................................................................. 721Garau Formation ..................................................................................... 721Dariyan Formation ................................................................................... 721Bangestan Group ..................................................................................... 721Sarvak Formation .................................................................................... 721Ilam Formation ........................................................................................ 721Asmari Limestone ................................................................................... 721Mishan Formation .................................................................................... 722

Arabian Basin Reservoirs Formations ................................................................ 722Khuff Formation ...................................................................................... 722Khalil' Group ........................................................................................... 722Arab Formation ........................................................................................ 722Fahliyan Formation ................................................................................. 722Gadvan Formation ................................................................................... 722Dariyan Formation ................................................................................... 722Kazdhumi Formation ................................................................................ 722Mishrif Formation .................................................................................... 722Jahrum Formation .................................................................................... 722Ghar Formation ........................................................................................ 722

Source Rocks and Oil Geochemistry ..................................................................................... 723Asmari Formation .................................................................................... 723Pabdeh Formation .................................................................................... 723Gurpi Formation ...................................................................................... 723Kazdhumi Formation ............................................................................... 724Garau Formation ..................................................................................... 724Sargelu Formation ................................................................................... 726

Paleozoic souce rocks ............................................................................................................. 726Seals and Seal Formations ..................................................................................................... 729

Dashtak Formation .................................................................................................... 729

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Kangan Formation ................................................................................... 729Hith Formation 729Gadvan Formtion ..................................................................................... 729Kazdhumi Formation ................................................................................ 729Gurpi Formation 729Gachsaran Formation 730

Oil Field Examples 730Pazanun Field 730Kuh-i-Mund Field 730Masjid-i-Sulaiman Field 730Naft-i-Shah Field 733Lali Field 733Agha Jari Field 733Gachsaran Field 733Bahregansar Field ............................................................................................ 733Haft Kel Field 734Bihi Hakimch Field ....................................................................................... 735Abouzar (Ardeshir) Field ................................................................................ 735Naft-i-Safid Field 735

Chapter 13: The Hydrocarbon Habitat of the Oman Basin

introduction 737The Oman Sedimentary Basin ........................................................................................................... 738

Source Rocks, Oil Geochemistry and Hydrocarbon Generation ............................................... 746Source Rocks ................................................................................................. 746Oil Geochemistry 747

Infracambrian Huqf Oil Geochemistry ......................................................... 747Infracambrian "Q" Crude Oil Geochemistry .................................................. 747Silurian Satiq Oil Geochemistry ................................................................ 747Upper Jurassic Diyab Oil Geochemistry ...................................................... 750Cretaceous Natih Oil Geochemistry ............................................................ 750

Hydrocarbon Generation and Migration ............................................................. 750Burial History 751

Reservoir Rocks 753Infracambrian Reservoirs .......................................................................... 755Cambro-Ordovician Reservoirs ................................................................... 755Permian Reservoirs 756Lower Cretaceous Reservoirs .................................................................... 757Middle Cretaceous Reservoirs .................................................................... 757Paleocene Reservoirs ................................................................................ 757

Seals and Seal Formations ..................................................................................................... 757Infracambrian Seals 758Cambro-Ordovician Seals .......................................................................... 758Permian and Triassic Seals ....................................................................... 758Cretaceous Seals ...................................................................................... 758Paleocene Seals 758

Structure and Traps 758Oil Field Examples 760

Fahud and Natih Fields ............................................................................ 760Al Huwaisah Field 762Lekhwair Field ........................................................................................ 763Yihal Field 764Safah Field 766Mukhaizna Field 766Marmul Field 767Nimr Field 770Sail) Rawl Field 770

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Qaharir Field 771

Rima Field ................................................................................................................................ 772

Bukha Field 772

References ................................................................................................................................................. 775-811Index ........................................................................................................................................................ 813-843Appendices ................................................................................................................................................................ A3-A99

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