A Historical Account of The Stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle-East (1816 To 2015)

A Historical Account
of the Stratigraphy of
Qatar, Middle-East
(1816 to 2015)
By: Jacques LeBlanc
A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Details of Cover Photographs (top to bottom)
Locality:
Latitude:
Longitude:
Elevation:
Formation:
Features:
Picture taken:
Al-Dakhira Lagoon, Qatar

2546'11.24"N
5135'12.52"E
0 to 1 metre
None (Holocene sediments)
Carbonate-evaporite lagoon showing channels, sand bars, lagoons and beaches
August 10th 2014 (GoogleEarth)
Locality:
Latitude:
Longitude:
Elevation:
Cliff height:
Formation:
Feature:
Picture taken:
Dukhan town, Qatar. Behind the djebel at the 4th holes golfs tee box.
2526'18.91"N
5047'2.87"E
~45 metres at base
About 9 metres at the highest point (use Toyota Prado as scale)
Lower Eocene Rus
Normal fault with at least a 5m throw (layers on the left are not present to the right)
April 4th 2015
Locality:
Latitude:
Longitude:
Elevation:
Cliff height:
Formation:
Features:
1.3 kms north of Hazm Mishabiyah and 4.6 kms east of the Abu Samrah border post
2444'59.00"N
5053'45.46"E
~46 metres at base
~18-20 metres from the base (use Toyota Prado as scale)
Miocene Dam
Stratigraphy of the Dam Formation displaying the limestone and green & red clay
layers of the Upper Salwa1 (bottom) and Lower Al-Nakhsh (top) Members (see
Leblanc, 2009)
Picture taken: April 4th 2015
Locality:
Latitude:
Longitude:
Elevation:
Cliff height:
Formation:
Feature:
Picture taken:
Within the QNCC sand quarry south of Umm Bab, Qatar

25 03 52.24
50 49 26.84
20.3 metres at the base
6 metres from the base (use the author as scale)
Miocene Dam Formation (Base of the Upper Salwa Member)
Stratigraphy of the green Huweila Shale also displaying a channel cut
October 3rd 2014
Some talks are currently taking place to rename the Salwa Member of the Dam Formation as Al-Kharrara Member,
as originally proposed by Al-Saad, 2002. This is due to the fact that the term Salwa has been used since the early
1950s for the name of a member of the sub-surface Cretaceous Simsima Formation.
Compiled by Jacques Leblanc
Page 1
A Historical Account
of the Stratigraphy of
Qatar, Middle-East
(1816 to 2015)
2015
By: Jacques LeBlanc
Published on December 1st 2015 on
https://sites.google.com/site/leblancjacques/fossilhome
Page 2
CONTENT
List of Appendices
Acknowledgements
About the author
Introduction
SECTION A: The surface geology of the offshore islands
SECTION B: Onshore & Offshore (excluding the islands)
Chapter 1: Pre-1920s
Chapter 2: The 1920s
Chapter 10: From 2000 to 2010 and beyond
Conclusions & Recommendations
References
Further Reading
Appendices (see next page for more details)
Pages
4
5
6
8
10
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30
34
38
68
75
101
121
136
156
166
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175
199
204
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APPENDICES
#
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
TITLE
The First Oil Discoveries in the Middle East (Sorkhabi, 2010).
Coordinates of some Qatar localities mentioned in the text.
Lower Tertiary Foraminifera of the Qatar Peninsula. By: Alan Hilder Smout (1954).
An analysis of the nature of the relationship between the sedimentological and structural
history of the Qatar Peninsula (Persian Gulf) from Upper Jurassic to Recent times and
the significance of this relationship in regards to specific structural problems in this and
other areas. Thesis (Partial) by: Walter Sugden (1961), Including his original Dukhan
Type Section and his Supplement which presents the evolution of his original 1953,
1955 & 1956 Lexicons; the 1956 version having been submitted to the Stratigraphic
Committee in 1959
Minutes of the Geological Liaison Meetings Held from 1966 to 1973 Between several
Middle Eastern Oil & Gas Operators and National Petroleum Companies. Compilation
of documents used by A.J. Standring to update W. Sugdens 1959 Lexicon for the 1975
Lexicon of Qatar.
The Stratigraphic Lexicon of Qatar. By: Walter. Sugden, A.J. Standring and Claude
Cavelier (1975)
Transcripts of interviews with Dr. Claude Cavelier (2013-2014). (French original with
English transcript). Interviews conducted by Jacques LeBlanc.
Transcript of an interview with Mr. Abdallah Salatt (2013). Interview conducted by
Jacques LeBlanc.
Geological Description of the Qatar Peninsula (Arabian Gulf). By: Dr. C. Cavelier
(1970).
Timeline of the terminology used for the Onshore Formation names in Qatar up to 1985.
By: Jacques LeBlanc (2014)
Formation Charts (3) of countries belonging to the Organization of Arab Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OAPEC). By: M. Labadidi et al. (1985).
Two charts from Arabian Plate Sequence Stratigraphy. By: P.R. Sharland, D.M.
Casey, R.B. Davies, M.D. Simmons and O.E. Sutcliffe (2004).
Middle East Geological Timescale (2 charts). By: Moujahed I. Al-Husseini (2008).
Phanerozoic cycles of sea-level change on the Arabian Platform. Haq, B.U. et al (2005).
PAGE
205
207
211
351
599
935
1063
1132
1147
1206
1208
1212
1215
1218
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Several people made this work possible. I am especially indebted to:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Mr. Hussain Al-Ansi, Geologist and Assistant Manager at Qatar Petroleum, for his insightful
conversations, guidance, and helpful suggestions; and commenting on certain aspects of this report.
Mr. Abdallah Salatt, former Qatar Petroleum Board Member and first Qatari geologist who also
participated in the 1969-1970 Qatar Geological Survey. I thank him for the time spent with me during
an interview conducted in relation to his participation in the 1969-1970 Survey.
Dr. Ali Trabelsi and C. Edward Wright geologists at Qatar Petroleum for their thourough revision of
the document.
Dr. Claude Cavelier, Engineer-Geologist and former employee of B.R.G.M. in France, who was in
charge of conducting the 1969-1970 Qatar Geological Survey. I thank him for the time spent with me
during several phone interviews conducted in relation to his participation in the 1969-1970 Survey, and
for providing me with photos and documents that would otherwise have left a big information hole in
this report.
Mrs. Danielle Labrot, who manages the Amicale of the B.R.G.M. in Paris, France, for putting me in
contact with Dr. Claude Cavelier and to help with the general transmission of documents.
Mr. Clive Sugden, who lives in Trinidad and who is the son of Mr. Walter Sugden, QPD
employee/geologist in Dukhan from 1951 to 1959 who prepared several stratigraphic documents
discussed herein. I thank Mr. Clive Sugden for his openness at discussing the background information
concerning his father and for providing me some pertinent documents.
Claire Grainger, Alumni Relations Officer, Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford
for providing pictures of Mr. Walter Sugden
Mr. Peter Housego, BP Archive Manager, University of Warwick for providing numerous documents
relating to the early days of exploration in Qatar and allowing to publish some of the material provided
Mr. Abdulrahman Alsharhan, for providing his detailed biography and allowing me to published
some of the sections which appeared in his articles on the geology of the Middle East.
Mrs. Frances Gillespie, for sharing her knowledge on the history of Halul island.
Mr. John Smout and Dr Elizabeth Harding (ne Smout), with whom I had several email exchanges
about their father, Dr. Alan Hilder Smout, former geologist for the Iraq Petroleum Company. They
both generously provided pictures and information about the life of Dr. Smout.
Mr. Anthony John Standring, former I.P.C. palaeontologist, for the few exchange of emails we had
together regarding his life in Qatar and in the Middle-East in general.
Dr. Moujahed Al-Husseini, Editor-in-Chief, GeoArabia, for his permission to publish Arabian Plate
Sequence Stratigraphy (2004), Phanerozoic cycles of sea-level change on the Arabian Platform (2005)
and Middle East Geological Timescale (2008).
Dr. Bruno Granier, of Universite de Bretagne Occidentale in France, for providing some of the
minutes related to the 1966-1973 stratigraphic meetings.
Mr. James Hall, of Shell Ltd., for providing surface geological information on Halul Island and
making me aware of the existence of the 1985 Stratigraphic lexicon from the Organization of Arab
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC).
Dr. Ivan J. Sansom, from the University of Birmingham, for taking pictures of the fish plates
encountered in the core from DK-0065 well. This portion of the core resides at the British Museum of
Natural History in London.
Also, this work could not have been achieved without the collaboration of my wife Beatriz who was
always very helpful and supportive during this research.
Page 5
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jacques LeBlanc has been working in Qatar since 2007 as a Senior Geologist and Team Leader in
Oil & Gas Data Management projects.
Other than his work, his main interest is in macro-palaeontology, a topic for which he has written
several
publications
that
can
be
found
on
his
website
at
Fig 1: Left: The author, on a guided tour of the Miocene of Qatar (Feb 2014); Fig 2. Right: Caricature of
the author posing with a nautilus. By: Romeo Estrada Solis (a friend and geologist at Qatar Petroleum)
Born in 1958 in Victoriaville, Province of Quebec, Canada, he studied Mining Geology at the
Universit du Qubec Chicoutimi and graduated in 1986. Upon graduating, he found work
immediately with an oil company in Calgary, in the Province of Alberta. In 1993 he started
working overseas and never looked back. He worked in Colombia (South America) during two
occasions for a total of 3 years; his first assignment dealt with the Exploration, Production,
Exportation and Sale of museum quality minerals & fossils, while the second, through a project of
the Canadian International Development Agency, dealt with the improvement of the institutional
capacity of the Colombian Ministry of Mines & Energy as well as the Colombian Ministry of
Environment to fulfill their respective mandates to regulate the energy, mining and petroleum
sectors. Later, he ventured to the French African countries of Niger for assignments in Oil & Gas
Data Management and Gold Exploration; and then in Chad, for the International Financial
Corporation (IFC) within the WorldBank Group based in Washington, as an Advisor to the
Petroleum Minister. Prior to finding employment in Qatar, he worked in Libya for six years for two
assignments in Benghazi and Tripoli dealing with the Management of Oil & Gas Data.
Page 6
Page 7
INTRODUCTION
The story of stratigraphy in Qatar started as early as 1816 when Halul island was first discovered
and positioned on maps by the early European explorers of the Arabian Gulf2. More than one
century had to pass before Anglo-Persian Company, economically driven by the potential of finding
oil, judged it worthwhile to pay a visit to the mainland. Since then, and especially after the
discovery of oil in 1940, a good number of geologists have mapped, in detail, the surface and
subsurface formations of the country. The early geologists in Qatar, having no stratigraphic
information to correlate with Saudi Arabia, did their very best to name and correlate the formations
using only reports and studies originating from Iraq which had first discovered oil much earlier at
Kirkuk and where huge efforts have been made since to name and map the most important outcrops
and subsurface formations.
Over the years each new stratigrapher on the scene in Qatar would refine the work of their
predecessors. The lexicons made public in the 1950s and 60s in neighbouring countries would
help in this task however, some of the earlier interpretations made in Qatar were never corrected to
reflect the information in these Lexicons. These discrepencies in the nomenclature started to appear
when correlating from a country to another. There was also a tendency for the eastern side of Qatar
to correlate with Abu Dhabi and the western side of Qatar to do the same with Saudi Arabia/Iraq.
The draft of what would have been the first official stratigraphic lexicon of Qatar in 1959
[Appendix 4, Supplement] had been written by only one man (Walter Sugden) who worked
diligently at it since his arrival in Qatar in 1951. Unfortunately, this first draft was never published,
for reasons explained in the text, until an updated version appeared in 1975; this one incorporating
newly acquired geological knowledge of the subsurface added by A. J. Standring and a detailed
description of the surface formations by Claude Cavelier.
In 1984 QP/Qatar agreed to update some of the Formation names used in the Lexicon as an attempt
to unify the nomenclature country-wide (Hamam, 1984 & Cobb, 1985), however, none of the
updates were ever formally presented to the public and thus in the years following the update,
authors of articles on the geology of Qatar were still using incorrect terminologies.
The problems faced by todays geologists and explorationists in their day-to-day work in Qatar, and
by Qatar Petroleum (QP) as the custodian of all the geological data in the country, are many. On
one side, all post-1975 attempts at unifying the use of formation names had either failed or were
never made public; today, for instance, the onshore and offshore still use slightly different
nomenclatures. Moreover, the 1975 Stratigraphic Lexicon itself remains as of today the only
publicly official reference document on formation names, lithologic composition and formation
correlation within Qatar and with its neighboring countries; it would greatly benefit to be updated
with new information acquired in and out of Qatar since its first appearance.
The 1975 Lexicon was an attempt to unify the formation names. While it was well received by the
oil & gas and scientific communities, there were always some authors who preferred to stick to the
pre-established nomenclature; e.g: using Simsima member instead of Umm Bab member of the
Dammam formation. It is also important to note that the 1975 Lexicon does not discuss the PreKhuff (other than the Wajid just below) and as of today (2015) no formal description of the Pre2
The term Arabian Gulf is used in this publication however, the reader must be aware that earlier authors used the
term Persian Gulf to define the same body of water located between Iran to the northeast and the Arabian Peninsula to
the southwest
Page 8

Khuff formations in Qatar has been made public since most of the data for the Ordovician to
Permian Period has been collected post-1975. Because our knowledge of the Pre-Khuff has
dramatically increased since the first deep well, it is, in our view, time for the Lexicon to be
updated and to include all newly acquired information.3
There is also a very common practice with QPs partners to pick formation tops on slightly different
log and/or lithologic parameters than those used and approved internally within QP; thus creating
havoc when time comes to enter this vital information in databases. We believe that this practice
alone, compounded by the lack of a unique country-wide stratigraphic column scheme, helps at
misinterpreting the stratigraphy of some areas and thus at by-passing potential oil pay.
In addition to stressing upon the issues mentioned above, the present document also wants to
acknowledge publicly the work of so many experts, both Qataris and foreigners, who have played
an important role in our understanding of what lays under our feet, and whos stratigraphic work
would otherwise remain forgotten by history. Unfortunately, information on some authors from the
20th century is very sparse and could not be found to the extent that we wanted. Moreover, other
authors also wrote on broader geographical areas to include all of the Arabian Pensinsula but not
specifically on Qatar. Their broader studies however helped those who dedicated their work to
Qatar. It is with this in mind that we would like to recognize the scientists below and stress that
even though their information is lacking in this research it should not, nonetheless, diminish their
contribution to Qatars stratigraphy:
M. Chatton (Palaeontologist in Dukhan in the late 1940s and early 1950s who
undertook much of the local palaeontological and stratigraphical investigation over a
long period), J.A. Douglas, H.V. Dunnington (who also visited QPC on June 9th 1973),
A.N. Dusenbury, G.F. Elliott, F. Gosling, T.J. Harris, R.G.S. Hudson, D.C. Ion, R.P.S.
Jefferies, A. Keller, D.M. Morton4, and J. Robinson
Stratigraphic work, with an aim at unifying the nomenclature of a country, can no longer be today
the responsibility of one mans work. While Sugden paved the way with his original work in the
1950s, it has been the task of teams of stratigraphers since at least the mid-1960 to define the local
stratigraphy and correlate it with the surrounding countries. Eventhough none of the stratigraphic
work performed after 1975 has been made public, there is today an informal initiative lead by the
Corporate Data Management team within Qatar Petroleum (Chapter 10) to come up with a countrywide unified scheme. We hope that once (or if?) it is approved internally by QP an effort will be
made also to enforce it to all oil companies doing, and wanting to do, business in the country.
Note: For most localities mentioned in the text, please refer to Appendix 2.
The Pre-Khuff section of Qatar is composed of a thick sequence of siliciclastic deposits, which are estimated to be
approximately 7500 feet in thickness. Six wells to date (2012) have penetrated the Pre-Unayzah (Hercynian)
Unconformity in Qatar, with three of these in Dukhan. The most recent well, Jasseseyah-1, tested gas from the Unayzah
and Jauf and has validated a working Pre-Khuff hydrocarbon system in Qatar. The three deepest Pre-Khuff
penetrations in Qatar reached total depths in the Qasim Formation, and demonstrate a stratigraphic succession and
hydrocarbon system comparable to the prolific Paleozoic Hydrocarbon System of Saudi Arabia. The main source rock
of the system is the Early Silurian Qusaiba Shale, which is expected to underlay the entire Qatar Area. The Qusaiba
Shale averages about 750 feet in thickness, with a well-developed hot shale at its base. The two primary Pre-Khuff
reservoir targets are sandstones of the Early Permian-Late Carboniferous Unayzah Formation and the Early Devonian
Jauf Formation. Both reservoir units are very well developed in Qatar, with the Unayzah having up to 300 feet of net
reservoir thickness and the Jauf up to 200 feet of net reservoir. (Wender 2012)
4
Excellent books by Mr. Mortons son (Michael Quentin Morton) on the history of hydrocarbon in the Middle-East are
available commercially.
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SECTION A
The surface geology of the offshore islands
The Honourable James Ashley Maude (Maude, 1817), Captain of his Majesty's ship "Favourite"
made the discovery of eight islands on the 13th , 14th and 15th of July 1816 in the Arabian Gulf
during a cruise for general protection of trade. The islands in question were (as they were spelled in
those days) Dauss, Jaramain, Arzenie, Dalmy, Seer Beni Yass, Danie, Sherarow and Hawlool; the
last two now being within the Qatar borders (spelled Shraouh and Halul today).
Sherarow appears low with two small hummocks on each extremity and off the northern
point at half a mile a small rock projects above water, and a few smaller rocks off some
white sandy bays at the foot of the hummocks, which appear formed of dark metallic
substance: the island is a narrow and about 3 or 4 miles in length: in a north western
direction from the isle, the coast ought to be approached with care as it is very low but
said to be clear of shoals. The channel between Danie and Sherarow is clear of shoals,
but the overfalls are rather sudden; but we had not less than 3.75 fathoms, sand and a
mixture of white coral.
Hawlool appears high in the centre gradually decreasing at each extremity; no trees
and no appearance of vegetation; the water deep close too.
The eight islands discovered (including Halul & Shraouh) appear formed of a metallic
substance of a brownish colour, their base being formed of coral. They are said not to
produce any good fresh water, but by digging wells, I have every reason to imagine
from the appearance of the soil and what I witnessed on the island of Arzenie, the rain
baving formed high banks by the rapidity of its torrents, good water might be procured.
I do not imagine any of these Islands were equal to much cultivation without the aid of
considerable industry, but tbeir situation appears particularly convenient, as they are
placed nearly in the centre of a very extensive pearl fishery on which the finest pearls
in the world are produced, the season for the fishery from April to September; the
extent of the bank is 200 miles in length, East and West and North and South 70 miles.
Following Maudes discovery of these islands, the first systematic survey of the topography of the
Gulf was carried out between 1820 and 1829 by the Officers of the East India Company's Bombay
Marine. In 1821 Lieutenant J. N. Guy surveyed from the Trucial Coast to the tip of the Qatar
peninsula at Ras Rakkan; Captain George Barnes Brucks then continued up to the Shatt al-Arab
(Iraq). The task was completed in 1825 and the results were published in 1829 by Brucks.
Describing briefly the topography of Khor al-Odaid channel, Brucks mentioned Wakra, which was
composed of coral and small rocks and situated about ten miles east of al-Bida. [Rahman,
Halibur (2010)].
The maps (Fig. A-01 & A-02) prepared by Captain George Brucks for the United English East
India Company in 1823 and 1830 respectively show the location of Hawlool. These appear to be
the earliest existing maps on which the island is shown. The 1823 detailed map of the island (Fig.
A-01) was mapped by trigonometric calculation. In his accompanying Memoir Descriptive of the
Page 10

Navigation of the Gulf of Persia, Captain Brucks gave a brief description of the island together
with its latitude and longitude. He reported: It is rather high, and has good anchorage under it in
the prevailing winds. There are some wells, which contain water in the rainy season only. The
wells would have been cisterns, either excavated by fishermen or formed naturally by sinkholes.
(Partly from Gillespie, 2002)
In "The India Directory", a sailing guide compiled by James Horsburgh in 1855, he describes
"Hawlool" as being about a mile in length, of round form, and high in the centre, decreasing
gradually at each extremity. It is destitute of trees, without any appearance of vegetationThe
island appears to be of the same formation as the other islands on the Persian side of the gulf,
being of a brownish colour, with a coral base: they are situated nearly in the middle of an extensive
pearl fishery, which affords perhaps the best pearls in the world; and the season for this fishery is
from April to September. (Gillespie, 2002), which is quite similar to what Maude (1817) had
reported.
Fig. A-01: Lt Guy & Lt Brucks map of Hawlool island (1823) done by trigonimetrical calculations.
( http://www.heritagecharts.com/mapchart.php/381/21/hawlool_island__halul_island__qatar_ )
Page 11
Fig. A-02: Portion of Brucks map (1829) outlining Qatar and its offshore islands (Provided by F. Gillespie)
The successful completion of Brucks survey in 1829 was a remarkable achievement. The survey
included comprehensive information regarding the tribes, towns, villages and resources of the
Arabian shores. However, as incorrect longitudinal information appeared in the survey, Lieutenant
C. G. Constable (son of a distinguished landscape painter) and A. W. Stiffe were employed in 1857
by the Indian Navy as the Surveyor to an Expedition to correct it. They carried out their tasks in
command of the Surveying Brig Euphrates. The revised text was published by the Admiralty as the
first edition of the Persian Gulf Pilot in 1864. The Persian Gulf Pilot was a significant
improvement on the reports of Colebrook and Brucks' on the geographical location of the towns of
Qatar. It referred to some new places, namely, Ras Abu Aboud and Doha. While the former was a
natural harbor with no settlement, the latter was a well-developed town. [Rahman, Halibur (2010)].
Page 12

It is not clear when and where Lieutenant C.G. Constable met with Dr. Henry John Carter of "The
Asiatic Society of Bengal"5 however it turns out that their association would result in the first known
geological description of a part, even though so tiny, of Qatar.
Dr. Henry John Carter (August 18th 1813 May 4th 1895)
Dr. Henry John Carter was one of the most distinguished member,
researcher and writer of "The Asiatic Society of Bengal". He was a
British surgeon working in Bombay, India, with interest in geology and
zoology.
In the Annals of Geology, Dr. Carter's name is mainly associated with
his summary of the Geology of India (1857), however his contribution to
that science also embraces the country between Hyderabad (India) and
the mouth of the Indus (1848), the south-east coast of Arabia (1853 &
1857); the Island of Bombay, India (1857), and Scinde, Western India,
and Beloochistan, Afghanistan (1861).
Fig. A-03 : Henry John Carter
Much admired by Darwin for his research Carter returned to his home town of Budleigh Salterton after
twenty years as a doctor in India. He settled in the family home of The Cottage on Fore Street Hill, better
known today as Umbrella Cottage.
While Carter spent quite some time on the Eastern coast of Arabia (Oman) in the mid 1850s, there
is actually no account of him having ever visited the Arabian Gulf. He is, however, known as the
first scientist to have written, even though very briefly, about the geology of Halul Island. In his
two articles (Carter, 1859 and 1860) he reports on some geological specimens and sketches brought
back by Lieutenant C.G. Constable. Regarding Halul Island, Carter had this to say: the little
island of Hawlool, which is outside the "Great Pearl Bank," 180 feet high, and 45 miles north of the
last mentioned, is again composed of volcanic rock capped with Milliolite.....
From the samples and sketches provided by Lieutenant Constable, Carter also continued with the
description of other islands in the Gulf, such as Hormuz and Bahrain, and even mentioned the
occurrence of naphtha floating on the waters near what is now known as Kuwait. He also makes
some important geological observations for the Gulf area in general which are quite pertinent to the
geology of Qatar and the entrapment of Oil & Gas.
Observation 1: the existence of a volcanic area, including all the islands at the eastern end of the
Gulf and part of the mainland, which is characterized by the presence of trap-diorite and a great
development of rock-salt, gypsum, sulphur, pyrites, specular iron-ore, etc..
Observation 2: When were the volcanic islands of the Gulf raised above the sea? This seems to
be answered by the position of the Miocene formation at the island of Kishm, which, resting upon
these rocks, and being capped with a material which must have been deposited at the bottom of the
sea, proves that the elevation of these islands, or this volcanic out-burst, took place after the
5
When the Asiatick Society was created in 1784 in Calcutta, India, all the thirty European gentlemen who had
assembled accepted its membership and the purpose of its existence which was later written in its first Memorandum of
Articles: "The bounds of investigations will be the geographical limits of Asia, and within these limits its enquiries
will be extended to whatever is performed by man or produced by nature". Throughout its existence the Society
underwent several name changes; its current one (2014) being The Asiatic Society. But by the mid 19th century,
however, it was known as "The Asiatic Society of Bengal".
Page 13

Miocene period, and was the last great convulsive displacement to which the earth, under and
about the Persian Gulf, has been exposed; for there has not been any other subsequent sedimentary
deposit of any consequence raised above, or probably deposited in, the sea of the Persian Gulf
since that period.
While his second observation is not exactly true, his attempt to date the uprising is commendable.
K/Ar age analysis obtained later by Meneisy (1988) revealed a tectono-thermal event which took
place some 33 million years ago, however it is believed that this age (early Oligocene) marks the
end of the upward movement which had probably started during the Cretaceous (Note: Sugden,
1962 proposes the Jurassic as the start of the uprising for the Dukhan field [evidences today
suggest it could even be earlier such as in the Permian], while Abdelmonem Eldougdoug, 1999
establishes the Cretaceous as the most likely period for the start of the uprising in the islands of
Dalma and Sir Bani Yas (Abu DHabi) and the post-Miocene for the latest phase of salt diapirism).
Similarly, with our current knowledge of the onshore Dukhan Field, the Dukhan anticline is
believed to have been developing since, at least, Cretaceous times as there is persistent thickening
of formations of that and younger ages down-flank. The latest phase of growth is at least post
Middle Eocene since Miocene Dam Formation fills synclinal regions of the peninsula, and rests
unconformably on the flank of the Dukhan anticline.
-------Nothing of great significance took place for many years after the above events in relation to the
geology of the offshore islands of Qatar. We need to wait until Pilgrim publishes The Geology of
the Persian and the Adjoining Portions of Persia and Arabia in 1908. It is to Pilgrim that we owe
the term, Hormuz Series, (which would also be known later as Hormuz Complex [Stocklin,
1986] and Hormuz Formation, [Furst, 1990]), to describe these laminated dolomite, andesite and
gypsum & anhydrite series from the Cambrian that outcrop in so many islands of the Gulf and in
southwestern Iran; and the term Fars Series which describes the Miocene rocks from the Fars
Province of Iran and which are partly correlatable to Qatars Dam Formation. In his description of
the Fars Series of Iran he presents a very extensive list of its fossil content, stressing especially on
the echinoids, lamellibranchs, scaphopods and gastropods. Of more recent origin, he also describes
the Miliolite deposits encountered on the shores, or near-present-shores, of most Gulf countries,
including Qatar. These deposits, investigated later by several authors, are interpreted as being of
either dune or beach origins and dating back to the Pleistocene.
Dr. Henry Guy Ellcock Pilgrim (December 24th 1874 September 15th 1943)
Pilgrim, who came of an old Barbadian family, was born at Stepney, Barbados, on December 24, 1874. He
was educated at Harrison College, Barbados, and University College, London (D.Sc, 1908); he was
appointed to the Geological Survey of India in 1902, from which he retired in 1930, having been a
superintendent since 1920. He then became a member of the supernumerary staff of the Department of
Geology, British Museum (Natural History). He was elected a corresponding member of the Palontological
Society of America (1925), a fellow of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (1925), and, very belatedly, a fellow of
the Royal Society (1943). He was president of the Geological Section of the Indian Science Congress in
1925. During the War of 1914-18 he was attached as 2nd lieutenant to the 125th Napiers Rifles, and
received war medals for service in Mesopotamia and Persia, 1916-19. He died on September 15th 1943.
[From: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v152/n3862/abs/152528a0.html ]
In 1908 he published an account of his eight month long expedition to the Arabian Gulf which he
had undertaken few years earlier from November 1904 to June 1905. During this relatively short
period in which he had to arrange for his own land and sea transport, we owe him the first colored
geological map of the countries surrounding the Arabian Gulf (Fig. A-05), especially outlining the
Page 14

areas over the southeast coast of Arabia, southwestern coast of Iran and the islands of Bahrain,
together with fairly detailed descriptions of the geological features observed from several Gulf
islands (including Halul). Unfortunately, his map, which was drawn as much from his own
observations as it was from the compilation of some of his most well-known predecessors work,
including Carter, bypasses completely mainland Qatar.
Of Halul, he made the following description:
The island of Halul lies about 70 miles due north of Daiyinah island and is separated from the
southern group of islands, of which Daiyinah is a member, by a considerable distance. Its size is
about 1.5 miles long by 0.75 mile broad.
On the south-eastern side, near the anchorage, are cliffs of sub-recent shelly concrete some 15 or
20 feet high, and these are found again in places on the western side of the island; with this
exception, however, the only formation represented throughout it is the Hormuz series. In this
ordinary sedimentaries are well developed to an extent that I have not elsewhere seen in this series.
Outcrops of grey flaky limestone are everywhere common, interbedded with thick deposits of
reddish gypsum and red tufaceous earth. I saw some fairly large and workable beds of red ochre. I
found no salt or sulphur here, but specular-iron-ore, and very pure calcite crystals abound in
places. On the western side, which is very rocky, fine sections of all these beds are exposed on the
sea-shore. There is a greyish trachyte which has beautiful green crystals of epidote and gypsum
mixed, developed in the joint planes. The dip of all these beds is very high as invariably seems to be
the case with this series, though the direction of dip varies considerably. I found a small outcrop of
more massive limestone, and also patches of black limestone. All alike were, however, absolutely
unfossiliferous.
Pilgrim also defines the name Bahrain Series to the succession of Middle and Lower Eocene
rocks which outcrop on Bahrain Islands. The name was also adopted in Qatar and redefined, in
1940, to describe the total Middle Eocene to base Paleocene succession encountered on the surface
and in wells. It was then later confined to the surface-outcropping Eocene formations, comparable
to the original section in Bahrain. The name became obsolete in 1954 when the name Hasa Group
was adopted to describe the combined Dammam, Rus, and Umm er Radhuma Formations.
The country of Bahrain was visited extensively by Pilgrim and since the Eocene formations that
outcrop there are the same as those found in Qatar, we find it pertinent to mention few words about
his findings.
The below diagrammatic section (Fig. A-04) shows the arrangement of the Eocene beds of the
island as drawn by Pilgrim. A thickness of some 500 feet is exposed; but neither the top nor the
bottom of the series is seen.
Fig. A-04: Diagrammatic Section from north to south through Bahrain (Pilgrim, 1908)
He then proceeds by making the first geological description of what was to become later the Rus
and Dammam Formations which are very well defined in Qatar (Table A-01);
Page 15
Fig. A-05: Geological sketch map of the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman with adjoining portions of Persia and Arabia (Pilgrim, 1908)
Page 16
Pilgrims description
Hard pale coloured limestone containing numerous
flints
2 Hard pale coloured limestone without flints, sometimes
containing a few foraminifera and echinoids
3 White limestone containing foraminifera in plenty,
weathering with a peculiar frosted appearance
4 A yellowish layer with thin bands of biscuit shale,
sometimes sandy, abounding in shells, especially
Ostrea elegans var. exogyroides and sharks teeth, no
foraminifera.
5 A soft chalk-like limestone of a dazzling whiteness, in
parts clayey, in parts with calcareous nodules,
containing nodules of ironstones. There are a few
darker sandy layers intercalated and one 6-inch band of
smooth unctuous shale
Table A-01: Geological description of what was to
1
become later the Rus and Dammam Formations,

Bahrain. (Pilgrim, 1908)
Equivalent Modern Member

or Formation name in Qatar
??
Thickness
(ft)
12
Umm Bab Member of the

Dammam Formation
Dukhan Member of the
Dammam Formation
Midra shale of the Dammam
Formation
Rus Formation
9
18
0.5 to 2
40
TOTAL
81
In addition to the above, he also described at a locality across the plain to Djebel Dukhan (Bahrain),
about 2.4 kms away from the cliffs, a soft sandy marl containing abundant quartz geodes. This is
assumed to be part of the Rus Formation since the same geodes occur in this formation in Qatar.
The geodes in Bahrain, however, are mostly known to contain oil (Figs. A-07 & A-08) while in few
instances the oil has dried up. This phenomenon has never been observed in Qatar even though
Cavelier (1970) made a reference to a location near Simsima with geodes containing oil. A
conversation with Dr. Cavelier in 2014 revealed that only one such geode had been found after
breaking opened several hundreds of them. While investigating the location of Simsima, the
present author could only find geodes containing dried up recent organic material.
Using all the above information, Pilgrim then drew the first known geological sketch map of
Bahrain (Fig. A-06)
Page 17
Fig. A-06: Geological sketch map of the Bahrain islands, Arabian Gulf (Pilgrim, 1908)
Pilgrim did a remarkable work in such a short period to explore the Arabian Gulf and in the
conditions he describes. His observations of the land and geology of many Gulf countries would
become the basis that many scientists who were to follow him would use in their own studies.
However, because the science of geology was still at an early stage back then, some of his opinions
on certain topics such as the formation of gypsum and the origin of oil are not to be taken seriously.
He wrongly suggested that the gypsum is of volcanic origin - effusion of sulphurous fumes (pages
33, 132) and completely disregards the possibility of it forming in a drying sea (sabkha). He also
associates the formation of petroleum in the Gulf to volcanic activities (pages 145-146).
Page 18
Fig. A-07: Quartz geode with liquid oil

Fig. A-08: Quartz geode with dried oil
There are oil wells near where the geodes were found but there was no oil residue on the exterior of the
geodes nor any evidence of oil anywhere near where the geodes were found. The viscosity of the oil that is
found in the geodes varies from tar to that of the oil you would drain from your car during an oil change.
In some cases the oil is completely dry. Although many geodes were found containing oil, they were not all
from the same area. The desert is littered with geodes resting on the surface. Many are just below the
surface but no attempt was made to dig them out. (2013 Personal communication, Steve Craycraft)
-------A visit by British mineral prospectors to Halul Island was made in July 1909. Iron oxide deposits
were discovered in varying quantities, but often powdery and mixed with stones and mud.
Evidently it was not considered worthwhile to proceed with the removal of the mineral from the
island. (Gillespie, 2002)
The next known/published record on the geology of Halul Island and the other offshore islands is
somewhat much later. We have to wait until 1967, then 1970, 1988, 2004 and 2008 to obtain a
more accurate description of the units. It is also known that Qatar Petroleum keeps updating the
surface geological map of Halul; its first version was presented to the public during a GIS
conference in 2011 in Doha.
Until the middle of the 20th Century, the island was used as a shelter by fishermen during storms.
Sailors and pearl divers also used the island as a resting station during their long voyages in the
Gulf collecting pearls. In the mid-1950s, with the drastic increase in oil exploration and production
in territorial waters around Halul the importance of the island increased and attention was given to
its usage as a loading terminal for vessels transporting tools and equipment needed for exploration
and drilling operations.
In the early 1960s the importance of Halul Island further increased with the start of oil production
from offshore oilfields in Qatar territorial waters close to the island. Eventually, Halul became a
loading terminal for crude production from those fields with the preliminary infrastructure
developed between 1964 and 1966 ( www.qp.com.qa ), once the sovereignty over the island had
been settled diplomatically (February 1962.6 ) after several years of negotiation between Qatar and
Abu Dhabi.
In 1869 a buoy from the harbour of Basra, at the northern end of the Gulf, got adrift and was eventually thrown up on
the shoreline of Halul island. An assistant to the British Political Resident in the Gulf wrote to the ruling sheikh of Abu
Dhabi, asking for assistance with its retrieval. From this date onwards the British had regarded the ruler of Abu Dhabi
as overlord of the island. (Gillespie, 2002).
Page 19

In its description of Qatars offshore fields, Dominguez (1965) states that the main outcropping
rocks near the offshore fields consist of Hormuz-type volcanics (partly rhyolites) and dolomites.
Volcanic tuff has also been observed within the cap rocks mlange. The occurrence of these
volcanic rocks, in association with Hormuz sedimentary rocks, led future authors (read on) to
believe that a considerable amount of volcanic activity took place more or less simultaneously with
the deposition of the salt, to which a pre-middle Cambrian age has been assigned.
During the years 1964-1966, some general geological studies were undertaken by S.C.Q. (Shell
Company) such as the one by McClelland Engineers (1964). The main results of these studies were
the construction of the first geological map for the island, scale 1:10,000 (Fig. A-09) and a general
description of the main rock units present (Nicol, 1967).
Geologically Halul represents a small surface piercement salt dome of extremely
complicated tectonics. The size and shape of the dome in the subsurface are still
unknown, but the evidence suggests it to be slightly elongated in a north-south
direction. Four different rock types are exposed:
1) Contorted grey platy, in part dolomitic limestones and dolomites.
2) Gypsum partly in perfect crystals, and red anhydrites.
3) Volcanic rocks consisting of light green amygdaloidal diabase, situated in the
northern part and hematitic tuffaceous layers in the south.
4) Highly fossiliferous beach deposits, consisting of fossil hash and reworked
pebbles, cobbles and boulders of platy dolomite and diabase, embedded in
cemented lime grainstone.
Rock types 1 3 belong to the halokinetic suite. They are highly contorted into
wedges and by litho-comparison with the Hormuz series, they are thought to be of
Middle Cambrian age.
In contrast the beach deposits, overlying the Hormuz Series by a clear angular
unconformity are, of very young age. They form elevated beaches above the
present sea level, they are often slightly tilted and are found at different heights
above the present sea level. The highest recorded beach remnant was found east
of the highest point, at about 35 m. above sea.
It was also concluded, through analysis of rock samples, that the age of the elevated beaches were
about 40,000 years old and while the ages of the samples from the oldest rock unit were
inconclusive. They were assumed, as they are still today, to be of Middle Cambrian age.
Page 20
Fig. A-09: First geological map of Halul Island, scale 1:10,000 (Nicol, 1967)
Later, Cavelier (1970b) in his Geological survey and mineral substances exploration in Qatar
gave a fairly detailed account of the geology of the offshore islands (Halul, Shraouh, and Ishat). A
brief summary is given below:
Page 21
Halul [Cavelier (1970b)]

Halul island (Figs. A-10 & A-15), located about 90 km east of Khor, covers 1.48 km2. Its relief
is comparatively marked and reaches its highest point at 52.8 m (light-house hill). The Shell
Qatar plants occupy the south-east part of the island, which has been inhabited permanently
since 1965.
The Quaternary deposits of the island, though comparatively restricted in extension, consist
essentially of the marine calcareous sands of the beaches (SE and W of the island), more or less
spread out by the wind towards the SW where the sandy surface is uneven due to numerous
hillocks.
Sometimes, raised marine limestones may be observed in the south-east of the Government
Reserve, where elements of reef origin are quite abundant, and to the west where they are
observed as thin and discontinuous layers up to more than 10 m above present sea-level and
essentially belong to the pseudoolitic type limestones.
Yellow brown gypseous deposits, of surficial type, occur locally on the hill terraces or slight
slopes. A sample analysis revealed a CaSO4 content amounting to 53.60 %.
In addition to the surficial Quaternary deposits, the island structure consists of varied rocks
assigned to the Hormuz Formation, which outcrop in a number of small cliffs around the island.
They are difficult to study in the island itself where surface weathering, scree and Quaternary
deposits frequently mask the rocks in situ and their relationships.
The deposits of the Hormuz Formation are highly disordered, cut by faults and fractures, with
numerous breccia and breccia fill, the dips of the hard beds (dolomites) vary but are generally
quite steep and near to vertical. The rocks are mainly of sedimentary origin, but also, numerous
volcanic intrusions of andesitic types as well as localized deposits of hydrothermal origin may
be observed.
Fig. A-10: Halul Island with its current oil related installations. (from QPs 2011/12 Annual Reports)
Page 22

II
Shraouh [Cavelier (1970b)]

The island of Shraouh, some 63 km east of the Ras A1 Alaj (N of Umm Said), extends over
about 1 km2, with an elongated shape; on the whole low-lying it shows a few rock outcrops, the
highest of which reaches some 12 m above sea-level. It is not inhabited but harbours numerous
birds.
No former geological description is known. The main part of the island is overlain by
Quaternary marine calcareous sands, reworked by the wind and forming locally small dunes.
At both ends, and in its central part, the island displays some relief due to the outcrops of the
Hormuz Formation, essentially made up here by dipping beds of carbonate rocks, less fractured
than in Halul. The breccia deposits, joint infill and evaporites are of minor importance as are
the rhyolite-type volcanics. In the north-east, a fair iron mineralization (hematite) was
discovered in carbonate rocks at sea-level, probably related to the rhyolitic intrusions.
III Ishat islets [Cavelier (1970b)]

These islets, 17 km E-ESE of the Umm Said oil terminal jetty are about 10 km distant from the
eastern coast of Qatar. They are shown on sheet no. 3 of the 1/100 000 map. Very low, they
hardly reach 8 m above sea-level. The area of the main island does not exceed 7 or 8 hectares.
In addition to the marine calcareous sands of the beaches, they consist of horizontal sediments
of Miocene age.
The thickest section was surveyed and sampled. From top to bottom (Table A-02):
Dolomitic (?) clayey limestone, whitish with yellow lineation, rather soft,
compact, as 0.01 to 0.08 m-thick narrow beds ; no fossils observed; slight
reaction with HCl (15 %)
Yellowish white clayey limestone, rather compact, including calcareous
lumps and pebbles of various sizes some of which are fossiliferous
L2
(Cardium), from underlying beds ; no fossils observed in the clayey
limestone; strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
White clayey vesicular limestone, quite soft, with some pebbles and
L 3 numerous Mollusc casts edged by iron oxides Pelecypods, Gastropods with
small Cerithidae ; moderate reaction with HCl (15 %)
L 4 Yellowish marl; strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
L 5 Fossiliferous yellowish marl ; light reaction with HCl (15 %)
Clayey limestone, yellowish grey, slightly greenish, compact with brownish
L6
limestone nodules ; scarce fossils (Cardium); strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
Brownish dolomitic (?) limestone, rather compact, quite fossiliferous :
L 7 numerous Cardium associated with small Pelecypods and few Gastropods ;
light reaction with HCl (15 %)
Whitish dolomitic (?) limestone fine grained hard, granular several Cardium
L8
casts ; slight reaction with HCl (15 %)
Greyish white dolomitic (?) limestone, thinly bedded; no fossils observed ;
L9
slight reaction with HCl (15 %)
L 10 Clayey limestone, whitish slightly yellowish, soft, granular, of nodular aspect;
L1
0.35 m
About
0.50 m
From
0.15 to
0.20 m
0.10 m
Not
mentioned
1.10 m
From
0.25 to
0.30 m
0.05 m
0.05 m
Max.
Page 23

numerous small fossil fragments ; quite strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
L 11
Dolomitic (?) limestone, lenses, comparable to L 9 ; Pelecypods casts,

including Cardium on upper face ; slight reaction with HCl (15%)
Whitish clayey limestone, granular, compact, of uneven hardness resulting in

a jagged aspect when weathered, fossiliferous : Molluscs casts, essentially
L 12
Pelecypods with Cardium; four samples a, b, c, d, from top to bottom; strong
Hard whitish limestone, with fine mass : rare casts of Cardium ; moderate
L 13
Limestone pinkish-white, edged with yellow in the cracks, as slabs, quite
L 14 hard, with conchoidal fractures, splintery breakage, algae casts in the upper
part ; strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
Yellowish grey calcareous (?) dolomite (L 15a), quite hard with several
Pelecypod casts including Cardium ; very slight reaction with HCl (15%) ;
L 15
grading laterally into soft whitish clayey limestone (L 15b) ; strong reaction
with HCl (15%)
Yellowish limestone, crystalline, granular, strongly perforated to vesicular,
L 16
compact, hard ; moderate reaction with HCl (15 %)
Yellowish limestone, rather soft, numerous casts of Pelecypods including
L 17
Cardium ; strong reaction with HCl (15%)
White clayey limestone, rather soft, compact, fossiliferous (Pelecypods),
L 18
forming the last accessible layer; strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
Table A-02: Stratigraphy of Ishat islets
0.15 m
From 0
to
0.02 m
2.30 m
0.15 m
0.07 m
0.15 m
1.05 m
0.70 m
Not
mentioned
The accurate dating of the series encountered in Ishat is not directly possible, as no typical
fossil was found. The whole unit seems to correspond to old calcareous muds deposited in a
quite shallow (abundance of Pelecypods and particularly Cardium) marine environment.
Owing to the evolutive conditions of sediments, a pre-Miocene age must be excluded; these
deposits may be compared to those of the hillocks encountered to the south of the Niqian Qatar,
the Miocene age of which seems to be established with regard to the Djebel al Odeid. A
detailed study of this massif would probably allow the Ishat deposits to be correlated with the
Miocene series ; however, Djebel al Odeid lies in Abu Dhabi [now reported to be within Qatar
even though it was within Saudi Arabia for a long time] territory and was not surveyed. As a
first estimate, owing to their marine nature, the deposits of Ishat were related on the map to the
Lower Dam Formation.
-------Seltrust (1979) was hired in 1977 to ....undertake a programme of geological and geophysical
work, both ground based and airborne...designed to achieve a qualitative, quantitative and economic
assessment and to determine the development potential of the mineral occurrences and to determine
the reserves of the mineral occurrences in Qatar considered by mutual agreement between the
Industrial Development Technical Centre (IDTC), the employer, and Seltrust to have forseeable
commercial development potential.
The research resulted in nine (9) volumes which detailed all possible mineral occurrences in the
country, including on Halul island. The geological map of Halul surveyed by Seltrust is shown in
fig. A-11. The only mineral occurrences that were outlined as having possible commercial value
were gypsum and haematite, the latter with its derived red ochres. The gypsurn mainly occurs either
Page 24

in the higher central area of the island as a localised crust with solution cavities draping the Hormuz
limestone, or as more isolated occurrences in other parts of Halul. Also red, haematite-stained,
crystalline, and massive gypsum occurs in the north, west, and southwest. It appears to possibly
have some positional relationship with the andesite in the north, particularly where it occurs in
cliffs.
Fig.A11:GeologicalmapofHalulisland(Seltrust,1979).QPinstallationswereremovedfromtheoriginal
Page 25

Meneisy (1988) revisited the 1967 study by Nicol and concluded the following with regards to the
age of the uplift at Halul island:
It is known that the salt movements, especially to the east of Qatar, in the eastern
salt basin, have been intermittent since at least the late Paleozoic. Surface
geology on Halul Island and bathymetric surveys over the Bul Hanine structure
suggest that salt movements are still active (Schlumberger, 1981). The
consistency of the results obtained suggests that they reflect a main thermal event
which took place in association with salt movement around 33 million years ago.
However, in view of the possibility of some argon loss, these ages are considered
as potentially low ages and thus end Eocene-early Oligocene age for that tectonothermal event is indicated. This period coincides with the period of uplift which
affected the whole of Qatar at that time.
-------Sadooni (2004) proposes a model to explain the presence of relatively undisturbed large slabs of the
Hormuz, and the lack of inclusions of any rock materials from the penetrated overlying rocks. It is
suggested that whereas the competent overlying rocks are broken and laterally displaced by the salt,
the mobile Hormuz suite rocks were transported upward between two pillows of salt.
Nasir (2008) attempts to determine a depositional model for a part of the rocks of the Hormuz
Series. A paleosabkha model may well agree with the chemical signature; however, the InfraCambrian age of the Hormuz rocks and the presence of stromatolitic layers containing organic
materials in the studied rocks, suggest that organogenic dolomitization could be an alternative
dolomitization model.
Sadooni (2004) and Nasir (2008) are the first to present a stratigraphic column of Halul (Figs. A-12
& A-13) and a geological map of Shraouh Island (Fig. A-14 & A-16)
Fig. A-12: Lithologic Section of Halul Island Fig. A-13: Stratigraphic Section of Halul Island
(Sadooni et al, 2004)
(Nasir, 2008)
Page 26
Fig. A-14: Geological map of Shraouh Island (Nasir, 2008)
Fig. A-15: Geological map of Halul Island Fig. A-16: Geological map of Shraouh Island (Sadooni,
(Sadooni, 2004).
2004)
The volcanic rocks of Halul and Shraouh islands are the only rocks of igneous origin known to be exposed in
Qatar. They are also the oldest.
Page 27

Other Gulf islands outside Qatar (Abdelmonem Eldougdoug et al., 1999)
The stratigraphy of the Hormuz Formation (HF) has been compiled from the study of different
blocks carried up by the evaporites in many of the salt plugs in the Arabian Gulf (Fig. A-17). From
the study of HF of Cachin salt plug (on land) and Larak Island in Iran, HF can be divided into five
units from the youngest to the oldest (Table A-03) :H5
H4
H3
H2
H1
Rhyolite to rhyodacite lavas. (youngest)

Dolomites, limestones, gypsum and anhydrite sandstones, siltstones, rhyolite tuffs, and basalt.
Red siltstones, siltstones, and red shales.
Dolomites
Impure salt with anhydrite. (oldest)
Table A-03: Subdivision of the Hormuz Formation (HF)

Based on stratigraphic studies, the salt started to move as early as Cretaceous and several plugs
reached the surface during that period. Others reached the surface in the Eocene, Oligocene,
Miocene, and later periods.
Detailed stratigraphic study of the larger blocks, brought to the surface by the upward movement of
the salt indicates that the Hormuz sedimentary rocks were originally multicyclic, dominated by
evaporites with several salt units between dolomites and also with intercalated thick clastic beds.
A dozen salt plugs are known in the United Arab Emirates, where some reached the surface and are
located offshore, e.g. Das, Sir Bani Yas, and Dalma Islands, whereas others are exposed on land
e.g. Gebel Dhana. Still others are unbreached salt plugs, e.g. the turtle structure of Mandous and
Hair Dalma.
The total surface area of the Dalma island (Fig. A-18) is about 33 km2 , and nearly about 55% of
its area is occupied by HF. Elevations within the island are variable. The northern part is the
highest and attains an elevation of about 95 m. The rocks of HF occupy the central part of the
island and are surrounded by Tertiary and Quaternary rocks. Pleistocene and Miocene rocks are
recorded on the northwestern corner of the island. The Miocene rocks (limestone and sandstone) are
tilted along their contact with the salt plug, but the Pleistocene rocks (calcareous sandstone) are
nearly horizontal. These stratigraphic relations point to a post-Miocene age for the latest phase of
intrusion of the plug. The coastal areas are made up of Holocene rocks and sediments (fluviatile
deposits, beach sands, and reefs).
Generally, the HF in Dalma island can be divided into (Table A-04):
1
2
Multicoloured gypsiferrous sandstones and conglomerates, and

Sedimentary and volcanic blocks.
Table A-04: Subdivision of the Hormuz Formation (HF) in Dalma Island

The total surface area of Sir Bani Yas island (Fig. A-19) is about 75 km2. The island is nearly
circular with a diameter of 8 km. Hormuz salt plug is rather central to the island and constitutes
about 25% of the total area. Elevations are gradual and reach 148 m at the southeast corner of the
salt plug. The Hormuz Formation is surrounded by a circular pattern of Miocene rocks which, in
turn, are followed by Pleistocene calcareous sandstone and Holocene fluviatile deposits, beach
sands, and reefs. The salt plug incorporates a great variety of sedimentary and volcanic blocks.
The sedimentary types are mainly rock salt, gypsum/anhydrite, black limestone interbedded with
gypsum/anhydrite, red and brown hematitic sandstones and siltstones. Volcanic rocks are highly
Page 28

altered diabase which is traversed by specular hematite veinlets, tuffs, and rhyolite. These
sedimentary and volcanic rocks (similar to Dalma island) form summits of the numerous conical
hills present at the central part of the island.
Near Gebel El Malh (salt) at the center of the island, where a large block of the sedimentary rocks
occupies the summit of the mountain, the following stratigraphic relations, which correspond to H1
and H3 described above, were observed (Table A-05):
Top
Base
Black laminated limestone (finely interbedded with gypsum/anhydrite)

Red and brown sandstone and siltstone.
Impure salt
Table A-05: Stratigraphic relation of the Hormuz Formation (HF) in Sir Bani Yas Island
The Miocene rocks surrounding the plug are gently dipping in all directions. The Pleistocene rocks
around and within the plug are nearly horizontal. Some Pleistocene rocks (within the salt plug) are
disturbed and occupy different elevations with different dips. Their collapse may be due to solution
and leaching of the underlying evaporites. Sinkholes (few meters deep) are common. Field evidence
suggest that salt piercement is post-Miocene.
Fig. A-17: Distribution of Hormuz salt plugs in Arabian Gulf. 1: Dalma, 2: Sir Bani Yas. 3: Gebel Dhana
Page 29
Fig. A-18: Geological map of Dalma island
Fig. A-19: Geological map of Sir Bani Yas island
Page 30
SECTION B: Onshore & Offshore (excluding the islands)

Chapter 1: Pre-1920s
William Gifford Palgrave (18261888). (Freeth, 1978)
William Gifford Palgrave was an Arabic scholar, born at
Westminster, England. He was the son of Sir Francis Palgrave, K.H.
and Elizabeth Turner.
He was educated at the Charterhouse School, then occupying its
original site near Smithfield, and under the head-mastership of Dr.
Saunders, afterwards Dean of Peterborough. Among other honours
he won the school gold medal for classical verse, and proceeded to
Trinity College, Oxford, where he obtained a scholarship, graduating
First Class Lit. Hum., Second Class Math., 1846.
He went straight from college to India, and served for a time in the
8th (The King's) Regiment of Foot, Bombay Native Infantry, H.I.C.
Shortly after this he became a Roman Catholic, was ordained a
priest, and joined the order of the Jesuits, (Society of Jesus), and
served as a member of the order in India, Rome, and in Syria, where
Fig. B1-01: Palgrave (1868)
he acquired a colloquial command of Arabic.
He convinced his superiors to support a mission to the interior of Arabia, which at that time was terra
incognita to the rest of the world. He also gained the support of the French emperor, Napoleon III,
representing to him that better knowledge of Arabia would benefit French imperialistic schemes in Africa
and the Middle East.
Palgrave then returned to Syria, where he assumed the identity of a travelling Syrian physician. Stocking his
bags with medicines and small trade goods, and accompanied by one servant, he set off for Najd, in northcentral Arabia. He traveled as a Muslim, since to do otherwise would likely have meant death at the hands of
angry tribesmen. Hence any service he would do for the Society of Jesus and the French empire would be as
a spy, not a missionary.
After travelling for a year from Syria, through Najd, and on to Bahrain, Qatar and Oman (Fig. B1-02), he
returned to Europe, where he wrote a narrative of his travels (Palgrave, 1865). This narrative became a
bestseller and has been reprinted many times.
After writing this book, Palgrave made yet another volte-face and renounced the Catholic Church in 1865.
He then entered the British Foreign Office and was appointed consul at Sukhum-Kale (Sukhumi) in 1866,
and moved to Trebizond (Trabzon) in 1867. In 1868 he married Katherine, the daughter of George Edward
Simpson, of Norwich, by whom he had three sons. He was appointed consul at St. Thomas and St. Croix in
1873, Manila in 1876, and in 1878 in Bulgaria, where he was appointed Consul-General. In 1879 he was
moved to Bangkok. In 1884 he was appointed Minister Resident and Consul-General to Uruguay, where he
served until his death in 1888.
In academic circles his book never received the acclaim which it deserves. In England, scholars
were avid for precise geographical information and scientific facts, and expected any traveler in
Page 31

unmapped regions to return with exact observations on terrain, and, more important still, with
carefully-noted place-names checked by compass bearings. Palgrave was not by nature a scientist.
He was the imaginative poetic observer, more interested in spectacular views than in compass
bearings, and more readily involved with men and their cities than with watersheds, continental
drainage and rock types. While in Qatar, he visited and described the towns of Bida, Doha and
Wakrah, and reported very little scientific (and no stratigraphic) information while passing through
the country during his eight days in transit before continuing to Oman. He did, however, pen down
the following topographical, meteorological and hydrological details which are still worth noting:
Next day we had to endure foul wind and drizzling rain with nothing to shelter us,
while we slowly worked our way up under Ras Rekan, the northernmost cape of the
Katar promontory; a somewhat bold headland girt with cliffs thirty or forty feet high;
we were long in getting round it... By the morning of the 28th [of January] we had
fairly rounded Rekan, and drove southwards before the gale for Bedaa. The line of coast
was all along steep, but of inconsiderable height; five or six villages, the abodes of
fishermen, intervene between the cape and Bedaa, opposite which we arrived towards
evening.
To have an idea of Katar, my readers must figure to themselves miles on miles of low
barren hills, bleak and sun-scorched, with hardly a single tree to vary their dry
monotonous outline: below these a muddy beach extends for a quarter of a mile
seawards in slimy quicksands, bordered by a rim of sludge and seaweed. If we look
landwards beyond the hills, we see what by extreme courtesy may be called pasture
land, dreary downs with twenty pebbles for every blade of grass..
The climate of Katar is remarkably dry; under the arid breath of the encroaching
desert, the sea-air only a few miles inland seems to lose all trace of humidity. The soil is
poor, gravel and marl mixed with sand; occasional springs of water supply wells
laboriously pierced through the encrusted upper strata..
Page 32
Fig. B1-02: Itinerary followed by Palgrave during his 1862-63 travels through Arabia. ( www.wikipedia.org )
Page 33

Nothing really happened on the ground in Qatar from the time Palgrave published his book in 1865
and Pilgrim completed his report in 1908. During the first decade of the 20th century, hydrocarbon
exploration in the Middle East was concentrated mainly in Iran (or Persia as it was known then)
with the successful discovery of oil in 1908 (see Appendix 1). World War I also put an end to any
attempt at exploring the Arabian Peninsula during the second decade. Qatar had to wait until the
Anglo-Persian Oil Co. Ltd sent its Principal Geologist, Dr. G. M. Lees to do some field
reconnaissance in the country in 1926.
Dr. G. M. Lees (April 16th 1898 January 25th 1955). (Arkell, 1955)
George Martin Lees was a British soldier, geologist and leading
authority on the geology of the Middle East. Lees was born at
Dundalk (Ireland) to George Murray Lees, a Scottish civil engineer,
and his wife Mary Martin. From 1906 he was educated at St. Andrew's
College before moving to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich in
1915 to train for the First World War in which he served in the Middle
East. Lees returned to England in 1921, and handed in his resignation.
Following studies at the Royal School of Mines, he joined the AngloPersian Oil Company as an Assistant Geologist, despite having no
formal qualifications, and returned to the Middle East in 1922. From
1922 to 1928, he was assigned to various projects in Iran, Oman,
Bahrain and Qatar. From 1928 to 1930, Lees examined the company
organization and oil prospects in Germany, Canada, Egypt and the
United States, as well as surveying fields in Kermanshah and Iraqi
Kurdistan. On November 1st 1930, at the age of 32, he was appointed
Chief Geologist of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. During the 1930s,
although the international spread of exploration was reduced, he was
Fig. B2-01: Dr. G.M. Lees
responsible for mapping the company's entire concessionary area and
2
selecting the most promising 260,000 km in accordance with the concession agreement of 1933. It was the
earliest comprehensive survey of Persia, and the foundation of all subsequent knowledge. One aspect of this
work was the increasing use of geophysicists, which Lees welcomed, but it caused some friction between
traditional geologists and modern geophysicists. Lees' health suffered with the demands of all his activities,
and he retired in 1953. Although he had apparently recovered, he died on January 25th 1955.
In 1925, the Colonial Office approved Anglo Persian Company's application to survey the peninsula
and the way was clear for the first geologists to visit. The survey party was led by geologist George
Lees with Haji Williamson as guide (Figs. B2-02 & B2-03). Captain Smith from the British-Indian
Army joined them. Lees chartered a thirty-five ton motor launch and set sail from Bahrain on 1st
March 1926. Before reaching Doha, however, bad weather and rough seas forced them to seek
shelter for the night in a small cave near Fuwairat on the north-eastern coast of Qatar. As the sun
rose next morning, Lees went for a walk along the jagged shore. Seeing something black and shiny
in the bright sunlight, he stopped to pick it up, turning it over in his hands. It was a piece of bitumen
washed up by the sea, probably the result of submarine eruptions of oil (Morton, 2010a).
Page 34
Fig. B2-02: William Richard "Haji" Williamson was an

important member of exploration parties in several parts
of the Arabian Peninsula. He had spent many years in the
region, was well acquainted with the shaikhs everywhere,
and could move freely in territories which would
normally be closed to Europeans. www.qp.com.qa
Fig. B2-03: William Richard "Haji"

Williamson.
(Haji Abdullah Fadhil)
(1872 1958)
http://www.haji-williamson.com/profile.php
Leess party left Doha on March 5th 1926

accompanied by Sheikh Ali (Fig. B2-05), the
eldest son of Sheikh Abdulla (Fig. B2-06),
and reached the Sheikh's camp on the
following day. It is situated about 16 kms
South of Nasraniya and 50 kms W.S.W. of
Doha. The following day he went about 16
kms further westward, until he was within
sight of the sea coast. Owing to the presence
of some fanatical tribes (Fig. B2-04), the
Sheikh would not allow him to proceed
further in this direction. From the point
which he reached he could see that the
ground fell away to a flat coastal plain so
that from a geological point of view the
traverse may be regarded as quite
satisfactory. Had he only conducted a
traverse directly west from Doha he would
certainly have been more optimistic in his
report. (Morton, 2010a).
Fig. B2-04: Land boundary disputes between
Saudi Arabia and Qatar over the years. (Al-Thani,
1992)
Page 35
Fig. B2-05: Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah al-Thani

(Al-Othman, 1984)
Fig. B2-06: Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassem al-Thani

(Al-Othman, 1984)
His geological report can be summarized as follows (Lees, 1926-03-21):

Qatar peninsula consists of a very gentle fold in Eocene rocks probably
corresponding in age to the rocks exposed in Bahrain. The nummulites which I
have collected will establish the exact age but I expect they will prove to be
Middle Eocene. The ground rises almost imperceptibly to just 300 ft. in the centre
of the peninsula. Good exposures where dips could be measured are very scarce
but the average dip in either direction from the centre cannot be more than 1 to 2
degrees. No oil indications of any sort were found. Unfortunately owing to
storms I was unable to visit the islands where additional evidence may be
obtainable. The structure at Qatar is very poor and a petroliferous development
in the underlying Cretaceous rocks is extremely doubtful. If, however, Bahrain be
drilled and proved successful, similar conditions may be obtained at Qatar.
I have just received from the Chief Geologist a copy of Dr. Heims7 Geological
Report on Kuwait, Hasa and Bahrain. His conclusions are very definite. Kuwait
and Hasa have no prospects and a test at Bahrain would be a pure gamble and is
7
In 1923, Ibn Saud, the first Monarch of Saudi Arabia, awarded a concession to Major Frank Holmes (later nicknamed
Abu Naft or Father of Petroleum for having played a large role in the discovery of oil in Bahrain and Kuwait) to
explore for oil in the eastern Al-Hasa region. The Eastern and General Syndicate, whose agent was Holmes, thus began
its ill-equipped exploration in a very remote region. They hired a Swiss geologist Arnold Albert Heim who visited
Arabia in 1924, and two years later, submitted a report to the effect that drilling in the region would be "pure gamble."
Page 36

not recommended. If the Eastern and General Syndicate decide to drill at
Bahrain they must reason that as we competed for the concession we must have
favourable evidence from the Persian side which was not available to Dr. Heim.
After conducting this short reconnaissance, Lees main goal was to convince Sheik Abdullah to
provide him with an undertaking not to negotiate with any other Company for a period of two years
during which time his Principals might arrange terms for a formal concession. He decided to give
the Sheikh some presents which included two pairs of binoculars, some abbas, pieces of
embroidered cloth and a gold hilted sword, and a dagger to Sheikh Ali as a present to thank the two
for their great hospitality. At the beginning, Sheikh Abdullah was very opposed to giving any such
undertaking involving a time limit, however, he eventually agreed to a period of eighteen months,
adding that this grant would not include the drilling of water wells nor could he prevent any other
party from examining his territory.
It appears that Lees took this option on his own initiative, without any such instruction from the
company; presumably no payment was made for these rights except for the mentioned gifts.
After his trip to Qatar, Lees continued on to Oman where he completed the work of Pilgrim. In his
Oman report he presents a coloured geological map of East & South-East Arabia, including an
attempt at displaying the geology of Bahrain and Qatar Fig. B2-07.
Fig. B2-07: Geological map of part of South-East Arabia on the scale of 48 miles to the inch, or 1 :
3,041,280. (Lees, 1928b)
Page 37

The lack of activities in Qatar during the 1920s would certainly be compensated in the 1930s by
the slew of newcomers to the local scene and the increasing presence of one foreign company with
hope of striking it big. The first geological and topographical mapping of Qatar & the Dukhan
anticline together with the drilling of its first oil well would characterize this decade.
Bertram Thomas, (June 13th 1892 December 27th 1950)
Bertram Thomas was an English civil servant who is known as the first
documented Westerner to cross the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) of Saudi
Arabia, a journey he detailed in his Arabia Felix (1932) publication and in
which he described this deserts animals, geology, environment, inhabitants,
and culture. He was born in Pill near Bristol and educated at Trinity
College, Cambridge. After working for the Civil Service in the General Post
Office, he served in Belgium during World War I before being posted to the
Somerset Light Infantry in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) between 1916 and
1918. He worked as an Assistant Political Officer in this country from 1918
to 1922, and Assistant British Representative in Transjordan (now Jordan),
from 1922 to 1924. He was appointed as Finance Minister and Wazir to the
Sultan of Muscat and Oman, a post he held from 1925 to 1932. Here, he
secretly hatched plans to become the first European to cross the Empty
Quarter, a journey he completed in 1930-31, an achievement regarded by
many to be the finest thing in Arabian exploration. By 1930 he had already
made two big journeys in the Oman desert, one of which was a 1,000 kms
camel journey in southern Oman. Using these journeys as opportunities to
gather information, he hatched his plans in secrecy.
Fig. B3-01: Bertram Thomas
Thomas knew that if he asked for permission to try and cross the great Empty Quarter, he would be refused.
He left Muscat quietly at night and boarded an oil tanker. This in turn took him to a dhow, which carried
him to Salalah, a town on the southern coast of Oman. Secret liaisons with local tribes people who Thomas
hoped would guide him across the sands came to nothing. At the time, the area was full of warring tribes,
and Thomas was resigned to returning to Muscat, his dreams unfulfilled. At the last minute, several Bedouin
arrived in Salalah, informing Thomas that his camels and guides awaited him outside of the town. Paying
his men well, Thomas set off from Salala (near Marbat) on December 10th, 1930 with fifteen camels loaded
with provisions, aiming to travel from well to well, and somehow cross the sands, a journey his guides (Fig.
B3-02) privately thought unlikely to achieve success (Fig. B3-03). Visits to the wells, though essential for
the party, were the most dangerous times. Other tribes could well be in the vicinity, and the likelihood of
attack was high. It was a common thing to discover wells partially filled in by the previous users as a way of
slowing up the people who were chasing them. Thomas was a keen scientist, and not only took weather
readings but also measured the heads of all the local tribes people! The team navigated by stars and the sun
Thomas carried a sextant. The journey took them across huge sand mountains and flat, gravel plains. They
endured sand storms, extreme thirst and bitter cold, yet despite all of these, on February 5th 1931 he entered
Doha in Qatar exhausted with his party of Bedouin. He was thus the first European to cross the fearsome
Empty Quarter desert of southern Arabia, and arrived in Qatar to international acclaim. Although only
forty, this was the high point of Thomas life. Bertram Thomas died in Cairo in 1950, but not before writing
several books on his desert travels, including Arabia Felix, The Arabs and Alarms and Excursions in Arabia.
Page 38

Even though his main achievement was to cross the Rub al Khali, he earned in the same process a
place in the annals of Qatar.
Fig. B3-02: Bertram Thomas and the party that accompanied him in the crossing of the Rub al Khali
(Thomas, 1932)
Throughout his journey, Thomas collected several fossils which he kept preciously with him and
which he handed-over to L.R. Cox for palaeontological description. Appendix II of his publication
Arabia Felix reports Cox findings as follows:
The fossils collected by Mr. Bertram Thomas in his traverse of the Rub' al Khali,
like those obtained on his previous expedition, are all from a white limestone of
Middle Eocene age. They come partly from the southern part of the Rub' al Khali
interior and partly from the low-lying plain beyond Misaimir, in the hinterland8 of
Doha, on the Persian Gulf. The Eocene limestone thus seems to be the most
widespread sedimentary formation in this part of Arabia. The following species
are represented; all those identified specifically are forms discussed in a recent
paper by myself on mollusca from the Eocene of India (Trans. R. Soc. Edinb., vol.
lvii, pt. I, No.2, 1931).
From the Rub' al Khali Interior: Ostrea brongniarti (Bronn), thick depressed left
valve (near Ramlat Ubaila); Lucina pharaonis, (Bellardi), two internal casts
(Kharaimat Fasad); Hippochrenes, cf. amplus (Solander), internal cast
(Kharaimat Fasad).
From the Plain beyond Misaimir, Doha hinterland: Ampullospira, cf. oweni (d'
Archiac and Haime), Gisortia sp., Campanile sp., all internal casts.
The above determinations confirm a preliminary report on the age of the fossils
made by Dr. J. A. Douglas, palaeontological adviser to the Anglo-Persian Oil
Co., Ltd.
8
refers to the backcountry of a port or coastal settlement
Page 39

From the earlier collection mentioned above also:
Gastropoda: Campanile sp. (Wadi Dhuhair); 'Natica' cf. longa (Bellardi) (Wadi
Dhahair, Bin Ju'ai and Sa'aten); Gisortia murchisoni (d'Archiac and Baime),
(Wadi Dhuhair).
Lamellibranchia: Lucina pharaonis (Bellardi) (Hanfit); Lucina nokbaensis
(Oppenheim) (Adhabugh); Lucina cf. quadrata (Leymerie) (Wadi Furum);
Cardium sp. (Bin Ju'ai).
Dr. L.R. Cox (1897 1965) [From: Proc. Malac. Soc. Lond. (1966) 37, 129]
Dr. Leslie Reginald Cox, O.B.E., F.R.S., who was the son of Walter Cox, was born on 22 November
1897, and died suddenly at his home on 5 August 1965 at the age of 67.
After a brilliant career at Owens School, London, he served with the Royal Navy and the Experimental
Section of the R.N.A.S. from 1916 to 1919 during the First World War, and was wounded in the attack on
Zeebrugge.
He was a scholar of Queens College, Cambridge, where he gained a double first in the Natural Science
Tripos of 1920 and 1921. In 1922 he joined the staff of the then Geology Department of the British
Museum (Natural History). In 1925 he married Hilda Cecilia, daughter of the late Reverend W. J. Lewis.
At the British Museum (Natural History) his interest in malacology flourished. Following a line of wellknown workers, it was soon evident that he would fully live up to the reputations of his illustrious
predecessors. He was awarded his Sc.D. in 1937, and the Geological Society of London awarded him the
Murchison Fund in 1929 and the Lych Medal in 1956. In 1950 he was elected Fellow of the Royal
Society.
In his earlier years his interests were mainly concerned with Tertiary molluscan faunas, and his reputation
as a leading expert on this subject was soon established. His work covered collections from all over the
world, and included advice to Geological Surveys and the writing of technical papers and monographs on
fossils from many parts of the Commonwealth, which work eventually resulted in his being awarded the
O.B.E. His activities and interests were, however, by no means confined to the Commonwealth, and,
during the last 15 years of his life, he was concerned with the organization and editing of the gastropod
and bivalve sections of the Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology, and was himself a leading contributor
to the systematic parts. His outstanding contributions to original research were internationally
recognized, and he had many friends abroad.
Whereas in later years many of those whose work had earlier been concentrated on the study of Tertiary
Mollusca transferred their interests to the study of Recent faunas, he became intrigued with tracing the
ancestry of Tertiary Mollusca back through time, and he became an acknowledged expert on Mesozoic
Mollusca, as well as having considerable experience of Palaeozoic forms. His experience, however, was
not confined to fossils, and he knew much concerning the anatomy, ecology and the functions of various
parts of living Mollusca, and did much to standardize the correct terminologies to be applied in their
description. On taxonomic problems he was meticulous and accurate.
As the years passed by during his career at the British Museum (Natural History) his reputation grew to
such an extent that he was there, as elsewhere, early acknowledged to be one of the worlds leading
research workers in his field.
Page 40

Thomas also makes one noteworthy observation about the geology of Qatar.
After leaving the lake a more north-easterly course towards the hog-backed Jabal
'Udaid led us through a plain sown with jagged splintered stones to another
spacious salt plain, here called Amra. It is said to stretch westwards past the
ancient sites of Iskak, Salwa and Mabak to the shores of Qatar Bight. Lake salt,
and recent shell evidences and aneroid readings suggest that the base of the
Qatar Peninsula was at no very distant time depressed below the sea, Qatar
making an island like neighbouring Bahrain9, but many times bigger.
Fig. B3-03: Empty Quarter journeys of Thomas (green), 1930-31 and Philby (orange), 1932
9
The name Bahrain- two seas, applied originally to the whole area from Doha to Qatif. The islands that are today
called Bahrain were in early times known as Awal.
Page 41

Harry St. John Bridger "Jack" Philby (April 3rd, 1885 to Sept 30th 1960) (www.wikipedia.org)
Harry St. John Bridger "Jack" Philby, a British colonial
officer, born in Sri Lanka and served in India, and later
became an eminent geographic explorer, writer and
businessman in the Arabian Peninsula.
In 1925 he gave up his career at the Indian Civil Service to
pursue business and geographic exploration in Arabia
became one of the few rare outsider to know more about
Central Arabia than anyone else. He detested British
colonialism in the Middle East, and out of his fondness for
Arab culture, Philby had even become a Muslim - given the
name of Sheikh Abdullah by the Saudi king himself.
News of Thomas success came as a blow to Harry St. John
Philby the greatest prize of Arabian exploration had been
snatched from his grasp. Had Philby not been delayed by
getting permission, he would have been the first to cross the
sands, something which had obsessed him for fifteen years
of his life. One year after Thomas trip, Philby decided to Fig. B3-04: Harry St. John Bridger Philby
also explore the same desert but starting from the North.
In January 1932, Philby eventually set off with thirty-two
camels on his own journey across the Empty Quarter. The
weather was very cold that winter and skins of water froze
solid at night. He first set off east from Hofuf (Al Hasa) on
January 6th 1932, with his companions complaining bitterly
when his plans to cross the sands became known. He passed
the current Saudi Arabia - Qatar border, then continued to
Jabrin and from there into the Rub al Khali (Fig. B3-03). On
entering the edge of the sands, Philby swung to the south,
into the heart of the desert, collecting specimens of pottery
and insects as he went. He found flint tools and arrowheads
in the sand, evidence he thought that sometime in the past
the climate had been very different, and what was now sand
had once been an attractive area for hunting. Most exciting
of all were the Bedouin stories of the hidden city of Ubar, a
place so wealthy that it was beyond belief, thought to be Fig. B3-05: Sketch of Philby [Sorkhabi
(2008)]
somewhere in the sands.
One of Philbys lead guides rode back to the party in great excitement one day, holding aloft a glassy and
polished piece of rock. Philbys heart raced had they discovered the lost city of Ubar? His excitement
was short-lived; what they had in fact discovered, deep in the sands, was a huge meteorite crater, the heat
from which had blackened the sands and turned it to glass. The remainder of Philbys incredible journey
was an epic struggle. The area had seen no rain for thirty years, the camels grew weak and the men angry.
They once rode for an amazing 630 kms with no access to fresh water. Eventually, after two and a half
months of tortuous travel, they entered on March 14th the southern town of Sulaiyil and Philbys journey
came to an end.
In 1933, he helped the American company Socal to obtain an important oil concession in Saudi Arabia. He
died in 1960, having, like Thomas, written a number of books on his travels, including Heart of Arabia and
The Empty Quarter. http://learnaboutarabia.com/adventure/pdfs/
Page 42

While travelling through the salt flats (sabkhas) located on todays border with Qatar & Saudi
Arabia, near Qarn Abu Wail (Fig. B3-06), Philby made the following observation, not knowing that
Thomas himself had also concluded the same with regards to this areas geological history:
I looked upon the cliffs of the valley and the great expanse of salt-flats that
stretched out before and below us, I could not resist the conclusion that the
broken, sinuous line of the former encircled an ancient estuary, while the latter
could not but be an old floor of the sea, from which the waters had receded to
their present line on either side of the Qatar promontory. That was surely once an
island as Bahrain is today, for the salt plain (in parts actually lower than sealevel) runs right across its base from sea to sea.......
Also of interest, is the description of his ascent of Qarn Abu Wail (Fig. B3-06) and the resulting
collection of the first fossils from the Miocene of Eastern Arabia. The geological formation in
which these fossils were collected would be named the Dam Formation 3 years later (1935) in an
unpublished report by Steineke and Koch.
Fig. B3-06: Qarn Abu Wail where Philby collected the first Miocene samples from Qatar. This
hill is today officially recognized as one of the points separating Qatar with Saudi Arabia.
the lower slopes of the hill were full of interest. A few fossils I had picked up
at the base proved to have slipped down from a thick fossiliferous stratumperhaps a 100 feet or so-underlying a 50 foot thickness of unproductive sandstone
at the top. I soon had a couple of haversacks full of these relics of an ancient
oyster-bed, which has proved to be of Miocene age; and I was gratified at finding
also a single well-fashioned flint implement.. Our descent by another route
proved to be no easier than the ascent but in due course, loaded with fossils, we
reached the bottom and mounted our beasts to visit Sikak
Once his journey of the Rub al Khali was completed all fossil and rock samples collected were
presented to Dr. L.R. Cox of the Anglo-Persia company for description and analysis. His
description follows:
Page 43

At Qarn Abu Wail near Sikak the rocks associated with the Miocene fossils
are pale green sandy clay impregnated with salt, and a pink calcareous clay with
the carbonate in an extremely fine state of division.collections were made from
several exposures of richly fossiliferous beds which prove to be of Miocene age.
These beds consist of soft white and pink marls with casts of numerous small
shells and many well-preserved oyster shells belonging mainly to the species
Ostrea latimarginata Vredenburg, although a few are referable to O. hyotis
(Linn). The molluscan casts belong mainly to the species Diplodonta cf.
rotundata (Montagu) and Clementia papyracea (Gray), but several other species,
belonging to Mytilus, Anomia, Chlamys, Anadara, Lucina, Cardium, Cypraea,
Turritella, and other genera, are present. Some specimens of O. latimarginata
bear a scar indicating growth attached to a Turritella shell, as in a Persian
Miocene specimen of the same species figured by Douglas. A white or pink
foraminiferal oolite occurs in association with these molluscan marls.....Both the
presence of O. latimarginata and the general lithology of the beds indicate their
contemporaneity with the lower Fars beds of Persia, which are of BurdigalianHelvetian (i.e., Lower to Middle Miocene) age.
E. Wesley Shaw, C.C. Mylles & P.T. Cox; (January to March 1933).
On June 1st 1932, oil was discovered in the Cretaceous of Bahrain, by the Bahrain Petroleum
Company - BAPCO (a Canadian subsidiary of the Standard Oil of California and Texas Co.
registered in January 1929 to acquire title in conformity with British nationality requirements at
depths of 600-750 m. Even though all earlier reports had been pessimistic it seemed that Bahrain
had beaten all odds and certainly opened the possibilities of finding oil in similar structures in the
neighboring countries, including Qatar. (Owen, 1975)
It became then paramount for Anglo-Persian Co. to re-visit Dr. Lees assessment of Qatar and to pay
more attention to this country, of much greater surface area than Bahrain, before others did (such as
the Eastern General Syndicate mentioned earlier and who had been the primary driver for finding
oil in Bahrain). "We are all a bit bouleverse by the recent happenings" wrote the Managing
Director of Anglo Persian. There was a sense of urgency to get the Qatar concession signed and
sealed. Since Anglo Persian had done nothing to explore the peninsula since 1926, their first step
was to dust off Lee's old report which stated: ''If Bahrain be drilled and proved successful, similar
conditions may apply at Qatar."
E.W. Shaw (Fig. B3-07), Iraq Petroleum Company's Chief Geologist, wrote a report on July 11th
1932 (83242/0) and a summary of it in his letter to the General Manager of Anglo-Persian Co. dated
on the 18th of the same month (83334/0). His recommendations and conclusions were as follow:
Lees reported it [Qatar] as a very gentle fold made up of rocks of Middle
Eocene age, the same as those exposed at Rifaa al Jibleh on Bahrein island
( 7 8 miles north of the Djebel Dukhan [Bahrain]). There is no reason to
suppose that the deeper rocks in which oil was found in Bahrein are not
present underground in Qatar indeed, we might say they are practically
certain to be present and, that being so, it is advisable to assume that they
are in like measure oil-bearing.
Fig. B3-07: E.W. Shaw
(Morton Q., 2014)
Our knowledge of the structure of Qatar is incomplete - that is to say, we do

not know if it consists of one large fold or of a series of smaller ones; we get
the impression from Dr. Lees writings that the former is probably the case
Page 44

On first sight, the degree of folding is rather more gentle than that of Bahrein but
the very much greater extent of the area may have led to the accumulation of a
much greater quantity of oil. (Bahrein Island covers some 250 300 square miles
all told while the Qatar Peninsula may amount to as much as 3500 4000).
So far as we know, there are no seepages or other indications in Qatar but this is
offset by the fact that the sum total of our knowledge is very meager. The seepages
in Kuwait, the repeated reports of oil indications at Halul Island east of Qatar
and Qaru island east of Kuwait and, over and above all, the apparent presence of
commercially attractive oil in Bahrein only 25 miles away, all combine to direct
our interest to the peninsula at the present time.
The quality and quantity of the Bahrein oil are unknown at the moment but it is to
be supposed that the information will come into our possession sooner or later. It
looks as if the Eastern General Syndicate are being tempted to develop on the
island and, that being the case, the extension of their activities to Qatar is
perfectly justifiable and can only be a matter of time. Apart from the commercial
value of Qatar oil to ourselves or to competitive interests, the bracketing of
Bahrein by protected areas of Kuwait and Qatar might conceivably react upon
the broad policy of Eastern General Syndicate.
Following Shaws report, Anglo-Persian sent C. C. Mylles10 to Qatar to negotiate for another option
(Lees option negotiated in 1926 had never been acted upon by the company). This he achieved in
August 1932 after some hard bargaining11, and later in the year Anglo-Persian tendered it to the
Iraq Petroleum Company, the area being within the Red Line Agreement [ www.wikipedia.org ]. It
was then decided to have a more extensive geological examination made by a party consisting of E.
W. Shaw, Iraq Petroleum Company's Chief Geologist and P.T. Cox, an Anglo-Persian geologist
who had been recently working in Kuwait. Since the option was held by Anglo-Persian Oil
Company, the survey was carried out in that name. It took place in January to March 1933. The duo
traveled from Abadan, Iran, by a small steamer (s.s. Khuzistan) and landed at Doha on 3rd
February, taking a light truck and a Chevrolet car with them (Fig. B3-08). As there was not enough
water for them to get within 12 kms of the shore, they had a serious problem in getting their
transport to land. Apart from a gaudy Buick limousine which the Shaikh possessed, theirs were the
first motor vehicles ever to land in Qatar. At Doha, they were met by "Haji" Williamson who was
their interpreter and camp boss for the survey. Both Shaw and Cox had much field experience in the
Middle East, but Shaw was already affected by the illness which was soon to terminate his
adventurous career. (Owen, 1975)
Once ashore and having paid their respects to the Ruler, they started mapping the peninsula by
prismatic compass and car kilometer traverses. Cox drove the car with Shaw beside him and two
bedouin guards in the back seat, singing camel songs most of the time with tempo adjusted to the
speed of the car. Haji Williamson travelled with the truck carrying the camp kit, labour, and
10
At daybreak on 25th August 1932, Mylles and Haji Williamson on the S.S. Khuzistan arrived off Doha. Charles
Mylles represented a new breed of negotiator, the managerial face of the company, quite different from the folksy,
amiable style of Williamson. He was an Anglo Persian manager from Abadan, a man of firm views and an unwavering
belief in the rightness of his cause. He did not suffer fools gladly, and his reports were peppered with comments about
the "stupid", "greedy" or "complete oafs" he had to deal with. But he was a canny negotiator, well versed in the ways of
palm tree diplomacy. Morton (2010b)
11
On 27th August, Mylles and Williamson returned to Doha to see the Sheikh. Mylles had sent ahead the presents - two
hunting rifles flown out from London - and it was a happy Sheikh that now greeted them. At one point, he mentioned
(as if in passing) the high price of petrol. Mylles took the hint and offered him 100 free tins of BP motor spirit. This the
old man accepted and within minutes a two-year agreement for 1500 rupees per month was agreed. Morton (2010b)
Page 45

remainder of the guards. Thus the team made the map on which the concession was eventually
based (Fig. B3-09). All they had to start with was a blown-up photostat of the Admiralty chart of the
coastline. This was accurate as far as it went, but south of Bahrain, where the coast had been
sketched in with a broken line, it was found to be some 68 kms out. They were fortunate in having a
good Alveolina-limestone bed to follow, which persisted over much of the peninsula. Aside from
the topographical and geological features of the land, the map showed the location of all the water
wells visited. In those days, all the water wells were dug manually by the locals at depths up to
100ft (33m).
From the 5th until the 14th February the eastern side and northern ends of the peninsula were
examined from Doha and a camp at Al Gaara. On the 16th camp was moved to Sabsab from where
the southern parts of the territory were examined. On the 26th February the base camp was again
moved to Khirsaat al Bahadh and on the 4th March to Nasraniya. From these two camps the
westerly and central parts of the peninsula were dealt with. On 8th March the party returned to
Doha, from where a few further local trips were made to complete the reconnaissance, and on the
13th March left by launch for Bahrain Island.
When they first crossed to the western coast and found the Dukhan anticline, with steeper dips than
those of the main peninsula, it was a most exciting moment. They struck it at its northern pitching
end where it is most obvious. It is needless to say that once the Dukhan anticline was discovered,
their work concentrated on defining it better.
After visiting the whole peninsula and studying the Dukhan anticline in detail, they were finally
able to sketch the general surface stratigraphy of the country (Fig. B3-10).
Fig. B3-08: The Chevrolet brought in to Qatar by Shaw & Cox in 1933 (QP Website, www.qp.com.qa )
Page 46
Fig. B3-09: First geological sketch map of Qatar (Shaw & Cox, 1933). Approx Scale: 1:250,000
Page 47

Age
Recent
Group Name
Alluvium
Beach deposits
Dune Sand
Iraq
Gravels
Quaternary
Thickness
Rock Types
Clays, sands, etc..
Calcareous sands, shelly
limestone
Characteristic Fossils
None
Recent mollusca,
foraminifera, etc..
Up to 60 ft
Disconformity
Loose or poorly consolidated
Usually less gravel composed of quartz,
than 1 ft
chert, limestones and some
igneous and crystalline pebbles
None
(or late Tertiary) ?
Miliolite
Up to 50 ft
106 ft
Lower
Miocene
Miocene
(Burdigalian)?
55 ft
82 ft
10 ft
?
Abaruk Beds
40 ft
Eocene
(Lutetian)
Calcareous oolite and shelly

oolitic limestone
Disconformity
Chalky and gypseous
limestones and marls, bedded
gypsum
White chalky limestones and
marls
Yellow-gray or green sandy
marls and limestones
Disconformity
Brown dolomitic shelly
limestone
White or yellow marl or chalky
limestone
50 ft
Hard, cream, white, brown, and

pink limestone
10 ft
Dolomitic limestones
20 ft
Yellow marls with interbedded

white limestones
Eocene
40 ft
20 ft.+
Foraminifera and
Mollusca of Recent
types in lower beds
Archais adunca,
Dendritina ranger,
Miliolidae, etc..
Ostrea latimarginata,
Placuna sp.
Large gastropods;
Lituonella sp;
Coskinolina sp;
Radiate
Nummulites
Dictyoconoides
kohaticus, Alveolina
elliptica, Nummulites
atacicus, etc..
Well bedded dolomitic

limestones with intercalated
marly layers
White chalk with quartz lined
geodes
?
Ca 5 ft. +
Gypsum
Fig. B3-10: The general succession of the rocks exposed on the Qatar peninsula. Shaw & Cox, 1933
Page 48

The exposures in Djebel Dukhan show approximately 140 feet of Eocene beds (Fig. B3-10). The
two most complete sections examined were seen at Awainat Ali (Fig. B3-11) and Djebel Thalata
(Fig. B3-12 & Appendix 2); these lie near the northern and southern ends respectively of the anticline
and there is very little lateral variation either in facies or thickness of the several groups of beds
throughout the length of the structure. Other less complete sections seen at Ras Awainat Ali,
Khatiya, Daaisa, Fahahil, al Asbas and Al Qalaiya correspond closely to parts of one or other of
the Awainat Ali and Djebel Thalata sections12.
Abaruk Beds
10 feet
Brown dolomitic shelly limestone
40 feet
White chalky limestone
Eocene
Hard, cream or white limestone with a reddish limestone some 10 feet below the
top: occasional large gastropods of Campanile and Gisortia: small Nummulites
and Coskinolina sp. common but not abundant:
50 feet
A hard, laminated dolomitic limestone, about 10 feet thick occurs 20-30 feet
below the top of this group:
At the base there is a hard band of limestone less than one foot thick with
abundant Miliolidae and a small species of Alveolina.
10 feet
Dolomitic limestones with abundant Nummulites of which N. atacicus is the most

common species.
4 feet
Yellow, rubbly marl with shell fragments and echinoid spines.
2 feet
White limestone with abundant Alveolina cf. elliptica.

Dictyoconoides Kohaticus.
12 feet
Soft, yellow, white and brown marls and shales with thin limestone bands.
Abundant Dictyoconoides Kohaticus, Nummulites spp., few Alveolina cf. elliptica,
sharks teeth, fragments of a small ribbed oyster: abundant limonitic nodules and
selenite crystals.
20 feet
Soft, brown, dolomitic limestones with some banded layers and thin interbedded
yellow shales. No identifiable fossils, occasional traces of shell fragments.
20 feet
Yellow-white, thin-bedded, platey, dolomitic limestones.
Sow. (?) also sparse
10 feet + Soft white chalk

Fig. B3-11: Sequence seen at Awainat Ali, Northwest of Dukhan anticline (Shaw & Cox, 1933)
12
Note 1: At that time Shaw & Cox could not make out if the Abaruk beds were of Eocene or younger age; today they
are the top member of the Middle Eocene Dammam Formation as per the 5 members below them. Note 2: Today the
Abaruk Beds are spelled Abarug Member, with a G, as defined by Cavelier in the 1975 Lexicon
Page 49

30 feet +
White or yellow massive limestone with large Gastropods, cf. Cidaris sp., sparse
Nummulites and Coskinolina or Lituonella.
10 feet
Hard, white limestone with a thick shelled oyster and abundant Alveolina cf.
elliptica. Nummulites sps.
20 feet
Yellow marls and shales with abundant N. atacicus and other Nummulites,
Dictyoconoides kohaticus, and echinoid spines; fish-teeth and thin oyster shell
fragments (cf. O. bellovacina) also present. Limonitic nodules and selenite
crystals
38 feet
Alternating hard, dolomitic limestones and yellow marls with selenite crystals and
quartz-lined geodes near the base; the limestones contain badly preserved
Nummulites and shell fragments; no fossils were obtained from the marls.
20 feet
White chalk or chalky marls with quartz-lined geodes.
This sequence consists of the following three fairly distinct groups.

(3) Upper, massive limestones, characterised by large Gastropods, Nummulites and
Lituonella-Coskinolina.
(2) Middle, well bedded, marl and limestone group, characterised by abundant
Dictyoconoides kohaticus and Alveolina cf. elliptica near the top. The Alveolina
in Djebel Dukhan are always more abundant above the horizon where
Dictyoconoides occurs in large numbers.
(1) Lower, chalky marls or limestone with quartz geodes.
Not more than 20 feet of (1) is exposed; (2) is approximately 70 feet thick and (3) 50 feet
thick.
Fig. B3-12: Sequence at Djebel Thalata, on the eastern flank of the Dukhan structure (Shaw & Cox, 1933)
Outside of the Dukhan anticline, in the main body of the peninsula there is one natural outcrop
exposing a section comparable in thickness with those of Djebel Dukhan. This remarkable outcrop
occurs in a solution cavity or sink hole known as Dohl Misfir, some 8 kms southeast of Ghafat.
The following section was measured by Shaw & Cox in this cavern (Fig. B3-13):-
Page 50

26 feet
(exposed on the surface and in the entrance to the cavern) massive cream or white
and pink limestone with large Campanile like Gastropods Coskinolina sp., and
sparse Nummulites.
56 feet
Massive white, nodular limestones.
6 feet
Thick bed of white chalky limestone
12 feet
Yellow, fine-grained, marly limestone
5 feet
Hard, white, nodular limestone
4 feet
Yellow, marly, limestone with a red layer on top.
28 feet
Well bedded, white, limestones alternating with thin yellow marls or shales.
12 feet
Soft white chalk
149 feet
Total
Fig. B3-13: First description of the stratigraphy observed within the Misfir cave. The
uppermost 88 feet resemble the upper massive limestone of J. Dukhan; the thickness is here
nearly double. Below there are 49 feet of well-bedded, yellow marls and limestones similar to
but 20 feet thinner than the middle group in Dukhan. At the base the white chalk closely
resembles the lowest beds exposed in Dukhan though the quartz geodes were not found here.
Unfortunately it is not possible to back this suggested correlation with palaeontological
evidence, except in the case of the uppermost limestones. The middle group, in spite of careful
search, failed to reveal any trace of organic remains. At the close of the survey, the cave was
revisited and the upper part of the well-bedded, middle group examined again to find the rich
Alveolina-Dictyoconoides horizon which outcrops at the surface only five miles away at
Ghafat but without success (Appendix 2). The evidence however, of the general sequence and
similarity in total thickness is too strong to allow of any other correlation with the Dukhan
beds. It is possible that the upper fossiliferous part of the Dukhan middle group being here
developed in a massive limestone facies, the characteristic fossils do not appear. (Shaw &
Cox, 1933)
While no Eocene gypsum beds were seen anywhere at the surface of Qatar, Shaw & Cox inferred
the presence of such bed below the base of this sequence from material thrown out of a well.
Near Umm Al Thurus a well had been recently dug to a depth of more than 100 feet and we
were able to examine material that had been thrown out (Fig. B3-14). The surface in this
locality was of the upper massive limestones. The debris contained a considerable amount of
yellow marly limestone and yellow shales evidently representing the middle group though
none of the material was very fossiliferous. Some specimens contained small Nummulites.
The white chalk group was represented by typical samples and there was in addition a
considerable amount of
i Mottled red and green marl
ii Green marl with nodular gypsum
iii Massive dark-coloured gypsum
These last three types lay on top of the pile of debris and, according to men who took part in
the digging, the material lay in the above order (i) on top. The well was said to have been
Page 51

carried about a fathom13 into the gypsum before being abandoned on account of hard digging
and absence of water. Opinion varied as to the well depth but 30 fathoms was the most
popular figure. A 100 ft. tape did not reach the bottom.
This gypseous horizon is evidently something lower than any bed outcropping on the
peninsula. No other occurrence of gypsum (other than isolated selenite veins or crystals) was
found in the Eocene though the occurrence of a considerable amount of salt impregnating
alluvium overlying Eocene limestone at Riyan may be significant.
Fig. B3-14: Example of a water well excavated by hand (Al-Mohannadi, 2001)
13
Fathom is a unit of length equal to six feet (approximately 1.8 m), mainly used in reference to the depth of water
Page 52

A Miocene section was also developed by Shaw and Cox at the location with the greatest thickness
of Miocene beds exposed within the territory; namely at Djebel Nakhsh at the southern end of the
Dukhan anticline (Fig. B3-15).
LOWER SANDY GROUP
MIDDLE CHALKY
GROUP
GYPSEOUS GROUP
6 ins.
8 feet
3 feet
1 foot
9 feet
1 foot
2 feet
1 foot
10 feet
2 feet
4 feet
3 feet
6 feet
1 foot
14 feet
4 feet
6 feet
1 foot
8 feet
2 feet
4 feet
2 feet
8 feet
1 foot
4 feet
1 foot
4 feet
2 feet
12 feet
1 foot
23 feet
2 feet
10 feet
1 foot
4 feet
1 foot
5 feet
1 foot
24 feet
6 feet
2 feet
1 foot
2 feet
4 feet
2 feet
Loose gravels = Iraq Gravels

Yellow weathering, sandy limestone
Red Calcareous shale
Hard white platey limestone with oolitic bands. Some small lamellibranchs
(Veneriidae, etc..)
White chalky marl or limestone
Shelly limestone Dendritina rangii; Archais, etc..
Pink and white chalky limestone
Pink shelly limestone with selenite veins
White chalky limestone
White gypsum
Marls
Gypsum
Gypseous marl
Gypsum
Yellow marls or clay with bed of nodular gypsum 4 feet below the top
Platey, chalky limestone with small lamellibranchs
Soft yellow marls
Hard limestone with gypsum nodules
Soft pink chalk with gypsum nodules
White chalky limestone with lamellibranchs and gypsum nodules Archais
adunca, D. rangii, Miliolidae, etc..
Marls
Hard, oolitic limestone
Soft marls
Soft, yellow, shelly limestone
Marls with thin gypsum bed
Platey limestone with abundant small Veneridae
Chalky marls
Hard, white limestone
Massive chalky limestone with scattered small lamellibranchs and gastropods.
Pink layer on top.
Hard grey limestone
White and pink chalky limestones
Hard pink limestone
White and pink chalky limestone
Hard pink limestone
Green marl
Red, sandy marl
Red and green marls
Hard grey limestone
Grey and green sandy limestones with worm tubes
Olive green marls
Grey sandy marls
White rubbly limestone with casts of Placuna sp. and O. latimarginata
Red and green mottled marls
Platey grey limestone
Grey sandy shales and ripple marked calcareous sandstone
Page 53

23 feet Green sandy marls with some thin hard limonitic beds and nodules
1 foot Hard grey limestone
6 feet Yellow green, hard sandy marl with worm tubes, small Echinoids. Marked
system of approximately rectangular joints
This sequence may be regarded as:3 Upper Gypseous Group
106 feet
2 Middle Chalky Group
55 feet
1 Lower Sandy Group
82 feet
Total 243 feet
Fig. B3-15: Section of Al-Nakhsh drawn by Shaw & Cox, 1933
The actual junction with Eocene rocks was obscured by brown sand in this section but there is
probably not more than 20 feet of Miocene beds below the base of the above sequence.
Following Djebel Dukhan northwards, the upper parts of the gypseous group are
progressively cut out by a fall in the land surface whereas the bedding is very nearly
horizontal. In Wadi Huwaila, the Miocene beds overlie Lituonella-bearing Eocene limestones
on an uneven eroded surface. A prominent horizon with abundant Ostrea latimarginata and
Placuna sp. is in places about 6 feet above the junction: this horizon is probably equivalent in
level to the bed with casts of these fossils some 43 feet below the top of the Sandy Group in the
Djebel Nakhsh section.
In the Al-Qalail, less than 200 feet of Miocene beds are present; neither the topmost nor the
lowest beds of the Djebel Nakhsh section appear to be present there. There is no strong
gypsum development. The beds consist of white and pink shelly and chalky limestones with
some sandy marls.
In the Tuwar and Tuwair al Samir14 there is a still further reduction in thickness of Miocene
beds. At the southern end of the Tuwar there is about 150 feet and at the northern end only
30-40 feet of Miocene beds overlie the Eocene. Though detailed work would be necessary to
establish the correlations, it is probable that here also both the upper and lower groups are
much thinner than in Djebel Nakhsh. The only bedded gypsum seen in the Tuwar range was a
layer some 6-9 inches thick on eastern side south of Al Kharrara. Whether the absence of
gypsum here is due to lateral variation in deposition or to erosion of the higher beds, which in
Djebel Nakhsh contain the gypsum, has not been determined. Lack of easily recognized
marker beds prevented more precise correlation on the present reconnaissance. The Tuwar
beds are of the same chalky limestone and marly character as those of the middle and upper
Nakhsh groups with some more sandy beds towards the base. Shelly limestones with small
lamellibranchs (chiefly Veneridae), gastropods, Archais adunca, Dendritina rangii and algae
are present at various horizons. Neither O. latimarginata nor the associated species of
Placuna were found anywhere east of Djebel Dukhan.
The junction between Miocene and Eocene beds appears to be generally unconformable
though angles of dip are so nearly horizontal that angular discordance is not apparent. The
frequent occurrence of horizontal Miocene beds in hollows on the Eocene surface indicates
that deposition of the former spread over an uneven land surface.
Outside the Sheikh of Qatars territory the Miocene beds of J. Dukhan continue southwards in
a similar facies and apparently similar thickness to the Nakhsh development into the
Meshabiyah. The beds are here locally folded into relatively steep domes and basins. Thick
beds of gypsum are present and O. latimarginata occurs in some profusion at the northern end
14
No such Tuwar seems to exist. It is probably Tuwair al Hamir
Page 54

of Qarn Abu Wail.
Our conclusion, from long distance views, that the rocks forming Qarn Abu Wail behind
Salwa and the bluffs on the northwest side of the Dohat es Salwa, where Miocene has been
borne out by the results of Philbys observations.
They finally concluded that the prospects of success in drilling on Qatar are clearly much less
favourable than they would be in similar circumstances within the normal folded zone of the IraqPersian geosyncline, but there is a fair chance that a profitable field may be developed in Djebel
Dukhan. The prospects for the main structure of the peninsula however are more speculative but, if
subsurface conditions are favourable, it would contain a much greater accumulation of oil.
Detailed geological mapping would be necessary to exploit economically an oil field in Qatar but
further surface evidence, from the peninsula itself, will not throw more light on the question of
whether or not oil is there in commercial quantities.
They recommended that a well be drilled near Daaisa on the crest of the Djebel Dukhan structure.
If this well should prove successful, detailed mapping of the main structure should then be
undertaken before locating a test well or wells on that anticline. A full field season of six months
for two geologists would be necessary to elucidate the exact form of this structure.
At that time, the party had no knowledge of the stratigraphy and structure at depth but, since the
surface rocks were clearly of Eocene age as in Bahrain, both anticlines seemed first-class prospects
for Cretaceous oil.
In the course of their return from Qatar, Shaw and Cox met Sir John Cadman, the Chairman of
Anglo-Persian Oil Company and Iraq Petroleum Company, who was en route to Tehran, and gave
him an oral report of their findings. Shaw soon returned to the United States because of failing
health and Cox wrote the final report. Their work was followed up in the winter of 1933-1934 by a
precise survey of a critical traverse to determine the amplitude of the main anticline of the
peninsula, which Shaw and Cox had outlined only by aneroid readings in their reconnaissance.
William E. Browne, chief topographical surveyor, and D. C. Ion (Fig. B3-17), geologist, of AngloPersian, made the survey on a line selected by Cox. The report, written by Browne, was presented
on January 15th 1935 (Browne W. E., 1935). In years 1934 and 1935 Mylles (and Haji
Williamson) returned several times to Qatar to negotiate a long term concession with Sheikh
Abdullah. On May 17th 1935, Mylles put his signature to a concession agreement signed in Doha
for a period of 75 years in return for 400,000 rupees on signature and 150,000 rupees per annum
with royalties (Al-Othman, 1984). In the evening, Sheikh Abdullah sent round two rugs to Mylles
with a friendly letter asking him to accept them as a momento of his time in Qatar. Although it was
against Company rules to accept such gifts, Mylles did not have the heart to turn them down. "It is
quite impossible to explain the position to the Sheikh, who would regard a refusal as an insult to
himself." That noted, he took his leave and departed. With this agreement signed, Anglo-Persian's
option was converted into a formal concession (Fig. B3-16) to Qatar Petroleum Company Ltd., a
subsidiary of Iraq Petroleum Company.
Page 55
Fig. B3-16: The Onshore Oil concession of

1935 (Al-Thani, 1992)
Fig. B3-17: Business Card of D.C. Ion. Journal

Petroleum Geology V1, Issue 4 ,1979-04
Pierre Lamare (1894 to November 1967)

The French geologist Pierre Lamare does not have per say a place in the
history of Qatar, however, Lamares extensive travels in Yemen, Saudi
Arabia and Oman in the late 1920s and mid 1930s and the fact that he had
access to other authors scientific publications for the other countries on the
Peninsula allowed him to publish the first colored general geological map of
the whole Arabian Peninsula, including Qatar (the first partial sketch map of
the Arabian Peninsula, North Western Arabia, was published in 1888 by
Charles Montagu Doughty). This map, shown in Fig. B3-20, would serve as
the basis for future scientists & explorationists until their own investigations
would help in refining the details.
Fig. B3-18
Pierre Lamare
(Ciry, 1969)
We also owe L. Picard the first cross-section from Africa to the Persian Gulf (Fig. B3-19)
Fig. B3-19: Cross-Section from Sudan (Africa) to the Arabian Gulf (Picard, 1937)
Page 56
Fig. B3-20: First colored Geological Map of the whole Arabian Peninsula, including Qatar. (Lamare 1936)
Page 57

The 1937-1938 Geological survey15
From November 1937 to May 20th 1938 T.F. Williamson and Rene pomeyrol were engaged in the
detailed geological mapping of the Qatar Peninsula. The aims of the survey were:
A) To check previous work and to make a location for a test well on the Djebel Dukhan fold.
B) To study the water problem of Qatar and locate a site for a water well.
C) To make a detailed geological study of the whole peninsula.
Djebel Dukhan was surveyed on the scale of 1 to 50,000 by the usual combination of plane-table
triangulation and stadia methods. All elevations were referred to a mean sea level which was
established beside the Zekreet pier. An area of about 860 Km2 was mapped on this scale.
The whole of the remainder of the peninsula was surveyed on a scale of 1 to 100,000. Owing to the
lack of prominent natural features triangulation methods could not always be used, and a large part
of the area was covered by a series of traverses. By the end of the season some 10,400 km2 had
been mapped.
At the same time as the stratigraphical and structural examination was being carried out, a study
was made of the water resources with a view to locating a supply for the Djebel Dukhan drilling
camp. A large number of existing wells were examined and the water level and salinity measured.
Sites were chosen for three wells (discussed below) which were drilled by the company. The
results showed that there was very little prospect of obtaining an adequate supply of good water.
T. F. Jock Williamson (Date of birth & death unknown)
T. F. Williamson (no relation to "Haji" Williamson), also
known as Thos Williamson, spent the winter season from
November 1936 to May 1937 on the Trucial Coast (now UAE),
November 1937 to May 1938 in Qatar, and November and
December 1939 again on the Trucial Coast.
During the period of 1937-38 he made a more comprehensive
survey of Qatar. Williamson wrote (Owen, 1975):
When I returned from home leave in 1937, I was sent to Qatar.
A geological reconnaissance had already been made [by Cox
and Shaw] and a small area of Djebel Dukhan had been
mapped in detail [by Browne & Ion in 1933-1934, see Browne Fig. 21: T. F. Williamson from
(1935-01)] to aid in siting the first test well on that easily Williamson (1952). He was then
recognizable structure [50 miles long with 300 feet of closure in retired from IPC
middle Eocene limestones] and it was now considered
necessary to map the whole country. I was joined by R. Pomeyrol, a French geologist. N. E. Baker,
the Chief Geologist, followed us soon after our arrival to fix the location of the first well.
Djebel Dukhan which is a ridge along the west coast of the peninsula attaining a maximum height
of about 250 feet is rather deeply incised and very rocky in parts. Just east of it is a strip of sabkha
which extends south from Dohat as Zekrit and partly isolates the ridge from the main part of the
Sheikhdom. In the south east corner over a length of 20 miles [32 kms] north of Khor al Odaid
15
Unfortunately the author was not able to locate a complete copy of the 1937-38 survey of Qatar. Only appendix A
and some notes relating to it could be gathered.
Page 58

there is an almost continuous belt of high sand dunes, which would prevent any accesses by car
from the sea. Inland, the dunes are more widely sparced, over the rocky surface of the plain.
In our survey we had fifteen guards and were greatly assisted by our guide, Sheikh Mansour Bin
Khalil (Fig. B3-22). I have employed a number of local guides during my geological career; some
have been very good indeed, even when using what was to them an unfamiliar mode of transport
the motor car; others were utterly confused by the speed at which cars covered the ground; a few
seemed to depend on the sun for their orientation and were helpless on a cloudy day. But Sheikh
Mansour seemed to be quite unaffected by any outside influences. He appeared to have a complete
mental picture of the whole of Qatar and had a quite uncanny capacity for knowing exactly where
he was under all conditionsin clear weather, in fog, or even in darkness.
Much of our work consisted of finding a particular geological horizon which was identified by one
distinct fossilAlveolina to the geologist, but to the layman a small piece of white stone the size
and shape of a grain of rice. Mansour knew these fossils from his experience with earlier parties
[Cox and Shaw] and could lead us to the localities where they had found the fossils and could also
tell us of other spots which had not been visited by those parties, but where he knew the fossils were
to be found. As well as being a splendid guide, Mansour had a quick and clear appreciation of our
ideas and requirements and, as his standing was high with all classes of the local inhabitants, his
advice on many occasions prevented disputes and smoothed over difficulties.
F. E. Wellings added a postscript to the story of this remarkable guide (Owen, 1975):
Sheikh Mansour went blind (Fig. B3-23) from trachoma during the war and was
treated at the company's expense, but in vain. However, with a nephew as "seeing
eye" he conducted Norval E. Baker and the writer in 1946 over another part of
this featureless peninsula and located new outcrops of the famous Alveolina bed.
He seemed to know every bump on the camel trails and could tell where the next
fork would come and would ask his nephew to describe the scenea particular
bush for example.
Fig. B3-22: A rare photograph of Mansour bin Khalil Al Hajri taken in 1933 before he lost his
eyesight (Left). Fig. B3-23 Mansour bin Khalil with his son Hamad in Dukhan after he had lost his
eyesight (Right). www.qp.com.qa
Page 59

During the field season 1937-38, Williamson and Pomeyrol (Figs. B3-21, B3-24 and B3-25) carried
out a plane-table survey of the whole of Qatar - a mapping project of great accuracy in the absence
of a triangulation net. Structure contour maps were made, and a drilling location sited at Dukhan.
Of the Stratigraphy of Qatar Williamson & Pomeyrol had this to say:
The eastern half of the peninsula, at least between the limits mentioned, exposes a much less
thickness of bed than the western half, and it is doubtful if anywhere more than 12 metres above or
6 metres below the Alveolina Horizon are exposed. The processes of alteration of the limestones
were observed to have taken place very extensively over the horizontal surfaces of the plateaux and
valley floors, with the result that it was practically impossible to recognize beds occupying these
positions. On the scarp faces, however, erosion has been more rapid than alteration, leaving
comparatively fresh surfaces there. By a fortunate combination of circumstances the Alveolina Bed
which is our only reliable marker, occurs very frequently in the scarps, and can there be identified,
but where it extends over the valleys it is very much more difficult to trace. (February 1938 Monthly
report)
The work during this month has therefore consisted almost entirely in
following this bed over the complicated series of valleys, depressions
and outliers which cover the area. We have thus been able to establish
a very complete system of elevations on this bed, from which the
structure can be accurately portrayed. The extent and number of the
outcrops have far exceeded what we expected both from reading earlier
reports and from our own preliminary observations, and the mapping
is thus taking longer than we had estimated. (February 1938 Monthly)
It is regrettable that the Alveolina Bed which served us so admirably as
a marker all over the centre and south of the area, could not be traced
in the northern district. North of a line through Sakhama and Jimiliyah
the bed at first becomes hard to recognise on account of alteration, and
we could not be certain whether the bed with the other horizons which
accompany it has been cut out or whether it is merely unrecognizable.
This has some importance with regard to structure. In the North the
depression in which we should expect to find the bed, have usually
round their rims the limestones with abundant nummulites which are
characteristic of the succession above the Alveolina bed, and below
there is a series of limestones with the chalky aspect of the beds below
it. These latter are apparently unfossiliferous. We have taken elevations
on the contact between these two series, which although not always
very sharp seems to be a single horizon, and until proof to the contrary
is forthcoming we propose to regard this contact as representing
approximately the Alveolina Bed. There are certainly a number of Fig. B3-24: Ren
minor points which indicate that this assumption is correct. (May 1938 Pomeyrol (Pomeyrol,
1949)
Monthly report)
Page 60
Fig. B3-25: Williamson & Pomeyrol at the edge of the Nijian (dune area in SE Qatar) with their
vehicle during the 1937-38 survey. In his 1949 publication, Pomeyrol briefly describes on
laymans terms the phenomenom of the Singing Dunes and compares the generated sound to the
engine of a plane, or an aircraft squadron if many people run down the steepest side of a dune.
-------------------------------------From a historical point of view, we learn from Williamson & Pomeyrols report (Williamson,
1938a) that the first mechanically drilled well in Qatar is the Doha-1 water well spudded and
completed respectively on December 6th and 28th 1936 by Anglo-Persian Company. The details of
this water well and the few others that followed before the drilling of the first Qatar oil well (DK0001) are given in Table B3-01.
Lastly, aside from surveying the whole of the Qatar peninsula, Williamson also participated,
together with D. Glyan Jones in surveying the areas from southwestern Qatar to the regions which
today extend from the border of Oman and UAE. It is Williamson and Jones who gave us the first
geological description of Djebel Odaid (Table B3-02), the Miocene escarpment south of the Inland
Sea [Khor al Odaid] and currently in Saudi Arabia but which has belonged in different time periods
within Qatar, UAE (Abu Dhabi) and Saudi Arabia. (Fig. B3-27).
Fig. B3-26: Approximate location of the first water well drilled for the Dukhan oil operations [Refer to Table
B3-01 and Appendix 2]
Page 61

Well
Name
Location
Spud
Date
Compl.
Date
Depth
(ft)
Results
Rock
Dohah-1
750 metres from high

Flagstaff in front of
Ruler's Palace at Dohah,
on true bearing of 215
Dec 8th
1936
Dec.
26th
1936
86
Abandoned because bailer was lost (top at 62 ft) and hole caved on
top of bailer to 39 ft
Limestone
with marl
(Eocene)
st
th
Dohah1A
5.5 metres north of

Doha-1
Dec 21
1936
Feb 9
1937
486
Raiyan-1
1050 metres from tower

with flagstaff, on Ruler's
Palace at Al Raiyan on
true bearing of 286
Feb 18th
1937
April
18th
1937
605
Dec 24th
1937
Jan 27th
1938
301
Feb 8th
1938
Feb
20th
1938
205
March
2, 1938
May
30th
1938
1040
Zekrit-1
Khatiyah1
Khatiyah2
5300 metres from the

location of DK-0001 on a
true bearing of 70 30'.
(Fig. B3-26 and
Appendix 2)
900 metres from location
of DK-0001 on true
bearing 102 30'.
60 metres west of
khatiyah-1
Waters from all shows very saline. From 312 ft downwards strong
smell of H2S. After shutting off the top waters with the 8 5/8" casing
a series of shows was encountered from 312 ft to bottom. as all the
shows were very saline the casing was all recovered and the well was
plugged at 100 ft.
Shows from 22 to 95 ft. 100 to 160 parts per 100,000. 324 to
bottom, very saline and sulphurous. Surface waters were fairly good
but as the aim of the well was to find artesian water, it was continued
to 605 ft. All water below 100 ft was very saline and had a
sulphurous odour. The well was abandoned.
All shows over 300 parts per 100,000. Owing to the excessive
salinity of the water the well was abandoned.
720 gallons per hour at 91 ft from surface. Very saline, greatly in
excess of 300 parts per 100,000. The water, although of very poor
quality was used for building purposes.
720 gallons per hour. 88' from surface. Very saline, greatly in excess
of 300 parts per 100,000. No good water was found. A 8 5/8" casing
was run in and the well was then tubed and equipped for pumping
water to supply the rig and camp.
Table B3-01: Details of the first mechanically drilled water wells of Qatar (Williamson & Pomeyrol, 1938a)
Page 62
Limestone
with marl
(Eocene)
Limestone
with marl
48 ft and 175
ft show
Limestone and
Marl.
Limestone
Limestone
with marl
Description
Pebbles and gravel on top of hill
Marls, pinkish white, hard, with lamellibranch casts.
Harder sandy band in marls
Marls, pinkish white, hard, with lamellibranch casts
Gypsum
Marls, white and pink, with Clausinella etc. Selenite
Gypsum, interbedded with red, ochreous marls . (Gypseous)
Gypsum, white and red, with streaks of marl containing Clausinella.
Marls, pink, with gypsum nodules.
Sandy marls with Clausinella.
Gypsum
Marls, pink, with 0.5 m shelly limestone in middle
Gypsum
Marls, pink and white mottled with gypsum nodules.
Marls similar to above but harder
Marls, pink and white mottled.
Marls, white, shelly, with sandy and gypseous streaks.
Obscured
Shelly limestone exposed on shore
Total thickness of the Miocene
Pliocene
Miocene
Thickness
(m)
1.0
3.0
0.5
3.0
0.5
7.0
4.0
3.0
1.0
1.0
0.5
7.5
1.0
21.0
9.0
14.0
14.0
4.0
1.0
95
Table B3-02: Djebel Odaid section; accurate coordinates unknown (Williamson & Jones, 1937-38:
BP plc ARC62746w)
Fig. B3-27: Location of Djebel Odaid
Page 63

Note: We did not have access to the complete Geology of the Qatar Peninsula 1938 report by
Williamson & Pomeyrol. We were able to locate only Appendix 1 of the said report "Note on the
Water Resources of the Qatar Peninsula" and the related February and May 1938 Monthly reports.
The Drilling of Dukhan No. 1 oil well [DK-0001] - the discovery well (1938) (Appendix 2)
In 1937, the AngloIranian Oil Company (AIOC)16 on behalf of IPC created a new company called
Petroleum Department (Qatar) Ltd. (PDL), which took over the concession and its operations. The
operations were managed from the APOC offices in Kirkuk, Iraq. This new company included:
Royal Dutch Shell 23.75%
British Petroleum Company 23.75%
Cie Francais des Petroles 23.75%
Standard Oil of New Jersey 11.87%
Mobil Corporation 11.87%
Partex (Gulbenkian Foundation) 5.1%
PDL proceeded with the drilling of the first well, Dukhan No. 1 [DK-0001], at the location which
Baker selected, on October 6th, 1938 (Fig. B3-29). The rig which was used was a fixed
construction, welded and bolted together on location. All building and drilling materials as well as
most supplies had to be transported from Bahrain to Dukhan by boats, mostly flat top barges. In the
Bay of Zekrit17 a jetty was built to receive the supplies (Fig. B3-28). Transports were frequently
interrupted by adverse weather conditions such as severe sandstorms and gales. Eventually, after
459 days, on the 8th of January 1940, Dukhan No. 1, completed at a depth of 5686 feet (1733 m),
was handed over to the Production Department as a producing oil well with a production of 4,480
barrels of oil per day (bopd). Of the 459 days from spudding to hand over, drilling and coring took
172 days.
Over the drilling period, the well was logged from 0-2326 feet by E. J. Daniel, from 2326 to 2912
feet jointly by E. J. Daniel and N. T. Langham and from 2912 to 5686 feet by N. T. Langham.
These two wellsite, or resident, geologists were responsible for virtually all operations. In
addition to gathering geological information, they also acted as mud engineers; Kirkuk did not
deem it necessary to deploy one of these valuable experts to Qatar, except at the very end of the
well when yet another fishing job was at hand. (Kok, 2012; Langham, 1940)
This short summary of the history of the well is largely based on the Final Well Report which
Daniel and Langham jointly produced. In between the bone dry technical words of these gentlemen
one can read the serious problems, often despair, about the difficulties which they encountered and
what they did to overcome these. For example: after only five days of drilling circulation was
completely lost. They carried on drilling with seawater without any returns until on November 2nd,
1938 they set the 16 casing at 934 feet. Two weeks later, on November 17th drilling resumed with
a drilling mud made up of seawater mixed with local salt and mud. The mud was made from the
16
The Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC) was an English company founded in 1908 following the discovery of a
large oil field in Masjed Soleiman, Iran. It was the first company to extract petroleum from Iran. In 1935 APOC was
renamed the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) and in 1954 it became the British Petroleum Company (BP), one of
the antecedents of the modern BP plc.
17
The name Zekrit is spelled differently over the years and according to the topic. The use of the Formation named
Zekrit was abandoned in 1950 and splitted in the current three formations: Hith, Qatar and Fahahil. The term
Zekrit is also applied to the Bay east of Dukhan, while Zekreet is used for the name of the town located on the
Zekrit Bay.
Page 64

local Midra Shale18; the basal member of the Eocene Dammam Formation. All the time the well
gave troubles with bridging and mud ringing, drill pipe often got stuck. When the well reached
5685 feet it nearly blew out and had to be killed.
Fig.B328:MapshowingthelocationoftheJettybuiltforthepurposetoreceivematerialfromBahrainfor
thedrillingofDK0001(Note:Thenumbersarethesoundingsinfeettolowesttidelevelobservedupto
January16th1938).Scale1:50,000.Source:QatarDigitalLibraryhttp://www.qdl.qa
18
A new shale deposit was later found previous to the completion of DK-0002 (16kms south of DK-0001) when it was
known from experience of the shales used on DK-0001 and DK-0002 that either a better shale mud needed to be found
or some measure be made to artificially condition the shales available. The green shale deposit known as Huweila
Shale from the Miocene Dam Formation (see front cover picture), located by road roughly 25 kilometres south of DK0002, was used exclusively in the drilling of DK-0003. One of the features of the shale is that when ground in a ball
mill it can be introduced direct to the mud stream, if necessary, by putting it through a Cement Mixer. This makes an
unloaded mud of 77 lbs. per cu.ft. which is satisfactory for ordinary drilling without treatment and can, due to its good
suspension properties, be loaded with barytes at the time of mixing or later as required. It responds well to artificial
treatment of gums and bentonites. Johnson & Storey (1971) also mapped the Huweila shale. It happens to stretch over
a length of at least 20kms from the QNCC quarry to Al-Nakhsh Hill. Further investigation by LeBlanc (2009) also has
it spreading to the border with Saudi Arabia. The Huweila shale is also very well known to archeologists since ancient
people made good use of it for potery and other artifacts. Today, it is used at the Umm Bab Cement plant. (Al-Malki
(1994))
Page 65

The section down to about 1000 feet below the surface was known from the nearby Khatiyah water
well (as discussed above) but objectives and predictions at lower levels were based on information
from the Bahrain Oil Wells some 72 kms to the Northwest where the outcropping formations were
assumed to be substantially the same as those of the Qatar Peninsula. (Kok, 2012; Langham, 1940)
Eocene
The known stratigraphy and oil horizons of Bahrain were known to be approximately as follows
(Sorkhabi, 2010), Table B3-03:Thickness exposed: 290' measured section
Thickness drilled 1300'
Base of Eocene or Top of Cretaceous 1323' at first occurrence of glauconite.
Cretaceous
Thickness:
First Pay 500' Section - Shale with limestone streaks - one limestone streak having produced
sufficient oil to be called "1st Pay". Occurs 1480 to 1980' generally non-commercial.
Second Pay (= Bahrein Oil Zone) ("Main Pay") 100' thick. Consists of porous gray limestone with
interbedded shales with underlying shales, lenticular siltstones and fine sandstones, highly productive
in certain parts of the field. The "Main Pay" lime and these porous siltstones pays are called
collectively the "2nd Pay".
Average depth "2nd Pay" wels is 2250'
Water level is - 2175' below sea level giving an oil column of 375' in "2nd Pay".
Producing section = 1950' to 2325' using elev. of wells average 150' or producing section
of 1800 to 2175 subsea.
Third Pay is encountered between 2700 and 2800 feet but so far commercial production found in only
1 well. It occurs sporadically in a thick section od porous limestone with shale breaks.
Fourth Pay - (Deep Pay) (Damman or Arabian Oil Zone) - Gas and distillate between 4165 and 4640'
- vertical extent and potentialities of the dark oil zone are not determined as yet.
The deepest Bahrain well (Well No.52) was believed to have the following tops and an elevation of
189' (Table B3-04):1635
1865
1875
1990
3375
3674
3960
3970
4030
4260
4781
5162
5225
Lower Black Shales

Orbitoides
Cythereis Bahreini
Main Pay (Orbitolina Lime) = 2408 DK-0001
First Detrital Lime
Base Detrital Lime
Oolitic Lime
First Anhydrite = 5047 DK-0001
Main Anhydrite
Arab Zone = 5477 DK-0001
Base Arab Zone - Top Jubaila
Hanifa (Top Hadriya Zone)
Total Depth (in Hanifa)
The starting horizon of Dukhan No.1 was 86.75 feet (26.45 m) below the "Alveolina Bed" marker
and the Well was expected to reach the Bahrein "2nd Pay", its first objective, at 2200 to 2250
feet. The equivalent horizon was actually encountered at 2408 feet (Top Mauddud Limestone) but
commercial oil was not found. This being the case the Well was continued, in accordance with the
agreed policy, to search for lower productive zones, if any, and in particular for the Bahrein "4th
Page 66

Pay". The latter was reached in October 1939 at 5620 feet, (after two separate, thin streaks of oil
bearing limestones were encountered in the Anhydrite from 5497 to 5576 feet but were found to be
non-commercial), very near the depth limit of the outfit in use, and has yielded an Oil Well of
commercial size from Jurassic Limestone, capped by anhydrite, in the Zekrit Formation. The total
depth of the Well is 5686 feet.
The producing reservoir rock, the Upper Jurassic Zekrit Formation, was equivalent to the Arab
Formation of Saudi Arabia, even having the same number of limestone pay zones which had been
named members A, B, C, and D of the Arab Formation in the Dammam field. However, N. T.
Langham was unaware of these pay zones which were discovered two years earlier. He named the
producing zones the Zekrit limestone members No. 1, 2, 3 and 4. (Kok, 2012; Langham, 1940)
Fig. B3-29: The Qatar discovery well, DK-0001. Picture from QP Website, www.qp.com.qa
A post drilling analysis of the stratigraphy of the Dukhan No. 1 well [DK-0001] revealed the
following with regards to the formations penetrated (for clarity, we include here also the equivalent
names known today) (Table B3-05):Depth (ft)
Formation Names (1938)
0000 - 1010
Bahrein
1010 - 1656
Tayarat Limestone
1656 - 2408
Khatiyah
Names (today equivalent)

Hasa Group (includes Dammam, Rus,
and Umm er Radhuma Formations)
Simsima
Ruilat
Halul
Laffan Shale
Mishrif
Ahmadi
1656 - 2072
Upper Khatiyah beds
2072 - 2408
Lower Khatiyah beds
2408 - 2589
Mauddud Limestone
2589 - 3038
Rutbah Sandstone
3038 - 5047
Musandam
3038 - 4151
Upper Musandam beds
4151 - 5047
Lower Musandam beds
Mauddud
Nahr Umr
Thamama Group
5047 - 5686
Hith
Qatar
Fahahil
Zekrit
Table B3-05: A post drilling analysis of the stratigraphy of DK-0001
Page 67

The well did not fully penetrate the Zekrit Formation and the latter, in those days, was not known at
outcrops. It occurs in Bahrein in the subsurface but in 1938 had not been formally named and
defined. Therefore, Langham and Daniel selected Dukhan No.1 as the type section, and named the
unit after Zekrit water wells near the location.
In all 138 cores were taken for a total of 1925 feet cut with a total recovery of 1125.92 feet. The
average core was 13.95 feet with an average recovery of 8.15 feet and an average percent recovery
of 58.49%. (these cores now reside at QPs Geolab in Dukhan)
The well was completed on January 7th 1940. The capacity of this first well was assessed at some
5,000 b/d for an oil of 36 degrees A.P.I. gravity.
Page 68

From the drilling of the Dukhan No. 1 Well, it was now established that an oilfield of substantial
size had been proved at Qatar. The proven oil column was only 66 ft. but in view of the flatness of
the anticline the productive area had a chance to be much more extensive. The anticline had a total
length of about 80 kms above its point of minimum closure, but it was impossible to predict
whether the anticline would be oil-bearing throughout its total length. It was known that at Bahrain
the proven oilfield only occupied about one-tenth of the total closed area of its anticline, but
conditions could not be entirely comparable. The Dukhan anticline of Qatar had a minimum
closure of surface bed of about 100 ft., but the closure at depth could have been considerably
greater than this. Throughout the length of 50 mile [80 kms] of the surface anticline there were
three separate crest maxima separated by saddles with closures of 45/60 ft. and, as the oil column
had been already proven to exceed 66 ft., it looked as if oil would extend along much of the length
of the anticline either as a continuous field or as a series of separate accumulations at the individual
crest maxima. (Lees, 1940)
It was known that the reservoir rock was a porous oolitic limestone underlying about 600 ft. of
mostly anhydrite. The exact age had not yet been determined, but a Neocomian age had been
assigned to rocks below a fossil horizon at 3957 ft. by a palaeontologist. The reservoir rock at
Qatar corresponded to the fourth pay at Bahrain but at Bahrain this pay had a gas cap of about 200
ft vertical height overlying 60/80 ft. of oil column. At Bahrain the cover series to the fourth pay
was a group of limestones and anhydrites each containing some oil, but at Qatar the cap rock was,
as stated above, 600 ft. of mostly anhydrite without intermediate oil horizons. (Lees, 1940)
It is with this in mind that Dukhan No. 2 Well was moved and drilled in a location about 16 km
south of the first well in March 1941 (it discovered oil in the No. 3 limestone and gas in the No. 4
limestone) and in May 1942, Dukhan No. 3 was drilled about 4 km east of the first well. World War
II however would put an end to all field operations in Dukhan (Al-Othman, 1984). The wells were
plugged as a denial measure against enemy presumably Japanese invaders; and after the war
had ended, the field needed a complete reconstruction. The Dukhan field called after 1945 for more
than rehabilitation and re-equipment; it called for all the required construction to be begun again
upwards and downwards from ground level, the creation of all communications and services to and
within a remote and waterless peninsula, and the assembly of all materials and supplies. With the
best of goodwill, the fulfillment of these requirements needed time; and thanks to supply difficulties
in the United Kingdom and competing priorities in other countries, no drilling at Qatar could begin
until late in 1947, nor could export be secured until the last week of 1949. (Longrigg, 1961).
While the rehabilitation was taking place, planning the future drilling, exploration and geophysical
activities was the first step to undertake. Of the four possible reservoir limestones of the Zekrit
(Trias-Jura) Formation found in the three first wells already drilled, Nos.l and 2 limestones
contained showings of oil and/or gas in all wells but had not yielded any production. No.3
limestone gave productions of 5,000 bbl. (175,000 gallons or 650 tons) per day and 10,500 bbl.
(367,500 gallons or 1,360 tons) per day respectively in Nos. l and 2 wells. In No.3 well this
reservoir was water-bearing. No.4 limestone was not reached by No.1 well; in No.2 well it
contained gas and in No.3 well water.
No.3 limestone was, therefore, the only proved oil-bearing reservoir. It was 84 ft. thick with
average porosity estimated (by inspection of samples by Resident Geologist) at 12%.
Page 69

Assuming that 25% of the oil filling the pore space of this rock would be recoverable, proved
reserves was estimated to be at 1.6 million tons of oil per square mile of oil-filled No.3 limestone.
No.1 well entered this limestone at an elevation of 4509 ft. and No.2 well at 4210 ft. Oil/water
level was estimated from pressure data of all three wells to lie between 3659 and 3935 elevations,
i.e. there was an oil column of not less than 574 ft. The form of the structure in the No.3 limestone
was not then precisely known, since there was a considerable angular unconformity between the
Zekrit Formation and the surface Eocene beds, but it could safely be assumed that the anticline at
this depth would be productive of oil for an average width of two mi1es [3.2 kms] and a length of
20 miles [32 kms], or say an area of 40 square miles.
With these assumptions, proved reserves were amounting to 64 million tons.
Provided that wells would be suitably spaced at not less than say 2 mile [3.3 kms] intervals,
production at 1,500 bbl. to 2,500 bbl. per day should be possible, unless the picture of reservoir
conditions given by the three wells already drilled was not representative of the field as a whole.
With average well productions of the order of 1,500 bbl. per day, the size of the field was such that
1,000,000 tons per year could be produced from 14 producers, each with a possible drainage area of
nearly three square miles.
What is written above referred only to No.3 limestone of the Zekrit19 Formation. In addition it was
most probable that oil production would be obtained from No.4 limestone of the same formation,
which was at least 133 ft. thick. There was also the possibility that nos.1 and 2 limestones,
respectively 30 and 20 ft. thick, would also yield oil locally (In 1949, oil was discovered in the
Number 4 Limestone of Dukhan. This proved to be a better reservoir than the No. 3 Limestone and
gave the greatest oil production. A minor oil accumulation was also found in the Middle Jurassic
Uwainat Member, in 1954)
In addition, the Rutba20 Sand formation, which produced oil in Bahrein and Kuwait, could also
contain some oil in a crest maximum to the north of Dukhan No.1 well.
Back in 1946, there was little outside information to aid in forecasting what could lie below the
Zekrit No.4 limestone, but it would have been a very pessimistic view to suppose that there was no
deeper oil accumulation in the Dukhan structure. Cox (1946)
Renewed operations began in late 1947 and the first ever air photo survey of Qatar took place.
[Subsequent mapping of the whole country used these air photos to pinpoint accurately the features
of the land (Fig. B5-04)]. During the following three years, three drilling rigs were continuously
employed to drill 25 wells to depths around 6,000 ft. Schlumberger was offered a contract to log
future wells. They started with well DK-0007 on September 18th 1948. These surveys, however,
were discontinued and the contract terminated on December 31st 1949. Well DK-0014 was the last
well surveyed. This decision was reversed in late 1950 because the company opened an office in
Qatar in September of that same year and logging resumed in well DK-0017. (Miller R.C., 1973)
19
The units now named the Hith, Qatar and Fahahil Formations were originally treated as one, the Zekrit Formation.
Name abandoned in 1950.
20
A sandstone formation, now recognised only in outcrops in the Rutbah and Wadi Hauran area of Iraq. The name was
originally applied to Middle Cretaceous sands of Albian or Cenomanian age in Iraq. It was used, in 1940, to describe
the Albian terrigenous clastics encountered beneath the Mauddud Formation in Dukhan Well No. 1. In 1950, following
the definition of a more precise equivalent unit in south Iraq, the name Rutbah Formation was replaced by Nahr Umr
formation in Qatar
Page 70

Initial production at a rate of 1.5 million t/y was, after two years work, secured from eight wells
drawing from the no. 3 limestone; but a comparatively rapid pressure-drop, following the beginning
of production, led to the development of the underlying no. 4 limestone, and this horizon ended up
supplying three-quarters of Qatar oil production by 1951.
In 1948, surface mapping of the Dukhan structural area was resumed in greater detail than before.
Max Chatton (Chatton, 1948), Divisional Palaeontologist (Dukhan 1940s & 50s), undertook the
mapping of the northern part of the anticline during the months of February to April 1948 from Ras
Dukhan (tip of the peninsula) to an East-West line at about the level of well DK-0002. D.M.
Morton21, on the other hand, covered the area extending south from the limit of the previous
season's mapping by Chatton, (i.e. from DK-0002) to the Saudi Arabian border from December
1948
to
May
1949.
[More
on
D.M.
Morton
can
be
read
in
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Morton_(geologist) ]
Chatton selected as reference bed22 for the structural map the 60 cm thick limestone bed with
abundant Alveolina elliptica (today called "Dukhan Alveolina Limestone) since it was identified to
separate the full section in 2 parts and was the only easily recognizable bed in the field. The
mapping of the northern portion of the peninsula by Chatton revealed:
1) Two clear faulty regions were found. Three main faults were detected in the area of Bir
Uwainat Ali while others were seen closer to Dukhan town (Fig. B4-01). The maximum
visible vertical throw at 1.4km E.N.E. of DK-0004 on the west flank of the anticline is about
17m. The other area is at Jaub Sarai in a region near DK-0002. A faulting of the 4th terrace
(now top of the Rus Formation) of 5m was outlined.
Fig. B4-01: Example of a fault seen in the Rus Formation at 252619.52 and 50472.66
2) A thickness of about 68m (Fig. B4-02) is visible on the surface (Rus & Dammam Formations).
Unfortunately it was not possible to find a complete section, or several sections of this
thickness, which would have allowed knowing and locating all the formations. This was
expecially true for the thick limestone between the top of the Alveolina bed and the base of the
21
Unfortunately, we were not able to locate Mr. Mortons geological report of that area.
In those days the surface formations of Qatar had not been given their present names. Only the Abarug beds (then
spelled Abaruk) on the Ras Abaruk peninsula had been previously named by E.W. Shaw and P.T. Cox during their
1933 geological reconnaissance and also used subsequently by Williamson & Pomeyrol in their 1938 geological report.
22
Page 71

Abarug Member (now called Umm Bab Dolomitic Limestone). The best section he could find
was given by a cliff of Jebel Dukhan, located today within the Dukhan town's perimetres.
Fig. B4-02: Marks used for the mapping survey between the North End of Qatar and DK-0002 with their
vertical distance to Alveolina bed, by Max Chatton, Divisional Palaeontologist. 1:300. Dated: 25-9-1948
While Chatton & Mortons reports shedded some light on the overall thicknesses of the
formations/members exposed on the Dukhan anticline, the results were essentially the same, and
after completion in 1949, very little surface investigation was found to be worthwhile. The
Geological surveys revealed the Dukhan anticline and the main peninsula high, exposing mainly
beds of Eocene age, with Miocene resting unconformably upon them mainly in the southwest.
(Morton 1976).
Page 72

Between January and June 1949 a Robert Ray Gravity party completed the survey of Qatar (begun
in the North in 1947) right down to the Concession boundary, but at no point across it. Qatari
guards went with the party and no incidents were reported.
Between January and June 1949 a Robert Ray Gravity party completed the survey of Qatar (begun
in the North in 1947) right down to the Concession boundary, but at no point across it. Qatari
guards went with the party and no incidents were reported.
Seismic surveys were done in Qatar but not within the disputed area with Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, a 120km pipeline was built from the Dukhan field to the port of Umm Said in southeastern Qatar (known also as Messaieed) where terminal facilities were put in place. On December
31st 1949, the first shipment of the Dukhan crude was made from Messaieed. The tanker S.S.
President Manny carried 80,000 tons of oil to Europe.
Also in 1949, the Shaikh granted a new and separate (but undelimited) concession for his
Continental Shelf lands to the Superior Oil Company23 (Al-Othman, 1984). They began
operations by carrying out geophysical research in the sea-bed for some months, but retired from
the scene in 1952 when the prospects appeared dubious and the expenses and difficulties all too
certain.
Mining/Quarrying24
The proposal to quarry gypsum from Djebel Nakhsh25 appears to have been made in the early
summer 1947. In June or July samples were sent to London for analysis. The sample was approved
and it was proposed to build a track to Djebel Nakhsh (September 1947). Holloway Brothers were
given the contract. By June 1948, 75 tons had been quarried and taken to Umm Bab26. During this
time labourers were living near Nakhsh. C.A.T. Company took over the contract in October 1948;
the quantity extracted was 200 tons. Between January 1949 and July 1949, 420 tons were
extracted. By the end of the year, an additional 650 tons was extracted ( BP plc ARC62746w,
1920-1950)
Meanwhile in the neighbouring countries:
Although the search for oil, gas and minerals was ultimately to drive geological survey work across
the regionand still does todayin its early years it was the need for water that was the catalyst
for Saudi Arabia 's resource exploration. In 1944 King Abd al-Aziz approached the United States
for a technical expert who could assist with the identification and plotting of the kingdom's natural
resources, particularly its groundwater reserves. The individual who arrived, Glen F. Brown, was
one of the pioneers of a partnership between the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the
government of Saudi Arabia that was to span several decades and play an important role in the
development of the kingdom. Brown was initially charged with carrying out surveys of much of
western and central Arabia, and he gathered his information in much the same way as earlier
23
Associated with the Central Mining Corporation of London; joint operation in the Gulf was in the name of the
International Marine oil Company, formed ad hoc and registered in Canada.
24
Please refer to one of the footnotes under The 1969-70 Geological Survey of the Surface formations of Qatar
towards the end of the chapter discussing the 1960s and which mentions about a contradiction with Caveliers 1970b
report..
25
The report we took this information from ( BP plc ARC62746w) does indeed mention Djebel Nakhsh, however,
since there is no sign on this djebel of any prior gypsum exploitation, it is assumed that the location is in fact Djebel An
Nafkhah located just 3.4 kms to the SW; where extraction is still on-going by QNCC
26
We assume that the quarry in Umm Bab had already started exploitation of limestone by the time gypsum started
being exploited in Djebel Nakhsh
Page 73

travelers. Using modern equipment, but still traveling part of the time on foot or by donkey, Brown
and his companion, Richard Bramkamp of Aramco, measured temperature and humidity, identified
and estimated the extent and quality of water and mineral resources and calculated topographical
data. It is estimated that the two covered more than 38,000 square kilometers (15,000 sq mi) in little
more than 18 monthsan extraordinary achievement.
Soon afterward, such work was dramatically supplemented by aerial photography, and by 1954 the
Saudi Ministry of Finance, USGS and Aramco were working together to produce the first full series
of geographic and geologic maps of the country. The first of their type in the Peninsula, these were
published between 1960 and 1963 in both Arabic and English versions, and the information they
contained formed the basis of subsequent Saudi national development plans (see Steineke and
Bramkampss maps in a subsequent chapter). To this day, all modern maps of the kingdom trace
their roots back to these first publications. (Parry, 2004)
Page 74

Our knowledge of the Dukhan Field at the beginning of the 1950s is summarized in Lees 1951
publication on the oilfileds of the Middle East: The Dukhan field of Qatar has not yet been
explored to its limits, but the size already proved is ample to sustain the current production of
45,000 barrels per day. There are two reservoir limestones, both in the Arab zone, known as No. 3
and No. 4. No. 3 limestone has crude undersaturated with gas at its reservoir pressure, yet it is
separated by only 60 feet of anhydrite from No. 4 limestone below, which has an extensive gas cap
overlying its oil. The 60 feet of anhydrite is, therefore, a completely impervious barrier to
connection between the two limestones throughout the whole extent of the field
In 1952 a new agreement (Al-Othman, 1984) was reached with Petroleum Development (Qatar)
(PDQ) modifying the original 1935 concession, which brought minor benefits to Qataris in terms of
structuring of payments. Sterling also replaced the rupee as the medium of payment. On June 9th
1953, Petroleum Development (Qatar) Ltd was re-named Qatar Petroleum Company Ltd (QPC) and
even though the name changed, it continued as an associate of the Iraq Petroleum Co. Ltd., (I.P.C.).
Well Dk-0035 has the honor of being the first blow-out of Qatar. The well, spudded on February
16th 1953 blew back in March 1953 while coring the Arab-D reservoir. The Blow Out Preventer
(BOP) Rams apparently leaked and the well caught fire (Fig. B5-01). DK-0020 on the other hand,
spudded on November 24th 1950, caught fire at 7:40PM on Thursday December 20th 1956 in
dubious circumstances. Indeed, the form of the initial failure was consistent with the detonation of
an explosive charge at the outside surface of the 2.5 inch. equal tee. Year 1956 was a time of
political unrest in the Middle-East and Qatar was not entirely protected from it. During both 1953
and 1956 circumstances Mr. Red Adair (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Adair ), a member of Mr.
Myron M. Kinley (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myron_M._Kinley ) organisation, came to Qatar to
extinguish them (Fig. B5-02). [Al-Othman (1984) & QGS Newsletter (Oct 2011)].
Fig. B5-01: DK-0035 on fire. March 1953

(QGS Newsletter, Oct 2011)
Fig. B5-02: From Left to right: D.P. Wood (Assistant to Mr.

Adair), Red Adair and A. Elliott (Firemaster, Kirkuk) after
inspecting DK-0020 in the background (1956). ( BP plc,
ARC162710_017w)
Page 75

At the end of the previous decade, our knowledge of the subsurface stratigraphy had already
increased substantially.
What had not changed however were the names of all the
horizons/formations encountered. Because of QPCs association with I.P.C., early attempts were
made to correlate Qatar rock units with similar formations in Iraq. Several formation names defined
in Iraq were then in use in Qatar.
It would have appeared logical to correlate with and adopt names from the neighbouring Saudi
Arabia; however, in spite of early publication of details of Saudi Arabian outcrop sections, lack of
knowledge of intervening subsurface sections over a long period led to the setting up in Qatar of
different formation names. A more accurate comparison of time and rock units between Qatar and
Saudi Arabia needed to be done.
Dr. Francis Roger Spencer Henson (1901 1967)
Francis Henson, a pioneer of Middle East stratigraphy,
micropalaeontology and structural geology, died suddenly at his
home in Dorset on 21 March 1967. He was born on 28 January
1901, in South Africa, of British parents. He attended Bedford
Modern School from 1909 to 1919, then taught for a year as junior
science master at Parkside School, Ewell. From 1920 till 1924 he
studied in the Oil Technology course at the Imperial College of
Science and Technology. He graduated with First Class Honours as
an Associate of the Royal School of Mines in 1924.
Henson's first employment in the petroleum industry, which he was
to serve with diligence and distinction for more than 40 years, was
as a junior geologist in Venezuela and Trinidad with the North
Venezuelan Oil Company. After a little over two years of field
mapping and sub-surface work, he returned briefly to the School of
Fig. B5-03: F.R.S. Henson
Mines in 1926. In May 1927 he accepted a post with the Turkish
(later Iraq) Petroleum Company. His first assignment was as sub-surface geologist at Tuz, in northern Iraq.
After the discovery of oil at Baba Gurgur, Kirkuk, in October 1927 the headquarters of the Company's
operations moved to Kirkuk, and Henson, promoted to Senior Sub-surface Geologist, became responsible for
all sub-surface investigations in Iraq. In the succeeding years of the 1930s these responsibilities expanded
greatly, and the Central Geological Laboratory, under his direction, undertook enquiries on stratigraphical
and palaeontological problems for a growing plexus of associated companies, with interests embracing all of
Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, Palestine, Transjordan, Aden, Oman, the Trucial States and Qatar.
Henson involved himself deeply in these problems, studying prodigious numbers of samples and
stratigraphical sections, and travelling extensively in the field, both inside and beyond the areas of the
Companies' interests, to check and elaborate on interpretations made in the laboratory. From this period
dates his close acquaintance with foraminiferal palaeontology, evidenced in numerous published papers, and
with the principles of microfacies correlation, of which he was one of the earliest practitioners if not the
innovator. The interpretation of the Kirkuk Main Limestone reservoir as an Oligocene reef complex was
perhaps the first outcome of his microfacies investigations in Iraq.
After the war years, and after setting up the necessary organization and launching the Divisional Laboratory
developments in overseas areas, Henson was transferred as Research Geologist to the London Offices in
charge of a new Geological Research Centre. Later, in 1957, he was appointed to the new post of Chief
Regional Geologist directing the Geological Regional Laboratory which included and superseded the
Research Centre. This position he held until his retirement from the Iraq Petroleum and Associated
Companies at the end of 1961.
In 1962, Henson accepted a U.N.E.S.C.O. assignment to assist in the setting up of a Petroleum Research
Institute in Argentina, and in 1965, at the termination of this assignment, he was engaged to advise the South
Page 76

African Government on oil exploration matters. On both of these assignments he travelled extensively,
usually accompanied by his wife, 'Bunny'.
In collaboration with R. V. Browne and J. McGinty he was author of one major paper in the Quarterly
Journal - A synopsis of the stratigraphy of Cyprus, 105, 1-41, 1949. His foraminiferal publications, scattered
through numerous journals, include a Monograph of the British Museum (Natural History), Larger
Imperforate Foraminifera of South-West Asia (1949). In 1950 he was awarded the degree of Doctor of
Science by the University of Leiden in recognition of his foraminiferal work, his doctoral thesis relating to
the Middle East Tertiary Peneroplidae.
He participated in the preparation of the Tectonic Map of the World, in the Lexique Stratigraphique
International and in many compilative endeavours having relation to the palaeontology, stratigraphy and
historical development of Tethys. (Dunnington, 1969)
Dr. Henson, who performed much of the original stratigraphic work initiated in the mid to late 1940s in
Qatar, is also to be thanked for his guidance and direction to subsequent investigations in the 1950s by other
authors, not only in Qatar, but also on the Arabian Peninsula as a whole.
His 1948, 1950 and 1951 studies, among others, on Larger Imperforate Foraminifera in wells DK-0001, DK0002 and DK-0003 from surface down to the Jurassic, helped in defining the contacts between time-units in
these wells and the surrounding area. Stratigraphy, in all his studies on Qatar, was expressed exclusively in
terms of time-units; he never ventured into assigning names to the rock- units (Table B5-01). He was,
however, part of a small stratigraphic committee within IPC ( see Sugden below) which recommended and
applied the name change of some of the local formations. This change, which officially occurred on January
29th 1951 for the following four formations (Browne, 1951), coincided with the drilling of DK-0022:
Old Names
Top of Tayarat
Top of Rutbah
Top of Musandam
Top of Zekrit
New Names
Top of Aruma
Top of Nahr Umr
Top of Thamama
Top Riyadh
The other markers (top of Khatiyah Unconformity, top Mauddud Limestone, and top No. 1, 2, 3 and
4 Limestones) were to remain unchanged.
Page 77
Pleistocene
Uplift with oscillations
Miocene
Uplift
with
strong
folding
Subsidence
? Uplift
Oligocene
Subsidence
Eocene
Upper
Middle
Lower
Uplift
Subsidence
Uplift
Subsidence
Cretaceous
Upper
Uplift
Subsidence
Middle
Uplift
Subsidence
Lower
Jurassic
Upper
Middle
Lower
Triassic & older
Uplift
Subsidence
Uplift
SEDIMENTS
Terraces; miliolites; fresh-water limestones; dune sands; alluvial
clays, sands and gravels
None known
Neogene
Continental
Sands, etc.
DIASTROPHISM &
VULCAMISM
AGE
Gypsum, marls and limestones with Ostrea latimarginata,

etc. (L. Fars)
Foraminiferal and reef limestones with Nummulites intermedius,
Lepidocyclinae, etc.
Foraminiferal limestones with Nummulites fabianii, Discocyclinae,
etc.; foraminiferal marls
Foraminiferal and reef limestones with Nummulites gizehensis, N.
aturicus, N. discorbinus, Dictyoconoides Kohaticus, Alveolina
elliptica var. nuttali, etc.; passing into globigerinal marls; some
chalks; littoral sands and conglomerates at the base locally
Anhydrite (locally absent)
Foraminiferal limestones and marls with Lockhartia haimei, etc.
Foraminiferal limestones and grey-green marls and shales with

Loftusia spp., Omphalocyclus macropora, Orbitella media,
Lepidorbitoides sp., etc.
Foraminiferal limestones with Orbitolina concava, Prealveolina
cretacea var. tenuis, Aspidiscus cristatus, etc., red, green and dark
grey marls and shales with small foraminifera and ostracods; some
sands
Glauconitic sands and shales with ferruginous oolites, lignite and
amber.
Massive grey limestones with some shales; Orbitolina cf.
discoidea, Dictyoconus arabicus, Pseudocyclammina lituus,
Choffatella decipiens.
Massive limestone and oolitic limestones; Valvulinella jurassica,
Lovcenipora, Exogyra nana, Procerithium hunti, etc.
Anhydrite with interbedded oolitic limestones and dolomites
Subsidence
Massive limestone
Not known (no well had reached that depth at this time in Qatar)
Table B5-01: Stratigraphical Table for Qatar Peninsula (Henson, 1951)
Page 78
Fig. B5-04: First geographical map of Qatar compiled from the air photos of the 1947 survey (Browne, 1952)
Page 79

Dr. Alan Hilder Smout (August 9th 1919 to September 22nd 1999)
Alan Hilder Smout27 was born on 9th August 1919 in South London to parents of
modest means, Robin Smout and Nellie Adams.
Although largely educated at home in his early life, he obtained a scholarship to
Emanuel School, Battersea Rise, London SW11, where his academic abilities were
recognised.
He went on to obtain a degree in botany before realising there were few jobs for
botanists, although he maintained a keen interest in botany all his life. He obtained a
further degree in Geology and a doctorate from Imperial College, London.
Fig. B5-05: Alan Hilder
At the outbreak of WWII he found himself stranded in Iraq [Fig. B5-06]. As a Smout, June 21st 1980
foreigner he was rounded up and routinely imprisoned. Nobody in Iraq knew quite
what to do with foreign nationals. He told tales of supplementing the meagre porridge he was fed each day
by catching cockroaches, which he fried on the single pot-bellied stove in the barracks where he was
imprisoned. After being in prison, his love of food was a pleasure he enjoyed for the rest of his life.
Eventually he was released, but with no possible way of returning home to England through war-torn Europe
he decided to go to India. Travelling alone, only with what he could carry, he made the 3,200 km journey
largely across deserts safely. He joined the Indian army, where he was made an Officer [Fig. B5-07]. His
particular role in India was in surveying, mapping and printing remote parts of India on a mobile printing
press, in case the war should ever extend to those remote regions.
After WWII he married Dr Joan Haythorne, a newly-qualified doctor whose family lived in the next door
house to his own family in England. Alan had bought a car which he had laid up on bricks before the war to
preserve the tyres and on his return to England was one of very few young civilians with a motor car.
During the 1950's he worked for the Iraq Petroleum Company [Fig. B5-08]. With a young family he didn't
wish to leave for long periods while working abroad and fearing future unrest in the Middle East, he joined
British Petroleum where, apart from oil exploration, he spent time developing computer programmes to
describe and plot a completely new class of recursive spiral for which he had written the formula. These
spirals were mirrored by the tests of foraminifera and he had many examples.
He was an early adopter of computers, working on the famous Eniac IV computer at the BP research facility
in Sunbury-on-Thames. He continued to compute his spirals until his death, although the work was never
published. Nature once rejected a draft as being too technical and specialised for their audience.
Taking early retirement from BP, he applied and was accepted as curator of the Booth Museum of Natural
History in Brighton, UK, a job for which he was hopelessly over-qualified but which nevertheless amused
and occupied him. At this time his knowledge of computing was put to good use and he established a
practical working database system to catalogue all the various collections which came under the care of the
Brighton Pavilion, which included the Booth Museum.
In his later life he took a keen interest in cosmology and felt that much was wrong with many theories
currently in vogue, citing the reason for this as the fact that astronomers generally know very little geology
and geologists very little astronomy. His extensive and deep mathematical abilities allowed him to be able to
take his geology into cosmological realms with ease.
Socially he was a keen traveller and camper and he became secretary of the Motor Caravanners Club. He
also fund-raised extensively for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a UK charity dedicated to saving
lives at sea. In later years he was a tutor for the Open University.
27
The text in the framed area, and all pictures, were generously provided by Dr. Alan Hilder Smout's daughter and son,
Dr. Elizabeth Harding (n Smout) and Mr. John Smout ( js@jsdesign.co.uk ), ( www.jsdesign.co.uk ).
Page 80

In the early 1950s Alan Hilder Smout initiated a study on the Lower Tertiary Foraminifera of
the Qatar Peninsula (Smout, 1954) (Appendix 3). It was commenced as an investigation of the
fauna from boreholes in Qatar for stratigraphical correlation under the direction of Dr. F. R. S.
Henson (see biography above), whose valuable encouragement and advice were generously given.
This work was later approved by the University of London for the award of the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy and published in 1954.
Foraminifera are principal means of working out the geology and ages of the formations of an area.
Smouts Species Range Chart (Appendix 3) is a compilation of evidence from five wells in the
Djebel Dukhan area of Qatar28. Unfortunately, the depths from which the fossils came are not
given. Samples were collected at five-foot intervals, with occasional sections of non-recovery of
samples. The ages assigned to the strata were based on the Foraminifera described in his work. As
per Dr. Hensons habit, the stratigraphy was expressed in time-units. The usual small Foraminifera
are not preserved, and all the 36 species discussed are large, with thick calcareous tests. The ages of
the rocks identified extend from Middle Eocene (with six species), Lower Eocene (with six
species), Paleocene (with 23 species), and Late Cretaceous (with one species). (Galloway (1954))
Most attention is given to the superfamily Rotaliidea, with a new diagnosis of the superfamily, and
a statement of morphogenetic principles, plans of growth, wall structure, pillars, canal systems,
apertures, and phylogeny. The rotaploid genera Rotalia, Lockhartia, Sakesaria, Dictyoconoides, and
the new genera Kathina, Dictyokathina and Daviesina are described. Also considered are
Miscellanea, Operculina, and Nummulites. Two genera of the superfamily Discorbidea,
Asteregerina and Linderina, one of the Miliolidea, Alveolina, and one of the Lituolidea Dictyoconus
are described and figured. (Galloway, 1954)
Many new ideas on the structure and relationships of the genera named were proposed. The number
of new genera (3) and new species (19) makes the distinguishing of the similar genera and species a
disconcerting task. The keys are very useful. Few of the forms occur in North America, but the
work is very useful as a reference document for palaeontologists of the Mediterranean region and
eastward.
Smouts findings revealed that the highest beds in Qatar assigned to the Cretaceous contain
Omphalocyclus macropora Lamarck (reconfirmed by Al-Hitmi (1994) [Table B5-02]), a reliable
index fossil of Maestrichtian age. With the rare exception of Rotalia trochidiformis, there are no
species in common between the Cretaceous and Tertiary of Qatar. Also, there is an abrupt faunal
non-sequence with no intervening beds.
Dr. Smout never had a permanent post in Qatar but visited the country at several occasions on
behalf of Iraq Petroleum Company / British Petroleum. His last known visit took place in January
1967.
Dr. Smouts last important contribution to foraminifera was published in Evolutionary trends in
Foraminifera in 1963 as part of a collection of Papers dedicated to I.M. Van Der Vlerk (a famous
Netherland palaeontologist) on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
28
The study does not mention which wells but must certainly include DK-0001, DK-0002 and DK-0003
Page 81
Fig. B5-06: Alan H. Smout, Iraq (1939)
TERTIARY
TIME UNITS
Eocene
Fig. B5-07: In military uniform (~1943)
Group
Early
Hasa
ROCK UNITS
Formation
Member
C
B
Umm er
Radhuma
A
SALWA
Late
Simsima
Maastrichtian
Aruma
Middle
Ruilat
Coniacian/
Santonian
Halul/Laffan
Mishrif
Cenomanian
CRETACEOUS
Janaan
D
C
Ahmadi
Wasia
Mauddud
Albian
Nahr Umr
B
A
Fig. B5-08: A.H.S. in mid-1950(?)
BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC
UNITS
1-Lockhartia Acme Zone
2-Acarinina broedermanniA. pentacamerata
Assemblage Zone
3-Lockhartia prehaimei
Range Zone
4-Omphalocyclus macropora
Local Range Zone
5-Orbitoides faujasii
Local Range Zone
6-Gansserina gansseri Interval Zone
7-Hedbergella planispira
Local Range Zone
8-Dictyoconella minima
Range Zone
9-Asterohedbergella
asterospinosa
Total Range Zone
10-Hensonina lenticularis
Total Range Zone
11-Orbitolina qatarica
Total Range Zone
12-Asanospira diyabi
Total Range Zone
Table B5-02: Foraminifera content of the Cretaceous & Tertiary formations over the Dukhan field (Al-Hitmi, 1994)
Page 82

Walter Sugden (1923 1977) (Higgins, 1977)
Walter Bill Sugden was born in Keighley, Yorkshire. He was at school at
Tolworth (1929-34) and Surbiton County secondary School (1934-41), before
entering the Royal School of Mines, London, where he obtained 1st Class Honours
in his Associateship and degree in Oil Technology in January 1944. His first post
was as a palaeontologist with North Venezuelan Petroleum Co. Ltd. a position
which he took up in March, 1944. In 1947 he joined Iraq Petroleum Company as a
subsurface geologist, and he continued in the employ of that Group until 1959. His
initial posting was to north Iraq, where he was concerned with the rapid post-war
development of the Kirkuk field and with the discovery and appraisal of Bal
Hassan. He was then transferred as the Resident Geologist to Dukhan in Qatar
where he arrived on March 19th 1951 to replace P.H. Ramswey who had resigned.
On April 1st 1953 Sugden was promoted to Area Geologist. He undertook much of
the location, control, and structural and reservoir interpretation of early wells of the
Dukhan field, and he was engaged also in field mapping and stratigraphical
appreciation of early Trucial Coast wells. He devoted much of his leisure to
enthusiastic and original studies of modern sedimentation and organic geochemistry
in the sabkhas and lagoons around Qatar, and to enquiry into Arabian Gulf
hydrology. He also undertook the preparation of the Qatar fascicule of the Lexique
Stratigraphique International. There was a very long delay before this appeared in
print under joint authorship (to be discussed below), yet retaining much of the basic
material of his 1956 draft on the subsurface stratigraphy. He was highly regarded in
the IPC Group for his hard work, keen mind, and sometimes vitriolic contributions
to the solution of the Groups geological problems. He left Qatar on January 9th
1957 and returned to Iraq, as Divisional Palaeontologist of Basrah Petroleum
Company.
Fig. B5-09
Walter Sugden
1960 picture at the
Department of Earth
Sciences, Oxford
University
In searching logs and cuttings for the source of high-pressure sour gas which caused a blow-out in Murban1 (UAE), he noted indications of oil saturation in the A and B zones of the Thamama reservoirs which had
not been recognized in the course of drilling. In a sense this represented the discovery well of the Murban
field. With a colleague he correctly interpreted faulting in Fahud 1 (Oman) and recommended drilling a
further well, which, drilled some years later by another company, located the first Oman oil field.
Sugden had a very large measure of independence and a strong interest in research. When he was unable to
obtain leave of absence to work for a higher degree he resigned (in 1959) and commenced study at Oxford.
Unfortunately he was not able to get the release of certain specific data, so a major part of his presentation,
although sound in arguments and conclusions, was not accepted by the examiners in 1961 (Appendix 4).
He then obtained a lectureship in the Geology Department at Townsville, Australia, then an extension
college of the University of Queensland.
Much of what he did has not been written up, perhaps because he was his own sternest critic. His
publications were concerned with a variety of subjects structural analysis, recent sedimentation, Arabian
Gulf hydrology, the development of pyrite, dreikanter, etc... His interests at Townsville (now the James
Cook University) included Devonian structure and stratigraphy, recent sedimentation and experimental
devices.
Walter married three times. He married his first wife (Mable Mulzac, 1927-2008) on January 3rd 1946 in
Trinidad & Tobago and had only one son (Clive Sugden born July 18th 1946) who still lives in Trinidad
(Personal communication). His second wife, Kate, died in 1971 in Australia (date of marriage unknown).
They had two children; Hugh and Christina. Ten months prior to his death, Walter married his third wife,
Elly (full name unknown).
Page 83

Modification and standardization of the rock unit nomenclature of onshore Qatar was started in
1951 by Walter Sugden and completed in 1956. Consultations on the necessary revisions took
place between Sugden, Henson, Smout and other interested parties and various changes were made.
In the meantime the preparation of Sugdens Dukhan Type Section [Appendix 4, end of
Supplement] slowly proceeded, particular attention being paid to the question of nomenclature.
On February 10th 1953 he presented to ICP his first version of the Dukhan Type Section (from
Eocene Dammam formation to Middle Jurassic Araej Formation), then a second version on
September 2nd of the same year and his third and last version some time in 1956 prior to leaving his
Qatar assignment. In this third 1956 version, he uses the formation name of Umm er Radhuma
before it is even formally described by M. Steineke, R.A. Bramkamp and N.J. Sander in 1958. He
also attempts to propose a more formal designation for the Number 1, 2 and 3 limestone pay zones
of the Jurassic Qatar Formation as the Jaleha, Juh and Umm Bab Members respectively; however,
these names were never published and are considered redundant because of long disuse.
The Dukhan Type Section [Appendix 4, end of Supplement] was prepared to give as much geological
information as possible both for those who were directly concerned with well logging and also for those
who were more concerned with the broader regional implications of Dukhan Stratigraphy. Thicknesses
given did not fit any particular well and were not intended to fit any particular structural position though
they were average thicknesses for a number of flank wells more or less in the central part of the Field.
Drilling speed data, though often useful for the delineation of contacts, were not included since experience
had shown that the drilling speed pattern was varying greatly from one well to another according to changes
in bit programme, local variations in lithology, etc Typical Schlumberger curves were also omitted since
Schlumberger logging was not a routine practice in those days.
A species range chart was included. No attempt was made to show all available palaeontological data in the
chart and the species shown were almost all foraminifera which could be identified in drill cuttings. The
ranges were partly compiled from occurrences noted by Sugden during the logging of wells and were
therefore in many cases more extensive than ranges previously noted. The greatest care was however taken
to distinguish true occurrences from cavings. Fossil records were taken from published and unpublished
reports by M. Chatton, J.A. Douglas, A.N. Dusenbury, G.F. Elliott, F. Gosling, T.J. Harris, F.R.S. Henson,
R.G.S. Hudson [see Stubblefield, 1966], R.P.S. Jefferies, A. Keller, J. Robinson, A.H. Smout, A.J.
Standring, and W. Sugden.
Formation names came from different sources. If correlatable with adjacent countries, the name was kept;
if not, new names were created and the formations were described. Whether or not still valid names, we
owe Sugden the formation names of Araej, Darb, Diyab, Doha, Fahahil, Gulailah, Hawar, Izhara, Kharaib,
Laffan Shale, Qatar, Ruilat, Simsima, and Suwei.
The ultimate objective of Sugdens work was a detailed stratigraphic nomenclature, with the intent
of including it as a Supplement to his thesis (As mentioned above, the latter was presented in
1961 but rejected by the examiners) and having it published as the first Qatar stratigraphic Lexicon
[Appendix 4, Supplement]. On June 12th 1959 W. Sugden handed over to the Sub-Commission
of the Stratigraphic Lexicon the text of the Qatar fascicle and it was accepted for publication. The
printing of the Qatar fascicle however had to be postponed for several reasons29:
29
A.J. Standring (also discussed in a subsequent chapter) accepted in early 1963 to undertake the amendments and
improvements to Sugdens work. He became quickly aware of the necessity to perform a deep reshuffling but he
endeavoured to respect as much as possible the original version. Walter Sugdens Stratigraphic Lexicon of Qatar,
revised and completed by A.J. Standring, was presented to the Sub-Commission on August 30th 1971 and published in
1975 [Appendix 6].
Page 84
The secretary of the Sub-Commission was planning to gather into one fascicle the
various Lexicons of the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula (project that was later
cancelled).
With new information obtained as a result of the drilling of the Dukhan Deep Test
Well (DK-0065) in 1959, a revision of some sections became necessary (see Dukhan
Deep Test below)
Exploration rights in offshore Qatar waters were assigned and held fully by Shell
Company of Qatar (S.C.Q.) from the period since 1952 this lead to the discovery
of two commercial oilfields in the 1960s, at Id-al-Shargi and Maydan Mahzam (to be
discussed in a subsequent chapter). This company adopted the stratigraphic
terminology used by Q.P.C., but found it necessary to define some additional
formations not recognized in the onshore area and also modified the sense in which
certain formation names were applied.
In Sugdens original report [Appendix 4, Supplement] a large number of unit names were
adopted from B.P.C. nomenclature. Such names were used where units could be readily correlated
which had already been named in the B.P.C. area. Various names were also adopted from
ARAMCO nomenclature. These however were mostly group names and very few formation or
member names were taken from ARAMCO. This was due to the absence of precise formal
definitions of the smaller ARAMCO units. While Sugden had a certain amount of information on
the smaller ARAMCO units (e.g. the Buwaib, Yamana and Sulaiy) he did not have enough to
enable him to correlate precisely between the ARAMCO units and the Dukhan succession in the
Q.P.C. area. Thus, while ARAMCO names were used for the groups, subdivision into formations
was based almost entirely on the Dukhan and B.P.C. succession. (See Sections in Appendix 4, end
of Supplement). In his own words (Sugden, 1954 unpublished report):
The division of the corresponding outcropping Aramco section into units is based on its
topographic expressions as benches, scarps and dip slopes. This is an entirely
satisfactory method for outcrops but it is dependent on the behavior of the rocks towards
weathering agents. In well sections however, particularly where there is some lateral
change of facies, the breaks which give weathering features at the surface are not always
apparent. This is so in the case of the Qatar section and it is not possible to correlate
between the Qatar section and the outcropping Aramco section on the basis of available
descriptions of lithology. Consequently it has been found necessary to divide the Qatar
section into units according to its own attributes and to correlate with Aramco units by
fossil range information. The application of this method has resulted in the following
approximate correlations:
QATAR UNITS
Darb Formation
Diyab Formation
Araej Formation (above Uwainat Member)
Uwainat Member
Araej Formation (below Uwainat Member)
Izhara Formation
Gulailah Formation
Suwei Formation
ARAMCO EQUIVALENT
Combined Jubaila and Hanifa
Formations
Upper four fifths (approx..) of Tuwaiq
Mountain Limestone
Lower fifth of Tuwaiq
Upper Dhruma
Upper part of Middle Dhruma
Lower part of Middle dhruma and
Dhibi Limestone
Divisions 1, 2 and 3 of Lower Dhruma
(Bramkamp) and upper Marrat
Middle Marrat
Page 85

Abdullah S. Sayyab
In 1956 Dr. Sayyab published his study Cretaceous Ostracoda from the Persian Gulf Area in
which he describes Cretaceous ostracods from six different oil fields over the Arabian Peninsula;
the Dukhan Field was among them. Data from the Dukhan Field came from two wells, namely
DK-0042 and DK-0045. Table B5-03 below shows the result. Once again, the stratigraphy was
expressed in time-units
First published article on Dukhan Field
Qatar Petroleum approved the first article for publication on the Dukhan Field for the 20th
International Geological Congress in Mexico in 1956 (See Staff of Qatar Petroleum, 1956).
Besides discussing production rates and permeability zones, the article contains a geological log of
well DK-0048 showing the main producing zones of Arab-C and Arab-D, which in those days were
called No. 3 and No. 4 Limestones respectively (Fig. B5-10).
The stratigraphy both as a whole and in detail showed remarkable similarity from the Kharaib-1
well (in Central Qatar) to Dukhan and to Bahrain in the north and Dammam and Abqaiq in the
northwest. At this time, and even today, the Dukhan anticline was believed to have been growing
from Jurassic times onwards as there is persistent thickening of formations downflank: its late phase
of growth is certainly post-Middle Eocene since the Miocene Dam formation fingers into synclinal
regions of the peninsula.
Fig.B510:GeologicallogofwellDK0048(StaffofQP,1956)
Page 86

Cement Works (The Engineer Newsletter, 1957)
We are informed by the Government of Qatar that Preliminary results of a detailed geological
survey conducted in that country by Associated Drilling Supply Company (Overseas), Ltd., indicate
that adequate natural resources exist in Qatar for the manufacture of high-quality Portland cement.
The indications are that reserves immediately exploitable are sufficient for at least fifty years
working at a production rate of 200 to 300 tons of cement per day by the dry process. Cheap fuel is
available near at hand as the main limestone area is within 20 miles of the centre of gravity of the
Qatar Petroleum Company's Dukhan oilfield, from which natural gas can be made available.
Indications are that sweet water will also be found within reasonable distance of the proposed site
for a cement factory, the establisment of which might lead to a wider scheme of industrialisation
aimed at providing employment for Qataris in industries other than the oil industry.
The Shell Group
In the period 1953-1963 the Shell
Group had a strong interest in aspects
of recent sedimentology in the
Arabian Gulf, as a key to better
understanding the carbonate reservoirs
in the region. At that time research
staff from Shell and other oil
companies were already engaged with
intensive investigations in another
area of major recent carbonate
sedimentation: the Florida-Bahama
Platform. Interest in the Arabian Gulf
was enhanced by conspicuous
differences between the two areas, and
the realization that the Gulf in many
ways provided more representative
recent analogues for Qatars ancient
reservoirs than the Florida-Bahama
Platform, Fig. B5-11 (J.W. Focke,
1986). This study lead Purser to
publish his two famous reports on this
subject (Purser 1973a & 1973b) which
became the basis for other authors to
write on the recent surface geology
and sedimentation of Qatar & the Gulf
countries. (this discussion will
Fig. B5-11: Simplified map of Qatar, showing features of
continue in chapter 9)
interest on the present-day surface (J.W. Focke, 1986).
Page 87
X
X
Brachycythere wellingsi
Cytherella bilobata
2010-2190
2050-2190
X
X
Eobuntonia ? curta
2050-2160
Eobuntonia seminuda
2020-2160
2050-2150
Cythereis ? dukhanensis
X
X
2020-2030
2010-2030
2030-2040
2020-2030
2020-2060
2030-2050
2020-2100
2050-2250
2020-2030
2060-2150
2670-2680
2190-3100
2540-2550
2195-2935
2195-3100
2200-3150
2200-2220
2570-3100
2640-2650
2370-3000
2500-2900
2525-3200
2520-2690
2465, 2650-60
2620-2840
2640-3175
2930-2940
2640-3100
2640-3100
2640-3100
2640-3000
Haplocytheridea bramkampi
Haplocytheridea subovata
X
X
Brachycythere hasaensis
Cytheropteron qatarense
Anchycythereis quadrata
Bairdoppilata orientalis
X
X
X
Mesocythereis hensoni
Krithe pyriforma
Cythereis hindei
X
X
Cytherella ovata (Roemer)

Cythereis arabica
Xestoleberis punctata
Eocytherura striata
Anchycythereis compressa
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Paracypris glabrans
Bairdoppilata sp.
Monoceratina compressa
Cytherelloidea kuwaitensis
Cytheropteron sculptum
Amphicythereis bahreinensis
Amphidentina nasri
X
X
X
X
Cytheropteron burganensis
Cytherella dammamensis
Clitherocytheridea dunningtoni
X
X
Depth (feet)
Very Rare
Rare
Common
Type Locality
DK-0045
Depth (feet)
Very Rare
Rare
Common
Type Locality
Abundant
DK-0042
Table B5-03: Cretaceous
Ostracods Ranges in two
Dukhan Field wells. (Sayyab,
1956)
2210-2250
2210-2250
2210-2220
2210-2250
2210-2220
2210-2250
2210-2220
2210-2250
X
X
2220-2250
2220-2230
2230-2240
2210-2240
3000-3200
2900-3000
2800-3100
Amphicythereis hasaensis
X
2740-3100
Monoceratina trituberculata
X
4810-4820 ??
Bythocypris oblongus
X
2210-2250
Macrodentina cretacea
X
3020-3030
Note 1: Monoceratina trituberculata is not in DK-0042 well section, but is mentioned in the text on page 61. Depth is
doubtful
Page 88

1/500,000 map of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
These maps were published by the U.S.G.S. and distributed internationally. Two issues concern
Qatar, including the offshore islands (Figs. B5-12 & B5-13)
These maps, accompanied by a detailed key, are particularly valuable for their comprehensive view;
northern Qatar was very succinctly studied from undefined published material, southern Qatar, was
realized in much greater detail from field surveys supplemented by photo-interpretation.
The stratigraphical terminology used is that used in Saudi Arabia, widespread in Qatar; a particular
effort was directed to the subdivision of the Quaternary deposits, at least in the key.
Fig. B5-12: Qatar portion of the Geologic map Fig. B5-13: Qatar portion of the Geologic map of
of the Western Persian Gulf quadrangle the Central Persian Gulf quadrangle (Bramkamp
(STEINEKE et al. (1958)).
et al (1961)).
Synopsis geological map at scale 1/250,000 (Fig. B5-14)

A synopsis of the field surveys carried out by geologists before 1949 was made by R.V. Brown
(1949) in a geological map at scale 1/250,000, revised in 1959 by T.B.H Jameson. The geological
knowledge of Qatar of the following geologists was included: T.F. Williamson, R. Pomeyrol, R.M.
Ramsden, M. Chatton, D.M. Morton and P.H. Rumsey. The five formations determined on this
map reflect the original objectives of the surveys, intended for oil investigation (structural research).
Indeed, the Quaternary deposits are grouped as "post-Miocene", and the Miocene which outlines the
synclinal structures is differentiated but not in detail. On the contrary, the Eocene is divided into
three formations, constituting the "Bahrain Group" with, from top to bottom:
Page 89
Abaruk30 Beds considered today as the upper member of the Dammam

Formation, and which are only known in the west of Qatar where their
outcrops, in the absence of Miocene deposits, outline the synclinal
structures.
Upper Limestones, corresponding essentially to the Simsima Dolomite
and Limestone Member, and quite probably to the Dukhan Alveolina
Limestone Member of the Dammam Formation.
Lower Limestones, corresponding to the Rus Formation, but including
upward the Fhaihil Velates Limestone Member and the Midra (and
Saila) Shales Member of the bottom of the Dammam Formation. As a
general rule, the outcrops of these horizons outline the anticlinal structures.
This map gives a good idea of the general structure of Qatar and localizes the main groups of
outcrops except for the South of Qatar which is not represented. By comparison with Caveliers
1969-70 surveys [discussed in a subsequent chapter], presented at a different scale, and taking also
into account the different subdivisions adopted on each map, particularly for the Eocene, the map is
on the whole accurate, though may lack in detail; more especially the extension assigned to the
outcrops of the Rus Formation (including the Midra Shales) is often too exaggerated, particularly
in the north-eastern part of Qatar. The divergences in the limits of the Eocene-Miocene contact in
the south-western region of Qatar result probably, partly, from a difference in interpretation of the
poorly fossiliferous nodular calcareous deposits, lying between the Eocene and Miocene. The
Q.P.C. geologists attributed these beds to the Miocene, while Cavelier classified them as Eocene,
and compared them to the Abarug Member, typical in the region of Dukhan and the Alat Member
of Saudi Arabia. (Cavelier 1970b).
30
According to the Arabic word pronunciation, it is better to use "Abarug".
Page 90
Fig. B5-14: Geological map Jameson (1959), revised from Brown (1949) [no other info available]
Page 91

Le Grand ADSCO
The government of Qatar commissioned to Le Grand ADSCO in 1958 a study of the Freshwater
Resources of Northern Qatar. The company started field work on the 8th of February 1958 and
completed the work on May 31st 1959 with a 4 month summer break in 1958 due to the hot season.
The Tertiary rock units investigated are listed in Table B5-04 below. Due to the similarity of names
in this table and the ones described by Sugden, they must have had some communications with the
stratigrapher, even though some evidence of make-shift Member names is apparent
THE SURFACE ROCKS OF NORTHERN QATAR
SYSTEM
RECENT
PLEISTOCENE?
Middle
Dammam
Eocene
Lower
Rus
NAME
Blown Sand
Sabkha
Depression muds
and silts
Miliolite
Abaruk Bed31
Abaruk Chalk
Surface Dolomite32
Simsima Chalks33
Including red Bed
Alveolina Beds34
Midra Shale
Rus Chalks (base
not seen)
THICKNESS (ft)
0 50?
0 10
0 - 60
Ca. 6
Ca. 35
Ca. 80
Ca. 30
4
0 - 10
180
UER (concealed)
Table B5-04: Stratigraphy of northern Qatar (Le Grand ADSCO, 1959)

The maps at scale 1/100,000 (two sheets) from Le Grand Adsco (Figs. B5-15 & B5-16) were
prepared from surface traverses, sections, drill-cores and photogeological interpretation, by
STEVENSON (1959), geologist for the company. They only cover the northern region of Qatar,
extending southward barely to the present Doha-Dukhan road, and not reaching westward on the
portion of Djebel-Dukhan normally included in this area. They are appendices to an important
report intended to define the fresh water supplies of northern Qatar, and realized by a small staff
provided with considerable material means.
Eight mapping subdivisions were adopted: 4 for the Quaternary deposits, and 4 for the Eocene. No
Miocene deposits occur in this area. A rather detailed description of the formations differentiated is
given in the text of the report with a compilation. It is worth noting some considerable differences
in the indicative thicknesses shown in this table and those mentioned in the map key.
On a stratigraphical level this report introduces several new terms into the subdivisions of the
Dammam Formation (middle part): the Surface Dolomite Member and the Simsima Chalk
31
Today, this Member of the Dammam Formation is spelled Abarug

The 1975 Stratigraphic Lexicon of Qatar states that the term was defined by Stevenson, 1959, in a report titled :
"The fresh water supplies of Northern Qatar"
33
Today this Member is called Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone as defined in the 1975 Stratigraphic Lexicon of
Qatar even though the term of Simsima Chalks is still used wrongly by the geo-technicians outside of the oil
industry. The term Simsima Chalks should cease to be used since it can lead to confusion with the deeper Cretaceous
Simsima Formation.
34
Today this Member is called Dukhan Alveolina Limestone
32
Page 92

Member including the Red Bed. The names of the further subdivisions are noted as those used by
the Q. P.C.
At first sight, the geological maps appear quite detailed; in fact, after a confrontation with the field,
they appear essentially as photo-interpretation with consequent errors. In particular the extension of
some outcrops of the Rus Formation - whether existing or not - is often obviously exaggerated,
while some other ones, more localized, shown on the 1/250,000 Q.P.C. map, do not appear. The
Quaternary formations, excepting the Depression muds and silts, clearly visible on air photographs,
are extremely schematized, and most parts of the "Miliolite" accumulations are not shown. On a
general level, the distinction between the outcrops of Surface Dolomite and Simsima Chalk looks
quite arbitrary.
It must be remembered that these maps are only appendices to a quite detailed report devoted to
hydrogeological problems, which was more than a solid foundation for further investigations..
Finally, it is obvious that the geologist, taking into account his numerous responsibilities (cf. p. 4)
could not achieve a complete geological survey in the field, and, besides, he makes no secret of this
fact.
Fig. B5-15: 1/100,000 maps (North Sheet) from Le Grand Adsco, prepared by Stevenson (1959)
Page 93
Fig. B5-16: 1/100,000 maps (South Sheet) from Le Grand Adsco, prepared by Stevenson (1959)
The Dukhan Deep Test DK-0065 (Milne, 1959)

Plans for the drilling of a deep well on the Dukhan structure were
formulated in 1954 to test formations older than the known Jurassic
producing limestones in the Arabian Gulf. In January 1955, the decision
was taken to drill a deep well to formations older than any one tested in
Qatar so far, in the search for additional reserves. Geological predictions
based on the available information from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
were prepared and the best prospect for the well was concluded to be the
Khuff Formation of Permian age. This formation was known to have
reservoir characteristics in neighboring areas. In addition to investigating
this horizon, the well was also planned to investigate the underlying
unknown section down to a depth of about 16,500 feet. On July 20th 1958
Qatar Petroleum spudded well DK-0065 (Fig. B5-17). It reached a total
depth of 13,261 feet. The geologist in charge of the well was A.J.
Standring (to be discussed in the next chapter).
To prepare the well proposal, formation names were borrowed from Saudi
Arabia and Bahrain, at least for those deeper than Jurassic. Below
Fig. B5-17: From Cranham,

S.G.s album (1946-1963)
about 12,000 feet nothing was known of the stratigraphy except that it probably comprised Palaeozoic shales
and sandstones. Table B5-05 below describes the names that were used.
Page 94

Depth (ft)
-1030
1730
2960
4815
5330
5460
5650
6250
6630
6730
7380
7810
8450
9250
11250
11750+
Age
Palaeocene
Upper Cretaceous
Middle Cretaceous
L. Cretaceous-Jurassic
Jurassic
Jurassic
Jurassic
Jurassic
Jurassic
Jurassic
Jurassic
Jurassic
Jurassic
Jurassic
Trias-Permian
Permian or older
Palaeozoic
Unit
Lithology
Limestone
Lst., dol. And shale
Lst., shales and sst
Limestone and shale
Anhydrite & Limestone
No. 3 Lst Limestone
No. 4 Lst Limestone
Darb
Limestone
Diyab
Argillaceous Limestone
Araej
Limestone
Uwainat Limestone
Ishara
Limestone
Gulailah
Lst., dol. And anhydrite
Suwei
Marl, sst., lst. & anhyd.
Bahrein Unit A
Dol., lst. and anhydrite
Bahrein Unit B
Sandstone
Unknown
? Shales and sst.
Hasa
Aruma
Wasia
Thamama
Riyadh
Table B5-05: Predicted Formation Sequence in Dukhan Deep Test well DK-0065 (R. Milne, 1959)
The well was also cored at various levels. Examination of a thin streak of micaceous siltstone in
Core 35 at 12560 revealed a large impression of an organic structure35. The Divisional
Palaeontologist, A.J. Standring, decided to forward the small core specimen to Dr. White, then
curator at the British Museum of Natural History in London. Dr. White identified it as the right
anterior-lateral plate of a new arctolepid arthrodire i.e. it comes from the dorsal part of the base of
the right pectoral spine of one of these fish (Figs. B5-18 & B5-19). The age confidently suggested
by Dr. White was Lower or Middle Devonian. Ten years later, the same Dr. White wrote an article
on the specimen (White, 1969) and named the new fish Qataraspis Deprofundis.
Figs. B5-18 & B5-19: Part and Counterpart of the right anterior-lateral plate of a new arctolepid arthrodire
called Qataraspis Deprofundis. (Pictures taken in October 2012 by Dr. Ivan J. Sansom from the University
of Birmingham).
35
It is rare to find fossil remains of vertebrates in cores. The most common fossils found are invertebrates such as
small bivalves; however sometimes bigger invertebrate are discovered such as in wells DK-0040 and in DK-0051
which display in the Cretaceous and Jurassic rocks (respectively) imprints of ammonites
Page 95

The Offshore of Qatar
Because of irregularities in the 1935 agreement with Anglo-Persian Oil Company, the government
contested the company's claim to include the territorial water in its concession and in 1950 the
arbitrators' findings confirmed Qatar's point of view. So, in 1952, a new oil concession agreement
was signed between Sheikh Ali bin Abdulla and George O. Higgins giving the rights of offshore oil
concession to Shell Overseas Exploration Company Ltd (Al-Othman, 1984). The concession as
granted originally covered all waters outside the 3-mile [5 kms] limit (excluding therefore territorial
waters and islands). Some 8600 square miles were involved in this concession, granted for a period
of 75 years as from August 1952. After two years, the company changed its name to Shell
Company - Qatar (SCQ). [Al-Kubaisi, 1984].
Following the acquisition of marine concession rights in August 1952, SCQ started exploration
activities early in 1953. To begin with, a topographical and hydrographic survey was carried out,
complemented by bottom sampling and echo soundings at various times between 1953 and 1956.
In June 1953, a gravity survey was started for which, during a period of nearly 2 years, over 2000
stations were measured. (A decade later, in 1964, additional gravity surveys were undertaken and
some 400 new stations were surveyed).
In December 1953, seismic reflection surveys were commenced, covering more than 4500 km of
lines in 2 years of activity. Additional seismic work carried out in 1959 (and 1961) brought the
total of seismic coverage to nearly 8000 km of lines shot.
In February 1955 SCQ spudded its first well, Matbakh-1 (M-1) with mobile drilling platform MU-1
(Fig. B5-22) and was abandoned as a dry hole in August of the same year after reaching a depth of
6706 ft. MU-1 was then moved to the elongated Idd-el-Shargi structure; well IS-1 was spudded in
January 1956, and was completed as a dry hole in December of the same year, after reaching a
depth of 11,883 ft. As it turned out, the well was located in a saddle separating two structural
culminations. Owing to its structural position, the well failed to discover commercial hydrocarbon
accumulations, but provided valuable information on the stratigraphy and tectonics of the area
(Table B6-02)
When preparing to tow MU-1 to the next location, a sudden and violent storm wrecked the unit,
with the result that exploratory drilling had to be suspended for 3 years, until a new mobile
platform, the Seashell, became available at the end of 1959. Spudded in December 1959 with the
new mobile drilling platform Seashell, well Idd-el-Shargi-2 (IS-2) [originally called "Bast el
Khail"] was drilled in the Idd-el-Shargi North Dome and became the discovery well in May 1960
after drilling to a depth of 8320 ft and proving the Araej (Uwainat) formation capable of
production. (Dominguez, 1965) (Figs. B5-20 & B5-21).
Page 96
Fig. B5-20: Structural cross-section in the Idd El Shargi

North Dome showing oil and gas distribution in the
Jurassic-Cretaceous reservoirs (Al-Sharhan et al, 1997)
Fig. B5-21: Structural cross-section in the Idd EI

Shargi South Dome Field showing oil and gas
distribution in the Jurassic-Cretaceous reservoirs
(Al-Sharhan et al, 1997)
Fig.B522:MobiledrillingplatformMU1gettingreadytodrillMatbakh1(M1).
Page 97

Drilling & Production Summary of the 1940s and 50s [Tables B5-06 & B5-07]
By the end of this decade, sixty-six (66) wells had been drilled on the Dukhan structure, most of
which were producing oil from the Arab-D (then called No. 4 Limestone). These included two on
the west flank which were drilled directionally from the shore to tap the reservoir beneath the sea.
In addition, two wells were drilled in the middle of the peninsula, at Kharaib.
The whole peninsula had also been covered by seismic and gravity survey and the northern three
quarters by magnetic survey. A total effort of 37 crew months for seismic and 10 crew months for
gravity work had been made in the years 1947-49 (discussed earlier), 1952 and 1957-59.
1941
1942
20
30
40
50
One Well, DK0001
Thousand Feet
10
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
World War II
1940
One Well, DK0003
1939
One Well, DK0002
Table B5-06: Annual Drilling Footage (A.J. Standring, 1960)

X1000ft
60
Million Tons36
Table B5-07: Annual Oil Production (Al-Kubaisi, 1984)

9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959
Note: Cumulative Oil Productive for Onshore only. Offshore production started in
1964
36
There are more or less 7 barrels of oil per Metric Tons. One barrel weighs about 140 kgs.
Page 98
1959

Meanwhile in Qatars neighboring countries
Systematic mapping of the sedimentary geology of Saudi Arabia by ARAMCO began in 1933. By
1959, exploration parties of one type or another had surveyed more than 1,300,000 square
kilometers of sedimentary outcrop.
Several studies and publications on the stratigraphy of Qatars neighboring countries took place in
the 1950s and resulted in some way or another in setting the course of the naming of our own
stratigraphical units. While they are probably too numerous to outline, at least three of them have
definitely left a mark in the stratigraphic nomenclature of Qatar
In W.J. Arkells 1952 publication on Jurassic ammonites, R.A. Bramkamp & Max Steineke, two
Aramco geologists, lay down several names for the Jurassic formations exposed at the Djebel
Tuwaiq outcrops.
In their 1958 publication Stratigraphic relations of Arabian Jurassic oil, Max Steineke, R.A.
Bramkamp and Nestor J. Sander describe in detail the Saudi Arabian formations from top to bottom
in relation to oil occurrences. It will provide a good base to Powers in 1966 for writing his
Stratigraphic Lexicon of Saudi Arabia. The stratigraphic column released in Steinekes et al
publication is reproduced below (Table B5-11).
The last (but not the least) most influential publication of this decade is Dunnington et als
Stratigraphic Lexicon of Iraq published in 1959. The similarity in names of the Lower Cretaceous
Formations in both Qatar and Iraqs Basrah fields and Euphrates area is striking given the distance
that separate the two countries (Table B5-10). This is probably due to the fact that Q.P.C. was an
associate of the Iraq Petroleum Co. Ltd., (I.P.C.) in those days and, for this reason, early attempts
were made to correlate Qatar rock units with similar formations in Iraq. It would have appeared
logical to correlate with and adopt names from the neighbouring Saudi Arabia, however, in spite of
early publication of details of Saudi Arabian outcrop sections, lack of knowledge of intervening
subsurface sections over a long period led to the setting up in Qatar of different formation names.
Table B5-10: Relationships of the several Lower Cretaceous units in Iraq (Dunnington et al, 1959)
Page 99
ROCK UNITS
Hofuf Fm
Dam Fm
Hadrukh Fm
MAIN ROCK TYPES
THICKNESS
(m)
(Type Section)
Sandy marl and limestone; local

quartz gravel at base
Shale, marl and limestone, with chert
Sandstone, shale, marl & chert
AGE
95
Miocene or Pliocene
90
84
Probably Middle Miocene

?Miocene
Unconformity
Dammam Fm
Rus Fm
Umm er Radhuma Fm
Limestone, dolomite, clay and marl

Anhydrite, marl, shale and limestone
Mainly limestone and dolomite
28
56
About 229
Aruma Fm
Limestone, with dolomite and shale
144
Sandstone and shale with subordinate

limestone
42
Lower and Middle Eocene

Lower Eocene
Paleocene and Lower Eocene
Late Upper Cretaceous
(Campanian? and
Maestrichtian)
Unconformity
Wasia Fm
Early Upper Cretaceous

(Cenomanian)
Unconformity
Biyadh Sandstone
Sandstone, with shale

Limestone, with subordinate shale and
sandstone
About 270
Lower Cretaceous
34
Lower Cretaceous
Yamama Fm
Calcarenite and fine-grained limestone
58
Lower Cretaceous
(Neocomian)
Sulaiy Limestone
Limestone, with a basal calcarenite

unit
About 180
Lower Cretaceous?
Riyadh Group
Hith Anhydrite
Arab Fm
Anhydrite
Limestone, dolomite and anhydrite
71
127
Jubaila Limestone
Limestone
Hanifa Fm
Tuwaiq Mountain Lst
Limestone
Limestone, mainly coral-bearing
101
215
Dhruma Fm
Limestone, and shale
383
Marrat Fm
Limestone, dolomite and red shale
111
Middle Jurassic
(Bajocian Bathonian)
Lower Jurassic (Toarcian)
Sandstone, with varicolored shale

Sandstone, shale and limestone
Mainly red shale
Limestone, with shale and marl
315
About 326
116
235
Triassic or Jurassic
Middle Triassic
Permian or Triassic
Permian (Probably Upper)
Limestone and shale

Sandstone
Sandstone and shale
Sandstone
276
Over 200
About 725
Over 600
Silurian and lower Devonian

Silurian
Ordovician and Silurian
Presumably Cambrian
Buwaib Fm
Unconformity
Disconformity
About 110
Probably Upper Jurassic

Late Upper Jurassic
Upper Jurassic
(Kimmeridgian)
Upper Jurassic (?Oxfordian)
Upper Jurassic (Callovian)
Unconformity
Unconformity
Minjur Sandstone
Jilh Fm
Sudair Shale
Khuff Limestone
Unconformity
Jauf Fm
Tawil Sandstone
Tabuk Fm
Saq sandstone
Unconformity
Basement Complex
Table B5-11: Saudi Arabian Rock Units (Steineke et al, 1958)
Page 100

Anthony John Standring June 12th 1927 (Fig. B6-01). (Involved with Qatar from 1956 to 1971)
In late 2014, the author had the pleasure to have few email correspondences with Mr. Standring.
He was 87 years old at the time.
A.J. Standring was born on June 12th 1927. He is the only child of John Standring (pharmacist) and Ethel
Standring. In 2015, he lives in Taunton, Somerset, UK. He received his B.Sc., from the University of
Bristol (UK) in 1948 and his M.Sc. from the same university much later in 1976. Following his 1948
graduation he remained at Bristol working on Ordovician biostratigraphy. In 1952 he took part in the Lauge
Koch East Greenland Expedition. At the end of that year he was appointed geologist with the Falkland
Island Dependencies Survey (later the British Antarctic Survey) based at Hope Bay at the north of the
Antarctic Peninsula. In 1953 and 1954, he accompanied survey parties, examining and collecting from
available outcrops37. He returned to UK in 1955 where he worked on his collection at Bristol University.
In 1956 he was recruited by Iraq Petroleum Company to be Assistant Palaeontologist, based in Dukhan,
Qatar (1956-1960) at the headquarters of the Exploration Division, which included the geophysical and
geological departments overseeing field parties and exploration drilling in the Trucial States (now UAE),
Oman, the Aden Protectorate (now southern Yemen) and Qatar. He arrived in Dukhan on October 23rd
1956. Work by the Exploration Department in Qatar involved mainly deep drilling, such as DK-0065.
Periodic reviews of possible prospects also led to exploratory wells on the main Qatar Arch. There was
considerable liaison between departmental staff on regional geological and stratigraphic interpretation of
geophysics and relating this to known surface and subsurface geology. As part of this he worked with the
then Divisional Palaeontologist (Max Chatton) on naming and dating fauna for the whole region and became
more involved with regional synthesis after becoming Divisional Palaeontologist himself in 1959. It was in
this capacity that he worked on the fauna of the deep section of DK-0065. Mr. Standring had little contact
with Walter Bill Sugden (discussed earlier) since the latter was in charge of well-site geologists (DK-0065
well site geologist was Tom Jameson). All fossils worked on were from well and field samples. Important
newly identified ones, such as the Devonian fish sample from DK-0065 (Figs. B5-18 & B5-19), were sent to
London for verification and finished up in the British Museum (Natural History).
It is in Dukhan that he met his wife Joyce when she was a nursing sister (they have two daughters; Elizabeth
born in Bahrain 1962 and Jane born in UK 1963). Promoted to Divisional Palaeontologist in 1959 while in
Dukhan, he continued in this role while based in Bahrain (1961 1966) and Abu Dhabi (1966-1971) by
which time the concession was confined to onshore Abu Dhabi and Qatar. The familys time in Abu Dhabi
was interesting as they saw the emergence of a state infrastructure with the first setting up of a civil service
with Government departments and the construction of the first proper roads. His wife Joyce also joined the
new Health Department and was largely instrumental in initiating a health service for women in Abu Dhabi.
He left the Gulf in 1971 on leave of absence and made redundant, finally leaving I.P.C. in 1972. Thereafter,
he was based in UK working on the Lower Cretaceous biostratigraphy (1972-1975) at Bristol University to
acquire his M.Sc. From 1976 to 1979 he was manager of Palaeoservices Ltd., a company providing
geological and biostratigraphic services to industry worldwide. From 1979 1986 he worked as a consultant
to oil companies mainly in the Gulf but also in North Africa and Bangladesh. He retired in 1986.
His only published work was the Qatar Lexicon (Appendix 6), otherwise his work was recorded in many
internal Company reports on well and field material and stratigraphic syntheses [Standring (1959) (1961)
(1962), White (1969), LeBlanc (2012)] including reports presented to The Stratigraphic Liaison Meetings
37
Wikipedia ( www.wikipedia.com ) tells us indeed that Standring Inlet (660'S 613'W) is the easternmost of three
inlets on the north coast of Jason Peninsula, Graham Land, Antarctica. It is 9 nautical miles [17 kms] long and is filled
with ice shelf. It was surveyed by the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (FIDS) in 1953 and named in 1956 by the
FIDS for Anthony J. Standring, geologist at Hope Bay in 1953 and 1954, who visited Jason Peninsula with the survey
party.
Page 101

(Appendix 5). The final report on the Wasia Group, which resulted from these Liaison Meetings, was
completed and presented before he left the Gulf. He then took part in the early discussion of the Thamama
Group but left before it was completed.
A compilation of his 1961 & 1962 reports put together is summarized below:
It was recognized that certain subdivisions of the Qatar succession were of local significance only and that
redefinition of some formations would simplify correlation with other areas. It was also seen that, in one
case, comparison with stratigraphy to the north would be made clearer by replacing a local name (Khatiyah)
with one of more widespread application (Ahmadi).
The revision followed the recognition, in other Company areas of operation, that formations are often
diachronous, having faunas diagnostic of different ages in different locations. Thus formational units are
not synonymous with time-units and do not necessarily contain the same fauna everywhere.
The revised rock unit classification for Qatar (excluding offshore) was presented in August 1962 and
compared together with the previously used nomenclature (Table B6-01). The changes were:
1) Reverting to earlier practice, two formations were recognized in the Upper Cretaceous, the Simsima
and Ruilat formations which together comprise the Aruma Group.
2) The name of the formation lying between the Mishrif and Mauddud formations was changed from
Khatiyah to Ahmadi. The use of the latter name recognized its similarity in facies to the formation
of the same name in Kuwait and South Iraq. Its limits in Qatar are those of the former Khatiyah fm.
3) On grounds of regional correlation, the sequence between the base of the Shuaiba formation and the
top of the Yamama formation of Qatar was now designated the Ratawi formation in its entirety. It
thus includes the former Hawar and Kharaib formations, which are relegated to the status of
members, to be retained for the time being for local convenience.
4) The former Gulailah has been subdivided into two new formations. The upper, carbonate unit, not
recognized in the type section of the Gulailah (in well Kharaib No. 1), is of probable Lower Jurassic
age and is so far unnamed. An unconformity separates this formation from the underlying redesignated Gulailah fm whose fauna and relative position supports a probable Middle Triassic age.
5) The Suwei formation, which underlies the Gulailah is approximately comparable with the Lower
Triassic Sudair formation of Saudi Arabia both faunally and in lithology. The two formations are
not, however, strictly the same.
6) The clastic Bahrain Unit B yielded a Devonian fauna in its lower part. It is believed, however, that
its upper part may be younger in age, spanning, in part at least, the interval between Devonian and
the overlying Permian Bahrain Unit A.
Note: We also compare the onshore and offshore nomenclature used in the mid 1960s in Table B6-02.
Page 102

In 1963, while residing in Bahrain, he was approached by the
Sub-Commission to the Stratigraphic Lexicon to undertake
the revision of Sugdens Stratigraphic Lexicon of Qatar; a task
that he eagerly accepts. However, he became quickly aware of
the necessity to perform a deep reorganization but he
endeavoured to respect as much as possible the original
version from Sugden.
Parallel to this, from 1965 to 1971 he would be affiliated with
the Geological Liaison Meetings held at least from 1965 to
1973 between several participating Middle Eastern Oil & Gas
Operators and National Petroleum Companies [Appendix 5]
(ADMA et al, 1965-73). As part of his responsibilities, he
would describe several formations (Arada, Laffan, Ruilat,
Shilaif, Tuwayil, Ruwaydha), describe and name two new
ones (Fiqa & Hamlah), undertake the compilation and writing
of the Wasia Group report (Nahr Umr, Mauddud, Ahmadi,
Mishrif, Shilaif, Tuwayil, Ruwaydha and Natih formations)
over the South-East of the Arabian Peninsula, and review
nomenclatures proposed by the Liaison Meetings (example in
Fig. B6-02)
Standrings involvement with the Geological Liaison Meetings
would allow him to gain the extra knowledge required to
complete the update of Walter Sugdens Stratigraphic Lexicon
of Qatar. The latter, revised and completed, was presented to
the Sub-Commission on August 30th 1971 [Appendix 6].
Around the same period he returned to the UK from where he
would complete the final report on the Wasia Group. The
Stratigraphic Lexicon of Qatar would appear in print in 1975.
The sub-surface formations would be co-authored by Sugden
and Standring (with a brief mention of the surface formations)
while the surface formations would be described in detail by
Claude Cavelier (discussed below).
Fig. B6-02: Revisions to Lower

Cretaceous & Jurassic Stratigraphy as
proposed by B.P. in the late 1960s
during
the
Geological
Liaison
Meetings. Note: Juh-1 = DK-0051
well.
Fig. B6-01: Standrings business card (Journal
Petroleum Geology, V1, Issue4, April 1979,
Page 113)
Page 103

Table B6-01: A 1962 update of the Qatar rock unit nomenclature (Standring, 1962)
REVISED ROCK UNIT CLASSIFICATION FOR
QATAR (July 1962)
GROU
AGE
FORMATION
P
Middle
Lower
Middle
Lower
Paleocene
Eocen
e
Miocene
THAMAMA
WASIA
Lower
JURASSIC
Upper
ARA
B
Middle
ARUMA
RIYADH
CRETACEOUS
Upper
Middle
LOWER FARS
DAMMAM
RUS
DAMMAM
RUS
UMM ER RADHUMA
UMM ER RADHUMA
SIMSIMA
RUILAT
MISHRIF
AHMADI
MAUDDUD
NAHR UMR
SABSAB
SHUAIBA
HAWAR MBR
KHARAIB
MBR
ARUMA
MISHRIF
KHATIYAH
MAUDDUD
NAHR UMR
SABSAB
SHUAIBA
HAWAR
KHARAIB
YAMAMA
SULAIY
HITH
RATAWI
YAMAMA
SULAIY
HITH
QATAR
QATAR
FAHAHIL
FAHAHIL
DARB
DIYAB
DARB
DIYAB
UWAINAT
MBR
ARAEJ
IZHARA
Unnamed Formation
Middle
GULAILAH
GULAILAH
Lower
SUWEI
SUWEI
BAHRAIN UNIT A
BAHRAIN UNIT A
BAHRAIN UNIT B
BAHRAIN UNIT B
PERMIAN
TRIASS
IC
FORMATION
LOWER FARS
IZHARA
Lower
PREVIOUS ROCK UNITS FOR

QATAR
Carbonif. Devonian
Page 104

Table B6-02: Comparison of onshore and offshore nomenclatures used in the mid-1960s38
REVISED ROCK UNIT CLASSIFICATION FOR
QATAR (July 1962)
GROU
AGE
FORMATION
P
FORMATION
Middle
Lower
LOWER FARS
LOWER FARS
Middle
DAMMAM
DAMMAM
RUS
RUS
UMM ER RADHUMA
UMM ER RADHUMA
Lower
Paleocene
Eocene
Miocene
Offshore (Dominguez, 1965)
SIMSIMA
RUILAT
MISHRIF
AHMADI
MAUDDUD
NAHR UMR
WASIA
SABSAB
SHUAIBA
Lower
HAWAR MBR
KHARAIB MBR
YAMAMA
SULAIY
ARAB
Upper
RIYADH
HITH
SHUAIBA
HAWAR
KHARAIB
YAMAMA
SULAIY
HITH
QATAR
FAHAHIL
DARB
JURASSIC
WASIA
QATAR
DIYAB
Arab I, II, III

Arab IV
DARB - DIYAB
Upper Araej
Middle
UWAINAT MBR
ARAEJ
Uwainat
Lower Araej
IZHARA
Lower
IZHARA
Unnamed Formation
Middle
GULAILAH
Lower
SUWEI
GULAILAH
PERMIA
N
TRIASSIC
SIMSIMA
SHARGI
HALUL
LAFFAN
MISHRIF
KHATIYAH
MAUDDUD
NAHR UMR
ARUMA
THAMAMA
Middle
ARUMA
THAMAMA
CRETACEOUS
Upper
Carbonif. Devonian
BAHRAIN UNIT A
KHAIL
SUDAIR
KHUFF
BAHRAIN UNIT B
PRE-KHUFF
38
Up until the mid 1960s, the stratigraphic nomenclature used in Qatar was based primarily on work by Qatar
Petroleum Company (QPC) geologists and modified by Shell to fit their particular needs in the eastern offshore areas.
QPC relied on information from Iraq and Kuwait, and Shell used some information from Oman and UAE.
Page 105

1/250,000 map of PARSONS ENGINEERING
There is little to be written about this printed map, attached to a report (1962) devoted to the Qatar
ground-water survey, which is, as pointed out by the authors, a synthesis resulting from the
compilation of the previous maps. The stratigraphical key is essentially that of the LEGRANDADSCO maps, supplemented for the southern formations by quotations from the maps of the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (as shown in Fig. B5-12 & B5-13 above)
In this report, a 1/1,000,000 geological sketch-map is included, with a transparent paper showing
the structural lines of the "Alveolina Zone" top (Fig. B6-03)
Fig. B6-03: Structural Contours on the Alveolina Bed of the Eocene Dammam Formation. Contour
interval = 10m (Browne & Sugden, 1954)
Page 106

The 1969-70 Geological Survey of the Surface formations of Qatar
The agreement between the Bureau de Recherches Gologiques et Minires (B.R.G.M.) and the
government of Qatar was signed on February 19th 1969 and had the goal "to carry out on behalf of
the Government of Qatar, mineral exploration and investigation all over the territory, both the
Peninsula and the islands under Qatar sovereignty". The survey itself was conducted from April
25th 1969 to April 16th 1970. Since the field activities started in June the team had to conduct a
large part of the survey right in the middle of summer and autumn and endure maximum humidity
levels together with temperatures of 50C; the camps only had tents (no trailers) with no air
conditioning units39.
The team consisted of:
M. Claude CAVELIER40, senior engineer geologist, B.R.G.M. Orlans (France). (Fig. B604)
M. Abdullah SALATT41, chief of the geological section of the Department of the Petroleum
Affairs, Government of Qatar, Doha (Qatar ). (Figs. B6-05 & B6-06)
M. Yves HEUZ, experienced assistant geologist, B.R.G.M. Paris (France).42
The aim of this team reconnaissance was to draw up a programme of detailed investigation and
exploration for minerals in the peninsula and the islands of Qatar in order to assess the possible
mineral deposits in the country, with a view towards exploiting such findings economically. For
that purpose, all available geological information were gathered and implemented by field work in
order to get a good basic, geological map at a scale ranging from 1/100,000 to 1/200,000 according
to the existing topographic or photographic materials.
Field work was initiated in the southwest corner of the country, in the Salwa/Abu Samrah area
mainly because the Doha-Salwa road was the only one leading straight to the border and because
Cavelier had a copy of Philby's geological description of the nearby Qarn Abu Wail [1933] (as
discussed earlier). The first camp was therefore near Salwa on the Qatari side, while the second
camp was up north in Djebel Dukhan by Fahahil and the third and last camp was by Sauda Natheel
near the border with Abu Dhabi (today that same border is with Saudi Arabia). The vehicles were
three Land Rovers and a Dodge Power wagon; the drivers were Bedouins, the labors Pakistani and
the cook was from French Somalia.
From the Sauda Natheel camp the entire southern border was mapped with great difficulties
because of the lack of topographical maps (the topography had to be mapped first in order to
overlay the geology) and the fact that the team got lost during one occasion in Khor Al Odaid
(Inland Sea). Aerial photos from a Hunting Geology and Geophysics Limited survey were used to
help in the mapping of all areas but their quality in the southern part of the country was very poor
39
Unfortunately, no pictures of field work have been located for the 1969-70 geological survey; however Mr. Salatt
says that he may have some in boxes somewhere. Mr. Cavelier had brought to Qatar only one film roll of 36 pictures,
and while he did use the whole roll, when he returned to France the film came out blank, probably due to extreme heat
and light exposure.
40
The present author had the pleasure to interview Dr. Cavelier in December 2013. The two interviews (in French)
total 2 hours and 12 minutes of recording time. The full transcript and translation of these recordings can be found in
Appendix 7.
41
The present author had the pleasure to also interview Mr. Salatt in December 2013. The interview totals 1 hour of
recording time. The full transcript of this recording can be found in Appendix 8.
42
Dr. Cavelier discusses briefly Mr. Heuz in his interview with the author. Mr. Salatt also says that Mr. Heuz was a
Basque from the southern part of France (Appendices 7 & 8).
Page 107

since they had been taken during a time of fog and thus were extremely difficult to use. Khor Al
Odaid ended up being mapped by helicopter.
In total, three camps were setup during the 10 months of the survey in order to map the northwest,
west and south of Qatar. Doha was used as base to explore the northeast, and trips were made to
the islands of Halul (by helicopter), Shraouh (by boat) and Ishat (by boat)43. The island of Hawar
was disputed in those days between Qatar and Bahrain so the survey did not visit it; its mapping
was completed using aerial photos ( Hawar now belongs to Bahrain since 200344 ).
The fossils that were collected during the survey were studied at a later time and
discussed/described in other publications (foraminifera by Dr. Blondeau and Cavelier in 1972;
echinoids by Roman in 1976 and shark teeth by Casier in 1971). The collected echinoids are now
within the collection of the Musee dHistoire Naturelle Paris while the shark teeth studied by
Casier are in the Museum in Brussels.
His Geologic description of the Qatar Peninsula published in 1970 (Appendix 9) together with his
Geological survey and mineral substances exploration in Qatar published the same year, make
Cavelier and his team famous in the annals of the country as being the first to survey in detail, and
map in colour, all the surface formations of the whole country. The final report contains detailed
stratigraphic sections of the main outcropping rocks in the country. The Miocene Dam Formation
is described in details in two localities in South Western Qatar (Hazm Mishabiyah and the southern
flank of the massif 1.5 kms NNE of the Qarn Abu Wail) together with the Eocene Rus and Dammam
formations near Fahahil and Bir Zekreet (the final report has also been translated into Arabic by the
University of Qatar)
The compilation of this work resulted in
An overall understanding of the geology and all outcropping formations in Qatar;

o The General Stratigraphic column of the surface formations (Table B6-03)
o Their relationships with neighbouring countries (Table B6-03)
o Their environment of deposition (Table B6-04)
o The naming of type localities for each formational units
o A better understanding of mineral deposits in the country45
A geological map at a scale 1:200,000 (end of Appendix 9). Even though some slight
modifications and adjustments were made to it by future geologists, this map remains as a
whole quite valid today.
43
The Agreement on settling borders and ownership of islands between Qatar and Abu Dhabi was signed on March 20th
1969 [Al-Othman, 1984] just on time for Caveliers survey to assess the islands of Shraouh and Ishat.
44
http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/index.php?sum=443&code=qb&p1=3&p2=3&case=87&k=61&p3=5
45
There seems to be some contradiction with Cavelier's 1970b report and our earlier findings discussed under
Mining/Quarrying at the end of the chapter of the 1940s. Cavelier states "The survey identified one resource that
could be immediately used by the concrete industry; a supply of gypsum that was previously unknown. At that time, the
cement plants were importing all of this material from Saudi Arabia. After the mapping survey of the resource in the Al
Nafkha area took place, these companies started to mine the gypsum in Qatar and use it for local cement production".
Page 108

Dr. Claude Cavelier ( Born June 14th 1935)
Dr. Claude Cavelier was born on June 14th 1935 at Colombe, in Les
Hauts de Seine in France. He is the only child of Lucien Cavelier
(Elementary school teacher) and Lucienne Vaslin Cavelier (housewife).
He did his elementary studies in La Creuse and Colombe and later
went to the Lyce Pasteur at Neuilly-sur-Seine for his secondary studies.
Later he entered Universit Catholique de Paris , where he passed his
License certificates, in geology, geo-mineralogy and applied geology;
which gave him his diploma as a geologist in 1962. Not wanting to stop
his academic performance, and while in the employment of the BRGM, he
continued for the next 14 years in preparing for his doctorate thesis
(Doctorat dEtat). The latter was presented successfully on January 1976
at Universit Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 6 [ http://www.upmc.fr/
] and gave him the title of Docteur s Sciences dEtat . The thesis was
titled La limite Eocene-Oligocene en Europe Occidentale .
Fig. B6-04: Claude Cavelier
He married in 1955 with Maryse Bourrat and had two daughters; Myriam born in 1956 and Fabienne born in
1957. Myriam also gave birth to Claire in 1988, the only grand-child of Dr. Cavelier.
He started his professional life as a technician in 1955 with the BRGGM, which became in 1959 BRGM
(Bureau de Recherches Gologiques et Minires), and retired from it 40 years later in 1995 as the Geological
Director. During this time he wrote hundreds of technical/scientific articles.
Except for a long stay in the Antilles in 1964, he had never worked out of France when he first came to
Qatar. In 1969 Cavelier was selected to head the Qatar Project mainly on the basis that his interest and
specialization were on the geology of the Tertiary, he knew how to map, and study the useful mineral
substances. Indeed, he was an expert cartographer and had worked 10 years in a service dedicated to public
works as well as searching for useful substances.
Once the Qatar Survey came to an end, he returned to France and prepared a second contract, at the request
of the Qatari Government, that would have studied the sea water of the sabkhas and the sabkha deposits,
etc; in essence, a project that would have helped to develop the mineral resources of the country.
Unfortunately, the latter was never signed (see Appendix 7 for more details).
Between 1971 and 1973 he contributed in writing the chapter of the Qatar Stratigrapic Lexicon dealing with
the surface geology (the latter was published in 1975). Around 1973 he became the Head of the Geological
Mapping and Geology Department at the BRGM and went to Syria on few missions to train the Syrian
geologists to do detail geological mapping at scale 50,000. After Syria, he had a mapping project in Saudi
Arabia and visited its team as often as he could. Promoted as the Geological Director at BRGM in the early
1980s, he looked after several mapping & geological projects in the mountains of Oman and other arid areas
of Saudi Arabia.
During his career he was also a member, then Vice-President, then President of the International Paleogene
Stratigraphic Sub-Commission of the International Union of the Geological Sciences, so through these
functions he wandered around the world quite frequently to study the Paleogene (Caucasus, Patagonia,
etc...).
Page 109

Mr. Abdullah Salatt (Born around 1944)46
The Qatari official appointed by the Government of Qatar, was
Mr. Abdullah Salatt who operated frequently in field-work and
constantly helped the team in Doha. He was the first Qatar citizen
to gain a degree in Geology and work in that field for the
government.
Mr. Salatt was born and grew up in Doha, the son of a pearl
merchant. The most likely year of his birth is 1944 since at that
time most people, did not record the birth of their children. He
had 3 brothers and four sisters; of those who survived past infancy
(today, in 2013, his siblings who are still alive are two sisters and
one brother ; while himself has nine children, four boys and five Fig. B6-05: Mr. Abdallah Salatt
daughters). As a young child he went to the Government (Picture from the June 2009 QGS
School and then to the Junior High, High-School ; the location newsletter)
still exists by the Doha Stadium47.
He was able to do well enough in school in Doha that the
government offered him a scholarship to study in the United
States. He initially attended Texas A&M, majoring in Petroleum
Engineering, but found himself more interested in attending a
smaller institution, Lee College in Baytown, Texas. There he met a
Geology professor, Mr. Reel, who inspired him to study the earth.
He completed his degree in Geology at Lamar State College of
Technology in Beaumont, Texas a few years later.
Once back in Qatar his first assignment was as a Geologist for the
Department of Petroleum Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and
Petroleum. In 1969 he was assigned to work with Claude Cavelier
and Yves Heuz (Fig. B6-07) on a mapping project to cover the
entire Qatar peninsula. Each Saturday was spent traveling to the
field camp and working in the field through Wednesday. Thursday Fig. B6-06: Mr. Abdallah Salatt
was spent compiling notes and maps in the office in Doha, Friday showing the Geological map generated
was the weekend, and Saturday everything started all over again. by the 1970 survey (Picture from the
They had no air conditioning, no electricity and no generator in
June 2009 QGS newsletter)
the field and cooking was done on kerosene stoves. It was difficult, but the job had to be done.
After finishing the field mapping, he asked to work in one of the foreign oil companys offices to gain more
experience as a geologist. However, he was asked to remain in a government role and soon found himself
serving in many management positions. From 1974 he was Head of the Department of Petroleum Affairs
and member of the Board of QP. From 1989 to 1996 he was out of the oil industry when he occupied the
position of Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Communication and Transportation. After this assignment he
returned as a QP Board Member until his retirement in 2011. During the last portion of his career he worked
in Qatar Petroleum as a Senior Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry,
HE Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah. In this role he helped in designing and establishing policy for the
States direction in energy and industry affairs.
46
The text within this frame comes from a mixture of the June 2009 newsletter of the Qatar Geological Society (QGS)
and the December 14th 2013 interview that the author conducted with Mr. Salatt [Appendix 8]
47
2517'3.52"N and 5132'26.86"E
Page 110
Miocene
Age
Pliocene
Upper
Formation
Equivalence
Upper
Dam
Lower
Upper
Middle
Eocene
Member
Hofuf
Middle
Lower
Subformation
Dammam
Abarug dolomitic
Limestone and Marl
Alat
(S.A.)
Simsima Dolomite
and Limestone
Khobar
(S.A)
Alveolina
Limestone
(S.A.)
Saila Shale
(S.A.)
Midra Shale
(S.A.)
Dukhan Alveolina
Limestone
Lower
Lower
Midra (and Saila)

Shales
Fhaihil Velates
Limestone
White Limestone
(Bahrain)
Orange marl (Bahrain)
Brown crystalline
Limestone (Bahrain)
Sharks tooth
Shale (Bahrain)
Rus
Palaeocene
Upper
Middle
Umm er
Rhaduma
Lower
Possible
disconformity
Upper Cretaceous
Aruma
Table B6-03: Stratigraphical scale of tertiary rocks in Qatar as defined by Cavelier (1970a & b)
Fig. B6-07: Claude Cavelier (left) and Yves Heuz (right) with 3 friends (centre); December 31st 1969, Doha
Page 111

Age
Formation
Principal events
Time
Quaternary
2.5 my
Surficial deposits
10 my
Miocene
Middle
Lower
26 my
Hofuf
Upper
Dam
Brackish
Evaporitic
Continental
Isolation of Qatar
Qatari dome uplift and

individualization of Djebel Dukhan
anticline
Complete Emergence
Orogenic movements in Western
Arabia Qatari Dome uplift
Pliocene
Upper
Domain
Marine
Very
shallow
shallow
Tendency to basin isolation

Shoal in NE
Lower
(Hadrukh)
First marine invasion (not known in

Qatar)
Oligocene
37 my
Qatari Dome uplift
Upper
Complete emergence
Middle
Eocene
Lower
Dammam
Upper
Lower
Rus
Shoal in NE
Basin isolation
Umm er Radhuma
Paleocene
65 my
Possible disconformity
Maestrichtian
Cretaceous
Aruma
Table B6-04: Schematic table summarizing the Qatar Tertiary History, as defined by Cavelier (1970a & b)
Page 112

The offshore of Qatar
As a result of unsuccessful exploration drilling in the North Qatar Marine Area in 1963 and the
absence of further structures attractive for drilling, it was decided to relinquish that part of S.C.Q.
concessions acreage which was no longer considered prospective.
The first relinquishment was made in June 1963 and comprised 2252 square miles of acreage in the
southern part of the concessions. The second relinquishment was made on 31 August 1963 and
comprised 2936 square miles of acreage in the north-western part of the concession. The area
retained comprised 3266 square miles covering the eastern and south-eastern part of the marine
area, in addition to a small area east of Doha.
On 15 September 1963, the Government of Qatar granted Continental Oil Company a concession
incorporating all areas on land and sea which had been relinquished by Qatar Petroleum Company
and the Shell Company of Qatar, a total of approximately 9500 square miles. (Dominguez, 1965).
In 1963, Shell discovered another major offshore field, the Maydan Mahzam (Fig. B6-08), with pay
zones at Arab-D, Arab-C, and Uwainat. Production from this field started in 1965. In 1969 it was
producing 100,000 bopd according to a report by Qatars Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Production
in 2003 averaged 38,800 bopd.
In 1969, the Idd al-Sharqi field (consisting of two elliptical domes; the larger North Dome, which
was discovered and produced first, and the smaller South Dome) was producing 35,000 b/d.
Production from the Idd al-Sharqi in 2006, was close to 144,000 bopd from the North Dome and
10,000 bopd from the South Dome.
Fig. B6-08: Structural cross-section in the Maydam Mahzam Field of Qatar showing oil and gas distribution
in the Jurassic reservoirs (al Sharhan et al, 1997)
Page 113

Another offshore field (El Bunduq) was discovered in UAE waters by Abu Dhabi Marine Areas
Company (ADMA) in 1964, but it now straddles the boundary between the Emirates and Qatar
because of a border adjustment. In July 1970, the El Bunduq Company was formed following a
border agreement between Qatar and the U.A.E. All ADMA rights in the field were assigned to the
new company, with a 50-50 production-sharing agreement between the two states.
The structure has a typical dome shape and has an areal extent of 9,300 acres above the oil-water
contact. The dome is approximately 6 by 11 km trending northeast to southwest and is related to
deep diapiric movement of Paleozoic salt, although the salt has not been penetrated by any of the
field wells. Production was established in early November 1975 from the Arab-D reservoir with
approximately 30,000 bbl/d of 39 degree API
Production Summary of the 1960s
Million Tons48
Table B6-05: Annual Cumulative Oil Production, Dukhan & Offshore (Al-Kubaisi, 1984)
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
= Production from Dukhan Field

= Production from Dukhan & Offshore Fields
1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970
Note: Offshore oil production started in 1964 from the Idd Al-Shargi field. In 1966, the
second oilfield (Maydan Mahzan) also started producing.
48
Page 114

Meanwhile in Qatars neighboring countries
Saudi Arabia
Powers et al (1966) describes the general geology of Saudi Arabia and Powers (1968) publishes the
Lexicon on the sedimentary formations of Saudi Arabia. In both publications, but especially in the
Lexicon, he defines the Type Localities of each outcropping formation (Fig. B6-09) and provides an
updated49 General Geological map of the whole Arabian Peninsula. (Fig. B6-10)
Fig. B6-09: Saudi Arabian outcrop sequence (Powers et al, 1968)
49
In 1963, the U.S.G.S. published the first complete map (1-270A) since Lamare (1936). (Fig B6-11)
Page 115
Fig. B6-10: Generalized Geologic map of the Arabian Peninsula (Powers et al, 1968)
Fig. B6-11: Generalized Geological map of the Arabian Peninsula (U.S.G.S, 1963)
Page 116

Southern Iraq
Al Naqib (1967) updates some aspects of Dunningtons 1959 lexicon for the formations in southern
Iraq and correlates the countrys formations with its neighbors to the south, including Qatar. The
below regional correlation diagrams (Figs. B6-12 & B6-13) demonstrate the relationship and
differences/similarities in names between the countries
Fig. B6-12: Schematized regional correlation of rock units, Southern Iraq, Part A. (Al Naqib, 1967)
Page 117
Fig. B6-13: Schematized regional correlation of rock units, Southern Iraq, Part B. (Al Naqib, 1967)
United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The offshore Zakum field was discovered with the Zakum-1 well, spudded on April 3rd 1963. With
the new information coming from that field, Fox & Brown (1967) updated the stratigraphy of the
area already described by Elder S. et al. (1965). Figs. B6-14 & B6-15 below demonstrate the
relationships between some UAE oilfields and Qatars Bul Hanine offshore field; with the
following disclaimer regarding the nomenclature they are using for these figures:
A Stratigraphic liaison Committee [Appendix 5] which includes representatives of
companies operating in Qatar and Abu Dhabi is studying the correlation of the various
successions but have not yet been able to put forward any recommendations for the
nomenclature of the rocks described in this paper. For most of the succession lithological
and palaeontological identity can be proved with nearby type sections. In some cases,
however, and particularly in the Middle and Upper Cretaceous formation names, often
defined from locations at great distances from the area, have been applied as facies
descriptions and correlations, which may be unjustified, have been inferred. It is to be hoped
that when final proposals for a nomenclature are made it will be possible to discontinue the
use of the present unofficial names.
Page 118
Fig. B6-14: A Correlation of the Tertiary formations from wells in the A.D.M.A. Concession (Fox et al
1967)
Fig. B6-15: Suggested Correlation of the Middle Cretaceous succession in Abu Dhabi Marine Areas with
adjacent wells (Fox et al 1967)
Page 119

Bahrain
Willis (1967) updates the surface geological map of Bahrain (Fig. B6-16)
Fig. B6-16: Geological map of Bahrain (Willis 1967)50
50
Note that Bahrains central point is also called Djebel Dukhan; not to confuse with the Djebel Dukhan of Qatar
Page 120

Political scene (Al-Kubaisi, 1984)
Two major political events marked this decade in Qatar. The first is that the country gained
independence in 1971, leaving behind its 57 years history as a British protectorate. The second is
when the government, in accordance with the proposal to take over all the country's hydrocarbon
resources and related activities, created the Qatar General Petroleum Company (QGPC) by Decree
of Law No (10) of 1974.
The corporation took full jurisdiction over the oil industry and it usurped the functions of the
Petroleum Department in some cases. The main stated function of QGPC was to fully develop the
oil industry both within the country and abroad. This included the following:
a) Exploration and extraction of oil and natural gas;
b) Production, refining, storing and distribution of oil, oil products and by-products;
c) Contracting with international firms for marketing abroad.
On February 8th 1975 the Council of Ministers issued Resolution No (1) of 1975, transferring all the
remaining rights and assets of foreign oil companies (QPC and SCQ) to QGPC. After the negotiated
final take-over agreement with QPC on September 16th 1976, QGPC established Qatar Petroleum
Producing Authority - onshore and offshore, to carry out all oil operations, including exploration,
drilling, production, processing, developing, transporting and storing, whilst marketing was held by
QGPC.
Geodetic Network
The discovery of oil in Dukhan in 1940, gave rise to the first serious survey work in the country in
1941- 42. This was extended by various organisations up to 1963. This work was carried out
primarily to facilitate the operation of the oilfields, and to provide control for seismic exploration
and small scale mapping. This early survey network was, at best, tertiary triangulation, and was
densest in the Western ridge oil field area. It was adequate for its original purpose, but increasingly
gave rise to problems when Doha, the state capital, started to develop rapidly on the East coast.
Thereafter survey operations in Qatar became increasingly hampered by anomalies and unexplained
discrepancies, which a lack of documentation and records exaggerated. The use of an obscure
spheroid and projection added to the confusion.
Therefore, by 1969, Qatar had an inadequate and inaccurate geodetic control network, established
purely to meet the needs of oil exploration, and maps which needed comprehensive revision. After
a review of the situation, Hunting Surveys51 was commissioned to provide an entirely new geodetic
network of first order traversing and levelling, new aerial photography (resulting in what is now
known as the 1971 aerial photo legacy survey), and a new series of topographical maps at 1:50,000
scale. This work was described by Cunningham and Pryce (1974) and all new large scale mapping
was based on that system until the next and last network update of 1995 which is still in use today
(The Qatar National Grid, or QNG95). In addition to the above, in 1971 Hunting Surveys also set
up a self-recording gauge in Doha harbour to establish a mean sea level datum for Qatar and this
was recording on punched tape at hourly intervals for several years. (Leatherdale, 1975).
51
Hunting Surveys Ltd was well qualified to undertake the task, having gained much experience in this field as one of a
consortium of companies which carried out the Saudi Geodetic Project to a specification prepared on the advice of an
international team of acknowledged experts.
Page 121

Stratigraphy
The surface mapping of the country and the updating of the Tertiary stratigraphy nomenclature of
Qatar performed by Cavelier was discussed in the previous chapter since this survey was actually
initiated in the late 1960s. While the results of it were published in 1970, the bulk of the work was
performed in 1969. We therefore refer the reader to this previously discussed survey together with
the corresponding appendices and references (Appendices 7, 8, 9, 10 and Al-Othman, 1984).
During his 1969-70 survey of Qatar, Cavelier collected several specimens of micro & macro fossils.
Foraminifera, very easily collected from all surface formations and very useful in dating a rock unit,
comprised a large part of his collection. Together with Dr. Alphonse Blondeau, a palaeontologist at
the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France, he published an article on the
Foraminifera collected during his survey (Blondeau & Cavelier, 1972). Some unexpected results
were waiting for them.
Previous authors (Henson, 1948; Sander, 1962; Smout, 1954) had attributed the Lower part of the
Dammam Formation as Lower Eocene and its Upper part to the Middle Eocene. These older
studies however were based essentially on samples originating from drill cuttings; this could have
led to some errors with regards to the exact rock unit they came from. Blondeau & Caveliers
investigation resulted in defining more accurately that the whole of the Dammam formation is of
Middle Eocene age. Casier (1972) also came to the same conclusions while studying the
ichthyological fauna samples also brought back by Cavelier (shark & ray teeth, etc..); while
Caveliers study on fossil Mollusca from Qatar also resulted in the same findings.
Therefore, based on the Grand Foraminifera alone, the authors were able to link the Dammam
Formation to the Lutetian of Western Europe; the lower Dammam being from the Lower Lutetian
while the upper Dammam is of Upper Lutetian age. Caveliers Tables above (Tables B6-03 & B604) from his 1970 survey thus needed to be slightly adjusted; these changes are reflected in Table
B7-01 below taken from the Stratigraphic Lexicon of Qatar (Sugden, Standring & Cavelier, 1975).
In May 1975, before the official publication of the Lexicon by Sugden et al., Schlumberger released
their Well Evaluation Conference (WEC) document on Arabia (Schlumberger, 1975). In it, they
present two cross-sections of the eastern part of Arabia, including the onshore and offshore of Qatar
(Figs. B7-01 and B7-02) where they show the stratigraphy as it was known and also seem to
propose a new name in Dukhan for the interval between the Simsima and the Laffan Formations
(Fig. B7-01).
In addition to the above, Schlumberger also proposes a revised lower Cretaceous terminology (Fig.
B7-03) which quite differs from the Lexicon which was to appear the same year (this difference
would be corrected for their WEC document of 1981 discussed later).
Their section on the Paleozoic (Fig. B7-04), differs substantially in both names and divisions from
the one published by Powers (1968) (Fig. B6-09). It is not clear if Schlumberger wanted to revisit
Powers evaluation or to propose a profile that would be valid for all Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait,
Iraq and Iran.
The 1975 Lexicon of Qatar has been discussed at length in the two previous chapters under
Sugden and Standring and no additional information can be added in the present one other than
reminding the reader that even though Sugden/Standring describe the surface formations to a
certain extent in it, Standring, who took over from Sugden after 1959, agrees that Caveliers work is
by far the most detailed and updated description of the Qatar surface geology (the whole Lexicon
can be referred to in Appendix 6).
Page 122

All this said, however, the years to come will reveal few flaws and errors within the 1975 Lexicon.
Those spotted by us have been outlined in red within the transcript of the Lexicon provided in
appendix 6). Also, as the time passed, our knowledge of the statigraphy of Qatar evolved and new
names and concepts appeared. For instance:
A. The Hamlah Formation was erected in the Lexicon on the evidence of Dukhan wells
only. In DK-0065, the type locality, it was barren and a Low Jurassic age was
inferred from structural relations with the overlying Bajocian Izhara Formation
(conformable), and underlying Triassic Gulailah Formation (unconformable). After
Szabo (1978)s publication on the Triassic of the Zagros Basin, and other similar
publications from Saudi Arabia, it became apparent from regional correlation alone
that the Hamlah in Qatar could be of Triassic age. Foraminifera samples from the
Hamlah formation of several Dukhan wells were then sent for analysis to a
paleontological laboratory. These revealed that the Hamlah top is of Rhaetian age
(Triassic) and very close to the Triassic-Jurassic boundary.
B. The Hanifa Formation in Qatar is not formally described in the Lexicon. It is only
referred to as "The Darb could be the lateral equivalent of the Jubaila and Hanifa
Formations of Saudi Arabia", and that "The Diyab Formation of Qatar may be the
equivalent of the basal Hanifa in Saudi Arabia"
C. The name "Jubaila Formation" is also mentioned in the Lexicon only as a name
given to a geologic interval in Saudi Arabia; it is, however, currently used in Qatar.
D. The term "Lekhwair" is not mentioned anywhere in the Lexicon, yet it is officially
used in Qatar today. Where does the name come from? Who named it?
E. The Lexicon uses the name of "Suwei Formation" at the base of the Triassic. Why
has the name "Sudair Formation" replaced it today.
F. The term "Umm Bab Member" was used for Limestone #3 of the Jurassic Qatar
Formation; now it is used as a member of the Eocene Dammam Formation (It
replaces the old name of "Simsima Member" of the Dammam formation used in the
1940's and 50's.
G. The Lexicon does not mention the Traina member of the Eocene Rus Formation.
H. The Lexicon mentions the name of "Wajid Formation" (the deepest formation
discussed in the Lexicon and located just below the Khuff), however this name is no
longer used in Qatar; the name of Wajid having been replaced by "Unayzah" (also
previously known as "Haushi").
Page 123
Fig. B7-01: Cross-section across Saudi Arabia and Qatar (Schlumberger, 1975)
Page 124
Fig. B7-02: Cross-section across Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Iran (Schlumberger, 1975)
Page 125
Fig. B7-03: Generalized Mesozoic stratigraphic sequence (left) with revised lower Cretaceous terminology
(right) as proposed by Schlumberger, 1975
Page 126
Halite
Anhydrite
Dolomite
Calcarenite
Limestone
Marl
Clay & Shale
Sand & Sandstone

Fig. B7-04: Generalized Paleozoic Sequence (Schlumberger, 1975)
Page 127
Quaternary
Pliocene
Upper
Members
Marine,
shallow
Environments of sedimentation
Marine Lagoonal and
Continental
evaporitic
littoral
Middle
(Helvetian)
(Burdigalian)
Lower
Dam
Miocene
(Pontian)
(Tortonian)
Formations
Hofuf
Age
Upper
Lower
(Aquitanian)
Eocene
(Lutetian)
(Cuisian)
(Thanetian)
Middle
(Montian)
Lower
(Damian)
Umm er Radhuma
Paleocene
Upper
Abarug
Umm Bab
Dukhan
Lower
Midra (& Saila)

Rujm Ad
Upper
Lower
(Ilerdian)
Upper
Rus
Middle
Dammam
Oligocene
Upper
(includes zones
5 and 6 of
Smout)
Lower
(zones 1 to 4 of
Smout)
Table B7-01: Summary of the Tertiary stratigraphic series of Qatar (Sugden et al, 1975). This figure updates
the age of the Dammam Formation compared to Tables B6-03 & B6-04 above.
DeGolyer and MacNaughton (DeGolyer et al 1977)

In their 1977 Technical report on the Geology of Qatar, DeGolyer & MacNaughton provide a
summary on the "Stratigraphy Nomenclature on the Eastern Offshore of Qatar". We are
reproducing below (Table B7-02) only the "Notes" assigned to the formations described in their
report. The reader must however be aware that even though their report dates 2 years after the
publication of the Lexicon by Sugden et al. the reference section of DeGolyer et als report does not
mention the Lexicon in any way.
As stated by DeGolyer & MacNaughton. "The stratigraphic nomenclature used in Qatar is based
primarily on work by Qatar Petroleum Company (QPC) geologists and modified by Shell to fit their
particular needs in the eastern offshore of Qatar. QPC relied on information from Iraq and Kuwait,
and Shell used some information from Oman and the United Arab Emirates. A majority of the
geologic work on the sedimentary section of the Arabian Gulf was done by petroleum geologists
employed by private oil companies. Their work was oriented to petroleum exploration and is more
detailed in the attractive petroleum areas and petroleum-bearing lithologic units. Because of
Page 128

intercompany secrecy, lack of communication, or political considerations, the names used in the
stratigraphic nomenclature have become more complex than is necessary. However, these names
have become entrenched in the literature and in private reports and are therefore retained for use
in a particular area."
Table B7-02: Notes from DeGolyer et als "Stratigraphy Nomenclature on the Eastern Offshore of Qatar"
GR
FORMATION
Lower Fars
HASA
Dammam
Rus
UER
ARUMA
Simsima
Fiqa
Halul
Laffan Shale
Mishrif
WASIA
Ahmadi
Mauddud
THAMAMA
Nahr Umr
Shuaiba
Kharaib
Yamama
Sulaiy
Hith Anhydrite
Qatar
Fahahil
Darb
Diyab
Araej
Uwainat
Izhara
Gulailah
NOTES
Exposed on the flanks of Dukhan field. This unit can be traced as a continuous development into the type
area in the Fars Province of Iran. The USGS has termed the Lower Fars as Dam Formation in southern
Qatar.
This unit forms the surface of a large part of Qatar. Subdivision has been done: Units 1 and 2 are the
Abaruk beds, Unit 3 is the Upper Limestone, and Unit 4 is the basal Midra Shale. The type section is the
rimrock on the Dammam Dome in Saudi Arabia; final uniformly deposited marine carbonates.
Considered to represent the terminal, shallow-water phase of the Paleocene to Lower Fars sedimentary
cycle. Type section is below Umm er Ru'us on the southeast flank of the Dammam Dome in Saudi Arabia.
Uniform lithology over a large area. Basal shale-marl member was formerly called the "Shammar Shale."
Type locality is near Umm Radmah wells in Saudi Arabia. Shallow-water depositional environment.
At the contact with the Umm er Radhuma Formation, there is a distinct change in fossils, from Cretaceous
to Paleocene. The type section is DK-0028. The Simsima was named to correct correlation difficulties with
the Iraq succession. Has been subdivided, on the basis of fossil assemblages, into the Salwa and Jana'an
members. Shallow-water depositional environment.
Has been further separated into the Arada and Shargi members. Found in the Qatar offshore and by one
well in the Dukhan field, DK-0051. Shallow-water depositional environment. In Shell area, the Shargi
Formation is equivalent to the Fiqa Formation.
Shell correlation places the lower 82' of the type section into the Laffan Formation. Shallow-water
depositional environment.
Basal unit of the Aruma Group. Good marker bed that is widespread.
Eastward from Dukhan, the carbonate Mishrif thickens and the Ahmadi shale thins until it does not exist in
the Abu Dhabi onshore. Type section is Zubair-3 in southern Iraq. Shallow-water depositional environment.
Present in some offshore areas and correlated by Wintershall in the Qatar Marine B-1 and B-2 wells. Type
locality is Burgan-62 in Kuwait. Shallow-water depositional environment. Replaced Khatiyah because of
ambiguity.
Very widespread and distinctive. Sometimes referred to as "Orbitolina concava Limestone". Shallow shelf
carbonate that ended the Albian cycle of sedimentation begun by the terrigenous clastics of the Nahr Umr
Formation.
Widespread. Type section is in Nahr Umr-2 in southern Iraq. This was the last major clastic deposition.
Type section is Zubair 3 in southern Iraq. Probably deposited in shallow platform environment. A
widespread, transgressive carbonate unit. Shell has subdivided this formation into four units down the
section: A, B, C, and D.
Widespread, especially into U.A.E. Common practice in the eastern offshore of Qatar has been to consider
the Kharaib and Ratawi as one unit (For the basal Ratawi, the type section is in Ratawi-l in southern Iraq).
A widespread unit that has the type section in the Al Qusaij'a upland of Saudi Arabia. Formerly contained
three formations: Karanah, Qartas, and Misfir.
Has a consistent lithology and is widespread. The type section is at Dahl Hith in Saudi Arabia.
The type locality is in Saudi Arabia. Widespread and disappears in Abu Dhabi. It represents the final
shallowing and infilling of a long-established Jurassic sea that caused the deposition of vast thicknesses of
limestone. The top of the Hith is accepted as a convenient time boundary between the Jurassic and
Cretaceous.
Becomes more anhydritic and thins to the east. Three limestone members in Qatar can be correlated with
the Arab A, B, and C of Saudi Arabia; from top to bottom, they are Arab I, II, and III. The Arab III was the
first producing oil reservoir in Qatar. With the Fahahil Formation, the Qatar Formation is equivalent to the
Arab Formation of Saudi Arabia.
Easily defined in western Qatar and much of Saudi Arabia. Eastward, the underlying Darb Formation
becomes dolomitized, and the contact is obliterated. In Abu Dhabi, the unit is named the Arab Darb.
Fahahil is a transition from deeper to shallower water conditions.
Contacts with the Diyab and Fahahil become obliterated toward the east. (see Fahahil Formation)
Recognized locally in Qatar.
Widespread. The Upper Araej pellet grainstones and packstones make a sharp conformable contact with the
Uwainat Member. The Uwainat grades into the Lower Araej.
Middle member (Unit 2) of the Araej Formation. Pure carbonate, grainstone to packstone with interbedded
lime mudstones. Widespread in eastern Arabia. Important oil reservoir.
Has a porous carbonate bed and becomes increasingly sandy toward the base.
Top is a widespread unconformity. A hiatus in deposition. The unit is truncated over the Qatar Arch and
probably over other structures. The unit thins sharply toward the east. Deposited in shelf conditions.
Page 129

Khail
Suwei
Khuff
Wajid Sdst.
This unit is used in Shell reports, and it is published in an article by Jose R. Dominguez, 1965, "Offshore
Fields of Qatar," 5th Arab Petroleum Congress, 57 (B-1). It represents a Permian dolomite, anhydrite, and
gypsum section, unconformable below the Gulailah Formation and conformable over the Suwei (Sudair)
Formation. This is a local marker that has been carried from Oman.
Is equivalent to the Sudair. Suwei has become entrenched in the literature. In Qatar, has more dolomite.
Sudair is from Oman.
Signifies the beginning of widespread shallow-water limestone deposition in a shallow sea. Quiet
environment. Followed clastic deposition of most of the Paleozoic. Type section is in Saudi Arabia.
Type section in Jabal al Wajid in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to helping in our understanding of the development of the startigraphy in the offshore of
Qatar, DeGolyer et al's report helps at tracing back the geodetic issues faced by the offshore
operators (mainly Shell) in those days. As stated by them, "All well coordinates prior to 1975 are
suspect. It is better to use the later Shell maps because navigation errors have been discovered.
The Decca system was set up in the Arabian Gulf in the 1950's. The purpose was for navigation and
lacked the accuracy for well positioning. Decca received new data and, in 1974, moved one of
these stations. They established a new coordinate but did not announce it. The error correction was
insignificant for navigational purposes. A pipeline survey by Shell revealed the errors. Shell
corrected the coordinates. A flowmeter campaign in 1975 verified these corrections. Shell has
corrected all field wells and the seismic surveys run before 1976. Shell PED Report No. 75, March
1977, is the reference for these corrections."
Seltrust Engineering Limited (Seltrust, 1980)
Since oil was discovered in the country, Qatar had conducted few air photograph surveys. As
mentioned earlier, the first one took place in 1947 while the second and third ones took place in
1958 and 1971 (it is assumed that Cavelier had access to the 1958 photos to help him in his 1969-70
geological survey). These three surveys are considered the Historical Surveys of Qatar.
Thereafter aerial photo surveys became more frequent. In 1977 the Industrial Development
Technical Centre conducted Qatars fourth survey. This coincided with this same department hiring
Seltrust Engineering Limited of London to undertake a programme of work to investigate the
mineral potential of the State of Qatar. Field work commenced in January 1978 and was completed
12 months later in January 1979. A supplementary part of this programme was the production of an
updated geological map, at scales of 1:100,000 and 1:200,000, using as a base the new 1:100,000
topographic maps prepared in 1980 using the 1977 aerial photographs, by Hunting Surveys Limited
for the Ministry of Public Works, Engineering Services Division.
For the purpose of preparing the new map (Fig B7-05), the State of Qatar was separated into areas
(a) where the map was based primarily on interpretation of the 1:36,000 scale air photography
flown in 1977, and elsewhere (b) on the 1970 geological map of Qatar. In both cases data obtained
during the extensive 1978 field work by Seltrust Engineering Limited was used in reconciliation.
During the course of the work, it became clear that the 1970 geological map was well founded and
that the main need for revision was the relocating of the geological boundaries to conform to the
new topographic base. The main differences between the 1970 map and the new 1980 map are :i
ii
iii
iv
The separation of the Abarug Member of the Dammam Formation (Edm2).

The re-classification of some outcrop areas of Hofuf Formation (M.P. hf) to gravels derived
from it (Qg); these gravels have been mapped as a separate geological unit rather than as a
stippled pattern over other formations.
The more detailed and accurate mapping of the boundaries of areas of Aeolian Sand (Qes) and
Fine-grained Alluvium (Qsm).
The revision of the contact between the Rus and Dammam Formations near Umm al Quhab.
On the ground, this contact is poorly marked by a discontinuous low scarp - hence the broken
Page 130

v
(inferred) contact line on the new map.

The inclusion of celestite horizons and additional gypsum outcrop areas.
This work resulted in one geological map of the country (edition 1980) at scale 1:200,000 (Fig B702) and four sheets at scale 1:100,000 representing the North, North-Central, South-Central and
South quadrants.
From the point of view of the stratigraphy used, however, there are some points which remain
unexplained. At some occasions the conventions agreed in the 1975 Lexicon are being respected
and in other occasions they are not (we know Seltrust had access to the Lexicon since it is provided
as a reference). See the below table for the outline of these differences:
1975 Lexicon (section by Cavelier)
The spelling of Abaruk Member as used since 1953
is changed to Abarug Member
The Middle Eocene Simsima dolomite and limestone
Member, homonymous to the Maestrichthian
Simsima Formation of the Petroleum Geologists is
renamed Umm Bab dolomite and limestone
Member, from the name of a locality where this unit
is well exposed.
Seltrust Engineering limited (1980)

The new spelling is respected (Abarug)
Only the term Simsima Member is used. This
term has persisted over the years especially with
the geo-technical companies which deal with the
surface or near surface formations, such as
hydrogeological contractors or companies hired
for infrastructure works. It is misleading and
should be made obsolete; Umm Bab dolomite
and limestone Member should be used.
Because of the scale used, no mention is made on
the map of either "Rujm Ad Velates Limestones
Member" or "Fhaihil Velates limestone Member".
However, their accompanying document still
mentions the term of "Fhaihil Velates limestone
Member" made obsolete in 1975
The "Rujm Ad Velates Limestones Member" is

introduced at the base of the Dammam Formation
(below the "Midra shale"). This member was first
defined by Cavelier (1970) under the name of "Fhaihil
Velates limestone Member" but this term,
homonymous with an Upper Jurassic Formation of the
petroleum geologists, was abandoned and replaced in
the 1975 lexicon with "Rujm Ad Velates limestone
Member".
As we stressed earlier, the Lexicon now places the The Lower Dammam Fm is placed in the Lower
whole Dammam Formation in the Middle Eocene
Eocene
Page 131
Fig B7-05: Geological map of Qatar (Seltrust Engineering Ltd, 1980). Note: The original map we used for
this image had been stained by humidity; thus the brownish color seen especially to the left of the map.
Page 132

The Offshore of Qatar
The Bul Hanine Field (Fig B7-06) discovered in 1965 was not developed until 1970, following the
border adjustment agreement with the Emirates in 1969. It came on-stream in 1972. It is producing
from the Middle Jurassic Araej and the Upper Jurassic Qatar (Arab) formations.
Fig B7-06: Structural cross-section in the Bul Hanine Field showing oil and gas distribution in the Jurassic
reservoirs (Al-Sharhan et al, 1997)
Page 133

The offshore activities during the 1970s in Qatar are
characterized by the discovery of the North Dome Gas
Field (commonly called North Field) by SCQ in
1971 with the completion of Shell's North West
Dome-1 well (Fig B7-07). It lies off the northeast
shore of the Qatar peninsula and covers an area of
some 6,000 square kilometers, which is equivalent to
about half the land area of the State of Qatar. The
structure also extends over the border with Iran52; the
South Pars Field, as it is called in this country, was
discovered in 1990 by the National Iranian Oil
Company (NIOC).
The North Field started gas production only in 1989
from the carbonate series of the Permo-Triassic Khuff
Formation (Fig B7-08) (approximately 2700 feet thick,
of which some 900 feet can be considered as
reservoir). It is considered to be the largest single
non-associated gas reservoir in the world with total
proven reserves of 900 trillion standard cubic feet
Fig B7-07: Localization map of North Field
(tscf).
(Wikipedia)
Fig B7-08: Cross-section through the North Field illustrating the stratigraphy of the Permian Khuff
Formation with two significant markers (upper and middle anhydrite) and discovery well NWD-1. (AlSharhan et al, 1997)
52
Agreement on the sea boundaries between Qatar and Iran signed on Sept 20th 1969 (Al-Othman, 1984)
Page 134

Production Summary of the 1970s
Million Tons53
Table B7-03: Annual Cumulative Oil Production, Dukhan & Offshore (Al-Kubaisi, 1984)
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
1970
1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978

= Production from Dukhan Field
= Production from Dukhan & Offshore Fields
Note: In June 1972 the third offshore field (Bul Hanin) started production
53
1979
1980
Page 135

Hunting Geology and Geophysics Limited (1983)
Hunting Geology and Geophysics Limited was commissioned in 1982 by the Industrial
Development Technical Centre in Doha to produce and interpret a digitally enhanced Landsat
Multispectral Scanner (MSS) false colour mosaic. The format and scale (1:200,000) of both the
mosaic and the interpretation map were to match a photogeological map of Qatar produced by
Hunting Geology and Geophysics Limited in conjunction with Seltrust Engineering Limited.
Hunting's study of Landsat confirmed the regional geological picture built up during earlier
photogeological works. However, three main advances are thought to have been made (Fig. B8-01):
A) Collapse structures due to solution of evaporites are more widespread in Qatar than hitherto
thought and proved the country-wide influence of the Rus evaporites on the topography.
B) Palaeo-drainage lines inferred in the photogeological study appear to be well confirmed and
have been related to the palaeo-drainage of the Arabian Block.
C) The study has confirmed the distribution of calcareous and siliceous sands in the north and
southeast respectively.
Fig. B8-01: Landsat interpretation of the geological map of Qatar (Hunting 1983).
Page 136

The OAPEC Lithostratigraphic Correlation Study (1984-1985) (Labadibi, 1985)
The Energy Resources Department in the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries
(OAPEC)'s General Secretariat undertook a study on lithostratigraphic correlation in the
Organization's member countries in response to recommendations of the OAPEC-sponsored first
and second petroleum exploration seminars in 1978 and 1981 and exploration and production
experts meeting in 1982. The Organization deemed that its goals of promoting cooperation and the
exchange of information between its members in the petroleum industry would be well served by a
study of this nature, as geological information would be shared by the members and used to
improve the potential reward of their petroleum exploration efforts.
The study was a first step toward solving problems of lithostratigraphic unification and
standardization between the Arab countries. It was understood that the results achieved in the study
would need to be improved by the countries individually and in cooperation with one another.
The OAPEC members' exploration effort as of the early 1980s was less effective than it could have
been if their sedimentary basins had been more completely and systematically assessed.
Lithostratigraphic correlation within and between the countries was impeded by the frequent failure
to follow good stratigraphic nomenclature procedure; in some cases a single stratigraphic unit had
acquired several names or definitions, while in other cases several distinct units had been classed as
a single formation. Moreover, the stratigraphic position of a unit was obscured by the prevalent
practice of assigning the unit to a general geologic age like Upper Cretaceous rather than a more
precise age like Campanian.
The problems were rooted in past approaches to stratigraphic study in the Arab petroleum countries.
Up to these days, geological study in the Arab countries was the work of various foreign oil
companies, who in the interest of confidentiality did not publish or otherwise share their data. The
result was the evolution of separate systems of formation names within and especially between the
countries. Moreover, the early studies dealt mainly with surface exposures, so that different outcrop
sections acquired different formation names, while detailed knowledge of the subsurface was
limited to oil reservoirs. Those studies, despite their lack of coordination and sophistication,
nevertheless had led to the discovery of most of the region's largest and geologically most obvious
oilfields by the end of the 1960s.
The increase in drilling yielded a better knowledge of subsurface stratigraphy. This permitted the
correlation of surface sections described in different areas and the determination of relationships
between formations known on the surface and those known only in the subsurface.
Thus, by the early 1980s, stratigraphic names in the member countries had undergone a gradual
rationalization, but many anomalies persisted due largely to incomplete study and to entrenched
usage. These had yet to be resolved and the lithostratigraphic study was an attempt to further
systematize rock unit names in the OAPEC member countries.
The member countries were considered in two regions; the Middle East and North Africa. The
Middle East comprised Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab
Emirates (Abu Dhabi) while North Africa comprised Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia.
Six correlation charts - Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic for each the Middle East and North
Africa - were the main product of the OAPEC study. These charts furnished a graphic
representation of the sedimentary history of each of the two regions; showed facies changes and
extent; and permitted the definition of sedimentation breaks, the tracing of lateral and vertical
Page 137

extensions of depositional basins, and the correlation of rock units within each region according to
lithological composition and geological age.
The lexicon explained and described each rock unit. It listed the countries and areas thereof where
each rock unit name is applied (the first listed country normally containing the type section area),
and it gave the most up-to-date information possible on each unit's definition, age, lithology, and
equivalents.
The following problems of correlation and nomenclature were found:
1 An inordinately large number of formations had been identified by oil companies operating in
the member countries. The compilers believe that further study could greatly reduce this
complexity.
2 Some lithostratigraphic nomenclature had already been standardized, while other nomenclature
still needed to be standardized.
3 In numerous cases, the nomenclature for rock units was inconsistent with internationally
accepted procedure:
A Application of one name to different lithologies. E.g., the Lower Fars according to the type
section definition consisted mainly of evaporites, while in other countries the Lower Fars
name was applied to a formation of clastic rocks.
B Variation in age determination from one section to another. Such discrepancies were
usually due to reliance on the unit's stratigraphic position rather than on complete study.
E.g., in Iraq the Sargelu, Alan, Mus, Adaiyah, Butmah, and Kurra Chine formations are
considered to be of Upper Triassic to Middle Jurassic age, while studies in Syria had shown
their age to be Middle to Upper Triassic.
C Continued use of an obsolete age determination despite new study. E.g., the Jeribe
Formation in Syria and Iraq had shown to be of Middle Miocene age, yet sections in Iraq
were still considered to belong to the Lower Miocene.
D The retention of names or definitions in some areas despite revision in others. E.g., in Iraq
the Hartha Formation had been redefined to comprise the Hartha, Pilsner, and Tayarat
formations, while outside the immediate area all three units were still considered to be
distinct formations
E The misuse of nomenclature in the adoption of names from a neighboring country. E.g.,
the Shiranish Formation in Syria comprised both the Shiranish and Hartha formations as
defined in Iraq.
F Difference in age or lithology due to the adoption of names from neighboring countries
without the establishment of lithological or age equivalence.
G The obscuring of Arabic names in their transliteration into the Latin alphabet.
4 Incomplete study of Paleozoic stratigraphy in the Middle East member countries. Exceptions
were some surface outcrops in Saudi Arabia and deep wells in Syria; several deep wells had
been drilled during the previous decade(s) in Arabian Gulf countries, but the results of the
detailed studies undertaken had not yet been released.
The study was conducted in three main stages:
1) the collection and compilation of data;
2) the correlation of lithostratigraphic units within each country;
3) the correlation of lithostratigraphic units in the member countries within each the Middle
East and North Africa.
Page 138

The study relied for data primarily on the lithostratigraphic columns or sections supplied by
member countries and on any notes received from them by May 1984. The columns or sections,
which were selected as representative of each country's or region's sedimentary basins, showed the
lithology, age, boundaries, and depositional breaks for each formation. Most were accompanied by
a lithological description and index fossil list for each formation.
The compilers supplemented and augmented the information supplied by the member countries
with data from lexicons and other published sources, and then discussed the columns and draft
charts with experts from the member countries. Finally they standardized the approved columns
against geological time charts, using Van Eysinga's Geological time table as the scale for
correlating rock units.
Each country used their main columns or sections and their public sources of choice. With regards
to Qatar, the following was selected:
1) Two stratigraphic columns: onshore and offshore. (Figs. B8-02 & B8-03)
2) Schlumberger 1981. Well Evaluation Conference, U.A.E./Qatar. (Fig. B8-04, B8-05, B8-06
& B8-07)
Within Qatar, the existence of various names for the same formation and inconsistencies in the
selection of formation boundaries, were still a common source of confusion even after Sugden et
als 1975 Lexicon was published. In early 1984 the Energy Resources Department of the
Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) requested Qatar (and all other
member states) to supply representative stratigraphic cross-sections, with detailed descriptions of
each formation; these would serve later in 1985 as an initial point of discussion to start unifying the
formations within the Arab Countries.
The creation of a unified stratigraphic nomenclature for Qatar, was also of immediate operational
concern to QGPC Offshore and QGPC Onshore, as this was (and still is) a basic requirement for
their computerized well data systems. Under the auspices of the Department of Petroleum Affairs
therefore, a Technical Committee was established in April 1984 to reach an agreement on a unified
stratigraphic nomenclature for Qatar. This Technical Committee, which included representatives
from the Ministry of Finance & Petroleum, Department of Petroleum Affairs, University of Qatar,
QGPC (Headquarters), QGPC Offshore and QGPC Onshore, reached an agreement in July of the
same year. The Chairman, at least for the initial meetings, was Mr. Abdulla Salatt from the
Department of Petroleum Affairs; who has been mentioned in an earlier chapter.
At the inaugural April 1984 meeting it was agreed that the Committee would confine itself to
discussing lithostratigraphic and reservoir units; the problems associated with identifying
stratigraphic age relationships would require specialist palaeontological expertise not available in
Qatar. It was also agreed that the Stratigraphic Lexicon (Sugden et al, 1975), should serve as a
basic reference for the description of Qatars rock units, and that in selecting new names the
Committee should be guided by the Code of Stratigraphic Nomenclature published by the
American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
Page 139

The conclusions of these Qatar related meetings were as follow:
Re-naming of the Lower Fars to Dam Formation.
It was agreed that Onshore's Ruilat and Ahmadi Formations are the lateral equivalents of Offshore's
Fiqa and Khatiyah Formations, but in view of the lithological variation between the two areas, separate
2 names would be retained. The term Mishrif in offshore had been used for all rock strata between the
Laffan and Nahr Umr shales and is now differentiated into Mishrif, Khatiyah and Mauddud Formations
(Note: Khatiyah in offshore is equivalent to Ahmadi in Dukhan)
Onshore will discontinue use of the name Ratawi (type section S. Iraq), and adopt the formation names,
3 Hawar, Kharaib and Lekhwair for this interval. The Hawar and Kharaib Formations have previously
been recommended by Sugden et al (1975).
4 No.1, No.2 and No.3 Limestones of Qatar Fm to be renamed as reservoir units, Arab A, B and C.
The Fahahil-Darb-Diyab Formations are to be renamed the Jubaila and Hanifa Formations, with the
5 Jubaila reservoir development (No. 4 Limestone) forming the Arab D reservoir unit. The top Hanifa
will be picked at the top of the porous zone known as the "porous Diyab".
6 The Izhara Formation includes the Key Bed and Evaporite Series.
7 The Gulailah Formation is bounded by two major unconformities and includes the Khail Anhydrite.
8 The Suwei will be renamed the Sudair
QGPC Offshore Khuff reservoir unit terminology will be introduced by Onshore in due course, with the
9 North Field as the type section. However until more detailed correlation work has been completed,
Onshore will retain its system of facies units.
Offshore's Pre-Khuff terminology will be adopted by Onshore, with Matbakh 2 as the type well. The
10 following names are already in use by Onshore in their DKG-0027 deep test well; i.e: Haushi (Lower
Permian/ ?Carboniferous), Tawil (Devonian), Sharawra (Silurian) and Tabuk (Ordovician).
1
In light of the above, the new stratigraphic columns of onshore & offshore Qatar were drawn and
distributed (Figs. B8-02 & B8-03). (Hamam, 1984 & Cobb, 1985) [Appendix 10].
The final results of the 1985 OAPEC meetings are shown in three charts for the Middle East. These
are given in Appendix 11 as:
Chart 1: Paleozoic in Middle East (OAPEC)
Chart 2: Mesozoic in Middle East (OAPEC)
Chart 3: Cenozoic in Middle East (OAPEC)
Having scrutinized these charts, however, the author has noted several discrepancies between the
1985 OAPEC correlations and the terminology agreed on (and presented to OAPEC) during the
internal meetings that took place in Qatar in 1984. The OAPEC charts and Lexicon do not offer
any explanations to why such important differences exist. Until someone can explain them, the
present author recommends using the agreed 1984 terminology as the basis for further correlation
studies within the country. Some of these discrepancies are as follow:
Page 140

The 1984 Qatar related meetings agreed on
Re-naming of the Lower Fars by Dam Formation.
Offshore would keep the name Khatiyah
Having Hawar, Kharaib & Lekhwair (the latter
replacing Ratawi)
The OAPEC charts show

The Lower Fars
Ahmadi
The Ratawi is kept in onshore as more or less the
equivalent to the Kharaib in offshore. No mention
of Lekhwair is made.
Replacing both the onshore & offshore terminology Qatar Fm for onshore and Arab I, II & III for
regarding the Arab reservoirs by Arab-A, B, C and offshore while it is Arab IV in offshore and Darb &
D
Diyab in onshore.
Replacing Fahahil & Darb by Jubaila in both Fahahil & Darb in onshore and Arab IV in offshore
onshore & offshore
(no mention of Jubaila)
Renaming Diyab by Hanifa
Diyab
Hamlah to be in the Triassic
Hamlah in the Jurassic
Including the Khail anhydrite in the Gulailah
Khail anhydrite below the Gulailah
Replacing the name Suwei by Sudair
Suwei in onshore & Sudair in offshore.
Page 141
Fig. B8-02: Qatar Lithostratigraphic and Reservoir Units for QGPC (Onshore Operations) (Cobb, 1985)
Page 142
Fig. B8-03: Qatar Lithostratigraphic and Reservoir Units54 for QGPC (Offshore Operations)
(Hamam, 1984)
54
The Shuaiba Formation contains Reservoir Units A, B, C and D in the Fields Area and Reservoir Units Upper and
Lower in the North Area.
Page 143
Fig. B8-04: Generalized lithostratigraphic description of Qatar formation; Part 1. (Schlumberger, 1981)
Page 144
Fig. B8-05: Generalized lithostratigraphic description of Qatar formation; Part 2. (Schlumberger, 1981)
Page 145
Fig. B8-06: Stratigraphic correlation of Qatar wells (Schlumberger, 1981)
Fig. B8-07: Cross-Sections along (top) and across (bottom) the Qatar Arch (Schlumberger, 1981)
Page 146

The Deep Formations
Until 1983, our knowledge of the preKhuff sediments in Qatar was sketchy with regard to
thickness, facies, age and scale of lateral variability. Dk-0065 had been drilled in 1959 and the
results had ascertained that the Khuff Formation was a gas reservoir, however the depth reached
was not sufficient to ascertain the stratigraphy and potential of formations deeper than the Khuff.
With the testing of a sizeable deep structure offshore Qatar (Matbakh-2) some 5000 feet of
preKhuff sediments were penetrated and it became possible to establish a detailed
lithostratigraphical column for the deep formations of Lower Permian to Ordovician age. After
incorporating palynological data, the chronostratigraphical sequence, generalised in Fig. B8-08, was
established.
In 1984, another deep well was drilled in the Dukhan structure (DKG-0027), some 100 kms to the
southwest of the deep offshore well. The sedimentary sequence penetrated here was very much the
same as that encountered offshore and correlation could be made with ease.
In view of the modern log suites, detailed lithographical descriptions and reliable age datings
obtained in both wells, the offshore well serves as a reference well for the Haushi, Tawil and
Sharawra Formations, and the 1984 Dukhan deep well for the Tabuk Formation.
Fig. B8-08: Generalized stratigraphy

of the deep formations in Qatar
(Chapter 8 by Frei in Focke, 1986)
AlSharhan et al (1986b) published their correlation chart of the Precambrian to Jurassic Formations
of the Arabian Peninsula at the same time as Frei [in Focke (1986)]. Their terminology is slightly
different than in Fig. B8-08 above and does not penetrate deeper than the Tawil Formation (Fig.
B8-09). This difference is however understandable since the authors probably did not have access
to the latest information from newly drilled wells.
Page 147
Fig. B8-09: Tentative stratigraphic correlation chart (Precambrian to Jurassic) across Arabian Gulf and adjacent areas (Alsharhan, 1986b).
Page 148

Abdulrahman Sultan Alsharhan (Born September 15, 1954)
Mr. Alsharhan was born in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and grew
up eager to discover and understand his natural surroundings, especially
the mountains, deserts and sabkhas of his region. From a young age he
wanted to understand the past history of our planet and started
observing todays rock-forming phenomena knowing that they also
occurred thousands and millions of years ago. This curiosity made him
choose to study in the field of geology.
He received his B.Sc (1978) in Geology from Cairo University, and
M.Sc. (1983) and Ph.D. (1985) in Geology from the University of
South Carolina, USA. Currently, he is Emeritus Professor of Geology
and consultant on petroleum systems of Middle East & North Africa.
Fig. B8-10: A. S. Alsharhan

Middle East Geological and Environmental Establishment (MEGE),
P.O.Box 17325, Al-Ain, UAE

sharhana@emirates.net.ae
firstprof101@gmail.com
Phone: +971506233368
With a 35-year career (as of 2014) Alsharhan has experience in the oil
industry and with academia, both as professor and Dean of College of
Science at UAE University. Academia enabled him during the past 25
years to publish more than 90 scientific papers in international journals and 8 books on his research interests
which concentrate on the petroleum geology of the Middle East, water resources and integrated management
and climatic changes and desertification of the Arabian Gulf region. He also presented over 60 abstracts at
several international conferences and meetings. He was the first UAE national to be promoted to professor,
based on his academic teaching and his administration, research, participation, organization and chairing
sessions in regional and international events. He also served as reviewer for international scientific journals
such as the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), and member on advisory board of
Journal of African earth Sciences, International Association of Sedimentology, Arabian Journal of
Geosciences and Middle East Petroleum Geosciences (GeoArabia).
Alsharhans understanding of the sedimentology, environment of deposition and Petroleum Geology of all
the formations presented in the stratigraphic columns of each of the Arabian countries is impressive. Among
other publications, he co-authored Sedimentary Basins and Petroleum Geology of the Middle East (1997)
with A. E. Nairn, Hydrogeology of an Arid Region: Arabian Gulf and Adjacent Areas (2001) with Z. Rizk,
A. E. Nairn, D. Bakhit, and S. Al-Hajari, and Water Resources in the United Arab Emirates (2008) with Z.A.
Rizk. He co-edited five books; among them Quaternary Deserts and Climate Change (1998) with K.
W.Glennie, G. Whittle, and C. Kendall and Middle East Models of Jurassic/Cretaceous Carbonate Systems
(2000) with R. W. Scott. For the most part, his collection of papers can be downloaded freely from
http://www.megeuae.com/ .
His career so far has been very diverse, starting as a Geologist at the U.A.E. Ministry of Petroleum and
Mineral Resources, 1978-80; then Research Assistant (graduate student), Department of Geology,
University of South Carolina, 1981-85; Assistant professor of geology (1986-1990);
Associate Professor
of geology (1990-1995); Assistant Dean for Research at Faculty of Science (1992-1994); Director of Desert
and Marine Environment Research Center (1990-1996); Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic
Affairs (1994-1995); Professor of geology since 1995, and Dean of Faculty of Science (1995-2003). Outside
of the university he holds or has held several positions such as: Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Cement
Company (2003-present), Chairman of International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (present), and President
of American Association of Petroleum Geologist, Middle East Region from 2011-2013.
In recognition of his work and academic performance, he received several scholarships and awards, such as:
Sheikh Rashid Award for Academic Excellence, 1987; Fullbright Scholarship, 1990; Best Scientific Research
in the College of Science, U.A.E. University, 1995; Abdul Hamid Shoman Award for Best Youth Arab
Scientists in Geology, 1995; International Whos Who of Twentieth Century Achievement for Contribution
to the Field of Geology, USA, 1996, 1998, 199; Dictionary of International Biography, 1996; Certificate of
Merit for Distinguished Service, UK, 1996; Twentieth Century Award for Achievement in the Field of
Geology, UK, 1997; Millennium Hall of Fame for Significant Contributions to International Society, USA,
1997; Twentieth Century Achievement Award in Five-Hundred Leaders of Influence, USA, 1997; Diploma
of Honour Twentieth Century Award for Achievement in Recognition of Outstanding Achievements in the
Field of Geology, UK, 1997; Director General Honours List for Contribution in Research and Studies on
Petroleum Geology of the Middle East, UK, 1998; UAE Appreciation Award in the Field of Environment,
2010; Gulf Council Cooperation Personality Prize for Environment, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2013.
Page 149

The Mesozoic
In a series of three articles published in 1986, 1988 and 1990, Alsharhan & Nairn summarized the
knowledge on the published stratigraphic nomenclature of the Cretaceous used in the Arabian Gulf
(Figs B8-11, B8-12 & B8-13). Later, in 1994, they repeated a similar exercise for the whole of the
Mesozoic (Fig B8-14 & B8-15).
As mentioned by them, it summarizes the standard stratigraphic column accepted by many
workers and not one that would have been approved by a national institution or an international
body, because none had been approved post-1975. It should be noted at the outset that in the
Middle East, in contrast to international usage, three and not two major sub-divisions of the
Cretaceous are recognized: the lower (Berriasian to Aptian) Thamama Group; the middle (Albian to
Turonian) Wasia Group; and the upper (Coniacian to Maestrichtian) Aruma Group.
It is the facies variations, both vertical and lateral, with lensing and pinching-out and/or truncation
of strata which has led to the profusion of formational names in the Cretaceous, compounded by the
varying terminologies developed by the operating companies. In some cases, formational names
are used for rock units with different stratigraphic ranges or different lithologies. In other cases, a
unit may have formational status in one terminology and member status in another. Moreover, a
formational name may have been changed, but the name of the superseded unit may still continue to
be used.
Recognizing the problem, the operating companies have discussed the matter and have
recommended an acceptable terminology with formalized type-sections (Hassan et al., 1975) which
could be applied generally to subsurface data. A fundamental problem arose because the original
type-section exposed and described in Saudi Arabia cannot readily be applied to the subsurface
data. In contrast to most parts of the world, the principal source of information in the Arabian Gulf
is obtained from the subsurface.
Alsharhan (1994b)
Cobb (1985) Onshore
Hamam (1984) Offshore
Shows Fiqa & Ruilat Fms
Shows Fiqa & Ruilat Fms
Shows only Fiqa Fm
Ahmadi / Khatiyah
Ahmadi
Khatiya
Kharaib / Ratawi
Kharaib
Kharaib
Darb / Jubaila
Jubaila
Jubaila
Diyab / Hanifa
Hanifa
Hanifa
Hamlah is Jurassic
Hamlah is Triassic
Hamlah is Triassic
No mention of Khuff for which the
top is Triassic
Table B8-01: Comparison of Alsharhan (1994b)s Qatar Mesozoic stratigraphy nomenclature with the QP
internally approved scheme (but not used widely) discussed earlier.
Page 150
Fig B8-11 : Lithostratigraphic correlation of the Upper Cretaceous Aruma Group in the Arabian Peninsula. (AlSharhan et al, 1990)
Fig B8-12 : Lithostratigraphic correlation of the Middle Cretaceous Wasia Group in the Arabian Peninsula. (AlSharhan et al, 1988)
Fig B8-13: Lithostratigraphic correlation - Lower Cretaceous Thamama group in the Arabian Peninsula (AlSharhan et al, 1986)
Page 151
Fig B8-14: Cretaceous stratigraphy and source-reservoir-seal distribution and producing fields of Qatar. (AlSharhan,
1994b)
Page 152
Fig B8-15: Triassic-Jurassic stratigraphy, source-reservoir-seal distribution and producing fields of Qatar.
(Alsharhan, 1994b)
Page 153

Meanwhile in neighbouring countries
Before 1985, the stratigraphy of lower Paleozoic rocks of Saudi Arabia was based mostly on the
international stratigraphic lexicon (Powers, 1968), which formalized the earlier work of Thralls and
Hasson (1956), Steineke et. al (1958), and Powers et al (1966).
In the scheme proposed by Powers (1968), the early Paleozoic succession of central Saudi Arabia
was subdivided into two formations (Fig. B8-16):1the Cambrian(?) to Early Ordovician
(Arenigian) Saq Sandstone, unconformably overlying Proterozoic Shield rocks and composed of
conglomeratic and coarse- to fine-grained sandstone and siltstone; and (2) the Tabuk Formation,
conformable on the Saq Sandstone, consisting of shale and sandstone and subdivided into seven
informal units considered to range in age from Early Ordovician (Arenigian) to Early Devonian
(Gedinnian). Helal (1964, 1965) used a different terminology and restricted the Tabuk Formation to
Ordovician deposits. He defined a new formation for the Tabuk region Silurian rocks, that is, the
Sharawra formation. Helal (1964) also considered the base of the Tabuk Formation to be
Llanvirnian. Bahafzallah and others (1981) and Al-Laboun (1982, 1986) proposed the removal of
the upper part (Devonian) of the Tabuk Formation, that is, the Tawil Member of Powers (1968).
McClure (1978) and Young (1981) were the first to describe glacial deposits of early Paleozoic age
from central Saudi Arabia (Jal as Saqiyah). These deposits were (partly) mapped by Bramkamp and
others (1963) as "brown to tan sandstone [that] transgresses the lower and middle parts of the
[Tabuk] formation although they were not interpreted as such at that time.
In 1978, McClure tentatively referred to the Late Ordovician glaciation previously described in the
Sahara (Beuf and others. 1971) although he concluded that insufficient data were available. The
existence of Late Ordovician glacial environments was corroborated by a sedimentologic study by
Clark-Lowes (1980) in the Qasim region. This latter author proposed the nomenclature of the
"Sarah member" for glacial deposits that formed part of the "Tabuk Formation" defined by Powers
(1968).
Detailed study of the stratigraphic succession that includes these glacial deposits led
Vaslet1987a, b, c: 1989) to recognize two major glacial erosional surfaces that underlie the
glacial to periglacial deposits within the "Tabuk Formation" of Powers1968). Lithostratigraphic
evidence clearly demonstrated the need for revision of the Tabuk Formation, which needed to be
considered as an obsolete unit in view of the internationally accepted rules of stratigraphic
nomenclature.
New lithostratigraphic units replacing the former "Tabuk Formation" were defined and featured on
the Directorate General of Mineral Resources (DGMR, in Jeddah) Geoscience Maps published for
the Ha'il and Qasim regions, and a synthesis of the currently available lithostratigraphic,
sedimentologic, and biostratigraphic data has been summarized in a DGMR Professional Paper
(Vaslet, 1989).
Page 154
Fig. B8-16: Evolution of the Cambrian to Devonian Stratigraphy in Saudi Arabia for 1966 to 1987 (Vaslet, 1990)
Page 155

Carbonates of the Dalan and Khuff formations, which are essentially of Permian age, form
extensive gas reservoirs in the Greater Arabian Gulf area (Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and
part of Oman. These sediments were deposited unconformably on Lower Paleozoic rocks in
western Iran and on basement rocks in Oman, Yemen and Arabia. The term "Khuff formation",
introduced by Bramkamp et al in 1958, has been widely used by oil companies in this region, and
its equivalent (the Dalan formation) is a rather new name which is currently used in Iran (post
1975)
However, as with many other lithostratigraphic units in the Middle East, poor correlations and
confusing nomenclature are the rule rather than the exception. This problem is even worse for the
Permian-Triassic rocks as the data base (particularly the subsurface data) is scattered and largely
inacessible. Consequently, some information regarding the Permian-Triassic reservoir rocks has
been presented incorrectly in various parts of the Middle East.
Some of the names that have been given in the Greater Arabian Gulf area and which appear in the
literature are inconsistent (e.g. Khuff, Unayzah, Jamal, and Dalan formations). Previous
discussions of the Permian-Triassic units and their hydrocarbon production history by authors from
various parts of the Middle East have regrettably included the misuse of terminology and the
misinterpretations of a number of formations and their areal extent. Oil companies have generally
established their own terminologies and unit names, whereas academic groups have in some cases
tried to introduce new terms unrelated to those used by the oil industry. (Kashfi, 2000).
At the dawn of the 1990s, El-Nakhal
(1991) proposed to elevate the Khuff
name to Group; to replace Khuff
Formation by Rayn Formation and to
include
the
underlying
Unayzah
Formation within the newly created Khuff
Group. (Fig. B9-01)
Al-Laboun
(1987) introduced
the
Unayzah Formation (late Carboniferousearly Permian) to include the sandstones,
shales and thin beds of argillaceous
limestone which form the basal part of the
Khuff Formation in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, he restricted the name Khuff
Formation to the overlying remaining
calcareous part. However, El-Nakhal
argues that the restriction of the Khuff
Formation in such way does not conform
with
the
rules
of
stratigraphic
nomenclature. His arguments are that
when a unit is divided into two or more of
the same rank as the original, the original
name should not be used for any of the
divisions. Retention of the old name for
one of the units precludes use of the name
in a term of higher rank. Furthermore, in
Fig. B9-01: Rayn Formation type section (after

Bramkamp et al., 1945, In: Powers et al., 1966). Age
modified according to the results of Al-Nakhals study
(1991).
Page 156

order to understand an author's meaning, a later reader would have to know about the modification
and its date, and whether the author is following the original or the modified usage.
For these reasons, the normal practice is to raise the rank of an established unit when units of the
same rank are recognized and mapped within it (North American Stratigraphic Code, 1983, Article
19, Remark g). Accordingly, El-Nakhal suggested to raise the rank of the Khuff Formation, as
originally defined by Steineke 1937 (in Powers et al., 1966, and Powers, 1968), to a group status,
and to divide it into two formations: the Unayzah Formation which includes the basal sandstones
and shales, and the Rayn Formation which is suggested here as a new name to replace the term
Khuff Formation in its restricted sense which includes the overlying calcareous part, and which
does not conform with the rules of stratigraphic nomenclature.
It can be debated that since Al-Nakhals study was based on outcrops of Wadi ar Rayn, in Saudi
Arabia, hundreds of kilometres from Qatar, his proposal to shuffle names between formations and
Groups is irrelevant since the geology can vary greatly between such great distances. It is therefore,
in our opinion, not a viable scenario to implement a name change on that basis in Qatar.
The Dukhan field
Few articles were approved for publication by QP on Qatar oil and/or gas fields before year 2000.
Dominguezs (1965) article on the Offshore fields of Qatar needs to be remembered as one of the
first to discuss the potential of Qatar as an oil-rich country. A detailed article dedicated solely to
the Dukhan oil field, on the other hand, had never been circulated openly to the public (see the 1956
general article discussed in chapter 5). It is in 1991 that the AAPG published such an article
(Nelson et al, 1991). While the main authors were from Amoco, the secondary authors were all
from QGPC. For this article, Amoco provided their version of the stratigraphic column of the
country (Fig. B9-02) which diverged slightly from the QP approved column of Cobb (1985) &
Hamam (1984), and did not display the Unayzah Formation below the Khuff, as formally described
by Al-Laboun in 1987.
While Fig. B9-02 shows a column described as valid for the whole country, it is clear that this
cannot be. If we compare Amocos column with the QP approved columns of Cobb (1985) &
Hamam (1984) for onshore & offshore, some obvious differences can be noted (Table B9-01):
Amocos 1991 Column
(Fig B9-02)
Assigns the Hofuf Formation to the
Quaternary
Cobb (1985) Onshore

(Fig B8-02)
Shows Hofuf Fm as MioPliocene (Al-Saad, 2002b leaves
the door opened for a Late
Miocene to Pleistocene age)
Shows the Fiqa & Ruilat Fms
Only showing the Mishrif Fm
Ahmadi
Qatar Fm

(Fig (Fig B8-03)
Shows Hofuf Fm as MioPliocene (Al-Saad, 2002b leaves
the door opened for a Late
Miocene to Pleistocene age)
Shows only the Fiqa Fm
Only showing the Mishrif Fm
Khatiya
Qatar Fm
Shows only the Fiqa Fm

Still showing Mishrif/Rumaila Fms
Ahmadi
Does not mention the Qatar Fm
Still does not mention the Unayzah
The name of Unayzah did not The name of Unayzah did not
Fm even though it was formally
exist then
exist then
described in 1987
Table B9-01: Comparison of Amoco (1991)s Qatar stratigraphy nomenclature with the QP internally
approved scheme (but not used widely) discussed earlier.
As can be seen above, even after so much work had been done on the stratigraphy of Qatar by
Sugden, Standring, Cavelier, Cobb, Hamam and others, most companies (even QP) were still using
their own make-shift stratigraphical column. This was certainly out of necessity since no one was
willing to take the lead and enforce a country-wide QP approved column.
Page 157
Fig. B9-02: Amoco's Generalized petroleum geology stratigraphic section for Qatar (Nelson et al, 1991)
Page 158

Al-Hitmi (1994) is the next stratigrapher who studied in details the foraminiferal content of the
Middle-Upper Cretaceous and Early Eocene sequences in five wells over the Dukhan Field. One
hundred ninety-one (191) foraminiferal species were identified and systematically discussed. His
biostratigraphic classification shows the occurrence of a major unconformity between the Simsima
and the Umm er Radhuma Formations. The Simsima Formation is of Late Maastrichtian age while
the base Umm er Radhuma Formation is of Early Eocene age. This unconformity is represented by
a time span including at least the whole Paleocene. Two other major unconformity surfaces are
observed too. The first one is between the Coniacian/Santonian (Halul and Laffan Formations), and
the Middle Maastrichtian (Ruilat Formation). The second one is between the Conacian/Santonian
(Halul and Laffan Formations) and the Cenomanian (Mishrif Formation). The clastics of the Albian
Nahr Umr Formation is unconformably separated from the underlying Aptian Orbitolina limestones
of the Shuaiba Formation.
Geodetic network:
As discussed earlier, Qatar's geodetic network, established in 1970, consisted of 95 stations and
used classical terrestrial techniques - distance, direction and azimuth observations. The second order Doha network and third-order in-fill network resulted in establishment of about 500 stations.
During the early 1990's, a GPS Base Station was established on the roof of the Qatar Centre for
GIS's main office. The first-order geodetic network was resurveyed by recording data from two or
more stationary GPS receivers located for a period of time at the geodetic network points. To relate
Qatar's geodetic network to the global reference system (WGS84), ties were made to the
International GPS Geodynamics Service (IGS) network base station in Bahrain. To utilize
elevations computed from GPS surveys on the Qatar mainland, a geoid model (Qatar National
Datum (QND95) was developed in 1995. The QND 95 provides the differences between the
WGS84 reference ellipsoid and the measured values, and is defined by transforming WGS84
coordinates using a 7 parameter Bursa-Wolfe coordinate transformation.
The Qatar National Grid (QNG) is used with the QND95 for mapping Qatar mainland onshore
areas (excluding Halul island). It is a transverse Mercator map projection system that has little
distortion within 5 degrees to either side of its central meridian. The complete set of parameters for
the datum and projection systems should be stated on all maps. (QSTD-DV-04, 2008)
In 1992, Brown & Root (1992) completed extensive work to tie the WGS84 to the offshore
Nahrwan Qatar Datum. All maps used for hydrocarbon exploration, development and exploitation
work offshore Qatar use the Nahrwan Qatar Datum and the UTM Zone 39 projection for the UTM
Grid 39R in which Qatar is located. The complete set of parameters for the datum and projection
systems should be stated on all maps.
Therefore, in Qatar today, a unique situation exists whereby two datums are used in the country.
Offshore, the Narhwan datum is used by convention and based upon the Clarke 1880 spheroid.
Onshore, the Qatar National Grid (QNG) is the conventional mapping plane and based upon the
International 1950 spheroid.
Page 159

Quaternary Stratigraphy
Since the first proper geological study of the region (Pilgrim, 1908), an enormous volume of
literature has been written on the Arabian Gulf. The potential of the basin for the study of Holocene
carbonates was recognized after the pioneering studies of Emery (1956) and Houbolt (1957), and
the 1960s and 1970s saw extensive research carried out in the Abu Dhabi area. The principal
workers were a group from Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, whose research
resulted in the thesis of Kinsman (1964), Butler (1965), Kendall (1966) and Skipwith (1966). Other
important papers also include Wells (1962), Shearman (1963), Evans et al. (1964), Evans (1966),
Kinsman (1966), Kendall & Skipwith (1968; 1969a, b), Butler (1969) and Evans et al. (1969).
Work from this period culminated in the publication of Purser (1973a+b), a collection of papers that
to this day stands as the definitive work on Holocene sedimentation in the region. This marked the
end of the "goldrush" phase of research in the Arabian Gulf, although many important papers have
been published since; among others, Al-Yousefs thesis (2003) which sought to present a full and
thorough anatomy of the two selected sabkhas (Dukhan and Umm Said), Al-Yousef (2006) on the
Salt Lake area northeast of Dukhan Sabkha, Jameson et al (2009) on the Holocene sabkha and
Coastal Systems of Qatar, and Puls et al (2009) on The Dukhan Sabkha as a Modern analog for the
Arab C Carbonate Reservoir, and the work of Dr. Ian West on Qatar sabkhas displayed on his
website under http://www.southampton.ac.uk/~imw/Qatar-Sabkhas.htm
Compared to other carbonate-producing regions, and the amount of work written on the Holocene
sediments of the Arabian Gulf, Pleistocene sediments in Qatar have received very little attention.
Although Pleistocene carbonate aeolianites (miliolite) were described by Pilgrim (1908) outside of
Qatar, it was 70 years before any publications focused on them in the country (Vita-Finzi, 1978), in
a report on the archaeology of the peninsula. The only detailed studies of Pleistocene rocks from
offshore areas by the end of the last century55 are by Lalou et al. (1988), Chafetz et al. (1988),
Chafetz & Rush (1994, 1995), Uchupi et al. (1996) and Williams A.H. (1999).
Williams A.H. (1999) studied the onshore pleistocene deposits of Abu Dhabi and Qatar. In these
two countries, at least two sequences of Pleistocene carbonates are preserved onshore. These
comprise, firstly, widespread aeolianites deposited prior to the last interglacial (the Ghayathi
Formation), and secondly, marine sediments and aeolianites deposited during the last interglacial
(the Fuwayrit Formation). Marine deposits of the Fuwayrit Formation indicate that sea-level was
higher than present on two occasions during the last (Sangamonian) interglacial. In Qatar, the sites
studied were Fuwayrit, Ra's Abu Amran, Al Wusayl (now called Lusail), and Bilad Ibrahim (now
the site of the new Hamad International airport).
The Pleistocene deposits exposed onshore in Qatar comprise two sequences separated by a
subaerial exposure surface (Figs. B9-03, B9-04, B9-05, B9-06). These sequences belong to the
Fuwayrit Formation and comprise the Futaisi Member, the Dabb'iya Member and the Al Wusayl
Member. At Fuwayrit and Ras Abu Amran the base of the Pleistocene sediments is exposed. At
these localities they overlie a crystalline dolomite, which are believed to belong to the middle
Eocene Dammam Formation (Alsharhan & Nairn, 1995). Similar deposits have been described
from the north-east of Qatar by Taylor & Illing (1969), Shinn (1973) and Vita-Finzi (1978).
55
During the next 14 years (2000-2014) several authors will research the Quaternary period. Authors such as Jeremy
Jameson, Christian Strohmenger (both of ExxonMobil-Qatar and working for the Qatar Centre for Coastal Research,
QCCR, within ExxonMobil), and Michael C. Poppelreiter contributed greatly to our knowledge of the Holocene and
Pleistocene deposits of coastal Qatar.
Page 160
Fig. B9-04: Burrowed aeolianite, Al Wusayl Member,

Fuwayrit (Williams, 1999).
Fig. B9-03: Localities studied in Qatar by Fig. B9-05: Contact between Futaisi and Dabb'iya
Williams (1999)
Members at Fuwayrit (Williams, 1999)
Fig. B9-06: Quaternary stratigraphy of Qatar (Williams, 1999)
Page 161

Meanwhile in the neighbouring countries
Bahrains Awali Field: Awali field is
situated beneath Bahrain Island. The
island and underlying structure are
attributed to Infracambrian Hormuz salt
movement. The salt is interpreted to be
at depths of about 18,000 ft (AlSamahiji and Chaube, 1987).
Mendeck and Al-Madani (1995)
summarize the reservoir properties and
development history of Awali field.
Awali field produces from six intervals.
The shallowest four are the Cretaceous
Wasia Group consisting of the Ahmadi,
Wara, Mauddud and Nahr Umr
formations (also known as the Bahrain
zone). The other two important
reservoirs are the Jurassic Arab Zones
and Permian Khuff Zones. In Awali
field 93% of the Mesozoic reserves are
Cretaceous which is in contrast to
nearby fields in Saudi Arabia and Qatar
where reserves are predominately
Jurassic.
After its discovery in 1932, field
development initially began in the Wasia
Group reaching 18,000 bopd before
World War II. After the war the
production from the field was constant
at 31,000 bopd until 1957. An active
development program then raised
production to 80,000 by 1968. Since
1968 production has been declining
steadily reaching 38,833 bopd and 966
million cubic feet gas per day in 1995.
Bahrains recognized stratigraphy and
reservoirs are illustrated in Fig. B9-07
below.
Fig. B9-07: Bahrains recognized stratigraphy and

reservoirs. After Janahi and Mirza (1991), Mendeck and AlMadani (1995) and others. (Compiled by Walid A. Jawad
Ali and Moujahed Al-Husseini)
Page 162
Fig B9-08: Christian (1997) summarizes the Cretaceous lithostratigraphy of the Arabian Gulf countries
Page 163

In Saudi Arabia, Al-Hajri (1999)s paper reviews the Devonian stratigraphic and structural setting
in the eastern Ghawar Area (Fig. B9-09) and its relationship to the type sections of the Devonian in
the outcrops of northwestern Saudi Arabia. He performs a correlation of surface and subsurface
Devonian rocks of Saudi Arabia using a combination of palynology and sequence stratigraphy. An
operational palynological zonation was devised based on first down-hole occurrences (i.e.
extinctions) of encountered palynomorphs. Six palynozones, and four subzones, were recognized
(Fig. B9-10).
Fig. B9-09: Generalized Palaeozoic stratigraphic column of the Ghawar Area (Al-Hajri (1999)
Page 164
Fig. B9-10: Devonian palynostratigraphic scheme of Saudi Arabia (Al-Hajri (1999))
Page 165
Chapter 10: From 2000 to 2010 and beyond

During this decade no known attempts were made by the Qatar authorities to unify the stratigraphy
of the Country. Because no updated/official Lexicon on the stratigraphy of Qatar existed at the turn
of the century, an international company doing business in Qatar compiled its own unofficial and
basic Stratigraphic Lexicon of Qatar (IOC, 2001)56 in order to:
A) bring greater unity and agreement to Qatar's stratigraphic nomenclature;
B) serve as a guide to those interpreting its stratigraphy
C) address the international companys needs for few pressing matters regarding their database and
mapping software approach.
As has also been recognized by the IOCs author in his report, historically there has been an internal
difference in Qatar Petroleum nomenclature between onshore and offshore stratigraphy, most of
which was politically rather than geologically driven. There had been also significant borrowing of
stratigraphic terms from the surrounding region along with variable name updating, much of which
had not been uniform nor had it acquired a consensus of agreement within QP (probably the IOCs
author was not aware of Cobb & Hamams reports). Perhaps even more concerning was the lack of
reference wells or "type wells" to which to tie Qatar stratigraphy. In other words, Qatar Petroleum
had made no overt attempt at unifying and standardizing its own stratigraphy. This was both good
and bad for the Operators/Partners in Qatar. On the good side, it left the door open for them to
define and unify the stratigraphy as they see fit, and hopefully to influence QP. On the negative
side, no matter how the stratigraphy was defined and correlated, it would at least selectively
disagree with time-honored tops for certain of wells/fields.
As recognized by one of the IOCs, stratigraphic nomenclature, not only in Qatar but in the Arabian
Plate as a whole, has been traditionally a confused mess. In addition to problems similar to the
above, most countries have their own preferred formation names, and even when they share the
same name, do not always define a formation the same way as their neighbour. On top of this is the
age-old problem of formations being defined on the basis of lithostratigraphy whereas correlation of
time-stratigraphic surfaces was sought. To resolve this problem for their regional mapping, a
nomenclatural scheme was internally proposed that would utilize only ages and sequence
stratigraphic names, i.e. Maastrichtian 65MA SB; however this scheme was turned down by their
management.
As a fallback solution, the international company developed an approach of maintaining familiar
formation names (to the extent possible) by uniting them with regionally significant timestratigraphic surfaces, usually prominent sequence boundaries, thereby turning them into timestratigraphic surfaces. An example is the 146_HITH, which represents the 146 MA sequence
boundary generally associated with top of the Hith formation. However, this horizon was
interpreted to be present whether or not the actual Hith formation or "Hith lithology" was present
56
We do not include here the specific detail of the reference. We want the reader to realize that the issues presented in
the few paragraphs that follow are observations on the part of large international agencies skilled in geological analyses
and problem resolution - and that as late as the early 21st century, they still saw a problem that had not been addressed
for years. We want to indicate that this was an external criticism, and that the comments by the IOC showed how severe
the issue was and that imposition or calculated manipulation in the very least was considered. It positively stresses the
fact that QP/Qatar is better off doing its own work (provided it maintains focus) and set the rules for its partners rather
than the other way around.
Page 166

because it was a time surface. This would have undoubtedly caused some future confusion within
QP because they would have seen formation names at least occasionally associated with intervals or
lithologies they would not have expected.
Table B10-01 compares IOC (2001)s suggested stratigraphic names with those of Cobb &
Hammam (1985 & 1984).
IOC (2001)
Cobb (1985) Onshore

Term does not exist in Qatar (Part of
Term does not exist in Qatar (Part
Gacharan (Lower Fars)
Dam Fm)
of Dam Fm)
Asmari (Oligo-Miocene)
No mention is made
No mention is made
No mention; Shammar shale is a
No mention; Shammar shale is a
Shammar shale (under UER)
Member of UER
Member of UER
Fiqa
Ruilat/Fiqa
Fiqa
No mention of Ruilat
Ruilat/Fiqa
No mention of Ruilat
Bab
No mention is made
No mention is made
Arab Fm
No mention is made.
No mention is made
No mention is made
Qatar Fm
Qatar Fm
No mention is made
Jubaila Fm
Jubaila Fm
Hadriya Fm
No mention is made
No mention is made
Tuwaiq Mountain Fm
No mention is made
No mention is made
Araej as a Group
Araej as a Formation
Araej as a Formation
Uwainat as a Formation
Uwainat as a Member of Araej Fm
Uwainat as a Member of Araej Fm
Unayzah
No mention is made
No mention is made
No mention is made
Haushi
Haushi
Jubah
No mention is made
No mention is made
Jauf
No mention is made
No mention is made
Qusaiba
No mention is made
No mention is made
No mention is made
Tabuk
Tabuk
Table B10-01: Comparison of IOC (2001)s Qatar stratigraphy nomenclature with the QP internally
approved scheme (but not used widely) discussed earlier.
Arabian Plate Sequence Stratigraphy (Sharland et al., 2001 & 2004)

In 1997, LASMO (a British oil company bought by ENI, Italian owned company, in 2001) initiated
a tectonostratigraphic and sequence stratigraphic study of Arabian Plate geology, to provide a
framework to evaluate exploration and development opportunities in the Middle East. The key
results of this study were presented in Arabian Plate Sequence Stratigraphy (Sharland et al., 2001)
and probably represent the decades most representative work made public on the whole Arabic
Peninsula, including Qatar (Fig. B10-01)
Historically much of the subsurface architecture of the Arabian Plate had been described using
lithostratigraphic principles, as examplified by the classic works of van Bellen et al. (1956),
Dunnington (1967), Murris (1980a,b) and Beydoun (1988, 1991). This has resulted in the rather
uncertain correlation of sedimentary systems across the plate.
Sharland et al (2001)s study, commonly referred to as SP2, reviewed the tectonostratigraphic,
chronostratigraphic and sequence stratigraphic evolution of the Arabian Plate, and the controls on,
and distribution of, potential source, reservoir and seal lithologies. The study identifies 11
tectonostratigraphic megasequences (TMS) defined by major tectonic events that affected either all
or most of the plate, one of which is masked by Late Ordovician glacial erosion. It provided a
Page 167

unifying stratigraphic interpretation of the Arabian Plate within a modern sequence stratigraphic
framework.
The stratigraphic framework for the study is provided by the identification and correlation of 63
Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFS). The rather uneven distribution of MFS through time reflects
a number of factors. In particular, the concentration of petroleum resources in certain parts of the
succession has led to greater stratigraphic understanding of the Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods, and
the recognition of a greater number of MFS. In the Palaeozoic clastic dominated succession,
relatively few MFS are identified, and in some Periods, such as the Carboniferous, erosion beneath
major unconformities (in this case the result of the Hercynian Orogeny) has led to poor preservation
of MFS in the sedimentary record.
In 2004 revisions to the stratigraphic positions of some SP2 Cretaceous maximum flooding surfaces
(MFS), and some resulting new interpretations, were presented by Sharland et al. (2004). New
interpretations of mixed carbonate-clastic systems presented by these authors also have application
to other parts of Middle East stratigraphy. (Appendix 12).
Fig. B10-01: Sequence stratigraphic gamma ray interpretation of the Early Jurassic of Qatar-United Arab
Emirates (Sharland et al., 2001)
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Other public studies & researches:
The first ten years of this century saw a plethora of articles published in scientific magazines either
about the stratigraphy of specific formations or time intervals. While the results of each could merit
to be summarized in this document, we prefer to stress again and again to the reader that none of
them follow a Qatar/QP approved stratigraphic scheme and that, even if compared between each
other, they do not necessarily agree on the same formational terminology or formational top to be
chosen.
Among few published documents worth reading on stratigraphy and which deal with formations in
or above the Permian are those of Dill on the Tertiary of Dukhan (2003), Sadooni on the
stratigraphy of the Mauddud (2003), Phanerozoic cycles of sea-Level Change on the Arabian
Platform (Haq, 2005) (Appendix 14) Holail on the electrical properties of the formations over the
North Field (2006), Granier on the stratigraphy of the Upper Thamama in UAE (2003), Granier on
the Holostratigraphy of the Kahmah regional Series (2008) Granier on the Lekhwair and Hawar
formations of Oman (2010) and Granier on the Hawar, Shuaiba, Bab and Sabsab of UAE & Oman
(2011), LeBlanc on the geology, stratigraphy and palaeontology of the Dam Formation (2009),
Stephens et al. on the Sequence Stratigraphic framework of the Arab Formation Reservoirs (2009),
Klein et al on Fault detection workflow in Al Khalij Field in Qatar (2009), Al-Husseini (2004) on
the Carboniferous & Permian Stratigraphy of the Arabian Peninsula (mainly from Oman and Saudi
Arabia), van Buchem et al.. (2011) on the Alpian-Turonian Stratigraphy, etc
For the formations occurring below the Permian, we highly recommend Al-Hadidy (2007). His
Regional Paleozoic correlations table is given below Fig. B10-02.
Also of some importance, is the work of Mr. Moujahed Al-Husseini, chief editor of Geoarabia, who
published the Middle-East Geological Time Scale in 2008 [Appendix 13] and soon followed by
GeoArabia Special Publication 4 on Barremian Aptian stratigraphy and hydrocarbon habitat of
the eastern Arabian Plate in 2009; the latter having a major upgrade to the Aptian Stage.
The latest attempt 2011 to 2015

By late 2011 a team, from all departments of the Oil & Gas Ventures Directorate of Qatar
Petroleum (QP), was put together to study, once again, the possibility of unifying the countrys
stratigraphic nomenclature.
The project was launched because one of the requirements for the companys Master General
Wells Database project was precisely to define stratigraphic column nomenclature and codes
stratigraphic rock unit names, codes, and geologic ages. For maximum efficient data management
and data analysis, standardized nomenclature needed to be used consistently within the Oil and Gas
Ventures (OGV) Directorate57 and by their Joint Venture (JV) partners. Consistent usage of the
same stratigraphic standard and access to a seed data set was judged to greatly enhance the ability
to conduct country-wide studies supportive of QPs hydrocarbon exploration efforts, injected fluids
or gases dispersal, etc.
Initial efforts to load basic well geological data for three wells into the Master General Wells
Database in July 2011 highlighted the inconsistent use of stratigraphic terms by geoscientists.
Informal discussions between involved staff brought to light the need for a Qatar-wide review of
the then current use of stratigraphic column nomenclature and codes. In late July 2011, the Head of
57
At the time of this writing (2014), the OGV Directorate is composed of six departments; namely Exploration & PSA
Oil Development (EX), Dukhan Field Development (FD), Maydan Mahzam & Bul Hanine Fields Development
(FO), Gas Development (NF), Drilling (DR) and Technical Research Centre (TR).
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Corporate Data Management requested the nomination of geologists and/or petrophysicists from
several OGV departments to serve on the Standardized Stratigraphic Column Team (the Strat
Team). During the course of the study, team membership changed because of changing business
needs within the departments. The initial meeting of the Strat Team was held on Oct. 12, 2011.
During July and August 2011, published reference materials were collected. A digital copy of the
Stratigraphic Lexicon for Asia Volume III Section 10 b 3 Qatar Peninsula (W. Sudgen and A. J.
Standring) and Tertiary Outcrops (C. Cavelier), 1975. was also provided.
In addition to providing a good history of the development of stratigraphic nomenclature for the
Qatar Peninsula and region, the stratigraphic lexicon provided a list of the Type Localities and
Reference Sections which are formally described, as well as a location map and lithologic
descriptions. The Type Localities are the subsurface sections penetrated by particular well bores.
The Strat Team used wireline electric logs, deviation surveys and interpreted depths of rock unit
tops from the type wells and several more recently drilled deep wells as seed points from which
to launch the study. The broad distribution of these seed points and incorporation of other wells
from the main oil fields of Qatar by the respective team members facilitated the country-wide
review of how each departments were interpreting the stratigraphic units.
Each department staff commenced interpretation of the shallow section in all wells within their
areas of responsibility. The Dukhan report was presented in late June 2013 by a geologist from this
field, while the Exploration department, being more familiar with the deep onshore & offshore
formations (mainly Pre-Khuff) of the country, were left in charge with picking the rock unit tops
(e.g., formations, reservoir units and subunits) and naming the intervals.
The responsibility for picking rock unit tops on well logs from wells drilled in the North Field and
non-NF reference wells to which NF geoscientists have access was assigned to two NF geologists.
One was in charge from the sea bed to the top of the Mauddud Formation (shallow section) and
the second from the Mauddud and deeper (deep section). This sparse data set is relatively widely
distributed across Qatar. Prior to the commencement of the Strat Team study, detailed analysis of
the shallow section had identified several rock units and unconformities that were not known to
the geoscientists.
The final report is scheduled to be finalized in Q4 of 2015 and sent for Management approval
thereafter. If no additional hurdles are met, it could be presented to the Qatar Oil & Gas
Community by very early to mid- 2016
-----------------The effort put together by the Strat Team is remarkable given that they worked informally for 4
years on this project while performing their normal duties and responsibilities for their respective
departments. Thank you to all of you who have participated in this important and much needed
project.
Page 170
Fig. B10-02: Regional Paleozoic correlations (Al-Hadidy, 2007)
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Page 172
CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Governments, Societies and philantropists distinguished themselves during the 19th Century for
their geographical exploration of Arabia and the Gulf in general. Each had different reasons for
involving themselves in these regions; some were political, some were for the accumulation of
knowledge and others just for pure adventure into the unknown. Their investigation and comments
relating to geology could only touch the surface of the lands they visited. Nonetheless, every little
bit of knowledge gathered during that Century helped those who were to follow later in the 20th
Century.
Our knowledge of the subsurface formations of Qatar, and the Southwestern Asian countries in
general, received a boost by commercially driven companies during the first 40 years of the last
Century. Indeed, oil was discovered in Qatar in 1940 after much trial and error in Iran (1908), Iraq
(1927), Bahrain (1932), Kuwait (1938), and Saudi Arabia (1938). Through these companies, a few
men in each of these countries were initially given the task to define the stratigraphy, lithology and
palaeontology of all formations encountered in cores acquired during the drilling campaigns. This
information was kept confidential for valid reasons since the companies were privately owned and
did not want a competitor on the scene to acquire other potentially viable prospects.
Today, Qatar is now a mature country as far as hydrocarbon exploration is concerned, or so we are
told. However, in our view, the country can still attract a lot of exploration investments from either
new or existing hydrocarbon partners. From the point of view of this report, only three steps need
to be followed to attract these investors; they are simple, but require dedication and an open-mind.
These three steps, explained below, can be summarized into one single statement: Make the
geological information more easily and widely available and help in defining it more
accurately.
1) Offer the country (and the world) a Unified Stratigraphic Column of Qatar.
As discussed at length in the present publication, Qatar currently has two stratigraphic columns;
one for the onshore and another one for the offshore. These, however, have slightly different
nomenclature for the same geological intervals and there is no country-wide standard which
defines where, on logs, the various formation/member/unit tops need to be picked. Having, or
not, such approved standard can make the difference between an abandoned well or a new field
discovery (or by-passed oil).
Since there is already an on-going informal attempt to unify the stratigraphic column of Qatar
within QP (Chapter 10 & Appendix 5), a formal recognition of this project and management
will to see it through, would help greatly in bringing on board all QP partners and all other
potential investors once it is completed later in 2015. It is hoped that this exercise will not fall
through like the last known attempt of 1984-85 (as explained in the text).
2) Update the 1975 Stratigraphic Lexicon
It makes no doubt that the 1975 Stratigraphic Lexicon of Qatar was a great achievement. It
resulted in one geologist (Sugden) painstakingly describing all the known cores up to 1956;
another geologist (Standring) meeting with colleagues of other oil companies in the region for
over 6 years and describing cores and newly acquired data up to 1971; and a third geologist
(Cavelier) surveying the surface geology of the country in conditions less than ideal described
in the main section and appendices of this document. It is, however, time to update it.
As discussed in the text:
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a) In 1984 QP/Qatar agreed to update some of the Formation names used in the Lexicon as an
attempt to unify the nomenclature country-wide (Hamam, 1984 & Cobb, 1985), however,
none of the updates were ever formally presented to the public and thus in the years after the
update, authors of articles on the geology of Qatar were still using incorrect terminologies.
b) The 1975 Lexicon does not discuss the Pre-Khuff (other than the Wajid just below) and as
of today no formal description of the Pre-Khuff formations in Qatar has been made public
since most of the data for the Ordovician to Permian Period has been collected post-1975.
c) Within Qatar, the existence of various names for the same formation and inconsistencies in
the selection of formation boundaries, were still a common source of confusion even after
Sugden et als 1975 Lexicon was published.
Our knowledge of the stratigraphy of Qatar is always evolving; just recently for instance, Kok &
LeBlanc (2012b) described a new surface member of the Dammam Formation. These changes and
variations in the correlation of units over time, whether at surface or in the subsurface, need to be
thoroughly described and shared with the GeoTechnical and Oil & Gas community of the country.
If this is not done, and if no update to the Stratigraphic Lexicon takes place, the country takes the
risk of:
a) Having its partners picking formational boundaries themselves in the hydrocarbon field(s)
they operate. This will lead to inconsistencies from field to field and make it unmanageable
for QP as the data custodian to make accurate sense of the stored oil data.
b) Likewise, the partners will describe the lithology of the formations in their own field and
will not compare it to sections that are more representative country-wide.
c) Leaving the door open for the Operators/Partners to define and unify the stratigraphy as they
see fit, and influence QP.
3) Keep Geological (and Production?) well data private for 2 years, then allow any IOCs
already in Qatar, and potential investors to Qatar, to request access to the said data. (This
model has been used successfully for many years in other countries and has proven to increase
exploration activities.)
First (already done by Qatar), oil companies doing business in these jurisdictions are asked to
promptly submit to the appropriate governmental agency complete technical data on the wells
(logs included), cuttings samples taken at specified intervals, and all cores. Secondly (not done
by Qatar), this information is kept confidential for one/two years and then released to interested
parties requesting it.
Taking the additional step of releasing the confidentiality after a period of time has enormous
advantages. The widespread availability to industry of full technical data leads to more
effective exploration for, and evaluation of, petroleum resources. It provides the government,
and competiting companies, a chance to conduct the best evaluation of a prospect since the
information within the prospect and of the concessions surrounding it, is made available. It
allows them to see the big picture, rather than a limited view, and to develop exploration
targets that would otherwise remain hidden.
Wishing Qatar a prosperous future
Jacques LeBlanc
Note: The above recommendations are the sole view of the author
Page 174
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Improvement in Qatra's North Field. IPTC 17319
Al-Ahmed, A., V. Fryer, M. Javed, A. Al-Abdulmalik, P. Landri, J. Chautu, R. Bohbote, M. Inizan
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16, no. 2, p. 159.
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Page 203
Appendices
Page 204
Appendix 1
Page 205
APPENDIX 1
The First Oil Discoveries in the Middle East
(Rasoul Sorkhabi (2010) published in Geo Expro, volume 7, no. 1.)
1938 (February 23):

Burgan field (Burgan-1 well), Kuwait, by the Kuwait Oil
Company (owned by the Gulf Oil and the Anglo-Persian).
Reservoir: Burgan sandstone (Middle Cretaceous), 1120
m deep; oil 32.5 API. Production began in 1946.
1938 (March 4):

Dammam field (Dammam-7 well), eastern Saudi Arabia,
by the California Arabian Standard Oil Company (a
subsidiary of Standard Oil of California). Reservoir:
Arab limestone (Upper Jurassic), 1441 m deep; oil 34-35
API.
Production began in the same year.
1940 (January):
Dukhan field (Dukhan-1 well), Qatar, by the Petroleum
Development of Qatar (a subsidiary of the AngloPersian/IPC). Reservoir: Zekrit (Arab) limestone (Upper
Jurassic), 1733 m deep; oil 37 API (Limestone 3) and
42 API (Limestone 4). Export began in 1949.
1953:
1908 (May 26):
Masjid Sulaiman field (Masjid Sulaiman-1 well),
southwest Zagros basin, Iran (Persia) by the Concessions
Syndicate Ltd. (owned by Englishmen William Knox
DArcy and Lord Stathcona, and the Scottish Burma Oil),
forerunner of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (later
British Petroleum).
Reservoir: Asmari limestone
(Oligocene-Early Miocene), 354 m deep; oil 39.4 API
gravity.
1927 (October 14):

Kirkuk field (Baba Gurgur No. 1 well), Kurdistan region,
Iraq, by the Turkish (Iraqi) Petroleum Company (IPC, a
consortium of the Anglo-Persian, Shell, Francaise des
Petroles, American Near East Development Corporation,
and Gulbenkian Foundation). Reservoir: Main
Limestone or Kirkuk formation (Asmari equivalent)
limestone (Oligocene), depth unknown; oil 36 API.
Production began in 1934.
1932 (June 1):
Bab (or Murban) field (Murban-1 well), Abu Dhabi (later

part of the United Arab Emirates), by Abu Dhabi
Petroleum Company (formerly Oil Development of
Trucial Coast, a subsidiary of IPC); Reservoir: Kharaib
Formation (Lower Cretaceous limestone), 3,776 m deep;
oil 40 API. Production began in 1963.
1956:
Marmul field (Marmul-1 well), Oman, by Petroleum
Department of Oman (subsidiary of IPC). Reservoirs:
Umm Er Radhuma (Paleocene) 576 m deep (18 API) and
Biyadh sandstone (Lower Cretaceous) 854-976 m deep
(20.8 API). The field was non-commercial. 1963-67: The
first producing fields, Yibal (1963, depth 2275 m, 38
API), Natih (1963, depth 2202 m, 31 API) and Fahud
(1964, depth 590 m, 33.6 API) (all Cretaceous
limestone), in Oman were discovered by Shell and Partex
(Gulbenkian Foundation). Production began in 1967.
1956 (October):
Karatchok field (Karatchok-1 well), northeastern Syria,
by the American independent James W. Menhall Drilling
Company. Reservoir: Massive Limestone Formation
(Cretaceous), 3155 m deep; oil 19-21 API. Production
began in 1969.
Jabal Dukhan field (Jabal Dukhan-1 well), Bahrain, by

the Bahrain Petroleum Company (a Canadian subsidiary
of the Standard Oil of California); Reservoir: Waisa
limestone (Cretaceous) at depths of 600-750 m; oil 38
API. Production began in 1934.
1984 (March 4): Alif field (Alif-1 well), Marib Jawf graben of the Sabatayn basin, Yemen, by the American
Yemen-Hunt Oil Company. Reservoir: Sabatayn Formation (Upper Jurassic), 2400 deep; oil 43 API. Production
began in 1987.
Page 206
Appendix 2
Page 207
APPENDIX 2
Coordinates of some Qatar localities mentioned in the text
All coordinates are in degree decimals
Locality
Abu Samrah
Al Bida
Al Kharrara
Al Khor
Al Qalail
Awainat Ali
Bilad Ibrahim
Dhol Misfir Cave
Djebel An Nafkhah
Djebel Dhukan
DJebel Nakhsh
DJebel Odaid (Khor al-Odaid)
Djebel Thalata
Doha
Dukhan 1 well (DK-0001)
Fahahil
Fuwayrit
Ghafat
Halul Island
Hawar Islands
Ishat island
Jimiliya (Al Jumayliyah)
Khatiya
Khirsaat al Bahadh
Khor al-Odaid channel
Lusail
Mesaieed (or Umm Said)
Meshabiyah
Misaimir
Nasraniya
Qarn Abu Wail
Ras Abu Aboud
Ras Rakkan
Sabsab
Sakhama
Sauda Nathil (or Natheel)
Shraouh Island
Tuwair al Samir (or al Hamir?)
Umm Al Thurus (or Dhurus)
Wadi Huwaila
Wakra or Wakrah
Zekreet (town)
Zekrit 1 water well
Latitude
24.741090
25.281347
24.901984
25.674316
24.762373
25.474336
25.246667
25.175115
24.842686
25.422856
24.874080
24.566898
25.261504
25.280213
25.421967
25.286220
26.024623
25.243211
25.671667
25.681505
24.746546
25.617024
25.450471
25.061862
24.629762
25.498994
24.985573
24.737584
25.189167
25.406610
24.673275
25.284254
26.175775
24.981119
25.480877
24.555608
25.027208
24.725062
25.225022
25.066670
25.172235
25.485291
25.436693
Longitude
50.830634
51.546394
51.172035
51.508110
50.982803
50.782819
51.598056
51.211702
50.893266
50.786524
50.903528
51.406183
50.797219
51.511421
50.784681
50.794560
51.371999
51.151296
52.415000
50.766111
51.607650
51.083510
50.782831
51.166954
51.401379
51.483359
51.557335
50.895546
51.478611
51.075390
50.859493
51.575459
51.219996
51.100705
51.418467
51.074110
52.236468
51.050216
51.310276
50.827850
51.602698
50.847083
50.832991
Remarks
Border post
Now part of Doha
Site of new Doha International airport

Gypsum mining from the Dam Fm.
Fig. Apdx 2-01

Capital of Qatar
Fig. Apdx 2-02
Fig. Apdx 2-03
Oil terminal
Belongs to Bahrain
Saudi Arabia & Qatar border line

Now site of the new Qatar airport
Northernmost point of Qatar
Border post
Sometimes spelled Shra Auh
Thickest Hofuf Fm locality (quarry)
Fig. Apdx 2-04
Page 208
Fig. Apdx 2-01: Djebel Thalata today showing Midra shale (base) and Dukhan (top) Members of Dammam Fm.
Fig. Apdx 2-02: The discovery well at Dukhan (DK-0001) today (2014)
Page 209
Fig. Apdx 2-03: The rich Alveolina-Dictyoconoides, bivalves and bioturbation horizon which outcrops at
Ghafat (Dukhan Member of the Dammam Formation).
Fig. Apdx 2-04: The author at the possible locality of the capped & abandoned Zekrit-1 water well
Page 210
Appendix 3
211
APPENDIX 3
British Museum (Natural History)
Lower Tertiary Foraminifera of the Qatar Peninsula, Alan Hilder Smout, 1954
BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY)

---------------
LOWER TERTIARY FORAMINIFERA

OF THE
QATAR PENINSULA
BY
ALAN HILDER SMOUT
WITH FIFTEEN PLATES

AND FORTY-FOUR FIGURES
IN THE TEXT
LONDON
PRINTED BY ORDER OF
THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM
1954
Issues February 1954
Price Two pounds five shillings
212

NOTES FROM THE TRANSCRIPTIONIST
The added text in red indicates an omission or error in the original document. In order to bring
clarity to the text, we felt it pertinent to correct or outline the error/omission.
We have also outlined all fossil names in blue in order for them to stand out of the text.
The British Museum (Natural History) has also told us in an email dated April 28th 2014 the
Museum has no objection to your proposal [of making Dr. Smouts 1954 publication available as an
appendix to your publication for free download].
213
PRINTED AND BOUND BY

JARROLD AND SONS LTD., NORWICH
214
PREFACE
In 1948 the Trustees of the British Museum published Dr. F.R.S. Hensons fundamental monograph
on the Larger Imperforate Foraminifera of South-Western Asia. Dr. A. H. Smout has now followed
with another valuable contribution to the study of Foraminifera from the Middle East, and, as
before, the material on which the work is based has been generously presented to the Trustees by
the Directors of the Iraq Petroleum Company.
Dr. Smouts systematic account of some larger Foraminifera belonging to the Rotaliidea, and also to
the Discorbidea, Miliolidea and Lituolidea, is preceded by a detailed investigation of the structure
of the test as a basis for a better understanding of the relationships of the organisms concerned. The
work was completed and ready for press in the autumn of 1951, but publication was unfortunately
delayed by external financial circumstances.
August, 1953
W.N. Edwards,
Keeper of Geology
215
AUTHORS PREFACE
This work is published by permission of the Management and the Chief Geologist of the Iraq
Petroleum Company, to whom my thanks are due for facilities for this research. It was commenced
as an investigation of the fauna from boreholes in Qatar for stratigraphical correlation under the
direction of Dr. F. R. S. Henson, whose valuable encouragement and advice have been generously
given. He suggested that the material was suitable for an investigation into the elusive relationships
between calcareous perforate Foraminifera, particularly the Nummulitidae and the Rotaliidae. The
examination of relatively simple types, such as Kathina gen. nov. has made clear the intimate
structure of the test, and given an understanding of homologies leading to a definition of the superfamily Rotaliidea and a coherent system of morphogenetic description for all families. A phyletic
link between the Rotaliidae and Nummulitidae is postulated, but in general the distinction of the
two lineages is emphasised. The evolution of non-spiral forms from spiral ones occurs repeatedly.
Certain postulated links between species with and without canal systems are rejected.
I am indebted to the authorities of the British Museum (Natural History), the late Sir Cyril Fox, Mr.
A. G. Brighton, Prof. Dr. G. H. R. von Koenigswald, and Prof. L. Picard, for access to the
collections and libraries of their respective institutions. Also to Lt.-Col. L. M. Davies, Prof. S. N.
Narayana Rao, Dr. H. B. Whittington, Mr. T. F. Grimsdale, Mr. V. J. John, and Dr. W. D. Gill for
gifts and loans of material. Discussions with Dr. F. E. Eames and Dr. W. D. Gill on the
stratigraphical palaeontology of India have been very helpful. Mr. T. F. Grimsdale has discussed
much comparative material from other regions; by his decalcification technique he has
demonstrated structures in Rotalia trochidiformis and kindly permitted me to figure them here. The
author is grateful to Dr. R. G. S. Hudson for general advice on palaeontological problems and to
Mr. G. F. Elliott for his assistance in proof reading and on bibliographical problems. Mr. C. D.
Ovey has also given much valuable advice and criticism, and has assisted in the preparation of the
manuscript for publication.
The term paratype is used to include all specimens from one palaeontological horizon within the
Jebel Dukhan area of Qatar. In the absence of outcrops it is not possible to designate a precise
locality for the new species.
The term instar originally referred to one moult of the exoskeleton of an insect, or the period
between moults. The term is applied here by analogy to the part of the test of a foraminifer formed
at a single episode, or to the duration of that episode. The layer of shell material formed at one
instar has important individuality, although the test is accretionary and there are no moults.
References to India apply to the sub-continent; certain localities mentioned are politically part of
Pakistan.
This work has been approved by the University of London for the award of the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy.
A.H. SMOUT
216
CONTENTS
Remark : The pagination below is from the original document and not from this transcript
PREFACE
AUTHORS PREFACE
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION TO THE GEOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY OF QATAR
SPECIES RANGES IN QATAR
THE TEST IN THE SUPER-FAMILY ROTALIIDEA
The Prototype
Diagnosis of the Super-Family Rotaliidea
Morphogenetic principles
Fundamental Plan of Growth
Crystalline Structure
Historical Review
Terminology and morphogenesis
Assessment of homologies
Pillars
Canal Systems
Apertures and Foramina
Nepionic Stages and Ontogeny
Evolution of the Rotaliidea
Morphological Sequences
Phylogeny
DESCRIPTION OF FOSSILS
Super-Family ROTALIIDEA
Family ROTALIIDAE
Genus ROTALIA Lamarck
Rotalia trochidiformis (Lamarck)
Rotalia hensoni sp. nov.
Rotalia dukhani sp. nov.
Genus LOCKHARTIA Davies
Lockhartia haimei (Davies)
Lockhartia prehaimei sp. nov.
Lockhartia altispira sp. nov.
Lockhartia diversa sp. nov.
Lockhartia conica sp. nov.
Lockhartia hunti Ovey
Lockhartia hunti var. pustulosa nov.
Lockhartia tipper (Davies)
Lockhartia conditi (Nuttall)
Genus SAKESARIA Davies
Sakesaria cotteri Davies
Sakesaria dukhani sp. nov.
Sakesaria dukhani var. cordata nov.
Sakesaria ornata sp. nov.
Genus DICTYOCONOIDES Nuttall
Dictyoconoides cooki (Carter)
217
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Genus KATHINA nov.

Kathina delseota sp. nov.
Kathina selveri sp. nov.
Kathina major sp. nov.
Genus DICTYOKHATINA nov.
Dictyokathina simplex sp. nov.
Genus DAVIESINA nov.
Daviesina khatiyahi sp. nov.
Daviesina langhami sp. nov.
Daviesina danieli sp. nov.
Family NUMMULITIDAE
Genus MISCELLANEA Pfender
Miscellanea miscella (dArchiac & Haime)
Miscellanea miscella var. dukhani nov.
Miscellanea meandrina (Carter)
Genus OPERCULINA dOrbigny
Operculina sp.
Genus NUMMULITES Lamarck
Nummulites discorbinus (Schlotheim)
Nummulites globulus Leymerie
Nummulites somaliensis Nuttall & Brighton
Super-Family DISCORBIDEA nov.
Family AMPHISTEGINIDAE
Genus ASTERIGERINA dOrbigny
Asterigerina dukhani sp. nov.
Family PLANORBULINIDAE
Genus LINDERINA Schlumberger
Linderina brugesi Schlumberger
Super-Family MILIOLIDEA
Family ALVEOLINIDAE
Genus ALVEOLINA dOrbigny
Alveolina elliptica (Sowerby) var. flosculina Silvestri
Alveolina delicatissima sp. nov.
Super-Family LITUOLIDEA
Family ORBITOLINIDAE
Genus DICTYOCONUS Blanckenhorn
Dictyoconus indicus Davies
REFERENCES QUOTED
INDEX
PLATES
218
ABSTRACT
The basic structure of the test in Foraminifera of the super-family Rotallidea is discussed. The
family Rotallidae is revised. Comments are made on associated families and some new
interpretations of structure suggested for the genera Rotalia, Lockhartia, Miscellanea,
Dictyoconoides, Helicolepidina, Asterocyclina, Gypsina and others.
The new genera
Dictyokathina, Kathina and Daviesina are proposed.
The test in the super-family Rotaliidea is shown to be built of radially fibrous calcite deposited in
successive laminae, each of which encloses the whole of the previously formed test, plus any
chambers formed at the same time. Some part of a chamber wall is always perforate. There is no
individual wall to each chamber, but an internal septal flap makes septa or equivalent structures
double. The consequences of such a structure are indicated and a unified scheme of description for
all genera of the super-family is proposed.
The larger Foraminifera of the Paleocene and Eocene occurring in drill cuttings from deep
boreholes on the Qatar Peninsula of Arabia are described and figured. The following species are
recorded:
From the Middle Eocene: Alveolina elliptica var. flosculina Silvestri, A. delicatissima sp. nov.,
Dictyoconoides cooki (Carter), Nummulites discorbinus (Schlotheim), N. somaliensis Nuttall &
Brighton, Linderina brugesi Schlumberger.
From the lower Eocene: Sakesaria cotteri Davies, Lockhartia hunti Ovey, L. hunti var. pustulosa
nov., L. tipperi (Davies), Rotalia trochidiformis Lamarck, Nummulites globulus Leymerie.
From the Paleocene: Miscellanea meandrina (Carter), M. miscella (dArchiac & Haime), M.
miscella var. dukhani nov., Rotalia trochidiformis (Lamarck), R. dukhani sp. nov., R. hensoni sp.
nov., Sakesaria dukhani sp. nov., S. dukhani var. cordata nov., S. ornata sp. nov., Lockhartia
haimei (Davies), L. conditi (Nuttall), L. diversa sp. Nov., L. conica sp. Nov., L. altispira sp. nov., L.
prehaimei sp. nov., Kathina delseota sp. nov., K. selveri sp. nov., K. major sp. nov., Dictyokathina
simplex sp. nov., Daviesina khatiyahi sp. nov., D. langhami sp. nov., D. danieli sp. nov.,
Asterigerina dukhani sp. nov., Operculina sp., Dictyoconus indicus Davies.
219
INTRODUCTION [TO THE GEOLOGY

AND STRATIGRAPHY OF QATAR] (see contents above)
The Qatar Peninsula of Arabia is situated on the Arabian shore of the Persian Gulf, southeast of the
Island of Bahrein [Bahrain]. It is a low-lying desert land largely surrounded by very shallow sea
and it is sparsely populated because of the negligible rainfall, while the wells are few and often bad.
For the same reason there is hardly any soil and the solid geology outcrops over large areas. Qatar
forms part of a large, gently anticlinal area that includes Bahrein Island, but the dips do not exceed
4 degrees. The greatest elevation on the peninsula is 280 feet above sea-level and therefore the
lower strata are not exposed. A surface section not being available, all the evidence of rocks older
than middle Eocene is drawn from rotary drill cuttings from five deep boreholes. The inevitable
mixing of these cuttings in the hole limits the stratigraphical evidence. It renders the lowest
occurrence of any species particularly doubtful, while the highest occurrence may be slightly too
low. Fortunately most of the species to be described are abundant and the faunal changes are
sufficiently striking to swamp the contamination.
The lithology is dominantly of calcareous marls, the proportion of calcareous matter sometimes
increasing to the point where it constitutes a limestone. The percentage of the rock consisting of
foraminiferal tests is often high. The Middle Eocene Alveolina Limestone at times consists of little
else but tests of one species that weather out in profusion. The preservation is variable but mostly
imperfect. There is evidence of an original rich assemblage of small Foraminifera in certain beds,
but none is well enough preserved for identification. Specimens larger than 0.5mm are usually
adequately preserved, although in some beds even the largest Foraminifera are only doubtfully
recognisable. The infilling of the cavities of the tests is usually complete, whether the rocks
containing them are clay, marl or limestone. Lithological changes give little assistance in assigning
specimens to particular beds. There is a difference of preservation between different species that
appears to be more a specific character than due to a difference of petrifactive conditions, e.g. the
tests of Lockhartia haimei are usually infilled with hard, coarsely crystalline calcite; those of L.
diversa sp. Nov. are infilled with smaller and less coherent crystals. Ostracods and echinoid
remains are common throughout the Tertiary sequence and casts of gastropods and lamellibranchs
are found sporadically. Dasycladaceae and other algae occur infrequently.
The Species Range Chart is a compilation of evidence from five wells in the Jebel Dukhan area of
Qatar. Samples were collected at five-foot intervals, with occasional sections of non-recovery of
samples. The zones of the Paleocene are of local value, and will almost certainly have to be
reduced in number on a regional scale. The ages assigned to the strata are based on the
Foraminifera described here.
MAESTRICHTIAN
The highest beds assigned to the cretaceous contain Omphalocyclus macropora Lamarck, a reliable
index fossil of Maestrichtian age. With the rare exception of Rotalia trochidiformis, there are no
species in common between the Cretaceous and Tertiary of Qatar. There is an abrupt faunal nonsequence with no intervening beds.
PALEOCENE
The basal beds of the Paleocene contain only Lockhartia conditi and a new species closely allied to
L. hamei. The genus Lockhartia (excluding the atypical species L. bermudezi Cole) is not recorded
before the Paleocene, and both species mentioned occur in the Ranikot (Paleocene) of India.
220

L. hamei occurs throughout the remaining beds of the Paleocene, and is accompanied by other
species of Lockhartia. This, and the species Miscellanea miscella and M. meandrina, which occur
in the higher beds, are all recorded from the Ranikot of India. An abundance of Dictyoconus
indicus and Rotalia trochidiformis ? in the uppermost Paleocene is notable, for these species more
usually occur in the Eocene. D. indicus has not appeared in the Paleocene of subsequent wells. The
complete absence of Nummulites, Assilina, Alveolina and Discocyclina, and the presence of
Miscellanea only at the highest horizons, taken with the abundance of new genera and species,
suggests that the Ranikot of India is homotaxial with the upper part of the Paleocene of Qatar only.
Non-sequences are thought to occur in the upper part of the Paleocene, for Miscellanea spp. appear
and disappear very abruptly. Lower zones show transitions.
LOWER EOCENE
These beds are mostly sparsely fossiliferous with few species. The typically Lower Laki species
Sakesaria cotteri occurs in the lower beds, and Lockhartia tipperi, known from the Laki of India,
and the Lower Eocene of Somaliland, in the higher beds. L. hunti is also a Lower Eocene species.
MIDDLE EOCENE
The major part of these beds has the very well-known fauna, including Nummulites discorbinus,
Alveolina elliptica and Linderina sp., recorded from the outcrops of the Kirthar in India and from
the middle Eocene of Arabia, Somaliland and the Mediterranean coast. The essential features were
recognised by P.T. Cox (MS. 1933). Dictyoconoides cooki, a typical Kirthar form, is also present in
abundance. There is a great resemblance to the Upper Kirthar fauna of N.W. India described by
Davies (1940), but the latter is thought to be younger because Nummulites beaumonti is present,
rather than the very similar species N. discorbinus.
A higher horizon of the Middle Eocene is present but poorly represented. It is marked by the
species N. somaliensis, described from the Middle Eocene of Somaliland.
221
Nummulites somaliensis
Linderina brugesi
Alveolina elliptica var. flosculina
A. delicatissima
Dictyoconoides cooki
Nummulites discorbinus
N. globulus
Lockhartia hunti
L. hunti var. pustulosa
L. Tipperi
Sakesaria cotteri
Rotalia trochidiformis
Miscellanea miscella var. dukhani
Lockhartia haimei
L. diversa
Sakesaria dukhani
S. dukhani var. cordata
S. ornate
Daviesina langhami
Kathina major
K. selveri
Miscellanea miscella
M. meandrina
Operculina sp.
Dictyoconus indicus
Dictyokathina simplex
Kathina delseota
Daviesina khatiyahi
Lockhartia altispira
L. conica
Asterigerina dukhani
Rotalia hensoni
R. dukhani
Lockhartia prehaimei
L. conditi
Omphalocyclus macropora
Paleocene
6
Cretaceous
Lower
Eocene
Middle
Eocene
SPECIES RANGES IN QATAR
X
X
r
X
X
A
R
A
A
cf
X
X
A
X
X
X
cf
A
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
cf
r
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
R
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
I
X
X
X
I
I
I
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
r
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
I
X
A
A
X
r: rare; X: common; A: abundant; I: form intermediate to another species; cf: doubtful determination
222
THE TEST IN THE

SUPER-FAMILY ROTALIIDEA
The members of the super-family Rotaliidea have in common a fundamentally similar method of
formation of the test, different in some respects from that of any other group of the Foraminifera.
Nevertheless, great diversity of appearance results from minor changes of the chambers, and this
makes a simple morphological description impossible. The resemblances and differences between
genera such as Rotalia, Nummulites, Cycloclypeus, Miniacina, Tinoporus, Miogypsina and
Discocyclina cannot be stated concisely in strictly morphological terms.
It is not claimed that all the anatomical possibilities have been recognised in the present paper, but it
is hoped to give a synthesis of known facts and provide a theoretical scheme of morphology that
will receive new discoveries and assist their understanding. Reliance has been placed on the reader's
familiarity with the genera to be discussed, as space does not permit description of genera not
represented in the fauna of Qatar. Many apparent omissions are explained by the existence of a
great parallel group of perforate calcareous Foraminifera that follow very similar, but not identical,
morphological rules.
The species that must be most typical of the super-family is Rotalia trochidiformis, the type species
of Rotalia. Davies (1932: 408-419) established the types and redescribed this species, but important
amendments to his descriptions are necessary (p. 42). The most similar non-rotaliid species to be
comparably described is Amphistegina gibbosa d'Orbigny (Williamson, 1851: 105). All known
species have some complexity that may be lost in subsequent evolution, so instead a simple
prototype of the Rotaliidea will be described. This is a much simplified model of a test.
THE PROTOTYPE
The test is formed of a succession of distinct laminae of radially fibrous calcite, each of which
completely encloses the whole of the previously formed test. Each lamina is closely adherent to the
previous one, being separated from it by a parting visible in section, excepting where a chamber
bulges one lamina away from the other. Even then a flap of the outer lamina covers the former
apertural face. The chambers are discrete, but each is in contact with the previous one and in
communication with it by a slit-like foramen at the base of the septum.
Text-figs. I and 2 are drawn as plan and elevation and are in strict agreement along the horizontal
line. The reader is asked to visualise the solid structure represented. The test has been formed by as
many episodes of shell deposition (instars) as there are chambers. The intercameral foramen does
not represent a former aperture. The absence of the septal flap from the axial section indicates that it
thins out and vanishes on either side of the median plane. All shell laminae are shown as unable to
bend at an angle. The septal flap therefore leaves a small, roughly triangular space at the top of each
septum.
223
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
TEXT-FIG. 1: The prototype in equatorial section.

TEXT-FIG. 2: The prototype in axial section
TEXT-FIG. 3: Planispiral involute test
TEXT-FIG. 4: Planispiral evolute test
TEXT-FIG. 5: Planispiral trochoid test: the plane of coiling is strictly flat, but the chambers are involute ventrally only
TEXT-FIG. 6: Typical trochoid test: the plane of coiling is distorted to a conical surface
TEXT-FIGS. 3-6 are in axial section
224

Text-figs. 3 to 6 show four axial sections, all compatible with the equatorial section shown in Textfig. 1. They illustrate the elementary variations possible in a simple spiral rotaliid.
All these Text-figs. show that the thickening is controlled by the shape and arrangement of the
chambers, and to a lesser degree by the variations in thickness of each lamina.
TEXT-FIG. 7: A single lamina drawn as a transparency to show the septal flap. The next lamina is drawn in outline.
In this case there is a 30 shift between the two.
Such a test could be formed by a Rhizopod as follows: the protoplasm of all the living parts is fluid,
or capable of being rendered temporarily fluid. The initial naked organism adopts the shape of
minimum surface energy of a liquid drop suspended in a liquid; i.e. a sphere. Throughout the life of
the individual there is an external layer of protoplasm that intermittently deposits an endoskeletal
layer of radially fibrous calcite on the external surface of the test. It first secretes a spherical
proloculum over most of the protoplasm, remaining external itself and maintaining communication
with the enclosed protoplasm by fine perforations that represent channels kept clear by the roots of
filose pseudopodia. After a period of intermission of shell deposition, an aperture is formed in the
proloculum wall and a blob of protoplasm is extruded to form the contents of the next chamber - the
deuteroconch. This drop is also shaped by surface tension, but it is trapped below the external layer
of shell-depositing protoplasm. Its tendency to become spherical is modified by contact with the
proloculum and by the pressure exerted by the external layer of protoplasm, partly caused by
surface tension and partly by a more obscure force that acts bilaterally and so defines the future axis
of coiling. This force is symmetrical in planispiral species and polar in trochoid ones. Surface
tension is greatest at small radii of curvature, so a small deuteroconch is approximately spherical.
Larger ones will be kidney-shaped and very large ones have the limbs extended round the
proloculum; in the extreme case the deuteroconch becomes annular.
225

The third instar commences by extrusion of protoplasm from an aperture in the deuteroconch. This
is a slit in the future median plane near the suture of the deuteroconch with the proloculum. The
extruded protoplasm occupies an angle of the test and, although constrained by forces very similar
to those that formed the deuteroconch, the difference of position causes it to adopt an approximation
to the equitant chamber-shape that is so typical of the super-family.
The enveloping lamina formed over the deuteroconch also encloses the proloculum. It is in contact
with a considerable area of the latter and forms a layer of thickening in that region. The next lamina
encloses not only the new chamber contents but the proloculum and deuteroconch, and thickens the
walls of both where they were exposed. In addition to enveloping the test, this lamina of shell
material forms a septal flap; it is single over the outer surface of the new third chamber, but near the
suture it splits and the inner part curves to partly enclose the new chamber contents, adhering to the
part of the previously formed test that is covered by the new chamber. The septal flap is strongly
developed in the median plane, but thins laterally and vanishes near the poles.
The formation of shell layers from a previously existing liquid layer accounts for their inability to
bend at an angle, all bends being curves of finite radius. They follow the laws of liquid films; just as
the chamber contents preform the chambers, which therefore follow surface-tension laws also. For
these reasons, the thickening tends to cover irregularities such as septal grooves but does not fully
enter them. The external surface is always tending to be rounded off. The only sharp angles arise as
re-entrants where two curves meet.
Subsequent chambers are formed in the same manner as the first equitant one. Their shape is such
that they are almost gnomonic to the test as a whole, which therefore maintains an almost constant
shape. Each chamber is slightly larger than the preceding one, generating a logarithmic spiral of
chambers.
The largest masses of thickening are the axial plugs. The prototype shows the most general
condition, where the alar prolongations of the chambers do not quite reach the axis of coiling. The
polar thickening is therefore not interrupted during the whole growth of the test and has as many
laminae as there are chambers in the test. The marginal thickening is strictly related to the spire.
The spiral lamina at any point contains one more lamina of shell material than there are chambers in
the subsequent whorl. The shell laminae constantly pass between the chambers from the top to the
bottom of the chambers, as seen in equatorial section, so that the spiral lamina is an appearance, not
a fundamental structure. It appears at the margin and laterally also, if the chambers are involute.
The last whorl normally contains the largest number of chambers. The thickest part of the spiral
lamina is over the first chamber of the last whorl for this reason. The earlier whorls have
progressively fewer chambers and therefore a thinner spiral lamina. The spiral lamina thins on the
last whorl, the terminal chamber having the thinnest wall in the test since there are no subsequent
instars to thicken it. In axial section the partings corresponding to every chamber of the test are
seen, not merely those corresponding to the chambers intersected by the plane of section. The
parting, that corresponds to a chamber on one side, runs across the poles dorsally and ventrally and
passes in the middle of the wall between two chambers on the opposite side of the test.
226

CLASSIFICATION
Among simple spiral species, evolute, involute and trochoid chambers represent three conditions
that can intergrade without any disturbance of the fundamental plan of growth of the test. Text-figs.
3 to 6 illustrate this. Complex spiral arrangements and non-spiral arrangements of chambers,
including addition of more than one chamber per instar, can also be formed without change of
fundamental plan, since the chambers occupy bulges beneath the laminae, which, in theory, can be
in any position.
DIAGNOSIS OF THE SUPER-FAMILY ROTALIIDEA
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The shell material is radially fibrous calcite, perforate in parts.

The shell is deposited in enveloping laminae that show uninterrupted passage across the poles.
The septa, or equivalent structures, are double.
Thickening or "supplemental skeleton" is built up wherever an area is external for a number of
instars.
Canals or fissures are present.
Chambers are discrete and arranged in a simple spire, or evidently derived from a spiral form.
The microspheric nepionic stage is normally spiral.
Internal structures, such as secondary septa, are formed simultaneously with the main chamber.
The intercameral foramen is a slit at the base of the septum. In advanced forms there may be
one or more stolons in lieu.
The super-family Rotaliidea, as redefined here, is a very different group of genera from the
Rotalidea Reuss (1860) and much smaller than the super-family as proposed by Glaessner (1945:
143). It includes the families:
Rotaliidae
Nummulitidae
Elphidiidae2
Calcarinidae
Rupertiidae1
Orbitoididae (part)
Miogypsinidae
Discocyclinidae
Families included by Glaessner but excluded here are:

Spirillinidae
Discorbidae
Nonionidae (part)
Amphisteginidae
Orbitoididae (part)
Cymbaloporidae
Globigerinidae
Globorotaliidae
Gmbelinidae
Planorbulinidae
Although Glaessner's classification expresses the similarities and relationships better than any
previous one, he does not give a definition or a general account of structure. He has included a
number of genera that are traditionally associated with Rotalia, but are not related to that genus. The
majority of genera that are now to be excluded have considerable resemblance to Rotalia but have
single septa, or otherwise lack traces of a septal flap, and have no canals. The placing of these in a
separate super-family is of debatable value; but it is done here to emphasise the sharp division into
the two fundamental types of structure. Families have been used as far as possible in the sense that
1
2
Nonionidae (part) of Glaessner, Cushman, etc.

Planorbulinidae (part) of Glaessner
227

Glaessner used them, the changes made being inevitable on present knowledge. Brotzen (1942)
used a grouping that he called "Rotaliiformes". He formally included Rotalia, but all the genera that
he has specially considered are here referred to the Discorbidea.3
The family Orbitoididae is well known to be a polyphyletic group, even after the removal of various
groups, such as the Miogypsinidae. Most of the lineages are not rotaliid. A few, e.g. Vaughanina,
may belong to this super-family.
The Nonionidae now must be divided into the Nonionidae sensu stricto and the Elphidiidae
(Elphidiinae Galloway, 1933: 269). The Nonionidae have no canals and the septa appear single.
Wood (1949: 243) has shown that the true Nonionidae have a perforate granular structure of the
test, while the Elphidiidae have radially fibrous shell material. The Elphidiidae have a canal system
and the septa appear double. These differences indicate that the intergradation between Nonion and
Elphidium (Cushman, 1939: 2) is an illusion.
The Spirillininae have been considered ancestral to the Rotaliidae (Carpenter, 1862: 175; Cushman,
1948: 281-3). Although this view is widely accepted, it is morphologically unsound and not
favoured by those who have made a special study of Spirillina (Galloway 1933: 81; Myers, 1935b:
404; Wood, 1949: 245). Spirillina not only has an unseptated test (no nepionic stage of this type is
known in the Rotaliidae) but the crystalline structure of the test is different.
The super-family Discorbidea nov. (p. 81) must be recognised as a great group parallel to the
Rotaliidea. It includes the Discorbidae, Amphisteginidae, Cymbaloporidae, Planorbulinidae and,
perhaps, the Globorotaliidae .. Morphogenesis in this super-family is described by Myers (1943).
The test consists of radially fibrous perforate calcite deposited in laminae in the same manner as in
the Rotaliidea. The only major difference is the absence of canals and doubling of the septa.
Preformation of the intercameral foramen as an aperture seems universal in the Discorbidea. The
Discorbidea show the same relationships of chambering to thickening as the Rotaliidea. They have
the same tendency to form complex derivatives; although the small simple spiral species are more
abundant than those of the Rotaliidea, and typically of smaller size. The orbitoidal Discorbidea are
difficult to separate from the orbitoidal Rotaliidea.
The Globigerinidae and Gmbelinidae appear not to have thickening, the chamber wall being
individual to each chamber and not applied to the former apertural face.
None of the families that Glaessner excluded from the Rotaliidea contain species of rotaliid type.
Only two other super-families have a radially fibrous perforate test; the Lagenidea and the
Buliminidea. These have characteristic apertural characters. The Buliminidea primitively have a
high spired coiling and tend to become uniserial. The Lagenidea have many planispiral species, but
these intergrade freely with uniserial ones.
Since this classification was drafted, Piveteau (1952) and Bermudez (1952) have published new classifications of the
foraminifera. Piveteau's super-family Rotaliidea and Bermudez's Rotaliiformes have much in common with Brotzen's
Rotaliiformes but explicitly include all the Rotaliidea as defined here.
228

MORPHOGENETIC PRINCIPLES
Fundamental plan of growth
There are six fundamentally different ways in which a test might be formed:
1.
2.
3.
4.
by growth as an organ, such as an echinoid plate or vertebrate bone;

by spicules integrated into a skeleton;
by secretion at a single episode;
by formation of a tube that grows at its lip" It may be unseptate, constricted or have septa
inserted subsequent to formation;
5. by addition of adherent chambers, each with its own wall;
6. by addition of shell material to the exterior of the test as a whole. Spaces would be formed
by local interruption or arching of the layers of shell material.
Foraminifera form their tests by most of these methods but never by 1 , and rarely by 2. Method 3
is known but rare. Methods 4 and 5 are frequently found and descriptions exist that suggest that
genera of the Rotaliidea have tests of this nature, or are obviously derived from primitive forms of
such types. The spiral lamina suggests a coiled tube and this wrong impression has made the
understanding of non-spiral tests difficult. It has also caused association with tubular genera, like
Spirillina. Confusion with Miliolidea has resulted in at least one description of a tubular nepionic
stage in Rotalia (Swinnerton, 1947: 15). Addition of adherent chambers occurs in the lobigerinidae
and other foraminiferal families. The double septa of the Rotaliidea would be explained if each
chamber had an individual and complete chamber wall. This also has been assumed to be the case.
It leads to no difficulties in understanding complex chamber arrangements but fails to account for
the thickening, resulting in the erroneous idea that the thickening is a special structure rather than an
integral and unavoidable part of the test.
Method 6 accounts for the thickening and its detailed arrangements, the formation of chamber walls
and the easy intergradation of different chamber arrangements. It cannot account for the double
septa and for secondary septa and other similar structures that are internal at the time of formation.
These are formed at the same time as the chamber that encloses them, not inserted later, as
Williamson (1851: 111) suggested might account for pustules buried in chambers. Internal
structures such as pustules are merely buried, but the septal flap and secondary septa represent an
internal chamber wall. This is completely fused with the enveloping lamina where the two are in
contact and must be regarded as an extension of it, not as an adherent chamber wall afterwards
overlain by thickening like the callus of a gastropod.
Crystalline structure
Wood (1949) described the shell material of Rotalia as consisting of crystals of calcite, elongated
along the C-axis and arranged normal to the surface of the shell layer. He showed that perforation is
not an essential part of the shell structure, but that, in this group, some part of the chamber wall is
always perforate. Carpenter (1862: 256) foreshadowed these findings, but postulated an improbable
relationship between crystals and perforations. Wood did not consider the laminated structure of
the shell material. The crystals are, in fact, not continuous from one lamina to the next; this lack of
continuity perhaps accounting for the visible parting. Fossil tests show the parting more clearly than
fresh ones, suggesting slight solution of the ends of the crystals. If the crystals were continuous
across the partings, it is difficult to see how these could be accentuated. In a thick wall, the radius
of curvature of the inner and outer laminae that compose it may be different. Single crystals
229

penetrating the whole wall would need to be wedge-shaped or bent to accommodate the curvature.
The thin laminae permit adjustment by imperceptible steps. Where the curvature is excessive, the
adjustment causes visible streaks in the wall that are everywhere normal to the lamination. These
are sometimes mistaken for canals. In considering other morphogenetic features, the crystalline
structure can usually be ignored.
Historical review
D'Archiac & Haime (1853) and Carpenter (1862) adequately cover the history of research on the
rotaliid Foraminifera up to their own times. Little fundamental work has been done subsequently;
later authors, with a few important exceptions, have concentrated on description of new species.
Space permits consideration of only those works which have special bearing on the problems
investigated here.
The earliest students of the Foraminifera mistook them for Cephalopoda. Dujardin (1835 a,b) first
demonstrated that the Foraminifera were Protozoa. Williamson (1848, 1851, 1853) showed that the
detailed structure of the test was closely linked with the fluid nature of the sarcode, and that, in the
hyaline perforate Foraminifera, the shell material was deposited in successive laminae that partially
or wholly enveloped the test and corresponded one to a chamber. The lamination of the test in
Amphistegina gibbosa d'Orbigny, according to Williamson (1851: 110-15), was due to the
successive application of layers of shell material, the chambers occupying bulges beneath the
laminae; he ascribed the typical variations in thickness of the walls to mechanical consequences of
the method of growth. He noted that the perforations persist through successive laminae, usually
penetrating the whole wall, but sometimes being abruptly terminated by later laminae that are
imperforate in that radial line. Although he figured single septa in A. gibbosa (1851: pl. xvii, fig. 1),
after describing Heterostegina (Amphistegina antillarum sic), Operculina (Nonionina sic) and
Rotalia (Faujasina sic), he concluded that all such Foraminifera had double septa. In the three latter
forms he recognised canal systems and he mentioned the fissures of Rotalia. Williamson was
reluctant to believe that the test in this group was strictly an endoskeleton or that each lamina was
primitively and fundamentally a complete envelope of the test. Later he tacitly accepted that they
were (1858: 53).
The association of the Foraminifera with the Cephalopoda lead to comparisons of their structure
with that of Nautilus. The growth of the test was thought to be by growth of the lip of the spiral
lamina. Insertion of septa is also a cephalopod character that appears to apply to Foraminifera when
the septal sutures are marked by lack of perforation. This makes the septa appear to pass into the
thickness of the spiral lamina, or even through it. Although Williamson made the truth clear, loose
thinking and misleading comparisons, not always intended by their authors to be taken as
morphogenetically significant, have recurrently caused confusion. D' Archiac & Haime (1853: 47)
introduced this error into their very detailed description of Nummulites. They described the shell as
formed by a spiral lamina, folded in chevron, the umbilical edges being adherent to enclose a space;
the" spiral canal", which was subdivided in an unspecified manner by septa. They also mistook
pillars for apertures. This system of description makes the morphogenesis incomprehensible and has
misled many subsequent students. Carter (1852: 171) recognised the significance of the lamination
of the test in Operculina arabica: " ... a vertical section of the shell material presents a series of
horizontal lines 7 or 8 or more in number, parallel to each other but not equidistant; these appear
to be the lines of contact of the layers of which the shell is composed". Carter (1861) made a
number of important morphological observations. Carpenter (1856, 1859, 1861) in a series of
papers, which he eventually compiled and added to (1862), demonstrated the detailed structure of a
number of genera. His descriptions and figures are, with very few exceptions, highly accurate. He
230

was aware of the crystalline and lamellar structure of the shell material and described in detail the
perforation, canals and intercameral foramina. He noted the imperforate nature of the shell over the
sutures and that the marginal cord of Nummulites lacks pores but contains ramifying canals. In spite
of the soundness of his basic ideas, Carpenter permitted some looseness of description, and omitted
some principles. He confused Rotalia and Amphistegina (1862: 213), dismissing the difference of
single and double septa as a minor character and overlooking the distinction of canals, fissures and
ventral chambers. He considered the possibility of exact agreement between chambers and laminae
and rejected it (1859: 23). As a result, an error of drawing may be seen in his axial section of
Amphistegina (1862, pl. xii, fig. 26) where the fine lamination is shown to link chambers intersected
on opposite sides of the test. A similar criticism was made by d'Archiac & Haime (1853: 48) of
Carpenter's figures of Nummulites (1850, refigd. 1862, pl. xviii, fig. 8). This shows lines of alar
prolongations of the chambers crossing the axis of coiling. Actually such an appearance is often
seen, partly because the filaments are usually twisted and do not approach the poles accurately
along radial lines, and partly because the sections are not strictly axial. Carpenter introduced some
confusion when he remarked (1862: 238): " . . . hence each septum consists of two laminae, one
belonging to each chamber that it divides". He thought that each chamber had a complete
independent wall and that the thickening was formed subsequently, as he continued: "The
development of this canal system is related to that of the 'intermediate' or 'supplemental skeleton',
which is here in almost every instance superadded to the proper walls of the chambers,
consolidating into one compact fabric what would otherwise be a series of slightly connected
segments." He also likened the test to a tube (1862: 260). With reference to Operculina he said: " ...
the spiral mode of growth of itself brings about a continuity of the canal system .. . ; the consecutive
whorls not being added to each other like the successive annulae of Cycloclypeus each of which is
(so to speak) closed or complete in itself; but being formed by the prolongation of the spiral lamina
and of the marginal cord, which may be considered as always open to indefinite extension ... ".
Figures that purport to be axial sections of spiral tests, but in fact are wrong and could only
represent non-axial sections or axial sections of a cyclical test, are common in the literature, e.g. the
diagram of Nummulites (Zittel, 1913, text-fig. 27); a diagram of Rotalia (Davies, 1932, text-fig. 5)
suffers from the same defect.
Nummulites laevigatus and other species have often been observed to lack an aperture on the
terminal chamber (eg. Sowerby, 1829: 75; d'Orbigny, 1839: 47; d'Archiac & Haime, 1853: 30, 38,
41; Douvill, 1902: 209; and Grimsdale & Smout, 1948: 324-326). There is always an
interiomarginal slit at the base of each septum. The lack of an aperture on the terminal chamber has
been seen on apparently immature tests as well as on those which show the gerontic low whorls.
This disposes of the arguments of the older authors that this is a feature of the termination of growth
of the test.
231

Terminology and Morphogenesis
From 1862, these aspects of the morphology of the test have received little attention. One is left
with the impression that the basic structure of the test in Nummulites and associated genera is
explained by four principles:
1. Each chamber has a "primary chamber wall" of perforate shell material that completely
encloses it, and is merely adherent to the test.
2. In spiral species, a lamina of shell material, folded in chevron, winds round the test.
3. "Supplemental", "intermediate" or "secondary deposits" are plastered on the outside of the
test in successive laminae, much as the callus of a gastropod.
4. Septa are structures of some individuality, inserted into a "spiral canal" that is thereby
segmented into chambers.
This terminology is widely used descriptively and must, at least in part, be retained. The ideas do
not correspond to the basic structure, merely to appearances, and they are not entirely compatible if
any morphogenetic significance is assumed. The true state of affairs is self-evident from the
description of the prototype, with the exception of the nature of the "primary chamber wall". In
actual specimens the perforation of a new chamber wall has a different appearance from that on
chamber walls that have been thickened. Moreover the sutures are necessarily imperforate. This
immediately gives the idea of a primary chamber wall. The real indication of the presence of at least
an incomplete inner lining of the chamber, which might be truly called a primary chamber wall, is
the septal flap. In equatorial sections of any species of the Rotaliidae, the enveloping lamina spans
the new chamber ; the portion overlying the new chamber forming its outer wall. In the Discorbidea
the same structure is seen without any complications. In the Rotaliidae, the lamina splits at the
upper proximal corner and the inner part bends down to pass over the former apertural face. The
intercameral foramina make it difficult to observe the relationships at the lower angle of the
chamber and therefore it cannot be stated if the inner lamina coats all the previous parts of the test
with which the chamber is in contact. It is certain that the inner lamina does not retain its
individuality from the enveloping one on the outer wall of the chamber. The name "septal flap"
seems more appropriate than "primary chamber wall" for this structure; the more so as it cannot be
observed in axial sections of many species. The septal flap does not form a first covering of the
chamber. It is deposited simultaneously with the enveloping lamina and is best regarded as part of
the same structure. If the inner lining of the chambers were complete and independent of the
enveloping lamination, the septa should appear triple - containing the single enveloping lamina and
two layers of primary chamber wall, one from each of the adjacent chambers. In Operculina and
Heterostegina a triple appearance is sometimes seen, but this is shown by decalcified preparations
to be due to the presence of a large intraseptal canal. It could be argued that the tiny cavity at the
top of each septum, and the visible parting down the centre, are really due to canals and are not
caused by the actual disposition of the laminae. In many species, canals appear in these positions,
but the appearances have also been seen where the absence of canals in the septa has been
established (Rotalia trochidiformis, p. 43). In rare cases, e.g. R. mexicana Nuttall and some species
of Nummulites, the chambers do look rather as though there were a complete inner chamber wall,
but the septa of these species appear double, not triple.
It has now been seen that the septa of the Rotaliidea, unlike the single ones of the Discorbidea, are
compound structures requiring the shell deposition of two instars for their formation. The
thickening of chamber walls, formation of axial plugs and the generation of the spiral lamina, are all
aspects of this consequential building up of thickening where a number of enveloping laminae are
added in contact with each other. The enveloping nature of the laminae is most clearly demonstrated
232

in the polar regions of simple spiral species, e.g. Kathina selveri gen. et sp. nov. (p. 61). The visible
partings cross the poles undisturbed, and indeed it is in this region that they are most easily
observed. If the spiral lamina were a primary structure, or if the laminae were not entirely
enveloping, complication at the poles would follow, resulting in contortion with the formation of a
columella, scaly overlap, or an open umbilicus. The spiral arrangement of chambers causes the
formation of what has been called, rather confusingly, the spiral canal; the laminae crossing it
inconspicuously and individually by running down the septa. This spire, inserted into an otherwise
solid calcite test, must make the bulk of the shell material fall into a compound spiral structure,
which is accordingly called the spiral lamina. The exact disposition has been shown by the
prototype (Text-figs. 1 and 2). Once it is realised that the obvious structural units such as septa and
spiral lamina are not morphogenetic units, it becomes clear that the laminae are the primary
structural units of the test. The chambers occupy cavities formed by bulging up the laminae.
Changes of chamber shape and arrangement can occur without any change in the structural plan of
the shell deposition, but the consequent structures may be very different in appearance.
Assessment of Homologies
Dujardin, Carpenter, Lister, Brady and Williamson have provided basic knowledge of living
Protozoa, but no complete studies in vivo of morphogenesis were made. Carter (1861: 305-325)
made a valuable study of living species of Operculina. Myers's researches on Spirillina (1935b:
396-399) and Discorbis (1943a: 5-21) cannot be applied with certainty to the Rotaliidea, although
the Discorbidea and Rotaliidea have much in common. Many deductions may be made from general
knowledge of Rhizopoda and a study of the detailed morphology of the test. The writer believes that
the underlying physiology is more constant than the general appearance of the test, and therefore
must be taken into account in taxonomic studies where homology must be understood. The
following principles are vital to an understanding of the group and mainly rely on successful
application to problems for proof of their validity:
1. The final form of the test is of little biological importance. It is the summation of the
individual laminae, each reflecting the dynamic state of the protoplasm at the time of its
formation. The diversity of morphology within this super-family is itself a proof of the slight
importance of the final shape of the test. So long as there are internal cavities to house
protoplasm, with adequate communications with the exterior, and the maximum distance
from the centre to the exterior is not excessive, the details of morphology have little
influence on the well-being of the animal. Mechanical strength is not important. The very
weak terminal chamber of simple spiral species and the thin-walled margin of cyclical
species are rarely damaged. When the test is broken during life, the animal suffers no
apparent disadvantage (Carpenter, 1862: 33).
2. During free growth, the protoplasm increases in volume at an exponential rate (cf.
Thompson, 1917: 515). This explains the observation that the volume of chambers of simple
spiral species increases in logarithmic series, except in gerontic whorls and a few individual
cases attributable to starvation.
3. The volume of the test as a whole must increase at an exponential rate. This is effected by
increase in size of each chamber in sequence in simple spiral species, but in complex spiral
and non-spiral species, increase in volume is effected by increase in the number of units
formed per instar. The size of each unit may increase or decrease from instar to instar in
such a case. Normally it remains approximately constant.
4. Chamber formation is periodic. Each episode constitutes an instar, initiated periodically, not
by completion of a certain amount of growth. The new chamber contents are extruded from
a chamber of the previous instar (possibly with rare exceptions).
233

5. Shell deposition is the terminal phase of chamber formation. This implies that shell
deposition is not a continuous process interrupted by chamber formation. It also implies that
chambers are preformed by fluid drops before the chamber wall is secreted and that complex
species add a number of chambers together at one instar. An alternative hypothesis is that
the shell is deposited slowly and continuously over the external surface of the test, except
during the paroxysmal extrusion of protoplasm to form new chambers. In this case the
chambers of complex forms might be formed sporadically and there might be no instars.
Partings correspond to the initiation of new chambers, so any departure from the instar
principle would cause complication of the lamination; partings must die out laterally or
anastomose. In many species the regularity of the partings proves the existence of instars. In
others it is less easy to be sure.
6. There is a limiting size beyond which a liquid drop could not maintain the shape of a simple
spiral chamber. Modification of the shape or fragmentation must follow. This critical size of
the test is a specific character.
7. There is a limiting size above which a single aperture is not formed. The two or more
apertures tend to form one chamber each at the next instar.
8. There is a phyletic tendency to increased maximum size of the test in most lineages of the
Rotaliidea.
9. The detailed relationships of surface area to the volume of the test and to the internal area of
the shell material, assume increased importance as the absolute size of the test increases. If
the size of the test increases without any change of shape, the area of all surfaces will
decrease relatively to the volume. This will be a disadvantage because all metabolites must
be exchanged at the external surface. Internal surface of the test may also play a part in the
colloid chemistry of the sarcode. A partial adjustment could be made while keeping the
chamber size constant by decreasing the duration of instars. This seems in fact to be
impossible. The writer's observations on living specimens of Elphidium show that, under
conditions of starvation, chambers are added at the usual intervals but are smaller than
normal because the sarcode has not made its usual amount of growth. Chamber formation
cannot wait until the growth requires it.
In normal metabolism, an important dimension is the least distance from the most remote portion of
protoplasm to the external surface of the test. Nutritional and excretory substances must travel this
distance and, as the absolute size of the test increases, a stifling effect will be experienced. This is
additional to the effect of decreased proportion of area to volume. Assumption of complanate form
would reduce the deleterious effects of these factors. Somatic adaptation can occur because the new
chambers are preformed in fluid protoplasm. Changes in chamber shape, by accommodating the
increased size in only one linear dimension, also partially compensate for the progressive
disabilities. This type of modification is common in the super-family; but there is evidence from the
many parallel developments of orbitoidal forms, that the most efficient structure in a large test
consists of small, more or less isometric units of roughly constant size. Accommodation of the
increase in volume can then be made by increasing the number of units at each instar. The
homology of the units counts for nothing. They are usually chambers, chamberlets or lateral
chambers and the structure of their enclosing walls is strictly consequential on the interaction of the
fundamental laminar structure of the test with the chamber arrangement.
The departure from the simple spiral habit is always initiated by somatic adaptation operating
through adjustment of the naked new chamber contents in one of a variety of ways, but all brought
into being by the excessive increase in size of the test. The mechanism of alteration (i.e. increase in
one dimension of the chamber; formation of more than one aperture; formation of more than one
unit from the protoplasm extruded; secondary septation) is due to lack of change of the underlying
234

biological processes. The factors controlling these changes are initially preadaptive in the truest
sense. After their initiation the selective value of the reduction of stifling may encourage fixation,
intensification and transference to earlier stages of ontogeny of the new characters.
Changes in the appearance and disposition of the thickening are thought to be of little significance
to the animal in their final form. It is not in their utility but in their formation that their biological
significance must be sought. The disposition of the shell material is limited in a strictly mechanical
manner by the geometrical details of the shape and arrangement of the chambers. Within such
limitation, the shell material may vary in thickness, perforation and texture from one part of the test
to another in a single lamina, reflecting differences in the state of the external layer of protoplasm
from place to place. The difference between successive laminae is usually slight, although it may be
progressive, but in general there is an angular shift of equivalent parts of the lamina, so that the
chamber wall may be thickened by material of different texture from that forming the first lamina of
the wall. The thickness of a chamber wall at any point is limited by the number of laminae available
to thicken it, but it is also modified by variation in the thickness of the laminae. The first one or two
laminae over a chamber are normally thick and evenly perforate. Later laminae are often thinner
and may also show thickness variation in relation to the test as a whole. In the Rotaliidae they are
usually thicker at the poles than at the margin. In Assilina the reverse is often true. Pillars often
represent areas of the test where the laminae are invariably slightly thicker than elsewhere.
Superimposed on these gradual variations are more abrupt ones that may cause grooves, fissures or
pores.
Relating the variations of thickening to the activity of the external layer of protoplasm, the gradual
alterations reflect general metabolic activity. Increased activity may be expected near the terminal
face owing to the better communication there with the interior of the test, and is correlated with
generally thicker laminae. Similarly the association of pillars with canals in Pellatispira, etc.,
suggests that the canals affect communication of the internal and external protoplasm, with benefit
to the activity of shell deposition. The perforations probably arise through interruption by the roots
of filose pseudopodia (filopodia) of the shell-depositing layer of protoplasm (Hyman, 1940). If a
filopod were to cease functioning, subsequent laminae would not have the corresponding
perforation continued through them. Walls, where they are initially internal, or overlie a septum,
are imperforate.
Protoplasmic streaming is usual in living organisms and very characteristic of Rhizopoda. In
Foraminifera, such streams of protoplasm must penetrate the test to maintain communication
between the interior and exterior protoplasm. They must also run in the external layer of
protoplasm. The larger the test, the more intense the streaming required. Streaming might well
cease during shell deposition. In many Foraminifera the structure of the test suggests that it does. In
the Rotaliidea, streams seem to continue and prevent shell deposition in their course, but stimulate it
in adjacent areas. Variations in streaming during shell deposition account for many differences
between species of the Rotaliidea, but one is not entitled to assume that streaming during shell
formation and during resting periods are similar, excepting in so far as the outlets of the test impose
fixed points of origin.
235

Pillars
Pillars may arise in several ways:
1. Inflational pillars formed by local thickening along a radial line, each lamina contributing to
the extra thickening. These appear externally as pustules, or, if very highly developed, as
spines. . .
2. Incised pillars formed of portions of shell material isolated from the rest of the test,
excepting at their origin, by anastomosing fissures. These fissures cut into a number of
laminae of shell material. Externally, incised pillars appear as granules, differing from
pustules in having a less rounded outer surface and in being more crowded.
3. Textural pillars are marked essentially by a difference in appearance of the shell material.
According to Carpenter (1862: 60) this is due to lack of tubulation and a minor change of
crystalline structure. Streaks in such pillars appear to be marks rather than canals.
4. Residual pillars are the solid shell material, which forms more or less cylindrical, radially
arranged masses, between lateral chambers or other cavities.
Primary types of pillars are sometimes found, e.g. the pustules of many Rotaliidae are of the simple
inflational type; the granules of Miscellanea are incised; some species of Nummulites have textural
pillars. Very commonly the pillars are of compound type. Only the incised and residual types are
mutually incompatible. Inflational pillars, if they are crowded, tend to steepen their sides and pass
by gradation into incised pillars. In other instances the incised pillars arise from grooves that deepen
into fissures.
236
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
TEXT-FIG. 8: Textural Pillar. The crystal structure gives a streaky appearance.

TEXT-FIG. 9: Incised Pillar. The vertical intersections of fissures cannot be distinguished from canals as seen in this
section. They isolate a block of shell material but do not penetrate the whole thickness of the chamber wall.
TEXT-FIG. 10: Residual Pillar. The example represented corresponds to lateral chambers occupying spaces left by
large perforations in the laminae.
TEXT-FIG. 11: Inflational Pillar. Local hypertrophy of the lamina occurs along a radial line.
TEXT-FIG. 12: Spine. This is merely an overgrown inflational pillar.
TEXT-FIG. 13: Compound Inflational-Textural Pillar.
TEXT-FIG. 14: Compound Inflational-Residual Pillar.
TEXT-FIG. 15: Compound Inflational-Incised Pillars.
Canal systems
Canal systems are complexes of essentially tubular cavities of relatively fine bore within the shell
material. At the simplest, a radial canal connects an aperture of a chamber with the exterior. Where
this is later used as an exit for the protoplasm that will form the contents of a new chamber, it is
converted into a stolon. Usually, radial canals are not so converted. One may assume that the
formation of a radial canal is due to the emergence of a protoplasmic current from the test. This
keeps its own path free through all subsequent laminae. Ramifying canals are often present,
typically of finer bore than radial ones. They consist of short portions across the lamination and
longer sections more or less parallel to it, that result from inhibition of shell deposition by fine
protoplasmic currents in the external layer of protoplasm. These would originate from a pore
terminating a canal of the previous instar, and would make a long groove in the subsequent lamina.
237

This, if buried by the next lamina, would be converted into a canal. If the protoplasmic stream
remains active, the canal will be continued, but if it ceases, the canal will be terminated. Such
streams may anastomose, increasing the complexity of the canal system. The terminal face is
always a seat of excessive protoplasmic activity. Protoplasmic streams are to be expected to cause
grooves that will be buried by the septal flap and converted into intraseptal canals. Because of the
liquid nature of the shell-depositing layers, the newly formed sutures are invariably indented.
Protoplasmic currents would naturally take advantage of the easy path along them, accounting for
the frequency of subsutural canals.
Canal formation is not entirely explained by a simple hypothesis of buried grooves. Branches of
intraseptal canals are seen in the secondary septa of Operculina complanata (Defrance) var.
heterosteginoides Silvestri and in other species. The secondary septa do not represent former
external surfaces. It does not follow that protoplasmic currents [something must be missing here in
the original document] do not exist to form them. The canals in the single-layered margin of
Discocyclina present a similar problem. Douvill (1930) has suggested that canals are formed by
symbiotic or parasitic organisms. There is no evidence for this, and the great regularity of canal
systems makes it improbable.
Fissures are homologous with canals. Starting with a similar grooving to that postulated for canals,
intense streaming could keep the groove open along a radial line for several
Marginal Cord
Canal
Trabecule
Septum
TEXT-FIG. 16: Lateral chamber wall of Nummulites elegans seen in transparency to show the structure of trabeculae.
(Compare Pl. XV, figs. 2, 3.)
instars, causing a deep groove that cannot be covered or obliterated subsequently. In Rotalia the
fissures seem to be partly infilled. A change from strong to weak protoplasmic streaming could
result in the development of a canal system both in ontogeny and phylogeny.
Some students of this group attach great importance to the taxonomic and phyletic significance of
canal systems. The assessment of them in special cases is not always easy. Their presence is
thought to be a super-family character, but the meaning of many known facts is not clear. For
instance, is Hofker (1928: 80) right in suggesting that Elphidium is related to Rotalia because its
lateral canals resemble the umbilical canal of the latter? Do the canals of Pellatispira make an
affinity with the Calcarinidae or Elphidiidae more likely than with the Nummulitidae? Is the
fissured skeleton of Miscellanea a stage in the evolution of the canal system of Nummulites?
238

Modifications of the canals and fissures of Rotalia on the evolution of Miogypsinoides (Barker &
Grimsdale, 1937: 162-167) indicate that changes of canal system are possible.
Resorption might play a part in canal formation, but would be expected to make relatively large
holes rather than fine, even, ramifying tubules. At least the canals in the trabeculae of Nummulites
must be original, as the disturbance of the perforation could not occur otherwise. Trabeculae are
only sometimes visible on the flanks of tests of Nummulites. These are markings that run from the
filaments forward across the chamber wall and they may be straight, recalling sutures of secondary
septa of Heterostegina, or they may branch a few times.
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Text-Fig. 17: Marginal cord of Nummulites nuttali in axial section.

Text-Fig. 18: Marginal cord of Nummulites beaumonti in axial section. This differs from Text-Fig. 17 only in the
lesser amount of shell material deposited at the margin. The essential features of both are radial striation of the shell
material, lack of radial perforation and the presence of ramifying canals.
Text-Fig. 19: Margin of Rotalia trochidiformis, showing the same structure as that of Nummulites excepting that
there are no ramifying canals.
Text-Fig. 20: Margin of Cycloclypeus, the structure being essentially the same as that of Nummulites but the thinner
margin, inevitable in a cyclical form, prevents the typical appearance of a marginal cord.
Their visibility is very variable and seems to require special conditions of preservation. Trabeculae
are caused by branches of the intraseptal canal system running out over the chamber wall, and the
shell above them is imperforate and hyaline, although the perforations tend to spread over the canal
and conceal it if the wall is thick. The canal itself runs only in the deepest part of the spiral lamina
and does not penetrate the later skeletal laminae.
239
Fig. 21
Fig. 22
Fig. 23
Fig. 24
Text-Fig. 21: Appearance in vertical section of a chamber

Text-Fig. 22-24: Appearances corresponding to Text-Fig. 21 but in horizontal section through the
shell material
22: Anastomosing. 23: Dentritic fissures. 24: Vertical canals
The difficulty of observation will now be understood. If the preservation is perfect the later
thickening may entirely conceal the trabeculae, and if the canals and perforations are filled by
secondary deposition of calcite, or recrystallization, the trabeculae will again be obscured. Partly
decorticated specimens may be expected to show the trabeculae to the best advantage. Trabeculae
are not the rudiments of reticulate filaments, as was suggested by Boussac (1906).
The marginal cord is a region of the margin where the radius of curvature of the walls is necessarily
great. It is specialised in lacking the normal perforations but it is highly tabulated by ramifying
canals. The characteristic appearance is partly due to the crystal structure because the sharp radius
of curvature accentuates the fibrous appearance. The marginal cord may be thicker or thinner than
the rest of the chamber wall. Marginal canals are present in some annular species where there can
be no thickening of the margin and hence no proper marginal cord. In some spiral species the
marginal cord is not conspicuous. Rotaliidea without a marginal canal system are known, but some
of these have a thickened margin. It is not correct to call this a marginal cord. A single large
marginal canal has been described in Miscellanea, but this is an error; no such marginal canal is
proven to exist.
The appearance of the lateral thickening in axial and sub-axial sections is the same when vertical
canals or fissures are present. This has resulted in confusion between these structures. Only wellpreserved external surfaces or a tangential section will discriminate between them.
Apertures and foramina
In the Rotaliidea, a distinction must be made between an aperture, which is a relatively large hole
placing a chamber cavity in connection with the exterior, and an intercameral foramen, which
connects two chambers. The terminal chamber of a rotaliid is always thin-walled and is rarely
240

preserved in museum specimens of living species. Fossil species usually lack it unless the test has
been strengthened by infilling and recrystallisation, in which case it is impossible to be sure if an
aperture is present. The intercameral foramina are readily visible in thin section and it has been
assumed that these represent former apertures. Grimsdale & Smout (1948: 324-326) record
specimens of Nummulites laevigatus, which are presumably immature because they show no long
gerontic whorls, that have a terminal chamber without any aperture. As no septum without a
foramen has ever been observed, it is concluded that a foramen, in the form of a slit at the base of
the septum, is formed by resorption, presumably immediately before formation of the next chamber.
This basal slit is so characteristic of the primitive members of the super-family that its invariable
formation by resorption must be suspected. In the Rotaliidae, umbilical apertures are always
present. They are not concerned with the formation of cortical chambers and persist as canals, e.g.
Rotalia, or become pores into umbilical cavities, e.g. Lockhartia.
Canals can sometimes function as foramina. This initiates complexity of chambering, as in the
derivation of Biplanispira from Pellatispira (Umbgrove, 1937: 309) and the addition of the first
chamber of each intercalary whorl in Dictyoconoides (van Rijsinghe, 1930 : 134).
When the chambers are greatly extended in one direction, or if their total size is excessive, there is a
tendency for the formation of more than one foramen. A number of pores are formed and the basal
slit is usually suppressed. The pores have a small diameter and, when converted into intercameral
foramina, the length is greater than the diameter. They are then called stolons. This apertural change
makes almost any type of chambering possible and the pores ensure that the protoplasm is extruded
in a number of drops. These may coalesce completely to form a simple chamber, e.g. Operculina;
partly to form chamberlets, e.g. Heterostegina; or in groups to produce orbitoidal chambers, e.g.
Gypsina. The formation of lateral chambers, as in Spiroclypeus and in reticulate and meandrine
Nummulites, is often associated with complexities of the median chamber layer, but not strictly
correlated with them. The cause is the same - the formation of additional foramina in appropriate
positions.
It has hitherto been assumed that the apertures of the Rotaliidea are homologous to those of forms
now separated as the Discorbidea. This is not so. The aperture seems to be invariably present in the
Discorbidea, and often shows complexities which are characteristic of various lineages. The
Rotaliidea have a foramen that is either a curved slit or a pore, and both may occur in the same
specimen. Foramina are only of interest when considered in relationship to the type of chamber
produced. It is more likely that the details of the foramen are determined by the shape and size of
the old chamber, than by the need to produce particular characters in the chambers of the
succeeding instar.
Nepionic Stages and Ontogeny
The nomenclature of ontogenetic stages is not used here in a precise manner because the different
species do not have precisely equivalent stages of growth that demand it. The fol1owing definitions
will suffice:
241

Protoconch or
proloculum
Deuteroconch
Nucleoconch
Nepionic Stage
Ephebic Stage
Gerontic Stage
The initial chamber of the test

The second chamber
The protoconch alone; or where the second chamber is very different from the
later chambers, the protoconch and deuteroconch; or the chambers up to the
stage where chambers related to the adult form are adopted.
The first whorl of a spiral species; or the early chambers that are different
from, but related to, the adult type, including those in the transitional phases.
The adult phase where the chambers are of more or less constant type. In a few
cases the chambers are so inconstant that an early and a late ephebic stage must
be recognised.
In many large Foraminifera the last one or two whorls are of very low
chambers. This is a result of a reduced growth rate without corresponding
reduction of instars. It is a valuable feature to observe because it indicates that
the specimen is neither immature nor seriously decorticated.
In discussing ontogeny it is necessary to note the significance of the curvature of chamber walls to
elucidate their order of addition (Schenck, 1944: 278).
Chambers are concave towards those that are older. A chamber in contact with a previously formed
wall will conform to it, excepting that the new wall cannot be angular and therefore leaves small
cavities in any existing re-entrant angle. It will bulge owing to surface-tension forces on the free
side. If chambers in contact are formed simultaneously, they must obey the laws of surface-tension
films, i.e.:
1) three walls may meet at a point; two along a line;
2) the wall between two chambers of equal volume is flat;
3) the wall between two unequal chambers bulges into the larger.
Primitively, the test commences with a spherical protoconch. This has one aperture through which
is extruded a blob of protoplasm that adheres and forms the deuteroconch. This is often very large,
of a volume comparable with that of the protoconch. A large proloculum is often followed by an
even larger deuteroconch. Dimorphism (Lister, 1905), although very common, is not always present
in species of the Rotaliidea. A microspheric nucleoconch does not have an obvious deuteroconch,
and is followed by a spiral nepionic stage, no matter what the adult chamber arrangement may be.
This recapitulation is a mechanical consequence of the impossibility of such small chambers having
the two or more apertures needed to initiate a complex arrangement, and is not due to failure of
genetic factors to act until a late stage of ontogeny. The microspheric form may show modifications
of chambers in late instars that do not occur in the smaller megalospheric test because the latter
does not attain the critical size.
The megalospheric test may differ little from the microspheric in morphology, particularly where he
nucleoconchs are not of greatly different size. At the other extreme, the megalosphere is much
greater than the microsphere, while the corresponding test is several times smaller. The
megalospheric form tends to evolve a complex nucleoconch, but ephebic characters are sometimes
more primitive than in the microspheric test. Hofker (1948: 509-12) has shown that more than one
size of megalospheric nucleoconch may be possible in one species and in that case the larger the
nucleoconch, the smaller the final test. This is called trimorphism, although there may be more than
three types in a trimorphic species.
242
Orbitoidal nepionic stage
Orbitoidal adult stage
Discocycline adult stage
Two equal chambers

formed in contact
One chamber, later

subdivided equally
Two equal chambers formed

consecutively
One chamber, later divided unequally
Single spiral form
One chamber, later

divided into four
simultaneously
Two unequal chambers formed simultaneously
Two chambers, the later formed being much larger
One cell, later

divided by
acervuline chambers
proliferating from
one point
Text-Fig. 25: The characteristic curvature of chamber walls by which their order of addition may be seen
243

Very large nucleoconchs are usually associated with advanced members of complex lineages and
are not a good indication of relationship. The problem of ontogenetic recapitulation of phylogeny
occurs in this group, as in every other. It is clear that such recapitulation does occur when the
phyletic increase in size is recapitulated also, as in microspheric specimens; but there is a critical
size above which a simple chamber will not be mechanically sound at the time of its formation. As
the megalosphere increases in size in phylogeny, the nepionic spiral stage tends to remain fixed,
until it is eventually cut out by the megalosphere being larger than the spiral nepionic test could be.
An abrupt change of nepionic character must then occur as there must be more than one chamber
added simultaneously, and the shape of the test to which they are added is different. The orbitoidal
nucleoconch is the simplest possible in the circumstances. The nepionic chambers are, for several
instars, formed of diminishing size, because the establishment of orbitoidal growth makes the
number of chambers per instar increase faster than required by the volumetric increase. After
reaching a minimum at the end of the nepionic stage, the chamber size very slowly increases
throughout the ephebic stage.
The Discocyclinidae stand out as an exception because the first annular chamber can be derived
directly from a single chamber.
Very large nucleoconchs reach a size where mechanical deformation and instability of the single
chamber arise. The deuteroconch will be flattened if it is very large, and this leads to it embracing
the protoconch and in extreme examples becoming annular, e.g. Discocyclina archiaci
(Schlumberger).
The outer wall of the nucleoconch shows thickening that follows the characteristics of the
Rotaliidea, being controlled by the number of instars during which that part of the nucleoconch is
an external surface. In tracing out the relative age of parts of the nucleoconch or later parts of the
embryonic apparatus the usual three criteria hold:
1) walls formed between contemporary chambers obey the laws of liquid films;
2) walls are concave to older chambers and convex to the exterior;
3) thickening results only from exposure to the exterior for a number of instars.
244

EVOLUTION OF THE ROTALIIDEA
Morphological sequences
Existing accounts of morphological evolutionary sequences deal with small groups within the
Rotaliidea rather than with the overall picture. They therefore fail to give any general account of
homologies and analogies. The position is further confused by the inclusion of rotaliid species in
postulated evolutionary sequences of non-rotaliid lineages, e.g. Elphidium in the Nonionidae,
Rotalia in the Discorbidae or, alternatively, in the Spirillinidae. In the Rotaliidea the most important
characters of the test are the shape and arrangement of the chambers. Variations of apertural
characters, canal systems and thickening are very closely correlated with these changes in the
chambers. The primitive condition is invariably the simple spiral of partly involute chambers but
the spire is not necessarily bilaterally symmetrical. Changes of chamber shape and arrangement do
not alter the amount of shell material formed at each instar, but they always result in the chamber or
chambers covering a greater part of the existing test than a simple gnomonic chamber would. In
consequence they reduce the piling up of laminae of shell material into massive thickening. Annular
or cyclical growth automatically suppresses the spiral lamina because the margin is exposed for one
instar and cannot be thickened (Text-fig. 27). The reverse effect is found in Nummulites gizehensis
(P. 36475; Pl. XV, fig. 1)4 where the meandrine filaments do not affect the spiral lamina at the
margin, but they split it up laterally and over the poles. If chambers proliferate evenly over the
whole surface of the test, as in Baculogypsina, a larger proportion of the test is covered in later
instars than in earlier ones. In consequence, the chamber walls are less thickened in the later instars,
e.g. Carpenter (1862, pl xxi, fig. 6, Tinoporus baculatus de Montfort).
There are three basic types of simple spiral test:
1) planispiral with involute, equitant chambers;
2) planispiral with evolute chambers;
3) trochoid, characterised by unequal involution of the chambers, but not necessarily with
curvature of the plane of coiling.
In the Paleocene, the group of Assilina ranikoti, Daviesina gen. nov. spp. (p. 66), Operculina
sindensis represents a primitive stock in which the planispiral-involute habit is dominant, but not
strictly followed. Later species tend to be strictly planispiral and to be either involute or evolute,
although the relationship of Nummulites to Operculina may not be a simple one.
Trochoid species occur at a lower stratigraphical horizon than planispiral ones and may be the more
primitive as the origin of Miogypsina from Rotalia proves that evolution to bilaterally symmetrical
forms can occur. Daviesina possibly represents the origin of the Nummulitidae from the Rotaliidae.
Among planispiral lineages, the evolution of complex forms from involute species typically differs
from that of evolute ones. The radiate alar prolongation of a chamber is primitive. Increase in its
length accommodates the increasing volume of successive chambers. This causes the alar
prolongations, and hence the filaments, to become longer than the radius of the test. They twist,
becoming fasciculate, and eventually meandrine. Parts of meandrine alar progations lose their
connection with the equatorial part of the chamber. These chamberlets, for such they are, form short
series. The somewhat similar chamberlets of reticulate Nummulites are probably evolved by
fragmentation of the exuded protoplasm as part of the process of chamber formation and not formed
4
Figures prefixed P .... are the registration numbers of the Geological Department, British Museum (Natural History).
245

through the intermediacy of a meandrine stage. The lateral chamberlets of Nummulites intermedius
communicate with the median layer and each other by foramina. The lateral chambers of orbitoidal
and other genera are not homologous.
Development of meandrine alar prolongations reaches its acme in Miscellanea meandrina, where
the meandrine lateral chambers eventually encroach on the median plane and obliterate it, the spiral
succession of median chambers ceasing.
TEXT-FIG. 26: Axial section of the margin of a planispiral evolute species showing the lamination. Each parting
corresponds to a chamber.
Fig. 27
Fig. 28
TEXT-FIG. 27: Axial section of an annular or cyclical species. The laminae still correspond each to one instar, but
there is only one per cycle. Lateral thickening persists but the marginal thickening disappears. Note the greater
magnification.
TEXT-FIG. 28: As Text-fig. 27 but lateral chambers are present. These reduce the lateral thickening, without reducing
the total amount of shell material.
246
TEXT-FIG. 29: Lateral external view of the margin of Nummulites, seen in transparency. Only the last whorl is seen.
The filaments are meandrine. The dotted line is the plane of section of Text-fig. 30.
TEXT-FIG. 30: Vertical section through test shown in Text-fig. 29. The left side assumes that the alar prolongations
are radial, while the right side conforms to the meandrine chambers shown in Text-fig. 29.
247

The thinning of the chamber walls due to this is marked (Pl. X, fig. 1). Loss of the spiral median
layer is unusual in the planispiral involute genera. In Nummulites it is avoided by having a multiple
spire in the largest species. A false bifurcation is sometimes seen, caused by starvation. Chambers
continue to be formed but they become progressively smaller. Resumption of normal growth is
abrupt and the first large chamber recurves over the small ones and makes an apparent doubling of
the spire. The spiral lamina is automatically split by this process, but not in the same manner as is
produced by a true intercalary whorl. Doubling of the margin or the development of a subsidiary
equatorial layer at an angle to the original one occurs sporadically in a number of unrelated
complanate genera. It is confined to certain species but even then is never found in all specimens.
TEXT-FIG. 31: Apparent doubling of the spire in Nummulites due to starvation.
Elphidium adopts a different method of increasing the area of each chamber surface by the
protrusion of retral processes, the median layer and alar prolongations being unaffected. This leads
to no further modifications.
Differences of involution are a matter of the chamber cavities; the shell laminae normally remaining
strictly involute as is typical of the Rotaliidea. The primitive species show variability between
involute and evolute chambers and this variable stock persists from the Cretaceous to the present
day, the definitely involute and evolute stocks presumably being various lineages derived from it. A
few examples exist of involute lineages following trends typical of the evolute forms.
The restriction of the chambers to the median plane in Assilina is not accompanied by increased
chamber height or extreme compression. In some species the lateral parts of the laminae over the
poles become so attenuated that the shell layers can almost be said to be evolute. They still retain
their enveloping character at the margin.
Alternatively the nepionic chambers are involute and the later whorls become evolute, accompanied
by great increase in height, or the chambers are evolute throughout. The increase in height of the
chambers has the same biological effect as the twisting of filaments in enabling a progressive
increase in volume of the chamber to be accommodated in one dimension. It differs in accentuating
the complanate form instead of tending to render the test more globular. In this operculine type of
spire the chambers are more easily accommodated between the shell laminae if they are strongly
248

and progressively recurved. This, if carried to its logical conclusion, will result in a chamber that
surrounds the whole margin at each instar. An annular habit will thereby be established. The height
of a spiral chamber is homologous with the length of an annular one. A further development is seen
if, at a later stage of growth, the rate of increase in volume of the chambers falls behind that which
is due to the increase in circumference of the test. This is common in Discocyclina. The chambers
then fail to girdle the test completely and each tapers off to leave a part of the margin uncovered
excepting for the lamina of skeleton.
There is no tendency to reversion to a spiral habit because there is no mechanism by which this
could arise. On the contrary, there is a tendency to compensation, the chamber of the next cycle
being higher over the indented part of the margin, restoring the circular outline of the test.
Apertural changes play an important part in the establishment of annular growth. The high spiral
chambers, seen in Operculina and other genera, lose the basal intercameral foramen and develop
pores along the full length of the apertural face. With such an apertural system, the transition to the
marginal pores, inevitable if the annular habit is to be adopted, presents no change of structure. The
strong tendency for high chambers and annular chambers to become subdivided by secondary septa,
partial or complete, is due to the multiple intercameral foramina. When the protoplasm is extruded
to form the chamber contents of the new instar, the drops from different pores must fuse in order to
form a single chamber. Failing this, shell material of the nature of a septal flap is likely to be
formed between them and therefore secondary septa added. The secondary septa appear double and
often contain canals. They are of special interest as walls that do not represent a former external
surface of the test. The presence of stolons through the secondary septa to connect chamberlets of
the same cycle is variable. In Heterostegina there may be none, or the secondary septa may be
incomplete or vary from complete to incomplete in the same chamber. This would indicate a race
between a tendency for the protoplasmic drops to fuse and the formation of shell material that
would prevent it. In Discocyclina, small stolons have been observed through secondary septa and
they do not correspond to partial fusion of the chamberlets (Rutten, 1936b). They may perhaps be
formed by an active protoplasmic current or some such differentiated cytoplasmic structure that
interrupts the shell-depositing layer. In related genera incomplete septa are known (Vaughan, 1945).
These modifications of the median layer have no effect in themselves on the lateral layers of shell
material. Species of this group are mostly evolute and the thickening lateral layers build up
smoothly and evenly. Even in spiral forms, lack of chamber cavities in this region prevents the
appearance of a spiral lamina excepting very near the margin. The difference in axial section is thus
confined to the thinning of the margin of the non-spiral parts of the tests.
Lateral chambers or chamberlets are found in many advanced genera. They are evolved
independently of the equatorial modifications, but are often associated with them. Involute species
form lateral chamberlets by extreme twisting of the alar prolongations, or by their secondary
septation, e.g. species of Nummulites and Miscellanea. In evolute lineages, lateral chambers first
appear as irregular, very compressed, vacuoles. They develop into regular piles of chambers that
often have residual pillars between them, e.g. Miogypsina. Lateral chambers are usually formed out
of contact with equatorial chambers of the same instar. This gives a marginal band several
equatorial chambers wide where the chambers are thickened but not overlain by lateral chambers.
There are typically fewer layers of lateral chambers than there are cycles of median chambers.
Sometimes lateral chambers have no obvious stolon connections. In other cases lateral chambers
arise in response to the same general causes as the orbitoidal character of the median layer;
multiplication of foramina, coupled with the tendency of the droplets extruded from them not to
fuse. The biological advantages that ensure their survival and elaboration are great. The chamber of
249

the median layer is subdivided into structural units (chambers or chamberlets) that are of more or
less constant size and cubic shape. The lateral chambers add additional small structural units as
required to accommodate excess volume. The test as a whole has a valuable plasticity because this
structure permits a change from very complanate to globular shape without any structural difficulty.
It allows strictly radial growth and provides an excellent compromise between the various
tendencies of growth. Probably the constancy of the proportion of shell material to lumen is a
biological advantage also.
Rarely the median layer becomes doubled or proliferating, as in Asterocyclina, without losing its
median nature. Doubling or multiplication of the margin can occur sporadically, as in Recent
Cycloclypeus. These aberrations are not known to lead to any further developments.
The median layer of trochoid forms may be plane or distorted to a conical or spherical surface. The
difference is merely one of detail. The essential feature is that the chambers are nearly or entirely
evolute on the dorsal side, and the shell material there is solid thickening, which never has cavities,
chambers nor canals in it. The homologues of the median parts of the chambers in Nummulites now
form a cortical layer of chambers. These are involute ventrally, often to a small extent only.
The umbilical or "ventral" face is in life the upper or free surface and the protoplasm is particularly
active there (Williamson, 1858: xvi; Brady, 1884: 625-626). It probably results from this that the
laminae are very thick across the ventral pole and fill the umbilical space with a plug that in the
simplest theoretical case is solid. In fact, the umbilical area always has some special structure, such
as the canals of Kathina gen. nov. and the canals and fissures of Rotalia, even though the central
part may be a solid plug.
Ventral chambers occur in some genera of the Discorbidea, e.g. Amphistegina. The essential feature
of ventral chambers is that each is confined to a radial sector, just as the cortical chambers are.
Davies described "astral lobes" in Rotalia, cut off from the inner ends of the cortical chambers by
incomplete partitions. These are unknown in the super-family Rotaliidea but a structure of this type
occurs in the discorbid genus Epistomina.
Umbilical cavities are similar to ventral chambers, but each spreads over a major part of the
umbilical area. Hence in this region the supplemental laminae are not, in general, in contact. They
form a series of plates with the umbilical cavities in vertical series between. This serial
arrangement contrasts with the spiral, multiple spiral or cyclical arrangement of the cortical
chambers, but is compatible with these, because a chamber lumen is merely an opening out of the
parting which exists between supplemental laminae. The cortical chambers have apertures into the
umbilical cavities, but this need not imply that the latter are derived phyletically from umbilical
extensions of chambers. It is better to think of them as independently formed structures. In no
instance is the umbilical area ever spanned by an unsupported umbilical cavity. Inflational pillars
are normally present and these form buttresses. In some cases the arrangement of buttresses is less
regular and they do not form definite pillars. Labyrinthine structure is formed in the umbilical area
of a few species. This is merely due to very irregular buttressing combined with large pores in the
plates between the buttresses.
250
Fig. 32
Fig. 33
Fig. 34
Fig. 35
Fig. 36
TEXT-FIGS. 32-36: Axial sections showing the last whorl only of various trochoid genera, all with the same
conventionalised spire to show the different types of umbilical structure.
32 - Amphistegina and Asterigerina. The astral lobes are confined to the same radial sector as the chambers to which
they correspond. (In actual species they may be shifted to lie one sector back without change in the general principle.)
33 - Kathina. There are no umbilical chambers but each cortical chamber has an umbilical aperture continued as a
canal.
34 - Lockhartia. The umbilical cavities are shown to extend under the whole umbilical area and to have irregularly
spaced umbilical apertures. The cortical chambers have umbilical apertures opening into the plexus of umbilical
cavities. Pillars have been omitted for clarity.
35 - Lockhartia. The actual structure, with pillars.
36 - Rotalia. Deep fissures are seen to cut the whole base into pillars and the cortical chambers have umbilical
apertures opening into the fissure system. Later deposits fill up the middle two-thirds of the vertical course of the
fissures, converting them into a canal system, plus grooves.
251

Trochoid stocks rarely have chambers increasing in height. A case of lengthening chambers occurs
in Chapmanina. Frizzell (1949: 481-494) has recently advanced our knowledge of this species. He
does not fully discuss the origin of the uniserial ephebic stage from the nepionic spire; but it may be
deduced that the trochoid nepionic stage has chambers with great ventral extension. The length of
the cortical chambers progressively increases and the ventral part therefore occupies a progressively
greater sector of the base. The logical final state is for the cortical chamber to occupy the whole
margin and its ventral extension to cover the whole of the base. This is in effect uniserial growth,
although it cannot be held to be analogous with the uniserial developments in the Miliolidea or the
Lagenidea. The only analogues are Dictyoconus and its relatives. The cortical chambers are
secondarily septate, and the ventral region is occupied by walls and buttresses that have a double
appearance in section. These obscure the relationships of the chamber as a whole. Frizzell (1949:
493) postulated that this structure is necessary to the mechanical strength of the test. It is more
probable that the formation of numerous apertures is conducive to secondary partition formation,
and possible that the protoplasm of the new chamber cannot maintain a simple surface of such a
shape. A break-up into droplets would result in deposition of shell material in the form of a mass of
chamberlets, as is observed. Once again a change of chambering results in the addition of a variable
number of units and maintenance of a constant ratio of area of shell to volume of protoplasm.
Chapmanina has a very small test, compared to most complex species, emphasising that the critical
size is a specific character. Frizzell records that the secondary septa are imperforate. This is always
so for walls that do not represent a former external surface, and corroborates that the perforations
represent the bases of filose pseudopodia.
Spiral species with chambers of constant shape, added in a simple spire, can only grow to a limited
size. Above this the terminal chamber would be too big to be preformed as a liquid drop. The
chambers may change in shape laterally without disturbance of the simple spire of the median layer,
but this cannot occur in trochoid forms such as Dictyoconoides, and reaches a limiting condition in
the meandrine and reticulate filaments of Nummulites. The shape and spiral arrangement of the
median chambers can be retained if the spire becomes multiple. This occurs in the larger species of
Nummulites (N. perforatus de Montfort, N. gizehensis Forskl, etc.) and in Dictyoconoides and
Dictyokathina. Assuming that the new whorl is initiated by two chambers being formed one a little
behind and above the other the wall between them is a "secondary" septum. If chambers of about
the same length are added to both spires at each subsequent instar and in the direction of coiling of
the nepionic spire, the upper whorl must fall behind the lower one, which is on a shorter curve. As
the terminal chambers separate, the outer wall of the lower spire is exposed for an increasing
number of instars. The consequent thickening develops a spiral lamina between the two spires. It is
very thin at first, but thickens until it is equal to that of the outer spire. The wall of the outer spire
thins because the outer spire is covered by the lower earlier than it would be by itself. This is the
condition in Nummulites, but in Dictyoconoides the spiral lamina is not markedly thin over new
intercalary whorls. This suggests that the new Spire is initiated by a chamber formed remotely from
existing terminal chambers. This agrees with its origin from a stolon formed from a canal
(Rijsinghe, 1930: 135, text-fig. 12).
The attachment of a trochoid test to a substratum is a logical development and leads to the
arborescent genera of the Rupertiidae. Sakesaria has been observed in an aberrant specimen to
form two terminal chambers that subsequently give rise to two separate spires with independent
axes, i.e. it branches. This is a normal condition in Miniacina. The enveloping laminae are common
to all branches and tend to make a thick attachment disc at the apex. Being fixed, the shell layer
cannot be formed across the area of fixation; this constitutes one of the rare exceptions to the
completely embracing shell layers of the Rotaliidea, but in no way affects the principle. The free
ends of the test of the species of the Rupertiidae correspond to the base of Sakesaria but the
252

umbilical structure may be reduced and the apertural face may be concave. The double septa of
Rupertia are exaggeratedly shown up by the large intraseptal fissures.
Orbitoidal modifications of chambers, in a wide sense, are numerous. The best-known phyletic
sequences leading to the orbitoidal habit, both rotaliid and discorbiid, arise from a trochospiral
ancestor, e.g. Miogypsinoides from Rotalia (Barker & Grimsdale, 1937: 168). The bilateral
asymmetry is lost, ontogenetically in the early forms and phylogenetically in later.
TEXT-FIG. 37: Equatorial section through a multiple spire with three intercalary whorls to show the relationship of
chambers to lamination.
The degree of asymmetry of the root forms is slight. The spire is plane, not distorted to a conical
surface. Frequently, the median layer of orbitoidal species may be homologized with the cortical
layer of trochoid ones and the median part of the spire of planispiral forms. In the Miogypsinidae,
the characters of the thickening follow the chamber arrangement. Tan Sin Hok (1936 b, c, d; 1937
b, c, d) has demonstrated the details of chamber arrangement. The most primitive species have a
spiral nepionic stage. This has a spiral lamina and lateral thickening as in Rotalia. The last spiral
chamber has a proximal and a distal aperture. Therefore two chambers are formed at the next instar.
These usually have two apertures also and chambers are added one each side, while the middle
apertures form a single symmetrical chamber. This system results in the formation of an orbitoidal
type of median chamber layer in which the peripheral walls of the chambers are exposed for one
instar only, and are therefore not thickened. The lateral thickening is not affected and continues to
be massive. The nepionic spiral lamina continues to be thickened where it is exposed, but no more
thickening is added in such a manner as to continue the spiral. In Miogypsina and Miogypsinoides
the row of orbitoidal chambers does not surround the whole periphery of the test, with a few
exceptions in advanced species. There is no tendency for the row of chambers to shift their position
round the margin of the test from instar to instar, and only occasionally to lengthen more than
necessary to maintain a constant angle sub tended at the nucleoconch. The unthickened growing
edge is therefore flanked by margins that are progressively thicker as the peripherally situated
nucleoconch is approached. The extreme species have a great mass of thickening at the periphery
over the nucleoconch, where no chambers have ever been interposed. Tan traces the evolution of
complex megalospheric nucleoconchs in which the simple spiral nepionic stage eventually cut out.
In early species both megalospheric and microspheric nucleoconchs are too small to form more than
253

one aperture. Chambers are added in a spiral because each has an aperture in the basal position,
until a critical size is reached, above which a single aperture will not serve. Complex growth results.
Once the critical size is reached and the complex habit established, the chamber size tends to
decrease. It stabilises and then tends to increase very slightly until the gerontic stage is reached. As
the megalospheric nucleoconch increases in size in phylogeny, it overtakes the critical size which
tends to decrease in phylogeny, presumably because the small chamber is more efficient than larger
ones, and random variations in this direction are selected. Finally, the deuteroconch has more than
one aperture and forms a complex chamber arrangement immediately. Although several nepionic
spirals can be recognised by the details of curvature of the walls and disposition of stolons, the
amount of thickening in the spirals is insufficient to be noticeable, and no spiral lamina can be
recognised.
When a reverse spiral starts, the chamber is formed under the lamina that would have thickened the
margin. The margin farther back will continue to be thickened only for a few instars.
TEXT-FIG. 38: Orbitoidal test. Idealised equatorial section showing the rapid breaking up of the spiral lamina by the
reverse spirals.
The chamber walls will be exposed for two or three instars, not long enough to form noticeable
thickening, but they will be a little thicker than the adult ones. With the fully established cyclical
habit the margin is exposed for only one instar, or for two in small spots between chambers if these
latter are widely spaced. In such a case the margin has only one lamina, or in places two. The
chamber wall consists of its own lamina and another of the septal flap of the overlying chamber.
This is not enough to show a thickness in any way comparable to that of the spiral lamina, nor is
there any spiral appearance. It is the totally enveloping nature of the laminae that renders this
gradual transition from spiral to cyclical habit possible.
Helicolepidina gyralis Barker & Grimsdale (1936: 236, pl. xxxii, figs. 4 and 5) is derived from
Amphistegina. It therefore belongs to the super-family Discorbidea, not to the Rotaliidea.
Nevertheless it illustrates an important principle common to both. The nepionic stage is spiral and
has a normal spiral lamina. Orbitoidal-type chambers are added later and these mostly have the
usual thin walls between them. Thickening persists in the form of a spiral lamina that becomes
progressively thinner. The explanation is that the orbitoidal chambers are formed in rows. Each row
occupies only part of the margin. This region is unthickened while the part of the margin remaining
exposed is thickened. Orbitoidal-type chambers usually have a distal and a proximal stolon or group
254

of stolons (the directions relate to the nepionic spire). If the proximal stolons of the most proximal
chamber of the row are usually defective, the row of chambers will slowly rotate round the margin.
The thickening then assumes the form of a spiral lamina. Its progressive thinning indicates that the
row of chambers lengthens faster than the circumference of the test increases.
Fig. 39
Fig. 40
TEXT-FIGS. 39, 40: Helicolepidina.
39: Idealised equatorial section showing the generation of a spiral lamina after the establishment of
orbitoidal-type chambers because reverse spirals do not persist.
40: The partings between shell laminae are omitted, showing the lumina of the test black to accentuate the appearance
of the spiral lamina.
The typical orbitoidal test has arcuate chambers, each formed out of contact with others of the
cycle. In Discocyclina the chamberlets are analogous to orbitoidal chambers but are formed by
subdivision of a chamber by secondary septa and are in contact, so that the chamberlets are
necessarily bounded by straight radial walls. An orbitoidal species will never show the tailing off of
a cycle that is often seen in Discocyclina. The difference of principle between a cycle of small
chambers and an annular subdivided chamber is very profound. Yet both arise from the same
biological cause: increase of size with consequent unstable character of a large simple chamber.
Both have the same physiological value: the production of a small structural unit of constant size
allowing increase of number per instar to accommodate exponential increase of the volume of the
sarcode. Surprisingly, convergence of the two types can be complete. Chambers or chamberlets
both correspond to blobs of protoplasm independently extruded from the chambers of previous
cycles. If an orbitoidal species has crowded chambers, those of one cycle may come into contact
and will be separated by a double wall that has never been external. If the compression became
strong enough, rectangular chambers must result. Their radial walls are necessarily identical in
structure with the secondary septa of Cycloclypeus, Discocyclina, etc. Thus the difference of
homology could only be detected in the nepionic stage and would produce absolutely no
morphological effect in the adult. Asterocyclina is probably an example of this, for Bronnimann
(1946b) has shown that it has an orbitoidal nucleoconch and an ephebic stage that is homeomorphic
with Discocyclina.
255
Fig. 41
Fig. 42
Fig. 43
Fig. 44
TEXT-FIGS. 41-44: Orbitoidal chambers passing by crowding into a homeomorph of Discocycline chamberlets.
Visible partings are shown by solid lines, the dotted lines represent a theoretical distinction between primary chamber
wall and contemporaneously formed supplementary skeleton.
Phylogeny
The origin of the super-family Rotaliidea is not known. Generic records quoted in standard works
would suggest that the earliest species were Carboniferous, or even Cambrian. In fact, no species
with the full characters of the Rotaliidea is known before the Upper Cretaceous. The only common
simple spiral genus of the Cretaceous is Siderolites. Rotalia occurs rarely; Elphidium, or a form
very like it, is common in the Maestrichtian of Qatar; obscure members of the Nummulitidae have
been recorded in the literature. Orbitoididae are common in the Cretaceous but most of them are
probably not members of this super-family (Vaughanina is probably rotaliid).
The published suggestions of the phylogenetic origin of Rotalia, Nummulites, etc., are quite
unconvincing. Even the evolution of Elphidium from Nonion has been shown to be unlikely (p. 10).
The Discorbidea, which differ from the Rotaliidea in possessing no canals or double septa, but
otherwise are very similar, have a longer geological range and might be ancestral. The author's
experience indicates that the closer the investigations made into the structure of species, the less
confusion there is between the two groups. The reverse would be expected if there were many
phyletic interrelationships between them. This is the justification for removing the discorbid genera
from the Rotaliidea and thereby raising the serious practical difficulties of assigning orbitoidal
species to one super-family or the other.
256

Tracing phyletic sequences within the super-family Rotaliidea is often possible on a limited scale.
This is a study of detail in which close attention must be paid to the geographical and time
relationships. Evaluation of morphological similarities by the earlier workers was based on
inadequate knowledge and their classifications are undergoing continuous modification. The
general picture is of a number of lineages arising from simple forms and terminating in complex.
Each lineage is progressive in itself; the super-family as a whole alters in character from time to
time but not in an orderly and progressive manner, such as that known in the Vertebrata.
The main evolutionary force is of increase in absolute size. Skeletal features are largely consequent
on changes of chamber shape and arrangement that in turn are direct somatic responses to physical
difficulties introduced by increase of size of the test. The genetic factors permitting the actual form
of the breakdown of the spiral habit are pre adaptive, i.e. they have no significance in
morphological terms until the somatic adaptation is forced on the animal. Selection of such genetic
factors can subsequently fix, intensify and transfer morphological changes to earlier stages of
ontogeny. Because the morphology of the test is very directly dependent on the activity of the
sarcode and has little significance in its final state, these direct adaptations are possible, unlike the
state in Metazoa where morphology is only related to metabolism in a most complex way, and
direct adaptation of an inheritable kind is nearly impossible. The adaptations possible in
Foraminifera are limited, and parallel evolution is inevitable. Convergent evolution is common
because the basic structure of the test is constant. The simple spire is the most efficient habit for
small Rotaliidea; the orbitoidal habit is the best for large forms. All other habits are attempts to
change from one to the other, with varying success.
It is interesting to note that Lamarck worked on Foraminifera, and that he had a strong conviction
that evolution occurred by inheritance of somatic adaptations (Lamarck, 1804). Here a mechanism
has been postulated, consistent with biological theory, by which this can be achieved; if in a limited
sense and only in the more primitive living creatures.
Tan Sin Hok (in numerous papers from 1932 to 1937) has developed the most advanced study to
date on evolutionary morphogenesis in the complex genera of the fossil Rotaliidea. He stressed the
instances of convergent, parallel and orthogenetic evolution that occur among them and proposed
the hypothesis that increased maximum size of the test is the motive force causing modification of
chamber arrangement. Tan realised that the orbitoidal and similar habits are more efficient than the
spiral, and thought that mechanical strength may be a factor of importance. He also suggested that
the fine perforations and canals could not remain functional if the length became too long in
proportion to the diameter. He mentioned the principle of ontogenetic acceleration in phylogeny. He
did not demonstrate any possible mechanics by which biological factors would directly affect
morphology, as distinct from influencing selection of random modifications. His ideas-(1) that the
increase of size of the test was the prime mover in causing modifications and (2) that the orbitoidal
habit is the most efficient - are strongly supported by the new additions to the theory. Mechanical
strength of the test seems to be unimportant to Foraminifera, and there is no evidence that canals
and perforations have any limit to their length.
The Calcarinidae range from the Cretaceous to the Holocene. The simpler forms are spiral with
involute or evolute chambers and their plane of coiling is not as strictly kept as in the
Nummulitidae. The canal system is strongly developed but is not regionally restricted, as is usual in
other families. All these characters suggest primitiveness. Advanced genera attributed to this
family have more or less spherical growth, small chambers being added all over the test. Some
genera ascribed to the Nummulitidae, i.e. Miscellanea, may belong to the Calcarinidae.
257

The Rotaliidae also have a range from Cretaceous to Recent and the genus Rotalia is undoubtedly a
primitive root-stock from which many Tertiary genera and at least two families are derived.
Morphologically this is surprising for Rotalia has many characters that might be considered as
specialised. Daviesina gen. nov. has an early Paleocene species resembling Rotalia and a late
Paleocene species resembling Miscellanea. Miscellanea antedates the other Tertiary Nummulitidae
and there is therefore the possibility of derivation of the Tertiary Nummulitidae from Rotalia, but
this sequence is still speculative. The Rupertiidae, first appearing in the Eocene with simple
attached species, later elaborated acervuline and arborescent species in which a similarity of at least
the nepionic stage to the primitive species can be traced. The general similarity of the early species
to the Rotaliidae is striking and no alternative derivation can be suggested. The Rupertiidae are
progressive in their characters but are difficult to observe when fossilised and the more complex
genera cannot be adequately observed for determination.
The Miogypsinidae are proven to be derived from Rotalia (Barker & Grimsdale, 1937). The family
is confined to the Upper Oligocene and Miocene and is progressive in character. The early species
lack lateral chambers and have a nepionic spire. Later species have lateral chambers and there is a
progressive development of a complex orbitoidal nucleoconch. There is also a trend to make
growth on a greater sector of the margin or to develop a digitate outline (Tan Sin Hok, 1936 b, c, d;
1937 b, c, d).
The Nummulitidae are represented in the Cretaceous by Sulcoperculina and some doubtful records
of Nummulites. There is no certain link between these and the Tertiary genera. Morphologically,
the resemblance between the Calcarinidae and Nummulitidae permits speculation about a
relationship. Theoretically, Miscellanea is a possible ancestral form for Nummulites and its
stratigraphical position is reasonable. While the Nummulitidae may be polyphyletic, the more
typical genera, such as Nummulites, Assilina, Operculina and Heterostegina, form a very closely
knit group. Evolution in this family is a study of many isolated developments of a multiple spire,
secondary septation, lateral chambers, annular growth and other features. All are effectively
phylogerontic and terminate in short-lived end-species.
The Discocyclinidae are broadly homeomorphic with the heterostegine branch of the Nummulitidae
but the chamber units are typically much smaller and more numerous. They are confined to the
Eocene and some at least are orbitoidal cyclical forms mimicking annular ones, e.g. Asterocyclina
(Bronnimann, 1946b).
The Orbitoididae include many genera that belong to the Discorbidea, such as Helicolepidina. The
genera that most probably belong to the Rotaliidae are Vaughanina and Omphalocyclus. Both are
isolated end-forms.
The Elphidiidae is an isolated family that shows no progression from the Cretaceous to the present
day. Jurassic records are erroneous and so is the origin of Elphidium from Nonion. All records
before the Oligocene are obscure. Records from the Lower Eocene are, at least in part, to be
referred to Laffitteina. The author has seen an undescribed species from Qatar and Iraq, of
undoubted Maestrichtian age, that has exactly the external features of Elphidium.
258
DESCRIPTION OF FOSSILS
Order FORAMINIFERA
Super-family ROTALIIDEA Glaessner, 1945 (amended)
DESCRIPTION: The test is composed of concentric laminae of radially fibrous calcite which is
always perforate on the outer wall of a new chamber. Each lamina corresponds to one "instar" or
period of chamber formation. It completely encloses the whole of the previously formed test,
including the new chamber or chambers. The complete test may be regarded as composed of an
aggregate of concentric shells. Two laminae, where not separated by a chamber cavity, are
separated only by a parting, i.e. by a discontinuity of crystal structure visible in thin section. Where
no chamber intervenes, the shell laminae build up thick masses of "supplemental skeleton, or
"thickening. An essential feature is the formation of a septal flap that curves away from the top of
the corresponding chamber and runs over the former apertural face of the previous instar and
converts it into a double internal partition; which is, in spiral species, a double septum. The
chambers have no effect on the enveloping shell laminae, excepting to cause them to arch to
accommodate the lumen. By interrupting the piling up of laminae they can modify or even suppress
the building up of supplemental skeleton. By grooving and perforation of individual laminae, canal
and fissure systems may be built up in the supplemental skeleton and local hypertrophy results in
pillars, pustules and spines. Perforation is often progressively or abruptly modified during the
thickening of a chamber wall.
The chambers of successive instars are necessarily in contact but they are independent structures
and not homologous or analogous to segments of a tube. The nepionic stage is often spiral and there
is never a primitive tube. Very advanced genera have a complex nepionic stage that nevertheless
consists of discrete chambers.
The intercameral foramen is either a slit at the base of the septum or a stolon. It does not always
correspond to an aperture, but may instead be formed by resorption, presumably immediately before
a new chamber is formed. Umbilical apertures are often found in trochoid species and they do not
always take part in subsequent chamber formation.
The species ascribed to the super-family include those with many different chamber arrangements,
but they can invariably be related to modifications of a simple bilaterally symmetrical spiral form,
and the microspheric nepionic stage is nearly always spiral. Modified chambers tend to adopt a
constant and relatively isometric size and shape. The distinct median layer, marked by special form
of the chambers and the presence of septal flaps, is only very rarely lost, and even then it is present
in the nepionic stage. Uniserial growth is decidedly uncharacteristic.
Family ROTALIIDAE
DESCRIPTION : The test is free and trochoid, the spire simple or multiple. The dorsal surface has
solid supplemental skeleton and little or no involution of the chambers. The chamber layer,
corresponding to the median plane of the Nummulitidae, etc., forms a cortical layer of chambers.
The supplemental skeleton forms a large umbilical plug, never entirely solid. The chambers have an
intercameral foramen which is a slit at the base of the septum; in some cases at least it may be
259

formed by resorption. All species have an umbilical aperture at the inner end of each cortical
chamber. The septa are always obviously double and commonly have a canal system in them. There
is always a canal system of some sort below the cortical chamber layer, but there is no plexus of
canals forming a marginal cord, although the margin may have some specialisation. Initial
perforation is strong, but later laminae over a chamber may be imperforate.
KEY TO GENERA OF THE ROTALIIDAE

I
II
III
IV
Base fissured, leaving a central plug or a number of incised pillars

1 Strong spiral canal is present below the cortical chamber layer
Rotalia
2 Fissures open, no umbilical canal
Ammonia
Base occupied by granules, between which are pores; the umbilical region is occupied by
cavities, separated by perforate plates that are buttressed by pillars
1 Spire simple
a Diameter greater than axial length
Lockhartia
b Diameter less than axial length
Sakesaria
2 Spire multiple
Dictyoconoides
Base not fissured, sometimes grooved; vertical canals from cortical chambers to pores on
base
1 Spire simple
Kathina
2 Spire multiple
Dictyokathina
Base and apex pillared; asymmetry slight
Daviesina
RELATIONSHIPS: The earliest definite record of the family is in the Upper Cretaceous; R.
skourensis Pfender, 1938, and Kathina bermudezi (Cole, 1947). The hypothesis that the family is
derived from Spirillina is supported neither by morphological analogy nor by direct evidence of
intergradation. The clear homology between the Rotaliidae and the simple spiral Nummulitidae
does not imply that there is frequent intergradation between the families. The Nummulitidae,
Elphidiidae and Calcarinidae are typically symmetrical while the Rotaliidae are differentiated on the
dorsal and ventral sides.
The resemblance of the Discorbidae to the Rotaliidae raises the possibility of a genetic relationship.
The Discorbidae lack double septa and canals and the Rotaliidae could be derived from them by
evolution of these characters, but there is no evidence of intergradation.
It is unlikely that there is any close relationship between the Amphisteginidae and the Rotaliidae,
but Carpenter (1862: 246-247) confused Amphistegina and Rotalia, and Davies (1932: 408-418)
wrongly described astral lobes in Rotalia and failed to state the features in which these genera
differ. In addition to the super-family characters that separate them, these genera do not have the
same chamber structure. The chambers of Rotalia are quite simple and there are no astral lobes or
ventral chambers, but canals are present. In other genera of the Rotaliidae where umbilical cavities
are present, each is never confined to a radial sector, but spreads over much of the umbilical region.
260

The genera of the Rotaliidae fall into three well-marked groups:
1. Rotalia (p. 42) and Ammonia (p. 42) with umbilical fissures. The structure of Daviesina gen.
nov. (p. 66) is not fully known.
2. Lockhartia (p. 47) with an umbilical structure of plates and pillars formed "by the presence
of umbilical cavities. The genera Sakesaria (p. 56) and Dictyoconoides (p. 59) have a
similar umbilical structure and are obviously advanced forms of the same lineage.
3. Kathina gen. nov. (p. 61) with vertical canals but no other umbilical complexity.
Dictyokathina gen. nov. (p. 64) is an advanced form of the same group.
Genus ROTALIA Lamarck, 1804

Type Rotalites trochidiformis Lamarck
DESCRIPTION: The test is built of radially fibrous calcite, laminated in the manner typical of the
super-family Rotaliidea. The spire is simple and trochoid; the cortical chambers simple, evolute
dorsally and partly involute ventrally. There are no astral lobes, ventral chamberlets or umbilical
cavities. The dorsal surface has perforate thickening. The ventral surface shows a whorl of
chambers, sometimes partly obscured by thickening, with an umbilical plug that is split up by
anastomosing fissures into pillars. The fissures are closed higher up by secondary deposits and an
umbilical canal runs under the cortical chamber layer, receiving tributary canals from umbilical
apertures of the cortical chambers. These are slits at the inner side of the chamber. There is no other
canal system in R. trochidiformis. In other species, fissures or canals are present in the septa
(Carpenter, 1862: 214; Hofker, 1927, pl. xxi, fig. 2, etc.). Williamson (1853: 87) stated that
apparent canals are really fissures in Faujasina, i.e. a Recent species of Rotalia. The margin is not
perforate and this gives a distinctive appearance to it
REMARKS: Davies (1932: 408-424) established Rotalites trochidiformis Lamarck (1804) as the
type species of Rotalia, and gave reasons for using the name Rotalia in preference to the older name
Rotalites. Davies depicted the type species accurately, but misinterpreted the internal structure. He
stated that Rotalia has astral lobes to the cortical chambers. This is not so, and his generic definition
is therefore incorrect. The umbilical canal system was recorded by Hofker (1927: 35) for other
species, and by Barker & Grimsdale (1937: 167) for Rotalia trochidiformis. Little attention has been
given to the taxonomic importance of the double septa of Rotalia, although these are often
mentioned, e.g. by Carpenter (1862: 214), but no distinction in respect of this character has been
made from the rather similar genera Discorbis, Asterigerina, Pseudovalvulineria, etc. Hofker
(1951: 491-502) still makes little use of this distinction. In his discussion of Streblus Fischer, 1817,
he attributed by implication the same characters to Rotalia as are given here, but his taxonomy is
invalid because he uses R. schroeteriana Parker & Jones, 1862, as the type species and, erroneously
thinking that R. trochidiformis has a different structure, removes that species from the genus
Rotalia. This is a nomenclatural impossibility. Hofker separates Streblus (type species Nautilus
beccarii Linne, 1758) from Rotalia because no secondary deposits are formed to block the
umbilical fissures and leave a spiral canal. Frizzel & Keen (1949: 106-107) have pointed out that
Ammonia Brunnich, 1771, Hammonium Fichtel & Moll, 1798, and Turbinulina Risso, 1826, all
have the type species Nautilus beccarii Linn. Ammonia is the senior name (see Winckworthorth,
1945: 116; and conclusions of the Committee on Nomenclature of the International Zoological
Congress, 1950).
261

Barker & Grimsdale (1937: 168) state that Rotalia has peripheral subsidiary chamberlets. This is
not so. The cavities to which they refer are either peculiar to R. mexicana var. mecatepecensis or are
the tiny cavities that appear at the top of each septum in all genera of the Rotaliidea and are not a
special character of Rotalia. They have no connection with the idea of astral lobes and are situated
peripherally, not ventrally.
Dimorphism is not usual in Rotalia.
Rotalia trochidiformis (Lamarck, 1804)

Plate I, figs. 1-6
1804
1832
1854
1927
1931
1932
1932
1935
Rotalites trochidiformis Lamarck, pp. 183-185

Rotalia trochidiformis (Lamarck): Deshayes, p. 912.
Rotalia newboldi d'Archiac & Haime (partim), p. 347, Pl. xxvi, figs, 17a-c.
Dictyoconoides newboldi (d'Archiac & Haime): Davies, p. 279, pl. xxii, figs. 1-4.
Dictyoconoides newboldi (d'Archiac & Haime): Nuttall & Brighton, p. 57, pl. iv, fig. 1.
Rotalia trochidiformis (Lamarck) : Davies, pp. 396-427, pl. ii, fig. 13.
Lockhartia newboldi (d'Archiac & Haime) : Davies, p. 408.
Rotalia trochidiformis (Lamarck): Pfender, pp. 225-235, pls. xi-xii.
DESCRIPTION: The test is trochoid with a moderately curved "median plane". The dorsal
surface is rounded with a variable apical angle of about 120 degrees. The dorsal septal sutures are
straight and reclined. The margin is acute. The ventral surface is typically flat but sometimes
deeply convex. The ornament of the base is typical; in the centre there are a number of granules
separated by deep fissures. Oblique grooves on the base, often difficult to see, mark the inner ends
of the cortical chambers, and fissures run zigzag along the sutures. Only the last two or three
chambers are clearly seen externally.
The cortical chambers are evolute dorsally, the septa are straight and slightly oblique. The chamber
walls are strongly perforate. The intercameral foramen is a slit at the base of the septum. No
corresponding aperture has been seen on the terminal face, but preservation is not good enough to
be certain of its absence. All chambers are simple and have an umbilical aperture in the form of a
slit at the top inner side of the chamber. This opens into a tributary canal of a large spiral canal
passing below the cortical chambers in the umbilical plug and opening to the exterior among the
fissures of the base. The septa are obviously double but no intraseptal canals are present. The
umbilical mass is a cone with an apical angle of about 100 degrees and the fissures on the base cut it
into pillars that run nearly to the cortical chamber layer. They are visible in thin section, but only
the outer parts of them are visible in decalcified preparations and the fissures therefore must be
filled with unlaminated calcite. The ventral pillars are residual.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
2.3 mm
1.0 mm
Diameter
1.1 mm
0.4 mm
Height
5
0.7
0.3
H/D
There are about three whorls with 12-14 chambers in the last
Average
1.6 mm
0.6 mm
0.4
5
For all species covered the maximum and minimum dimensions and ratios are not all taken from the same specimen;
they are independently variable and sometimes the maximum diameter is associated with the minimum ratio.
262

MATERIAL: P. 40048, 40145-8, 40179, 40180.
DISTRIBUTION: R. trochidiformis is known from the Middle Eocene of Europe. It is also
common in the Ranikot (Paleocene), Laki and Kirthar of India. It ranges from Middle Eocene to
Paleocene in Iraq and Syria. In Qatar it ranges from Lower Eocene to Paleocene, and probably in
the Maestrichtian also (verbal communication from M. Chatton).
REMARKS: The only complete description of this species is that of Davies (1932: 409-418). A
number of important amendments have been published, but there is no complete redescription.
Davies's observations of appearances are very accurate and, with his figures, make recognition of
the species easy. Nevertheless, his interpretations of structure are grossly in error. The lamination
of the shell material is observed by Davies (1932, fig. 5), but he figures only one lamina per whorl,
and these are concentric. Allowing the figure to be oblique, this would be explicable, but the figure
is a diagram of an axial section. A spiral test cannot be formed by such a succession of concentric
envelopes, although a cyclical test could. R. trochidiformis quite obviously has a spiral
arrangement of cortical chambers. If the test is formed by enveloping laminae, they must
correspond one to each chamber, rather than one to each whorl. Successive laminae would be
visible in thin section if they are separated by visible partings, when not separated by the cavities of
chambers. In axial section the parting that corresponds to a chamber intersected on one side of the
test must run across both dorsal and ventral poles, and within the thickness of the wall separating
chambers of adjacent whorls on the opposite side of the test. Laminations of this type can be seen in
Davies's photographs (1932, pl iii, fig. 12; pl. iv, fig. 5). A purely mechanical reconstruction of a
test formed in this manner indicates the formation of a compound spiral lamina, each septum being
a single lamina crossing from the outer to the inner position. The obviously double septa observed
in R. trochidiformis require the special postulate of the septal flap (Text-fig. 7). The features seen in
equatorial sections of R. trochidiformis are entirely consistent with this reconstruction.
In redefining Rotalia, Davies (1932: 408-424) states that the cortical chambers have extensions into
the umbilical area, which are divided from the peripheral parts of the chambers by a fold in the
chamber floor called the astral furrow. The umbilical extensions are called astral lobes. These
features were obviously suggested by an early description of Amphistegina by Carpenter (1862:
245), a genus in which astral lobes are really present, and which Carpenter associated with Rotalia.
Davies had reasons for describing the presence of astral lobes in R. trochidiformis. His plate (1932,
pl iv, fig. 5) purports to be a true axial section. Actually it is very oblique. The inner ends of several
chambers of one whorl are cut and these have been misinterpreted as astral lobes. The external
appearance of the base is granular, there being a reticulum of angular fissures in the umbilical area,
and dendritic fissures following the radial sutures, which are present only on the peripheral part of
the base. The extent to which the fissuring encroaches on the chamber floors is variable, and
greatest is on the earliest chambers of the last whorl. The chambers do not extend for more than half
the radius, but the sutural fissures are sometimes extended as far as the ventral pole, partly as an
optical illusion, and partly by accentuation of fissures that lie approximately along that line. The
inner end of the chamber is sometimes followed by a stronger line of fissures, and this has given
rise to the description of an astral furrow. R. trochidiformis entirely lacks astral lobes, but there is a
spiral umbilical canal, and the openings from the cortical chambers into this were interpreted as
openings into the astral lobes.
The umbilical fissures of Rotalia are obviously present, and they cut deeply into the shell material.
Their presence is not easily reconciled with that of any other complexity of the umbilical region.
From Daviess diagram (1932, text-fig. 5) one concludes that only a few central pillars are
continuous, the remainder being interrupted by chamber cavities and arise anew in the subsequent
263

whorl. This is substantially true, although the umbilicus is now known to have an angle of about 90
degrees, and here the pillars are continuous. Van Rijsinghe (1930: 134) records a strong umbilical
canal in Rotalia, of which Davies (1932: 408) denies the presence. Barker & Grimsdale (1937:
167) have pointed out that Davies's own figures (1932, pl. ii, fig. 15; pl. iii, fig. 11) show traces of
the spiral umbilical canal and its tributaries. In this paper it is implicit that R. trochidiformis has the
same structure as that described by Hofker (1927) in Recent species of Rotalia. Grimsdale (private
communication) based this conclusion on his decalcified preparations of R. trochidiformis (Pl. I,
figs. 2-6), which the present writer has been fortunate enough to see (now in the collections of the
British Museum (Natural History), P. 40179-80). By this means, Grimsdale has demonstrated that
the cortical chambers are simple, and have no astral lobes and that they each have a tributary canal
to a strong spiral umbilical canal that opens between the granules on the base. The open fissures do
not penetrate deeply into the shell material. Although the perforations are clearly impregnated, no
certain traces of intraseptal canals or marginal canals are to be seen. On one point Barker &
Grimsdale are to be corrected; peripheral chamberlets are not characteristic and do not occur in R.
trochidiformis. They probably refer to the tiny cavities left by the curvature of the septal flap (Textfigs. 1,7). These are found in all the Rotaliidea.
The fissures of the umbilical region in normal sections appear much deeper than those in decalcified
specimens. This can only mean that shell material is deposited in the deeper fissures, filling them up
for most of their length. The margin of R. trochidiformis is sometimes thickened to simulate a
marginal cord. It is not perforate but shows fibrosity of the shell material due to the large radius of
curvature. It lacks the marginal canal system of Nummulites and it is better not to refer to it as a
marginal cord. All these considerations establish firmly that there is no important difference of
structure between R. trochidiformis and other species of Rotalia described in detail by Williamson
(1851) and Hofker (1927).
Gill (in a manuscript shortly to be published) has demonstrated that R. newboldi is a synonym of R.
trochidiformis. His findings are accepted here. Lower Eocene specimens of R. trochidiformis from
Qatar are typical. In the highest part of the Paleocene there are numerous specimens that may be
this species, but preservation is too poor for strict diagnosis. The chambers extend more deeply into
the umbilical region than is usual, and the ornament of the base is obscure. This species also has
occurrences in the Maestrichtian of Qatar.

(Plate XV, fig. 8)
DESCRIPTION: The test is low convex dorsally and without ornament. The ventral surface is flat
or low conical and the margin is subacute and sometimes slightly overhanging. The centre of the
base is occupied by a central granule, surrounded by a peripheral fissure which has nearly straight
fissures radiating from it along the sutures. There are no other granules.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
0.9 mm
Diameter
0.5 mm
Height
0.6
H/D
There are about 2 whorls with 8 chambers in the last
Minimum
0.4 mm
0.3 mm
0.4
Average
0.6 mm
0.4 mm
0.5
264

HOLOTYPE: P. 40265.
DISTRIBUTION: Lower part of the Paleocene of Qatar.
REMARKS: This species is similar to R. trochidiformis in shape, but is distinguished by its small
size and slight ventral ornament. It differs from R. dukhani sp. nov. in lacking dorsal pillars and in
having many fewer chambers in the last whorl. Poor preservation prevents a more complete
description.

(Plate XV, fig. 7)
DESCRIPTION: The test is trochoid, flat or convex dorsally, smooth with a few apical pustules.
Ventrally it is deeply convex or subconical, the sutures deeply incised and the central plug single
and surrounded by a deep fissure; the margin is sharp. The septa and sutures are very straight and
radial. Sometimes there are a few incised pillars near the ventral plug.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
1.1 mm
Diameter
0.5 mm
Height
0.6
H/D
About 3 to 4 whorls with 16 chambers in the last.
Nucleoconch about 0.03 mm diameter
Minimum
0.3 mm
0.1 mm
0.4
Average
0.6 mm
0.4 mm
0.5
HOLOTYPE: P. 40263.
PARATYPES: P. 40264.
DISTRIBUTION: Lower part of the Paleocene of Qatar.
REMARKS: The resemblance to R. mexicana is considerable, but the detailed appearance is
different. The resemblance to Kathina selveri (p. 62) is also great but the latter species lacks the
deep ventral fissures and the dorsal pustules. A canal system can be seen to exist but poor
preservation prevents adequate description.
Genus LOCKHARTIA Davies, 1932

Type Dictyoconoides Haimei Davies
DESCRIPTION: The test is formed of laminated, radially fibrous calcite, of the type described
above as typical of the Rotaliidea; conical to lenticular in external shape, the height not exceeding
the diameter of the base. The chambers are arranged in a simple trochoid spire and form the outer
layer of the cone, leaving a wide umbilical area of complex structure. In horizontal section the
chambers are separated by septa which appear double and have the usual basal intercameral
foramen. In axial section the chambers are nearly evolute dorsally. The outer wall is punctate and
the floor curves up on the umbilical side almost closing the chamber but leaving a slit at the top.
This slit opens into a cavity situated between the same laminae of shell material as the chamber.
This cavity could be described as an "astral lobe" or "supplementary chamberlet", if it were not that
it extends laterally between upper and lower similar cavities corresponding to earlier and later
chambers; thus each cavity occupies the whole umbilical area. The structure is much complicated
by local thickening and/or bending of the laminae, so that buttresses are produced. There is every
possible intergradation between sporadic irregular buttresses and vertically continuous interruption
of the cavities. The latter results in the appearance of vertical pillars extending from the chamber
265

layer to the base, where their ends appear as granules. The laminae in the umbilical region are
perforated by round pores or meandrine slits, those of the last lamina being open to the exterior and
so constituting apertures. In some species at least, there is a possibility that the intercameral slit
does not represent an aperture. Where pillars are poorly developed and the pores large, the
umbilical region becomes labyrinthine. It is characteristic of Lockhartia that the spire has a greater
apical angle in the first whorl than in the last, varying from 180 degrees to 90 degrees, according to
the species. The dorsal thickening is varied in ornament which is a valuable specific character. The
ornament of the base is less distinctive. One, two or all chambers show depressed sutures. The
margin has a smooth peripheral band and the umbilical region is occupied by granules, which are
finer towards the periphery, with shallow grooves between them and pores in the grooves. The
relative amount of the base occupied by granules, grooves and pores, and their shape and size are
specific characters. The nucleoconch is commonly large, dimorphism being unusual. Standard
measurements are characteristic of species but variability is considerable. Measurement is
laborious and expresses the characteristic external shapes only to a limited extent.
REMARKS: This redescription represents a considerable advance of knowledge and, together
with the revision of the description of Rotalia (p. 42), a new descriptive comparison between
Rotalia and Lockhartia is required. The only basis for separation lies in the umbilical structure.
Rotalia has a solid umbilical plug with a spiral canal under the chambers into which they open by
tributary canals. Fissures may cut up this plug into pillars but they are always at least partly filled
up by secondary deposits. Lockhartia has a pile of umbilical cavities into which the cortical
chambers open. These cavities intercommunicate and open on the base by numerous large pores.
The appearance of plates and pillars in the umbilicus is distinctive in axial section. In L. conditi the
very large pillars so constrict the cavities, that they may be overlooked. On external characters
Rotalia and Lockhartia are not easily separated. Close observation of the base sometimes permits
one to recognise the shallowness of the fissures between the granules in Lockhartia, and to see the
pores in them. Intraseptal canals occur in L. haimei, and probably in other species also.
Sakesaria and Dictyoconoides have exactly the same umbilical structure as Lockhartia. Sakesaria
is higher than wide, and has a bulging base, while Dictyoconoides has intercalary whorls in the
spire.
Kathina gen. nov. (p. 61) and Dictyokathina gen. nov. (p. 64) have no umbilical cavities or spiral
canal. The umbilical region is solid, except for one vertical canal from the accessory aperture of
each cortical chamber to the base. Asterigerina and Amphistegina are distinguished from Lockhartia
by the single septa, and by the formation of a ventral spire in addition to the dorsal.
Davies (1932: 406) does not describe the umbilical structure of Lockhartia adequately. Nuttall
(1925b : 384-386) mentions it briefly in Dictyoconoides which then included present Lockhartia
spp. As a result, even a careful worker following Davies's original description could fail to
recognise Lockhartia.
The species included in Lockhartia by L. M. Davies are all to be retained, with the exception of
Rotalia newboldi d'Archiac & Haime, which Gill (MS.) has shown to be a synonym of R .
trochidiformis. Ovey (1947) reviews the genus.
The genus Lockhartia is known with certainty only from India, East Africa, and now also from
Arabia and Iraq. Rutten (1948) records it from Borneo. By the courtesy of Dr. M. G. Rutten and
Prof. Dr. G. H. R. Van Koenigswald, the writer has examined this material and believes that
Lockhartia is not present; poorly preserved specimens of Rotalia Mexicana Nuttall and Pellatispira
266

may account for the error. As the specimens were presumed to be derived, the question of age does
not arise. All species described from the American continent are here shown not to belong to
Lockhartia.
KEY TO SPECIES of Lockhartia
Group of L. haimei: Pillars and plates distinct : peripheral smooth band at
margin of base: perforation coarse: chambers wedge-shaped:
1 Ornament of coarse bars and pustules :
2 Ornament of fine bars
3 Ornament weakly reticulate: spire high
Group of L. diversa: Pillars and plates confused : peripheral band present:
II
chambers wedge-shaped:
1 Oblately spheroidal: ornament reticulate:
2 Conical: no dorsal ornament:
Group of L. tipperi: Plates and pillars very distinct: sutures of last whorl of
III chambers visible on base: perforation fine: chambers semi-lunar in axial
section:
1 Small: spire high: apex smooth:
I
Small: spire high: apex pustulate:
L. haimei
L. prehaimei
L. altispira
L. diversa
L. conica
L. hunti
L. hunti var.
pustulosa
L. tipperi
3 Large: spire flat: apex pustulate :

IV Group of L. conditi:
Pillars huge: the plates between being difficult to see: the marginal
L. conditi
sutures are indented: the perforation is fine:
Three other species have been assigned to Lockhartia. L. alveolata Silvestri, 1942, is insufficiently
described; in particular the type figure is inadequate to show the specific characters. L. bermudezi
Cole, 1942, has an axial plug without umbilical cavities or fissures. It has radial canals and agrees
with Kathina sp. nov. (p. 61, Pl. VII, figs. 9-13). L. cushmani Applin & Jordan, 1945, has a
structure superficially intermediate between Rotalia and Kathina. There are no umbilical cavities
but slits cut into the umbilical plug. These differ from the fissures of Rotalia in not anastomosing to
cut the shell material into residual pillars, and from the vertical canals of Kathina in having an
elongate, not circular, cross-section. Cole (1947: 239) redescribed this species and transferred it to
Rotalia, overlooking the fact that it thereby became a homonym of Rotalia cushmani Applin &
Jordan, 1945 (fide Applin & Jordan, 1950). L. Cushmani Applin & Jordan, 1945 (=R. cushmani
(Applin & Jordan) Cole, 1947, non R. cushmani Applin & Jordan, 1945) does not conform to any
described genus. The removal of these species reduces the known range of Lockhartia to Paleocene
and Lower Eocene, with one record (L. alveolata) in the Middle Eocene.
Lockhartia haimei (Davies, 1927)

(Plate II, figs. 1-14)
1854
1927
1930b
1932
1937
1942
Rotalia newboldi d'Archiac & Haime (partim), p. 347.

Dictyoconoides haimei Davies, pp. 280-281, pl. xxi, figs. 13-15.
Lockhartia haimei (Davies) Davies, pp. 75-76.
Lockhartia haimei (Davies): Davies, p. 407, pl. ii, figs. 4-6.
Lockhartia haimei (Davies): Davies & Pinfold, pp. 45-46, pl. vii, figs. 9-13, 15.
Lockhartia haimei (Davies): Silvestri, p. 79, pl. i, fig. 6, pl. xxii, fig. 6.
267
DESCRIPTION: The test is conical dorsally with an apical angle of about 120 degrees, decreasing
markedly in later whorls in some cases. The coarse ornament tends to obscure this alteration of
apical angle. The base is convex to a variable extent, with a slight bulge at the terminal chamber.
The margin is subacute. The spire is of three or four whorls, or, rarely, five in specimens from high
zones. The chambers increase in height slowly and appear about as high as long on the dorsal
surface, where they are strongly punctate with limbate sutures. The thickening of the sutures is
imperforate and encroaches on the chambers near the apex. The spiral suture often forms a strong
spiral bar at the apex and coarse pustules and bars may appear. The ornament is variable with
pustules only, bars only, or both in combination. The septal sutures are straight and inclined at
about 80 degrees to the spiral suture. Only one or two chambers are visible on the base. They are
punctate, lack a marginal band and have indented sutures. The rest of the base has a smooth
peripheral band, inside which is a zone of small granules which grades into the group of larger ones
occupying the umbilical area. The granules are of fairly even size, rounded or slightly polygonal.
The grooves between the granules are interrupted by horizontal plates which show pores between
the granules.
In axial section the chambers are seen to be very nearly evolute dorsally and are squarer than those
of any other species. The median surface approximates better to part of a spherical surface than to a
cone. The chamber cavities are therefore not very involute even on the ventral side and leave an
umbilical plug of about 120 degrees. The chamber walls thicken to fill this umbilicus and the
laminae spread apart to leave large umbilical cavities which intercommunicate by large pores in the
laminae. They are interrupted by the thickening of the laminae along radial lines to form pillars
which appear on the base as granules. Thus the umbilicus is filled by a spongy mass of horizontal
perforate plates and narrow pillars, leaving a considerable lumen between, which may appear
labyrinthine in sections. The intercameral foramen is a slit at the base of the septum and no aperture
corresponding to it has been observed. The preservation is not such as to enable one to be certain
whether the intercameral foramen is formed originally or later by resorption. An umbilical foramen
is present in every chamber in addition. Intraseptal canals are present.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
3.6 mm
0.8 mm
Diameter
3.0 mm
0.6 mm
Height
0.9
0.4
H/D
Ratio of chamber height to length: 1:1.
Three to 5 whorls with 16 to 24 chambers in the last whorl.
Diameter of nucleoconch 0.2 mm to 0.15 mm.
There are about 20 granules in the diameter of the base.
Average
1.8 to 2.3 mm
1.2 to 2.0 mm
0.7
MATERIAL: P. 40049-53, 40156-8, 40181-4, and specimens intermediate to L. prehaimei, P.

40054-58.
DISTRIBUTION: Ranikot of India and the Paleocene of Northern Somaliland. Throughout the
Paleocene of Qatar, with the exception of the lowest zone.
REMARKS: The above description is based on specimens from Qatar. The original description
and figures of specimens from Thal (Davies, 1927: 280-281, pl. xxi, figs. 13-15; pl. xxii, fig. 6) and
of a later figure of an axial section from the Samana Range (Davies, 1930b, pl. ix, figs. 6,7), agree
well with the Qatar populations, although they give insufficient evidence to show to what extent the
268

variations are the same. There can, however, be no doubt of the specific attribution. Specimens
from the Punjab Salt Range (Davies & Pinfold, 1937) are rather different from anything in Qatar.
They are often low spired with a reduced umbilical structure and a dorsal ornament of small
pustules.
No dimorphism has been found, the nucleoconch being of very constant size.
L. haimei shows a considerable range of variation, which has no known stratigraphical significance,
excepting near the base of its range in Qatar, where specimens transitional from L. prehaimei sp.
nov. form part of a plexus of precursors of L. haimei, L. diversa, L. altispira and Sakesaria dukhani.
These forms have a finer and more clear-cut pattern of limbate sutures and pustules while the
typical specimens of the species have coarse pustules and a spiral bar. At high horizons in the
Paleocene of Qatar, L. haimei is less abundant and includes giant specimens with five whorls.
L. tipperi has a very similar umbilical structure and ornament and the dorsal ornament is like the
simpler pustulate varieties of L. haimei, but the shape of the test and of the cortical chambers is
markedly different, L. tipperi being flat dorsally, with the surface of coiling almost plane. L. conica
is distinguished by the more conical test and lack of dorsal pustules. L. hunti has a different shape
from L. haimei, easier to see than to describe, the pillars are either absent or very distinct from the
sutures.

(Plate II, figs. 21, 22; Plate VII, fig. 14)
DESCRIPTION: The test is plano-convex, the dorsal surface being rounded, the margin subacute
and the ventral surface nearly flat. The ornament on the dorsal surface is of numerous fine,
irregularly arranged bars. The sutures are visible only on the last whorl. Punctuation is also to be
seen clearly only on the last whorl. The base has the last whorl of chambers obscurely visible and
the umbilical area is occupied by granules with pores between them. The nucleoconch is small.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
2.5 mm
0.5 mm
Diameter
1.9 mm
0.3 mm
Height
0.8
0.4
H/D
Diameter of nucleoconch 0.1 mm approximately.
There are 3 to 4 whorls with 15 to 20 chambers in the last.
Average
1.8 mm
1.0 mm
0.5
HOLOTYPE: P. 40059.
PARATYPES: P. 40159, 40161 i-cclxx, 40162 i-iii, 40185-6.
DISTRIBUTION: Typical specimens, unlike any other species of Lockhartia, are found in the
basal Paleocene beds in Qatar. At a higher horizon transitional specimens to L. haimei occur, the
likeness becoming progressively greater until, at the horizon when L. diversa and Sakesaria
dukhani appear, true specimens of L. haimei are found. Transitional specimens do not persist much
above this level, and typical specimens do not reach it.
REMARKS: This species is very like L. haimei, from which it is distinguished by external shape
and dorsal ornament. L. prehaimei has a very rounded dorsal surface and flat base. Its ornament is
of small bars all over the dorsal surface, occurring over the chambers as well as on the sutures. The
earliest transitional specimens have a tendency for the ornament to become coarser on the apex and
to retreat from the later whorls, the chambers of these becoming more clearly visible. After the
269

ornament typical of L. haimei is established, the shape tends to alter, the chambers increase in size
slightly more rapidly, and the rounded apex is lost.
The dorsal surface notably lacks the in curving at the margin seen in L. diversa sp. nov. The
nucleoconch is slightly smaller than that of most species of Lockhartia. L. diversa, L. haimei, L.
altispira and Sakesaria dukhani are probably all descended from L. prehaimei.

(Plate IV, figs. 4-6)
DESCRIPTION: The test is exceptionally elongate, the axial length being about equal to the
diameter, and the last whorl is only slightly greater in diameter than the previous one. The test is
conical with an almost flat base. The granules on the ventral surface appear rounded and separate
from each other, a smooth marginal band being strongly developed. The chambers are visible on all
but the early whorls of the dorsal surface. The last chambers are punctate with limbate sutures. The
sutures become more raised towards the apex which is ornamented by a strong spiral bar often with
pustules and blobs on it. The punctuation becomes coarser towards the apex, approaching a
honeycomb ornament.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
2.1 mm
Diameter
2.2 mm
Height
1.2
H/D
Diameter of nucleoconch about 0.15 mm.
3 to 4 whorls, 10 to 15 chambers in the last.
Minimum
1.3 mm
1.2 mm
0.7
Average
1.8 mm
1.7 mm
0.9
HOLOTYPE: P. 40066.
PARATYPES: P. 40067, 40160, 40197.
DISTRIBUTION: Paleocene of Qatar.
REMARKS: This species is intermediate between Lochhartia and Sakesaria in axial elongation. It
is placed in the former genus because the base of Sakesaria bulges, whereas that of L. altispira does
not. Resemblances to L. haimei, L. diversa and Sakesaria dukhani can be traced in this species and
a few truly intermediate specimens may exist, but the exact shape and ornament are distinctive.
Immature specimens of Sakesaria may have a similar axial elongation but the initial apical angle in
L. altispira is greater than in any specimen of Sakesaria.

(Plate III, figs. 1-20)
DESCRIPTION: The test is very rounded, the dorsal surface being part of an oblate spheroid,
truncated below the equator by the slightly convex base. The dorsal surface is ornamented by a
honeycomb pattern, which coarsens towards the apex and in extreme cases produces an apical
ornament rather like that of L. haimei in addition to the honeycomb pattern. Only the last one or
two chambers are ever visible externally. The last is punctate and the ornament appears first over
the sutures. The septa are straight and strongly inclined. The ventral surface has a smooth
peripheral band and the umbilical area is covered by granules of very irregular shape. There are
sometimes several bars radiating from the terminal chamber. In axial section the structure is
labyrinthine and pillars do not in general run from chambers to base, indeed they are often hardly
270

discernible. The apertural pores are so large and meandrine that, by being slightly different in
position from one plate to the next, a labyrinthine structure results. The nucleoconch is of moderate
size and there is no obvious dimorphism. There is a basal intercameral foramen but no aperture
corresponding to it has been seen on the terminal chamber.
DIMENSIONS
Diameter
Height
H/D
Maximum
Minimum
3.2 mm
0.7 mm
2.9 mm
0.5 mm
0.8
0.6
1
Different populations have different average sizes
Septal sutures inclined about 60 degrees to spiral suture.
Diameter of nucleoconch 0.25 mm. (doubtfully 0.1 mm. in two specimens).
Ratio of chamber height to length about 1 : 1.
3 to 4 whorls, with 10 to 16 chambers in the last.
Average1
1.6 2.5 mm
1.1 2.1 mm
0.7
HOLOTYPE: P. 40060.
PARATYPES: P. 40061-4, 40135-9, 40157, 40159, 40187-94.
OTHER MATERIAL: P. 39665-6, 39702.
DISTRIBUTION: Throughout the Paleocene of Qatar, with the exception of the lowest zone. It is
also known from a Paleocene limestone at Kani Hanjir, N. Iraq.
REMARKS: The reticulate ornament is highly distinctive and may be recognised in random
section. Only Sakesaria dukhani approaches it in this character. The very early low zone
populations include specimens with less ornament and more visible chambers than is typical. The
ornament could have been derived from that of L. prehaimei but no intermediates have been found.
The ornament, general form, base, axial section and chamber shape are all distinctive in L. diversa.
The preservation is poor. The test is infilled with loose, finely granular calcite and some of the shell
material is often missing internally. The external characters are normally well seen and the
distinctive spire is usually observable.
There is no definite dimorphism. All the best sections show a large nucleoconch. Occasional
specimens, showing an apparently small one, may be badly sectioned.

DESCRIPTION: The test is unornamented dorsally and markedly conical; only the apex being
rounded. The chamber walls are punctate and the sutures visible only by the lack of perforation over
them. The chambers are nearly twice as high as long. The radial sutures are straight and slightly
inclined. The margin is acute and the ventral surface plane. There is a smooth peripheral band, on
which the radial sutures of the last whorl are hardly visible. The umbilical area is occupied by
small granules that sometimes anastomose. There are pores between them. The pillars of the
umbilicus are feebly developed, the cavities appearing labyrinthine.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
1.5 mm
Diameter
1.1 mm
Height
0.8
H/D
12 to 15 chambers in the last whorl.
Angle of cone about 90 degrees.
Minimum
0.9 mm
0.6 mm
0.6
Average
1.2 mm
0.9 mm
0.7
271

HOLOTYPE: P. 40065.
PARATYPES: P. 40163, 40195-6.
DISTRIBUTION: Middle part of the Paleocene of Qatar.
REMARKS: This species is distinctive because of its conical shape and complete lack of dorsal
ornament. It shows no intergradation with other species.
Lockhartia hunti Ovey, 1947

(Plate IV, fig. 7)
1947. Lockhartia hunti Ovey, p. 573, pl. x, figs. 1-6; pl. xi, fig. 1
DESCRIPTION: The dorsal surface is low conical and smooth, with the chambers finely
perforate. The margin is very rounded and the base moderately convex. The sutures are flush
dorsally and slightly indented on the base. The peripheral band, made by the last whorl of chambers
on the base, is rather wide and the umbilical region is filled by granules.
DIMENSIONS (one specimen):
1.4 mm
Diameter
0.7 mm
Height
MATERIAL: P. 40068
DISTRIBUTION: The type specimens from Somaliland are probably Lower Eocene. This species
is rare in the lower part of the Lower Eocene of Qatar.
REMARKS: This species is rare in Qatar and badly preserved, so that a satisfactory section has
not been prepared. The external characters are sufficiently distinctive for specific determination.
Lockhartia hunti Ovey var. pustulosa nov.

DESCRIPTION: The test is low conical with a very rounded margin and a convex base. The
chamber walls are finely perforate. The dorsal surface is highly pustulate. The pustules are very
high; they are round and quite distinct from each other. They vary in number but their size is rather
constant both on a single specimen and from one specimen to another. The base has a very wide
smooth peripheral band on which radial sutures may be seen, and a number of moderately sized,
well separated granules occupy the umbilical region. In axial section the chambers have the typical
deep semi-lunar shape of L. hunti and the umbilical cavities are large and regular; the pillars are
very regular. The dorsal septal sutures are straight and radial and the chambers are a little longer
than high.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
2.3 mm
1.2 mm
Diameter
1.1
mm
0.6 mm
Height
0.6
0.4
H/D
There are 4 to 5 whorls with 12 to 15 chambers in the last.
Diameter of the nucleoconch 0.13 mm.
The apical angle is about 130 degrees.
Average
1.5 mm
0.8 mm
0.5
272

HOLOTYPE: P. 40069
PARATYPES: P. 40070-8, 40149, 40198, 40199.
DISTRIBUTION: Lower Eocene of Qatar
REMARKS: The specimens are abundant at certain horizons of the Lower Eocene in Qatar. They
resemble L. hunti closely in all respects excepting the dorsal pustules. They also resemble L. tipperi,
with which they are often associated, the main difference being the greater apical angle and small
size. In spite of the general similarity, L. hunti var. pustulosa does not conform to the first five
whorls of L. tipperi and there is no marked difference in size of nucleoconch to suggest that these
might be the megalospheric form. There is a slight tendency for the pustulation to be greater in
specimens from the later beds. The preservation is poor and prevents a more thorough investigation.
Lockhartia tipperi (Davies, 1926)

1926
1931
1932
1937
1947
Conulites tipperi Davies, pp. 247-248, pl. xviii, fig. 8.

Dictyoconoides tipperi (Davies): Nuttall & Brighton, pp. 56-57, pl. iii, figs. 14-17.
Lockhartia tipperi (Davies) Davies, p. 407.
Lockhartia tipperi (Davies): Davies & Pinfold, pp. 48-49, pl. vi, figs. 14-16; pl. vii, fig. 17.
Lockhartia tipperi (Davies): Ovey, p. 574 et syn., pl. x, fig. 13.
DESCRIPTION: The spire is very flat; apical angle about 180 degrees, with little or no tendency
to increase in later whorls. The dorsal surface is ornamented with a considerable number of isolated
pustules, these being fewer and weaker towards the margin. The sutures are obscure on the dorsal
surface but those of the last whorl are slightly indented on the ventral side. The dorsal surface is not
curved at the margin, the ventral surface being inflected upwards instead. In axial section the
umbilical cavities are large and regular. The pillars are narrow but very distinct and the umbilical
plates well developed.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
3.6 mm
Diameter
1.7 mm
Height
0.4
H/D
5 to 7 whorls with about 20 chambers to the last
Minimum
1.7 mm
1.4 mm
0.3
Average
2.3 mm
1.5 mm
0.4
MATERIAL: P. 40079, 40200-1

DISTRIBUTION: In Qatar, this species is not abundant and is confined to the Lower Eocene. In
India it is known from the Ranikot and Laki, and in Somaliland it is recorded from the Lower
Eocene.
REMARKS: The external appearance of this species and its large size are distinctive.
273
Lockhartia conditi (Nuttal, 1926)

(Plate V, figs. 16-19)
1926a
1926b
1927
1930b
1931
1932
1935
1937
1947
Dictyoconoides conditi Nuttall, p. 119, pl. xi, figs. 7, 8.

Dictyoconoides conditi Nuttall, p. 498.
Dictyoconoides conditi Nuttall: Davies, p. 279, pl. xxi, figs. 10-12; pl. xxii, fig. 5.
Dictyoconoides conditi Nuttall: Davies, pp. 76-77, pl. x, fig. 9.
Dictyoconoides conditi Nuttall: Nuttall, pp. 312-313.
Lockhartia conditi (Nuttall) Davies, p. 408, pl. ii, fig. 7; pl. iv, fig. 7.
Lockhartia conditi (Nuttall) : Pfender, p. 231.
Lockhartia conditi (Nuttall): Davies & Pinfold, pp. 47-48, pl. v, fig. 24.
Lockhartia conditi (Nuttall): Ovey, pp. 573-575, pl. x, figs. 7, 8.
DESCRIPTION: The test is conical dorsally with no ornament and flush sutures. The chambers
are finely perforate. The margin is subacute and the base slightly convex. The chambers can be seen
obscurely on the periphery of the base. The granules of the umbilical region are larger and fewer
than in any other species of Lockhartia.
In axial section the umbilical cavities appear so constricted that the spaces between the very large
pillars could be taken for fissures of the Rotalia type. Small portions of the horizontal plates
between the pillars may be distinguished in specimens from Qatar and also in the figure of the
holotype (Nuttall, 1926a, fig. 7). The normal lamination of the skeleton is clearly seen in the pillars
and, in addition, there are striations along their length which diverge to the sides of each. These
suggest canals but are more probably only markings in the shell substance. The species is strongly
dimorphic in Qatar, the smaller specimens having about four and the larger about seven whorls.
There is no difference between the first four whorls of the larger specimens and the test of the
smaller, and no significant difference in the size of the respective nucleoconchs has been detected.
The large specimens have an increase in length of the gerontic chambers of the last whorl that has
not been recorded in any other species of Lockhartia.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
4.0 mm
0.8 mm
Diameter
2.0 mm
0.5 mm
Height
0.8
0.6
H/D
Ratio of chamber height to length varies from 1: 1.0 to 1: 0.3
Whorl No.
1
2
3
4
0.22
0.42
0.68
0.98
Radius (mm)
8
14
16
17
Septa per Whorl
Diameter of nucleoconch about 0.15 mm
Average
3.2 and 1.1 mm
1.9 and 0.7 mm
0.7
5
1.29
17
6
1.57
18
7
1.82
18
MATERIAL: P. 40087-8, 40150, 40206-7

DISTRIBUTION: This species is common in the Ranikot and Laki of India. In Qatar it occurs
throughout the Paleocene but is not known from the Lower Eocene.
REMARKS: The great variation of spiral angle noted by Ovey (1947 : 575) exists in the Qatar
populations but most of the specimens are comparatively high conical.
274
Genus SAKESARIA Davies, 1937

Type Sakesaria cotteri Davies
DESCRIPTION : The test resembles that of Lockhartia in all particulars, excepting that the axis
of coiling is elongated and the base bulges. The first whorl has an apical angle of about 70 degrees,
more acute than in any Lockhartia and this decreases to nearly zero in the latest whorl. There are
typically more than four whorls. There are typically more than four whorls.
REMARKS: Rupertia and Eorupertia differ in having an apical disc for attachment.
There is no absolute distinction from Lockhartia but all the species of Sakesaria have a more acute
spire and a more bulging base. The intermediate species, Lockhartia altispira, is excluded mainly
on account of its flat base. Shape variations between species of Sakesaria have not been stressed
because intraspecific variation is great. Ornament is a more reliable guide. The range of the genus
is now extended to include Lower Eocene and Paleocene.
Dimorphism has not been recorded in Sakesaria.
I
II
III
IV
Key to species of Sakesaria

Ornament of limbate sutures only
Ornament reticulate
Ornament reticulate, drawn into coarse bars obscuring the
chambers
Ornament of pustules at the intersection of sutures
S. cotteri
S. dukhani sp. nov.
S. dukhani var. cordata nov.
S. ornata sp. nov.
Sakesaria cotteri Davies, 1937

1937. Sakesaria cotteri Davies in Davies & Pinfold, p.49, pl. vii, figs. 21-4
DESCRIPTION: The test has a rather founded apex and increases in diameter very slightly for
each of the later whorls, being cylindrical with a rounded apex and bulging base, or, particularly in
Qatar specimens, tapering throughout the length of the dorsal surface.
This species has umbilical plates and pillars like Lockhartia haimei and most other features are
similar. The ornament is poorly developed but often the upper two-thirds is ornamented by limbate
sutures. There may be a few apical pustules. Small specimens resemble Lockhartia but differ in
having a more acute apical angle and a bulging base.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
1.6 mm
1.0 mm
Diameter
4.2 mm
2.3 mm
Height
3.1
1.8
H/D
5 to 6 whorls with 8 to 12 chambers in the last.
Chamber height up to 3 times the length as seen on the dorsal surface.
Average
1.4 mm
3.4 mm
2.5
275

MATERIAL: P. 40080-1, 40201.
DISTRIBUTION: Described from the Laki of India and known in the Lower Eocene only in Qatar.
REMARKS: S. dukhani has high-zone variants which approach S. cotteri, the reticulate ornament
being reduced and the limbate sutures developed. Well preserved specimens of typical S. cotteri
show no trace of reticulate ornament.

DESCRIPTION: The test varies in shape from very high conical to almost cylindrical, with
rounded ends. Very small specimens are usually conical. The base bulges markedly. The chambers
are only visible on the dorsal surface and then only on the last whorl. The terminal chamber is
moderately perforate and the radial sutures straight and inclined to the axis. The perforation
coarsens rapidly on the older chambers and the resulting reticulate ornament covers the sutures and
chamber walls indifferently. The dorsal ornament can be seen in random sections.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
1.9 mm
0.8 mm
Diameter
3.7 mm
1.4 mm
Height
2.1
1.5
H/D
About 4 whorls with 10 to 12 chambers in the last whorl.
Nucleoconch from 0.24 mm_ to 0.19 mm. diameter.
Average
1.5 mm
2.7 mm
1.8
HOLOTYPE: P. 40082
PARATYPES: P. 40083-4, 40154, 40203-4.
DISTRIBUTION: This species is known only from Qatar, where it occurs throughout the
Paleocene, with the exception of the lowest zone.
REMARKS: This species may be derived from Lockhartia altispira sp. nov. and it first occurs at
the same horizon as early forms of L. diversa and L. haimei, but no definite intermediate specimens
have been found. The high-zone forms have variations which suggest that S. cotteri may be derived
from this species. The umbilical structure is identical with that of S. cotteri. The preservation is
poor and particularly bad for sectioning owing to the finely granular recrystallisation. Specimens
are found lacking the characteristic ornament. These necessarily appear more like S. cotteri, but the
lack of ornament is due to post-mortem solution of the external layers of the test.
276
Sakesaria dukhani var. cordata nov.

(Plate V, fig. 13)
DESCRIPTION: The reticulate ornament is drawn out in the direction of the axis and is grossly
coarsened, resulting in an ornament of roughly vertical bars connected by weaker transverse bars.
DIMENSIONS (Holotype):
Diameter
Height
1.6 mm
2.7 mm
HOLOTYPE: P. 40085
PARATYPE: P. 40155
DISTRIBUTION: Upper part of the Paleocene of Qatar
REMARKS: This variety shows transition from the ornament of normal specimens of S. dukhani
with which it is associated in the upper part of the range of the species. Fully typical specimens of
the variety are rare, but specimens showing the tendency are common enough to be useful as a
stratigraphical guide.

(Plate V, figs. 14, 15)
DESCRIPTION: The apex is more conical than in any other species of Sakesaria and the dorsal
ornament is highly distinctive. It consists of finely punctate chambers and limbate sutures with
large pustules at the junction of septal and spiral sutures.
DIMENSIONS
Diameter
Height
H/D
Maximum
1.9 mm
3.5 mm
2.3
Minimum
1.4 mm
2.0 mm
1.2
Average
1.6 mm
2.8 mm
2.0
HOLOTYPE: P. 40086
PARATYPE: P. 40153, 40205.
DISTRIBUTION: Upper part of the Paleocene of Qatar.
REMARKS: This species has a close resemblance to S. cotteri and S. dukhani. The distinction is
made on the dorsal ornament.
Genus DICTYOCONOIDES Nuttall, 1925

Type Conulites cooki Carter
DESCRIPTION : The test resembles that of Lockhartia, excepting that the spire is multiple. The
terminal chambers are spaced round the margin. An intraseptal and subsutural canal system is
present.
REMARKS: The redescription of Lockhartia implies that Dictyoconoides also has umbilical
cavities, not astral lobes. An intraseptal and subsutural canal system has not been demonstrated in
Lockhartia, but this may be due to inadequacies of the material available.
277

The species that is most like D. cooki is Lockhartia tipperi. It may well be ancestral to the genus
Dictyoconoides.
Dictyoconoides cooki (Carter, 1861)

(Plate IX, figs. 1-5)
1861b
1862
1924
1925
1925b
1926a
1926
1926
1926
1930
1930b
1930
1931
1932
1940
1942
1948
Conulites cooki Carter, p. 83, pl. 15, figs. 7a-g.

Patellina cooki (Carter): Carpenter, p. 232.
Conulites kohaticus Davies, p. 223 (nom. nud.).
Conulites kohaticus Davies, p. 220 (nom. nud.).
Dictyoconoides cooki (Carter) Nuttall, pp. 384-387, pl. xxi.
Dictyoconoides cooki (Carter) Nuttall, pp. 117, 126.
Conulites kohaticus Davies, p. 240, pl. xvi, figs. 1-4; pl. xvii, fig. 5.
Conulites kohaticus var. spintangensis Davies, p. 245, pl. xvii, fig. 6.
Dictyoconoides cooki (Carter): Douvill, pp. 23-26, pl. ii.
Dictyoconoides sp. Viennot & White, pp. 391-393, pl. xxxiii, figs. 1, 2.
Dictyoconoides kohaticus (Davies) Davies, pp. 73-74, pl. x, fig. 5.
Rotalia kohaticus (Davies) van Rijsinghe, p. 135.
Dictyoconoides kohaticus (Davies): Nuttall & Brighton, pp. 54-56.
Dictyoconoides kohaticus (Davies): Davies, p. 405, pl. i, figs. 2, 6, 8-14; pl. ii, fig. 1
Dictyoconoides kohaticus var. spintangensis (Davies) Davies, pp. 202, 217, 213.
Conulites cooki Carter: Silvestri, pp. 83-92, pls. i, ii, iii, figs. 1-8; pl. iv.
Dictyoconoides cooki (Carter): Gill, pp. 174-182, pls. viii-x.
DESCRIPTION: The dorsal surface is conical, flat or reflexed, with slightly indented sutures. In
Qatar the flattened type is most common. The multiple spire is of nearly rectangular chambers. The
ventral surface shows a peripheral band of chambers, the terminal chambers being evenly spaced
round it. The sutures are slightly indented. The umbilical region has the same structure as that of
Lockhartia and the plates and pillars are distinct. The plates bear numerous pores between the
pillars; these are umbilical apertures. Intercalary whorls arise throughout the life of the animal and
the spiral lamina shows little variation in thickness.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
12 mm
Diameter
3 mm
Height
0.6
H/D
Diameter of nucleoconch 0.16 mm.
Minimum
6 mm
2 mm
0.15
Average
9.3 mm
2.3 mm
0.25
MATERIAL: P. 40107, 40224-7, 40140.

DISTRIBUTION: This species is confined to the Middle Eocene in Qatar. It is common in the
Kirthar (Middle Eocene) of Northern India and recorded from the Middle Eocene of Somaliland.
The author has also seen it in Middle Eocene limestones in South-western Iraq. Davies (1926: 240;
1940 : 214) maintains that a noticeable proportion of very complanate specimens indicates an Upper
Kirthar horizon and distinguishes such populations as D. kohaticus var. spintangensis. The
population in Qatar is very abundant and of this type, but the horizon is limited; so that no
confirmation of the age significance of this feature is possible here.
278

REMARKS: The identity of D. cooki and D. kohaticus (van Rijsinghe, 1930 : 132; Gill, 1948 :
177-178) is accepted. The population in Qatar is mostly of the complanate form described by
Davies as D. kohaticus var. spintangensis, but the shape-variations of this species do not merit
taxonomic recognition (Gill, 1948).
The origin of intercalary whorls has been discussed by Silvestri (1927: 23-32), van Rijsinghe (1930:
134-135), Davies (1932: 403) and Reichel (1947 : 12). Van Rijsinghe states that a branch of an
intraseptal canal functions as a stolon to form an extra-spiral chamber remote from the existing
terminal chambers. This chamber initiates an intercalary whorl. In Dictyoconoides, unlike
Nummulites millecaput, N. gizehensis, etc., which also have intercalary whorls, the spiral lamina
between adjacent whorls is not notably thinner than between old established ones. This supports van
Rijsinghe's statement. Bifurcation of an existing spire does occur in Nummulites and the
appropriate changes of the spiral lamina can be observed.
Van Rijsinghe (1930: 128-135, figs. 5, 6) describes the intraseptal and subsutural canal system,
which can be seen in Plate IX, fig. 4 quite clearly. The subsutural canals lie between the cortical
chambers and the umbilical cavities. They are tubular structures that open into umbilical cavities
but do not widen out to form them. He places this species in Rotalia, but it differs in having
intercalary whorls and umbilical cavities, and the canal system is septal, not umbilical. The canals
of Rotalia open out of the chambers and are therefore not homologous. The umbilical cavities of
Dictyoconoides communicate with the umbilical apertures of the cortical chambers. Gill (1948 :
179-181) suggests that the canals of Dictyoconoides are a false appearance due to intersection of
rudiments of the umbilical cavities lying in the buried indentations of former sutures on the base.
This is untrue. Such indented sutures do affect the umbilical cavities but the canals lie dorsal to
them and are an additional structure.
Trimorphism is recorded by van Rijsinghe (1930: 135), but not even dimorphism is normally to be
observed. There are no significant differences in size of the test and the nucleoconch is always very
small.
Genus Kathina nov.

Type Kathina delseota gen. et sp. nov
DESCRIPTION: The test is built of radially fibrous calcite, very finely perforate throughout,
deposited in successive laminae, as is typical in the Rotaliidea. The spire is simple and trochoid
with the chambers nearly or entirely evolute dorsally and extending ventrally but leaving a ventral
umbilical plug. The septa are double and have the usual basal-slit inter-cameral foramen. The
chambers are simple without supplementary chamberlets or other umbilical extension, tapering off
into the umbilical region without any inflection of the floor. They have one or more apertures in the
chamber floor which communicate with the canal system. There are intraseptal and subsutural
canals and, in addition, strong vertical canals which open on the base in pores or shallow slits.
There is a strong development of laminated thickening in known species without pustules or other
ornament. The laminae can be definitely traced to correspond one to each chamber.
REMARKS: This genus is a typical member of the family Rotaliidae. It is distinguished from
Dictyoconoides and Dictyokathina gen. nov. (p. 64) by having a simple spire; from Lockhartia and
Sakesaria by the lack of umbilical cavities; from Asterigerina by lack of supplementary
chamberlets. It most resembles Rotalia, but that genus has a huge spiral canal and the umbilical
279

plug is split up into pillars. Kathina major sp. nov. (p. 63) shows an approach to Rotalia in the latter
respect; but the basal granules are only formed in the laminae corresponding to part of the last
whorl of full grown specimens. It seems unlikely that this is truly transitional to Rotalia.
Dictyokathina is obviously derived from Kathina by the development of intercalary whorls. The
similarity of D. simplex sp. nov. (p. 65) to K. delseota is so great that there is little doubt of their
close relationship.
The earliest occurrence of Kathina is the record of Lockhartia bermudezi Cole (1942: 49) which is
thought to be Upper Cretaceous because of its association with Sulcoperculina. Topotype
specimens have been examined and the structure typical of Kathina established (P. 40101-2, 40216;
Pl. VII, figs, 9-13). The remaining species are all Paleocene. K. bermudezi is distinctly smaller than
any of the remaining three species.
No dimorphism has been observed in this species.
I
II
Key to species of Kathina

Chambers isometric; base flat and punctuate
Chambers high, base deep
1 Base with smooth central boss and peripheral grooves
2 Base with obscure meandrine grooves
3 Base with elongate oval punctae
K. delseota sp. nov.

K. selveri sp. nov.
K. major sp. nov.
K. bermudezi (Cole)
Kathina delseota sp. nov.

(Plate VII, figs. 1-8)
DESCRIPTION: The test is almost discoidal, being dorsally very low conical. The ventral side is
almost flat, except near the margin where it curves up to meet the dorsal surface. The dorsal surface
is smooth and unornamented, the perforation is very fine and the chambers are not visible. The
ventral surface is coarsely and evenly punctate all over with no trace of spiral or other pattern, nor
are there any grooves, granules or pillars. The last few chambers have not been observed with
certainty owing to breakage. The spire is simple and trochoid but its apical angle is nearly 180
degrees. The chambers are almost evolute dorsally; their floors are more or less flat, not curved up
as in Lockhartia spp. The septa are nearly straight, slightly oblique and appear double. There is the
usual intercameral foramen as a slit at the base of the septum. The chambers increase in size very
slowly, giving a tight spire. Each chamber has one or more ventral openings. These are the true
apertures, and when covered by the thickening of the otherwise solid ventral plug, vertical canals
connect them with the exterior of the base. In axial section this species might be thought to have
umbilical pillars. Canals intersected parallel to their length are similar in appearance to the fissures
between pillars. There are intraseptal and subsutural canals, but no large spiral umbilical canal.
280

DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
2.9 mm
1.3 mm
Diameter
1.1 mm
0.8 mm
Height
0.35
0.2
H/D
4 to 6 whorls, rarely 7. Ratio of chamber height to length about 1: 1.5.
20 to 26 chambers in the last whorl.
Apical angle about 175 degrees.
Angle of umbilical plug about 120 degrees.
Whorl No.
1
2
3
4
9
11
17
25
Septa per whorl
0.3 mm
0.6 mm
1.1 mm
1.6 mm
Diameter
Average
2.0 mm
0.9 mm
0.3
5
26
2.0 mm
6
29
2.6 mm
HOLOTYPE: P. 40096
PARATYPES: P. 40097-100, 40164-71, 40209, 40214-5
DISTRIBUTION: Paleocene of Qatar
REMARKS: K. delseota is very similar to Dictyokathina simplex sp. nov. form A. (p. 65), but
differs by having a simple spire, for which reason the chambers of the last whorl are a little larger.
Rapid separation of these species is difficult in practice but nevertheless important, because K.
delseota occurs at a lower horizon than Dictyokathina simplex, and, after a zone of overlap,
disappears first. K. delseota has no polar ornament while Dictyokathina simplex usually has small
prominences both dorsally and ventrally. These are less distinct in specimens from the later
horizons. Kathina major is distinguished from K. delseota by the more acute margin, deeper venter
and more lax spire. K. selveri sp. nov. has characteristic faint radial grooves ventrally.

(Plate VI, figs. 11-13)
DESCRIPTION: The test is unequally biconical, being deep ventrally. The dorsal surface is
smooth and the ventral surface has a peripheral part with radial grooves or rows of pores and a
spiral groove of one turn enclosing a smooth central plug. The shell material is very finely perforate
and the spire is not visible externally. It is very low with an apical angle about 180 degrees,
although the external apical angle is nearer 165 degrees because of the great dorsal thickening. The
septa are double, straight and radial, with a basal slit as the intercameral foramen. The chambers
are about twice as high as long in the last whorl. There are apertures on the chamber floors, opening
by radial rows of vertical canals to pores on the base; those of the inner whorls are scattered round
the plug. In axial section the chambers are nearly evolute dorsally and taper ventrally towards the
umbilicus, which has an angle of about 70 degrees. The lamination is particularly well seen. Each
lamina can be traced right round the test, being thick at the dorsal pole, thicker still in the ventral
plug, and thinning towards the margin, particularly on the opposite side of the test to the
corresponding chamber. The laminae are separated by dark layers each of which corresponds to a
chamber cavity.
281

DIMENSIONS
Maximum
1.6 mm
Diameter
0.9 mm
Height
0.8
H/D
3 to 4 whorls with 18 to 22 chambers in the last.
Diameter of nucleoconch about 0.08 to 0.1 mm.
Minimum
0.8 mm
0.6 mm
0.5
Average
1.4 mm
0.8 mm
0.7
HOLOTYPE: P. 40095
PARATYPES: P. 40172 (i-xcvi), 40212 (i-ii), 40213.
REMARKS: K. selveri is smaller than any other species of Kathina and its solid axial plug is
distinctive. It may be a variant of K. major but does not seem to be a young stage, since the height
of young K. major is less and the axial plug is less prominent; nor does it seem to be the
megalospheric form, because the nucleoconch is about the same size as that of K. major. The spire
is identical with the early whorls of K. major.

(Plate VI, figs. 1-10)
DESCRIPTION: The test is low conical dorsally, sometimes flat or even concave, without
ornament or visible chambers; but the spiral sutures may be obscurely seen. The ventral surface is
deeply convex, flattened or even concave at the pole, and coarsely punctate, the punctae being
sometimes connected by irregular grooves which tend to be radial near the periphery. There are no
chambers visible externally, except for the last few, which are always broken open. The shell
material is finely perforate but this is rarely visible. The spire is trochoid but its angle is 180
degrees, the external apical angle being more acute because of the thickening. The chambers are
not quite evolute dorsally and extend ventrally, leaving an axial plug with an angle of about 120
degrees. The chambers taper off and their floors do not curve upwards. There are umbilical
apertures opening into vertical canals. The basal grooves connect these canals. The canals in some
specimens curve away from the pole, leaving a solid plug. There are intraseptal and subsutural
canals but there is no huge spiral canal, as in Rotalia, nor is the plug divided into pillars, although
basal granules are developed as a gerontic feature.
The spire is very lax and the septa are long, numerous, nearly radial, and very slightly curved. The
chambers are up to three times as high as long. The nucleoconch is small. The intercameral
foramen is a narrow slit at the base of the septum. The terminal chamber has not been observed to
establish the presence of an aperture. The vertical canals terminate in umbilical apertures. Their
origins vary in pattern, sometimes there is a row along the ventral spiral suture, more often they are
irregularly arranged on the base.
282

DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
5.2 mm
2.1 mm
Diameter
2.2 mm
0.8 mm
Height
0.4
0.3
H/D
4 to 6 whorls, rarely 6, with 20 to 26 chambers in the last.
Whorl No.
1
2
3
8-10
12-16
20-26
Septa per whorl
0.3 mm
0.7 mm
1.4 mm
Diameter
Average
3.0 mm
1.2 mm
0.35
4
30-36
2.4 mm
5
35-40
3.2 mm
HOLOTYPE: P. 40089
PARATYPES: P. 40090-4, 40173, 40208-11
REMARKS: K. major is distinguished from K. delseota by its lax spire. The distinction from K.
selveri is the larger size and lack of a completely solid axial plug. The latter species is like K. major
in the character of the spire, but the different pattern of the base and the different shape makes it
safer to describe the two as separate species.
Four varieties are distinguished by the different patterns of the base; but, although the difference is
so great in extreme cases that it is difficult to believe they belong to the same species, intermediates
exist and confuse any sorting. Subspecies names are not proposed. Four general types can be
recognized:
The base has short grooves connecting the apertures, tending to be nearly radial near the
margin.
The base is evenly pitted by apertures of vertical canals in no special pattern and without
2
granules or grooves.
At the margin the radial and spiral sutures of the last whorl are visible and the apertures are
3
aligned along them, while those in the centre are like those of type I.
The grooves anastomose to form granules which are quite superficial. This may be a
4
gerontic stage.
There is no indication of stratigraphical value in these variations.
1
Genus DICTYOKATHINA nov.

Type Dictyokathina simplex gen. et sp. nov
DESCRIPTION: The test is trochoid with a multiple spire, as in Dictyoconoides. The shell material
is calcareous, radially fibrous, perforate and laminated in the typical rotaliid manner. The chambers
are evolute dorsally, covered by smooth thickening, and do not extend very far into the dorsal
region, leaving a solid umbilical region penetrated by radial canals which extend from umbilical
apertures of the chambers to the pores on the base. The chambers intercommunicate by an
intercameral foramen - the usual slit at the base of the septum. The terminal face has not been
observed and it is therefore uncertain if there is a corresponding aperture.
REMARKS: This genus resembles Dictyoconoides very closely. It is monotypic and no connection
can be traced between the Paleocene species under discussion and any species of Dictyoconoides,
283

which are all Eocene. It seems likely that these are parallel modifications rather than members of
the same lineage, and it is suggested that Dictyokathina arose from Kathina delseota and
Dictyoconoides from Lockhartia tipperi.
The essential difference between Dictyokathina and Dictyoconoides lies in the difference between
their respective umbilical structures, Dictyokathina agreeing in this respect with Kathina in having
radial canals while Dictyoconoides has pillars and umbilical cavities. Dictyokathina shows
dimorphism.

(Plate VIII, figs. 1-11)
DESCRIPTION: The dorsal surface is smooth or shows scattered pustules, the chambers are very
slightly inflated. The margin is rounded below, sharp above and the base approximately flat, usually
depressed in the centre with a small central boss. The base is evenly punctate all over, with no
grooving. The punctae are round and are the openings of radial canals from the umbilical apertures
of the chambers. The chambers are small and square in equatorial section and increase in size only
very slowly. The septa are double and there are intraseptal and subsutural canals but no marginal
cord. The multiple spires can be seen to run out on the periphery to independent terminal chambers.
Dimorphism is very marked, the microspheric form being rare and about four times the diameter of
the megalospheric, with chambers twice the size of those of the latter, elongated in the direction of
coiling in the later whorls. The perforation is not visible in the present state of preservation and
must have been very fine.
DIMENSIONS: Form A
Maximum
Minimum
2.9 mm
1.2 mm
Diameter
0.9 mm
0.5 mm
Height
0.4
0.2
H/D
Chamber height average 0.13 mm., ratio of height to length 1:1
Average
2.4 mm
0.8 mm
0.3
DIMENSIONS: Form B
Maximum
Minimum
7.4 mm
6.0 mm
Diameter
1.3 mm
0.8 mm
Height
About 0.2
0.13
H/D
Chamber height averages 0.28 mm., ratio of chamber height to length 1:1
decreasing to 0.5:1 in later whorls.
HOLOTYPE: P. 40104
PARATYPES: P. 40105-6, 40174, 40209, 40217-20
OTHER MATERIAL: P. 40221-3
DISTRIBUTION: Paleocene of Qatar. A very similar form has been discovered in a hard
limestone from the Bazian Pass, Iraq. This is Upper Paleocene or very low Eocene in age and
contains a fauna of both Ranikot and Laki affinities, including Sakesaria cotteri, Rotalia
trochidiformis, Nummulites nuttalli, Miscellanea miscella, M. stampi and Assilina dandotica .
REMARKS: This species is clearly distinguished from all others of the Rotaliidae by the
appearance of the base and the umbilical plug in axial section, with the exception of Kathilla
delseota sp. nov. D. simplex has more strongly developed polar bosses both dorsally and ventrally,
and more tendency to dorsal pustulation. There can be no doubt, from the similarity between the
284

two species, that D. simplex is derived from Kathina delseota and the occurrence of overlapping
ranges suggests that the evolution of Dictyokathina actually occurred in Qatar.
Genus DAVIESINA nov.

Type Daviesina khatiyahi sp. nov
DESCRIPTION: The test is formed of radially fibrous, laminated, perforate calcite. The chambers
are arranged in a simple spire and are equitant but unequally involute on the two sides. The
chambers are most involute on the most convex side, the test being bi-convex or concavo-convex,
but always unequally. In all known species there is a strong ornament of incised or inflated pillars,
of the same general type on both sides, but differing in pattern. Dimorphism is usual. The
intercameral foramen is the typical rotaliid basal slit. The terminal face has not been observed and
the apertural characters are not known. The septa appear double in section. The canal system is not
adequately known, but there seem to be vertical canals on both sides of the test, and intraseptal
canals in addition.
REMARKS: This genus is easily confused with Miscellanea on account of the typical wall
structure and the apparent close relationship to planispiral species. The pustulose walls are highly
reminiscent of the suite of Nummulites spp. described by de Cizancourt (1948 : 19-31) from the
Scotland beds of Barbados, but the latter population shows no asymmetry. D. khatiyahi has coarse
pustules resembling those of Operculina sindensis Davies, while D. langhami has finer granules
closely approaching those of Miscellanea. The asymmetry is of the trochoid type. It consists of
unequal development of pillars on the two sides of the test, together with a bending of the whorls to
one side, much as is seen in Operculina spp., but here it is a constant feature. The alar prolongations
are unequal. No trace of such asymmetry can be noted in other Nummulitidae except in Miscellanea
miscella, where it is strongest in the first whorl, whereas in Daviesina it is most definite in the last
whorl.
Daviesina seems to be genuinely related to the highly variable group of Operculina sindensis,
Miscellanea spp., Nummulites scotlandica, N. nuttalli and Assilina ranikoti. If these relationships
are true, this is a unique case of intergradation from the Rotaliidae to the Nummulitidae. It would
also be possible to regard Daviesina as a member of the Calcarinidae. Operculina inequilateralis
Carter is not a species of Daviesina.
This genus is named in honour of Lt.-Col. L. M. Davies, who has made outstanding contributions
to the knowledge of Ranikot faunas.
II
Key to species of Daviesina

Asymmetry slight except in Form B; margins entire:
1 Ornament coarse: flange developed very strongly :
2 Ornament fine : secondary margin sometimes present :
Asymmetry marked : margin lobed:
D. khatiyahi sp. nov.

D. langhami sp. nov.
D. danieli sp. nov.
285

(Plate XII, figs. 1-11; Pl. XIV, fig. 7)
DESCRIPTION: The test is operculine in general appearance, but is concave on one side and
convex on the other. The last whorl is compressed and flaring, while the centre of the test is
considerably thicker. There are coarse pustules apically and on the spiral suture of the concave
side. Smaller granules are found elsewhere, especially on the septal sutures of the convex side; the
concave side is sometimes quite smooth. The ornament of the convex side seems to show a radial,
and that of the concave side a spiral arrangement. There are some pillars crowded enough to have
fissures between them, but most are inflational. The fissures do not cut deep into the wall as in
Miscellanea. The spire is operculine; the chambers increase in height until they are about eight
times as high as long in the microspheric form. There is a slit at the base of the septum, forming an
intercameral foramen. The septa are gently and evenly curved.
The chambers are evolute to different degrees on the two sides and this feature increases markedly
in later whorls. The concave side is nearly evolute, and the convex side has a definite, but not very
long, alar prolongation. The external asymmetry of the last whorl is mostly due to curvature of the
flange of the median part of the chamber and only partly to the stout alar prolongations. Intraseptal
canals are present, but most of the supplemental skeleton is free from canals and there is no
marginal cord.
The megalospheric form is similar; it is smaller and the asymmetry is less marked, sometimes not
very noticeably. The spire is about the same as that of the microspheric form at a corresponding
size. The nucleoconch is small and is succeeded by a larger first chamber.
DIMENSIONS: Form B
Diameter
Height
H/D
Whorl No.
Radius of whorl
No. of septa
Maximum
3.5 mm
1.8 mm
0.5
1
0.12 mm
9
Minimum
2.3 mm
1.5 mm
0.2
2
0.35 mm
14
Form A
Maximum
Minimum
2.4 mm
0.4 mm
Diameter
1.0 mm
0.3 mm
Height
0.5
0.3
H/D
Diameter of megalosphere 0.05 mm, second chamber 0.08 mm
Average
2.9 mm
1.6 mm
0.3
3
0.77 mm
26
4
1.86 mm
48
Average
2.1 mm
0.8 mm
0.4
HOLOTYPE: P. 40123
PARATYPES: P. 40124-6, 40175-6, 40241-3, 40253
DISTRIBUTION: Middle part of the Paleocene of Qatar.
REMARKS: Small megalospheric specimens often resemble the young of species of Miscellanea.
The microspheric form is highly characteristic, being readily recognised by the asymmetry of both
shape and ornament. It is distinguished from D. langhami by the flange and the coarse ornament,
fine granulation being much less developed, and by the lack of monstrous specimens.
286

D. khatiyahi appears to be derived from D. danieli. Typically D. khatiyahi has a smooth appearance
with a very strong group of large polar pustules. Doubtful specimens are usually found to belong to
D. langhami and are rarely found in the lower half of the range of Daviesina.

(Plate XI, figs. 1-11)
DESCRIPTION: The test is complanate but subject to variability. Some specimens arc highly
compressed, but the typical shape is stoutly discoidal with a slight umbilical depression, deeper on
one side than on the other. The margin is sharp and the whole test is finely granular. The granules
are slightly coarser over the septa and there may be from one to five larger pustules near the pole.
The spire opens fairly rapidly but the ratio of chamber height to length rarely exceeds 3:1. The
chambers are partly involute on both sides and the alar prolongations are stout. The free median part
of the chamber is usually not constricted. The fissures between the granules do not penetrate far
into the shell material. A few radial canals are present. There is no distinct marginal cord.
A characteristic feature, seen in about one-third of the microspheric specimens, is a doubling of the
margin in the last whorl. The subsidiary margin may form a double keel or it may extend on to the
more convex side. This is never seen in the megalospheric form, which is similar to the
microspheric but only attains about half its size. In specimens with a single margin the asymmetry
is slight but usually unmistakable, being dubious only in small megalospheric specimens. It is
manifested in shape rather than ornament.
DIMENSIONS: Form B
Maximum
2.7 mm
Diameter
1.1 mm
Height
H/D
0.7
About 4 whorls with 25 septa in the last.
Chamber height up to 3.5 times the chamber length.
Minimum
0.9 mm
0.4 mm
0.2
Average
2.1 mm
0.8 mm
0.4
Form A
Maximum
Minimum
Diameter
1.6 mm
0.4 mm
1.0 mm
0.2 mm
Height
0.6
0.3
H/D
About 2.5 to 3 whorls with 20 septa in the last.
Chamber height up to 2.5 times the length.
Diameter of protoconch 0.08 mm., second chamber 0.09 mm.
Average
1.2 mm
0.8 mm
0.5
HOLOTYPE: P. 40119
PARATYPES: P. 40115-18, 40120, 40177, 40235-9.
DISTRIBUTION: Upper part of the Paleocene of Qatar.
REMARKS: This species is distinguished from D. khatiyahi by the ubiquitous fine granulation.
Small, complanate specimens of the megalospheric form cannot be satisfactorily distinguished from
those of D. khatiyahi, and with difficulty only from species of other genera such as Nummulites
scotlandica de Cizancourt or Assilina ranikoti Nuttall. The microspheric form, however, is quite
obviously asymmetrical. Even in the most complanate specimens the flaring of the last whorl is
noticeably less than in D. khatiyahi. The doubling of the margin is absolutely diagnostic, but,
unfortunately, is not always present.
287

The known species of Daviesina are closely related and D. khatiyahi seems to give rise to the later
form, D. langhami. Dubious forms occur with D. langhami as survivals of the D. khatiyahi type.
For convenience in stratigraphy, it is, therefore, best to place doubtful specimens in D. langhami;
they are probably truly variants of this species rather than members of a separate line of descent.

(Plate VII, figs. 15-17)
DESCRIPTION: The test is small and obviously trochoid, the dorsal surface being flat or slightly
concave and the ventral surface convex to subconical. The margin is acute and lobed by indentation
at the sutures. The dorsal surface is smooth excepting for an apical cluster of small inflational
pustules and rows of small pustules on the radial sutures. The ventral surface is cut everywhere into
small incised pillars, and these are much larger over the radial sutures and at the pole. The sutures
are nearly straight and radial both dorsally and ventrally; the spiral suture indicates a considerable
degree of involution dorsally and nearly complete involution ventrally.
The spire is simple and the chambers are higher than long. The septa are nearly straight and radial.
There are about three whorls. The nucleoconch is very small and no dimorphism has been observed.
In axial section the chambers are seen to have much greater involution ventrally, the dorsal alar
prolongations being much compressed and shorter, occasionally not being visible. Typically the
wall material is not so definitely divided into pillars as in Miscellanea. The appearance is variable
with preservation and the direction of section.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
Average
1.2 mm
0.5 mm
0.8 mm
Diameter
0.6 mm
0.2 mm
0.4 mm
Height
0.6
0.4
0.5
H/D
About 3 whorls with 13 chambers in the last.
Ratio of chamber height to length progressively increasing from 1:1 to 2:1 or more.
Diameter of protoconch about 0.025 mm.
HOLOTYPE: P. 40261.
PARATYPE: P. 40260.
REMARKS: This species closely resembles D. khatiyahi and is probably ancestral to it. It is
distinguished by the smaller size, greater asymmetry and less curved septa. The margin is indented
and the flange slight.
The strongly trochoid character of this, the oldest species of Daviesina, indicates that the most
probable derivation of the genus is from Rotalia. Unfortunately an adequate investigation into the
canal system has not been possible. The strong resemblance to Miscellanea and Assilina ranikoti is
as marked in this species as in the other species of Daviesina. Although the dorsal and ventral
ornaments are different, both resemble that of Assilina ranikoti.
288
Family NUMMULITIDAE Reuss, 1862

DESCRIPTION: The test is of radially fibrous calcite deposited in enveloping laminae. Fine
perforations are present on most of each chamber wall, becoming modified sometimes in the later
thickening. The chambers are arranged planispirally, at least in the nepionic stage. The septa are
obviously double. Intraseptal canals are always present; a canaliculated marginal cord is often found
and lateral canal systems are sometimes present. Usually there is an intercameral foramen in the
form of a slit at the base of each septum, following the shape of the margin. High-chambered spiral
species, and those with non-spiral chamber arrangements, usually have a number of stolons. The
basal slit does not correspond to a former aperture in Nummulites and Miscellanea nor, probably, in
other genera. Small pores seen at the base of the apertural face are probably the openings of
marginal canals.
The non-spiral species all have obvious relationships to typical Nummulitidae; in many cases
intermediate forms are known. With rare exceptions, the distinct median plane is maintained
throughout; although, as an individual aberration, a secondary layer of the median type is formed at
an angle to the original one.
REMARKS: The distinction between the primitive Calcarinidae and the Nummulitidae is vague.
Many of the Calcarinidae have a less definite median plane. Doubtful genera are usually attributed
to the Calcarinidae if Cretaceous, and the Nummulitidae if Tertiary. Pellatispira and Laffitteina in
particular might have closer affinities to the Calcarinidae than to the other Nummulitidae, and
Miscellanea might also be placed in the Calcarinidae.
The Elphidiidae, as restricted here, are distinguished from the Nummulitidae by their retral
processes of the chambers and the lateral spiral canals. The presence of a pattern of straight, radial
filaments with bars between them is often taken as diagnostic of Elphidiidae. This is not a safe
criterion.
The only Cretaceous genus of the Nummulitidae is Sulcoperculina. Species of Nummulites
described from the Cretaceous are peculiar and probably wrongly determined. The earliest Tertiary
genus is Miscellanea. The new genus Daviesina, assigned to the Rotaliidae, has trochoid early
forms; but the latest species found in Qatar is only very slightly asymmetrical, resembles
Miscellanea superficially and is contemporary with that genus. Not enough is known about the
internal structure of Daviesina, but the possibility exists that here is the origin of the genus
Miscellanea, and perhaps of the family Nummulitidae. The relationship of Miscellanea to
Nummulites is not known, but theoretically Miscellanea is a primitive form; the fissure system
could be a precursor of the more usual canal system. Laffitteina and Pellatispira are isolated genera;
the latter giving rise to Biplanispira in the Upper Eocene. The remaining genera, Nummulites,
Operculina, Assilina, Heterostegina, Spiroclypeus and Cycloclypeus, are known to be closely and
polyphyletically related. The three latter genera, which show a trend to high, subdivided chambers,
leading to annular growth, have been separated by Glaessner (1945: 176) as the Heterostegininae.
The three former genera constitute the Nummulitinae.
The Discocyclinidae resemble the Heterostegininae, but the chamberlet size is far smaller and no
phyletic link with the Nummulitidae is known.
289
Genus MISCELLANEA Pfender, 1935

Type Nummulites miscella dArchiac & Haime
DESCRIPTION : The test may be slightly trochoid in the nepionic stage, planispiral otherwise.
The chambers are fully equitant, excepting in the adult of M. meandrina (Carter) where the
filaments become meandrine and the spiral habit is lost. The first one or two laminae over a
chamber are not fissured, but are perforate and perhaps contain canals. Later laminae build up a
reticulately fissured skeleton, entirely composed of incised pillars. The aperture is similar to that of
Nummulites; a few small pores, but the intercameral foramen is a large slit at the base of the septum.
The chambers often have a narrow backwards extension at the periphery. This in axial section
appears to be a large, round, marginal canal. There are intraseptal canals. The fissured skeleton
prevents ramifying canals being formed in the outer, and greater, part of the thickness of the spiral
lamina. There is no marginal cord.
REMARKS: There has been much controversy over this genus. Only the type species, M. miscella
(d'Archiac & Haime) (the synonym for the microspheric form is M. stampi Davies), and one new
inclusion, M. meandrina (Carter), are recognised here. The history of the genus is as follows:
1854
1916
1927
1935
1937
1941
1944
1947
1948
d' Archiac & Haime described Nummulites miscella.

Douvill placed this species in the genus Siderolites.
Davies described Siderolites stampi, the microspheric form of S. miscella.
Pfender created the new genus Miscellanea on the grounds that M. miscella has fissures,
not canals.
Davies suggested that the marginal cord of Nummulites nuttalli has the same structure as
the shell material of Miscellanea.
Vaughan & Cole included several species which have a marginal canal system as in
Nummulites. They also placed Camerina matleyi Vaughan (genotype of Pellatispirella
Hanzawa) in Miscellanea. They described small multiple apertures in M . miscella.
Caudri removed from Miscellanea all species excepting M. miscella, M. stampi and M.
matleyi. She emphasised the lack of a marginal cord. Pellatispirella is again considered a
synonym of Miscellanea.
Cole recognised that M. nassauensis Applin & Jordan, 1945, and M. matleyi belong to the
Elphidiidae [Nonionidae sic] and removed them from the genus. He discussed the
relationship of Sulcoperculina Thalmann, 1938, to Miscellanea. He believed that M.
stampi shows a definite marginal canal and therefore included Camerina dickersoni
Palmer, 1934 (genotype of Sulcoperculina), in Miscellanea.
M. de Cizancourt described M. hedbergi and M. nicaraguana. Both these species have
1ateral canals rather than reticulate fissures and hence belong either to Elphidium s.l. or to
Laffitteina Marie, 1946.
The aperture is the same as that of Nummulites (Grimsdale & Smout, 1949: 324-325), i.e. there are
only a few inconspicuous pores on the apertural face (Vaughan & Cole, 1941: 33). There is,
however, a prominent inter cameral foramen clearly seen in both axial and equatorial sections
figured by Vaughan & Cole (1941, Pl. V, figs. 1, 2). This can only be formed by resorption.
The trochoid nepionic stage has been over-emphasised by Pfender and is not found in all
populations. Many species of Nummulites, e.g. N. gizehensis Forskl and N. bayhariensis Checchia-
290

Rispoli, show something similar, which may be attributed to the mechanical difficulty of keeping an
accurate median plane before the test is large enough to be complanate.
The characters of Alveolina meandrina Carter are exactly those of Miscellanea miscella,
excepting for a greater curvature of the filaments and that the filaments of the later whorls of the
microspheric test become entirely meandrine. When this occurs in Nummulites, any chamber lying
in the median plane assumes the typical characters of the median layer, and intrusion of the lateral
chambers of a series, cut off from the median layer across the periphery would cause an intercalary
whorl to appear. In Miscellanea meandrina, no such influence of the median plane exists and
intrusion of meandrine lateral chambers across the equatorial layer prevents its continued formation.
It is not necessary to give generic recognition to this peculiarity.
The peculiar fissured skeleton of Miscellanea is not due to a peculiarity of the shell material. The
first lamina of a chamber wall is of the normal perforate structure. The thickening laminae are at
first slightly fissured, but the fissures of most of them are deep and strictly reticulate, so that the
whole of the test, where thickening exists, is covered by incised pillars. Intraseptal canals exist and
it is possible that branches of them run into the deep layers of the lateral skeleton. The margin is
fissured in the same manner as the rest of the test and an apparent single marginal canal is actually a
backwards projection of the previous chamber. Thus there is no marginal cord. Davies (Davies &
Pinfold, 1937: 41) suggested that the marginal cord of Nummulites nuttalli has the fissured structure
of the shell material of Miscellanea. This is not true, although the postulated relationship of the two
species may be correct.
The external appearance of Siderolites vidali, Daviesina langhami, Miscellanea miscella, Assilina
ranikoti and Nummulites scotlandica varies little, in spite of the differences in actual structure.
II
Key to species of Miscellanea

Test planispiral throughout; filaments gently curved:
1937
1937
Test lenticular
Test companate
M. miscella (dArchiac
& Haime
M. miscella var. dukhani
nov.
Test with meandrine chambers, lacking an equatorial chamber

layer in the adult test of the microspheric test, although it is
M. meandrina (Carter)
present in the juvenile stages and in the megalospheric test;
filaments of the latter strongly curved; vorticiform
1854
1916
1926a
1927
1927
1935
Miscellanea miscella (dArchiac & Haime, 1854)

Nummulites miscella d' Archiac & Haime, p. 345, pl. xxxv, fig. 4.
Siderolites miscella (d'Archiac & Haime) Douvill, p. 38, pl. xv, figs. 4-5.
Siderolites miscella (d'Archiac & Haime): Nuttall, p. 116, fig. 3.
Siderolites miscella (d'Archiac & Haime): Davies, p. 277, pl. xx, fig. 9.
Siderolites stampi Davies, p. 278, pl. xxi, figs. 1-8.
Miscellanea miscella (d'Archiac & Haime) Pfender, pp. 231-235, figs. 1-4; pl. xi, figs. 6,
7; pl. xiii, figs. 2-4: non Miscellanea cf. miscella (d'Archiac & Haime): Bursch, 1947, pp.
21-22, fig. 6; pl. i figs. 7, 24, 25.
Miscellanea stampi (Davies) Davies & Pinfold, pp. 42-43, fig. 1 (A) ; pl. vi, figs. 4, 6, 910, 17-18.
Miscellanea miscella (d'Archiac & Haime): Davies & Pinfold, pp. 43-45, pl. vi, figs. 1-3,
5, 7, 8.
291

DESCRIPTION : The megalospheric form has a biconical test with a subacute periphery. The
whole test is granular, the granules at the poles being relatively large and those over the filaments
larger than those between. The chambers are simple, involute and equitant; the filaments being
nearly straight. There is no marginal cord. Interseptal canals are present. There are a few tiny pores
on the apertural face. The intercameral foramen is a slit at the base of the septum. The septa are
slightly recurved. The tops of the chambers appear rounded in nearly equatorial sections, but if the
plane of section is very accurate, each chamber is seen to extend backwards over the top of the
previous chamber. This retrorse process is narrow, tubular and tapering.
The microspheric form (not yet found in Qatar) differs from the megalospheric in being larger,
more complanate and more evenly granular. The margin is broadened and thickened. The chambers
are higher and the septa more curved.
DIMENSIONS: Form A
Diameter
Thickness
2.6 mm
1.2 mm
MATERIAL: P. 40152
DISTRIBUTION: This species is rare in Qatar but the megalospheric form is recorded from the
Paleocene. Records of this species from India and Europe are all Paleocene, but as this name has
only recently been used for the Lowest Tertiary, the authors frequently refer to Lower Eocene.
Bursch (1947) records this species from the Upper Eocene to Middle Aquitanian. His figures and
dimensions are not typical of this species, an important difference being the much smaller size.
Bursch's material does not seem to have been adequate for description.
REMARKS: The rare megalospheric specimens found in Qatar show no transitions to M. miscella
var. dukhani nov. They add nothing to the knowledge of the species.
Miscellanea miscella (dArchiac & Haime) var. dukhani nov.

(Plate XIV, figs. 2-6)
DESCRIPTION: This variety differs from typical specimens of M. miscella in being highly
compressed. As a result of the compression, the apical granules of small specimens appear rather
prominent.
DIMENSIONS: Form A
Maximum
3.2 mm
Diameter
1.1 mm
Thickness
2.6
D/T
About 3 whorls with 28 chambers in the last.
Ratio of chamber height to length up to 3:1.
Diameter of proloculum about 0.2 mm.
Minimum
1.6 mm
0.6 mm
2.0
Average
2.6 mm
0.8 mm
2.2
DIMENSIONS: Form B
Diameter
Thickness
D/T
Minimum
4.6 mm
0.4 mm
7
Average
6.3 mm
0.6 mm
9
Maximum
7.1 mm
0.7 mm
10
292

HOLOTYPE: P. 40132
PARATYPES: P. 40133, 40151 (i-lxxvii), 40251-2.
DISTRIBUTION: Confined to the highest zone of the Paleocene in Qatar.
REMARKS: This subspecies occurs in large populations. No intermediates to the typical forms of
the species have been found. The compression is so extreme that, before axial sections were made,
the involute nature of the chambers was not suspected.
Miscellanea meandrina (Carter, 1861)

(Plate X, figs. 1-14; Plate XI, fig. 12)
1861a
1861b
1876
1951
Alveolina meandrina Carter, pp. 251, 328, 381-2, pl. xvii, figs. 4a-f.
Alveolina meandrina (Carter): Carter, p. 72.
Alveolina meandrina (Carter): Carter, pp. 192-193.
Miscellanea meandrina (Carter) Nagappa, p. 43.
DESCRIPTION: Form A. The megalospheric form has a stoutly lenticular test, tending to be
biconical and with a subacute periphery. There are two or three small polar pustules. The whole of
the test is cut up into incised pillars, which appear externally as granules arranged in rows parallel
to the filaments. Those over the sutures are slightly larger than those between. There is no marginal
cord. The septa are very regular and run from margin to pole, but they are very strongly curved. In
equatorial section the chambers are about as high as long in the first whorl, increasing later. The
septa are gently recurved. The margin is about a quarter as thick as the chambers are high and is cut
into pillars, only the first one or two laminae being unaffected by the fissuring. In axial section the
recurved filaments ensure that from four to eight chambers are cut between margin and pole on each
side of the test. This gives a false impression that the alar prolongations of the chambers are
secondarily septate. The nucleoconch is large. The second chamber is large, but smaller than the
proloculum.
Form B. The microspheric form is very unlike the megalospheric externally. It is more than twice
the diameter and is oblately spheroidal. Externally it is entirely covered with small, very even
granules. When etched, the meandrine filaments appear to have a fingerprint pattern very like that
of Nummulites gizehensis Forskl. The meandrine chambers cross the periphery and the poles quite
indifferently, there being no trace of equitance.
The microspheric nucleoconch gives rise to a spire that takes about one turn before its whorls can
be compared with those of the megalospheric form. The microspheric form then adds two or three
whorls that are identical with those of the megalospheric. At about the size that corresponds to the
maximum attained by Form A, the median part of the chambers wanders from the strict median
plane. At the same time the filaments, which were radiate and increasingly curved, become
meandrine. In about the sixth whorl, the formation of equitant chambers ceases and only the lateral
chambers, corresponding to the meandrine filaments, continue to be added.
DIMENSIONS: Form B (Carters types, P. 30042-6):
Maximum
Minimum
5 mm
3 mm
Diameter
4 mm
2.6 mm
Thickness
1.4
1.1
D/T
Average
4.8 mm
3.7 mm
1.2
293

DIMENSIONS: Form A (P. 40113, P. 40232-4):
Maximum
Minimum
2.6 mm
1.3 mm
Diameter
1.7 mm
0.9 mm
Thickness
1.7
1.2
D/T
There are 4 to 5 whorls with about 20 chambers in the last.
Diameter of megalosphere about 0.25 mm.
Average
2.3 mm
1.5 mm
1.5
LECTOHOLOTYPE: P. 30046 (Carter Coll.).

PARATYPES: P. 30042-5, 30047 (Carter Coll.).
OTHER MATERIAL: P. 40108-14, 40228-34.
DISTRIBUTION: Ranikot of Baluchistan and India. Upper part of the Paleocene of Qatar.
REMARKS: The original description of this species was based on specimens of the microspheric
form from Kelat, Baluchistan; the megalospheric form has not been described before. Carter (1861a
: 327-328) placed the species in Alveolina because he mistook the external shape for a prolate
spheroid and he had not decided to his own satisfaction on the distinction between Alveolina and
Nummulites. He compared the species to Nummulites gizehensis. Carter did not designate types.
His specimens have been re-examined and specimen P. 30046 is hereby designated as the
lectoholotype. Bakx (1932) discusses the species without having seen specimens. Nagappa6 (1951)
records this species under the genus Miscellanea without a redescription or figure.
The relegation of this species to Miscellanea is made on the extremely close similarity between it
and M. miscella. The megalospheric form differs only in being stouter and having very curved
filaments. The peculiar modification of the later whorls of the microspheric form is unique and the
early ephebic structure clearly indicates the affinities of the species. A different but analogous
feature is the doubling of the margin in Daviesina. It may be noticed that the meandrine filaments of
Nummulites gizehensis indicate lateral chambers of a similar nature to those of M. meandrina, the
big difference being that in Nummulites gizehensis the median equitant chambers are not lost.
Nobody contemplates removing reticulate and pseudo reticulate species from Nummulites, although
theoretically they differ from the radiate group in possessing lateral chamberlets instead of alar
prolongations of the median chambers. It must be noted that the structure of the supplemental
skeleton of M. meandrina is absolutely the same as that of M. miscella, and this cannot be said of
any other species that has ever been placed in this genus.
Genus OPERCULINA dOrbigny, 1826

Type lenticulites complanate Defrance
Operculina sp.
(Plate XIII, figs. 8-12; Pl. XIV, fig. 1)
DESCRIPTION: The test is discoidal, the central part slightly swollen and the margin thicker than
the intermediate part of the last whorl. There are a very variable number of pustules, particularly
near the poles. Small pustules also occur on the sutures. The marginal cord is strongly developed.
6
He was aware that this paper was in draft.
294

The septa are nearly radial, slightly recurved near the tops of the chambers. The nucleoconch is
large and the second chamber very large and reniform.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
Average
4.0 mm
2.1 mm
2.9 mm
Diameter
1.0 mm
0.6 mm
0.8 mm
Thickness
About 2 whorls in 2.3 mm. Maximum number of whorls, 3. 8 to 10 chambers per quadrant in the
third whorl.
MATERIAL: P. 40128-31, 40249-50.
REMARKS: This is a typical and very generalised form of Operculina. In ornament it most
resembles O. hardei, lacking the large spirally arranged pustules of O. sindensis. The preservation is
poor and a precise identification is impossible.
Genus NUMMULITES Lamarck, 1801

Type Camerina laevigata Bruguire, 1792
DESCRIPTION: The test is built of radially fibrous calcite deposited in enveloping laminae
which are formed into a spiral lamina by the spiral chamber arrangement. The chamber walls are
finely perforate excepting where trabeculae run. The radial sutures (filaments) and pillars appear
hyaline. The margin is imperforate but highly canaliculate, forming a marginal cord. The septa
appear double and have intraseptal canals. Radial canals are absent. The chambers are primitively
equitant and planispiral. Most of the larger species have a multiple spire with intercalary whorl that
arise by bifurcation of the spire. D' Archiac & Haime (1853: 105) record this latter character in the
type species, N. laevigatus, but it is not usual in this species. Description of the filaments, i.e. the
walls between alar prolongations of chambers, rather than the cavities, has obscured the fact that
meandrine and reticulate filaments indicate separation of parts of the chamber cavities as lateral
chambers or chamberlets. All species are dimorphic, or occasionally trimorphic. An obvious
deuteroconch is only rarely present.
REMARKS: The general usage of Nummulites Lamarck, 1801, instead of the prior name
Camerina Bruguire, 1792, is validated by Opinion 92 (1945) of the Committee on Nomenclature
of the International Zoological Congress. Species of this genus are very closely related and the type
species forms a link between the more primitive and the advanced species. Subgenera Bruguieria,
Laharpeia, Paronaea and Gmbelia are impractical and Nummulitella, Nummulina, Nummularia,
Nummulita are synonyms. Phacites, Discolithes, Rotalites and Lycophrys have also been used for
Nummulites. Operculinoides (Hanzawa, 1935) is often taken as complanate and partly involute, but
the type species, O. wilcoxi, is a typical Nummulite. Ranikothalia (Caudri, 1944) is insufficiently
defined and its type species, Nummulites nuttalli, is also a typical Nummulite. Operculinella may be
used for species where the last whorl is evolute, but this occurs in several lineages. The reverse
condition, where the young test has axial plugs because the chambers do not reach the poles, but the
later whorls are involute, is very common in the genus Nummulites, and not considered of generic
significance.
295
Nummulites discorbinus (Schlotheim, 1820)

(Plate XIII, figs. 4-7)
Lenticulites discorbinus Schlotheim, p. 89; non Nummulites discorbinus (Schlotheim): de
la Harpe, 1883b, pp. 183-184, pl. xxxii, figs. 1-7; non Nummulites subdiscorbinus de la
1820 Harpe, 1883b, p. 185, pl. xxxii, figs. 8-15 [Form A of Nummulites discorbinus
(Schlotheim) fide de la Harpe; actually Form A of Nummulites beaumonti d'Archiac &
Haime].
1850b Nummulina discorbina (Schlotheim) d' Archiac, p. 236.
1853 Nummulites discorbina (Schlotheim) d'Archiac & Haime, pp. 140-141, Pl. ix, figs. 2a-e, 3.
1926c Nummulites stamineus Nuttall, p. 131, pl. i, figs. 1-3.
1928 Nummulites discorbina (Schlotheim) var. libyca Checchia-Rispoli, p. 2, pl. i, figs. 4-8.
Nummulites discorbina (Schlotheim) var. major Rozlozsnik, pp. 123-124, pl. vi, figs. 16,
1929
25.
Nummulites discorbinus (Schlotheim) var. major Rozlozsnik: Nuttall & Brighton, p. 51,
1931
pl. i, figs. 9, 10.
DESCRIPTION: Test globular to stoutly lenticular: immature tests biconical. The margin is often
very rounded. Polar plugs are present but the last whorl, or last few, do not continue the plug and it
is entirely concealed. The filaments are thin, regular and radiate, and appear very numerous. The
amount of curvature is slight to moderate.
In axial section a thick spiral lamina is seen, about the same thickness at the margin as at the poles.
The alar prolongations of the chambers are wide open. The buried axial plugs show prominently.
The marginal cord is obscure.
In equatorial section the spire is very closely coiled and the septa very closely spaced and straight.
They may be slightly inclined or strictly radial. The last few whorls may be more loosely coiled and
with squarer chambers than are typical.
The megalospheric form is smaller than the microspheric. The nucleoconch is small and has a
deuteroconch as big as the proloculum. The next chamber may also be large. The tightly coiled
spire and the close spacing of the septa are more obvious than in the microspheric form. The
maximum expression of these characters occurs at the maximum diameter of the megalospheric test.
The spiral lamina maintains a very slight increase in thickness, but as the chamber height decreases
slightly, the thickness of the spiral lamina becomes greater than that of the "spiral canal". In the
microspheric form, whorls are added subsequent to this and they are progressively less tightly
coiled and the septa are progressively more distant. The last ephebic whorl has chambers as high as
long and the chamber height is twice the thickness of the spiral lamina at the margin.
DIMENSIONS: Form B
Diameter
Thickness
D/T
14 whorls in a radius of 5 mm
Whorl No.
4
Septa per quadrant
10
0.5
Radius (mm)
(a) Lenticular specimens

Maximum
Minimum
15 mm
7.5 mm
6 mm
2.8 mm
2.5
2.0
5
11
0.7
6
13
1.0
7
14
1.4
8
17
2.0
9
18
2.5
10
18
3.0
Average
9.5 mm
3.8 mm
2.3
11
20
3.6
12
24
4.0
296
14
28
5.0
18
30
7.5

DIMENSIONS: Form B
Diameter
Thickness
D/T
9 whorls in a radius of 2.5 mm
Whorl No.
4
9
Septa per quadrant
0.5
Radius (mm)
(b) Lenticular specimens

Maximum
Minimum
7 mm
2.5 mm
4 mm
1.0 mm
1.8
1.5
5
10
0.7
6
11
1.0
Form A
Maximum
4.8 mm
Diameter
2.7 mm
Thickness
2.0
D/T
7 whorls in a radius of 2.4 mm
Diameter of proloculum 0.3 mm
Whorl No.
1
2
3
4
7
11
Septa per quadrant
0.6
0.8
1.1
Radius (mm)
7
14
1.5
8
16
2.0
Average
4.3 mm
2.2 mm
1.7
9
18
2.5
Minimum
3.3 mm
1.6 mm
1.6
4
13
1.3
5
11
1.7
6
12
2.0
Average
4.2 mm
2.2 mm
1.7
7
13
2.3
MATERIAL: P. 40127, 40142-3, 40247-8.

DISTRIBUTION: Middle Eocene of the Mediterranean region, India and Qatar.
REMARKS: This species has a long history of confusion with N. beaumonti d'Archiac & Haime.
Davies (1940: 206) has redescribed the latter. It is stated in the original description of N. beaumonti
that it has very straight septa spaced at about the whorl height, while the septa of N. discorbinus are
closer, making the chamber height about twice the length. There is no other distinction than the
septal count. This is most distinctive in the middle whorls of the microspheric generation. In the
megalospheric generation, N. discorbinus obviously has more septa per quadrant throughout.
Species such as N. atacicus, N. striatus, N. globulus and N. vascus all differ in the lesser number of
septa per whorl and have more curvature of the septa.
Several varieties have been proposed but all are insufficiently distinct from the typical species. N.
discorbinus var. minor d'Archiac, 1850, seems to be based on immature biconical specimens. The
remaining ones are invalid; N. discorbinus, var. libyca Checchia-Rispoli, 1928, homonym of N.
libyca Prever, 1904; N. discorbinus var. major Rozlozsnik, 1929, homonym of N. murchisoni
(Brunner) var. major de la Harpe, 1883. These may be ignored, for their distinctive characters are
not striking. N. discorbinus var. libyca is figured and described as having septa of the type of N.
beaumonti. The types of N. discorbinus var. major Rozlozsnik are almost certainly those referred to
by Lees (1928: 609) as "intermediate between N. discorbinus and N. stamineus" from Oman. N.
stamineus Nuttall is not fully described but does not differ significantly from N. discorbinus.
The lineage of N. discorbinus commences in the Lower Eocene with N. globulus. The latter does
not differ markedly from N. atacicus. It is an unpillared, radiate species with rather tightly coiled
spire. The septa are gently curved and spaced so that the chambers are slightly higher than long.
There is sometimes a small deuteroconch. N. discorbinus arises in the upper part of the Lower
Eocene and is distinguished by the straight septa, very close coiling and a deuteroconch as large as
the proloculum. The tendency of the later whorls to relax gains dominance in the upper part of the
Middle Eocene and the close coiled, closely septate part is progressively reduced. Finally, all the
whorls are mesogyral and the septa are all spaced at about the whorl height. This form is N.
297

beaumonti and is typical of the highest Middle Eocene and the Upper Eocene. Much of the
difficulty of the nomenclature is due to intermediates between N. discorbinus and N. beaumonti.
Moreover any population of either species shows a range of variation that can (and sometimes has)
been taken to indicate the presence of both species, although quantitatively the variation is too small
to encompass both species. The specimens from Qatar are strictly of the N. discorbinus-type.
Nummulites globulus Leymerie, 1846

(Plate XV, figs. 5, 6)
1846
1908
1911
1926
1926
1927
1930
1937
1937
1938
Nummulites globulus Leymerie, p. 359, pl. xiii, fig. 14a-d.

Nummulites globulus Leymerie: Pilgrim, p. 88.
Nummulites globulus Leymerie : Boussac, pp. 26-27 et syn.
Nummulites guettardi d'Archiac: Doncieux, p. 37, pl. v, figs. 1-7.
Nummulites globulus Leymerie: Doncieux, p. 39, figs. 15-18; pl. v, figs. 8-12.
Nummulites globulus Leymerie var. indica Davies, pp. 271-273, pl. xx, figs. 6-10.
Nummulites globulus Leymerie: Cuvillier, pp. 72, 140.
Nummulites globulus Leymerie : Davies & Pinfold, p. 22, pl. iii, fig. 3.
Nummulites globulus Leymerie : Dubertret, pp. 210-211.
Nummulites globulus Leymerie: de Cizancourt & Cox, p. 20, pl. iii, figs. 8-11.
DESCRIPTION: The test is small and lenticular with a sharp margin. There are distinct polar
plugs that show externally and the filaments are radiate and mostly gently curved. There are no
pillars. The spire is close-coiled, the chambers being a little higher than long. The septa are very
slightly curved and the tops of the chambers rounded. The marginal cord is inconspicuous.
Microspheric and megalospheric specimens are present. The megalospheric form has a
deuteroconch of smaller size than the proloculum.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
3.2 mm
1.3 mm
Diameter
1.4 mm
0.7 mm
Thickness
2.3
1.6
D/T
There are 6 whorls in 2.7 mm diameter in what appears to be a microspheric
whorls in 1.5 mm diameter in a megalospheric specimen.
Diameter of protoconch 0.04 mm.
Diameter of nucleoconch with deuteroconch 0.09 mm.
Average
2.1 mm
0.9 mm
2.1
specimen and 4
MATERIAL: P. 40257-9, 40144.

DISTRIBUTION: Davies (1927, Davies & Pinfold, 1937) records this species from the uppermost
Ranikot of India. Cuvillier (1930) records it from the Lower Eocene and rarely from the Middle
Eocene of Egypt. Boussac (1911) was of the opinion that it persisted throughout the Middle Eocene,
and the stock eventually gave rise to N. vascus in the Oligocene. In Qatar, this species occurs only
in the Lower Eocene, associated with Sakesaria cotteri and Lockhartia tipperi.
REMARKS: N. globulus was described as a minor variety of N. atacicus from a Middle Eocene
population and it is doubtful if the specimens from Qatar are identical with these. From a perusal of
the literature the impression is gained that Nummulites of this type occur from the Paleocene to the
Middle Eocene with little change and that N. atacicus and N. discorbinus are specialisations of this
stock. It is unfortunate that the Middle Eocene representatives are the type population because this
298

name has been generally used for specimens from lower horizons that differ from N. atacicus, and
allied species, in being smaller in every way. Davies (1927) attempted to overcome the taxonomic
difficulty by describing N. globulus var. indica but the majority of references to the species,
including the present one, are either this very variety or inseparable from it on present evidence.
The varietal name has not been generally used.
A peculiar preservation is common in Qatar; the lateral walls have been dissolved away but not the
margin or the septa. A skeletal appearance is left.
Nummulites somaliensis Nuttall & Brighton, 1931

(Plate XIII, figs. 1-3)
1931
Nummulites somaliensis Nuttall & Brighton, p. 52, pl. ii, figs, 10-14
DESCRIPTION: The test is complanate, moderately and irregularly stellate, with slight polar
swellings. The filaments are meandrine and the pillars narrow, long and numerous. The spire is
irregular, even reversing its direction in one specimen. The septa are moderately curved and the
chambers about as high as long. The spiral lamina at the margin is about half as thick as the
chambers are high.
DIMENSIONS: Form B
Maximum
22.0 mm
Diameter
3.2 mm
Thickness
8.3
D/T
Whorl No.
1
2
3
4
0.18 0.42 0.85 1.4
Radius (mm)
-5
6
8
No. of septa in turn
Approximate measurements at eighth whorl: Marginal
mm. Chamber length 0.4 mm.
Minimum
Average
15.0 mm
18.5 mm
1.8 mm
2.6 mm
6.3
7.2
5
6
7
8
9
10
2.1 3.0 4.7 5.5
6.4
7.1
10 10 11
---cord 0.5 mm thick. Chamber height
11
7.7
-0.8
MATERIAL: P. 40244-6.
DISTRIBUTION: Middle Eocene of Somaliland and Qatar. In Qatar this species is rare and is
confined to beds above those containing abundant N. discorbinus, Alveolina elliptica var. flosculina
and Dictyoconoides cooki.
REMARKS: The specimens from Qatar are in close agreement with those from Somaliland.
There is an accompanying megalospheric form in Qatar but rarity and bad preservation prevent its
determination. It is consistent with the megalospheric form described from Somaliland as the
companion of this species.
Super-family DISCORBIDEA nov.

DESCRIPTION: The test is of radially fibrous, perforate calcite, the chambers primitively
discrete and arranged in a planispiral or trochoid spire. In all simple spiral forms the aperture is a
slit, its position being variable but most usually basal. Complex genera usually have stolons. There
is no septal flap, the septa consequently appearing single in section. There are no canals. The shell
material is deposited in enveloping laminae, one per instar, as in the Rotaliidea, and the
relationships of the consequent thickening are the same. Uniserial growth is known as a terminal
stage, but is very rare. Orbitoidal habit is known in several lineages.
299
Family AMPHISTEGINIDAE Glaessner, 1945

Genus ASTERIGERINA dOrbigny, 1839
Type Asterigerina carinata dOrbigny
(Plate XV, fig. 4)
DESCRIPTION: The test is complanate with a flat base and an eccentric dorsal polar swelling.
Less often the dorsal surface is low conical. The margin is subacute. The dorsal sutures are obscure,
slightly recurved. There is no dorsal ornament. The ventral surface is smooth, except for the slightly
indented sutures. The ventral chambers are lanceolate, narrow, and extend nearly to the margin;
both they and the cortical sutures are gently recurved. In large specimens the ventral pole may have
a small pillar or a group of a few pillars.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
Average
1.4 mm
0.7 mm
1.0 mm
Diameter
0.15 mm
0.1 mm
0.13 mm
Height
0.14
0.1
0.12
H/D
There are about 2 whorls with 17 chambers in the last.
The spire opens rapidly, the radial height of the last chamber equalling the diameter of the test at
the beginning of the last whorl.
HOLOTYPE: P. 40262.
REMARKS: This is a distinctive species, but well preserved specimens have not been found. The
internal structure cannot be investigated.
Family PLANORBULINIDAE Glaessner, 1945

Genus LINDERINA Schlumberger, 1893
Type Linderina brugesi Schlumberger
Linderina brugesi Schlumberger 1893
(Plate XIV, fig. 14)
1893
1940
Linderina brugesi Schlumberger, p. 121, figs. 3-5; pl. iii, figs. 7-9.
Linderina brugesi Schlumberger: Ellis & Messina, et syn.
DESCRIPTION: The test is lenticular to biconical, compressed. There is little or no external

ornament; the lateral surfaces are smooth and finely perforate while the equatorial chamber layer
can be seen near the margin. The chambers are arranged in a plane equatorial layer and are of the
arcuate orbitoidal type. The nucleoconch is small. The lateral layers include no lateral chamber
cavities; they consist of solid shell material that is thickest at the poles.
DIMENSIONS
1.2 mm
Diameter
0.4 mm
Thickness
About 12 equatorial chambers per mm, as seen in equatorial section.
300

MATERIAL: P. 40266.
DISTRIBUTION: Very widespread in the Middle Eocene of Europe, Africa, India and the Middle
East; also described from the Upper Eocene of Europe. Middle Eocene of Qatar.
REMARKS: The specimens are typical. Lack of ornament might be due to the recrystallization of
the limestone in which they are found. L. buranensis Nuttall & Brighton is the only other species
properly attributed to Linderina. It is supposed to be distinguished by a pustulate ornament, but
since L. brugesi has a weak ornament of the same type, L. buranensis is likely to fall into
synonymy.
Super-family MILIOLIDEA Glaessner, 1945

Family ALVEOLINIDAE Reichel, 1937
(Alveolinida Schultze, 1854)
Genus ALVEOLINA dOrbigny
Type Oryzaria boscii Defrance
Alveolina elliptica (Sowerby) var. flosculina Silvestri, 1939
(Plate XIV, fig. 8-12)
Cf. 1905 Alveolina ciofaloi Checchia-Rispolia, p. 157, pl. xii, figs. 16-18.
1925b Alveolina elliptica var. a Nuttall, p. 382, pl. xx, figs. 4, 5.
Alveolina (Fasciolites) subpyrenaica Leymerie var. flosculina Silvestri, p. 30, pl. vii,
1939
figs. 4, 5.
1940
Alveolina elliptica (Sowerby) var. nuttalli Davies, p. 219, pl. xii, figs. 1-4.
DESCRIPTION: The features that distinguish this species are the shape, cylindrical with rounded
ends, and the internal characters. The chamber walls are always thick with only slight extra polar
thickening and there are two to four flosculinised whorls, usually the third to the fifth. Extreme
types, unflosculinised or entirely flosculinised, have not been found in Qatar. There is some
compensation in number in relation to the flosculinisation as two or three normal whorls take the
place of one flosculinised whorl.
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
Minimum
10.2 mm
6.0 mm
Length
4.7 mm
2.7 mm
Diameter
There are about 20 whorls.
Diameter of megalospheric proloculum 0.25 mm.
There are 13 to 16 chambers in the last whorl with 12 to 16 chamberlets per mm.
Average
7.6 mm
3.9 mm
MATERIAL: P. 40134, 40141, 40254-6, 40266.

DISTRIBUTION: Known throughout the Middle Eocene of the Mediterranean region and the
Kirthar of India. Specimens of flosculinised A. oblonga from the Lower Eocene cannot always be
clearly distinguished from it. The Qatar populations are confined to a few beds, where they may be
very abundant in association with a fauna very like that of the Upper Kirthar of N.W. India (Davies,
1940).
REMARKS: This species is abundant in Qatar and the population agrees well with both A.
elliptica var. nuttalli Davies and A. subpyrenaica var. flosculina Silvestri. Silvestri is in error in
301

assigning this form to A. subpyrenaica, which is a similar but smaller species from the Lower
Eocene. The specific attribution must be to either A. elliptica or to A. oblonga. The latter species
corresponds to an immature A. elliptica, being distinguished only by having fewer whorls after
allowance has been made for the effects of variation in flosculinisation, which occurs to the same
variable extent in both species. The Qatar specimens are of the more robust type and so are the
types of both subspecies. They must, therefore, be placed in the species A. elliptica. On the original
descriptions, both varieties include all the flosculinised specimens but flosculina is defined by this
character while nuttalli is defined as including unflosculinised specimens that are more tapering
than normal. Plate XV, figs. 10 and 11, show that flosculinised specimens may have rounded or
tapering ends. This character therefore has not the importance that Davies assigned to it. The
varietal name flosculina is both the prior name and the better defined and has, therefore, been
adopted. The presence or absence of flosculinisation is easily determined without ambiguity, but in
many populations it is an unimportant distinction. In Qatar the unflosculinised variety is absent, or
at least so rare that a specimen has not yet been found. Dr. H. B. Whittington has kindly allowed
me to record a specimen from Qatar that he has found to show a double nucleoconch. A similar
specimen is figured (Plate XV, fig. 12). This is very similar to the figure of A. ciofaloi, which is of
an immature test (Checchia-Rispoli, 1905, pl. xii, fig. 17). The double nucleoconch is a rare
aberration unworthy of specific recognition.

(Plate XIV, figs. 13)
DESCRIPTION: The test is elongate, unflosculinised, with a distinct taper towards the poles. The
shell material is thick compared to the chamber spaces. The chamberlets are strictly confined to a
single layer in each chamber. The distinctive feature of this species is the small size of the test,
combined with the small size of the chamberlets. As a consequence there are about twice as many
chamberlets per millimetre as there are in any other species of Alveolina.
DIMENSIONS
1.5 mm
Diameter
0.35 mm
Axial length
About 10 whorls in the largest specimen observed.
30 to 40 chamberlets per mm.
HOLOTYPE: P. 40266.
DISTRIBUTION: Known only from the Middle Eocene of Qatar with A. elliptica var. flosculina,
Nummulites discorbinus and Dictyoconoides cooki.
REMARKS: This species closely resembles A. boscii, but the shell material is thicker and the
number of chamberlets per millimetre is greater. The small size of all measurements is noticeable
when this species is compared with any other species of Alveolina. The external shape gives this
species a similarity to small specimens of A. elongata, but A. delicatissima has no accessory
chamberlets in the polar thickening. A. terebrata Silvestri 1939 is similar, but resembles A.
elongata rather than A. delicatissima.
302
Super-family LITUOLIDEA Reuss, 1862

Family ORBITOLINIDAE Martin, amended Henson, 1948
Genus DICTYOCONUS Blanckenhorn, 1900
Type Patellina egyptiensis Chapman
Dictyoconus indicus Davies, 1930
1948
Dictyoconus indicus Davies: Henson. p. 33, pl. xii, figs. 13-13b. et syn.
DESCRIPTION: This occurrence has been described in detail by Henson (1948).

MATERIAL: P. 40178 (i-xxii).
DISTRIBUTION: This species is widely recorded from the Middle Eocene of India, Egypt, etc.,
and is also recorded from the Lower Eocene. This abundant occurrence in the Paleocene of Qatar is
noteworthy.
REMARKS: The majority of specimens found in Qatar are decorticated, but in all cases where the
generic characters are shown, the specimens from the Paleocene are true Dictyoconus, not
Coskinolina or Lituola. Coskinolina balsillei is recorded from Qatar by Henson, but it is very rare,
and the exact horizon from which the specimens came could not be determined. They are most
probably Middle Eocene. An important feature of the Qatar population of D. indicus is the variable
external shape, particularly the angle of the dorsal cone, which may vary from a few degrees to
about 170 degrees.
Henson records Assilina ranikoti and Sakesaria cotteri in association with D. indicus in Qatar.
These species are here redetermined as Daviesina langhami and Sakesaria dukhani respectively.
303
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311

--------------
Weitere Untersuchungen ber die Miogypsiniden, I. Ingen. Ned.

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313
INDEX
The page numbers of the principal references are printed in CLARENDON type. An asterisk* indicates a figure.
A
Africa, East, 48, 82
alar prolongations of chambers, 6*, 8, 13, 26, 27*, 28
Algae, 1
altispira, Lockhartia, 3, 48, 50, 51, 52, 56, Pl. II, figs.
4-6
Alveolina, 2, 3, 82, 83, 84
-- boscii, 82
-- ciofaloi, 82, 83
-- delicatissima, 3, 83, 84, Pl. XIV, fig. 13
- - elliptica var. flosculina, 2, 3, 80, 82, 83, 84,
Pl. XIV, figs. 8-12
---- var. nuttalli, 82
-- elongata, 84
-- meandrina, 72, 74, 75
--oblonga, 83
-- subpyrenaica var. flosculina, 82, 83
-- terebrata, 84
Alveolinida, 82
Alveolinidae, 82-84
Ammonia, 41-43
Amphistegina, 12, 13, 31, 32*, 35, 41, 44, 48
Amphisteginidae, 9, 10, 41
annular chamber, 29, 30
-- growth habit, 30, 31
aperture, 5, 13, 22, 23, 30, 31, 33, 71
--, umbilical, 22, 31, 41-43, 45, 47, 49
--, ventral, 22, 31, 41-43, 45, 47, 49
Arabia, 1, 48
arabica, Operculina, 13
arborescent test, 33, 34
ARCHIAC, E. J. A. d', 12, 13,71
archiaci, Discocyclina, 25
Assilina, 26, 29, 39, 70, 72
-- dandotica, 66
-- ranikoti, 66, 69, 70, 72
Asterigerina, 3, 32*, 48, 81
-- carinata, 81
-- dukhani, 3,81, Pl. XV, fig. 4
Asterocyclina, 37, 39
astral furrow, 44
-- lobe, 31, 41-45, 47, 59
atacicus, Nummulites, 78
attachment disc, 33
axial plug, 8, 31
B
baculatus, Tinoporus, 26
Baculogypsina, 26
BAKX, L. A. J., 75
Baluchistan, 75
Barbados, 66
BARKER, R. W., 20, 39, 42, 45
bayhariensis, Nummulites, 71
Bazian Pass, N. Iraq, 66
beaumonti, Nummulites, 2, 78, 79
beccarii, Rotalia (Nautilus), 42, 43
bermudezi, Kathina (Lockhartia) , 41, 49, 61, Pl. VII,
figs. 9-13
Biplanispira, 22, 70
Borneo,48
boscii, Alveolina (Oryzaria), 82
BOUSSAC, J., 21
BRADY, H. B., 15, 31
BRIGHTON, A. G., v
BRONNIMANN, P., 37, 39
BROTZEN, F., 10
brugesi, Linderina, 2, 3, 81, 82, Pl. XIV, fig. 14
Bruguieria, 76
buranensis, Linderina, 82
BURSCH, J. G., 73
C
Calcarinidae, 9, 20, 38, 39, 66, 70
Camerina, 76
-- dickersoni, 71
--laevigata, 76
--matleyi, 71
canal, 9, 12, 13, 17, 19-21, 40-76
carinata, Asterigerina, 81
CARPENTER, W. B., 11-13, 15, 16, 18, 26, 41, 42, 44
CARTER, H. J., 13, 15, 75
CAUDRI, C. M. B., 71
cavity above septum, 5, 6*, 7*, 43 .
chamber arrangement, 5, 6*, 17, 22, 23, 24*, 25-37*
--, lateral, 17, 22, 26, 27*, 28, 30, 31
chamberlet, equatorial, 17, 22, 36, 37*
- - -, lateral, 17, 22, 26, 27*, 28*, 30
Chapmanina, 32
CHATTON, M., 44
ciofaloi, Alveolina, 82, 83
CIZANCOURT, M. de, 66, 71
COLE, W. S., 71
complanata, Operculina (Lenticulites) , 20, 75
conditi, Lockhartia (Dictyoconoides), 23, 47, 48, 55, 56,
Pl. V, figs. 16-19
conica, Lockhartia, 3, 48, 50, 53, Pl. IV, figs. 1-3
Conulites kohaticus, 59
- - -- var. spintangensis, 59, 60
--tipperi, 55
314

cooki, Dictyoconoides, 2, 3, 59, 60, 84, Pl. IX, figs. 1-5
cordata, Sakesaria dukhani var., 3, 57, 58, Pl. V, fig. 13
cortical chambers, 31, 41-69
cotteri, Sakesaria, 2, 3, 56,57,58,59,66, Pl. V, figs. 1-3
COX, P. T., 2
Cretaceous, Upper, 2, 3, 29, 37-39, 41, 70
critical size, 25
crystalline structure of test, 11
CURRY, D., Pl. XV, figs. 2,3
cushmani, Lockhartia, Rotalia, 49
cyclical growth, 17, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34-37
Cycloclypeus, 13, 21*, 36, 70
Cymbaloporidae, 9, 10
D
Dandotica, Assilina, 66
danieli, Daviesina, 67, 68, 69, 70, Pl. VII, figs. 15-17
DAVIES, L. M ., v, 2, 5, 44. 45, 48, 60. 66, 71
Daviesina, 3. 26, 39. 41, 66, 67-70. 72; key to species, 67
-- danieli, 67, 68, 69, 70, Pl. VII, figs. 15-17
-- hhatiyahi, 3, 66, 67, 68, 69. Pl. XII. Pl. XIV, fig. 7
--langhami. 67. 68, 69, 72. Pl. XI, figs. 1-11
Delicatissima, Alveolina, 3, 83, 84, Pl. XIV, fig. 13
delseota, Kathina, 3, 61, 62, 64-66, Pl. VII, figs. 1-8
deposits, secondary unlaminated, 32*, 43-45, Pl. 1,
fig. 6a-m
deuteroconch, 23, 24*, 25
dickersoni, Camerina, Miscellanea, Sulcoperculina, 71
Dictyoconoides, 2, 3, 33, 34*, 41, 42, 48, 59, 60, 64, 65
-- conditi, 55
-- cooki, 2, 3, 59, 60, 84, Pl. IX, figs. 1-5
-- haimei, 47, 49
-- kohaticus, 59, 60
-- tipperi, 55
Dictyoconus, 2, 3, 84
-- indicus, 2, 3, 84
Dictyokathina, 2, 33, 41 , 42, 64, 65, 66
- -- simplex, 3, 62, 65, 66, Pl. VIII
dimorphism, 25, 60, 65-69, 76-80
Discocyclina, 20, 25, 36
-- archiaci, 25
Discocyclinidae, 9, 25, 39, 71
Discolithes, 76
Discorbidae, 9, 10, 26, 41
Discorbidea, 10, 14, 22, 31, 35, 37, 81
discorbinus, Nummulites (Lenticulites), 2, 3, 77, 78, 79,
84, Pl. XIII, figs. 4-7
- - var. libyca, Nummulites, 78
-- var. major, Nummulites, 78
Discorbis, 15
diversa, Lockhartia, 3, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, Pl. 111
dorsal surface, of Rotaliidea, 31
DOUVILLE, H., 13, 20, 71
DUJARDIN, F., 15
dukhani, Asterigerina, 3, 81, Pl. XV, fig. 4
--, Miscellanea miscella var., 3, 73; 74, Pl. XIV, figs. 2-6
- - , Rotalia, 3, 46, Pl. XV, fig. 7
--, Sakesaria, 3, 50-53, 57, 58, 59, Pl. V, figs. 4-12
-- var. cordata, Sakesaria, 3, 57, 58, Pl. V. fig. 13

E
Eames, F. E., v
Echinoidea, 1
egyptiensis, Patellina, 84
elegans, Nummulites, 20*, Pl. XV, figs. 2, 3
elliptica var. flosculina, Alveolina, 2, 3, 80,82, 83, 84,
Pl. XIV, figs. 8-12
-- var. nuttalli, Alveolina, 82
elongata, Alveolina, 84
Elphidiidae, 9, 20, 39, 41, 70
Elphidium, 10, 16, 20, 26, 37, 39, 71
Eocene, Lower, 2, 3, 39, 44, 45, 49, 54-57, 66, 73, 78,
79, 83
- - , Middle, 2, 3, 44, 49, 60, 78-80, 82-84
--, Upper, 71, 73, 79, 82
Eorupertia, 56
ephebic stage, 23
Epistomina, 31
evolute test, 6*, 9, 26, 27*, 29
evolution of Rotaliidea, 26-39
F
Faujasina, 12, 42
filament, 26, 27,33
fissure, 9, 13, 19-21*, 22, 40-46
flosculina, Alveolina elliptica var., 2, 3, 80, 82, 83, 84,
Pl. XIV, figs. 8-12
--, -- subpyrenaica var., 82
foramen, intercameral, 5, 9, 13, 22, 23, 28, 30, 31, 40,
41 ,71
FRIZZELL, D. L., 32, 33, 42
function of test, 15-17, 38
G
Geology, Solid of Qatar, 1
gerontic stage, 23
gibbosa, Amphistegina, 12
GILL, W. D., v, 45, 48, 60
gizehensis, Nummulites, 26, 33, 60, 74, 75, Pl. XV, fig. : 1
GLAESSNER, M. F., 9, 10, 71
Globigerinidae, 9-11
Globorotaliidae, 9, 10
globulus, Nummulites, 3, 78, 79, 80, Pl. XV, figs. 5, 6
-- var. indica, Nummulites, 79, 80
GRIMSDALE, T. F., v, 13, 20, 22, 39, 42, 45, 71
Gmbelia, 76
Gmbeliniidae, 9, 10
Gypsina, 22
gyralis, Helicolepidina, 35
H
HAIME, J ., 12, 13, 71
haimei, Lockhartia (Dictyoconoides) , 2, 3, 47, 48, 49.
50-52, Pl. 11, figs. 1-14
--, --, specimens intermediate to L. prehaimei, 50
51, Pl. II, figs. 15-18
Hammonium, 42
Hardei, Operculina, 76
Hedbergi, Miscellanea, 71
315

Helicolepidina, 35, 36*, 39
- - gyralis 35
HENSON, F, R. S., v
hensoni, Rotalia, 3, 45, 46, Pl. XV, fig. 8
Heterostegina, 12, 14, 21, 22, 30, 39, 70
Heterostegininae, 71
Heterosteginoides , Operculina complanata var., 20
HOFKER, J., 20, 25, 42, 45
hunti, Lockhartia, 3, 48, 50, 54, Pl. IV, fig. 7
- - var. pustulosa, Lockhartia, 3, 48, 54, 55, Pl. IV,
figs. 8-10
I
inaequilateralis, Operculina, 66
India, v, 2, 44, 73, 75, 78, 82
indica, Nummulites globulus var., 79, 80
indicus, Dictyoconus, 2, 3, 84
instar, v, 5, 7, 8, 15, 16, 25, 26, 30, 33-35
intercalary whorl, 29, 33, 34*, 59, 60, 65, 66, Pls. VIII,
IX; apparent, 29*
intermediate deposits, 14
intermedius, Nummulites, 27
intraseptal canal, 14, 20*, 21, 48, Pl. IX, fig. 4, Pl. XV,
figs. 2, 3
involute tests, 6*, 9, 26, 27*, 28*, 29
Iraq, 39, 44,48, 53, 60, 82
K
Kani Hanjir, N. Iraq, 53
Kathina, v, 3, 15, 31, 32*, 41, 42, 48, 49, 61, 62-64;
key to species, 61
- - bermudezi, 41, 49, 61, Pl. VII, figs. 9-13
-- delseota, 3, 61, 62, 64-66, Pl. VII, figs. 1-8
-- major, 3, 61, 62, 63, 64, Pl. VI, figs. 1-10
-- selveri, 3, 15,46,61,62,63,64, Pl. VI, figs. 11-13
KEEN, A. M., 42
Kelat,75
khatiyahi, Daviesina, 3, 66, 67, 68, 69, Pl. XII, Pl.
XIV, fig. 7
Kirthar formation, 2, 44, 60, 83
KOENIGSWALD, G. H. R. von, v, 48
kohaticus, Dictyoconoides (Conulites, Patellina, Rotalia)
59, 60
-- var. spintangensis, Dictyoconoides (Conulites), 59, 60
L
laevigatus, Nummulites (Camerina), 13, 22, 76
Laffitteina, 39, 70, 71
Laharpeia, 76
Laki formation , 2, 44, 55-57, 66
LAMARCK, J. P. B. A. de M. de, 38, 42
lamina of shell material,5, 6*, 7*, 8-37, 40
langhami, Daviesina, 3, 67, 68, 69, 72, Pl. XI, figs. 1-11:
lateral chamber, 17, 22, 26, 27*, 28, 30, 31
- - chamberlet, 17,22, 26, 27*, 28*,30
LEES, G. M., 78
Lenticulites complanatus, 75
-- discorbinus, 77
libyca, Nummulites discorbinus var., 78
Linderina brugesi, 2, 3, 81, 82, Pl. XIV, fig. 14

-- buranensis, 82
LISTER, J. J., 15, 23
lithology of strata in Qatar, 1
Lituolidea, 84
Lockhartia, 2, 3, 22, 32*, 41, 47, 48-56, 59; key to
species, 48
-- altispira, 3, 48, 50, 51, 52, 56, Pl. IV, figs. 4-6
-- bermudezi, 41, 49, 61, Pl. VII, figs. 9-13
- - conditi, 2, 3, 47, 48, 55, 56, Pl. V, figs. 16-19
-- conica, 3, 48, 50,53, Pl. IV, figs. 1-3
-- cushmani, 49
- - diversa, 3, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, Pl. III
-- haimei, 2, 3, 47, 48, 49, 50-52, Pl. II, figs. 1-14
----, specimens intermediate to L. prehaimei, 50,
51, Pl. II, figs. 15-18
-- hunti, 3, 48, 50, 54, Pl. IV, fig. 7
- - -- var. pustulosa, 3, 48, 54, 55, Pl. IV, figs. 8-10
--prehaimei, 3, 48, 50, 51, Pl. II, figs. 21, 22,
Pl. VII, fig. 14
----, specimens intermediate to L. haimei, 50,51,
Pl. II, figs. 15-18
- tipperi, 2, 3, 48, 50, 54, 55, 59, 65, Pl. IV, figs. 11-13
Lycophrys, 76
M
macropora, Omphalocyclus, 1
Maestrichtian, 1, 37, 44, 45
major, Kathina, 3, 62, 63, 64, Pl. VI, figs. 1-10
--, Nummulites discorbinus var., 78
--, - - murchisoni var., 78
margin, doubling of, 31, 68, 69, Pl. XI, figs. 2, 5, 8
--, loss of, 26, 28, 29, 74, 75, Pl. X, figs. 1-6, Pl. XI,
fig. 12
marginal cord, 13, 20*, 21*, 22, 42, 45, 70-72
matleyi, Camerina, Miscellanea, Pellatispirella, 71
meandrina, Miscellanea (Alveolina), 2, 3, 28, 71, 72, 74,
75, Pl. X, Pl. XI, fig. 12
mecatapecensis, Rotalia mexicana var., 43
mechanical strength of test, 22, 38
median chamber layer, 28-31
megalosphere, 25
metabolism, 17
mexicana, Rotalia, 46
- - var. mecatapecensis, Rotalia, 43
microsphere, 25
Miliolidea, 82
millecaput, Nummulites, 60
Miogypsina, 26, 30, 34
Miogypsinidae, 9, 10, 34, 39
Miogypsinoides, 20, 34
miscella, Miscellanea (Nummulites, Siderolites), 2, 3,66,
71, 72, 73-75
- - var. dukhani, Miscellanea, 3, 73, 74, Pl. XIV, figs. 2-6
Miscellanea, 2, 3, 18, 20, 22, 28, 30, 39, 70, 71, 72-75;
key to species, 72
- - dickersoni, 71
-- hedbergi, 71
316

-- matleyi, 71
-- meandrina, 2, 3, 28, 72, 74, 75, Pl. X, Pl. XI, fig. 12
-- miscella, 2, 3, 66, 71, 72, 73-75
-- -- var. dukhani, 3, 73, 74, Pl. XIV, figs. 2-6
-- nassauensis, 71
-- nicaraguana, 72
-- stampi, 66, 71, 72
Mollusca, I
morphogenesis, 7, 11-14, 16
multiple spire, 29, 33, 39, 41, 59, 60, 64, 65
murchisoni var. major, Nummulites, 78
MYERS, E. H., 10, 15
N
NAGAPPA, Y., 75
nassauensis, Miscellanea, 71
Nautilus, 12
-- beccarii, 42 , 43
nepionic stages, 23: 24*,25
newboldi, Rotalia, 43, 48
nicaraguana, Miscellanea, 71
Nonion, 10, 37
Nonionidae, 9, 10, 26, 71
nucleoconch, 23, 24*, 25, 34-37
--, double, 83, Pl. XIV, fig. 12
Nummularia, 76
Nummulina, 76
Nummulita, 76
Nummulitella, 76
Nummulites, 2, 3, 12, 15, 18, 20*, 21*, 22, 26, 27,28*
29*, 30, 31, 33, 37, 39, 66, 70-72, 74, 75, 76, 77-80
-- atacicus, 78
-~ bayhariensis, 71
-- beamonti, 2, 78, 79
-- discorbinus, 2, 3, 77, 78, 79, 84, Pl. XIII, figs. 4-7
---- var. libyca, 78
- - _. - var. major, 78
-- elegans, 20*, Pl. XV, figs. 2, 3
--gizehensis, 26, 33, 60, 74, 75, Pl. XV, fig. 1
--globulus, 3, 78, 79, 80, Pl. XV, figs. 5, 6
---- var. indica, 79, 80
-- intermedius, 27
-- laevigatus, 12, 22, 76
-- millecaput, 60
-- miscella, 71, 72
-- murchisoni var. major, 78
- - nuttalli, 66, 72, 76
-- perforatus, 33
Nummulites prestwichianus, Pl. XV, figs. 2, 3
-- scotlandica, 66, 69, 72
-- somaliensis, 2, 3, 80, 81, Pl. XIII, figs. 1-3
-- stamineus, 78
-- striatus, 78
Nummulitidae, 9, 20, 26, 37-39, 41, 66, 70-81
Nummulitinae, 71-81
NUTTALL, W. L. F., 56
nuttalli, Alveolina elliptica var., 82
--, Nummulites, 66, 76
O
oblonga, Alveolina, 83
Omphalocyclus, 1, 39
-- macropora, 1
ontogeny, 23, 24*, 25
Operculina, 3, 12-15, 20, 22, 26, 39, 70, 75
- - arabica, 13
-- complanata, 20, 75
-- hardei, 76
- - inaequilateralis, 66
-- sindensis, 26, 66, 76
- - sp., 75, 76, Pl. XIII, figs. 8-12, Pl. XIV, fig. 1
Operculinella, 76
Operculinoides, 76
-- wilcoxi, 76
ORBIGNY, A. d', 13
orbitoidal habit, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 35*, 36*, 37-39
Orbitoididae, 9, 10, 35-37, 39
Orbitolinidae, 84
order of addition of chambers, 23, 24*, 25
ornata, Sakesaria, 3, 57, 58, 59, Pl. V, figs. 14, 15
Oryzaria boscii, 82
Ostracoda, 1
OVEY, C. D., v, 48, 56
P
Pakistan, v
Paleocene, 2, 3, 26, 39, 44-46, 49-53, 55, 56, 58, 59,
61-69, 73, 76, 81
paratype, use of term, v
Paronaea, 76
parting, 8, 11-13
Patellina cooki, 59
-- egyptiensis, 84
Pellatispira, 20, 22, 48, 70, 71
-- matleyi, 71
perforation, 7, 11, 12, 19-21
perforatus, Nummulites, 33
peripheral chamberlets, 5, 43, 45
PFENDER, J.,71
Phacites, 76
phylogeny of Rotaliidae, 37-39
PICARD, L., v
pillar, 12, 17-19*, 40-42
planispiral tests, 6*, 7, 9, 26
Planorbulinidae, 9, 10, 81, 82
preadaptation, 17, 38
prehaimei, Lockhartia, 3, 48, 50, 51, Pl. II, figs. 21, 22,
Pl. VII, fig. 14
- - , --, specimens intermediate to L. haimei, 50, 51
Pl. II, figs. 15-18
PREVER, P. L., 78
primary chamber wall, 14
proloculum, 7, 23, 24*, 25
protoconch, 23
protoplasmic streaming, 18
prototype of Rotaliidea, 5, 6*, 7-9, 15
Pseudovalvulineria, 42
317

Pustulosa, Lockhartia hunti var., 3, 48, 54, 55, Pl. IV,
figs. 8-10
R
Ranikot formation, 2, 44, 50, 55, 56, 66, 75
ranikoti, Assilina, 66, 69, 70, 72
Ranikothalia, 76
REICHEL, M., 60
retral process, 29, 70
REUSS, A. E., 9
Rhizopoda, 15
RIJSINGHE, C. van., 22,60
Rotalia, 1-3, 5,9-13,20,21*,22,26,31,32*,34,37,
39,41,42,43-49,56,61,63,70
-- beccarii, 42, 43
- - cushmani, 49
-- dukhani, 3, 46, Pl. XV, fig. 7
-- hensoni, 3, 45, 46, Pl. XV, fig. 8
- - kohaticus, 59
-- mexicana, 46
-- - - var. mecatapecensis, 43
-- newboldi, 43, 48
-- skourensis, 41
--trochidiformis, v, 1-3, 5, 14, 21*, 42, 43, 44-46; 48,66
Pl. I
Rotaliidae, 9, 22, 26, 39,41, 66
--; key to genera of, 41
Rotaliidea, 5-80
--, diagnosis of, 9, 40
Rotaliiformes, 10
Rotalites, 42, 76
Rupertia, 56
Rupertiidae, 9
RUTTEN, M. G., 30, 48
S
Sakesaria, 2, 3, 33, 41, 42, 48, 52, 56, 57-59; key to
species, 57
-- cotieri, 2, 3, 56, 57, 58, 59, 66, Pl. V, figs. 1-3
-- dukhani, 3, 50-53, 57, 58, 59, Pl. V, figs. 4-12
---- var. cordata, 3, 57, 58, Pl. V, fig. 13
-- ornata, 57, 58, 59, Pl. V, figs. 14, 15
Samana range, 50
sampling, 1
SCHENCK, H. G., 23
Scotland beds, 66
scotlandica, Nummulites, 66, 69, 72
secondary deposits, 14
--septa, 30, 33
selveri, Kathina, 3, 15, 46, 61, 62, 63, 64, Pl. VI, figs.
11-13
septal flap, 5, 8, 9, 11, 14, 30, 44
- - structure,5, 8, 11-13, 15, 20, 30, 42, 44,48
sessile test, 33
Siderolites, 71, 72
- - miscella, 71, 72
-- stampi, 71
-- vidali, 72
SILVESTRI, A., 60
simplex, Dictyokathina, 3, 62, 65, 66, Pl. VIII

sindensis, Operculina, 26, 66, 76
skourensis, Rotalia, 41
somaliensis, Nummulites, 2, 3, 80, 81, Pl. XIII, figs. 1-3
Somaliland, 2, 50, 54, 55, 60, 80
SOWERBY, J., 13
SOWERBY, J. de C., 13
spintangensis, Conulites kohaticus var., 59, 60
- - , Dictyoconoides kohaticus var., 59, 60
spiral canal, 12
- -- lamina, 8, 11-13, 15, 44, 60
Spirillina, 10, II, 15, 41
Spirillinidae, 9, 10, 26
Spiroclypeus, 22, 70
stamineus, Nummulites, 78
stampi, Miscellanea (Siderolites), 66, 71
stolon, 9, 30, 60
streaming protoplasmic, 18-20
Streblus, 42
strength of test, 22, 38
striatus, Nummulites, 78
subpyrenaica, Alveolina, 82, 83
subsutural canal, 20
Sulcoperculina, 39, 70, 71
-- dickersoni, 71
supplemental skeleton, 9, 13, 14, 41
surface tension, 7,8,23, 24*
SWINNERTON, H. H., II
Syria, 44
T
TAN SIN HOK, 34, 38, 39
terebrata, Alveolina, 84
test, in Rotaliidae, 5-39
Thal, 50
thickening, 8, 9, 11-14, 17-19, 25, 26, 33-36
THOMPSON, d'A. W., 16
Tinoporus baculatus, 26
tipperi, Lockhartia (Conulites, Dictyoconoides) , 2, 3, 48,
50, 54, 55, 59, 65, Pl. IV, figs. 11-13
trabecule, 20*, 21, Pl. XV, figs. 2, 3
trimorphism, 25, 60, 76
trochidiformis, Rotalia, v, 1-3, 5, 16, 21*, 42, 43, 44-46,
48,66, Pl. I
trochoid tests, 6*, 7, 9, 26
Turbinulina, 42
U
UMBGROVE, J. H. F., 22
umbilical aperture, 22, 31, 32*, 41-43, 45, 47, 49, Pl. I,
figs 2-6, Pl. II, figs 9, IO
-- canal, 20, 41-45, 59, 60, 63
-- cavities, 22, 31, 32*, 41-60
-- plug, 31, 41-66
V
vacuole, 30
VAUGHAN, T. W., 71
Vaughanina, 37, 39
ventral chamber, 13, 31, 32*, 41
318

-- spire, 48
- - surface of Rotaliidea, 31
vidali, Siderolites, 72
W
WHITTINGTON, H. B., v, 83
wilcoxi, Operculinoides, 76
WILLIAMSON, W. C., 5, 11, 12, 15, 31 , 42, 45
WOOD, A., 10, 11
319
EXPLANATION OF PLATES
Figures that bear the same number, but are distinguished by small letters, are different views of the same specimen.
Some specimens that have been figured could not be preserved, for various reasons. These are shown by: Plate I, figs.
6a-n; Plate II, figs. 6-8; Plate V, fig. 18; Plate VI, fig. 7; Plate XII, fig. 5.
320
PLATE I
Rotalia trochidiformis Lamarck
FIGS
1
2-4
5
6 a-n
a - Dorsal view, b - ventral view. X 17. P. 40048

Decalcified thick sections parallel to the base, showing the spiral canal and its branches. X 30. P. 40179-80 i,
ii.
Decalcified thick section parallel to the axis of coiling, showing the spiral canal and ventral fissures. X 30.
Coll. A. G. Davis, prep. T. F. Grimsdale. P. 40180 iii.
Serial sections parallel to the axis through a single specimen. Impregnation by stained canada balsam and
photography by reflected light cause the shell material to appear white and cavities black. The shell material
of perforate areas appears darker than that of imperforate ones. X 23. Coll. A. G. Davis, prep. T. F.
Grimsdale and A. H. Smout.
Specimen from: Figs. 1 a-b. Lower Eocene, Qatar.
Specimens from: Figs. 2-6. Upper Bracklesham beds, Fisher's bed 17, Selsey, England.
321

PLATE I
ROTALIA
322
PLATE II
FIGS
1-5
6
7
8
9, 10
11-14
Dorsal views of five specimens to show the range of variation in Paleocene zones 3-6. X 12. P.40049-53
Ventral view, note the lack of an obvious aperture. X 16.
Lateral view. X 16.
The spire of a decorticated specimen. X 16.
Horizontal sections, pillars appear white, an umbilical plate grey and pores and cavities black in fig. 10.
Cavities in the septa are indications of intraseptal canals. Umbilical apertures are visible at A, and
intercameral foramina at B. X 25. P. 40181 i, 40182.
Vertical, nearly axial sections. The lamination of the shell material is seen and its relationship to pillars and
dorsal pustules apparent. X 25. P. 40183-4, 40181 ii, iii.
Lockhartia haimei, specimens intermediate with L. prehaimei
FIGS
15-18
19
20
Dorsal views of four specimens to show the range of variation in Paleocene zone 2. X 10 (16a. X 20).
P40054-7.
a. dorsal, b. ventral, c. lateral views. X 20. P. 40058
Axial section. X 25. P. 40185.
FIGS
21
22
Holotype, a. dorsal, b. ventral, c. lateral views. X 20. P.40059.

Paratype, axial section. X 25. P.40186.
All specimens from the Paleocene, Qatar.
323

PLATE II
LOCKHARTIA
324
PLATE III
FIGS
1
2, 3
4
5
6-9
10-14
15
16-20
Holotype, dorsal view. X 16. P.40060.

Paratypes, ventral and lateral views. X 16. P.40061-2.
Paratype, specimen decorticated to show the spire. X 12. P. 40063.
Paratype, base of a specimen with ornament radiating from the terminal chamber. X 12. P. 40064.
Paratypes, horizontal sections. Fig. 7 shows a lamina crossing a septum from the top of one whorl to the
bottom of the spiral lamina of the succeeding whorl. X 25. P. 40187-90.
Paratypes, random sections, roughly parallel to the axis. The lamination is visible and the characteristic
honeycomb ornament can be recognised. X 25 P. 40191-4.
Paratype, axial section. X 25. P. 40192 (iii).
Random sections in hard limestone. X 25. P.39665-6.
Specimens from: Figs. 1-15; Paleocene, Qatar.
Specimens from: Figs. 16-20; Paleocene, Kani Hanjir, Iraq.
325

PLATE III
LOCKHARTIA
326
PLATE IV
FIGS
1
2
3
Holotype, a. dorsal, b. ventral views. X 20. P. 40065.

Paratype, nearly axial section. X 25. P. 40195.
Paratype, nearly axial section. X 57. P. 40196.
FIGS
4
5
6
Holotype, a. dorsal, b. ventral views. X 16. P. 40066.

Paratype, a. dorsal, b. ventral views. X 16. P. 40067.
Paratype, vertical section. X 25. P. 40197.
Lockhartia hunti Ovey
FIGS
7
a. dorsal, b. ventral and c. lateral views. X 16. P. 40068.

Lockhartia hunti var. pustulosa nov.
FIGS
8
9
10
Exterior views of ten specimens. X 13. P. 40069-78. P. 40069 Holotype, remainder Paratypes.
Paratype, vertical section. X 28. P. 40198.
Paratype, horizontal section. X 25 P. 40199.
Lockhartia tipperi (Davies)
FIGS
11
12
13
a. dorsal, b. ventral, c. lateral views. X 16. P.40079.

Horizontal section. X 90. P.40201.
Specimens from: Figs. 7-13; Lower Eocene, Qatar.
327

PLATE IV
LOCKHARTIA
328
PLATE V
FIGS
1
2
3
Lateral view of large specimen. X 16. P. 40080.

Lateral view of small specimen. X 16. P. 40081.
Axial section. X 20. P.40202.
FIGS
4
5, 6
7
8
9-12
Holotype, lateral view. X 12. P. 40082.

Paratypes, lateral views. X 12. P. 40083-4.
Paratype, horizontal section. X 25. P. 40204 (i).
Paratype, axial section. X 25. P. 40203.
Paratypes, random sections. X 25. P. 40204 (ii-v).
Sakesaria dukhani var. cordata nov
FIGS
13
Holotype, lateral view. X 16. P.40085.

FIGS
14
15
Holotype, lateral view. X 16. P.40086.

Paratype, axial section. X 25. P.40205.
FIGS
16
17
18, 19
a. dorsal, b. ventral views. X 17. P. 40087.

Horizontal section. X 17.
Axial sections. Note the plates crossing the narrow spaces between the fissures. X 28. P.40206-7.
Specimen from: Fig. 1; Lower Eocene, Qatar.
Specimens from: Figs. 2-3; Lower Eocene or Upper Paleocene, Bazian Pass, Iraq.
329

PLATE V
SAKESARIA, LOCKHARTIA
330
PLATE VI
FIGS
1-4
5
6
7
8
9, 10
Paratypes, a. dorsal, b. ventral, c. lateral views. X 16. P.40090-93.

Holotype, a. dorsal, b. ventral, c. lateral views. X 16. P. 40089.
Paratype, ventral view of a specimen with unusually strong grooves. X 12. P. 40208.
Paratype, horizontal section showing the ventral canals. X 20. P.40209.
Paratype, decorticated specimen showing the spire. X 12. P. 40094.
Paratypes, axial sections showing the lamination of the shell material and the vertical canals. X 25.
P. 40210-11.
FIGS
11
12
13
Holotype, a. dorsal, b. ventral, c. lateral views. X 12. P. 40095.

Paratype, horizontal section through the plane of coiling. X 68. P. 40212.
Paratype, axial section, showing the lamination of the shell material. X 68. P. 40213.
331

PLATE VI
KATHINA
332
PLATE VII
Kathina delseota sp. nov
FIGS
1a,b,
2a, b
3
4
5
6-8
Paratypes, a. dorsal, b. ventral views. X 12. P. 40097-8.

Paratype, decorticated specimen showing the spire. X 7 P.40099.
Holotype, decorticated specimen showing the spire. A damaged specimen must be used as holotype because
this species cannot be distinguished from Dictyokathina simplex sp. nov. with absolute certainty, unless the
simple spire can be observed. X 12. P. 40096.
Paratype, ventral view, showing the apertures that terminate the vertical canals. X 12. P. 40100
Paratypes, axial sections. X 25. P. 40214 (i, ii), 40215.
Kathina bermudezi (Cole)
FIGS
9, 10
11
12
13
Topotypes, a. dorsal, b. ventral views. X 28. P.40101-2.

Topotype, horizontal section through the plane of coiling. X 35. P. 40216 (i).
Topotype, horizontal section below the cortical chambers. X 35. P. 40216 (ii).
Topotype, axial section. X 35. P. 40216 (iii).
This specimen shows ornament transitional to that of L. diversa.
FIGS
14
Paratype, a. dorsal, b. ventral, c. lateral views. X 20. P.40103.

FIGS
15
16
17

Paratype, axial section. X 30. P. 40260 (i).
Paratype, horizontal section through the plane of coiling. X 30. P.40260 (ii).
Specimens from: Figs. 1-8, 14-17; Paleocene, Qatar.
Specimens from: Figs. 9-13; Upper Cretaceous, Bermudez Station 538, Cuba.
333

PLATE VII
KATHINA, LOCKHARTIA, DAVIESINA
334
PLATE VIII
FIGS
1
2
3
4
5
6-8
Paratype, a. dorsal, b. ventral, c. lateral views. X 16. P. 40105.

Holotype, form B, ventral view of part of the test. X 12. P. 40104.
Paratype, form B, horizontal section below the spire of cortical chambers. X 12. P.40217.
Paratype, form B, partly decorticated specimen viewed dorsally, showing the spire. X 5. P. 40106.
Paratype, form A, horizontal section through the plane of coiling, showing the spire. X 12. P.40218.
Paratypes, form A, vertical, nearly axial sections. X 25. P.40219-20.
FIGS
9
10, 11
Form B, horizontal section. X 10. P. 40221.

Form B, vertical sections. X 20. P.40222-3.
Specimens from: Figs. 9-11; Lower Eocene or Upper Paleocene, Bazian Pass, Iraq.
335

PLATE VIII
DICTYOKATHINA
336
PLATE IX
FIGS
1
2
3
4
5

Horizontal section through the plane of coiling. This specimen is abnormal in having a nearly plane spire. X
7. P. 40224
Ventral view of part of a specimen, showing pillars and umbilical apertures. X 16. P.40107.
Horizontal section of part of a specimen. This passes through the cortical chambers peripherally and below
them in the centre. The intraseptal and subcortical canal system is clearly shown because the canals are
naturally impregnated with iron oxide. X 25. P. 40226.
Horizontal section of part of a specimen. This taken nearer the base than fig. 4 and shows the umbilical
cavities and a few cortical chambers with umbilical apertures and intercameral foramina. X 25. P. 40227.
All specimens from the Middle Eocene, Qatar.
337

PLATE IX
DICTYOCONOIDES
338
PLATE X
FIGS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7, 8
9
10, 11
12
13, 14
Form B, a. lateral, b. marginal views of an etched specimen, showing meandrine filaments. X 15. P. 40108
Form B, axial section. X 15. P. 40228.
Form B, fractured surface. Owing to the meandrine habit, the appearance hardly varies with the direction of
the fracture, unless it strictly coincides with the nepionic equatorial plane. X 10. P.40109.
Form B, random section of a fragment. X 45. P.40229.
Form B, serial sections parallel to the nepionic equatorial plane, through a single specimen. X 15. P. 40230
Form B, equatorial section. X 15. P. 40231.
Form A, lateral views. X 15. P.40110-1.
Form A, marginal view. X 16. P. 40112.
Form A, axial sections. X 15. P. 40232, 40234.
Form A, nearly axial section. X 15. P.40233 (i).
Form A, equatorial sections. X 15. P. 40233 (ii), 40114.
339

PLATE X
MISCELLANEA
340
PLATE XI
FIGS
1-4
5
6
7
8, 9
10
11
Paratypes, a. dorsal, b. ventral, c. lateral views. X 12. P. 40115-8.

Paratype, form A, equatorial section. X 20. P. 40235.
Paratype, form B, equatorial section. X 20. P.40120.
Paratypes, nearly axial sections. X 15. P.40236-37.
Paratype, tangential section parallel to the equatorial plane, showing the pillar structure of the walls. X 25
P. 40238.
Paratype, nearly equatorial section. X 15. P. 40239
FIGS
12
Paratype, form B, equatorial section. X 17. P. 30047.

Specimen from: Fig. 12; Paleocene? Valley of Kelat, Baluchistan.
341

PLATE XI
DAVIESINA, MISCELLANEA
342
PLATE XII
FIGS
1
2-4
5
6
7, 8
9, 10
11
Holotype, form B, a. dorsal, b. ventral views. X 17. P.40123.

Paratypes, form A, a. dorsal, b. ventral views. X 17. P.40124-5.
Paratype, form B, equatorial section. X 17.
Paratype, form B, equatorial section. X 25. P. 40126.
Paratypes, form A, equatorial sections. X 25. P.40241.
Paratypes, form A, nearly axial sections. X 42. P.40242-3.
Paratype, form A, random section. X 25. P. 40241.
343

PLATE XII
DAVIESINA
344
PLATE XIII
Nummulites somaliensis Nuttall & Brighton
FIGS
1
2, 3
Tangential section, showing the filaments. X 4.5. P.40244.

Equatorial sections. X 4.5. P.40245-6.
FIGS
4
5
6
7
Form B, adult specimen in lateral view, showing the filaments but no axial plug. X 10. P. 40143.
Form B, juvenile specimen in lateral view, showing filaments and polar plug. X 10. P. 40127.
Form B, equatorial section. X 7. P.40247.
Form B, axial section. It is common to find the axial plugs disintegrated as in this specimen. X 10. P. 40248
Operculina sp.
FIGS
8
9-12
Nearly axial section. X 15. P. 40249.

Lateral views. X 12. P. 40128-31.
Specimens from: Figs. 1-7; Middle Eocene, Qatar.
345

PLATE XIII
NUMMULITES, OPERCULINA
346
PLATE XIV
Operculina sp.
FIGS
1
Equatorial section. X 18. P. 40250.

Miscellanea miscella var. dukhani nov
FIGS
2
3
4
5
6
Holotype, form B, a. lateral, b. marginal views. X 10. P. 40132

Paratype, form A, a. lateral, b. marginal views. X 10. P. 40133.
Paratype, equatorial section, form B. X 10. P. 40251
Paratype, form B, tangential section parallel to the plane of coiling. X 10. P. 40251 [Photographed during
sectioning].
Paratype, form B, nearly axial section. X 10. P.40252.
FIGS
7
Paratype, equatorial section. X 10. P. 40253.

Alveolina elliptica var. flosculina Silvestri
FIGS
8
9
10
11
12
Lateral view. X 14. P. 40134.

Axial section of a specimen with tapered poles. X 7.5. P. 40255.
Axial section of a specimen with rounded poles. X 7.5. P. 40256.
Axial section of a specimen with a double nucleoconch. X 8. P. 40266 (i).
FIG
13
Holotype axial section. X 30. P. 40266 (ii).

FIG
14
Equatorial section. X 30. P. 40266 (iii).

Specimens from: Figs. 8-14; Middle Eocene, Qatar.
347

PLATE XIV
ALVEOLINA, MISCELLANEA, AND OTHERS
348
PLATE XV
Nummulites gizehensis Forskl
FIG
1
Axial section; the lateral splitting of the spiral lamina by meandrine lateral chamberlets can be seen. X 20.
P36475.
Nummulites elegans (J. de C. Sowerby)7
FIGS
2
4
Equatorial sections, cut very thick to show the lateral chamber walls; trabeculae can be seen originating from
intraseptal canals. Specimens from the J. J. Lister Collection. X 40. P.40267-8.
Trabecule. X 200. From specimen shown in Fig. 2.
FIG
4
Holotype, exterior views, a. dorsal, b. ventral. X 25. P. 40262.

FIGS
5
6
Exterior views, a. lateral, b. marginal. X 25. P.40257.

FIG
7
Holotype, exterior views, a. dorsal, b. ventral. X 25. P.40263.

FIG
8
Holotype, exterior views, a. dorsal, b. ventral. X 25. P. 40265.

Specimen from: Fig. 1; Middle Eocene, Beni Hassan, Egypt.
Specimens from: Figs. 2, 3; Barton clay, Alum Bay, Isle of Wight, England.
Specimens from: Figs. 4, 7, 8; Paleocene, Qatar: Figs. 5, 6; Lower Eocene, Qatar.
7
According to Curry (1937), N. elegans is a synonym of N. planulatus (Lamarck) and these specimens should be
named N. prestwichianus Jones.
349

PLATE XV
NUMMULITES, ROTALIA, ASTERIGERINA
350
Appendix 4
351
APPENDIX 4
An analysis of the nature of the relationship between the
sedimentological and structural history of the Qatar Peninsula
(Persian Gulf) from Upper Jurassic to Recent times and the
significance of this relationship in regards to specific structural
problems in this and other areas.
By Walter Sugden
Abstract
The Supplement, which is subsidiary matter, describes the stratigraphy of the Qatar
Peninsula.
In the introduction to the thesis the principal geological features of the Persian Gulf basin are
considered. The geology of the sedimentary apron, including the Qatar area, which surrounds
the eastern side of the Arabian Shield is contrasted with that of the Zagros and Oman
mountains.
Appendix I gives the results of investigations of sea water salinity distribution in the Persian
Gulf, its relation to water circulation and to carbonate sedimentation and its significance with
respect to evaporite deposition. The origin of recent Persian Gulf sediments, both carbonates
and terrigenous components, is considered in some detail.
Appendix II records the results of experiments imitating the natural pyritic staining of
calcareous sediments by bacteria. These experiments are significant in respect to the origin
of certain types of limestones represented both in ancient sediments and in the recent
sediments of the Persian Gulf. This matter is considered.
Part I of the thesis proper describes the palaeogeography of Arabia from the Middle Jurassic
onwards with emphasis on sedimentological circumstances. Environments of sedimentation
in Qatar during the same period are described in greater detail. Conclusions arrived at in
Appendices I and II are used in the interpretation of sedimentary environments on both
regional and local scale. Features of importance in connection with structural history are
emphasized.
Part II deals with structure, Part I providing an essential background. It is illustrated that the
present structural development of Qatar has resulted from continuing (Jurassic to Tertiary)
development of individual anticlines and synclines accompanied by varying regional tilts.
An empirical three dimensional geometry is developed for such a case, relating the structural
form at one structural horizon to that at another. Equations expressing this geometry are
given which can be applied to the solution of certain structural problems. Possible
fundamental causes of the development of the Qatar structures are considered.
352
Notes from the transcriptionist

1) No date is mentioned for this thesis, however 1960 or 1961 is implied because of the
following:
a. ItisknownthatSugdendeliveredhisSupplementtotheSubCommissiontothe
StratigraphicLexiconin1959;
b. Thelatestreferencementionedinthetextbelowis1960;
c. Aftersubmittinghisthesis,SugdenpublishedinDecember1962partofhisworkin
anarticleoftheAAPGBulletin,Volume46,No.12.
2) ThetotalnumberofpagesoftheoriginalSugdenthesisisover296pages,notincluding
hisSupplement.Thetotalnumberofpagesthatwehadaccesstowithourcopyofthe
originalthesiswasonly151pages.Whilewewerenotabletolocatethemissingpages,
we know for a fact that their content was the subject of separate articles published
between 1962 and 1970 in wellknown publications. Therefore, we ask the reader to
refer to the Reference section of A historical account of the Stratigraphy of Qatar,
MiddleEastwhereallofthetitlesoftheseSugdensarticlesarestated.
3) Mostofthefiguresandplatesthatwehadaccesstofromouroriginalcopyofthethesis
wereofverypoorquality.Therefore,exceptforfigure8whichwasreproducedbyus,all
the other figures in Part II were copied from the AAPG Bulletin, Volume 46, No. 12.
ThesameistrueforPlate1.Plate2istheoriginaldrawing.
4) Thetextinredwithinthisdocumentrepresentseithercorrectionoftheoriginaltextor
addedinformationwefeelcancomplementthemessageconveyedbySugden.
5) Sugden refers periodically to the term fathom. A fathom = 1.8288 meters, and is a
unit of length in the imperial and the U.S. customary systems, used especially for
measuringthedepthofwater.
353

CONTENTS
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
StructuralsettingoftheQatarPeninsula
Theareaofepeirogenicfolding
PartI
MesozoicandTertiarysedimentationintheQatararea.
Generalremarks
ThepalaeogeographyofeasternArabia
SedimentsofMiddleJurassicandolderage
UpperJurassicbelowtheQatarformation
TheQatarandHithformationsandtheirequivalents
LowerCretaceous,Sulaiy,YamamaandRatawiformationsandtheir
equivalents.
Cretaceous,KharaibtoMishrifformationsandequivalents
UpperCretaceoustoEocene.
TertiaryabovetheEocene
TheOmanandZagrosrangesandassociatedgeosynclines
SedimentationinQatar
Araejformation
Diyabformation
Darbformation
Fahahilformation
QatarandHithformations
Sulaiyformation
Yamamaformation
Ratawiformation
Generallithologicalfeaturesoflimestones:AraejtoRatawiformations
Kharaibformation
Hawarformation
Shuaibaformation
Sabsabformation
NahrUmrformation
Mauddudformation
Khatiyahformation
Mishrifformation
Arumaformation
Generallithologicalfeaturesoflimestones:KharaibtoArumaformations
Pages
(FromOriginal)
1
9
11
19
22
23
24
24
28
33
41
44
47
51
52
56
56
60
61
62
63
63
64
65
66
69
70
70
72
74
76
77
77
78
79
354

UmmerRadhumaformation
Rusformation
Dammamformation
LowerFarsformation
83
84
85
85
PartII
86
AnalysisofthedevelopmentofthemainstructuralfeaturesoftheQatarPeninsula
Generalremarks
87
TheDukhananticline
90
Relativeelevationequations
99
Thepracticalapplicationofrelativeelevationequations
110
Methodsofdeterminingconstantsforpracticalequationsandtesting
111
theseequationsforaccuracy
Deviationsbetweenthegeometryofrelativeelevationequationsand
118
actualstructuralform
Someparticularproblemsofpracticalapplications
127
ContinuityoffoldingoftheQataranticlines
138
Theinterplayofsedimentationandcontemporaneousfolding
139
Theoriginsofepeirogenictypefolding
141
Concludingremarks
151
AppendixI[Wasnotavailableinouroriginalcopy]
153
InvestigationsofseawatersalinitydistributionandrecentsedimentsintheQatararea.The
significanceofresultsinrespecttolimestoneandevaporitedeposition.
Generalremarks
154
HydrologyofthePersianGulf
155
Chlorinityandsalinitydetermination
157
Availablechlorinitydata
160
Somegeneralconsiderations
162
Runofffromthesurroundingland
167
TheTrucialCoastembayment
169
TheGulfsofBahrainandSalwa
171
SurfacechlorinitymapforthePersianGulf
181
EffectsofhighsalinityintheGulfuponfloraandfauna
183
CarbonatesandothersedimentsofthePersianGulf
191
Generalconsiderationsconcerningcarbonatesedimentation
191
OriginsofthesedimentsofthePersianGulf
197
ThenatureofthenearshoresandsofthesouthernpartoftheGulf
203
Resultsofmicroscopicstudyofbeachsands
207
Seawarddistributionofbeachsediments
222
RecentlyformedlimestonesinthePersianGulf
227
Noteonthebluegreenalgae
236
SignificanceofthehydrologyofthePersianGulfinrespecttothe
240
depositionofevaporites
355

AppendixII
Experimentstoimitatethenaturalpyriticstainingofcalcareoussedimentsbybacteria.The
sedimentationalsignificanceofnaturalpyritisedlimestonepellets
Theproductionofhydrogensulphideandpyritesbyanaerobicbacteria.
Thepyritisationoflimestones
Experimentsonthepyritisationoflimestonepellets
DistributionofpyritisedpelletysedimentsinthePersianGulf
Comparisonofexperimentalpyritedarkeningwithnaturalexamples
ListsofchlorinitydeterminationsforthePersianGulf
ListofmolluskspeciesfromthewestcoastofQatar
Bibliography[Wasnotavailableinouroriginalcopy]
Supplement
StratigraphicnomenclatureofQatar,PersianGulf.(Typescriptpp.100.to
bepublishedintheLexiquestratigraphiqueInternational).
248
255
265
269
273
293
296
300
Acknowledgments
The writer is indebted to the Management of the Iraq Petroleum Co. Ltd. for permission to
submit this thesis. Parts of it are based upon sample collections which were available to the
writer in consequence of his employment by the Company. Without the use of these the
thesis could not have been presented in its present form. Most of the laboratory work was
performed at the headquarters of the Qatar Petroleum Co. in Dukhan, Qatar.
356

INTRODUCTION
During twelve years as a geologist in the Middle East the writer was stationed for six years in
Dukhan, Qatar. During this time it became apparent to him that the local structural features
were of a particular characteristic form and that the drilling of oil wells offered an unusual
opportunity for studying the nature of this form and its relationship to sedimentation.
At the same time it was discovered that parts of the Persian Gulf in the vicinity of the Qatar
Peninsula exhibit interesting and unusual features in respect to the deposition of carbonates.
These features have a considerable bearing upon past circumstances of sedimentation in the
area, the greater part of the known sedimentary column being of carbonate rocks.
This thesis combines the results of various investigations along the lines indicated above.
Present sedimentational circumstances in the Persian Gulf and the results of certain
experiments are shown to throw light upon past circumstances of sedimentation. Past
sedimentation is in turn considered with particular regard to its relationship to the long term
development of structure.
For the guidance of the reader it is suggested that the appendices should be read immediately
after the introduction, as the main part of the thesis depends in part upon the conclusions
arrived at in the appendices.
The Supplement to this thesis was written as a contribution to the Lexique Stratigraphique
International in which it will appear as a part of Vol. III, Fasc. 10. It serves as a
stratigraphic introduction and can conveniently take the place of lengthy introductory
explanations in the thesis itself.
Structural setting of the Qatar Peninsula
By way of introduction it is necessary to describe very briefly the major geological features
of the Persian Gulf basin in which the Qatar Peninsula is situated. The Persian Gulf itself
together with the Tigris-Euphrates valley of Iraq forms an elongate topographic low some
thirteen hundred miles in length. With the exception of the Straits of Hormuz, which form a
narrow, deep connection to the Arabian Sea, this elongate depression is surrounded on all
sides by high ground, the limits of the basin being mostly mountainous. The topography
reflects the regional geology, the margins of the basin being structurally elevated while the
elongated axial area of the basin is depressed, being geosynclinals.
Plate 1 covers more or less the southern half of the basin and indicates the position of the
main structural features in that area. To the west lies the structural and topographic high of
357
Plate 1: Structural setting of Qatar Peninsula
358

the Arabian Shield, composed of pre-Cambrian rocks, abruptly cut off by the Red sea graben
on its westward side and falling gently towards the centre of the Arabian Peninsula on its
eastward side. To the north-east the basin is limited by the Zagros geanticline, which rises
very abruptly from the north-east shore of the Persian Gulf and which in higher latitudes
produces the marked contrast between the plains of Iraq and the mountains of Persia. To the
east of the area lies the Oman geanticline, as with the Zagros rising very abruptly above its
surroundings, but having structural features in some ways different from those of the Zagros.
The southern coastal area of Arabia comprises the upthrown side of a fault system and
relative to it the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea are downthrown.
Living between these highs is the Persian Gulf basin. This is asymmetrical, the topographic
and structural axis being relatively close to the Zagros geanticline and relatively far from the
Arabian Shield. In cross section the geosyncline is thus like various others, having one very
broad limb sloping gently from an elevated area of old rocks and an opposed steep limb rising
to an orogenic belt.
The area with which this thesis is principally concerned is roughly the area shown on Plate 1
as the area of known epeirogenic folding. Thus the regional features of particular interest
are the Arabian Shield at its north-east limit, the very gently geosynclinals flank sloping
north-eastwards from it, the Persian Gulf geosyncline and the Zagros geanticline in the area
of the Persian Gulf. The form of these various features will be considered in more detail.
From the present point of view, interest in the Arabian Shield lies mainly in the fact that
throughout the later Mesozoic and Tertiary it was an area of relative uplift. Though it would
seem that through-out much of this interval its relative uplift was less than is now the case,
yet during this period it exerted control upon sedimentary thickness distribution and facies
variation to the north-east and east. Because of differential uplift and sinking the Cretaceous
and Tertiary sedimentary column is in general much thicker and more fully represented
towards the Gulf than towards the Arabian Shield. Where seaward to landward changes in
facies are recognized, the landward facies is invariably towards the Arabian Shield, and
unconformities expand in that direction. (See Supplement Fig. 2)
Owing to the present state of elevation and erosion a very wide area of sediments is exposed
between the Shield and the Gulf. Successive belts of Permian, Trias, Jurassic, Cretaceous
and Tertiary sediments occur from the Shield outwards, lapping around one another and
around the Shield in what might be described as a sedimentary apron (Steineke, Bramkamp
and Sander, 1958 and U.S.G.S geological maps of Arabia, 1:500,000). The sediments of this
apron have not suffered any kind of orogenic upheaval. They dip very gently towards the
Gulf and are very gently folded and in those folds which have been explored for the
exploitation of petroleum the folding has been found to be of a characteristic form. In each
anticline the folding increases with depth and it is evident that the present folding of the
lower horizons was developed over a very long period of time. This type of folding,
sometimes known as the plains type, will later be discussed in considerable detail.
The present structure of the Zagros range and its structural history are in sharp contrast with
the history of the south-western limb of the geosyncline. Further details will be given in a
later section but a brief note may be inserted at this juncture. The geosyncline fundamental to
the later development of the Zagros appears to have formed rapidly from about the Turonian
onwards. However, the main part of the Zagros orogeny did not develop until the Upper
Miocene and later. From about the Upper Miocene (Upper Fars formation and equivalents)
359

there was evidently rapid uplift and folding of the Zagros geanticline accomplished by
displacement of the geosynclinals axis to about its present site. (Plate 1). That this orogenic
upheaval is still in progress is witnessed by the structural attitudes of many relatively recent
sediments in Iraq and Iran and by the catastrophic earthquakes which frequently occur in the
mountain belts of Iran.
In the high mountains the orogeny has been severe and structures are correspondingly
complex, but in the low mountains and foothills structure is very simple. There numerous
long slightly sinuous anticlines formed mainly in post-Miocene times run almost parallel with
the mountain front. These anticlines usually have a structural amplitude of several thousands
of feet, are several miles across and usually of the order of thirty miles or more in length.
They are usually strongly folded, of whale backed form to rather box shaped cross section,
and with flank dips sometimes approaching vertical. From the high mountain ranges towards
the present geosynclinals axis they become in general less strongly folded and more widely
spaced. In northern Iraq the sinking of the present geosyncline has not been at such a rapid
rate as is the case along most of its length and late filling of the geosyncline has not
completely covered all the orogenically formed anticlines. In that area anticlines of
characteristic Zagros type are exposed from the foot hills down to and for a short distance to
the south-west of geosynclinals axis. In south-eastern Iraq the geosyncline deepens and is
filled with an enormous thickness of upper Miocene to Recent sediment which hides the
orogenic folding, but the nature and distribution of this is believed to conform to that of the
shallower sections of the geosyncline in northern Iraq.
It is unfortunate that in the Persian Gulf, the area of the geosyncline here of greatest interest,
the exact position of the geosynclinals axis and the distribution of orogenic folding relative to
it are a matter of conjecture. However, the bathymetric axis of the Gulf coincides with the
position of the geosynclinals axis which would be inferred from structural forms in Iraq.
Further, the bottom topography and distribution and form of islands hints that the distribution
and form of folding relative to the geosyncline is much the same as in the better known areas
of Iraq. Thus, while the position of the geosynclinals axis in the Persian Gulf as shown in
Plate 1 is conjectural, yet there is reason to believe that it is not seriously in error. Certainly
the Zagros type of anticline folded in the late Tertiary, does not occur in the vicinity of the
Arabian coast or to the west of it.
At the risk of laboring the point unnecessarily it may be emphasized that the structures on the
south-west and north-east sides of the Persian Gulf, which lie on opposite sides of the Persian
Gulf geosyncline, are of radically different form. In the former area there are very gentle
structures which developed over very long periods, are rather poorly aligned relative to one
another and are of variable shape, from almost circular domes to rather narrow elongate
anticlines. In the latter area are folds invariably very long as compared with their width,
almost always closely aligned with the mountain front, often tightly folded with steep flanks
and having originated rapidly at a comparatively recent date.
There is a considerable geological literature on the Zagros mountains. The following are
selected as containing structural information which is relevant: de Boeckh, Lees and
Richardson, 1929; Harrison, 1930, Lees, 1933, 1953; Lees and Richardson, 1940; Ion, Elder
and Pedder, 1951; Kent, Slinger and Thomas, 1951; Falcon, 1958. On the areas of Arabia
here of special interest there is not such an abundant literature. The following works are
however of particular interest: Lamare, 1936; Picard, 1939, 1941; von Wissman, Rathjens
360

and Kossmat, 1942; Steineke and Yackel, 1950; Steineke, Bramkamp and Sander, 1958;
Anon, 1959.
The orogeny producing the Oman geanticline has likewise not affected the area to the west of
the Persian Gulf with which this thesis is concerned, but brief mention of the Oman orogeny
is not all together irrelevant. This geanticline does not exhibit regular compressional folding
of late date of the character of the Zagros anticlines mentioned above. In contrast with the
Zagros individual structures are of a more irregular form, apparently the result of differential
vertical movement rather than horizontal compression (Morton, 1959). Across the Gulf of
Oman the characteristic compressional form of Zagros ends abruptly at the Zindon range, and
in Baluchistan the orogenic history appears to be more akin to that of Oman rather than to
that of the Zagros (Harrison, 1943). It seems that the deep Gulf of Oman is a trench like
structure controlled by block faulting which has not suffered horizontal compression and is
fundamentally different in its origin to the Persian Gulf geosyncline. Where the various
major structures meet near the Straits of Hormuz, structural conditions are complex and as
could be expected, difficult to evaluate (Lees, 1928; Hudson, McGugan and Morton, 1954;
Morton, 1959).
The area of epeirogenic folding
The structural area with which this thesis is principally concerned is the area of known
epeirogenic folding shown on Plate 1. This area contains the following oilfields which are
now extensively drilled for exploitation. In Qatar the Dukhan field, in Bahrain the Bahrain
field, in Saudi Arabia the Ghawar, Abqaiq, Dammam, Qatif and Safaniya fields, in Kuwait
the Burgan field and in Southern Iraq the Zubair and Rumaila fields. The positions of the
oilfields in the southern part of the area is shown in Fig. 1. All these oilfields are on
anticlinal structures having common characteristics. Other similar structures are known and
some of these contain oil which is as yet unexploited (e.g. Abu Hadriya, Kharsaniya, Fadhili,
Khurais). In all there are some eighteen or more anticlines known or believed to be of
Epeirogenic type in or immediately adjoining the area of known epeirogenic folding.
There are no publications describing in detail the type of folding occurring in this area, but
the following general accounts are useful: Steineke and Yackel, 1950; Anon, 1953, 1956;
Steineke, Bramkamp and Sander, 1958; Anon, 1959. Other references are given in the
bibliography of the Supplement.
The type of folding occurring in this area, the form of which has already been mentioned, is
known in other parts of the world. Long before the Middle East fields were discovered,
similar oil containing folds were known in certain plains areas of the United States. Being in
fact characteristic of plains areas they came to be known as plain-type folds (Clark, 1932,
etc..). The name is not inapt. In both the United States and the Middle East the type of
folding is characteristic of areas which are for the most part flat and relatively featureless.
The reader may however agree, in the light of later sections of this thesis, that the writers
alternative term epeirogenic folding is even more apt.
361
PART I
Mesozoic and Tertiary sedimentation in the Qatar area
General Remarks
Mainly as a result of the drilling of oil wells a sequence of more that eighty five hundred feet
of sediments is known in the Qatar Peninsula. The oldest sediments are of doubtful age being
either Lower Jurassic or Triassic. The lowest part of the sequence which can be dated with
confidence is the Bathonian. The Upper Jurassic and the Cretaceous up to the Cenomanian
are believed to be fully or almost fully represented by several thousands of feet of sediments.
The remainder of the column includes sediments of Campanian to Middle Eocene age and a
thin section of Miocene (supplement, Fig. 2).
Carbonate rocks greatly predominate almost throughout the column, though there are
relatively short sections dominated by clastics or evaporites. The dominance of carbonates
with other supporting evidence strongly suggests that throughout almost the whole of the
period concerned, the area was situated within a global arid belt. At the present time there
are two such arid climatic belts, one north and one south of the equator, in which
evaporation on balance exceeds rainfall (For discussion of this point see Appendix 1).
Most of the sediments are of shallow water origin. Many of them were formed in a shoal
environment and it is improbable that any were formed in water deeper than that of an
ordinary continental shelf.
THE PALAEOGEOGRAPHY OF EASTERN ARABIA

Over the past few years various papers have appeared which describe the stratigraphy of
different areas of the Arabian Peninsula. So far, however, there has been no published
attempt at a stratigraphic summary for the whole area. It is the writers purpose here to give a
very simple synthesis emphasizing such sedimentational aspects as provide a background to
the sedimentational history of the Qatar area.
The reader will probably find it useful to keep Fig. 2 of the Supplement beside him while
considering the following pages.
Sediments of the Middle Jurassic and older age
Scarcely anything is known or has been published concerning pre-Jurassic units in the oilfield
area of Arabia. It may however be remarked that in the area lying to the west of Qatar the
sediments immediately overlying the Arabian Shield are Permian age (U.S.G.S. geological
maps of Arabia, 1:500,000, Sheet 1-212A). This clearly indicates that the Shield, which was
later to play such an important part in controlling sedimentation, was a relatively uplifted
mass prior to the Permian. The Permian, Triassic and Lower Jurassic sediments which border
the Shield in the same area are of such lithologies as to indicate deposition in arid
circumstances fairly close to or around the Shield. (What is now the Arabian Shield is
believed at this time to have been part of a much larger shield, often termed the AraboNubian Massif. This was divided by the Red Sea rift faulting at a comparatively late date.
Lamare, 1936; Arkell et al., 1952 and others).
362

The rocks thought to represent the Lower Jurassic and Bajocian in the Qatar area are not at
present reliably dated and cannot properly be correlated with Lower Jurassic outcrops. It is
therefore not possible to give an interpretation of paleogeographic conditions for that period.
There are however, in Qatar and elsewhere in the region, Bathonian or partly Bathonian units
which can be confidently correlated with one another. These units are a good starting point
for the discussion of regional paleogeography. Considering these units a picture of the nature
of Bathonian sedimentation can be built up as follows.
In Jebel Tuwaiq (Plate 2) in Saudi Arabia much of the upper part of the Dhruma formation is
Bathonian age (Arkell et al., 1952). In the most easterly outcrops of the Jebel the Bathonian
is mainly limestone, much of it of pellet, shallow water facies. Passing north-westwards
along the outcrops the Dhruma becomes dominantly sand and shale (Steineke et al., 1958).
Also, passing south-westwards towards the Yemen and Aden the unit again becomes
dominated by clastics. Thus it is possible to set an approximate limit in the Jebel Tuwaiq
area, to the west of which the Bathonian is dominantly clastics and to the east of which it is
dominantly limestone.
In a northward direction outcrops are not continuous, but at Muhaiwir in western Iraq there
outcrops the Muhaiwir formation, a unit also of Bathonian age (Dunnington et al., 1960).
This happens to be of such a lithology as to indicate another point at which limestones pass
westwards into clastics.
In the Aden Protectorate there are sands underlying Callovian limestones and believed to be
of Bathonian age (Beydoun, 1960). Bathonian limestones are lacking in that area.
In the Oman mountains and the area immediately south of them there are numerous
occurrences of Bathonian limestones. In the Jebel Akhdar of the Oman range the Bathonian
includes some terrigenous sands (Morton, 1959). Thus, parts of the Oman range may have
been emergent at that time, but evidence indicates that by far the greater part of it was
continuously submerged.
363
364
Plate 2
365

Limestones of Bathonian age including the Araej formation are known in numerous oil wells in the
western coastal area of the Persian Gulf. In that area sands and shales are notable by their absence.
It is possible from the above information to draw on a map of Arabia a line showing roughly the
limit for the Bathonian to the north-east of which limestone deposition dominated and to the south
and west of which sediments were dominantly clastics derived from the Arabian land mass. This
line is shown in Plate 2. It is interesting to note that at this time there was apparently no direct
marine connection between central Arabia and Somaliland. The Trans-Erythraean Trough
(Lamare, 1936; Arkell et al., 1952) appears to have been a depression at this time but to have been
filled with continental sediments.
The Bathonian limestones of the areas specifically mentioned above are noteworthy in several
respects. In none of the areas mentioned are there any limestones indicative of deep water
sedimentation and everywhere there are numerous beds containing pellet limestone debris which
illustrates the origin of at least part of the sediment in very shallow water. Some of these pellet
limestones (calcarenites of American authors) are quite thick and of remarkable lateral persistence,
it being possible to follow some lithologically distinguishable beds such as the Uwainat limestone
(see Supplement p. 80) for a hundred miles or more. The Bathonian of the area considered
obviously represents a time of exceptional stability in which sheets of limestone of very uniform
lithology were laid down in water which was shallow and of nearly uniform depth over very large
areas. The impression is of a large embayment extending out into an enormous shelf with water
nowhere and at no time during the Bathonian greatly in excess of say about fifty fathoms.
Upper Jurassic below the Qatar formation

The above impression of the Bathonian is the starting point for description of later events. The
interval next to be considered is that between the Bathonian and the Qatar formation, an interval of
approximately Callovian to Lower Kimmeridgian age. During this interval, sedimentational events
in particular areas were as follows.
In the Jebel Tuwaiq area terrigenous sand is unknown in the Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone which
succeeds the Dhruma or in the Hanifa formation which follows the Tuwaiq (Steineke et alia, 1958).
The Tuwaiq and the Hanifa are both entirely limestone units, even in the areas where the Dhruma
contains much sand. It is therefore concluded that after deposition of the Dhruma the sea
transgressed westwards towards the Arabian Shield, the near shore belt of sand deposition being in
consequence moved back in that direction. This shift of the belt of arenaceous deposition was
evidently maintained throughout the deposition of the Tuwaiq and Hanifa formations. There are
now no terrigenous sands representing this period in the Jebel Tuwaiq area and it must be presumed
that such sediments formerly existed to the west but have now been eroded. During the subsequent
deposition of the Jubaila formation there was seemingly a short lived and minor regression. In the
outcrops of the Jubaila large sand tongues are found in its lower part (Steineke, et al., op. cit.). The
lower part, however, being entirely of carbonate rocks, is taken to demonstrate a return to a more
extensive sea, with clastic deposition again well to the west of the Jebel Tuwaiq area. The next
unit, the highest of arbitrary time division now under consideration, is the lowest division of the
Arab formation, its D member (Steineke et. al., op. cit.). This D member was deposited at the
beginning of an important regional shallowing (See below). There may well have been a limited
regional regression at this time though indications of regression other than shallowing are not
apparent in the sediments now remaining.
366

In the Yemen and the Aden Protectorate also there is evidence of transgression during the
Callovian. The occurrence of limestones and marls of this age conformably overlying older sands
indicates transgressive marine conditions (Beydoun, 1960). This transgression is to be equated with
that which succeeded the Dhruma in the Jebel Tuwaiq (See above). This would seem to be the
earliest time at which the Trans Erythraean trough (Lamare, 1936; Arkell et al., 1952) became a
truly marine connection. The extension of the sea in the Yemen-Aden area appears to have been
maintained into the Kimmeridgian (Beydoun, op. cit).
In Oman the Upper Jurassic is not well represented (Hudson and Chatton, 1959; Morton, 1959).
However, the evidence such as it is, points to sedimentation having continued over much or all of
the area throughout the lower part of the Upper Jurassic. There would appear to have been fairly
general emergence from about the early Kimmeridgian.
It is thought that throughout much of the oilfield area of Arabia, including Qatar, sedimentation was
continuous throughout the part of the Upper Jurassic here under consideration. Palaeontological
evidence of continuity is however very poor in most places. At Fadhili in Saudi Arabia (Fig. 1), the
one point from which Upper Jurassic ammonites have been obtained, the ammonite evidence
indicates a break between Bathonian and Lower Kimmeridgian (Steineke, et. al., op. cit.). The
period ended in the oilfield area with the very widespread shallow water sedimentation of the
Fahahil formation. (The Fahahil formation is synonymous with the D member of the Arab
formation of Saudi Arabia).
Throughout the various areas mentioned the section under consideration is almost entirely
composed of calcareous and dolomitic rocks. Apart from marly beds which sometimes make up a
significant part of the column and the sands of the Jubaila outcrops, terrigenous clastics are absent.
Limestones with shallow water pellet debris are of common and widespread occurrence, but on the
other hand many of the limestones appear to have been deposited well away from very shallow
water in which pellet debris could be formed.
Steineke et alia (1958) give an excellent diagram showing facies distribution in the limestones of
the Tuwaiq, Hanifa and Jubaila formations along the Jebel Tuwaiq. The kind of lateral and vertical
carbonate rock facies variation there shown is very similar to the kind of facies variation observable
in the time equivalent section in the oilfield area. But it may be said that considering this section as
a whole, shallow water carbonate sediments are more abundant to the west, in Jebel Tuwaiq, than to
the east, in the oilfield area. Also it may be remarked that pellety limestones, though of widespread
occurrence are not by any means as persistent laterally as they are in the Bathonian.
The uppermost part of the arbitrary division now under consideration is the Fahahil formation.
Though its thickness does not exceed about two hundred feet it is recognizable over an enormous
area including its outcrop in central Saudi Arabia and the area of developed oilfields to the east. An
account of its occurrences and variations in Saudi Arabia is given by Steineke et al. (op. cit). As
compared with previous units and together with succeeding units the Fahahil clearly illustrates the
onset of another period of laterally extensive sedimentary uniformity during which the sea was of
very nearly constant, very shallow depth over vast areas. Throughout the oilfield area the unit
contains much shallow water pellet limestones illustrating its deposition over an enormous area of
shallow shoals. From what is known of the unit in Saudi Arabia and in Qatar and along the Trucial
Coast it is clear that of the enormous shoal area over which it was deposited, the shallower parts
were in general to the west, the deeper to the east. Its significance in regard to succeeding
circumstances is further mentioned below.
367

The Qatar and Hith Formations and Their Equivalents
The Qatar and Hith formations are widely and readily recognized throughout the oilfield area of
Arabia and in outcrops in central Arabia. These two units are of special interest on account of their
evaporite content. Of a combined thickness for the two units of the order of seven hundred feet,
more than half may consist of anhydrite. Clearly the two units represent exceptional sedimentary
circumstances.
The nature of the units may be briefly described. They consist of alternations of limestone,
dolomite and anhydrite. Vertical variations in lithology take place in a very consistent manner so
that even quite minor rhythms are often recognizable over areas many thousands of square miles.
Thus for instance the three main anhydrite-carbonate rhythms which make up the Qatar formation
(see Supplement etc.) can be recognized without difficulty throughout the Arabian oilfield area.
There is a lateral uniformity of facies and a vertical uniformity of change which is most surprising.
There are other striking features. While the various carbonate-anhydrite rhythms can be recognized
over huge areas, there is considerable westward replacement of carbonates by anhydrite. Steineke
et al (1958) have shown that this is the case in Saudi Arabia. Information from Qatar and along the
south coast of the Persian Gulf extends this picture, showing that anhydrites decrease and disappear
eastwards without reduction in the total thickness of the section. The total absence of red beds
from the evaporite sequence in the area so far mentioned is a notable feature as is the remarkable
absence of terrigenous sediment in general. The lithology of the interval clearly shows that over the
oilfield area the sediments were formed entirely by precipitation from sea water.
In adjoining areas sedimentary events at this time were as follows:
In the Aden protectorate there is an evaporite series believed to equate more or less with the QatarHith interval. (Beydoun, 1960). This evaporite series contains salt, known in the salt domes at
Shabwa and elsewhere in that area, and some clastics. However, the evaporite sequence occurs
only in the interior part of the Protectorate and sediments of the same age near the coast do not
contain evaporites. This would seem to demonstrate that there was a land barrier between the area
of evaporite deposition and the coastal area. It is believed that the area of evaporite deposition was
actually connected with the sea to the north east, the area in which the Qatar and Hith evaporites
were deposited. (Plate 2).
In Oman sediments of the age of the evaporitic sequence are unknown and it seems likely that that
area was at the time emergent.
The Qatar-Hith evaporitic sequence is continuous from Arabia into Iraq, where it is represented
over a wide area by the Gotnia formation. The Barsarin formation of north east Iraq, of about the
same age, is believed also to have originally contained evaporites (Dunnington et al. 1960).
An attempt has been made in Plate 2 to delimit approximately the area over which the Qatar-HithGotnia group of evaporites were deposited. Arguments concerning the causes and circumstances of
this evaporitic deposition will now be presented. From these arguments the reasons for placing the
limits of evaporite deposition as shown in plate 2 will become apparent.
It has long been accepted that given a suitable climate evaporite deposits may be formed either in a
totally enclosed basin or in one with a very limited interchange of water with the open sea. The
Gulf of Kara Bogaz on the shores of the Caspian is the often quoted existing example of the latter
circumstances. It has however also been suggested (e.g. King, 1942) that given an appropriate
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climate it might be possible for evaporites to form over a large shallow shelf, even where such a
shelf had no definite bar of any kind between itself and the open sea.
Salinity distribution in the Persian Gulf indicates that such arguments are well reasoned (see
Appendix 1) and to the writer the available evidence points to the Qatar-Hith evaporitic sequence
having been formed in such a manner.
Plate 2 gives a convenient comparison for size of the area of the Persian Gulf with the area over
which the Upper Jurassic evaporites are known or believed to have been deposited. The latter is
many times the area of the Persian Gulf.
The Fahahil formation, which occurs over a large part of the area where evaporites were
subsequently deposited, illustrates the nature of sedimentary circumstances immediately prior to
evaporite deposition. The Fahahil limestone contains a large amount of pellet debris and by
comparison of its facies with that of recent limestones in the Persian Gulf and elsewhere, it is to be
concluded that it was formed and deposited in water nowhere of a depth much greater that say about
ten fathoms.
The limestones sandwiched between the Qatar-Hith evaporites are of a similar nature and lead to
similar conclusions respecting circumstances of deposition. It seems that the climate was very dry
at all times before, during and after the deposition of the Qatar and Hith formations.
The circumstances which are deduced to have existed during the deposition of the Fahahil may be
compared with circumstances now existing in the Persian Gulf. As regards climate, conditions were
probably not unsimilar to those of the present day. However, an area of very shallow water
evidently existed, incomparably larger than any area of equally shallow water in the Persian Gulf
and indeed several times as extensive as the whole of the area of the Persian Gulf.
Circulation over such an enormous area of shallows must have been very slow indeed with ample
time for evaporation to produce unusually high salinities and it is believed that continued
shallowing eventually reduced circulation to such an extent that evaporites were deposited.
It has already been mentioned that in an east-west section across the Arabian oilfield area the
distribution of the Qatar-Hith evaporites follows a definite trend. Though the total thickness of the
section does not vary greatly, there is a greater proportion of evaporites to the West. Towards the
east the evaporites gradually thin out and disappear. This circumstance may be explained in the
following way. In conditions such as are believed to have existed, the sea water would be most
concentrated near the shore line. Thus as shallowing proceeded calcium sulphate would be first
deposited close to the shore. Any further general reduction of depth would result in saturation with
respect to calcium sulphate taking place over a larger area extending further from the shore.
Conversely an overall increase in depth would freshen the sea and bring about a landward
movement of the outer limit of evaporite deposition. A sea-saw of varying depth such as inevitably
occurs in geological time would therefore produce such fluctuations in evaporite deposition as
would result in a sedimentary column with a greater proportion of evaporites in a landward section
and less and less going further from the shore. Just such a reduction of evaporites occurs in the
Qatar and Hith from west to east and it is therefore concluded that the shore line lay to the west and
that open sea lay to the east.
It may be remarked that there is no evidence whatever of any kind of barrier between the area of
evaporite deposition and the sea to the east. Such evidence as there is indicates on the contrary that
369

there was no barrier. The proportion of shallow water pellet components in the Qatar and Hith and
in the limestones immediately above and below decreases towards the eastward limit of evaporite
deposition, indicating rather greater average water depth in that direction.
The reader will have noted the writers supposition that the interplay of epeirogenic movement and
sedimentation were all important in controlling the changes of sedimentation in the Qatar and Hith
formations. The possibility of climatic control has been ignored, partly because no such control can
be demonstrated, but principally from the conviction that climatic influence was of only minor
consequence.
Some remarks may be made on the supposed approximate position of the shore line during
evaporite deposition as shown in Plate 2. It is deduced from the mode of evaporite distribution that
the shore line of the Qatar and Hith seas lay to the west of the now remaining uneroded evaporites
and that connection with the open sea lay to the east. The nature of the outcrops in Saudi Arabia
does not permit of detailed study of the evaporites in that area (Steineke et al, 1958). It is however
notable that the only terrigenous sediment recorded in that area in association with the evaporites is
a little sand occurring [in] the basal part of the overlying Sulaiy formation. This sand is in beds
which are thought to have originally contained some evaporites. It would therefore seem that the
shore line during almost the entire period of evaporite deposition lay well to the west of the present
outcrops, its actual position being now undeterminable. In Iraq the Gotnia formation is known only
in drilled holes, there being no outcrops. The position of the shore line is there even more
conjectural than is the case in Saudi Arabia. In the Aden Protectorate however the association of
clastics with the evaporites (Beydoun 1960) indicates proximity of the existing outcrops to the
original shore line. It is also in this area, believed to have been near the head of a narrowing
embayment (Plate 2) that salt occurs among the evaporites. It is interesting that salt should occur in
this supposedly near shore locality, as according to the arguments set out elsewhere (see above and
appendix 1) it is predictable that salt would be deposited first near the shore line, where water
concentration would be greatest, and particularly in any very shallow embayment.
Lower Cretaceous, Sulaiy, Yamama and Ratawi formations and equivalents:
Units succeeding the Upper Jurassic evaporites in Arabia and Iraq indicate first rapid deepening and
dilution of the sea (Sulaiy formation of Arabia) and a subsequent general shallowing (Yamama
formation of Arabia). After the shallowing there was fairly extensive regression in southern Arabia
which, as will be seen appears to be reflected in the facies of the Ratawi formation.
The sedimentary record of the interval is not complete in all areas. Thus for instance in the vicinity
of the Saudi Arabian outcrops large areas must have originally been covered by the Sulaiy and
Yamama formations where these units are now missing due to the immediately subsequent
regression and erosion. (U.S.G.S. geological map of Arabia 1:500,000, Sheet 1-212-A). Because of
cut out at the resulting unconformity interpretation of events in some areas is difficult, but the
following would seem to be a reasonable general account of events.
Wherever overlying sediments are continuous with the Upper Jurassic evaporites they indicate
deepening and dilution of the sea. The two units concerned are the Sulaiy formation of Arabia and
the Makhul formation of Iraq. The Sulaiy formation is of fine grained limestone, characteristically
with little or no pellet, shallow water debris. Deepening of the water is clearly demonstrated by this
unit and westward transgression along the western margin of the sea must be presumed.
Descriptions of the stratigraphy of Oman (Hudson and Chatton, 1959; Morton, 1959) indicate that
all but perhaps the southernmost part of this area was also subject to regional sinking and
370

transgression at this time. In the region of the Aden Protectorate events are unknown owing to gaps
in the stratigraphic record, but it seems likely that that area also may have been subject to the
regional transgression.
After the regional deepening represented by the Sulaiy and Makhul formations there was an equally
well marked shallowing, resulting in Arabia in the shallow water sedimentation of the Yamama
formation. In the Arabian oilfield area and Saudi Arabian outcrops that formation contains several
hundreds of feet of pellet limestone.
After deposition of the Yamama there was a marked regression. The area most affected was southwest Arabia. In the outcrops of central Saudi Arabia (U.S.G.S. op cit., Steineke et al., 1958) there is
an unconformity above the Yamama which expands towards the south-west so that the entire
Yamama and Sulaiy are cut out in that direction. This unconformity can presumably be related
more or less with the change of facies shown by the Ratawi formation of Qatar. The high shale
content of the latter unit seems to indicate a regressional phase (see p. 65) though there is no sign of
a break in sedimentation in Qatar. (It may be noted that in Fig. 2 of the Supplement the break
shown between the Yamama and the Buwaib in Saudi Arabian outcrops is not exactly time
coincident with the supposed regressional phase of the Ratawi of Qatar). The age of the Buwaib is
however very much in doubt (Steineke et al. op. cit) and having recently reviewed the matter the
writer would now prefer to correlate the Buwaib with some part of the Kharaib of Qatar, which
correlation is a permissible alternative. The Ratawi of Qatar could then be supposed to coincide
with the maximum of regression in south-west Arabia.
An attempt is made in Plate 2 to indicate the probable limit of this Ratawi regression. Though it
did not result in actual emergence in Qatar, it is clear that much of the area to the west became land.
It is also clear that much of south and south-west Arabia was emergent at this time (U.S.G.S. op.
cit., Beydoun, 1960 etc..). Northern and central Oman appear to have remained submerged
(Hudson and Chatton, 1959; Morton, 1959) but southern Oman (Huqf, Haushi, Morton op. cit.) was
evidently emergent.
Cretaceous, Kharaib to Mishrif formations and equivalents
Following the Ratawi regression, thought to be of about late Valanginian to Hauterivian date, there
was a transgression in large areas of Arabia which may be dated as approximately late Hauterivian
to early Aptian. The transgression appears to have been most effective precisely in those areas
where the Ratawi regression was most marked. Thus southern Iraq and northernmost Arabia
apparently suffered continuing regression during the Barremian, with the deposition of the sandy
Zuabir formation, while at the same time southern Arabia underwent extensive marine
transgression.
In central Arabia the transgression introduced the Buwaib limestone which overlaps older units
down to the Arab formation (U.S.G.S. op. cit.; Steineke et alia, 1958). To the south-west and south
east of that area the transgression was if anything even more marked, sediments of Barremian or
Aptian age transgressing over a variety of older rocks in both the Aden Protectorate (Beydoun, op.
cit) and southern Oman (Morton, op. cit).
In most of the areas affected by the transgression there is or may be presumed to have been a
continuous stratigraphic sequence from the Barremian or Aptian to the Cenomanian.
It may be well at this point to draw attention once more to Fig. 2 of the supplement. In respect to
the column for Saudi Arabia in that figure is should be stressed that the Buwaib, Biyadh and Wasia
371

formations are included more for the sake of completeness than from any conviction that the
correlation with other columns is correct in detail. With the exception of a thin limestone lens
within the Wasia the ages of these units are very poorly established (Steineke, et. al. op. cit). Thus
the Buwaib may well be the lateral equivalent of part of the Kharaib or even the Shuaiba, while the
Biyadh may be equivalent to any part of the Qatar section from the Kharaib to the Khatiyah.
Owing to the doubt as to exact time correlations between the more seaward sections as in Qatar and
the more landward sections as in central and south-west Arabia, a detailed interpretation of
sedimentational circumstances during this part of the Cretaceous is not possible. However, the
principals governing sedimentation at this time were evidently as follows.
In the west, in the area bordering the Shield, the greater part of the sediments representing the
period are terrigenous clastics, the Biyadh and Wasia of Saudi Arabia (Steineke et al., op. cit) and
the Taouillah of Aden Protectorate and Yemen (Beydoun op. cit).
While parts of these units are probably marine sediments, there is abundant evidence that other
parts, and possibly even the greater part, consist of terrestrial deposits. Towards the east on the
other hand, which was always the seaward direction, marine sediments become progressively more
abundant until they dominate the section. Thus for instance in Qatar the only part of the section
showing definite evidence of non-marine sedimentation is the lower part of the Nahr Umr
formation. (See also P. 75).
The intertonguing of non-marine, clastic marine and marine limestone sediments during this period
indicates numerous advances and retreats of the sea. In Qatar the Kharaib, Shuaiba, Mauddud and
Mishrif limestones apparently represent important and distinct marine transgressions, the last three
of which were effective as far afield as south-west Iraq. Indubitably there were advances and
retreats of the sea, but there are indications that sedimentary variations during this period were not
the result of epeirogenic movements alone. The Nahr Umr certainly represents a period with a
comparatively wet climate and climatic change may well have had an important influence upon
sedimentary variations from the Aptian to the Cenomanian. (See also P. 77).
During this period of facies oscillations the furthest seaward spread of clastics is represented by the
Nahr Umr formation. Plate 2 shows the approximate position of the eastward, seaward limit of the
spread of sand during the deposition of the Nahr Umr. The line is carried into northern Iraq on
information given by Dunnington and others (1960) and to the south Arabian coast on that given by
Beydoun. (op cit.).
Upper Cretaceous to Eocene
Between the Cenomanian and the Campanian there was a major regression throughout the area of
the Arabian Peninsula. At the same time there was widespread regression in Iraq (Dunnington et al
op cit) and south west Persia was also affected (Kent et al. 1951).
The exact duration of the regression certainly varied from place to place but owing to the erosion of
the land surface then exposed it is now impossible to tell exactly in what manner the regression
developed. It seems probable however that it commenced about the end of the Cenomanian,
probably continuing throughout the Turonian and reaching its maximum in the Coniacian and
Santonian. It would appear that the first of the orogenic events which were to result in the
formation of the Zagros and Oman ranges occurred during this period (Morton, 1959; Kent et al.
1951 etc..) but there is no determinable connection between these movements and the major
regional regression. These two phenomena were quite possibly independent and unrelated.
372

Very rapid transgression followed, the area inundated being seemingly more or less the same, or in
particular areas rather greater than that which was submerged during the Cenomanian. The first
sediments deposited during the transgression were often unfossiliferous sand (U.S.G.S., op. cit.;
Beydoun op cit) in which case exact dating of the transgression is difficult, but regional evidence
points to the transgressive phase having been completed mainly during the Campanian and to a
lesser extent during the early part of the Maestrichtian.
In Arabia sediments of these ages are widespread from the Iraq border, through the oilfield area and
central Arabia to Oman and all that part of Arabia which borders the Arabian Sea. Basal clastics
usually make up a minor part of the Campanian-Maestrichtian sequence, being followed by a
relatively thick interval of limestone and dolomite. All or nearly all of the carbonate rocks are of
shallow water facies and the upper part of the Maestrichtian is commonly very strongly
dolomitized. These generalities apply over huge areas. At any particular time the nature of
sediments being deposited was remarkably constant over very great distances. Enormous areas of
shoal water existed during the Maestrichtian, covering a great part of what is now the Arabian
Peninsula. It is believed that this shallow area was bounded to the west by land in the Arabian
Shield areas.
From the Maestrichtian to the Middle Eocene there would seem to have been little change in the
area submerged and the enormous shallow shelf existing during the Maestrichtian evidently
remained as such during subsequent sedimentation. Thicknesses of up to several hundreds of feet
of shallow water carbonate sediments, normally characterised by an abundance of dolomite, were
deposited during the Paleocene. Again sedimentation was monotonously similar over very large
areas. The lowest sediments assigned to the Lower Eocene are nearly identical in facies with those
of the Paleocene, but higher in the Lower Eocene there occurs the Rus formation which
characteristically contains anhydrites. As in the case of the Upper Jurassic anhydrites, the Rus
anhydrites appear to have been deposited towards the landward, westward side of an enormous very
shallow shelf, again without any barrier between the area of evaporite deposition and the open sea
to the east. Arguments favouring such an interpretation of evaporite deposition have been given
already in connection with the Upper Jurassic evaporites and need not be repeated here. Suffice to
state that the Rus evaporites occur in a broad strip of territory extending from south-west Iraq
through the oilfield area of Arabia and then southwards to the Aden Protectorate.
The Middle Eocene Dammam formation which overlies the Rus is made up of shallow water
dolomites and limestones. It indicates no significant palaeogeographic change apart from a limited
general deepening of the sea. There is however a lack of Upper Eocene rocks throughout Arabia
from which it is to be presumed that rapid regression occurred at about the end of the Middle
Eocene from the whole of the area which had for such a long time previously been an enormous
shallow shelf. The long cycle of sedimentation lasting from the Campanian to the Middle Eocene
thus closed.
Tertiary above the Eocene
The sea having receded from the Arabian Peninsula during the Upper Eocene, there was no later
marine invasion anything like as extensive as those of previous intervals. However, limited
transgressions took place during the Oligocene and Miocene.
The Oligocene appears to have been a period of instability in Oman and the small coastal states
between Oman and the Yemen. In those areas there exist Oligocene sediments, the distribution of
which illustrates temporary marine invasion of rather limited structural depressions. (Morton, op.
373

cit; Beydoun, op. cit.). Thus for instance Oligocene sediments are found on either flank of the
Oman mountain chain.
During the Middle Miocene the present Persian Gulf geosyncline began to take shape. At that time
the axial part of the geosyncline was below sea level throughout its length, but the area suffering
strong relative depression remained narrow and there was no very widespread marine invasion of
the Arabian land area. The long narrow, Middle Miocene Sea was evidently connected with the
open ocean. Evaporation in the large, narrow, almost enclosed sea was excessive, resulting in the
deposition of the Lower Fars evaporites. The south-west limits of the marine Lower Fars are shown
in Plate 2. At this time and during the subsequent development of the geosyncline great thicknesses
of sediments were deposited near its axis and in parts of the Trucial Coast area of Arabia. In the
oilfield area of Arabia on the other hand, sedimentation was very limited (see Steineke et al., 1958
and Supplement) and of the thin section of sediments which did accumulate only a minor part was
truly marine.
The Oman and Zagros ranges and associated geosynclines
It has already been mentioned that the structural development of the oilfield area of Arabia appears
to have been completely independent of the orogenies which formed the Oman and Zagros ranges.
Consequently the development of those ranges will not be dealt with in any detail. However, a brief
note on their orogenies will help to fill in the palaeogeography background to the sedimentational
history of Qatar and at the same time will provide structural information which will be of interest
elsewhere.
Considering first the Oman range, its broad history as far as it is now known is given by Morton
(1959). Up to the present there is no evidence of the existence of any orogenic manifestations in
that area prior to the Upper Cretaceous. It appears that up to the Cenomanian Oman was merely a
continuation of the structurally stable Arabian shelf area. In the Upper Cretaceous, possibly
beginning about the Turonian (Morton, op. cit.) there was considerable structural upheaval. It
would appear that this upheaval was due to large scale differential vertical movements rather than to
a violent crustal shortening. There was at the same time extrusive igneous activity with the
widespread distribution of the rock suite associated with ophiolites. These rocks are usually
associated with early geosynclinals development, but there is no evidence of a geosycline having
been formed. This phase of strong structural and igneous activity appears to have ceased during the
Maestrichtian. After that time there was no revival of similarly spectacular manifestations but there
is ample evidence in the manner of distribution of later sediments relative to the geanticline that
further strong and quite complex differential vertical movement took place (Morton, op. cit.).
However, none of the orogenic activity in Oman can be shown to be reflected in any way in the
structural history of the oilfield area.
Turning now to the Zagros range it is noteworthy that its early origins may well have had some
connection with those of the Oman Range. It would seem that the Zagros area also showed no
orogenic phenomena before the end of the Middle Cretaceous. Thus thicknesses of the Middle
Cretaceous of a particular area of the Zagros as given by Kent and others (1951) cannot be said to
bear any definite relationship to the geographical configuration of the subsequent orogeny.
However, in the higher mountains of the Zagros there are ophiolites and associated suites of rocks,
the age of which as far as it is known, appear to coincide with that of the similar rocks in Oman. It
would thus seem that the Zagros and Oman ranges began to be formed at the same time and in the
same manner and possibly from associated sub-crustal upheavals. But there the resemblance ends.
The Oman range does not show features akin to the geosynclinals development and compressional
orogeny of the Zagros.
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In the Zagros the Upper Cretaceous illustrates the development of a deep, geosynclinals, sediment
filled trench. (Kent et al., 1951). This was not on the site of the present Persian Gulf geosynclines.
In the area near the head of the Persian Gulf the earlier geosynclinals axis was located some one
hundred and fifty miles or so to the north-east of and more or less parallel to the present
geosynclinals axis. The trench coincided in position with what is now the mountainous, strongly
folded part of the Zagros.
During the Upper Cretaceous and Eocene this geosynclinals trench continued to sink and to be
filled with flysh-like sediments (Kent et al. op. cit.) but during the Oligocene and early Miocene
there would seem to have been something in the mature of a structural pause, though comparatively
localized instability continued, between the formation and filling of the trench and the powerful
uplift and folding which followed.
The Zagros orogeny proper began during the latter part of the Miocene on the site of the former
geosyncline and there is evidence of its continuance at the present day. The orogeny has produced a
magnificent series of sub-parallel folds, obviously involving tremendous crustal shortening and was
accompanied from its earliest phases by the formation of an entirely new geosynclines, the present
Persian Gulf geosyncline, outside the rising mountain belt and more or less parallel with the former
Zagros geosyncline. From the Upper Miocene onwards the part of the geosyncline lying in Iraq
was filled as it developed with debris from the rising Zagros.
Sedimentation in Qatar
The general palaeogeographic background to sedimentation in Qatar has been indicated above and
brief descriptions of the sediments from the Jurassic onwards are given in the Supplement. It
remains to enlarge upon the circumstances of sedimentation in the Qatar area as far as these can be
deduced. Certain features of importance in connection with the structural history will be
emphasized, though the relevance of certain statements to the structural history will not always be
apparent until Part II is consulted.
It is convenient to discuss the manner of sedimentation according to formations or groups of
formations.
Araej formation
As with palaeogeography, the discussion can conveniently begin with the Bathonian Araej
formation.
There is a strong lithological resemblance between certain limestones falling within particular age
ranges in the Middle East and certain limestones falling within the same age ranges in Great Britain.
This matter will be considered more fully in later sections. In the meantime it needs to be
mentioned that many of the shallower water limestones of the Jurassic of the Middle East closely
resemble many shallow water limestones of the British Jurassic.
Excluding the Uwainat member (see Supplement) the Araej formation is made up of grey to bluishgrey limestones, many with an abundance of shallow water pellet debris and mostly with a
considerable argillaceous content. Where they are seen in an unweathered state much of the
Inferior and Great Oolites of Oxfordshire could be described in almost similar terms. Thus in the
deep excavations of cement works near Oxford it is seen that the Great Oolite in an unweathered
375

state is grey to bluish-grey throughout. Moreover the grading characteristics are quite similar in the
Araej and the British Oolites. Comparing the bluish-grey limestones of the Araej with the Inferior
and Great Oolites of Oxfordshire it may be said that the only marked differences are the
comparative abundance of true ooliths in the British units and the much more common and usually
heavier pyritic blackening of the pellet debris in the Araej. The bluish-grey limestones of the Araej
are also closely comparable in facies with certain limestones occurring in the Corallian of the
Dorset coast and with limestones of the lower Purbeck of the Portland area.
The Uwainat member of the Araej is of a somewhat different character to the remainder of the
formation. Even in an unweathered state it is of a pale buff colour. The principal differences
between it and the remainder of the formation are that it is free from argillaceous material and its
pellitic content is unpyritised. In lithology it resembles certain parts of the Portlandian of Portland,
not the main oolitic part of that limestone, but the roach which is less well graded and less oolitic.
The sediments of the Araej are also comparable in many respects with the recent sediments of the
Persian Gulf. The resemblance is sufficiently close for inferences to be drawn from the nature of
the Gulf sediments as to the manner in which the Araej limestones were formed. Apart from the
Uwainat member the Araej sediments are closely comparable with those forming in the Persian
Gulf in water of moderate depth, say about fifteen to forty fathoms, and well offshore (Appendix
II). There is striking similarity of the form of pellet and clastic fossil detritus, fine grained often
marly matrix and pyritic staining of pellitic debris.
On the other hand the Uwainat member, the facies of which indicates very shallow water
deposition, is not so well matched among the Persian Gulf sediments, even those of very shallow
water, and appears to resemble more closely the sediments forming on the Bahama Banks (Illing,
1954). The Uwainat is on the whole of coarser material than the remainder of the Araej, and is not
pyritised. Fine grained calcareous material is present in much of the Uwainat. From its character
this appears to have been formed in very shallow water, like the very pure drewite type carbonate
muds of the Bahamas. (Newell and Rigby, 1957 etc..).
Thus the writers interpretation of sedimentational circumstances during deposition of the Araej
would be as follows. At the time of deposition there existed an enormous submarine shelf (see
section on palaeogeography) and over a very large area of that shelf, including the present area of
the Qatar Peninsula, the depth of water was seldom greatly in excess of say forty fathoms. Apart
from the Uwainat the Araej of Qatar was almost entirely deposited in water of about fifteen to forty
fathoms depth in circumstances very like those now existing in water of the same depth range in the
southern part of the Persian Gulf. In the Araej sediments there is no terrigenous sand. Evidently
the Qatar area at the time was very far from land. But clay minerals, originally either wind or water
borne, are fairly abundant except in the Uwainat.
The Uwainat sediments, being very like those of the Bahama Banks, are presumed to have been
deposited in very similar circumstances. It is of interest to note that over the Bahama Banks the
depth of water is seldom in excess of about six fathoms. A point concerning the Uwainat is quite
remarkable is the almost complete absence of the argillaceous material which is so abundant in
other parts of the Araej. But it may be noted that in the Persian Gulf the argillaceous content of the
sediments decreases to almost nothing [in] the shallowest waters.
Diyab formation
Like the underlying Araej, the Diyab contains a great deal of granular carbonate sediment, but this
granular sediment is of such a form and is distributed in such a way that the Diyab and Araej
376

limestones are very readily distinguishable from one another. The granular material could be
described as pellitic. It appears to be of an origin similar to that of ordinary limestone pellet debris
and only very rarely contains odd grains of non-carbonate minerals. Yet it is all uncommonly
uniform in size and of the grade range of fairly fine sand. It is moreover distributed in thin beds,
very distinct from the very fine grained argillaceous limestone with which it is interbedded.
The facies of the Diyab varies little over very large areas or throughout the thickness of the unit.
The writer is at a loss to explain its origin, having never encountered any quite similar sediment
deposited on such a large scale. Its form is however such as to suggest that the mechanics of its
final sedimentation were such as usually apply in a thin bedded quartz sand-clay sequence and
deposition in fairly shallow water is presumed.
Darb formation
The Darb formation consists of very fine grained limestones. The lower part has a tendency to be
very argillaceous, this tendency gradually decreasing upwards so that the uppermost part is virtually
without argillaceous material. Almost throughout the unit there are here and there odd streaks with
disseminated, pyrite stained pellets. These pellets, unlike the fine detritus of the Diyab, are of
normal size, that is to say up to about a quarter of an inch or so in diameter. They are very often
pyrite stained.
The formation appears to represent an interval when sedimentation occurred in water of moderate
depth. The approximate depth of the water may possibly be judged from circumstances in the
Persian Gulf, where pellet debris is not carried much below about 40 fathoms (see Appendix 20)
and from about which depth marls become the dominant sediment. On the other hand the water
may have been rather shallower but the area rather remote from shoals on which pellet debris could
be formed. Certainly the water must have been deeper than that in which the overlying Fahahil
formation was deposited. It is suspected that the argillaceous content of the unit may have arisen
from wind borne dust.
Fahahil formation
Deductions as to the palaeogeographic circumstances in which the Fahahil formation was deposited
have already been given (p. 32). It is a shallow water pellet limestone quite evidently formed over
an enormous area of shoals and it is singularly free from terrigenous material. In its lithology the
Fahahil formation is very similar indeed to the Uwainat member of the Araej formation. The
limestones of the Uwainat have already been likened to the sediments accumulating on the Bahama
banks and suggestions as to the mode of origin of the Uwainat apply equally to the Fahahil
formation. There is not however any reason to suppose that the banks on which the Uwainat and
Fahahil were formed were separated from the nearest land mass by deep water as is the case with
the Bahama banks. It is believed on the contrary that those limestones were formed on banks which
continued right up to the then existing land in what is now western Arabia.
Qatar and Hith formations
The writers interpretation of the palaeogeographic circumstances giving rise to these partly
evaporitic units has already been given (p.35) and the units are fully described in the Supplement.
Little of any interest in the present connection could be added at this point but it may be noted that
the mineralogy of the sediments of the two units in the Qatar area has been described at some length
by Ramsden (1952).
377

Sulaiy formation
In Qatar the Sulaiy formation, apart from the lowest few feet, is of very fine grained limestone and
is free from pellet debris or other evidence of the existence of shoals in the vicinity during
sedimentation. While this negative evidence of the absence of shoals is believed to be reliable,
there is no means of determining just how deep the water was during sedimentation. There is no
cause to argue that it was very deep, even though there is a conspicuous lack of fossils of any kinds.
It seems on the whole unlikely that the depth was either less or more than a few tens of fathoms, but
at the same time the Sulaiy sediments are probably the deepest water sediments of any here
described.
The Sulaiy of Qatar is largely free from argillaceous matter, a feature which may indicate either
remoteness from land at the time of sedimentation or prevailing wind directions such that windblown dust was not carried to the area.
Yamama formation
In contrast with the Sulaiy the Yamama formation of Qatar contains an enormous amount of pellet
debris illustrative of the existence of widespread shoals. By far the greater part of the Yamama
section is of pellet limestones. Lithologically there is a strong overall similarity to the Araej
formation. The noteworthy differences are that the lower Yamama is largely free from argillaceous
material and shows much less blackening of its pellet debris by pyritisation.
The interpretation of the origin of the Yamama sediments is as follows. At the end of Sulaiy times
general shallowing took place to a depth at which pellet debris could be formed on shoals. For
quite a long time after such shoals had come into existence, the Qatar area and the areas from which
it was supplied with pellet debris were without a source of argillaceous sediment.
Later a supply of clay minerals came into being and the supply became progressively more
abundant, so that many of the upper beds of the unit are quite marly. About the upper half of the
unit, the part which is appreciably argillaceous, must have been largely formed under conditions
similar to those existing in the twenty to forty fathom range in the present Persian Gulf, though
there are a few relatively thin limestones which by facies and fauna indicate rather shallower water.
It is thought that the lower half of the unit was deposited in water of about the same depth range,
though due to the absence of clay minerals there is no exact comparison with Persian Gulf
sediments of the same range.
Ratawi formation
The Ratawi formation of Qatar contains marly, pellet limestones exactly like those of the upper
Yamama but it also contains a great deal of argillaceous matter, a far greater proportion than any
other unit so far mentioned. As well as marls there are true shales in the Ratawi.
With all the older units already described as containing marls or marly limestones it is possible,
though never necessarily the case, that the argillaceous content was directly or indirectly derived
from wind borne dust deposited out at sea, but it is scarcely feasible that this is the case with the
Ratawi. The argillaceous material is too abundant and there are true shales. It seems much more
probable that the clay minerals of the Ratawi were water borne sediment and that the greater
incursion of this land derived detritus into the Qatar area is to be related to the regression which
occurred at about that time. (See section on palaeogeography).
378

General lithological features of limestones: Araej to Ratawi formations
From the above pages it will be apparent that from the Araej to the Ratawi formation almost all the
limestones belong to a very limited number of lithological types. Almost any limestone lithology
occurring in one unit can be almost exactly matched with that of some part of some other unit, and
the same facies type is often repeated several times over in different units. Thus for instance the
Uwainat member of the Araej and the Fahahil formation are very similar in facies and the bluishgrey limestones of the Araej can be precisely matched for facies among the bluish-grey limestones
of the Yamama. It is clear that throughout the Araej-Ratawi interval the same types of sedimentary
environment occurred over and over again, resulting in the creation of the same types of limestones.
The only exceptions to this rule are the Diyab formation limestones which in some of their
characters are unique.
This family resemblance would not be a particular cause for comment were it not that nothing
quite like this group of limestones is found again in younger sediments. It is true that odd
limestones can be found here and there in higher parts of the geological column, particularly in the
Miocene and among recent sediments, which closely resemble particular limestones of the AraejRatawi interval. But there is never again any long sequence of limestones of the same characters
despite the fact that most of the column consists of carbonate rocks.
Further it is very striking that the limestones of Great Britain which belong to the same age range
have, as a group, very similar facies characters to the Araej-Ratawi limestones. As a whole the
Middle and Upper Jurassic sediments of Great Britain are of shallower water origin and deposition
than those of Qatar and the climate of the former area was evidently less arid than that of the latter.
Thus oolites are a much more common constituent of the limestones in Great Britain than in the
Qatar area and terrigenous clastics make up a much larger proportion of the sediments. Never the
less the limestones of the two areas have a general similarity which is striking to anybody who has
been able to compare them.
Also there is a marked change in character in Great Britain between the Jurassic limestones and the
Chalk and, as will be seen below there is a not unsimilar change in the Middle East between
limestones of the age of the Araej-Ratawi interval and younger Cretaceous limestones.
There is a characteristic of the Araej-Ratawi group of limestones which is of importance in
connection with the study of structural development in Qatar. There are very many minor vertical
changes of lithology within this section, particularly among the shallow water limestones, and many
of these changes are surprisingly abrupt and widespread. Individual beds with some minor
distinguishing lithological characteristics can often be traced with very little change of thickness
over very large areas. There are thus numerous lithological contacts which can for practical
purposes be taken to represent time horizons over large areas. In the present connection this fact is
of considerable significance and its importance will become apparent in Part II.
Kharaib formation
The Kharaib formation is the lowest unit of a second group of limestones, many of which have a
distinctive character which might be described as earthiness or chalkiness. This character is not
exhibited by any of the Araej-Ratawi limestones. The character is imparted to the limestones by
their having a combination of fine grain and high porosity. The significance of this change in
lithology is considered in a later section (p.80).
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The Kharaib, being mainly of very pure limestone, is in strong contrast with the very argillaceous
underlying Ratawi. This change of clay mineral content may be attributed to the widespread
transgression which took place in southern Arabia after deposition of the Ratawi (p.44). The land
area supplying terrigenous material must have become much reduced and at the same time more
remote from the Qatar area.
The Kharaib is certainly almost all of rather shallow water origin. It is partly pellet, but as in the
case of various succeeding limestones and in contrast with preceding units, the pellet debris is
usually of a porous, earthy texture similar to that of its matrix.
Hawar formation
The Hawar formation is a laterally persistent shale or marly shale of very uniform thickness. It falls
between two limestones which, because of their similarity in lithology would not otherwise be
distinguished as separate units. As indicated in the Supplement the Hawar shale is believed to
represent an extreme basinward tongue of the Zubair clastics.
In south-west Iraq the Zubair formation consists of sands and shales. It quite evidently represents
an eastward shift of the belt of near shore clastic deposition and may therefore be taken to have
resulted from marine regression due to epeirogenic movement. At the same time the Nahr Umr,
which is a not very much younger sand unit, gives definite indications of a period of wetter climate
(see below) and one is led to wonder whether the Zubair and Hawar shale also represent the
consequences of climatic change as well as of marine regression.
Shuaiba formation
The Shuaiba formation is of a lithology comparable to that of the Kharaib formation, but has a
tendency to be more chalky and to contain very little pellet debris. Its foraminiferal fauna however
would be associated with shallow rather than deep water and with the qualification given in the next
section, shallow water sedimentation is presumed. The Shuaiba of Qatar shows considerable
thickness variation in a rather unusual manner and this will be dealt with under the following
heading.
Sabsab formation
In contrast with the Shuaiba formation the Sabsab is dominantly composed of shale. Its relationship
to the Shuaiba is peculiar. Thicknesses of both the Sabsab and the Shuaiba vary greatly, but vary in
such a way that their combined thickness is nearly constant. The Sabsab in fact fills depressions in
the top of the Shuaiba. The thickness variation of the Sabsab over the Dukhan structure is
illustrated in Fig. 2.
At first sight the explanation of the relationship of the two units seems fairly simple and obvious.
Thus it might be supposed that the Shuaiba was exposed and eroded after deposition, a transgressive
Sabsab then filling the depressions formed during erosion. But on studying the matter closely there
are found to be difficulties involved in such an explanation. The Nahr Umr formation which
conformably overlies the Sabsab contains a very great deal of sand, while the Sabsab contains none.
It would be odd if the Sabsab were a transgressive unit containing no sand, yet followed
conformably by another unit in which there is an abundance of sand. Further, except over the
Dukhan structure there is nowhere in the vicinity any hint of unconformity or unusual thickness
variation at the top of the Shuaiba.
Pondering this peculiar situation the writer has searched the literature for unusual features in recent
sediments which might offer some clue as to the events which took place in Shuaiba and Sabsab
380

times. The Hudson submarine canyon (Sverdrup et al., 1942) is the best known example of a
phenomenon which could offer an explanation of the Shuaiba-Sabsab relationship. The Hudson
canyon can properly be called a canyon only where it cuts the outer edge of the continental shelf.
Its continuation across the top of the continental shelf is not canyon like, being actually a very broad
submarine valley (Sverdrup et al., op. cit., p.41) and it is this part of the canyon which is of
interest.
This part of the canyon has dimensions and proportions much like those of the depression which
was filled by the Sabsab. At the same time there is an extreme flatness and lack of feature in the
continental shelf on either side of the Hudson canyon and by way of comparison it would seem
that the Shuaiba was uniformly and evenly deposited over large areas away from the Sabsab filled
depression of the Dukhan area. Thus while the reasons for the existence of the Hudson canyon
are in doubt, its existence perhaps provides the key to the relationship of the Shuaiba and Sabsab.
This could be interpreted as being as follows:
During deposition of the Shuaiba, mostly in a nearly uniform manner normal for a continental shelf,
there came into existence from unknown causes a submarine valley not unlike that part of the
Hudson canyon which crosses the top of the continental shelf. The form of this submarine valley,
part of which crossed the Dukhan structure, is now reflected in the thickness variations of the
Sabsab formation (Fig. 2) which finally filled it. The shaly nature of the Sabsab as compared with
the pure limestones of the Shuaiba indicates the beginning of the invasion of the area by terrigenous
clastics, an invasion which anticipated and was completed by the sandy swamp sedimentation of the
Nahr Umr. (see below).
This is the only explanation which the writer has been able to devise which fits all the facts.
Nahr Umr formation
This unit is the only one in the Qatar succession which contains thick beds of terrigenous sand. In
Qatar most of the sand occurs in the lower part of the formation, though there are also thin sands
near the top.
One of the striking features of the unit is the lignitic material associated with the more sandy
sediments of its lower half.
On the Dukhan structure thin lignitic beds are common and there are one or two thin lignitic coals.
A great deal of amber is associated with these lignites and fragments of amber are widespread in the
sands. From these features it is apparent that there was a phase of terrestrial swamp sedimentation
during the Nahr Umr.
If this type of sedimentation was known in Qatar alone it could be taken to indicate the former
existence of a river delta in that area. However, the swamp phase appears to be a normal feature of
the lower part of the Nahr Umr over an enormous area, a similar swamp facies occurring for
instances in southern Iraq. (See Supplement). It would seem therefore that while a part of the
sediments of the Nahr Umr were deposited in circumstances closely similar to those of deltaic
swamps, yet those swamps were not strictly deltaic in the normally accepted sense, but occurred in
an enormously long strip of territory bordering the west Arabian land mass of those times.
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The sands of uppermost part of the Nahr Umr in Qatar appear to be marine sediments and in fact the
whole of the upper half of the unit, in Qatar as elsewhere, indicates a gradual return to normal
marine sedimentation.
While the Nahr Umr represents a widespread marine regression it is reasonably certain that this
regression was associated with a relatively wet climatic phase. It is unthinkable that swamps such
as those of the lower Nahr Umr could have existed in a climate like that of the present Persian Gulf.
Yet it seems that by ordinary standards the climate of the time might still be said to have been rather
dry, for the time equivalent sediments of the Nahr Umr far out at sea were still limestones. But it is
possible that the relatively wet phase, by producing a flood of terrigenous clastics, caused the Nahr
Umr regression to be rather more extensive than it would otherwise have been.
What has been said of the climate in Nahr Umr times seems to have some application to
sedimentation during the whole of the period from the Hawar shale to the Khatiyah formation. The
sediments of the whole of this period seem to show the effects of climatic fluctuation and to
illustrate a climate which on average was rather less arid than during very long preceding and
succeeding intervals.
Mauddud formation
The Mauddud, being a shallow water marine limestone, completes the sedimentary rhythm begun
by the Sabsab and Nahr Umr. The greater part of the Mauddud has such components as to make its
shallow water origin apparent (see Supplement) but at the same time it mostly has the earthy texture
characteristic of the Kharaib-Aruma limestones (p. 79).
Khatiyah formation
The Khatiyah occupies the same position with respect to the following major sedimentary rhythm
which the Sabsab and Nahr Umr occupy with respect to the previous one. However, the eastward
spread of terrigenous clastics during the Khatiyah rhythm was not as extensive as it was during that
of the Nahr Umr. In the area of the Dukhan anticline, while there is much shale in the Khatiyah
there is no more than a few inches of sandstone. Further, the limestones and the greater part of the
shales of the Khatiyah have a good marine fauna though occasional plant fragments are to be found
in some shales. The lowest part of the Khatiyah illustrates the greatest seaward spread of
terrigenous material of the rhythm, the upper part of the unit showing slow return to normal shallow
water marine limestone deposition.
Mishrif formation
The Mishrif formation represents a complete return to marine limestone sedimentation, the end of
the rhythm begun with the Khatiyah. It takes the place in the second rhythm which the Mauddud
occupies in the previous ones. In Qatar the Mishrif is composed of earthy limestone with finely
fragmented fossil detritus and with a shallow water fauna of large Foraminifera. It apparently
suffered little recrystallization when exposed during the succeeding regression.
Aruma formation
After the important break which separates the Mishrif from the Aruma in Qatar, sedimentation
recommenced with the deposition of shales. The absence of sands following the transgression is
noteworthy, particularly in view of the fact that sands were often deposited after the same
transgression elsewhere (See p. 48). The explanation may be that the Qatar area was at the time an
isolated low lying island without any sand producing exposures. After submergence a
comparatively short interval of shale deposition was followed by a long period of limestone
sedimentation. Evidence is not wholly conclusive but leads to the suspicion that after shale
382

deposition the water deepened fairly rapidly. Thus a foraminiferal fauna with planktonic elements
is known from above the shale in the southern part of the Qatar Peninsula (See Supplement). Such
deepening as may have occurred was not however maintained, for the upper part of the Aruma is of
shallow water limestone with some pellet debris and much fragmental fossil detritus.
In facies almost all the Aruma limestone is earthy or chalky and, although secondary dolomitisation
has affected the uppermost parts, it is on the whole comparable with the other earthy and chalky
limestones represented in the interval from the Barremian to the Maestrichtian.
General lithological features of limestones: Kharaib to Aruma formation

It has already been mentioned that the limestones of Qatar from the Kharaib to the Aruma
commonly exhibit a character which may be described as earthiness. This character is exhibited by
a large number of limestones of the same age range throughout the Persian Gulf area. The character
is imparted to the limestones by their having a combination of fine grain and high porosity.
Poorness of stratification is a normal feature of these sediments.
This earthy character is shown only by fairly pure limestones and is most marked in chalks. Most
of these chalks, by their faunal associations and their distribution relative to other sediments, may
be supposed to have been deposited in water neither very shallow nor very deep.
An earthy facies is also apparent in sediments of the same age which show evidence of having been
deposited in water shallower than that of the truly chalky sediments, but the character is less marked
in the shallower sediments than in the chalks. The corresponding sediments of very shallow water
are frequently so coarse in grain that they could not be described as being earthy. Sometimes these
very shallow sediments are of low porosity.
The earthy limestones of fine grain and high porosity, including the chalks, contrast in character
with the limestones of the preceding Araej-Ratawi interval. The limestones of that interval are
never as fine grained as a characteristic chalk and when fine grained have a tendency to be rather
dense or at least of very low porosity. Further, pellet and oolitic material are on the whole much
more abundant and characteristic of the Araej-Ratawi interval than of the succeeding sediments.
No sediments have yet been found in the Kharaib-Aruma interval quite like the rather argillaceous,
pellet and commonly pyrite darkened limestones of the Araej-Ratawi interval. These the writer has
interpreted as having formed in the twenty to forty fathom depth range and it seems that in the
Kharaib-Aruma interval the sediments of the corresponding depth range are normally earthy or
chalky limestones.
The same kind of facies change is apparent in Great Britain. While the British Jurassic limestones
are similar to the limestones of the Araej-Ratawi interval, the Chalk is very similar to the
Cretaceous chalks of the Middle East. It is noteworthy that the Chalk of western Europe falls
within the interval in which chalky sediments occur in the Persian Gulf area and it is further
remarkable that the Cretaceous chalks of North America fall within much the same age range.
There is then, evidence of a partial change in the circumstances of limestone sedimentation
becoming operative over huge areas at much the same time, and a possible explanation of this
change may be suggested.
The limestones of the Araej-Ratawi interval closely resemble in many respects the recent
limestones being deposited in the Persian Gulf and on the Bahama banks. Thus the facies of the
383

Araej-Ratawi limestones can be said to be consistent with their having been formed in very much
the same manner as these recent limestones. It may be supposed that the original sediments of the
Araej-Ratawi limestones were composed to a large extent of non-skeletal aragonite, as are the
recent limestones, and that such a manner of deposition was determined partly by total biological
activity producing the same effects as in the recent sediments. (See Appendix 1).
The chalky sediments of the succeeding period appear however to have been partly deposited in a
very different way. Black and Barnes (1959) have discovered that coccoliths are present in
enormous numbers in the fine components of the British and North American chalks and it seems
probable, though the point remains to be fully demonstrated, that all the Cretaceous chalks owe
their chalkiness to their consisting largely of coccolith tests. These tests are composed of minute
plates of calcite, a mineral which would be expected to resist recrystallization much more than
aragonite.
This novel manner of sedimentation appears to have replaced previous processes of carbonate
precipitation to a variable extent. In the Persian Gulf area the change in the process of deposition
seems to have been least effective in the shallowest water and most effective at depths of perhaps
several tens of fathoms. The shallowest sediments remain most like those of the previous period,
while it seems that chalky sedimentation characterised depths of more than say twenty fathoms. It
is to be remarked that wholesale deposition of coccolith tests would greatly reduce the calcium
carbonate available for precipitation by other means.
A feature commonly associated with chalkiness both in the Middle East and elsewhere is lack of
distinct lithological stratification. As will be seen in Part II, the structural analysis there given
depends upon the possibility of recognizing numerous geological horizons which can be taken to be
time levels. It is therefore fortunate that the rocks of much of the chalky period in Qatar consist of
alternations of limestones with shales. Among these alternations are a considerable number of
instances where there is a sharp and widely recognizable change from limestone to shale or shale to
limestone which can be taken to represent a time level.
Umm er Radhuma formation
The Umm er Radhuma was deposited over a very shallow shelf which occupied virtually the whole
of what is now eastern Arabia. All its sediments were of shallow water origin.
Apart from its lowermost part of the unit exhibits strong secondary alteration. The limestones
appear to have been recrystallized after deposition, and the unit contains much dolomite, the rather
erratic distribution and dissemination of which indicates that almost all, if not all of it, was of
secondary origin. The facies of the rocks contrasts with the chalky, earthy nature of many Upper
Cretaceous limestones.
The writer is inclined to interpret the dolomitisation of the Umm er Radhuma as having been
associated with intermittent excessive evaporation in large areas of very shallow water at the time
of sedimentation. There are elsewhere, though not in Qatar, thin anhydrites in the Umm er
Radhuma which lend support to the idea of excessive water concentration.
Rus formation
The writers interpretation of the palaeogeographic circumstances giving rise to the Rus formation
have been mentioned elsewhere (p.50). It may in addition be mentioned that the Rus of Qatar is
mainly composed of dolomite of rather chalky appearance, with only minor limestones. It shows no
evidence of ever having contained beds of anhydrites.
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Though the dolomites of the Rus are very fine grained as compared with a normal dolomite, the
texture is in fact coarse as compared with a true limestone chalk. The Rus dolomites show a lateral
uniformity which the writer takes to be an indication of primary rather than secondary origin and
which is in contrast with the rather erratic distribution of the Umm er Radhuma dolomites. The Rus
dolomites are deemed to have formed because of high water concentration, but in the Qatar area this
apparently fell short of the level required for the precipitation of sulphates.
Dammam formation
The Dammam formation includes much chalky appearing dolomite similar to that of the Rus and
presumably deposited under similar conditions. But it also includes numerous limestones, some
with shallow water fauna, which indicate periodic reductions of salinity, presumably due to
temporary deepening.
Lower Fars formation
The greater part of the Lower Fars sediments of Qatar appears to have been deposited in salt flats
and shallow saline lakes or lagoons. The upper part of the unit however contains some limestones
with marine faunas illustrating temporary very shallow incursions of the sea.
385
PART II
Analysis of the development of the main structural features
of the Qatar Peninsula
General Remarks
Some considerable time ago the writer worked in the foothills area of the Zagros in northern Iraq
and was there involved, among other studies, in attempts to delineate as exactly as possible the
structural form of the foothills anticlines. During this work he became very much impressed by the
results which could be achieved by the application of geometrical concepts of structural form. The
particular geometrical concepts and methods employed were those developed by Busk (1929). It
was found that by the judicious application of Busks concepts unusually accurate predictions of
structure, frequently tested by the drilling of oil wells, could be achieved.
Busks geometrical concepts can be applied only to strata which are of reasonably uniform
thickness and have all been folded together at one time. Hence they are of no use in areas like
Qatar where the strata are not of uniform thickness and have suffered a variable degree of folding
according to their age. But having been impressed by the utility of having a simple geometrical
concept of the form which a structure should take, the writer determined to try to formulate a
geometry applicable to plains type or epeirogenic folding in the same way that Busks
geometry is applicable in other circumstances. The results are to be seen below.
In the area of epeirogenic folding (see Introduction) of the Persian Gulf basin, in the plains areas
of the United States, and elsewhere there are many folds the principal character of which is that the
amplitude of folding increases with depth. These are the folds which are here of interest. As will
be seen, the study of the form and origin of these folds necessitates the recognition of numerous
precise stratigraphic levels or markers which may be assumed to have been planes at the time that
they came into existence. Fortunately the geological column of the Qatar area is well provided with
such markers, as has been indicated in Part I.
The following account gives the results of investigations concerning structural forms of the Qatar
Peninsula as revealed by these markers. The course of the account follows closely the course of the
original investigations.
It is to be noted that the work is based on structural data which has had to be treated as being strictly
confidential. Detailed figures and structural maps must of necessity be omitted in this account but
such detailed data is not necessary for the illustration of the principles involved.
386
Fig. 3 - Cross section of Dukhan Structure

Vertical Scale = 2.5 x Horizontal Scale
The Dukhan anticline

The Dukhan anticline of the Qatar Peninsula (Fig. 1) is one of a group of folds occurring in an area
where prolonged or repeated structural development of individual anticlines has taken place. Of
these folds the Dukhan anticline is the one which is now most sharply folded.
Owing to the exploitation of oil occurring in rocks of Kimmeridgian age more than fifty oil wells
have now been drilled in an area extending for some thirty miles along the length of this anticline
and in the process geological structure down to the level of the Kimmeridgian has become well
known.
Between the Eocene, which is exposed over most of the Qatar Peninsula, and the Kimmeridgian
there are some sixteen markers which can be identified from well to well and which are suitable for
use as structural horizons1. Fig. 3 is an actual cross section of the Dukhan anticline down to the
level of the Kimmeridgian drawn through three wells and it shows the attitude of various selected
horizons. The profiles have been constructed with the aid of information from other wells not
actually on the cross section. The section illustrates the fact that although there is no perfect
regularity or symmetry, there is a general and pronounced increase of the degree of folding at
successively lower structural horizons.
1
Ashereusedthetermstructuralhorizonimpliesthepresentstructuralformofadefinitestratigraphiclevel,such
asthetoporbottomofamarkerbedorthecontactbetweentwodissimilarunits,whichcanberecognizedwithout
difficultyandcanbesafelyassumedtorepresentvirtuallythesametimelevelthroughouttheareaoftheQatar
Peninsula.
387

Fig. 4 represents the first step in the investigations of the facts determinable from the relative
attitudes of the above mentioned sixteen structural horizons. The manner in which calculations for
Fig. 4 were carried out is as follows. Let it be supposed that in two wells situated on the same part
of the anticline but located upflank and downflank relative to one another there is a structural
difference in level of X feet at a low structural horizon. (In practice for example a horizon in the
Kimmeridgian). At all higher structural horizons the difference in structural level is less than X feet
and may be calculated as a percentage of X feet. A graph may then be constructed similar to that of
Fig. 4 showing percentage of structural development plotted against thickness in one well.
As might be expected, and has already been indicated, there is some lack of perfect structural
regularity in the Dukhan anticline. Thus graphs prepared from different pairs of wells of the
Dukhan field in the above manner show similarity of form but are not identical in detail. But the
variability is not great. It is in fact so small that one is justified in preparing a curve which can be
taken to represent an average for the whole anticline and from which no particular part of it deviates
very greatly. In order to arrive at such a curve, representative of the whole structure, it is necessary
to make calculations from the data of several pairs of wells located on various parts of the structure
and to average the results. In the case of Fig. 4 this process was carried out for seven pairs of wells,
the graph representing average percentages. Average percentages are plotted against marker levels
in one particular well. If they were plotted against marker levels in any other well the resulting
curve would be similar but not identical.
It is of considerable consequence to note at this point that the Dukhan anticline shows a variation of
the severity of folding along its length, the northern part being more strongly folded than the
southern. Despite this variation in the degree of folding, graphs prepared from pairs of wells in the
northern part resemble reasonably closely those from pairs of wells in the southern part. From this
similarity it may be concluded that those parts of the structure which were more rapidly folded at
one particular time were also more rapidly folded at all other times. This is an important feature
which will be mentioned many times below.
388
Depthofstructuralmarkersbelowsealevel(DukhanNo.1well)
(infeet)
Fig.4
PercentageofPresentStructuralDevelopment
(averagedeterminedfromsevenpairsofwells)
389

Fig. 4 thus gives a quantitative representation of the present average variation of the degree of
folding at various structural horizons of the Dukhan anticline. It is apparent that the two
unconformities (Middle to Upper Cretaceous and post-Eocene) are marked by sharp increases of
folding but that there is otherwise an increase which is continuous, though being irregular with
respect to thickness.
Fig. 4 conveys the following impressions. Sedimentation continued from the Upper Jurassic to the
Middle Cretaceous during which time folding was continuous but at a variable rate. There was a
period of uplift and pronounced folding at the end of the Middle Cretaceous. During a succeeding
period of sedimentation folding was rather more rapid than that experienced during the previous
phase of sedimentation. Finally there was a post-Eocene period of uplift and comparatively strong
folding.
The most outstanding features of Fig. 4 are the sudden changes in the degree of folding which occur
at the major unconformities. These sudden changes give the impression of being remarkable events
in an otherwise more or less orderly history of folding. However, it is not difficult to cast doubts
upon the impressions of the structural history which are to be gained from Fig. 4. It only needs to
be pointed out that the vertical scale of Fig. 4 is a depth scale, the intervals between markers being
little or no measure of time, and the whole of the above interpretation becomes highly dubious.
Pursuing this line of thought it is apparent that the true history of the folding can only be
determined by considering the degree of folding in relation to an absolute time scale.
To refer the degree of folding to an absolute time scale presents difficulties. No absolute time scale
yet exists which is sufficiently detailed for the dating of individual age stages, though the relative
lengths of the major time divisions is considered to be now fairly accurately determined. It is
clearly impossible to assign exact absolute ages to the sixteen structural horizons mentioned above.
But between them they represent a long time interval, and by selection, seven have been chosen to
which can be assigned sufficiently accurate absolute dates to serve the present purpose.
By plotting the relative degree of folding of the seven horizons mentioned against an absolute time
scale Fig. 4 may be converted to Fig. 5.
The time scale used in Fig. 5 was derived from figures given by Holmes (1937 et..) and other
investigators. It was prepared several years ago and does not coincide exactly with the figures
given in the most up to date publications. But the slight revisions necessary to bring the scale up to
date would not have any effect on the conclusions here arrived at and consequently no revised
version has been prepared.
390
Ageofstructuralmarkersinmillionsofyears
Fig.5
PercentageofPresentStructuralDevelopment
(averagedeterminedfromsevenpairsofwells)
Anyone acquainted with work on absolute dating and Middle East stratigraphy will realize how
very approximate are the ages assigned to particular structural horizons in Fig. 5. Never the less the
figure has a great deal of significance and gives rise to the following comments and conclusions.
Fig. 5 is remarkable in that the plotted points lie on a line which is only gently curved. It is possible
that the straightness of the line is to some extent accidental or illusory. There are only seven plotted
points and if dating were better and a larger number of points were available the line joining them
might show more deviation from straightness. It is not however possible to say what effect an
improvement in absolute dating would have on the form of the line.
While the real accuracy of Fig. 5 is in doubt it is never the less certain that the history of folding
which seemed to be indicated by Fig. 4 cannot be supported. The main conclusion to be arrived at
from Fig. 5 is that folding of the Dukhan anticline took place from the Kimmeridgian to the Lower
Eocene at rates which were unrelated, during that time, to depositional or erosional events. Folding
seems to have been at a more or less steady rate.
391

There is another conclusion deducible from Fig. 5 which at the same time sets a problem. This is
that although folding appears to have continued at an almost constant rate from the Kimmeridgian
to the Lower Eocene, it did not continue at the same rate from the Lower Eocene to the present.
What then was the history of folding after the Lower Eocene? None of the oil wells on the Dukhan
structure penetrates sediments younger than Middle Eocene and younger sediments are
unrepresented except on the southernmost part of the structure where there is in places a thin and
broken cover of Miocene. Unfortunately these sediments are not suited to exact structural mapping,
but they give the impression of lying unfolded on very gently folded Eocene. From this impression
and from Fig. 5 it would seem that the folding of the Dukhan Anticline probably terminated at some
time during the Oligocene. If this is true then the folding of the Dukhan Anticline was completed
before the folding of the Zagros commenced.
As far as the writer knows, the above is the first attempt ever made to analyse folding history by
reference to absolute ages.
Relative elevation equations
It has been illustrated above that folding of the Dukhan anticline continued at a seemingly nearly
steady rate from the Kimmeridgian to the Lower Eocene. The extensive and very broad structural
high which occupies the central and northern part of the Qatar Peninsula is known from exploration
wells to have had the same kind of structural history, although folding was very gentle as compared
with that of the Dukhan anticline. It is also known that other anticlines in the area of epeirogenic
folding have a very similar if not identical history.
It has been indicated that such a history produces a form of folding in which progressively lower
structural horizons show an increase in structural amplitude but where there is otherwise a
geometric similarity between any two horizons. While these essential features are readily
recognized it is at the same time apparent as for example in Fig. 3, that perfect geometrical
similarity between one horizon and another is not to be expected.
Despite the geometrical imperfections inherent in natural structures such as those of the Qatar
Peninsula it is of interest, from motives already stated, to devise a simple empirical geometrical
concept which expresses in an ideal form the type of structure which is exhibited by such anticlines.
Fig. 6 represents the first stage in devising such an empirical geometrical form. The approach to the
problem is entirely novel.
Fig. 6A shows a cross-section through imaginary geological structures. It was constructed
according to the geometry illustrated in Fig. 6B. The latter shows two structural horizons, the form
of which is the same apart from a difference in amplitude. They are drawn so that b/a is constant,
H1 and H2 being horizontal and V vertical.
392
Fig.6
In Fig 6A three imaginary structural horizons have been drawn in the same way with amplitudes
varying in the ratio of 1:2:3.
Fig. 6A demonstrates certain of the important features which have been shown to exist in the folds
of the Qatar Peninsula. It illustrates an increase in the amplitude of folding with depth and implies
that parts of the structure which were being more rapidly folded than others at any particular time
were also being folded relatively rapidly at all other times. Thus the sharper anticline on the left
would have been folded at all times at a more rapid rate than the gentler anticline on the right. Fig.
6A intentionally bears some resemblance to a cross section through the northern part of the Qatar
Peninsula. While no attempt has been made to conform to true scale, either vertically or
horizontally the comparatively sharp anticline at the left is roughly representative of the Dukhan
anticline as compared with the gentler swell to the right which corresponds to the high of the
northern and central part of the Peninsula.
Fig. 6 however fails to take into account an important feature which affects the final relative attitude
of the various structural horizons of the Qatar Peninsula and similar structures. This feature will be
briefly discussed.
In such a large area as the area of epeirogenic folding which is here under discussion and during
such a long period as is here involved, it is inevitable that structural tilts and warps on a regional
scale will have taken place.
393

From structural maps and sections and various other kinds of diagrams relating to the area of
epeirogenic folding here under consideration, a very important regional structural feature may be
readily recognized. Over the area of epeirogenic folding there is a general regional dip away from
the Arabian Shield. This regional dip of the sedimentary rocks did not arise at any particular time
but expresses the sum of various movements which have taken place over a very long period.
These movements have combined to tilt the apron of sediments surrounding the Arabian Shield on
its eastern side. The apron shows a general increase in thickness away from the Shield, the increase
being spread over almost the whole of the known sedimentary sections.
While the dominant regional dip away from the Arabian Shield may be readily recognized there are
secondary features, of rather lesser but still regional dimensions, which complicate the picture. The
area of epeirogenic folding is divided by these features into structural troughs and swells. Though
here named troughs and swells these are very gentle structures as compared with a geosynclinals
trough. Each of these troughs or swells is of the order of a hundred and fifty miles in breadth and
therefore includes several individual anticlines. Two important swells centre approximately on
Kuwait and Bahrain, and three troughs have been recognized, one to the north of Kuwait, one
between Kuwait and Bahrain, and one south of Bahrain.
These troughs and swells originate in a rather less regular manner than the individual anticlines
which they contain. Their important structural result has been that over the area of epeirogenic
folding the direction of regional dip varies considerably, and in particular areas regional dip may be
in almost any direction from about north-west through north and east to south, even though the
general dip of the whole region is away from the Arabian Shield.
It is usually easy to recognize the general direction of regional dip in any particular area where there
is sufficient structural information. However the regional dip is invariably combined with dips
produced by the local folding of individual anticlines. In consequence it is not possible to define
regional dip precisely unless it is assumed that the structures concerned have definite geometrical
properties.
394
Fig.7
Returning now to Fig. 6 it may be noted that the curves drawn with varying amplitudes are oriented
relative to one another by assuming a common vertical axis V and parallel horizontal axes H1, H2
etc. It is possible, as a mathematical expedient, to presume that this implies a lack of regional
tilting during the formation of the structures and to define lack of regional tilt in this way. But in
nature regional tilting would always be taking place and would result in uneven deposition or
erosion of sediments additional to that presumed in Fig. 6 so that the geometry of Fig. 6 would be
too simple to be applied to natural circumstances. A complete empirical geometry would have to
allow of the structural horizons being tilted relative to one another.
Thus with the above definitions of lack of regional dip in mind, let it be supposed that instead of
structures being formed without regional tilting, as indicated in Fig.6A, otherwise similar structures
were formed to the accompaniment of regional tilts in various directions. The result could be as
shown in Fig. 7A.
Fig. 7A differs from Fig. 6A in only one respect, this being that while a common vertical axis to all
three curves is assumed, the other axes of the curves are inclined at various angles to the horizontal.
This may be taken to represent regional tilting of the various structural horizons in various
directions at different times, the final regional dips resulting being indicated by the inclination of P1,
P2, etc.. to the horizontal.
Fig. 8B [7B] shows the geometry of Fig. &A [7A]. P1 and P2 represent planes of regional dip and
are the other axes of curves which have an arbitrary common vertical axis V. As in Fig. 6B the
relationship b/a is constant.
Fig. 7 thus illustrates in an empirical geometrical form the more important features which are
known to occur in the structures of the Qatar Peninsula. It illustrates an increase of the amplitude of
folding with depth, it implies that those parts of the structures which were being more rapidly
395

folded than others at any particular time were also correspondingly rapidly folded at all other times,
and it implies, regional tilting in various directions at various times.
Having now deduced an empirical geometrical form which appears to coincide fairly well with
actual structural features of the Qatar Peninsula it remains to be demonstrated that such an empirical
geometry can be put to useful purpose. In order to achieve this it is necessary to give further
consideration to the geometry of Fig. 7B. This may be expressed in mathematical relationships as
follows.
Selecting as an origin the point where the upper structural horizon cuts the arbitrary vertical axis V
(Fig. 7B), the depth, y, of any point on the lower structural horizon is given by the expression:
y = C + s + b ----------------------------------- (1)
However b/a is constant. If this constant is K, then:
b = Ka
And substituting for b in equation (1) we have:
y = C + s + Ka -------------------------------- (2)
Referring again to Fig. 7B it is apparent that:
a=t+r
Thus substituting for a in equation (2) it may be deduced that:
y = C + s + K(t + r) ----------------------------- (3)
Fig. 7B is two dimensional as is equation (3) but the question may be converted to three
dimensional form. It may be supposed that b/a is constant in all directions. On the other hand the
slope of P1 and P2 will depend upon the direction of the section. The inclination of the planes P1
and P2 to the horizontal can be fully expressed in terms of two horizontal dimensions, for example
easting and northing, thus r (in Fig. 7B) may be expressed as:
r = Le + Mn
where L and M are respectively the constants expressing easterly and northerly tilt of the plane P1
and e is the easting and n the northing between the arbitrary origin and any particular point.
Similarly for the plan P2 it may be said that:
S = Pe + Qn
Where P and Q are the constants appropriate to the plane P2.
Thus assuming that K (=b/a) is constant in all directions it is possible to convert the two
dimensional relationship of equation (3) to a three dimensional relationship by substituting for r and
s, by this substitution we have:
396

y = C + Pe + Qn + K (t + Le + Mn)
which may be rearranged as :
y = C + Pe + Qn + Kt + KLe + KMn
and further rearranged as:
y = C + Kt + e (P + KL) + n (Q + KM) ---------- (4)
but P, K, L, Q, and M are all constants. It is therefore possible to substitute a single constant for (P
+ KL) and another single constant for (Q + KM). By this means equation (4) may be simplified to:
y = C + Kt +Fe + Gn ---------------------------------- (5)
where C, K, F and G are constants.
It may be seen that equation (4) and (5) relate the depth of one structural horizon to the depth of
another horizon. It may thus be said that they are relative depth equations or if applied from an
origin below both structural horizons, as is usually preferable in practice, they may be said to be
relative elevation equations. Equation (4), the long form of the equation, has not up to now been
put to any practical use and it is not mentioned again below. Equation (5), the short form, has
however been found to be of practical value and in what follows relative elevation equation
means an equation in the form of equation (5).
The constant K which indicates the relative amplitude (b/a) of the two structural horizons may be
termed the amplitude constant.
The practical application of relative elevation equations

It may be useful at this point to summarize certain aspects of what has gone before. It has been said
that the structures of the Qatar Peninsula exhibit the following features.
1. Anincreaseoftheamplitudeoffoldingwithdepth.
2. Atendencyforstructuresorpartsofstructureswhichweremorerapidlyfoldedthan
othersatanyparticulartimetohavesufferedacorrespondingrapidityoffoldingatall
othertimes.
3. Regionaltiltinginvariousdirectionsatvarioustimes.
It has been illustrated that an empirical geometrical form can be invented which takes such features
into account while at the same time allowing of the expression of the form in simple relative
elevation equations. If it can now be shown that practical relative elevation equations can be
calculated which fit fairly well with actual natural structural forms, such equations will be of value
in helping to solve various structural problems.
397

Methods of determining constants for practical equations and testing these equations for
accuracy.
Relative elevation equations for various pairs of structural horizons of the Qatar Peninsula have
been calculated and tested for the accuracy with which they conform to natural structure. Two
different means for the calculation of numerical constants (corresponding to C, K, F and G) have
been employed. The first method will here be called Method A and in order to illustrate it an
example will be given.
In this example the two structural horizons chosen are the top of the Mauddud formation and the top
of the No. 3 Limestone of the Qatar formation (See Supplement). Over the area of the Qatar
Peninsula the Mauddud occurs at about half the depth of the No. 3 Limestone and exhibits a little
over two thirds of the folding of the No. 3 Limestone.
To determine the numerical constants of a practical relative elevation equation it is necessary to use
structural data obtained from bore holes.
There are four constants to be determined (C, K, F and G) and values of these may be obtained by
first substituting in the general equation the actual values of y, t, e and n in four particular holes.
This gives four equations from which the four unknowns C, K, F and G may be determined by the
usual method of elimination. It is necessary during this process to select an arbitrary origin for the
equation and in the case of the particular example here given the origin of the local rectangular grid
and a datum of 10,000 feet below sea level has been chosen as a suitable reference point.
Selecting four wells which are widely spaced over the two anticlines of the Peninsula and solving in
the above manner, actual values obtained where all units are in feet are C = -6338, K = 1.428, F = 0.000449 and G = 0.000438 [note: in Sugdens 1962 paper, the value for G = 0.000348] . The
equation thus becomes:
Y = -6338 + 1.428t 0.000449e + 0.000438n
Where y is the elevation of the top of the No. 3 Limestone and t the elevation of the top of the
Mauddud formation above the origin and where e and n are respectively the easting and northing
from the chosen origin.
This equation fits perfectly the actual elevations of the top of the No. 3 limestone and the top of the
Mauddud in the four wells by reference to which the constants are determined. It remains to test
how well it fits other known values.
There are more than fifty wells on the Dukhan anticline and several on the high occupying much of
the remainder of the Peninsula which have penetrated the Mauddud and the No. 3 limestone. There
is therefore that number of reference points by which the accuracy of a practical equation may be
tested.
Testing is carried out by the following process. From the actual elevation of the top of the
Mauddud formation in each well the predicted elevation of the top of the No. 3 Limestone is
calculated by means of the practical equation. Values so determined are tabulated against actual
elevations of the top of the No. 3 Limestone. The differences between predicted and actual
elevations are then determined and these differences or deviations of the actual structure from
geometrical perfection give a measure of the usefulness of the equation in conveying a correct
impression of structural form.
398

The deviations are tabulated as being positive where the actual position of the horizon falls below
that predicted and negative when the actual position is above that predictive. It is usually found that
the sum of positive deviations exceeds the sum of negative deviations or vice versa. This difference
is in practice compensated by adjusting the constant C so that the sum of the negative deviations
becomes equal to the sum of the positive deviations. Applying this adjustment to the above
equation by reference to the test points available it becomes:
Y = -6371 + 1.428t 0.000499e + 0.000438n
Before further discussion of the matter of deviations a second method of determining constants will
be described. This may be designated Method B.
While Method A may be applied in an area in which there are four or more bore holes, Method B is
applicable only in an area in which there are fairly numerous points of reference, as for instance in
the case of the Qatar Peninsula.
Referring to the above equation it may be seen that the effects of regional tilting produce a
structural change of just over two feet per mile in an easterly direction and just over two feet per
mile in a northerly direction. Adding these two components it is found that in the direction of
greatest effect (north-west, south-west) the equation indicates a regional structural change of level
of slightly less than three feet per mile. In all other directions the effect of regional tilting is less.
Numerous other equations have been calculated for various pairs of horizons of the Qatar Peninsula.
In most of these the structural effect of regional tilting is greater than in the above example, but in
no equation calculated from Qatar data has it been found to be more than about forty feet per mile
in the direction of maximum effect.
Thus, while such regional changes are of importance over the area of the Dukhan anticline as a
whole, they are locally small compared with the effects of folding, which has produced dips of up to
about ten degrees and differences of structural elevation of up to about thirteen hundred feet or
more.
Returning to Fig. 4 it may be remembered that this was constructed by reference to seven pairs of
wells. Each pair was chosen so that while the two wells were at no great distance they were at the
same time situated well upflank and downflank relative to one another. They were in fact chosen so
that in each pair the differences in structural elevation due to regional dip would be small compared
with differences due to local folding. Furthermore pairs were deliberately selected so that in
different pairs the upflank wells lie in various directions relative to the downflank wells. This
ensures that for each pair of wells the effects of regional tilts will differ, being contrary in some
cases to what they are in others, so that in the process of averaging for final figures the effects of
regional tilt, already small, will be almost completely cancelled out. It may thus be said that the
distortion of Fig. 4 due to the effects of regional tilting is negligible and that for practical purposes
Fig. 4 represents the effects of folding alone.
It is therefore possible to determine the relative amplitude of two structural horizons by reference to
Fig. 4. For instance, in the construction of Fig. 4 the folding at the top of the Mauddud is 70.8% of
the folding at the top of the No. 3 Limestone and the amplitude constant K (=b/a) is therefore
100/70.8 = 1.412. (This may be compared with 1.428, the value, in the example previously given,
for the same constant as calculated by Method A. The agreement between the constants calculated
by the two methods is in this case particularly good). A fair average for the amplitude constant K
399

may be determined in this way and it then remains for the other three constants (C, F and G) to be
calculated. These constants are determinable from the actual structural levels of the two horizons
concerned in three wells, using the same mathematical means of solution as in Method A. Since the
amplitude constant K is an average value it is as well that average values should be determined for
the other constants. Thus values for the constants C, F and G may be determined from several sets
of three wells and average constants then calculated. The final step, as in Method A, is to tabulate
deviations resulting from the application of the equation thus derived and to adjust the value of the
constant C so as to balance the sums of positive and negative deviations.
To give a comparison with Method A, an equation determined by Method B relating to the top of
the Mauddud formation and the top of the No. 3 Limestone is:
Y = -6286 + 1.412t + 0.000427e + 0.000674n
Methods A and B have been used by the writer in his mathematical experimentations. (See below).
Other methods of determining constants might be employed and the method of least squares
would doubtless be mathematically the most satisfactory. But with the volume of data available in
Qatar the application of the least squares method would involve an enormous amount of
arithmetical calculation and not having available either an electric computer or unlimited time the
writer has avoided this method.
Deviation between the geometry of relative elevation equations and actual structural form.
An account has been given above of the manner of calculating the deviations between the perfect
geometry of relative elevation equations and the imperfect geometry of natural structures. The
nature of such deviations will now be considered in greater detail.
It may be possible, if Method A is to be used, to select from among a large number of available
points the basic data from which the constants of an equation are to be calculated. The nature of the
equations and practical experience both indicate that in such a case the best fitting equations, that is
to say those with the smallest average deviation, are in general obtained by following two
principles. These are that the four wells selected for basic data should as far as possible straddle the
whole of the area to which the equation is to be applied and that the four wells selected should
include one in a high structural position and one in a low structural position. However, even when
these general principles are followed it is not always possible to predict which set of four wells will
give the best fitting equation. Thus, for example, two equations relating the top of the Mauddud
formation to the top of the No. 3 Limestone have been calculated by Method A. Both sets of wells
appear to be placed to similar advantage, but on complete tabulation of deviations one equation
gives an average deviation of +/-69.5 feet while the other has a deviation of +/-76.1 feet. It may thus
be seen that where it is possible it may be desirable to experiment in order to achieve the best
results.
Method B can be employed to good effect only where data is available from a fairly large number
of bore holes.
Where Method B has been applied to data from the Qatar Peninsula it has been found that in general
it produces an equation slightly better than the best that can be determined by Method A. Thus, for
the same two horizons as are mentioned above and having the same data from which to choose, an
equation calculated by Method B has an average deviation of +/-66.5 feet. It has however been
found that with good fortune in the selection of basic data an equation calculated by Method A may
400

in some cases be almost as close to or even slightly closer to natural structure than an equation
calculated by Method B. The final choice of method to be used should therefore be decided only
after appropriate trials have been carried out.
During the course of the writers investigation numerous equations have been calculated by Method
A and various others by Method B. Three calculated by the latter method were especially intended
to test the variation of average deviation with increasing difference of amplitude between the
horizons concerned. The following were the results.
The average deviation is arrived at as elsewhere by calculating the position of the lower horizon
from that of the upper.
Pairsofhorizons
TopLowerEoceneandtop
No.3Limestone
TopCretaceousandtopNo.
3Limestone
TopMauddudformationand
topNo.3Limestone
Amplitudeconstant,K
Averagedeviation(feet)
5.917
+/
3.135
+/
1.412
176.2
113.3
+/
66.5
Histograms (Fig. 8) drawn in the manner customary for such a feature, show the distribution of
deviations for the three equations.
As may be seen, and as might be anticipated, the average deviation is greater where the difference
in amplitude is greater.
401
Fig.8
402
Fig.9
There may be some approximate mathematical rule to this increase, but the writer has been unable
to discover it. It is however noteworthy that the average deviation does not increase in anything
like direct proportion to the amplitude constant. Its difference from one equation to another is small
403

in proportion to the difference of the amplitude constants, a fortunate circumstance if universally
true.
While average deviations are of obvious importance, it is also of interest to investigate whether
individual deviations are of a very random nature or follow some fairly readily discernible system.
In this connection the writer has produced a number of maps of the deviations arising with
particular equations. By this means it has been determined that the deviations are not by any means
erratic and that an iso-deviation map can be produced for any particular equation. Fig. 9 is a
reproduction of a part of such a map and shows deviations for individual wells resulting in the test
of an equation relating the top of the Mauddud formation and the top of the No. 3 Limestone. Fig. 9
includes an area of about five miles by seven lying across the Dukhan anticline at a point where
almost its entire width has been explored by drilling. It may be seen that while there is insufficient
data for the accurate delineation of iso-deviation lines, yet deviations fall into a definite pattern of
highs and lows.
Three maps of deviations for the whole of the Dukhan field have been produced for the three
equations of a series like that mentioned above, the pairs of horizons involved being the same.
From the maps so produced it has been possible to reach the following conclusion.
1. Deviations are not erratic, being distributed in distinct areas of negative and positive
deviation,butinpatternswhichbearlittleornorelationtothepositionofmajorstructural
features. This is partly illustrated by Fig. 9 where the position of areas of negative and
positivedeviationmaybeseentobeunrelatedtotheformoftheDukhananticline.
2. Inaseriesofequationssuchasthatmentionedabovethepatternsofdeviationmayshow
someresemblance.Thusforinstancethefirsttwoofthethreeequationshavedeviation
patternsinwhichthenegativeandpositivedeviationsoccurinmoreorlessthesameareas
ineachcase.Suchgeneralcoincidenceofpatternsisnothowevernecessarilyconsistent
throughaseriesofequations.Thusthethirdequationhasadeviationpatternwhichinno
wayresemblesthedeviationpatternoftheothertwo.
3. WhilethestructureoftheQatarPeninsulahasatendencytoconformtothegeometrical
plan which is implicit in relative elevation equations, there are numerous geometrical
imperfectionsofthetypeillustratedbypatternsofdeviations.Thenatureofthepatterns
ofdeviationsindicatesthattheimperfectionsaroseinanunsystematicmanneroveralong
periodoftime.
It is not surprising that a body of sediments of the bulk involved in the Dukhan anticline and
subjected to the long folding history of that anticline should now exhibit geometrical imperfections
in the form of its folding. What is surprising is that deviations from a perfect geometry are no
greater than they actually are.
It is possible only to conjecture at the nature of forces which could have produced such an approach
to geometrical regularity and therefore even more difficult to assign causes to deviations from
regularity, but several possible causes may be suggested. These are:
404

1 Thelocalvariabilitywithtimeoftheforceswhichproducedfolding
The failure a large mass of sediments to behave with complete consistency when
2
subjectedtostress
Thefailureofregionaltiltingtotakeplacewithcompleteuniformityoveraverylarge
3
area.
Fig.10:StructuralcontoursonHorizon X
Some particular problems of practical application
It has now been illustrated that the structure of the Qatar Peninsula may be expected to conform
more or less to the empirical geometry which is expressed in relative elevation equations. It is
therefore to be expected that relative elevation equations will be of assistance in interpreting the
structure of the peninsula at depth from the structure at shallower horizons where this is known.
The manner in which relative elevation equations have been used for this purpose will now be
illustrated by examples.
405

As a first example let it be imagined that in an area which has been newly explored surface mapping
has revealed two anticlines as illustrated in a near surface structural contour map, Fig. 10. The near
surface structural horizon of this map may be called Horizon X. (For the sake of simplicity all
contour figures in Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are given as being in feet below sea level).
Let it be imagined that four exploration wells as shown in Fig. 10 are drilled to a lower structural
horizon, Horizon Y and that as a guide to further exploration it is necessary to attempt the
definition of the structure of Horizon Y.
From the records of the four wells a relative elevation equation linking the structure at Horizon X
to that at Horizon Y may be calculated. It is then possible to produce graphically a map of
predicted structure at Horizon Y from the structural map of Horizon X.
Thus, let it be supposed that, choosing as origin sea level and the point represented by the bottom
left hand corner of Fig. 10 and giving depths in feet below sea level, the equation calculated from
the four wells is:
Y = 5000 + 4.000x + 0.002e + 0.008n
Note: In Sugdens 1962 paper, the formula is Y = 5000 + 4.000x - 0.002e - 0.008n
Where y is the depth of Horizon Y and x the depth of Horizon X. The first stage of graphical
construction is to produce a map of
Y = 5000 + 4.000x
This stage is shown in the contours of Fig. 11. (in this simple example recontouring involves only
the renumbering of the contours of Fig. 10. In a natural case the contours on the new horizon would
have to be interpolated between the contours on Horizon X, but this presents no difficulty).
The second stage of construction is to set out a series of parallel lines representing change in
structural level due to regional tilting, in this case 0.002e + 0.008n In Sugdens 1962 paper, the
formula is -0.002e - 0.008n. Such lines of equal regional change are shown in Fig. 11. They are so
spaced as to match the contour interval, in this case one hundred feet.
406
Fig.11
407
Fig.12:StructuralcontoursonHorizonY
408

The remainder of the construction is a process of recontouring by joining appropriate intersections
and thus adding the two components of the equation to give the final map of Horizon Y . The
dotted final contour line in Fig. 11 illustrates the process and Fig. 12 shows the completed contour
map of Horizon Y resulting in this manner from Fig. 11.
The above illustration is a simplified version of the manner in which relative elevation equations
were put to practical use during a phase of the exploration of the Qatar Peninsula. The maps of the
illustration do not represent exactly the structures of the Qatar Peninsula, but are so designed as to
show the principal features which were found to be of importance during the application of relative
elevation equations to exploration.
It may be seen that in Figs. 10 and 12 there is one comparatively sharp and one comparatively broad
anticline. Over the area of the sharp anticline the effects of regional tilting are small compared with
the effects of local folding and consequently the position and form of the anticline changes little
with depth apart from steepening. Over the broad anticline, on the other hand, the effects of
regional tilting are nearer to being of the same order as the effects of folding. Thus applying
relative elevation equations, big changes in the configuration of the anticline are to be expected at
depth, including a big shift in the position of the crest.
Exactly such a difference was predicted during the exploration of the Qatar Peninsula. By the
application of relative elevation equations it was predicted that between an Eocene horizon
mappable at the surface and a Kimmeridgian horizon there would be a shift in the position of the
crest of a structure of some eighteen miles. Subsequent exploration by bore holes showed that this
must be very nearly true in fact. This structure is to be contrasted with the Dukhan anticline where
there is scarcely any significant shift of the crest of the structure with depth.
As indicated above the first practical use of relative elevation equations was the prediction of the
configuration of structure at a Kimmeridgian level from the configuration of an Eocene horizon
mappable at the surface. This application met with no small success. Later, equations were applied
to another somewhat similar problem but in a rather different way. Again the problem was to
predict the levels of lower unexplored structural horizons from the levels of higher ones but in this
case the level of a low horizon was to be predicted from the levels of several higher horizons
penetrated in a borehole. The problem was approached in the following manner.
Let it be supposed that in an area such as that of the Qatar Peninsula a number of holes has been
drilled in such positions that it is possible to calculate a series of relative elevation equations linking
a low structural horizon (say Kimmeridgian) to higher horizons. Let it also be supposed that a
structural test hole has been drilled which has penetrated several of the higher horizons (say down
to the Middle Cretaceous). It is then required to make the best possible prediction of the level of the
Kimmeridgian horizon at the point where the test hole has been drilled.
In these circumstances it will be possible to produce various predictions for the level of the
Kimmeridgian horizon, these being based on the equations for the various horizons penetrated by
the test hole, and each of these predictions will be in error to a greater or lesser extent.
It will now be shown that by the judicious combination of the various predictions made from
different equations it may be possible to produce a final prediction which has a lower probability of
error than that of any individual prediction by a particular equation.
409

During the previous general consideration of deviations two conclusions were reached which are
here of importance. These are:
1. Every equation will have a different pattern of deviations and in a series of equations
predicting one particular horizon from a number of higher horizons the patterns of
deviationsofindividualequationsmaybecompletelydissimilar.
2. Inaseriesofequationspredictingoneparticularhorizonfromanumberofhigherhorizons
theaveragedeviationisgreaterwheretheamplitudeconstantisgreater.
The first of these conclusions indicates that in suitable cases better final predictions may be
expected by combining the predictions calculated by different equations. The second however
indicates that discretion must be exercised in choosing the manner in which the various predictions
are to be combined.
With a view to investigating how much improvement might be obtained by combining predictions
in various ways three equations for the Qatar Peninsula were calculated by Method A.
These were:
Equation 1, relating the top of the Mauddud formation to the top of the No. 3 Limestone, which by
reference to all available points on the Qatar Peninsula was found to have an average deviation of +/69.5 feet.
Equation 2, also relating the top of the Mauddud formation to the top of the No. 3 Limestone, but
with the constants determined by reference to a different set of four wells to that used for the
solution of Equation 1. Equation 2 was found to have an average deviation of +/-76.1 feet.
Equation 3, relating the top of the Cretaceous to the top of the No. 3 Limestone. This was found to
have an average deviation of +/-112.1 feet.
Using all the holes which had penetrated the Kimmeridgian as test points, predictions obtained by
these three equations were combined in various different ways in a series of four tests of predictive
efficacy. The manner in which the tests were performed and their results is indicated below.
First test. Predictions for all test points were tabulated and simple arithmetical averages were
calculated of predictions by Equation 1 and Equation 2. The resultant predictions were found to
have an average error of +/-66.5 feet. While some slight improvement was achieved by this means
no very great improvement could be expected because the deviation patterns of two equations for
the same horizons, though not identical, are bound to have some similarity.
Second test. Simple arithmetical averages were calculated from predictions by Equations 1 and 3.
The resultant averages were found to have an average error of +/-66.3 feet. In this case it is known
that the patterns of deviations of the two equations are completely dissimilar. Deviations should
therefore partly cancel out in averaging but it is not surprising that final results are of almost the
same inaccuracy as in Equation 1 because the final results must be unduly influenced by the
comparatively high deviations of Equation 3.
Third test. It is possible to avoid the undue influence of a more inaccurate equation such as occurs
in the second test. This is achieved by weighting the predictions obtained by the two different
410

equations in inverse proportion to the average deviations of the equations and calculating averages
with the predictions so weighted. When the predictions by Equations 1 and 3 were combined in this
way the final average error was found to be +/-59.6 feet. (the actual process in this particular
instance was to multiply the predictions of Equation 1 by 112.1, the average deviation of Equation
3, multiply the predictions of Equation 3 by 69.5, the average deviation of Equation 1, add the
figures so obtained and divide by the sum of the average deviations, 181.6).
Fourth test. Since it can be shown that probable errors of prediction can be reduced by the
combination of the predictions by two different equations it would seem that in suitable cases the
judicious combination of the results of more than two equations would produce even better final
predictions. Only one test was carried out which involved more than two equations. In this,
predictions by Equations 1, 2 and 3 were combined. It has already been mentioned that patterns of
deviations given by Equations 1 and 2 are somewhat similar while the pattern given by Equation 3
is completely different. At the same time the average deviation of Equation 3 is about twice the
deviations of Equations 1 and 2. It might be expected that in these particular circumstances
reasonably good final results should be obtained by taking simple arithmetical averages of
predictions by three equations. Trial was made in this manner and it was found that the average
error of predictions calculated in this way was +/-52.3 feet.
The general conclusion arrived at from the above tests is that in suitable circumstances the
prediction of the position of lower horizons from the results of drilling structural test holes may best
be achieved by the judicious combinations of predictions obtained by means of several relative
elevation equations. The best way in which to combine various predictions will depend on the
circumstances of a particular case and it is not possible to give hard and fast rules.
The above methods have been applied to the results of the drilling of a number of structural test
holes on the Qatar Peninsula.
Continuity of folding of the Qatar anticline.

It has been implied in the foregoing sections, though the matter has not been closely considered,
that the folding of the Qatar anticlines was more or less continuous from at least as early as the
Kimmeridgian to about the Oligocene. Every structural horizon of the sixteen investigated and used
in Fig. 4 is less folded than the next older and more folded than the next younger. Because of this
large number of changes in amplitude it seems improbable that folding occurred as a series of
discontinuous events. If this were so the facts would imply that there were at least sixteen different
folding episodes. It is much more probable, and indeed seems reasonably certain, that folding was
continuous at least from the Kimmeridgian to the Lower Eocene.
Allowing that folding was continuous, how regularly did it proceed? There is at present no
completely satisfactory answer to this question. Fig. 5 gives some indication that viewing the
Dukhan anticline as a whole and considering the period of folding as a whole, the folding actually
took place at a nearly constant rate. But Fig. 5 does not contain sufficient information, nor is the
information sufficiently accurate, for certainty on this point. Furthermore, considering the
deviations of the natural structures from a perfect geometry, it must be supposed that folding was
locally somewhat irregular, even though it appears to have been continuous and viewed as a whole
to have continued at something approaching a constant rate.
411

The interplay of sedimentation and contemporaneous folding
It has been deduced above that folding was probably continuous at all times during the deposition of
the Qatar sediments. The question then arises as to exactly what effects folding had upon
sedimentation. To put the matter in a rather different way, can it be shown that folding had any
influence upon sedimentation other than to cause variations in the thicknesses of sediments?
The study of Qatar sediments reveals no evidence of the sea floor ever having reflected the
continuing development of anticlines. Sediments show regional changes of facies and restricted
localized changes, but none, not even those deposited in the shallowest water, show facies changes
which can be definitely related to the positions of folds.
The writer has been unable to demonstrate that the fold of the Dukhan anticline and other Qatar
structures had any significant influence upon sedimentation except to cause variations in the
thicknesses of sediments accumulated. With the exceptions of the Shuaiba, Sabsab and Nahr Umr
formations (see pp. 70-76) all sediments are such as to indicate their original distribution over a
nearly flat sea bottom.
It is interesting in this connection to compare the rate of accumulation of sediments with the rate of
development of anticlines. About seventy percent of the present structural development of the
Dukhan anticline took place during the deposition of the sediments now existing (see Fig. 4). That
is to say about nine hundred feet of vertical structural differentiation of the Dukhan anticline took
place during the deposition of upwards of fifty five hundred feet of sediments, or on average
something like one foot of structural differentiation to about six to seven feet of sediments.
Seemingly sedimentation was at all times at a rate sufficient to completely swamp the structural
differentiation due to anticlinal development.
The origins of epeirogenic type folding

The geometry of the epeirogenic type of folding has now been considered in some detail but so far
its origin has not been discussed. The purpose of this section is to consider what might be the cause
of such folding.
Since the folding has been shown to correspond reasonably to an empirical geometrical form, the
causes of folding must have been such as could have produced that type of geometry. The salient
facts are:
1. Thefoldingcontinued,apparentlyatafairlyconstantrate,foraverylongperiod.
2. Ifaparticularfold,orpartofafold,wasfoldedcomparativelyrapidlyatonetime,itwas
correspondinglyrapidlyfoldedatalltimes.
3. Foldingwasapparentlyindependentofsedimentationorerosion.
The epeirogenic type of folding has been known for many years. It was first widely recognized in
parts of the United States in consequence of oilfield exploration and development and has there
commonly been termed plains type folding. The problem of the origin of this folding attracted
considerable speculation in the twenties and thirties and at one time various authors favoured the
idea that folds were formed by differential compaction over buried hills. (Powers, 1922; Nevin and
Sherrill, 1929; Hobson, 1943; etc..). According to this hypothesis a hill of relatively dense and
uncompactable rocks becomes buried by sediments and the continually increasing load of sediment
causes compaction throughout the sedimentary column. Because the earlier sediments are of
412

uneven thickness across the hill the vertical compaction will vary over the hill so that the sediments
will become gently folded with the original hill as the core of an anticline or dome.
Fig13
413

This type of compaction structure can be readily produced in laboratory experiments (Nevin and
Sherrill, op. cit.) but nevertheless the hypothesis of formation of natural folds entirely by this means
has never been universally accepted (e.g. Hedberg, 1936). The writer will now attempt to
demonstrate that the proposition that the Dukhan anticline was formed by such means would be
quite unbelievable.
Hedberg (op. cit.) made a study of the compaction of clay-shale sediments, uninfluenced by
orogenic forces, but subjected to natural loading by the accumulation of superincumbent sediment.
One of his diagrams (op. cit., Fig. 5) shows the porosity-depth relationship which can be expected
in clay-shale sediments in these circumstances. His conclusions are essential to the following
arguments.
Let it be supposed that the Dukhan anticline was formed entirely by differential compaction. Fig.
13 then illustrates certain circumstances concerning the formation of the anticline. At depth a
buried hill exists of about five miles width and height H, composed of incompactable rocks. DD
represents the present form of a structural horizon within the Kimmeridgian, the known difference
of structural elevation across the anticline at that level being about thirteen hundred feet. EE
represents the present profile of an Eocene structural horizon in surface exposures. The interval
EE-DD near the crest of the structure is about 5500 feet. The interval from DD to the crest of the
buried hill is known to be a minimum of about 3500 feet. Almost certainly it is several times that
figure. CC represents the original horizontal level relative to the buried hill at which the structural
horizon DD was formed. AA is a phantom horizontal plane level with the top of the hill at the time
corresponding to that at which CC was formed. It is not a structural horizon. BB represents the
distortion which the phantom AA must have suffered while CC was actually distorted to DD.
According to the precepts of differential compaction, the curvature of BB must be almost identical
with the curvature of DD. The sediments AF must therefore have been compacted by some 1300
feet after the formation of CC.
It is now desired to calculate the order of the height of the buried hill, H. The arguments will be
developed so as to give an approximate minimum height for H. Accordingly it may be allowed that
the interval AF is entirely of clays and shales, the most porous and compactable types of sediments.
When DD was originally formed in the position CC there was a minimum thickness of about 3500
feet of sediments above the buried hill. Let it be assumed for the moment that this was the actual
thickness. Then if AF was 5000 feet thick and applying Hedbergs depth-porosity relationships (op.
cit., Fig 5) the average porosity of the interval AF would have been about 10%. It is obvious that
this could not provide for the subsequent compactional distortion of 1300 feet from AA to BB.
If AF was 10,000 feet the average porosity of AF would, according to Hedbergs relationships, have
been something like 8% and the maximum possible compaction of AF would still have been only
about 800 feet.
With the known minimum of 3500 feet of sediments above AA it would in fact have needed
something like 20,000 feet of sediments in the interval AF for those sediments to have contained the
equivalent of 1300 feet as pore space. Furthermore 3500 feet of sediments between DD and the
crest of buried hill is a minimum figure. If this were exceeded, and there is now almost certainly
several times that thickness of normal sediments over the axis of the structure below DD, then the
column of sediments AF would have been of lower average porosity and would have to have been
414

considerably more than 20,000 feet thick to have contained the equivalent of 1300 feet as pore
space. And it is impossible that the deposition of only 5500 feet or so of sediments above CC could
reduce the porosity below AA to anything like zero. To be anything like logical the estimate for the
thickness of AF would therefore need to be again very greatly increased on this account.
Arguments for greater thicknesses of AF could be taken further, but the supposed buried hill has
now reached such fantastic proportions, some five miles across and certainly higher than its width,
that further consideration seems to be unnecessary. Thus it cannot be allowed that the Dukhan
anticline was formed by differential compaction alone. Indeed it must be supposed that differential
compaction cannot have played more than a very minor part in its formation. Again, other
anticlines in the area, though much broader than Dukhan anticline, would need to have had buried
hills of similar heights to bring about their formation by differential compaction, and the existence
of such enormous buried hills in other anticlines is well [highly] as inconceivable as in the case of
Dukhan.
The proposition that the Dukhan anticline has been formed by differential compaction may be
challenged on other grounds. It may be noted in Fig. 5 that folding is believed to have continued
uninterrupted during the middle-upper Cretaceous emergence, but according to theories of
differential compaction the break in sedimentation should have caused a check in the folding of the
anticline. Similarly substantial folding took place after the deposition of the Middle Eocene. Yet
there is cause to believe that no thick sedimentary column of post-Middle Eocene sediments ever
existed in the area, certainly none such as could have produced the post-Middle Eocene folding by
differential compaction.
The differential compaction hypothesis concerning the origin of this epeirogenic folding having
been dismissed, the folding must necessarily be considered to have arisen from other causes. How
far then, can the nature of any possible causes be deduced?
The epeirogenic folding may be contrasted with orogenic folding. Taking the Zagros range as the
first example of orogenic folding (See Introduction), it is only reasonable to conclude that that
folding involved great crustal shortening and a tremendous lateral squeezing of the area which
became the Zagros range. In contrast the Arabian area of epeirogenic folding shows no evidence
whatever of lateral squeezing. The mere fact of its being gently folded cannot be taken as evidence
of lateral compression. The folds could have been caused entirely by differential vertical forces and
movements. Again, the epeirogenic structures may be contrasted with the structures produced by
the Oman orogeny (See Introduction). Mountain building in the latter area seems to have been
dominated by faulting on a grand scale and it is obvious that nothing of that kind has occurred in the
area of epeirogenic folding.
Moreover, the timing of the epeirogenic folding bears no relation to regional orogenic events, and
all things considered it seems not improbable that the epeirogenic folding arose from a cause unique
to itself.
One of the most puzzling features of the Qatar folding is its apparent continuity. It seems to have
gone on without pause for upwards of one hundred million years with the obvious implication that
the forces causing folding persisted throughout that period. An even more puzzling feature is that
throughout that period particular folds or parts of folds were at all times more rapidly folded than
others. It seems improbable that steady external forces, arising outside the area of folding, could
have persisted during one hundred million years to produce this rather peculiar type of folding. It
seems much more reasonable to argue that the forces causing folding varied from place to place in
415

relation to local circumstances, but that the local anomalies giving rise to these variations always
remained in much the same relation to one another.
If these propositions are accepted, some persistent over all change of circumstances must be sought,
which, acting throughout the area of folding, could have been the prime cause of some sort of
instability. At the same time it must be supposed that local anomalies existed of such form as to
produce variable reactions to the prime cause of instability.
There is one process which inevitably must have produced continuing change of certain
circumstances throughout most if not all of the period of folding. Sedimentation was going on
throughout much the greater part of the period of folding (Fig. 5), and the slow deposition of a thick
blanket of sediments over the area of epeirogenic folding must have caused very slow but
considerable temperature and pressure changes throughout the crust. It is not possible that these
temperature and pressure changes, acting on anomalous conditions in the middle and lower parts of
the crust, might have produced an instability which would vary locally and which would result in
differential vertical forces producing gentle warping and folding?
Concluding remarks
Much of what has been said concerning the epeirogenic folding of Qatar is a wider application.
Qatar is merely a small part of a very large area of epeirogenic folding and this area is by no means
unique. Reference has already been made to the similar structures found in large areas of the
United States. Even in Great Britain, where structure has all sorts of major complications which
arose at different times, there is at least one anticline which is an excellent example of the
epeirogenic type of fold. This is the Market Weighton structure, so well described by Kent (1955).
The writer therefore has no doubt that his methods of structural analysis can be widely applied and
that his relative elevation equations provide a useful method of approach to practical problems of
epeirogenic folding.
The analysis of the Qatar structures has led to various useful conclusions. Perhaps the most
important has been that differential compaction can now be dismissed as being a prime cause of
epeirogenic folding. But the solution of this particular problem raises several others. If differential
compaction is not the cause of epeirogenic folding, what is? What is the strongest folding which
can be produced by these same causes? Are these causes such that the folding which they produce
can cease and then be revived on the same lines?
Answers to these questions cannot be provided from the study of the Qatar structures alone and it
would need widespread research before answers could be given.
416
SUPPLEMENT
417
1953
418
Report on the Stratigraphic Nomenclature

of the post-Jubaila Rocks of the Qatar Peninsula
by W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17th September 1953
INTRODUCTION
In the course of efforts to coordinate and unify the rock unit terminology applied in the various
concessions of the associated companies it became necessary some two years to undertake the
revision of the Dukhan nomenclature. From time to time during the past two years therefore,
consultations on the necessary revisions have taken place between the writer, Dr. Henson and other
interested parties and various changes have been made. In the meantime the preparation of the
writers Dukhan Type Section slowly proceeded, particular attention being paid to the question of
nomenclature and the present report expresses the results to date of all the various investigations
which have been undertaken with the ultimate objective of a detailed coordinated nomenclature in
view.
As will be seen during the examination of the report, a large number of unit names have been
adopted from B.P.C. nomenclature. Such names have been used where units could be readily
correlated which had already been named in the B.P.C. area. It will also be seen that various names
have been adopted from ARAMCO nomenclature. These however are mostly group names and
very few formation or member names have been taken from ARAMCO. This is due to the absence
of precise formal definitions of the smaller ARAMCO units. While we have a certain amount of
information on the smaller ARAMCO units (e.g. the Buwaib, Yamana and Sulaiy) we do not have
anything like enough to enable us to correlate precisely between the ARAMCO units and our own
succession in the Q.P.C. area. Thus it will be seen that while ARAMCO names are used for the
groups, subdivision into formations is based almost entirely on the Dukhan and B.P.C. succession.
In this respect a re-examination of the ARAMCO well samples available at Dukhan would possibly
provide some further useful information but the writer has not had time to undertake such
investigations.
Descriptions of the Bahrain and Shammar Groups, shown in the Dukhan Type Section, have been
omitted since it is known that an ARAMCO geologist is at present engaged on a thesis on this part
of the section in which a formal nomenclature is included. It is therefore felt to be pointless to
describe, by other names, units for which formal terms will be published, probably in the near
future.
It will be observed that much available data on macro-fossils has not been included in the
descriptions of the units. This is an intentional omission and is due to the lack of time to examine
419

the appropriate reports and include the data. The writer intends to insert such information in the
Dukhan Type Section as soon as time permits, but it is felt that it is better to issue the report now
without this paleontological data rather than to again delay its issue for an indefinite length of time
The writer has not yet had time to study in detail the pre-Riyadh sections of Juh No. 1 and Kharaib
No. 1. Such investigations will be undertaken at an early date and a separate report on the
nomenclature of that part of the succession will then be issued.
The reader of the following report will doubtless find it useful to have at hand a copy of the writers
Dukhan Type Section. This section supplements the descriptions of the units, and its graphics
form will facilitate the more rapid assimilation of detail.
W. Sugden
Area Geologist, Qatar
17th September 1953
420
Q.P.C Geological Department

Local Definition of a Stratigraphic Unit of which
no formal description of a Type Section is available
Dammam Formation
1) Description of outcrops in type area
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Type area:
Underlying unit:
Overlying Unit
Description
section
Dammam Formation
H. V. Dunnington, IR/HVD/277, 20.4.51.
Dammam dome, Saudi Arabia. Approximate coordinates: 26 32N and 50
8E. No description of a type section is available and it is possible that none
exists
Rus Formation, contact conformable. The Midra shale occurs at the bottom of
the Dammam Formation over much of the oilfield area of Arabia and the
bottom of the shale readily distinguishes the bottom of the Dammam
formation.
Hadruck Formation, contact unconformable. (The Hadruck is the lowest
formation of the Miocene and is sporadic in its occurrence)
No precise description is given. Mr. Dunnington (IR/HVD/277, 20.4.51.)
however gives the following list of the divisions of the Dammam of the
Arabian oilfield area which indicate lithology.
of From top to bottom:
Thickness
Age
Other localities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Alat Limestone Member

Marl (nameless)
Khobar Dolomite (and limestone)
Clay (nameless)
Midra Shale Member
None given
Middle Eocene
Abu Hadriya No. Well
Jauf No. 1 Well
Abqaiq wells
Bahrain wells and outcrops
Qatar wells and outcrops
421
2) Local definition for Qatar area

Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Localities
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
section
Thickness
Age
Remarks
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53 (See also Dukhan Type Section,

sheet Q/01.0389A, W. Sugden, Feb. 1953)
Uppermost part of Bahrain Formation of old reports on Dukhan stratigraphy.
See particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLL/1157, 24.10.40
Upper Limestone plus the Abaruk beds of Williamson (GR/97) and others.
Apart from areas covered by Lower Fars, recent deposits etc.. the Dammam
Formation is the surface formation over most of the Qatar Peninsula. Complete
sections are to be found over the area of the Dukhan anticline but elsewhere the
formation is not well exposed, being mostly covered with sand and the loose
detritus resulting from weathering.
Rus Formation, contact conformable. The bottom of the Midra Shale Member
is taken as the bottom of the Dammam Formation as is the case in Saudi Arabia
Lower Fars Formation, contact unconformable. The Lower Fars rests
discordantly upon the Dammam Formation, structure developed in the
Dammam Formation not being expressed in the Fars.
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, light grey, rubbly, of a nodular nature (Abaruk Member See
accompanying definition). Thickness ca. 6
2. Dolomite chalk, white, with disseminated silica. Calcite nodules in the
upper part. Thickness ca. 35
of 3. Dolomite chalk, white, interbedded with limestone, light grey, rubbly.
Chert nodules are of frequent occurrences. Coskinolina balsilliei,
Linderina buranensis, Dictyoconoides kohaticus, Nummulites discorbinus,
Alveolina elliptica, Lookhartia tipperi, L. hunti var. pustulosa, etc..
Thickness ca. 110
4. Shale and marl, light grey to yellowish. (Midra Member. See
accompanying definition). Thickness ca. 18
Averaging ca. 170 in the Dukhan area
Middle Eocene
With the exception of the Midra Member, the members into which the
Dammam of the Saudi Arabian oilfield area is divided are not distinguishable
in the Dukhan section
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
422

Amended Definition of a Stratigraphic Unit
Previously described and named
Abaruk Member
Name and
rank of unit
Abaruk Member of the Dammam Formation

sheet Q/01.0389A, W. Sugden, Feb. 1953 and T.F. Williamson and R.
Pomeyrol, GR97, Oct. 1938)
Ras Abaruk, Qatar
Type Locality
Approximate coordinates: 25 39N and 50 50E
Dammam Formation not divided into members. Contact conformable. The
bottom of the Abaruk Bed is gradational to the dolomite chalks of that part of
the Dammam lying immediately below. The contact is taken at the point where
Underlying unit:
more pure limestone above changes to dolomite chalk with limestone nodules
below. There is usually a prominent weathering feature at this point, the hard
Abaruk Bed forming a protruding cap to cliffs of the soft dolomite chalk
None. The section above the Abaruk has been eroded
Overlying Unit
Description
of Limestone, light grey, rubbly, recrystallised, rather nodular in appearance.
Lamellibranchs, gastropods, miliolids and Dictyoconoides kohaticus.
section
Ca. 6 feet
Thickness
Middle Eocene
Age
The Abaruk Beds of T.F. Williamson (GR 97) include both the limestone
bed here described as the Abaruk Member and the underlying section of
dolomite-chalk.
The limestone and the chalk are however readily
distinguishable and each could be mapped as a separate unit without any
Remarks
difficulty. Therefore, since their lithology is quite different it is felt that it
would be better to restrict the name Abaruk to one lithological unit, that is to
say the capping limestone. The dolomite-chalk, though also a distinctive and
mappable unit has not been renamed.
Author, date
and references:
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
423

Midra Member
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Type locality
Underlying unit:
Overlying Unit
Description
of
section
Thickness
Age
Localities
Remarks
Midra Member of the Dammam Formation

None available
Not known
Rus Formation, contact conformable
Dammam Formation (Unnamed Member). Contact conformable
None available but the section is believed to be similar to that of the Qatar
Peninsula
Not known
Middle Eocene
The writer can find no records in the files at Dukhan of localities outside the
Qatar area at which the Midra Member occurs. There are frequent references
in the records to the top of the Rus Formation (bottom of the Midra) and to the
Alveolina Zone but the intervening Midra Shale is not mentioned. It is
however known to be widespread in the ARAMCO oilfield area
The Midra Shale is used as a marker bed by ARAMCO geologists, being the
unit of great importance for structural control.
424

M. Chatton, DGLQ/R/101.672/1578, 25.8.48
D.M. Morton, Geological report on the Dukhan Anticline, 5.6.49
Alveolina Shale of various reports on Dukhan geology
Outcropping in various places over the central and southern parts of the Qatar
Peninsula. Also encountered in many oil and water wells. Nor present over
the north-eastern part of the Peninsula
Rus Formation, contact conformable. Apart from exceptional cases where thin
beds of limestone occur towards the bottom of the unit (see D.M. Morton,
reference above) the bottom of the Midra Shale can be readily defined and
correlated
Dammam Formation, not divided into members. The contact between the
Midra Shale and the remainder of the Dammam Formation is usually rather
gradational (see M. Chatton and D.M. Morton, reference above). At individual
localities the top must therefore be placed according to the merits of the
particular section concerned and it thus happens that the Midra Member may
very frequently include thin beds of limestone near the top
Shale, light grey, with a foliate cleavage, changing upwards to light grey marl,
the whole being partly yellowish stained by iron minerals. Thin beds of
of limestone of Dammam type frequently occur within the member and the more
shaly parts are frequently gypseous. Apart from fish [sharks & pycnodus]
teeth, fossil remains are rare except where thin limestones are included in the
member
Averaging ca. 18 over the area of the Dukhan anticline
Middle Eocene
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Localities
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
section
Thickness
Age
425

Rus Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Rus Formation
R.V. Browne, IR/RVB/5/141.671/219, 18.4.1951

H.V. Dunnington, IR/HVD/277, 20.4.1951
The Rus Formation has been so named by ARAMCO geologists but its type
locality is not known. The Rus Formation occurs in the oilfield area of the
Type locality
Hasa Province of Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.
Underlying unit: Umm er radhuma Formation, contact conformable
Midra Shale Member of the Dammam Formation, contact conformable
Overlying Unit
Chalky limestone with beds of anhydrite.
Description
of According to R.V. Browne (reference above) the anhydrite is very thin indeed
at the type section and the Rus Formation is recognized whether it contains
section
anhydrite or not
Not known, the location of the type section being unknown
Thickness
Lower or Middle Eocene
Age
Abqaiq No. 6
thickness
220
Jauf
thickness ca. 430
Abu Hadriya No. 1 thickness
520
Localities
Burgan
thickness ca. 150
Fadhili
thickness
not known
426

Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Localities
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
section
Thickness
Age
Remarks

Part of the Bahrain Formation of old reports on Dukhan stratigraphy [Pilgrim
(1908), as added by a reader of the original Sugden document]. See
particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLL/1157, 24.10.40
Lower Limestone of Williamson, GR 97, and other reports

Outcrops in the Dukhan and Kharaib areas and numerous oil and water well
sections over the area of the Qatar Peninsula
Busaiyir Formation, contact conformable.
Owing to widespread
recrystallisation and solution by moving ground water the bottom of the Rus
Formation is not always readily correlatable and is therefore of little use as a
marker horizon. In sections where not much recrystallisation has taken place,
the contact of the dolomite-chalk of the Rus and the coarser grained and porous
dolomitic limestones of the underlying Busaiyir is usually reasonably distinct
though in some cases there is lithological gradation between the facies of the
two formations
Dammam Formation, usually the Midra Shale Member of that formation. The
Midra Shale is a marker bed over most of the area of the Qatar Peninsula and
there is seldom any difficulty in identifying the contact between the Midra and
the Rus, but where the Midra Member is absent the contact is not so readily
identified.
Dolomite-chalk, white, with occasional beds of white limestone which may
of contain auto detrital or oolitic debris. Chert nodules or numerous small
aggregates of quartz or chalcedony usually occur in the lower part. Gypsum or
anhydrite sometimes present (see remarks below). Unfossiliferous
Lower or Middle Eocene. Age cannot be determined precisely owing to lack
of fauna
Gypseous or anhydritic intervals occur at various localities in the Rus
Formation of Qatar, but for the most part the gypsum and anhydrite have been
removed by solution and in places have been redeposited in other formations
(e.g. the Busaiyir of KB-1) by the action of percolating ground water.
It is believed that the Rus of other localities is probably much more dolomitic
than has been indicated in available reports. The identification of its
composition as being mainly of dolomite is very difficult without a chemical
check, owing to the fineness of the grain size of the chalk of which it is
principally composed.
It is known that the Rus Formation is used as a marker in some of the
geological work of ARAMCO.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
427

Definition of a Stratigraphic Unit
not previously described or named
Busaiyir Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Type locality
Underlying unit:
Busaiyir Formation
Lower part of the Bahrain Formation of old reports on Dukhan stratigraphy.
See particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLL/1157, 21.10.40
Dukhan No. 22 Well. Depth 201 to 1270
Coordinates: 252238N and 50 48 34E
Tayarat Formation, contact seemingly conformable. There is a very sharp
faunal break between the Tayarat and Busaiyir Formations of Qatar which gave
rise in the past to the suspicion that there might be unconformity between them.
It has however been found impossible to prove an unconformity in the Qatar
area at that point in the succession. The constancy of sequence of faunal zones
and lithology both above and below the contact indicates that there is no
angular discordance
The contact is placed at the bottom of the very marly section of the Busaiyir
which normally contains Lockhartia prohaimei, (Paleocene). This overlies
marly limestones and dolomites with Omphalocyclus macroporus,
Fissoelphidium operculiferum, Loftusia morgani etc.. (Maestrichtian)
Rus Formation, contact conformable. For further information see the
Overlying Unit
accompanying description of the Rus Formation
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, light brown and light grey, mostly very dolomitic, very porous
and mostly with small aggregates of quartz and chalcedony, these being
particularly abundant in the upper part. Thickness 164. Fauna:
Lockhartia tipperi, L. hunti var. pustulosa, Sakesaria cotteri, Rotalia
trochidoformis.
2) Dolomite, brown, grey-brown and dark grey, saccharcidal, very porous,
Description
of
partly calcareous, particularly in the upper part. Thickness 260.
section
Unfossiliferous
3) Limestone, light grey to grey-brown, variably dolomitic, with streaks of
bluish-grey marly limestone towards the bottom. Thickness 430. Fauna:
L. altispira, L. conica, L. conditi, L. haimei, L. diversa, Kathina delseota,
K. selveri, K. major, S. ornate, S. dukhani, Daviesina khatiyahi. D.
langhami, Miscellanea miscella var. dukhani, M. arabica, M. meandrina,
Operculina libyca, Delheidia haydeni.
428

4) Marly limestone, bluish-grey, with beds of blue marl, particularly in the
lower part. Thickness 175. Fauna: L. haimei, L. conditi, L. altispira, L.
Description
of
section
conica, L. diversa, K. delseota, K. selveri, D. khatiyahi, S. ornate
5) Marl, blue-grey, usually pyretic and often carbonaceous. Thickness 40.
(continued)
Fauna: L. prehaimei and L. conditi.
Type section (DK-22), 1069
Thickness
Age
Paleocene and Lower Eocene
All Dukhan and Kharaib Wells. Juh No. 1
1285 2895
Other Localities Abu Hadriya No. 1
Abqaiq No. 6
0630 1685
The Busaiyir Formation of Qatar invariably includes towards its top, levels at
which ground water movements have been active in dissolving and
recrystallising the rock. The Busaiyir has frequently been recrystallized in this
manner over an interval of some hundreds of feet and it is normally found that
any fauna has been destroyed in sections affected by such recrystallisation.
The downward limit of such recrystallisation is the E-2 marker which is not in
fact a constant horizon. The E-2 marker is taken at the first appearance of
Paleocene fauna but due to the mentioned recrystallization the true top of the
Paleocene has never been discovered in any known Qatar section. In some
Remarks
sections, e.g. KB-1 section, only the lowest fossil zones of the Paleocene can
be identified.
The Busaiyir is named from a locality of the Qatar Peninsula. The Busaiyir
Formation of Qatar corresponds exactly in age with the Aidah Formation of
Basrah but according to Dr. Henson (verbal communication) the facies of the
formations in the two areas is sufficiently distinct to merit different formation
names being applied in the two areas.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
429

Aruma Group
Aruma Formation. ARAMCO geologists rank the outcropping Aruma as a
formation (H.V. Dunnington, IR/HVD/277, 20.4.51). In L.P.C. nomenclature
it is ranked as a group
E.J. Daniel, EID/101, 23.5.51
Author, date
and references:
R.V. Browne, IR/RVB/5/141.671/219, 18.4.1951
Saudi Arabia, west of the oilfield area. Exact position not known. No formal
Type Area
description of a type section is available
Underlying unit: Wasia Formation, contact unconformable
Umm er Radhuma, contact probably unconformable
Overlying Unit
R.V. Browne (IR/RVB/5/141.671/219 describe the outcropping Aruma as
follows from top to bottom:
1) Limestone, grey brown, finely crystalline, with cherts
Description
of
2) Limestone, dolomitic
section
3) Thin brown shales
4) Limestone, cream, chalky
5) Limestone, hard, brown, sandy
360
Thickness
Upper Cretaceous
Age
Basrah area, Arabian oilfield area, Bahrain, Qatar
2895 4915
Other Localities Abu Hadriya No.1
Abqaiq No. 6
1685 2320
The description given by Daniel (EJD/101) is similar to that by Browne.
Remarks
Daniel does not however mention the presence of any shale at outcrop
Name and
rank of unit
430

sheet Q/01.0389A, Feb. 1953)
Wasia Group, contact unconformable. For details of the nature of the contact
see the accompanying description of the Laffan Formation and R.M. Ramsden,
RGQ/141.672/1714, 9.12.48; RGQ/141.672/2382, 11.12.49
Shanmar Group, contact seemingly conformable. For details of the nature of
the contact see the accompanying description of the Busaiyir Formation
Detailed descriptions of the various formations which make up the Aruma
of Group of the Qatar Peninsula are to be found in the accompanying definitions
of those formations. Listed from top to bottom the formations of the Aruma
Group are as follows: Tayarat, Ruilat and Laffan formations
Averaging ca. 890 at Dukhan. Variable due to the unconformity at the bottom
of the group and due to internal thickening down the flanks of the structure.
Upper Cretaceous
Due to the shortage of available data on the outcropping section, it is not
possible to correlate the outcropping Aruma precisely with any part of the
Aruma of Dukhan. It is evident however that the Aruma of Dukhan should
include, in its much greater thickness, a greater age range than the outcrops.
Author, date
and references:
Localities
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
section
Thickness
Age
Remarks
There is no record at Dukhan of ARAMCO geologists having divided the

outcropping Aruma into smaller units.
While in general the succession of lithological types in the Aruma of Basrah
and Dukhan is similar, the Aruma of Qatar cannot be divided into the
numerous units named at Basrah. The Tayarat is therefore the only formation
name adopted for the Qatar area from Iraq nomenclature
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
431

Local Definition of a Stratigraphic Unit which is
Correlated with a Type Section in Another Area
Tayarat Formation
1) Definition of Type Section (F.R.S. Henson)
Name and
rank of unit
Tayarat Formation
Author, date
and references:
Type Locality
Underlying unit:
Overlying
Formation
Description
section
Thickness
Age
F.R.S Henson, OGLL/1157, 24.10.40

F.R.S Henson, OGLL/2339, 28.6.40
First described and sampled by T.F. Williamson (See L/24/2073) but unnamed
Scarp face and crest of Jebel Tayarat, 21 miles nearly due S. of Rutbah, Iraq
(Map No. L0-79B
MSad Group, buff and white chalks and marls; contact probably conformable
at type locality
Not exposed
of
Other Localities
Rubbly, porous, white, buff and pink chalky, fossiliferous limestone

Abut 100 (Williamson in L/24/2073)
Maestrichtian, with Loftusia morgani and Omphalocyclus macroporus
Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait (Henson 1940, CGLR/2339, 2345). S.W. Desert of
Iraq. Loftusia persica limestone (Shaw and Noble, 1925-26, GR.3; Macfadyen
1938, Water Supplies in Iraq, p.102; Henson 1937, L/25/2155
432
2) Local definition for Qatar area (W. Sugden)

sheet Q/01.0389B, Feb. 1953)
Upper part of Tayarat as originally correlated in DK-1, (F.R.S Henson,
CGLR/2345, 14.8.40). The Tayarat as originally correlated in DK-1
according to the memo mentioned includes both the Tayarat and Ruilat
Formations as described in this report. After it had been established that an
unconformity existed at the bottom of the Laffan Formation (olive-green shale)
Synonymy
the olive-green shale was also included in the Tayarat (R.M. Ramsden,
RGQ/141.672/2382, 11.12.49). The inclusion of rocks of such very different
lithology is not justified by the description of the type section of the Tayarat
and the Tayarat has therefore been rdefined and restricted in the Qatar area.
Localities
Ruilat Formation, contact conformable. The contact of the Tayarat and Ruilat
formations is taken at the point where porous, dolomitic and partly detrital
Underlying
limestones above overlie fine grained chalky or marly limestones below. The
formation
change from one formation to the other is gradational and doubtless
transgresses time planes from place to place.
Busaiyir Formation, contact probably conformable. For details see the
Overlying
accompanying definition of the Busaiyir Formation
Formation
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, blue-grey or grey, partly marly, partly dolomitic, partly
porous. Thickness ca. 90. Fauna: Rotalia trochidiformis, Loftusia
morgani, Fissoelphidium operculiferum, Omphalocyclus macroporus.
2) Limestone, light grey, earthy, silty porous, mostly partly dolomitic and
Description
of
frequently very dolomitic towards the top, with more or less autodetrital
section
debris, particularly towards the top. Thickness ca. 420. Fauna:
Rotalia trochidiformis, Orbitoides apiculata, Lepidorbitoides socialis,
Loftusia morgani, Fissoelphidium operculiferum, Omphalocyclus
macroporus.
Thickness
Maestrichtian
Age
Other Localities Oil wells of the Basrah area
Author, date
and references:
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
433

Ruilat Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Ruilat Formation

sheet Q/01.0389B, Feb. 1953)
Lower part of Tayarat Formation of old reports on Dukhan stratigraphy. (see
particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 14.8.40; IR/FRSH/75, 20.3.48;
Synonymy
GRCL/1176, 2.11.48; R.M. Ramsden, RGQ/141.672/1714, 9.12.48; Monthly
report for March 1949; RGQ/141.672/2382, 11.12.49)
Dukhan No. 25 well. Depth 1705 to 2002
Type Locality
Coordinates 25 22 52N and 50 45 50E
Laffan Formation, contact conformable.
Over the northern part of the Dukhan Field the contact between the Ruilat and
Underlying unit: Laffan Formations is fairly sharp and therefore readily defined but elsewhere it
is often gradational, thus the contact must sometimes be placed according to
the merits of the particular section concerned.
Tayarat Formation, contact conformable (for further information see the
Overlying Unit
accompanying definition of the Tayarat Formation)
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, light grey, fine grained, silty, fairly compact. Thickness
35. Occasional Omphalocyclus macroporus.
2) Limestone, light grey, fine grained, partly chalky or marly. Dark
coloured chert nodules and beds of silicified limestone frequently
occur, as in the case of the type section, but are very irregular in their
Description
of
development and are sometimes completely absent. In some sections
section
occasional beds contain scattered glauconite grains. Thickness 200.
Unfossiliferous.
3) Limestone, light grey, silty, compact, with a little glauconite and
occasional minute pyrite nodules becoming marly towards the bottom.
In some sections, but not in the type section, phosphatic nodules occur
in this interval. Thickness 62. Unfossiliferous
Type Section (DK-25), 297
Thickness
Upper part Maestrichtian, lower part Campanian
Age
Other Localities All Dukhan, Kharaib Wells. Juh No. 1
The Ruilat Formation is in some respects transitional between the Laffan shale
and the detrital Tayarat limestone. It is however lithologically distinct and of
Remarks
sufficient importance to be established as a separate unit.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.1953
434

Laffan Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Laffan Formation
sheet Q/01.0389B, W. Sugden, Feb. 1953)
Lowermost part Tayarat of some old report on Dukhan stratigraphy, see
particularly R.M. Ramsden, RGQ/141.672/2382, 11.12.49
Dukhan No. 25 well. Depth 2002 to 2072
Coordinates 25 22 52N and 50 45 50E
Mishrif Formation, contact unconformable.
Synonymy
Type Locality
For previous reports on the nature of the unconformity see R.M. Ramsden,
RGQ/141.672/1714, 9.12.48; Monthly report for March 1949 and
RGQ/141.672/2382, 11.12.49
Underlying unit:
Owing to the structural development during the time of formation of the Wasia
unconformity and erosion subsequent to the folding, the uppermost beds of the
Mishrif Formation which are represented in downflank wells have been eroded
and are therefore absent over the crest of the structure
Ruilat Formation, contact conformable (For further details see the
accompanying definition of the Ruilat Formation)
Overlying Unit
Description
section
Thickness
Age
At the end of the deposition of the Wasia, uplift and erosion took place in the
Dukhan area and at the same time the Dukhan anticline suffered part of its
structural development. According to the writers calculations the degree of
folding which took place at that time was equal to about one fifth of the folding
at present developed in the Riyadh group limestones. This may be compared
with a calculation for the degree of folding subsequent to the deposition of the
Midra shale which shows that about one quarter of the present structural
development in the Riyadh is post-Midra.
of
Shale, olive-grey and olive-brown

Upper Cretaceous, probably Campanian
Other Localities
Abqaiq No. 6, depth 2275 2320
The Laffan Formation increases greatly in thickness down the flanks of the
Dukhan structure, this being no doubt due to successive overlap of the Laffan
Remarks
towards the crest of the structure during the Laffan transgression
W. Sugden , RGQ/141.672.397, 17.9.53
435

Wasia Group
1) Description of outcrops in type area (E.J. Daniel & R.V. Browne)
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Type Area
Underlying unit:
Overlying Unit
Description
section
Grits, sand and sandstone, generally black to dark brown, rich in haematite
(black) and in limonitic concretions (yellow-brown). Coarse, ill-sorted grains,
of often rounded, frosted and wind-blasted. Often well cross-bedded. Some beds
finer grained, more angular, cream to green. Elsewhere colours vary to pink,
purple and mauve. Some fossil wood.
Thickness
Age
Other Localities
Remarks
Wasia Formation. ARAMCO geologists rank the outcropping Wasia as a

formation (H.V. Dunnington, IR/HVD/277, 20.4.51). In L.P.C. terminology it
is ranked as a group
E.J. Daniel, EID/101, 23.5.51
R.V. Browne, IR/RVB/5/141.671/219, 18.4.1951
Near Ain Wasia, Saudi Arabia. Coordinates not known. No formal description
of a type section is available
Thamama Group, contact unconformable
Aruma Formation, contact unconformable
E.J. Daniel (EJD/101) describes the outcropping Wasia Group as follows.
In the section near Ain Wasia there is a lens of fossiliferous limestone with
Neolobites vibrayeanus (Cenomanian)
Ca. 100
Cenomanian at the level of a limestone lens near the top
Basrah area, Arabian oilfield area, Bahrain, Qatar
Abu Hadriya No.1
4915 6520
Abqaiq No. 6
2320 3275
Daniel (EJD/101) states Bramkamp believes the Wasia to be mainly if not
entirely Nahr Umr. This is further discussed under the local definition below.
436

sheets Q/01.0389C, Feb. 1953 and Q/01.0389 D2, Sept 1953)
Thamama Group, contact unconformable. The nature of the Wasia-Thamama
unconformity is described in the accompanying definitions of the Shuaiba and
Sabsab Formations and also in detail in the writers RGQ/141.672/372, 29.8.53
Aruma Group, contact unconformable. For details of the nature of the contact
see the accompanying definition of the Laffan Formation and R.M. Ramsden,
RGQ/141.672/2382, 11.12.49
Detailed descriptions of the various formations which make up the Wasia
Group of the Qatar Peninsula are to be found in the accompanying definitions
of
of those formations. Listed from top to bottom the formations of the Wasia
Group are as follows: Mishrif, Rumaila, Asara, Mauddud, Nahr Umr, Sabsab
Author, date
and references:
Localities
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
section
Thickness
Age
Remarks
Averaging ca. 1600 at Dukhan. Varying due to the unconformities at the top
and bottom of the group and to intraformational thickening down the flanks of
the structure
Middle Cretaceous
The outcropping Wasia is ranked as a formation by ARAMCO. In Qatar
however the Wasia section is much more complete and has been reranked as a
group.
Correlation of the type outcrops with the Dukhan section:
As has already been expressed above, Bramkamp has stated that the
outcropping Wasia is mainly, if not entirely, Nahr Umr. However the
occurrence of a lens of limestone containing the Cenomanian fossil Neolobites
vibrayeanus near the top of the outcropping Wasia indicates that this lens is the
equivalent of the Mauddud. At Dukhan the Mauddud is believed to be
Cenomanian while the Asara contains the Turonian fossil Holectypus serialis
near its base (KB-1 well). The Turonian-Cenomanian contact at Dukhan is
therefore placed at the top of the Mauddud.
Thus it is believed that in the Aramco outcrop section the limestone lens, being
Cenomanian, is the equivalent of the Mauddud and therefore the part of the
Wasia outcropping above that lens should be correlated with the bottom of the
Asara. It may be noted that at Dukhan the bottom part of the Asara is very
similar in lithology to the upper part of the Nahr Umr.
Continues on next page.
437

..Continues from previous page
The writers correlation of the outcropping Wasia with the Wasia of Dukhan is
thus as indicated below:
OUTCROP
Dukhan Section
Unconformity
Absent due to
non-deposition or erosion
Remarks
(continues)
Sand, sandstone, etc.. as described by

Daniel and Browne. Ca. 80
Limestone lens.
Thickness unknown
Sand, sandstone, etc.. as described by
Daniel and Browne. Ca. 900
Thamama
Mishrif Formation
Rumaila Formation
Asara Formation
Mauddud Formation
Nahr Umr Formation
Sabsab Formation
Thamama
In Abu Hadriya No. 1 Well the succession of the lower part of the Wasia
corresponds with the description given for the outcrops. Thin beds of
limestone with Orbitolina concava occur from 5510 to 5525 and above and
below this limestone occur sandy shales with lignite. These limestone beds
have been correlated with the Mauddud. The Wasia succession at Abu
Hadriyah is more complete than at outcrop and the Mishrif formation can be
identified at the top of the group. The Abu Hadriya section thus supports the
correlation between outcrops and the Dukhan section given above.
As may be seen from the examination of descriptions or logs of the Wasia of
Basrah, the Wasia succession there is strikingly similar to that of Dukhan.
There is in fact such similarity that all the formation names of the Wasia of one
area are applicable in the other area.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
438

Correlated with a Type Section in another area
Mishrif Group
1) Definition of Type Section (P. Rabanit)
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Mishrif Formation
P. Rabanit, Report BGR/8, 8.7.52 (see also P. Rabanit, IR/PMVR/45, 17.5.52)
BGR/3, Upper Part of Khatiyah (part)

Synonymy, with
IR/PMVR/43. Mishrif Formation, part.
references
GR/190, Milioline, oolitic, globigerinal limestone
Zubair No. 3 Well. Depth 7204 7720
Type Locality
Underlying
Rumaila Formation, contact conformable
formation
Overlying
Khasib Formation, contact disconformable
Formation
From base to top:
Brown limestone, massive, compact, becoming progressively porous and
microdetrital with Multispirina iranensis, Cisalveolina fallax, C. lehneri,
Pseudochrysalidina conica, Taberina bingistani, Dicyclina qatarensis,
Description
of
Praealveolina cretacea.
section
Thickness
Age
Other Localities
The upper part of

limestone with, at
Chorophytae.
516
Middle Cretaceous
Kuh-I-Anaran
Nahr Umr No. 1
Ratawi No. 1
the section consists of poorly fossiliferous fractured

the top, a fresh water limonitic limestone containing
GJ/759-767
6370-6780
6870-7350
Thickness 290 (P.V. Rabanit)

439

Author, date
and references:
Synonymy with
reference
Localities
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
section

sheet Q/01.0389C, W. Sugden, Feb. 1953)
Uppermost part of Khatiyah Formation
F.R.S. Henson, CGLL/1157, 24.10.40
Rumaila Formation, contact conformable. The contact between the Mishrif
and Rumaila Formations is taken at the highest occurrence of limestone with
shales and marls (Rumaila Formation) against continuous limestone (Mishrif
Formation). This change is usually accentuated by the incoming of an
abundant Mishrif fauna immediately above the contact
Laffan Formation, contact unconformable. For details of the unconformity see
the accompanying definition of the Laffan Formation.
Limestone, light grey, soft, earthy, porous, sometimes partly recrystallised.
Fauna: Dicyclina qatarensis, Qataria dukhani, Praealveolina cretacea,
Pseudochrysalidina conica and Dictyoconella minima. This fauna is most
of
abundant towards the bottom of the formation.
Thickness
Age
Other Localities
The fresh water limonitic limestone described as occurring at the top of the
formation at Basrah is absent in Qatar wells.
Variable due to varying erosion at the unconformity at the top of the formation.
Over the area of the Dukhan field the greatest thicknesses and most complete
sections occur downflank where the greatest known thickness reaches about
250
Middle Cretaceous, possibly Lower Senonian
Abu Hadriya No. 1 4915 5010
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
440

Rumaila Group
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Rumaila Formation
BGR/3, Upper Part of Khatiyah (part) and lower part of Khatiyah unit c
Synonymy, with
IR/PMVR/43. Mishrif (part) and Khuwaisa Formation.
references
GR/190, Globigerina-Oligostegina limestone
Zubair No. 3. Depth 7720 8072
Type Locality
Underlying
Asara Formation, contact conformable
formation
Overlying
Mishrif Formation, contact conformable
Formation
From base to top:
Description
of Fine grained, whitish chalky limestone passing into alternance of fine grained
marly limestone and marl. Globigerina sp., Oligostegina (ab)., Orbitolina
section
concave var. qatarica (rare).
352
Thickness
Middle Cretaceous
Age
Kuh-I-Anaran
GJ/747-758
Thickness 450
6780-7065
Thickness 285
Other Localities Nahr Umr No. 1
Ratawi No. 1
7350-7625
Thickness 275
441
2) Supplementary definition for Qatar area (W. Sugden)

Author, date
and references:
Synonymy with
reference
Localities
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
section
Thickness
Age
Remarks

Part of the Khatiyah Formation of F.R.S. Henson, CGLL/1157, 24.10.40

Asara Formation, contact conformable. The contact is taken at the point in the
Asara-Rumaila sequence above which limestone predominates over shale and
below which shale is predominant. Over most of the Qatar Peninsula this
contact is fairly readily distinguishable and has in fact been used as a marker
(C6) thus indicating an almost constant horizon.
Mishrif Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
definition of the Mishrif Formation.
Limestone, light grey and grey, all more or less marly and silty, with numerous
of beds of marl, grey and bluish-grey, hard, silty, and with occasional beds of
shale, grey and brownish grey, marly. Fauna: Praealveolina cretacea,
Meandropsina vidali, Praealveolina simplex.
Averaging ca. 330 in the Dukhan area.
Middle Cretaceous.
The Rumaila Formation is by way of being a transition between the Asara shale
and the Mishrif limestone but is sufficiently distinct from either to merit
separation from them and formation rank
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
442

Asara Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy, with
references
Type Locality
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Asara Formation
BGR/3, Lower part of Khatiyah Formation.
IR/PMVR/43. Asara, Tuba, Nukhaila Formations.
Mauddud Formation, contact conformable
Rumaila Formation, contact conformable
From bottom to top:

1. Shale, black, silty, Unfossiliferous.
2. Limestone, grey, slightly detrital, spicular at the base, with occasional
Description
of
Praealveolina, becoming very fine grained, Unfossiliferous (Tuba
section
Member)
3. Shale, black, silty, with abundant ostracods
398
Thickness
Middle Cretaceous
Age
Nahr Umr No. 1
7065- 7410
Thickness 345
Ratawi No. 1
7625- 8063
Thickness 438
Other Localities
Bahrah No. 1
5950 6850
Thickness 900
Burgan No. 24
3960 4170
Thickness 210
The prominent limestone section has been given the name of Tuba Member.
This formation shows rather variable lithological characters with the proportion
Remarks
of shale and limestone varying from nearly zero to one hundred per cent
443
2) Supplementary definition for Qatar area (W. Sugden)

Author, date
and references:
Synonymy with
reference
Localities
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
section
Thickness
Age
Remarks

Lower part of Khatiyah Formation. F.R.S. Henson, CGLL/1157, 24.10.40

Mauddud Formation, contact conformable. The contact between the lower
shales of the Asara Formation and the Mauddud limestone is sharp and readily
defined over the area of the Qatar Peninsula.
Rumaila Formation, contact conformable. For details see the enclosed
definition of the Rumaila Formation.
From top to bottom:
1. Shale, blue-grey and brown, marl, blue-grey and limestone, light grey
and grey, all interbedded and with an increasing proportion of
calcareous sediments towards the top. Thickness ca. 55. Fauna:
Praealveolina cretacea and Meandropsina vidali
2. Shale, blue-grey and brown, usually with two thin beds of limestone in
the lower part. Thickness ca. 175. Fauna: Trocholina lenticularis and
of
Praealveolina cretacea
3. Limestone, light grey, earthy, silty, compact. (Tuba Member. See
accompanying definition of Tuba Member). Thickness ca. 40. Fauna:
P. cretacea and T. arabica.
4. Shale, blue-grey and brown, usually with thin beds of greenish grey,
marly, glauconitic sandstone in the lower part. Thickness ca. 95.
Fauna: Trocholina lenticularis and Praealveolina cretacea. Holyctypus
serialis near bottom.
Averaging ca. 365 in the Dukhan area.
Turonian. Holyctypus serialis occurs near the bottom of the formation in KB-1
well
The lower part of the Asara of Dukhan (division 4 of the above description)
shows a lithological affinity with the upper part of the Nahr Umr Formation
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
444

Tuba Member
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy, with
references
Type Locality
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
of
section
Thickness
Age
Other Localities
Tuba Member of the Asara Formation

BGR/3, Lower part of Khatiyah units b and c
IR/PMVR/43. Tuba Formation
Asara Formation, unnamed member
Asara Formation, unnamed member
Limestone, slightly detrital, spicular at the base, with occasional Praealveolina
sp. Becoming very fine grained, Unfossiliferous.
210
Middle Cretaceous
Nahr Umr No. 1
7080- 7410
Thickness 330
Ratawi No. 1
7695- 7840
Thickness 145
445

Author, date
and references:
Localities
Underlying and
overlying unit
Description
of
section
Thickness
Age
Remarks

Asara Formation, contact conformable. Apart from the Tuba Member the
divisions of the Asara Formation are not named.
Limestone, light grey, earthy, silty, compact.
Fauna: Praealveolina cretacea, Trocholina arabica.
Turonian
The Tuba is a useful marker bed and indicator of structure for the Qatar
Peninsula
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
446

previously defined and named
Mauddud Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Mauddud Formation

sheet Q/01.0389C, W. Sugden, Feb. 1953) Original author F.R.S. Henson,
CGLL/1157, 24.10.40 (See also F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 14.8.40)
Bahrain Main Pay, Oil & Gas Journal 30/12/37, p. 133. Also informally
named either in P.D.Q. or BAPCO terminology the Orbitolina Limestone,
Synonymy, with
the First Orbitolina Limestone, the Second Pay or Bahrain Zone.
references
Author, date
and references:
Type Locality
Underlying
formation
Bahrain Limestone, F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 25/9/40)

Dukhan No. 1 Well. Depth 2408 2589
Nahr Umr Formation, contact conformable. (The Nahr Umr was correlated
with the Rutbah Sandstone when the first wells were drilled in Qatar. The
name Rutbah is not now applied to any part of the Qatar succession).
The contact between the Mauddud and the Nahr Umr is normally a sharp and
readily defined lithological change from arenaceous and argillaceous sediments
below to limestone above.
Asara Formation, contact conformable. (For details see the accompanying
definition of the Asara Formation ). In the original description of the rock units
Overlying
of Dukhan the formation overlying the Mauddud was known as the Khatiyah.
Formation
The Khatiyah has now been subdivided into three formations to correlate
with Basrah units and the name Khatiyah is therefore no longer used.
Limestone, light grey, earthy, mostly of fairly high porosity except for the
bottom few feet which are rather marly. In many sections the limestone is
Description
of quite silty. The upper part frequently contains beds with autoclastic debris.
The limestone is frequently rather dolomitic especially in the middle part.
section
Fauna: Abundant Orbitolina concava and Trocholina arabica. Also
containing T. altispira, T. lenticularis and Cyclamina whitei.
Thickness
Cenomanian
Age
All Dukhan and Kharaib wells. Juh No. 1
Bahrain, wells of Basrah area, parts of the oilfield area of Arabia.
Other Localities The Mauddud Limestone is believed to be represented as a thin lens at the
outcrops of the Wasia and as thin beds in Abu Hadriya No. 1. For further
information on this matter see accompanying description of the Wasia Group.
447
Remarks
The Mauddud Formation is the Main Pay of BAPCO and is believed to be a

productive horizon of the Ras Saffaniya field of Saudi Arabia.
The Mauddud Formation is of very constant thickness over the area of the
Dukhan field but thickens eastwards across the Qatar Peninsula. It has a
thickness of 237 in Kharaib No. 1 Well.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
448

Nahr Umr Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy, with
references
Type Locality
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
section
of
Thickness
Age
Other Localities
Nahr Umr Formation

P. Rabanit, Report BGL/2480, 2/12/52 (see also D. Glynn Jones, Final Report,
Zubair No. 1 Well)
Rutbah Sandstone, Final Report, Nahr Umr No. 1 Well
Nahr Umr No. 2 Well. Depth 8688 9321
Shuaiba Formation, contact conformable
Mauddud Formation, contact conformable
Shale and medium to fine grained sandstone with lignite, amber and pyrite.
Occasional bands of limestone. Fauna: Orbitolina diseoidea, Cytherois sp.
Haplophragmoides sp.
633
Albian?
Zubair No. 2
9195 10270
Thickness 1075
Zubair No. 3
8923 9962
Thickness 1039
Ratawi No. 1
8462 9185
Thickness 723
449

Author, date
and references:

sheet Q/01.0389D, W. Sugden, Feb. 1953)
Rutbah Sandstone of all early reports on Dukhan stratigraphy and
nomenclature, see particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 14.8.40 and F.R.S
Synonymy
Henson, CGLL/1157, 24.10.40
Localities
Sabsab Formation, contact conformable. The contact of the Nahr Umr with the
Sabsab is taken at the highest occurrence of Sabsab limestone. There is no
Underlying
limestone in the bottom part of the Nahr Umr Formation and apart from one or
formation
two rare instances where Sabsab is only a few feet in thickness, there is no sand
in the Sabsab Formation
Mauddud Formation, contact conformable. (For details see the accompanying
Overlying
definition of the Mauddud Formation).
Formation
From top to bottom:
1. Sandstone, grey and greenish grey, glauconitic, mostly rather marly
with thin beds of shale and marl, blue-grey, and limestone, grey.
Thickness ca. 72. Fauna: Trocholina lenticularis, T. arabica, T.
altispira and Cyclamina whitei
2. Shale, blue-grey and brownish grey, with frequent beds of marl, bluegrey, the marly beds often containing sporbo . Occasional thin beds
Description
of
of greenish grey, marly, glauconitic sandstone. Thickness ca. 145.
section
Occasional Trocholina lenticularis.
3. Sand and sandstone, grey, mostly rather marly and with thin beds of
marl and shale. Frequent stringers and thin beds of lignite associated
with abundant resin fragments. In part with light brown phosphatic
concretions. Some of the more prominent marl beds sometimes contain
sporbo. Thickness ca. 315. Unfossiliferous except for plant remains
which are abundant
Averaging ca. 532 in Dukhan wells
Thickness
Albian
Age
Abu Hadriya No. 1
5525 6520
Other Localities
Abqaiq No. 6
2520? 3275
The lower part of the Nahr Umr of Dukhan is without doubt a swamp deposit
and very similar swamp deposits are present in the Nahr Umr of the Basrah
area and the Arabian oilfield area. In the upper part of the Nahr Umr of
Dukhan the sediments are probably brackish water deposits the only sediments
indicating true marine facies being the occasional very thin limestones near the
Remarks
top of the formation. The Mauddud Formation represents the true change to
marine facies. The Sabsab Formation is somewhat in the nature of a basal
conglomerate of the Wasia. It may be a fresh water deposit like the Nahr Umr
though the absence of sand, which is typical of the Nahr Umr fresh water
deposits gives some indication that the Sabsab is marine
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
450

Sabsab Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Type Locality
Sabsab Formation
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53 (See also W. Sugden , RGQ/141.672,
29.8.53 and Dukhan Type Section, sheets Q/01.0389 D2, and Q/01.0389 G2,
W. Sugden, Aug.. 1953)
Uppermost part of the Musandam Formation of F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345,
14.8.40
Coordinates: Lat. 251754 N. Long. 504630 E
Shuaiba Formation, contact unconformable. A detailed description of the
relationship of the Sabsab and Shuaiba Formations is given in
RGQ/141.672/372, W. Sugden, 29.8.53
The Shuaiba limestone of Dukhan was deeply eroded prior to Wasia deposition
and the Sabsab Formation partly fills depressions which were eroded in the top
of the Shuaiba.
The Sabsab Formation of Dukhan is typically a detrital, pellety limestone

interbedded with shale, and the pellety limestone, containing as it does
abundant worn Orbitolina cf. discoidea, is obviously partly composed of small
detrital fragments of the Shuaiba Formation. The Sabsab is, in effect, the basal
conglomeratic phase of the Wasia Group, but as the detrital fragments
contained in it are not known to exceed the size of large pellets and since in
places it attains the importance in thickness of a formation (215 in DK-29)
while being lithologically distinct from the Nahr Umr, it has been given the
rank of a formation
Nahr Umr Formation, contact conformable. The contact of the Nahr Umr with
the Sabsab is taken at the highest occurrence of Sabsab type limestone. Apart
Overlying Unit
from one or two rare instances where the Sabsab is only a few feet in thickness
there is no sand in the Sabsab Formation.
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, cream, oolitic and pellety with abundant derived Orbitolina
cf. discoidea. Thickness 55
Description
of
2. Shale, blue-grey and brown with occasional beds of limestone, grey,
type section
marly, pellety and in part oolitic. Occasional derived O. cf. discoidea.
Thickness 82
Underlying unit
451

Type section (DK-27), 137. Greatest known thickness for the Dukhan field
(DK-29), 215. Least known (DK-24), 0.
Thickness
Age
Other Localities
Remarks
As the thickness of the Shuaiba increases so the thickness of the Sabsab

decreases, The Sabsab is a formation which fills, or nearly fills, depressions
eroded in the Shuaiba during the interval represented by the Thamama-Wasia
unconformity.
Middle Cretaceous, probably Albian
All Dukhan wells except DK-24 where the Sabsab was not deposited. Not
present in KB-1 and KB-2
For further details of the nature of the Shuaiba-Sabsab unconformity, see W.
Sugden, RGQ/141.672/372, 29.8.53
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
452

Thamama Group
Name and
rank of unit
Thamama Group
E.J Daniel,
EJD/101, 23.5.51
R.V. Browne,
IR/RVB/5/141.671/219, 18.4.51
F.R.S. Henson,
CGLR/154, Jan. 1952
Saudi Arabia, somewhere between the oilfield area and Riyadh. Coordinates
not known.
Type area
No formal description of a type section is available and it is possible that none
exists.
Riyadh Group. Contact unconformable. The nature of the contact is described
Underlying unit
in the accompanying definition of the Riyadh Group.
Wasia Group, contact unconformable
Overlying Unit
E.J. Daniel (EJD/101) describes the Thamama Group as follows. From top to
bottom:
Thin bedded, flaggy limestone, yellowish, rather fine
textured, with thin, very shelly bands; also oolitic and
Buswaib
pseudo-oolitic; and lower thin platy white limestones.
Limestone.
Some thin sandstones and/or sandy limestones are said to
Ca. 130
be included in the upper part.
A big gap between these beds and the overlying Wasia is
Description
of
suspected.
section
Yamama
Formation
Yellow, thin bedded, detrital and pseudo-oolitic limestone
Ca. 210
Sulaiy Limestone
Well and thin bedded creamy detrital limestones
Ca. 170
Daniel notes that a limestone unit with Orbitolina discoidea occurs above the
Buwaib in well sections only.
Ca 510
Thickness
Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous
Age
Other Localities Basrah area, Arabian Oilfield area, Bahrain, Qatar
The Thamama Group has been previously described by F.R.S. Henson
(GRCR/154, Jan 52) but due to recent investigations which have revealed
Remarks
various interesting facts concerning the Thamama of Dukhan it has been
decided that the Thamama Group should be redefined in the present report
Author, date
and references:
453

sheets Q/01.0389 D2, Q/01.0389 E2 and Q/01.0389 G2, Sept 53
F.R.S. Henson GRCR/154, Jan 52
Localities
Riyadh Group, contact conformable. The nature of the contact is described in
Underlying unit
the accompanying definition of the Riyadh Group.
Wasia Group, contact unconformable. The nature of the Wasia-Thamama
contact is described in the accompanying definitions of the Shuaiba and Sabsab
Overlying Unit
Formations and in the report RGQ/141.672/372, W. Sugden, 29.8.53
Detailed descriptions of the various formations which make up the Thamama
Group of the Qatar area are to be found in the accompanying definitions of
those formations. Listed from top to bottom the formations of the Thamama
Group are as follows:
Shuaiba
Formation
Hawar
Formation
Description
of
Kharaib
Formation
section
Ratawi
Formation
Rakan
Formation
Karanah
Formation
Qartas
Formation
Misfir
Formation
Wakrah
Formation
Averaging ca. 2000 at Dukhan. Variable due to erosion at the top of the unit
Thickness
and intra-formational thickening down the flanks of the structures
Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous
Age
Correlation of type outcrops with the Dukhan section
Author, date
and references:
As may be seen from the above, the available descriptions of the type outcrops
are insufficient to enable a detailed correlation to be made between the
outcropping units of the Thamama and the units into which the Thamama of
Dukhan has been divided. This problem might be partly resolved by a reexamination of the samples of Aramco wells which are available in Dukhan,
but the writer has not up to the present had the time to conduct such
investigations. Some remarks on this subject may however be made.
Remarks
Sulaiy Formation: The Sulaiy Formation is possibly the approximate

equivalent of the Misfir formation of Dukhan. The Sulaiy may also include
lateral detrital equivalents of the upper part of the Wakrah of Dukhan. In order
to settle the exact equivalence of the Sulaiy it would be necessary to have
paleontological data on that formation. This we do not possess and the
supposed equivalence that is here indicated is based only on descriptions of
lithology at outcrop given by Daniel.
For further information on this subject see the accompanying description of the
Riyadh Group.
454

Yamama Formation: The Qartas Formation of Qatar is almost certainly the
equivalent of a part of the Yamama of Aramco. It is however not possible to
decide at present whether the Yamama includes also equivalents of the Rakan
and Karanah Formations. It is thought to be unlikely that the Rakan Formation
should be equated with the top of the Yamama and it seems to be possible that
the top of the Yamama is in fact approximately equivalent to the top of the
Qartas.
Remarks (cont..)
Buwaib Formation: We know that there is an unconformity at the top of the

Thamama in Qatar, in the oilfield area of Arabia and at the outcrop of the
Thamama. There is reported to be no Orbitolina discoidea limestone at the
outcrop (EJD/101, 23.5.51) whereas O. discoidea limestones occur in both
Aramco and Q.P.C wells. It therefore seems probable that at outcrop O.
discoidea limestones were not deposited or were eroded during the ThamamaWasia break. The writer would therefore suppose that the section of limestones
at Qatar corresponding with the range of O. discoidea, that is to say the
Shuaiba, Hawar and Kharaib Formations, have no equivalents at the outcrop of
the Thamama. Thus the Buwaib limestone, the uppermost unit of the
outcropping Thamama, would be equivalent to some part of Qatar section
between the top of the Ratawi and the top of the Qartas. Since the outcropping
section of the Buwaib is predominantly limestone it would be presumed that
the Ratawi shale is also absent from the outcropping section and thus the
Buwaib limestone would seem to be the equivalent of part or the whole of the
Qatar section which includes the Rakan and Karanah Formations.
The writers tentative correlation of the Thamama outcrops with the Thamama
of Qatar would therefore be as below:
Outcrops
Qatar Section
Unconformity
Shuaiba
Hawar
Kharaib
Ratawi
Not represented at outcrop due to nondeposition or erosion
Unconformity
Buwaib
?
?
Rakan
Karanah
?
Yamama
?
Qartas
?
Sulaiy
Misfir
Wakrah
Not represented at outcrop due to nonDoha

deposition or erosion
Hith
Hith
455
Remarks (cont..)
It should be understood however that this correlation is only tentative and is to

a great extent dependent on slender lithological evidence.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
456

Shuaiba Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy, with
references
Type Locality
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
of
section
Thickness
Age
Other Localities
Remarks
Shuaiba Formation
P. Rabanit, Report BGL/2480, 2/12/52 (see also D. Glynn Jones, GRCL/2691)
Orbitolina discoidea limestone. Final reports wells Zubair Nos 1 & 2 and
Nahr Umr No. 1
Zubair No. 3 well. Depth 9962 10132
Zubair Formation, contact conformable
Nahr Umr Formation, contact conformable
Dense, fine grained, whitish limestone with rare Orbitolina discoidea and
170
Aptian
Zubair No. 2
10270 10434
Thickness
164
Nahr Umr No. 2
9321 ?
Unbottomed
Ratawi No. 1
9185 9465
Thickness
280
Burgan D.T. 1A
5025 5235
Thickness
279
In Nahr Umr, Ratawi and Burgan the limestone is dolomitised and contains
abundant Rudists.
457

Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Localities

sheets Q/01.0389 D2 and Q/01.0389 G2, W. Sugden, Aug. 1953)
Part of the Musandam Formation of F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 14.8.40
Hawar Formation, contact conformable. The lithological change from shale to
limestone at the top of the Hawar Formation is usually sharp and readily
Underlying
distinguishable. In some cases however there is a gradational stage of marl
formation
between the shale and the limestone. In such cases the marl is included within
the Hawar Formation
Sabsab Formation, contact unconformable. For details of the nature of the
unconformity see the accompanying definition of the Sabsab Formation and
Overlying
memo RGQ/141.672/372, W. Sugden, 29.8.53. See also Dukhan Type
Formation
Section, sheets Q/01.0389 D2 and Q/01.0389 G2, W. Sugden, Aug. 1953
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, light grey or white, earthy or chalky, and white chalk.
Thickness, (greatest known) ca. 85 in the Dukhan area. Fauna:
Valvulinella MC/1, Pseudochrysalidina MC/2 and rare Orbitolina cf.
discoidea.
Description
of
2. Limestone, white to light grey or light brown, earthy or frequently
section
chalky, usually mostly rather silty, porous. Usually partly recrystallised
and sometimes in part strongly recrystallised, occasionally partly
dolomitic. Usually grey and rather marly in the bottom few feet.
Thickness averaging ca. 345 in the Dukhan area. O. cf. discoidea
throughout.
Variable due to erosion. Greatest known for Dukhan field, 428 (DK-11).
Thickness
Least known, 160 (DK-29).
Aptian
Age
Other Localities All Dukhan and Kharaib wells. Juh No. 1
The Shuaiba limestone of Dukhan was deeply erodes during the period
represented by the Thamama-Wasia unconformity. In many wells the
Remarks
Valvulinella MC/1, Pseudochrysalidina MC/2 zone is missing due to erosion.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
458

Hawar Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Type Locality
Underlying unit
Overlying Unit
Description
of
type section
Thickness
Age
Other Localities
Remarks
Hawar Formation
sheet Q/01.0389 E2, W. Sugden, Aug.. 1953)
Part of Musandam Formation of F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 18.4.40
Kharaib Formation, contact conformable. In the type section and in many
others the contact is sharp and readily defined, being at the point where the
shale of the Hawar overlies the limestone of the Kharaib. In other section
however the Hawar shale grades into marl at the bottom and sometimes
contains beds of limestone. In such cases the bottom of the Hawar must be
placed as indicated by the individual merits of the section, but the bottom of the
Hawar is usually placed at the bottom of the lowest marl.
Shuaiba Formation, contact conformable. (See the accompanying definition of
the Shuaiba Formation).
Shale, blue-grey. Unfossiliferous
Type section (DK-22) 45.
Lower Cretaceous
All Dukhan and Kharaib wells. Juh No. 1.
As mentioned above the Hawar shale sometimes grades into blue-grey marl at
its top or bottom. In such cases the marl is normally included in the Hawar
Formation.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
459

Kharaib Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Kharaib Formation

Kharaib No. 1 Well. Depth 3689 to 4050
Type Locality
Ratawi Formation, contact conformable. The contact of the Kharaib and
Ratawi Formations is readily distinguished throughout the Dukhan Field, the
Underlying unit
highest marl of the Ratawi being overlain by a continuous section of marly
limestone of the Kharaib.
Hawar Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying Unit
definition of the Hawar Formation.
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, light grey, fine grained earthy, partly recrystallised. Thickness
79. Fauna: Orbitolina cf. discoidea and Dictyoconus arabicus.
2) Limestone, grey to cream, earthy, silty, compact, in part with large
autoclastic pellets. Thickness 136. Fauna: O. cf. discoidea and rare
Description
of
Chofatella decipiens.
type section
3) Limestone, light grey, earthy, silty, porous. Thickness 58. Fauna:
Orbitolina cf. discoidea and Dictyoconus arabicus.
4) Limestone, grey, fine grained, compact, silty, marly in the middle and
lower part and pseudo-oolitic in the lower part. Thickness 88. Fauna: O.
cf. discoidea and rare Chofatella decipiens.
This part of the original Sugden document is missing
Thickness
Age
Other Localities This part of the original Sugden document is missing
Remarks
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
460

Ratawi Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy, with
references
Type Locality
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Ratawi Formation
P. Rabanit, Report BGR/8, 8.7.52 (see also S. Nasr, Feb. 1950, amended P.
Rabanit IT/PMVR/43)
Ratawi Group (part), Divisional Monthly Report, Feb. 1950. Ratawi
Formation (part) BGL/1768
Ratawi No. 1. Depth 10870 to 11585
Rakan Formation, contact conformable
Zubair Formation, contact conformable
From bottom to top:

1) Greenish black shale, slightly pyritic, interbedded with stringers of buff,
Description
of
pyritic, pseudo-oolitic, detrital limestone
section
2) Passing into massive shale as above. Pseudocyclamina lituus, Ostrea
rectangularis ?, Terebratula cf. squamosa.
715
Thickness
Neocomian
Age
Burgan D.T. 1A
6396 6682
Thickness
286
6127 - ?
Thickness
unknown
Other Localities Fuwaris No. 1
Ras Safaniyah
200+
Remarks
461

Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Localities

Rakan Formation, contact conformable. Over the area of the Dukhan field
there is often some degree of intergradation from the top of the Rakan into the
Underlying
bottom of the Ratawi Formation. The position of the contact is normally
formation
placed at the bottom of the lowest marl in this part of the section.
Kharaib Formation, contact conformable. (For details see the accompanying
Overlying
definition of the Kharaib Formation.
Formation
From top to bottom:
1. Marl, blue-grey. Thickness ca. 18. Choffatella decipiens.
2. Limestone, grey, compact, partly pseudo-oolitic, marly. Thickness ca.
20. Choffatella decipiens.
3. Marl, blue-grey with abundant thin beds of shale, blue-grey, and with thin
beds of limestone, bluish-grey, marly, the whole more or less silty or
sandy. Thickness ca. 160. Fauna: Choffatella decipiens, Cyclamina
Description
of
greigi, Lituola sp. MC/1.
section
4. Limestone, light brown or buff, soft porous. Thickness ca. 18. Fauna:
Pseudocyclammina lituus, Pseudochrysalidina arabica.
5. Marl, or rarely shale, blue-grey, silty or sandy, with a variable proportion
of limestone, grey, marly, silty or pseudo-oolitic. Thickness ca. 29.
Fauna: Pseudocyclamminakelleri, Pseudocyclammina lituus, var. MC/1,
Averaging ca. 245 for Dukhan wells
Thickness
Neocomian
Age
Other Localities This part of the original Sugden document is missing
Remarks
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
462

Rakan Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Rakan Formation

Type Locality
Karanah Formation, contact conformable. There is a sharp lithological change
Underlying unit at the junction of the Karanah and Rakan Formations. Though both formations
are of limestone, the facies of the two formations is quite different.
Ratawi Formation, contact conformable. (For details see the accompanying
Overlying Unit
definition of the Ratawi Formation).
Limestone, light to dark grey, fine grained, compact, marly, partly pseudoDescription
of
oolitic, partly silty. Fauna: Pseudocyclamina kelleri, Choffatella decipiens, P.
type section
cf. lituus var. MC/1, Trocholina sp., Nautiloculina sp.
Type section (Dk-26), 185
Thickness
Valanginian
Age
The Rakan Formation has a facies of a nature transitional between that of the
Karanah and Ratawi Formations. It is however sufficiently thick and
Remarks
distinctive in its lithology to justify its separation from them as an individual
formation.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
463

Karanah Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Karanah Formation

Type Locality
Qartas Formation, contact conformable. The contact of the Qartas and Karanah
Formations while being usually fairly distinct, is in some cases gradational. In
these latter cases the contact must be placed according to the individual merits
Underlying unit
of the section concerned. The Qartas Formation is typically mostly composed
of pyritic, pseudo-oolitic limestones while the Karanah Formation lacks this
characteristic.
Rakan Formation, contact conformable. There is a well marked lithological
change at this contact. For further details see the accompanying definition of
Overlying Unit
the Rakan Formation.
Limestone, light grey to buff, fine grained, earthy to rather compact. Fauna:
Description
of Pseudocyclamina cf. bukowensis, Valvulinella jurassica, Cladocoropsis
mirabilis, Spirocyclina sp., Trocholina sp., Pseudochrysalidina arabica, rare
type section
Choffatella decipiens..
Thickness
Portlandian
Age
While the Qartas, Karanah and Rakan Formations together make up a
continuous limestone succession, the Karanah is sufficiently distinct in facies
to justify its being separated as a formation. The Rakan and Qartas formations
Remarks
contain an abundance of pyritic pseudo-oolitic debris which is not present in
the Karanah Formation.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
464

Qartas Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Qartas Formation

Type Locality
Misfir Formation, contact conformable. This lithological change from the
Underlying unit Misfir to the Qartas Formation is normally sharp and readily defined. The
Qartas Formation lacks the chalkiness of the Misfir.
Karanah Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the
Overlying Unit
contact see the accompanying definition of the Karanah Formation.
Limestone, grey and light grey, fine grained, compact or dense, pseudo-oolitic,
with occasional beds containing true ooliths, in part slightly silty or sandy.
Description
of Most of the pseudo-ooliths are black, being strongly pyritised.. Fauna:
Pseudocyclamina cf. bukowensis, Nautiloculina oolithica, Trocholina sp., rare
type section
Valvulinella jurassica, Pseudocyclamina kelleri, Pseudochrysalidina arabica,
and Choffatella decipiens..
Thickness
Portlandian
Age
The Qartas Formation is the equivalent of a part or the whole of the Yamama
limestone of Aramco. For further information on this subject see the
Remarks
accompanying definition of the Thamama Group.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
465

Misfir Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Misfir Formation

Type Locality
Wakrah Formation, contact conformable. The contact between the Misfir and
Wakrah Formation is lithologically gradational and it is therefore not always
easy to define the top of the Wakrah Formation. The Misfir Formation is
Underlying unit
however chalky and is typified by an abundance of medium sized autoclastic
pellets with abundant recrystallised Pseudocyclamina cf. bukowensis . The
bottom of the Misfir is taken at the lowest occurrence of these pellets.
Qartas Formation, contact conformable. For details of the contact see the
Overlying Unit
accompanying definition of the Qartas Formation.
Limestone, light grey, fine grained, earthy or chalky changing to chalk
towards the top of the section, the whole with abundant medium sized
Description
of
autoclastic pellets of the same colour as the body of the rock. Fauna:
type section
Abundant Pseudocyclamina cf. bukowensis, throughout and occasional
Pseudochrysalidina arabica towards the top of the section.
Thickness
Upper Jurassic, probably Portlandian
Age
On account of its chalky facies the Misfir cannot conveniently be included in
the Qartas Formation and owing to the fact that it invariably contains an
Remarks
abundance of pellets it is lithologically distinct from the Wakrah. It is
therefore given separate identity as a formation
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
466

Wakrah Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy
Type Locality
Underlying unit
Overlying Unit
Description
section
of
Thickness
Age
Other Localities
Remarks
Wakrah Formation
Lowest part of the Musandam Formation of F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345,
18.4.40
Doha Formation, contact conformable. The bottom of the Wakrah Formation
is taken at the highest occurrence of the anhydrite nodules of the Doha
Formation. For further information on the nature of the contact see the
accompanying definition of the Riyadh Group.
Misfir Formation, contact conformable. For details of the contact see the
accompanying definition of the Misfir Formation.
Limestone, light grey and grey, fine grained, varying from compact at the top
to dense at the bottom of the formation. The upper and middle parts contain
beds which are slightly dolomitic.
In many sections, but not in the type section, a thin bed of pseudo-oolitic or
oolitic limestone occurs at the bottom of the formation.
Pseudocyclamina cf. bukowensis, sometimes occurs in small numbers towards
the bottom of the formation.
Upper Jurassic, probably all Portlandian but the lower part may be upper
Kimmeridgian
The Thamama of Aramco well sections usually has an oolitic and pseudooolitic limestone at the bottom. This is usually much thicker than the
corresponding pseudo-oolitic and oolitic limestones at the bottom of the
Wakrah Formation of Dukhan.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
467

Previously described and named
Riyadh Group
Name and
rank of unit
Riyadh Group
F.R.S. Henson
GRCL/154, 1.2.52
E.J. Daniel
EJD/101, 23.5.51
R.V. Browne
IR/RVB/5/141.671/219, 18.4.51
The Dahl al Hith, a cave near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Very little of the Riyadh
Group is exposed at outcrop and due to local circumstances there is no
Type locality:
satisfactory outcropping type section. (See Description of section and
Remarks below.)
Underlying unit: Jubaila Formation, contact not seen, presumed conformable.
Thamama Group. Contact believed to be unconformable at outcrop (see
Overlying Unit
below).
It is reported by E.J. Daniel )EJD/101, 23. 5. 51) that at outcrop most of the
anhydrite of the Riyadh Group has been removed by solution with the
consequent collapse of the remaining limestone beds. Moreover, most of the
area where the Riyadh should outcrop is covered by Pliocene or Quaternary
deposits. Only a partial section (of the Hith Formation) is exposed, this being
Description
of
in the Dahl al Hith but it seems possible that this section also may have been
section
reduced by solution (See Remarks below).
References:
Thickness
Age
Other localities
Remarks
The only description available of outcrops therefore is of 80 metres of bluegrey laminated anhydrite, (R.V. Browne, IR/RVB/5/141.671/219, 18.4.51).
This is believed to represent only the upper part of the Hith Formation
No true thickness measurable at outcrop
Upper Jurassic, probably all upper Kimmeridgian
Oil wells of the Bahrain, Dammam, Qatif, Abqaiq, Abu Hadriyah, Ghawar,
Fadhili and Haradh structures. Oil wells of the Qatar Peninsula.
R.V. Browne includes in his report IR/RVB/5/141.671/219 a photograph of the
Hith-Sulaiy contact at outcrop. As has been mentioned above, wholesale
solution of the Riyadh anhydrites has taken place at outcrop and it is not
impossible that the contact where photographed has been affected by such
solution. Judging only by the appearance of the photograph however the
contact there illustrated represents a tru original unconformable contact of the
Hith and the Sulaiy.
468

Unfortunately we are not in a position to determine what is missing at this
unconformity. The Hith anhydrite is unfossiliferous and we know nothing of
the paleontology of the Sulaiy. All that can be said is that the Doha Formation
of Qatar (see table below) is almost certainly missing and that part or all of the
Wakrah Formation may be missing.
Remarks (cont..)
Aramco geologists formerly considered the Hith-Sulaiy contact at outcrop to be

a Cretaceous-Jurassic break and hence implied that the top of the Jurassic in
well sections coincided with the top of the Riyadh. It is believed that they no
longer hold these views though detailed reasons as to why they have been
abandoned are not known.
There is no evidences of unconformity in Dukhan well sections or, as far as we
know, in any Aramco well sections and in the unbroken Dukhan succession the
top of the Jurassic is now placed well up in the Thamama Group.
In well sections Aramco place the top of the Riyadh at the top of the highest
nodular anhydrite in the succession and this practice has also been followed for
Qatar wells. In well sections the Riyadh Group shows an exceptional
constancy of lithological succession over a very large area of eastern Arabia.
469

Author, date
and references:

sheet Q/01.0389 F2, Sept 1953)
F.R.S. Henson, GRCL/154, 1.2.52
Zekrit Formation of F.R.S. Henson CGLR/2345, 25. 9.40. The Riyadh is
referred to as the Zekrit Formation in many of the older P.D.Q. reports.
Jubaila Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
definition of the Fahahil Formation
Wakrah Formation of the Thamama Group, contact unconformable. For details
of the nature of the contact see above and also the enclosed definition of the
Wakrah Formation.
Detailed descriptions of the various units which make up the Riyadh Group
are to be found in the accompanying definitions of those units. The table
given below shows their relationship to one another.
Groups
Formations
Members
Synonymy
Localities
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Thamama
Description
section
Wakrah
Doha
Hith
of
Jaleha
Riyadh
Qatar
Juh
Umm Bab
Fahahil
Jubaila
Thickness
Age
Averaging ca. 960 in Dukhan wells

Upper Jurassic, probably all upper Kimmeridgian but the highest parts may be
Portlandian.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
470

Description of a Stratigraphic Unit
not previously defined
Doha Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Doha Formation

sheet Q/01.0389 F2, W. Sugden, Sept. 1953)
Upper part of the Hith Formation of various reports issued since Jan 1951
(See R.V. Browne, DGLQ/140.3/14, 11.1.51 and F.R.S. Henson, GRCL/2512,
Synonymy, with 23.1.51). As used in those reports the Hith Formation includes both the Hith
and Doha Formations of the present report.
references
Uppermost part of the Zekrit Formation of old reports on Dukhan
Stratigraphy. See particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 25.9.40
Type Locality
Hith Formation, contact conformable. The contact of the Hith and Doha
Formations is taken at the top of the highest massive anhydrite of the Riyadh.
In some sections the Doha may contain thin beds of fairly pure anhydrite but in
Underlying unit
essentials it represents a transitional phase of mixed anhydrite-calcite
deposition between the Hith which is almost entirely anhydrite and the Wakrah
which is a pure limestone.
Wakrah Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying Unit
definition of the Riyadh Group.
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, brown and grey-brown, dolomitic, with nodules of anhydrite.
Thickness 43
Description
of
2) Limestone, brown, oolitic. Thickness 13.
section
3) White nodular anhydrite with abundant streaks and stringers of dense or
compact, brown limestone. Thickness 117
Thickness
Upper Jurassic. Upper Kimmeridgian or lower Portlandian
Age
Other Localities All Dukhan and Kharaib wells. Juh No. 1. Abqaiq No. 6. Abu Hadriyah No. 1.
The limestones of the Doha Formation in some Aramco well sections are partly
oolitic. It is believed that the Doha Formation is missing at the outcropping
Remarks
section of the Riyadh Group. For further information on this point see the
accompanying definition of the Riyadh Group.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
471

Hith Formation
1) Description of outcrops in type area (E.J. Daniel, R.V. Browne)
Name and
rank of unit
Hith Formation
Author, date
and references:
Type locality:
Underlying
formation:
Arab Formation, contact presumed conformable. Not seen at outcrop.

Sulaiy Formation. Contact unconformable at outcrop. (See E.J. Daniel & R.V.
Browne as mentioned above and the accompanying definition of the Riyadh
Group)
Overlying
Formation
Description
section
Thickness
Age
of
Other localities
Remarks
E.J. Daniel, EJD/101, 30.4.51

R.V. Browne, IR/RVB/5/141.671/219, 18.4.51
No formal description of a type section is available.
Dahl al Hith, near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Coordinates not known
Blue-grey, laminated anhydrite

260
Upper Jurassic. Probably Upper Kimmeridgian.
Oil wells of the Bahrain, Dammam, Qatif, Abqaiq, Abu Hadriyah, Ghawar,
Fadhili and Haradh structures. Oil wells of the Qatar peninsula.
The relationship of the Hith and Sulaiy Formations is further discussed in the
accompanying description of the Riyadh Group.
472

Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and reference:
Hith Formation
sheet Q/01.0389 F2, W. Sugden, sept. 1953)
Lower part of the Hith Formation of various reports issued since Jan. 1951.
(See R. V. Browne, DGLQ/140.3/14, 11.1.51 and F.R.S. Henson, GRCL/2512,
23.1.51) . As used in those reports the Hith Formation includes both the Hith
and Doha Formations of the present report.
Synonymy
Localities
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
section
Thickness
Age
Remarks
Part of the Zekrit Formation of old reports on Dukhan stratigraphy. See

particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 25.9.40
Qatar Formation, contact conformable. The contact between the Qatar
Formation and the Hith Formation is taken at the point where the Jaleha
Limestone Member of the Qatar Formation is followed by the predominantly
anhydritic facies of the Hith. For details see the Dukhan Type Section, sheet
Q/01.0389 F2
Doha Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
see the enclosed definition of the Doha Formation.
From top to bottom:
1. Anhydrite, white, light grey or light brown, massive and mostly fairly
pure but in part with stringers and streaks of dense brown limestone. In
the middle part there often occur two thin beds of porous, oolitic
of
limestone. Thickness ca. 245. Unfossiliferous.
2. Anhydrite, white to grey-brown, nodular, with stringers of limestone,
grey-brown, dense. A five to six foot bed of oolitic limestone occurs
some ten feet or so above the bottom.
Thickness ca. 45.
Unfossiliferous.
Averaging ca. 290 over the area of the Dukhan field.
Upper Jurassic. Probably Upper Kimmeridgian.
Reasons for separating the Hith and Doha Formations are given in the
accompanying definition of the Doha Formation.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
473

Qatar Formation
Name and
Qatar Formation
rank of unit
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53 (See also Dukhan Type Section, sheet
Author, date
and references: Q/01.0389 F2, W. Sugden, Sept. 1953)
Part of the Arab Formation or Arab Zone. The Qatar Formation and the Fahahil
Formation (No. 4 Limestone) together make up the Arab Zone so often referred to in
published and unpublished reports on ARAMCO Operations. The Arab Formation or
Arab Zone as it is more often called in trade journals, has never been formally defined
in technical literature.
Part of the Zekrit Formation of F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 25.9.40. The Zekrit
Formation of the older reports on Dukhan stratigraphy is synonymous with the Riyadh
Group of ARAMCO.
Part of the Fourth Pay of BAPCO. The Qatar Formation includes that part of the
BAPCO Fourth Pay from the top of their F Limestone (Fahahil Formation, No. 4
Limestone) to the top of their C Limestone (Jaleha Member, No. 1 Limestone). The
A and B Limestones of the BAPCO Fourth Pay lie, so far as is known within the
correlative of the lower part of the Hith Formation of P.D.Q. and ARAMCO.
R.M.
Ramsden*
Hith Formation
Hith
Formation
Hith
Formation
Hith
Formation
Jaleha Mb
No. 1 Lmst
Juh Mb
No. 2 Lmst
Umm Bab
No. 3 Lmst
Fahahil Formation
No. 4 Lmst
Jubaila Fm
Bapco
terminology
A
B
Fourth Pay
Aramco
terminology
Arab Formation or
Zone
Former PDQ
terminology
Qatar Formation
Synonymy,
with references
Present report
A Lmst
1st Lmst
B Lmst
2nd Lmst
C Lmst
3rd Lmst
D Lmst
4th Lmst
Jubaila Fm
C
D
Jubaila Fm
* R. M. Ramsden: Features of Limestones of the Riyadh Group of the South-West

Persian Gulf Region. Dept. of Geology and Mineralogy, University of Oxford, May
1952
474

Type Locality
The DK-28 section is chosen as the type locality since this is one of the only two
Q.P.C. wells in which there is a complete core record of the Qatar Formation.
Fahahil Formation, contact conformable. The nature of the contact is as
Underlying
illustrated in the Dukhan Type Section , sheet Q/01.0389 F2.
unit
Hith Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying Unit
definition of the Hith Formation.
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone. Jaleha Member, otherwise known as No. 1 Limestone. (See
accompanying definition). Thickness 36.
2. Anhydrite, white or light grey, with frequent stringers of brown limestone
near the top and bottom. Thickness 41. Unfossiliferous.
3. Limestone. Juh Member, otherwise known as No. 2 Limestone. (See
Description of
accompanying definition). Thickness 17.
section
4. Anhydrite, grey, massive calcareous near top and bottom. Thickness 51.
Unfossiliferous.
5. Limestone. Umm Bab Member, otherwise known as No. 3 Limestone.
(See accompanying definition). Thickness 83.
6. Anhydrite, light brown or light grey, with a four to five foot bed of
anhydritic dolomite near the bottom. Thickness 56. Unfossiliferous.
Thickness
Kimmeridgian
Age
All Dukhan and Kharaib wells. Juh No. 1. Oil wells of the Bahrain, Dammam,
Other
Qatif, Abqaiq, Abu Hadriyah, Ghawar, Fadhili and Haradh structures.
Localities
The lithological sequence of the Qatar Formation is very constant over a large
Remarks
area of eastern Arabia
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
475

Jaleha Member
Name and
Jaleha Member of the Qatar Formation
rank of unit
Author, date
No. 1 Limestone of the Qatar Peninsula. Almost all past I.P.C. reports concerning this
limestone refer to it as the No. 1 Limestone.
Synonymy,
with references
A Member of the Arab Formation of ARAMCO in published articles in

various trade periodicals and in unpublished ARAMCO reports. No precise and
authoritative definition of this unit has yet been published by ARAMCO
geologists.
C Limestone of the Fourth Zone of BAPCO informal nomenclature.
First Limestone of a thesis by R.M. Ramsden (Features of Limestones of the

Rhiyadh Group of the South-West Persian Gulf Region. Thesis presented at
Dept. of Geology and Mineralogy, University of Oxford, May 1952.)
Type Locality
Unnamed anhydrite member of the Qatar Formation, contact conformable. For
Underlying
details of the nature of the contact refer to Dukhan Type Section , sheet
unit
Q/01.0389 F2.
Hith Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying Unit
refer to Dukhan Type Section , sheet Q/01.0389 F2.
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, light brown, fairly fine grained. In part dolomitic, in part pseudoDescription of
oolitic, mostly fairly compact. Thickness 15.
section
2. Limestone, light brown, oolitic and pseudo-oolitic, porous, dolomitic in the
bottom few feet. Thickness 21. Fauna: Pseudochrysalidina sp., algae, etc.
Thickness
Kimmeridgian
Age
Other
Qatif, Abqaiq, Abu Hadriyah, Ghawar and Fadhili structures.
Localities
The Jaleha Member is very consistent in lithology and thickness throughout the
Remarks
area of the Qatar Peninsula.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
476

Juh Member
Name and
Juh Member of the Qatar Formation
rank of unit
Author, date
Synonymy,
with references
B Member of the Arab Formation of ARAMCO in published articles in

geologists.
Second Limestone of a thesis by R.M. Ramsden (Features of Limestones of
the Rhiyadh Group of the South-West Persian Gulf Region. Thesis presented at
Type Locality
Underlying
unit
Overlying Unit
Description of
section
Thickness
Age
Other
Localities
Remarks
D Limestone of the Fourth Zone of BAPCO informal nomenclature.

details of the nature of the contacts at the top and bottom of the Juh Member see
the Dukhan Type Section , sheet Q/01.0389 F2.
Unnamed anhydrite member of the Qatar Formation, contact conformable.
Limestone, brown, pseudo-oolitic and dolomitic and dolomite, brown, porous.
Kimmeridgian
Qatif, Abqaiq, Abu Hadriyah and Fadhili structures.
The Juh Member is very consistent in lithology and thickness throughout the area
of the Qatar Peninsula.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
477

Definition of Stratigraphic Unit
previously described but not officially named
Umm Bab Member
Name and
rank of unit
Umm Bab Member of the Qatar Formation

Q/01.0389 F2, W. Sugden, Sept. 1953).
Author, date
and references: R.M. Ramsden, Features of Limestones of the Rhiyadh Group of the SouthWest Persian Gulf Region. Thesis presented at Dept. of Geology and
Mineralogy, University of Oxford, May 1952.
No. 3 Limestone of the Qatar Peninsula.
Almost all past I.P.C. reports on this
C Member of the Arab Formation of ARAMCO in published articles in

Synonymy,
with references geologists.
E Limestone of the Fourth Zone of BAPCO informal nomenclature.
Third Limestone of R.M. Ramsden of the thesis mentioned above.
Type Locality
Underlying
details of the nature of the contacts at the top and bottom of the Umm Bab
unit
Member see the Dukhan Type Section , sheet Q/01.0389 F2.
Overlying Unit Unnamed anhydrite member of the Qatar Formation, contact conformable.
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, grey-brown, partly dolomitic, especially towards the top,
partly oolitic or pseudo-oolitic, partly fine grained and dense or compact,
with frequent or infrequent anhydrite nodules more or less throughout.
Thickness 36. Fauna: Pfenderina sp. Algae, etc..
Description of
2. Limestone, grey-brown and brown, almost all pseudo-oolitic or oolitic,
and with streaks almost entirely composed of autoclastic debris.
section
Occasional thin beds of fine grained, compact or dense limestone.
Thickness 45. Fauna: Trocholina palestiniensis, Nautiloculina oolithica,
Pfenderina sp., Pseudochrysalidina sp., Cladocoropsis mirabilis, algae,
etc..
3. Limestone, brown, dolomitic, pseudo-oolitic, porous. Thickness 2.
Thickness
Kimmeridgian
Age
Other
478

Localities
Remarks
Qatif, Abqaiq, Abu Hadriyah, Ghawar, Fadhili and Haradh structures.

The above mentioned thesis by R.M. Ramsden describes the petrology and
various other features of the Umm Bab Member in detail. No description of a
type section is however given by Mr. Ramsden and in this thesis the Umm Bab
member is referred to under the informal name of Third Limestone.
The Umm Bab Member is very consistent in its lithological sequence and
thickness throughout the area of the Qatar Peninsula.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
479

Fahahil Formation
Name and
Fahahil Formation
rank of unit
Author, date
Synonymy,
with references
D Member of the Arab Formation of ARAMCO in published articles in

geologists.
Fourth Limestone of a thesis by R.M. Ramsden (Features of Limestones of
the Rhiyadh Group of the South-West Persian Gulf Region. Thesis presented at
F Limestone of the Fourth Zone of BAPCO informal nomenclature.

Type Locality
Jubaila Formation, contact conformable. The bottom of the Fahahil Formation is
Underlying
taken at the point where the typical dark coloured porous dolomites of the
unit
Fahahil overlie the typically fine grained and compact limestones of the Jubaila.
Qatar Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying Unit
see the Dukhan Type Section , sheet Q/01.0389 F2.
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, light grey, mostly fine grained and dense, interbedded with
dolomite, brown, compact. Thickness 11.
2. Anhydrite, grey. Thickness 3.
3. Dolomite, brown and grey-brown, porous, with beds of dolomitic
limestone. Thickness 15. Fauna: Valvulinella jurassica, Nautiloculina
oolithica, Pfenderina sp., Pseudochrysalidina sp., Cladocoropsis
Description of
mirabilis, various algae.
section
4. Limestone, grey and grey-brown, mostly pseudo-oolitic and in parts
largely composed of autoclastic debris. Numerous thick and thin beds of
finer grained, dolomitic limestone. All of fairly high porosity. Thickness
122. Fauna: Valvulinella jurassica, Nautiloculina oolithica, Pfenderina
sp., Pseudochrysalidina sp., Cladocoropsis mirabilis, Burgundia
trinorchii, Stromatoporina romanica, S. somaliensis, S. choffati, various
algae and bryozoa.
Thickness
480

Age
Other
Localities
Remarks
Kimmeridgian
All Dukhan wells which have penetrated to that Stratigraphic level. Juh No. 1
and Kharaib No. 1 and 2. Oil wells of the Bahrain, Dammam, Qatif, Abqaiq,
Abu Hadriyah, Ghawar, Fadhili and Haradh structures.
The thickness and lithology of the Fahahil Formation vary very little throughout
the area of the Dukhan field. In Kharaib No. 1 however, though the lithological
sequence is the same, the thickness of the Fahahil is only 124.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/397
17.9.53
481
1955
482

Darb Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy,
with references
Darb Formation
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520
Upper part of the Jubaila Formation of some early interim memos on wells Juh
No. 1 and Kharaib Nos 1 and 2
Juh No. 1 well, Qatar peninsula. Depth 7107 to 7800
Coordinates: Lat 245348N, Long. 505955E
Type Locality
This section is chosen as the type since it is in the only well so far drilled in
which a large part of the Formation has been cored.
Diyab Formation, contact conformable. The contact is taken at the highest
occurrence of fine grained calcareous sandstones of the Diyab detrital facies.
Underlying
Unless this contact is familiar to the person wishing to establish its position it
formation
cannot be easily identified by unaided visual inspection of rock specimens. It is,
however, clearly revealed by the examination of thin sections by microscope.
Fahahil Formation, contact conformable. The contact is placed at the bottom of
the persistent dolomite which comprises the lowest part of the Fahahil Formation
(No. 4 Limestone) of the Qatar Peninsula. In the type section of the Darb there is
Overlying
a well marked facies change at the contact from medium grained, porous
formation
dolomite above to very fine grained compact limestone below, but elsewhere the
contact is not always so sharply marked. (For further details of the nature of the
contact see Remarks below.)
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, grey and light grey, fine grained, varying from very compact
to dense. A few beds rather dolomitic and occasional beds containing
scattered large pyrite stained pseudo-ooliths. Thickness 163. Fauna:
Common Valvulinella jurassica and a larger Valvulinella very similar to
wellingsi. Rare Pseudocyclammina sequana or perhaps personata in the
lowermost part
2. Limestone, dark grey, fine grained, dense. One or two thin streaks
Description of
containing pseudo-oolitic debris. Thickness 174. Fauna: Rare N.
type section
oolithica, V. jurassica and V. cf. wellingsi, P. sequana or personata and
P. cf. virguliana.
3. Limestone, grey, fine grained dense, becoming rather argillaceous
downwards, with numerous thin beds containing large, scattered, pyrite
stained pseudo-ooliths. Thickness 131. Fauna: Abundant P. sequana,
P. cf. virguliana and N. oolithica, V. jurassica and V. cf. wellingsi in the
lower part.
483
Description of
type section
(Cont)
Thickness
Age
4. Limestone, dark grey, fine grained, dense, argillaceous and becoming

increasingly so towards the bottom. Becoming silty in the lower part.
Thickness 225. Fauna: Abundant P. cf virguliana throughout. P.
sequana and N. oolithica rather rare, V. jurassica very rare.
Dr. R.G.S. Hudson has identified the following macrofossils from the
lowermost two feet of the type section. Exogyra nana (J. Sowerby)
Pholadomya sp. Homomya sp. Mactromya sp.
Type section (Juh No. 1), 693
Lower Kimmeridgian and Sequanian. The upper two divisions of the formation
have been correlated with the Jubaila Formation of Aramco (see below) and are
therefore believed to be Lower Kimmeridgian, in conformity with Aramco
dating. The age of the upper two divisions cannot be determined precisely from
the fauna which they have been found to contain in Qatar sections but the fauna
is similar to that of the outcropping Jubaila. A Pseudocyclammina here referred
to as sequana or personata is present in the upper two divisions, but is so
uncommon that in the few random thin sections available it cannot with certainty
be referred to one or other of these species
The lower two divisions of the Formation are correlatable with the Hanifa partly
by the common occurrence in Qatar sections and at outcrops of
Pseudocyclammina sequana and P. cf. virguliana. The occurrence of P. sequana
strongly suggests that these two divisions are Sequanian. The Hanifa of the
Aramco outcrops is not definitely dated by ammonites) Arkell, Bramkamp and
Steineke, 1952) but is so placed in the outcropping section that Sequanian age is
implied.
Kharaib No. 1
Depth
6039 to
6580
Kharaib No. 2
Depth
5739 to
6265
Dukhan No. 40
Depth
5680 to
6305
Murban No. 1
Depth
11363 to
11835
Other
Localities
Remarks
Northwards and westwards from the Qatar Peninsula divisions 3 and 4 of the
formation as described above change in facies, although containing an almost
identical fauna and the Darb Formation, which shows lithological unity and
continuity over the area of the Qatar Peninsula and south-eastwards, has in
consequence been divided in the area of Bahrain and Central Arabia into two
units, the Jubaila Formation (upper) and Hanifa Formation (lower)
As indicated above the Darb Formation is the lateral equivalent of the combined
Jubaila and Hanifa Formations. The Hanifa as it occurs in Bahrain is a typical
shallow water, pellety, porous limestone similar in facies to the limestones of the
lower Riyadh and the Uwainat Limestone
Porous, petroliferous limestones of the Hanifa in Abu Hadriya No. 1 are known
as the Hadriya Zone.
484
Remarks
(Cont)
There is a little local lithological variation in the Darb Formation over the area of
the Qatar Peninsula, but the lithological sequence is very similar in its essentials
throughout this area. No difficulty is experienced in fixing the bottom of the
formation in the Qatar wells. In the case of the top of the Formation however the
contact is not always so distinct. The uppermost division of the Formation
sometimes shows irregular development of porous dolomite beds which may
merge with and become confused with the comparatively regular lowermost
dolomite of the Fahahil Formation (No. 4 Limestone) as for example in DK-40.
This is also true of the Jubaila-Riyadh contact in the case of some Aramco
sections. In such sections the top of the Darb Formation needs to be placed
according to the particular merits of the section or area concerned.
In some sections occasional streaks of the Darb Formation contain scattered
sponge spicules together with small usually spherical bodies of clear calcite
occasionally distinguishable as recrystallised radiolaria
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/13520
10.1.1955
485

Diyab Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Author, date
and references:
Synonymy,
with references
Diyab Formation
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520
Lower part of the Jubaila Formation of some early interim memos on wells Juh
No. 1 and Kharaib Nos 1 and 2
Juh No. 1 well, Qatar peninsula. Depth 7800 to 8125
Type Locality
This section is chosen as the type since the formation was cored throughout in
this particular well.
Araej Formation, contact conformable. There is a well marked change of facies
with little or no integration between the Araej and Diyab Formation. The typical
coarse, pellety limestones of the Araej are in sharp contrast with the silty
Underlying
limestones and extremely fine textured pseudo-oolitic, sandy limestones of the
formation
Diyab. There is also a marked micro-faunal change at the contact of these two
formations.
Darb Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying
description of the Darb Formation.
formation
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, dark grey, fine grained, dense, thin bedded, very argillaceous,
very silty, with thin beds of dark grey marl and with thin beds of grey,
dense, fine grained, slightly glauconitic calcareous sandstone. The sand
of the sandstones is mainly composed of calcareous debris and often
contains large quantities of microscopic pseudo-oolitic debris. There is
however a fair proportion of quartz grains. Thickness 77. Fauna:
Abundant sponge spicules and numerous small ostracods. Occasional
streaks of sandstone contain numerous small miliolids, occasional
Glomospira sp., and rare Nautiloculina oolithica.
Description of
2. Anhydrite, white, nodular, with stringers of grey, marly limestone.
type section
Thickness 2. Unfossiliferous.
3. Limestone, dark grey, fine grained, dense, argillaceous, silty, in part thin
bedded and with streaks of grey, dense, fine grained, calcareous
sandstone. Very rare thin beds of chert. The sands of the sandstones are
almost entirely made up of calcareous debris, quartz or other detrital
grains being very rare and microscopic pseudo-oolitic grains being
abundant. Thickness 77. Fauna: Abundant sponge spicules and
occasional small ostracods. Occasional streaks of sandstone contain
abundant small miliolids, occasional Glomospira sp., and Nautiloculina
oolithica.
486

Dr. L.F. Spath has identified the following ammonites in this art of the
Diyab: at 7890 Aspidoceras sp., and at 7908 Perisphinotes s.l. and
Camponectes sp. In addition Dr. R.G.S. Hudson has identified the
following: at 7892 Exogyra nana, and at 7921 Perisphinotes s.s.
4. Anhydrite, white, nodular with stringers of limestone, grey, dense.
5. Limestone, grey, fine grained, compact. Thickness 31. Fauna:
Abundant sponge spicules
6. Limestone, dark grey to black, very argillaceous and silty, slightly
dolomitic. In part splitting into thin laminae. Slightly carbonaceous in
Description of
the upper part and becoming very carbonaceous in the lower part.
type section
Occasional thin streaks of fine grained calcareous sandstone. The
(Cont)
sandstone streaks do not contain other than calcareous debris. The
carbonaceous matter is sometimes so distributed as to give the limestone
a blotchy appearance in thin section. In other sections the corresponding
part of the Diyab has been found to contain the following. In Kharaib
No. 1, Pholadomys (Homomya) cf. mornate (J de C. Sowerby) and
Gryphaea sp. (determined by R.G.S. Hudson). In Kharaib No. 2,
Chlamys macfadyeni, Exogyra nana and Modiolus Imbricatus
(determined by Dr. M. Chatton) and Gryphaea halli (Stephanini) and
Listrea arabica Stefaninj (determined by R.G.S. Hudson). Thickness
132.
Type section (Juh No. 1 well), 325
The thickness of the Diyab is rather variable over the area of the Qatar Peninsula
(KB-1, 430, DK-40, 408) but the evidence so far gathered has not led to the
Thickness
conclusion that the top or bottom of the Formation diachronous over this area.
The Diyab Formation is however an unusual case of a formation which thins
southwards over the area of the Qatar Peninsula.
Believed to be Upper Callovian, Oxfordian and perhaps lowermost Sequanian.
This age assignation is almost entirely dependent on the correlation of the top of
the Araej with the top of the Dhruma and the assignment of the lower part of the
Darb Formation to the Sequanian. Precise determination of the age of the Diyab
is not possible from the known fauna of the Qatar sections but it may be noted
that the macrofossils assemblage of the lowermost division of the Diyab
Age
Formation taken with that of the highest division of the Araej Formation has
strong similarities to the assemblage found in the outcropping Tuwaiq Mountain
Limestone (Arkell, Bramkamp and Steineke, 1952). For further details regarding
age ascriptions see the accompanying definitions of the Darb and Araej
Formations.
Kharaib No. 1 well Depth
6580 to
7010
Kharaib No. 2 well Depth
6265 to
6653
Other
Dukhan No. 40 well Depth
6305 to
6713
Localities
Murban No. 1 well Depth
11835 to
12588 (bottom not reached)
Bahrain No. 52 well Depth
5460 to
5685
487

In the Kharaib and Dukhan areas the Diyab has the same general characteristics
as in the type section of the Juh No. 1. There is however some lateral variation
in lithology. Thus, for example the proportion of quartz in the sandstones of the
highest division of the Formation is quite variable, and while two thin anhydrites
occur in the Juh No. 1 type section, only one occurs in Kharaib No. 1 and none at
all in DK-40. Again, while chert beds are few and very thin in the Diyab of Juh
No. 1 and DK-40, chert and siliceous limestone are common in the middle part of
the Diyab in the Kharaib area and the carbonaceous matter which occurs in
abundance in the lower part of the type section is much less noticeable in other
sections.
Remarks
The nature of the thin detrital beds of the Diyab is such that it is not always easy
to decide whether they could best be called calcareous sandstones, sandy
limestones or sandy pseudo-oolites. These thin sands are however a constant and
typical feature of the Diyab.
The siliceous limestones of the Diyab typically contain abundant sponge spicules
and in many cases the spicules are accompanied by numerous small mostly subspherical objects composed of clear calcite. Some of these can be identified as
recrystallised radiolaria. Similar occurrences of radiolaria together with sponge
spicules are illustrated by Cuvillier (J. Cuvillier, 1951).
The Diyab lies between the Darb Formation, the lower part of which is correlated
with the Hanifa Formation, and the Araej Formation which is correlated with the
upper part of the Dhruma. The Diyab Formation must therefore be the
approximate lateral equivalent of the Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone of Arabia.
There is however very little internal evidence, either lithological or faunal by
which the correlation of these two formations can be confirmed.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/13520
10.1.1955
488

Araej Formation
Name and
Araej Formation
rank of unit
Author, date
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520
and references:
The Hanifa Formation of some early interim memos on wells Juh No. 1 and
Synonymy
Kharaib Nos 1 and 2
Kharaib No. 1 well, Qatar peninsula. Depth 7010 to 7630
Type Locality
Izhara Formation, contact conformable, gradational. There is no sharp change of
facies between the Araej and Izhara Formations. In the type section there is an
upward gradation from the fine grained rather dolomitic limestone typical of the
Izhara to the pellety limestone with partly pyrite stained pellet debris typical of
the Araej. Some interbedding of the two facies takes place near the contact.
Underlying
Although at present only one Qatar section passes through this contact, it is
formation
certain that it would be found to be in some degree diachronous or otherwise
variable over any large area. This is illustrated by the nature of the contact in
Bahrain 52. The contact is therefore probably best defined as being the bottom
of the lowest substantial pellety limestone bed of Araej facies
Diyab Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying
see the accompanying description of the Diyab Formation.
formation
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, silty, rather argillaceous with an
abundance of coarse, pyrite stained, pellety debris almost throughout.
The pellety debris of this part of the formation is invariably stained with
pyrite to a dark grey or black colour. This gives the limestone a heavily
speckled appearance . Large numbers of the pellets contain a Trocholina
or a fragment of an echinoid or mollusk. Thickness 102. Fauna:
Trocholina palastiniensis and Nautiloculina oolithica throughout.
Description of
Valvulinella sp. = Valvulinella 54 of Aramco in the upper and middle
type section
parts. Abundant Form X in the middle and lower parts. Small
arenaceous foraminifera throughout probably including Tetrataxis 64
and Verneuilina 67 of Aramco. The following macrofauna has been
identified in the corresponding division of the formation of Kharaib No. 2
Well by Dr. M. Chatton: at 6680, 6695 and 6738 Chlamys
curvivarians; at 6723, Terebratula cf. supertes.
2. Uwainat Member. Porous pellety limestone. For details see the
accompanying description of the Uwainat Member. Thickness 193.
489

3. Limestone, light to dark grey, compact to dense , partly and sometimes
almost wholly composed of pseudo-oolitic and autoclastic debris with a
fine grained matrix. The matrix has here and there suffered partial
recrystallisation to coarse crystalline calcite. The pseudo-ooliths are
sometimes pyrite stained. Occasional beds of true oolite occur.
Thickness 201. Fauna: Nautiloculina oolithica, Form X, Trocholina
palastiniensis and Pfenderina helicoidea (Sugden ms.) = Pfenderina 60
of Aramco, throughout. In the upper part, Pfenderina trochoides (Sugden
ms.) = Calyptochetus 825 (of Aramco) and Araejia sp. (new gen. & sp.
Description of
yet to be described). Small simple arenaceous species are also present.
type section
These are difficult to identify in thin section but probably include
(Cont)
Tetrataxis 64, Tetrataxis 822, Verneuilina 67 and Valvulina 61
of Aramco.
4. Limestone, grey, fine grained, compact or dense, rather silty, with
numerous beds partly composed of autoclastic pellets. In few cases are
the pellets stained with pyrite. Occasional beds contain scattered large
dolomite crystals. Thickness 124. Fauna: Pfenderina helicoidea =
Pfenderina 60 of Aramco. Small simple arenaceous species probably
including Tetrataxis, Verneuilina and Valvulina as in the division above.
Rare Nautiloculina oolithica and Form X.
Type section (Kharaib No. 1), 620
Thickness
Middle Bathonian to Middle Callovian. This age determination depends on the
correlation of the Araej of Qatar with the upper part of the Dhruma of Arabian
outcrops for which there is ammonite dating (Arkell, Bramkamp and Steineke,
1952).
The correlation of the Araej with the outcropping Aramco sections is reasoned
below. The reader will be better able to follow the arguments by consulting the
standard log Sheet Q/01.0389 H2 and the macro- and micro-fossil range chart for
outcrops provided by Aramco.
Age
Considering first the macrofauna which has been found in the lowermost part of
the Diyab and the uppermost part of the Araej, there are several species in this
part of the section in common with the fauna of Bramkamps Tuwaiq Mountain
Limestone. Thus Gryphaea balli, Exogyra nana, Chlamys curvivariens and
Chlamys macfadyieni have all been found both in the Tuwaiq and either
immediately above or a few feet below the Diyab-Araej contact. These species
are not however found in the upper part of the outcropping Dhruma.
On the other hand Torebratula cf. superstes which is found high in the Araej is
known only in the Upper Dhruma of Arabian outcrops. Macrofauna thus
indicates that the Diyab-Araej contact coincides more or less with the TuwaiqDhruma contact.
This coincidence is supported by foraminiferal ranges. Thus Valvulinella 54
of Aramco, which occurs in the lower part of the Tuwaiq and the upper part of
the Dhruma, is also present in the uppermost part of the Araej, and the range of
490

this species in the Araej considered together with the range of Pfenderina
helicoidea (Pfenderina 60) and Pfenderina trochoidea (Calyptochetus 825)
confirm the correlation of the upper part of the Araej with the upper part of the
Dhruma.
It is therefore safe to assume that the top of the Araej corresponds to the top of
the Dhruma, which correlation has also been given independently by Aramco
geologists working on Hasa sections.
Age (Cont)
The lower limit of the Pfenderina 60 some of the Aramco outcrops falls in the
upper few feet of the Thambites Zone while in Qatar the lower limit of
Pfenderina 60 (Pfenderina helecoidea) is about 30 above the bottom of the
Araej. It is thus arguable that the Araej-Izhara contact corresponds roughly in
time with the top of the Thambites Zone. The part of the Araej below the
Uwainat Member would thus correspond approximately with the Middle
Dhruma, Divisions 6, 7 & 8 of Bramkamp (Arkell, Bramkamp and Steineke,
1952).
Thus to sum up it is argued that the Araej is the age correlative of the Aramco
outcrops from the top of the Dhruma to about the top of the Thambites Zone, that
is to say the Araej is the age correlative of most of the Middle and Upper
Dhruma and is thus according to Arkells dating of the Arabian outcrops of
Middle Bathonian to Middle Callovian age.
Kharaib No. 2 well
Depth 6653 to
6860 (not fully penetrated)
Juh No. 1 well
Depth 8125 to
Dukhan No. 40 well
Depth 6713 to
Bahrain No. 52 well
Depth 5685 to
6670
Other
Localities
Remarks
The Araej Formation is also known in Fadhili 1, Abqaiq 2, Dammam 20 and

Bahrain 88 although we are not in possession of information by which to fix the
bottom of the Formation in these four wells. Thus:
Abqaiq No. 2 well
Top of Araej =
7700
Dammam No. 20 well
Top of Araej =
5710
Bahrain No. 88 well
Top of Araej =
5900
Fadhili No. 1 well
Top of Araej =
ca. 9230
Kharaib No. 1 is the only Qatar well which has penetrated the full section of the
Araej Formation but other partial sections and the Araej of Bahrain 52 show that
the formation is consistent in its lithology over the Bahrain-Qatar area.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/13520
10.1.1955
491

Uwainat Member
Name and
Uwainat Member of the Araej Formation
rank of unit
Author, date
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520
and references:
Part of the Hanifa Formation of some early interim reports on wells Juh No. 1
Synonymy
and Kharaib Nos 1 and 2
Type Locality
Araej Formation, unnamed subdivision, contact conformable. The contact is
gradational and consequently must be placed according to the individual merits
of any particular section. In the type section and in other sections so far seen, the
Underlying
contact is taken as being the point where predominating dense, dark grey,
formation
pseudo-oolitic limestones below change to predominating buff, rather porous
limestones above.
Araej Formation, unnamed subdivision, contact conformable. In all sections so
far seen there is a well marked change of facies with but little intergradation
between the Uwainat member and the overlying unnamed subdivision of the
Araej Formation. The typical Uwainat facies is of buff, almost pure, porous
limestone while the overlying part of the Araej is a bluish grey, marly, dense
Overlying
limestone. The Uwainat is of a colour and lithology consistent with deposition
formation
under conditions leading to its residual oxidation while the remaining parts of
the Araej have the typical features of sediments deposited under such conditions
as to preserve organic matter long enough for anaerobic bacteria to have become
active and to have left the rock in a reduced state.
Limestone, buff, of medium porosity, consisting of a matrix of rather fine
grained calcite with a variable proportion of pellety debris which is mostly of
similar texture and colour to the matrix. The proportion of pellety debris is
greatest towards the middle of this unit where much of the rock is almost entirely
made up of pellets. Towards the bottom the unit becomes silty and grades into
Description of the facies of the underlying unnamed divisions of the Araej.
type section
Fauna: Nautiloculina oolithica, Trocholina palestiniensis, abundant small
simple arenaceous foraminifera probably including Tetrataxis 64, Verneuilina
67 and Valvulina 61 of Aramco. Pfenderina trochoidea ( = Calyptochetus
825) and Pfenderina helicoidea (= Pfenderina 60 of Aramco). Araejia sp
(gen. & sp. Nov. yet to be described).
492

The following stromatoporoids have been identified from the type section by
Description of R.G.S. Hudson: at 7113, 7122, 7129 Cladocoropsis sp. Cf. zuffardias; 7123,
7146, Stromatoporina sp. Cf. somaliense. From the Uwainat of Kharaib No. 2
type section
the following species have been determined: at 6843, Camponectes sp. (det. By
(Cont)
R.G.S. Hudson), Syncyclonema sp. (det. By M. Chatton)
Type section (KB-1 Well), 193
Thickness
Juh No. 1, 134. Dukhan No. 40, 173. Bahrain No. 52, 185.
Upper Bathonian-Lower Callovian. This age designation is discussed in the
Age
accompanying definition of the Araej Formation.
Kharaib No. 2 well
Depth 6767 to
6860 (Bottom not reached)
Juh No. 1 well
Depth 8234 to
8368
Other
Dukhan No. 40 well
Depth 6815 to
6988
Localities
Bahrain No. 52 well
Depth 5820 to
6005
Although the Uwainat shows considerable variation of thickness over the area of
the Qatar Peninsula it always shows the same general succession of facies from
top to bottom. It is believed that towards Juh No. 1 and southwards the Uwainat
Member is gradually passing into the facies of the remainder of the Araej
Formation.
Remarks
Details of nature of the Fadhili Zone of the Fadhili well are not known, but the
Fadhili Zone is said to be correlatable with part of the Dhruma and since the
Uwainat contains gas in Bahrain and gas and perhaps oil at Dukhan, it seems
probable that the Fadhili Zone would be correlatable with the Uwainat.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/13520
10.1.1955
493

Izhara Formation
Name and
Izhara Formation
rank of unit
Author, date
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520
and references:
Type Locality
This section is designated as the type since Kharaib No.1 is so far the only well
on the Qatar Peninsula which has penetrated the formation
Gulailah Formation, contact conformable. The contact is taken as being at the
Underlying
top of the highest anhydrite attributable to the Gulailah Formation
formation
Araej Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying
see the accompanying definition of the Araej Formation.
formation
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense to medium porous, mostly rather silty
and with scattered medium sized dolomite crystals. Thickness 100.
Fauna: Form X and rare small, simple arenaceous foraminifera.
2. Limestone, grey and dark grey, fine grained, dense, silty, with occasional
streaks of rather fine textured pseudo-oolitic limestone, the pseudo-ooliths
being partly pyrite stained. Thickness 81. Fauna: Form X, rare
Nautiloculina oolithica, fragmental mollusk and echinoid debris,
Glomospira sp.
Description of
3. Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, with streaks of shale and marl in the
type section
upper and middle parts and being rather dolomitic in the lower part.
Thickness 74. Fauna: Form X.
4. Dolomite, grey-brown, mostly saccharoidal and porous. Thickness 35.
Unfossiliferous.
5. Limestone, grey, fine grained, compact or dense, in part rather marly, in part
dolomitic and in part with rare anhydrite nodules. Thickness 55
6. Dolomite, grey, fine grained, dense. Thickness 55. Unfossiliferous.
7. Limestone, grey, very fine grained, dense, in part rather marly. Thickness
22. Unfossiliferous.
Type section (Kharaib No. 1) 422
Thickness
Upper Bajocian and Lower Bathonian. So far no fossils have been found in the
Izhara Formation which enable its Age to be fixed with any precision. The age
Age
here given is therefore dependent upon the correlation of the overlying Araej and
underlying Gulailah with ammonite dated Aramco outcrops
494
Age (cont..)
As is noted in the accompanying description of the Araej Formation, the time

equivalent of the Araej-Izhara contact is thought to fall in a position equivalent to
about the top of the Thambites Zone of Aramco outcrops and is mentioned in the
accompanying description of the Gulailah Formation, the Izhara-Gulailah contact
is believed to correlate approximately with the bottom of the Dhibi Limestone
(upper part of Lower Dhruma, See Arkell, Bramkamp & Steineke). Thus the
Izhara is believed to be the approximate time correlative of the interval from the
bottom of the Dhibi Limestone to the top of the Thambites Zone, and therefore to
be of approximately Upper Bajocian to Lower Bathonian age.
Other
Localities
Bahrain No. 52 well
Remarks
Depth 6670 to
7120
In Bahrain 52 the Izhara Formation is almost entirely composed of dolomite thus

showing some lateral variations from the type section. It is however as readily
distinguishable from the overlying Araej and underlying Gulailah as to the case
in Kharaib 1 and the writer therefore considers that Izhara remains a valid name
for the unit in Bahrain.
The Izhara is probably distinguishable in the Abqaiq and Dammam deep tests but
no information is available on the nature of the relevant section in these wells.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/13520
10.1.1955
495

Gulailah Formation
Name and
Gulailah Formation
rank of unit
Author, date
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520
and references:
Kharaib No. 1 well, Qatar Peninsula. Depth 8052 to 8595
Type Locality
Kharaib No.1 is the only well on the Qatar Peninsula which has so far penetrated
the Gulailah formation
Suwei Formation, contact conformable. The contact between the Gulailah and
the Suwei is taken at the top of the highest brightly coloured shales or marls
typical of the Suwei. Although the Suwei is dominantly composed of red beds
Underlying
shales, the highest shales and marls of this formation are normally a bright
formation
greenish or bluish-grey, with red and purple shales first appearing some distance
below the top of the Suwei.
Izhara Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
see the accompanying definition of the Izhara Formation. Remark: Hamlah
Overlying
has been hand written on the original report as to a possible overlying formation
formation
instead of Izhara
From top to bottom:
1. Dolomite, grey and dark grey, fine grained, dense, calcareous, partly
argillaceous, with beds of anhydrite, grey and white. The anhydrite is
mostly thin bedded or intimately mixed with calcareous dolomite and is
occasionally nodular in form. Both the dolomite and the anhydrite contain
authigenic quartz. Thickness 88. Unfossiliferous
2. Dolomite, grey, fine grained, dense, partly calcareous. Thickness 84.
Unfossiliferous.
3. Anhydrite, grey, partly thin bedded, alternating with calcareous dolomite,
grey, fine grained, dense, mostly rather argillaceous, and more rarely shale,
dark grey, calcareous, partly anhydritic. A considerable amount (up to 20%)
Description of
of authigenic quartz throughout. Thickness 38. Unfossiliferous.
type section
4. Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, partly dolomitic, mostly with streaks
of nodules of anhydrite. Very argillaceous in the top and bottom few feet.
The lower half is partly pseudo-oolitic. Thickness 122. Fauna:
Ammodiscus sp. and Glomospira sp. in the lowermost few feet.
5. Limestone, grey and grey-brown, fine-grained, dense, partly pseudo-oolitic
or dolomitic and dolomite, grey, fine grained, dense, intimately associated
and interbedded with anhydrite, white and grey-brown. Some authigenic
quartz throughout. Thickness 116. Unfossiliferous.
6. Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, intimately associated with calcareous
dolomite and a small and variable proportion of grey anhydrite, the
496
Thickness
Age
Other
Localities
anhydrite in general decreasing in proportion downwards. Thickness 95.

Unfossiliferous.
Type section (Kharaib No. 1) 543
Upper Toarcian and Lower Bajocian. The age assignation is dependent on the
correlation of the type section of the Gulailah Formation with the dated
outcropping Upper Marrat and the anhydritic part of the Dhruma. No age
diagnostic fauna has been found in the Gulailah of the Qatar Peninsula. For
further details see Remarks below.
Bahrain No. 52 well
Depth 7120 to
7935
Bahrain No. 88 well
Depth 7275 to
7915
Dammam No. 20 well
Depth 6975 to
8070
Abqaiq No. 2 well
Depth 8900 to
10458
Jauf No. 1 well
Depth 9590 to
10235
Burgan No. DT 1-A well
Depth 12050 to
12916
In Division 1 of the above described type section the anhydrites sometimes
contain a very small proportion of pyrite, or fluorite.
Quartz, mentioned as occurring in various parts of the type section, is of very
irregular distribution. It is usually in the form of small nodules or single
anhedral crystals in the carbonate rocks and in the form of small aggregates of
slender subhedral crystals in the anhydrites. Other forms that is, as squat
anhedral crystals, chalcedony and chert, have been observed, but are rare.
A chemical analysis of three samples from the Gulailah Formation is given in the
writers RGQ/141.672/199 of 19th April 1954.
Remarks
Correlation with Arabian outcrops:

Since there is no useful age diagnostic fauna in the Izhara, Gulailah and Suwei
Formations of the Qatar Peninsula, the correlation of the Formations with
outcropping Aramco units is mostly dependent on readily distinguished
lithological changes. Going downwards through these Formations in the Kharaib
section the notable changes of lithology are (a) the incoming of the anhydritic
beds of the Gulailah Formation and (b) the change from anhydritic dolomite and
limestone of the Gulailah to the dominantly shaly and red beds facies of the
Suwei. These changes are very characteristic over a large area and there is no
difficulty in identifying the Gulailah and Suwei in Arabian deep test wells. (See
Other localities above)
Similar, though not identical changes of facies take place in Arabian outcrops (a)
at the bottom of the Dhibi Limestone, below which gypsiferous shales appear
and (b) at the top of the Middle Marrat, below which red beds shales appear.
(see plate Q/01.0487.) Thus there is no serious lithological obstacle to
correlating the top of the Gulailah with the bottom of the Dhibi Limestone and
the top of the Suwei with the top of the Middle Marrat. Palaeontological
confirmation of this correlation is however difficult to obtain the only direct
piece of evidence strongly in its favour being the occurrence of species of
Haurania both in the Gulailah of Burgan Dt 1-A and in the part of the
outcropping Dhruma with which the Gulailah is here correlated.
The above correlations and other comparatively improbable correlations which
have been elsewhere suggested are fully discussed in the writers
497
Remarks
(cont..)
RGQ/141.671/520 of the 24th Nov. 1954.

Correlation with Ain Zalab:
As has been illustrated above, the Gulailah is a widespread unit in Arabia which
can be satisfactorily correlated with parts of the Lower Dhruma. This correlation
indicates upper Toarcian Lower Bajocian age for the Gulailah and therefore
suggests correlation of the Gulailah with the Alan + Mus + Adaiyah sections of
the M.P.C. area, this combined section being assigned to more or less the same
age range and being made up of lithological types mostly similar to those of the
Gulailah. This correlation is supported by the occurrence of Haurania in the
Mus Limestone of Ain Zalah 16. (H.V. Dunnington, IDLL/141.62/3929,
17.1.52. As mentioned above Haurania sps. Have also been found in Lower
Dhruma outcrops and in the Gulailah of Burgan DT 1-A)
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/13520
10.1.1955
498

Suwei Formation
Name and
Suwei Formation
rank of unit
Author, date
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520
and references:
Kharaib No. 1 well, Qatar Peninsula. Depth 8595 to 8764 (not fully penetrated)
Kharaib No.1 well has penetrated deeper stratigraphically than any other well on
the Qatar Peninsula but did not reach the bottom of the Suwei Formation.
Temporary
Consequently a full definition of the Suwei from a Qatar well cannot be given.
Type Locality
Bahrain 52, of which the samples are available in Dukhan, penetrated the whole
of the Suwei, but for various reasons this well cannot be used for a satisfactory
type section. The final definition of the Suwei will therefore have to await the
availability of a complete and satisfactory section.
Not formally named and known to us only from Bahrain 52. It seems probable
that the bottom of the Suwei will best be defined as the bottom of the lowest
Underlying
brightly coloured shale or marl of Suwei type. Owing to excessive shale caving
formation
the tru position of this contact in Bahrain 52 cannot be accurately determined.
Gulailah Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying
see the accompanying definition of the Gulailah Formation.
formation
From top to bottom:
1. Sandstone, light grey, fairly fine grained, mostly marly, interbedded with
marl, blue-grey which contains streaks of limestone, light grey, very fine
grained. The sandstones are mainly made up of quartz but are in part
slightly glauconitic and mostly contain much calcareous, marly comment.
Description of
temporary
2. Shale, bluish and greenish grey, calcareous, very silty, interbedded with
type section
limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, mostly pseudo-oolitic, partly oolitic.
Thickness 25. Fauna: Lingula sp.
3. Shale and siltstone, rust red to light bluish grey, calcareous. Occasional
streaks of limestone and sandstone. The silt fraction is principally made up
of quartz grains. Thickness 82. (Not fully penetrated). Unfossiliferous.
Type section (Kharaib No. 1) 169 +. Not fully penetrated. Bahrain No. 52 ca.
Thickness
425
Middle Toarcian by correlation with the Middle Marrat of Aramco. For further
Age
details see the accompanying definition of the Gulailah Formation.
499
Other
Localities
Remarks
Bahrain No. 52 well

Depth 7935 to ca. 8360
Bahrain No. 88 well
Top at 7915
Dammam No. 20 well
Top at 8070
Abqaiq No. 2 well
Top at 10458
Jauf No. 1 well
Top at 10235
Burgan No. DT 1-A well
Top at 12916
The lowermost part of the Suwei of Bahrain 52 is almost certainly interbedded
with anhydrite and anhydritic dolomite but due to shale caving the cuttings from
this well do not permit a reliable assessment of the extent to which interbedding
takes place.
W. Sugden
RGQ/141.672/13520
10.1.1955
500
1956
501
QDLR/2
Q.P.C. Geological Dept.
Definitions of formational units of the

Qatar Peninsula and correlation with
Nejd-Hasa-Kuwait-Basra area units
By W. Sugden
December 1956
502

INTRODUCTION
This report contains definitions or descriptions of all the formational units of Qatar which are
currently in use. It is essentially a revision of RGQ/141.672/397 of 17.9.53 and brings that report
up to date (December 1956).
The present report also gives in the form of diagrams and included in the text an interpretation of
formational relationships in the Qatar-Hasa-Nejd-Kuwait-Basra area. In an appendix to the reports,
the sedimentation of the Lower and Middle Cretaceous sand-shale-limestone complex of that area is
discussed.
The various plates are essential to a rapid understanding of the text but in order to avoid constant
repetition the plates are scarcely mentioned in the text, it being left to the reader to refer to them as
necessary.
Two small plates show the position of type localities of formations in Qatar and the Hasa and Nejd.
Reference is by number, the key to the numbering being contained in the two cross-sections.
In alphabetical order the formational units here described are:
Araej Formation
Dammam Formation
Darb Formation
Diyab Formation
Fahahil Formation
Gulailah Formation
Hawar Formation
Hith Formation
Huwaila Formation
Izhara Formation
Kharaib Formation
Khatiyah Formation
Lower Fars Formation
Mauddud Formation
Mishrif Formation
Nahr Umr Formation
Qatar Formation
Ratawi Formation
Ruilat Formation
Rus Formation
Sabsab Formation
Shuaiba Formation
Simsima Formation
Suwei Formation
Umm er Radhuma Formation
Wakrah Formation
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
Type Section
503

As may be seen from the text, dating of units against European age stages is seldom firmly
established. The cross sectional diagrams may therefore give a false sense of accuracy in this
respect and it should be remembered that in general the inter-relationship of units within the area
under discussion is much better known than their time relationship with European stages.
29.12.1956
W. SUGDEN
504
Type localities of formations: Qatar Peninsula

Scale 1 : 1,000,000
505
Type localities of formations: Saudi Arabia

Scale 1 : 4,000,000
506

Description of a local development of a stratigraphic unit
named from a type section in another area
Authors and
references
Locality
Underlying
formation
Overlying
formation
The Lower Fars Formation has its type section in central S.W. Persia.
Shaw and Cox (GR 61) first described beds of similar age and facies in Qatar as
belonging to the Lower Fars and subsequent references have adhered to the same
nomenclature.
Jebel Naksh (Lat. 2453, Long. 5054 approx..) exhibits the thickest section of
Lower Fars on the Qatar Peninsula and for that reason is chosen as being
representative for the area.
Dammam Formation, contact unconformable but not noticeably discordant in
individual outcrops. Shaw and Cox did not give details of the contact, it being
covered at the described outcrop. Where the writer has examined it, it consists of
sandy and marly beds with scattered quartz and igneous pebbles overlying
normal Dammam limestones or chalky beds.
None. Above almost all of the area covered by Fars on the Qatar Peninsula there
is a skin of a few inches of gravel containing a great variety of pebbles. In many
places the pebbles are in the form of dreikanters.
Shaw and Cox (GR 61) note the similarity of these gravels to the desert gravels
of Iraq and Kuwait. Their origin is however doubtful. In Qatar they are found
only above the Fars and do not occur where the Dammam is exposed at the
surface. This being so suggests that they are residuum from wind eroded beds
which originally existed immediately above the presently remaining Lower Fars.
Shaw and Cox (GR 61) give a detailed description of the Lower Fars of Qatar in
which the sequence is divided as follows.
Upper Gypseous Group
Middle Chalky Group
Lower Sandy Group
106 feet
55 feet
Ca. 100 feet
Actually there is no great thickness of gypsum in the Gypseous Group (only

three beds of pure gypsum, in total six feet) and in a brief description it gives a
Description of more accurate impression to include the Gypseous and Chalky Groups
together.
section
A condensed description of the section is therefore as follows.
From top to bottom:
1. Chalky limestones, chalky marls and marls, white, blue-grey, pink or
yellowish, with beds of harder limestone, sometimes shelly or oolitic.
Numerous gypseous beds in the upper two thirds including three thin
beds of pure gypsum. An eight foot bed of sandy limestone at the top.
Fauna: Dendritina rangii dOrbigny, Archaias sp. Etc.. Thickness 161
feet.
507

Description of
type section
(Cont)
Thickness
Age
2. Marls, partly sandy, green, red, grey, yellow-green and olive green, with
beds of more or less sandy limestone, shale and sandy shale. Lowermost
few feet not seen but probably as described under Underlying
Formation above. Fauna: Ostrea latimarginata Vredenberg, Placuna
sp. Discorbis sp. D. rangii. Thickness ca. 100 feet.
Jebel Naksh (greatest known on the Qatar Peninsula) ca. 260 feet.
Elsewhere on the Peninsula thicknesses are less due to the erosion of the upper
beds and probably also to a lesser extent due to overlap of the lower beds by
transgression.
Either Lower or Middle Miocene. There is no conclusive evidence as to whether
the Lower Fars of Qatar should be placed in the Lower or the Middle Miocene
Beds which appear to be of almost the same age as the Lower Fars of Qatar are
known in the coastal area of the Hasa of Saudi Arabia.
According to Daniel (EJD/101, 30.4.51) the corresponding sequence has there
been divided into three as follows.
Hofuf
Dam
Hadrukh
Fresh water gravels, marls, etc..

Marine clays, marls and limestones
with gypsum beds
Continental clays, sands and
sandstones
It would seem that the Dam is more or less equivalent to the upper and middle
part of the Lower Fars of Qatar while the Hofuf may be represented by the
residual gravels which cover the Fars outcrops in Qatar. The Hadrukh may be
represented in Qatar but may equally well have its equivalents in the lower sandy
part of the Lower Fars.
Other
Localities
Although thicknesses are not quoted it would seem that the maximum thickness
of Miocene in the Hasa is between two and three hundred feet.
In the Kuwait area there is much the same succession as in the Hasa but a
considerably greater thickness and in the Basra oilfield area again a similar
succession but with many times the thickness.
In the Kuwait-Basra area the nomenclature applied to the three divisions has
been:
Dibdibba Formation
Zor Formation
Ghar Formation
There is reason to believe that in the Basra area the Dibdibba Formation may
include beds up to Pleistocene in age (Owen and Nasr, 1956) and there is thus
good reason to equate the Zor Formation with the Lower Fars, and the Dibdibba
with the Upper Fars and Baktiari.
It is interesting to note that in parts of the Basra-Kuwait area the surface
Dibdibba gravels contain dreikanters as does the thin skin of gravel covering the
Lower Fars of Qatar.
508
Remarks
The Lower Fars of Qatar appears to have transgressed into topographic lows
particularly those on either side of the Dukhan anticline and to have failed to
transgress over the northern part of the Peninsula. Lower Fars is also unknown
in Bahrain and there may well have been an island in Lower Fars times
comprising northern Qatar, Bahrain and possibly also part of the Dammam area
of Saudi Arabia.
13.12.1956
W. Sugden
509

Description of a Type Section of a Stratigraphic Unit
Dammam Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Dammam Formation of the Hasa series

N.J. Sanders Doctorate thesis entitled La stratigraphie de l'ocne le long du
rivage occidental du Golfe Persique and Essai biomtrique sur les variations
des genres Lockhartia et Sakesaria. University of Paris. March 1952
Authors and
references
Sander deals at great length with the stratigraphy of the Hasa Series (Paleocene
and Eocene) of Saudi Arabia and it is not possible here to give a complete
translation. A translation of his description of the type section of the Dammam is
given and certain supplementary information has been condensed to a few
paragraphs
Near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Coordinates: Lat. 26173 N. Long. 50077 E.
Type Locality
about 7kms West of Jebel Umm er Rus
Rus formation, contact conformable. In most sections other than the type Sander
has taken the Dammam-Rus contact as being the bottom of the Midra Shale
Member of the Dammam, but for reasons which he does not mention the type
Underlying
section of the Dammam and one or two others include thin limestones below the
formation
Midra Shale. The bottom of the Midra shale is the obvious level at which to
place the contact.
Overlying Unit Miocene limestones, unconformable
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, whitish, fine grained, porous, with casts of molluscs.
Thickness 3.8 metres.
2. Limestone, light yellow, soft, saccharoidal, with a half metre bed of
dolomitic marly clay at the bottom. Thickness 4.9 metres
3. Limestone, light grey, hard, fine grained with traces of leached out
fossils. Thickness 5.7 metres.
4. Limestone, white, marly, hardened on the upper surface by weathering.
Thickness 1.9 metres
5. Limestone, white, massive, hard, rugged, speckled due to weathering.
Description of
section
6. Limestone, compact, slightly marly, smooth weathered. Thickness 1.7
metres.
7. Limestone, granular, porous, feature forming. Thickness 0.8 metres.
8. Shale, Light greenish brown, waxy, very gypsiferous. Thickness 2.5
metres
9. Limestone, white to light grey, chalky, in part limonite stained.
Thickness 1.0 metre.
10. Shaly marl, limonite stained. Thickness 1.2 metres
11. Limestone, marly, and shaly marl, light grey, with oyster remains.
510

12. Limestone, white to light yellow brown, with pelecypod casts.
Type section. Dhahran. 26.6 metres (87 feet)
Sander gives details of six other sections of the Dammam which appear to be
reasonably complete. For these thicknesses are as follows:
Location
Thickness
Fossils
Age
Latitude
Longitude
Thickness
(m)
32
179.5
121.7
121.6
Thickness
(ft)
105
588
399
399
Bahrain
2600N
5033.6E
Near Bejsa
2754.5N
4824.4E
Well near Mutba
2632.0N
4905.9E
Well near Araira
2550.4N
4852.0E
Well near
2416.35N
4912.2E
35.2
115
Haradh
Jafura
2459.7N
4953.7E
86.2
283
Fauna from Qatar is mentioned in a subsequent section. From Bahrain L.R. Cox
(1936) has identified the following macrofossils from the Dammam Formation.
Terrebellum carcassense Leymerie, Mytilus Cleopatrae Oppenheim, Ostrea
turkestanensis Romanovski, Spondylus radula Lamarck, Euphenax jamaicensis
(Trechmann), Lucina metableta Cossmann, Lucina (Loripinus) pharaonis
Bellardi, Chama calcarata Lamarck and Corbula (Bicorbula) subexerata
darchiac and Haime.
According to Sander, Roger and Calas (see Sander p. 60) have identified all the
above species among specimens from the Dammam of Saudi Arabia and have in
addition identified Rimella fissurella Leymerie, Marginella cf. ovulata Lamarck,
Lyria sp. Aff. Harpula Lamarck, Lyria turgidula var. Deshayes, Milthia mutabilis
Lamarck and Phacoides cf. latebrosus Deshayes. With the exception of O.
turkestanensis which was found only in the Midra shale the above fauna was
limited to the upper part of the Dammam.
Sander has identified the following foraminifera from the Dammam Formation.
Orbitolites complanata Lamarck, Dictyoconus indicus Davies, Nummulites
beaumonti dArchiac and Haime, N. discorbinus (Schlotheim) var. major
Rozlozsnik, N. staminea Nuttall, N. somaliensis Nuttall and Brighton, N.
globulus Leymerie, N. aff. Lucasanus Defrance, Dictyoconoides kohaticus
(Davies), D. cooki (Carter), Linderina buranensis Nuttall and Brighton, L.
brugesi Schlumberger, Halkyardia minima (Liebus), Coskinolina balsilliei
Davies, Alveolina subpyrenaica Leymerie. The range of these is given in a
diagram by Sander as is that of a new species described by him, Nummulites
cuvillieri.
Middle Eocene (Lutetian) and perhaps highest Lower Eocene (Ypresian)
according to Sander. This will be further discussed below.
511

In addition to localities mentioned under Thickness above, Sander gives
descriptions of four partial sections of the Dammam as follows:
Other
Localities
Location
Wadi Sahaba
Near Mukhiyat
Well at Raudha al Hani
Hafar al Batin
Latitude
2410.5N
2524.9N
2456.2N
2811.3N
Longitude
4836 apprx E
4812.5E
4843.1E
4818.5E
These are all in Saudi Arabia

Sander gives the following table showing formations, members and age stages.
The Dammam, Rus and Umm er Radhuma Formations together make up his
Hasa Series.
Stage
Formation
Discordance
Member
Lutetian
Dammam
Ypresian
Rus
Sparnacian
Thanetian
Remarks
Umm er Radhuma
Alat Limestone
Marl
Khobar Dolomite
Marl
Midra Shale
Montian
Danian
Aruma
Maestrichtian
He gives a brief description of the members into which the Dammam has been
divided, stating that the Alat, Khobar and Midra Members take their names
respectively from outcrops near Alat No. 1 Well, the village of Khobar (on the
coast near Dammam) and the Jebel Midra Shemali (on the Dammam Dome).
However he makes no attempt to present formal definitions of these members,
stating that the names are sometimes used for the sake of convenience. Positions
of the members are not shown in any of his measured sections.
Sanders reason for suggesting the name Hasa Series for the Eocene-Paleocene
section is that the Hasa area of Arabia is the only area in which complete
outcrops are exposed. For this reason he is loath to adopt the name Bahrain
series suggested by Pilgrim (1908) since less than half of the Hasa Series is
exposed in Bahrain.
31.01.1956
W. Sugden
512

Dammam Formation
Authors and
references
Type section defined by Sander (1952) from outcrops near Dhahran, Saudi
Arabia. Dammam Formation of Qatar first described as such by Sugden
(RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53) and now redefined in the light of additional
information.
Upper Limestone plus the Abaruk Beds of Williamson and Pomeyrol
(GR/97, Oct. 1938) and others.
Synonymy
Uppermost part of the Bahrain Formation of some later reports on Dukhan

stratigraphy (see particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLL/1157, 24.10.40). Also
mentioned under that name by Barber (1948).
A complete section of the Dammam is exposed between Dukhan (lat 2526N.
Long. 5047E) and the head of Zekrit Bay (Lat. 2528N. Long. 5049E).
Locality
Nowhere else on the Qatar Peninsula is a complete section of the Dammam
visible at the surface.
Rus formation, contact conformable. The bottom of the Midra Shale is taken as
Underlying
being the bottom of the Dammam Formation as is the case in most of the sections
formation
measured and described by Sander.
In the case of the section mentioned there is no overlying unit, the top of the
Dammam being completely exposed. Elsewhere on the Qatar Peninsula the
Overlying Unit
eroded top of the Dammam is unconformably overlain by the Lower Fars
Formation or by superficial recent sediments.
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, light grey, rubbly, recrystallized, rather nodular in
appearance. Fauna: Abundant casts of Lamellibranchs and gastropods
which have defied determination on account of their poor preservation;
miliolids. Thickness ca. 6 feet.
2. Dolomite chalk, white, with disseminated silica. Calcite nodules in the
upper part. Thickness ca. 35 feet.
3. Limestone, light grey, mostly rubbly weathering, interbedded with white
dolomitic chalk. Chert nodules are of frequent but sporadic occurrence.
Description of
Thickness ca. 110 feet. Fauna: Dr. M. Chatton has identified the
section
following echinoids; Echinocyamus nummuliticus Duncan, Echinolampas
ovalis de St-Vincent, Euspatangus ornatus (Defrance), Euspatangus
formosus de Loriol and Schizaster africanus de Loriol. With the
exception of the first, these are restricted to a level near the top of this
division of the Dammam. Dr. Chatton has also identified Nummulites
lucasanus dArchiao from this division. Dr. A. Smout (1954) records the
occurrence of the foraminifera Nummulites somaliensis Nuttall and
Brighton, Nummulites discorbinus (Schlotheim), Linderina brugesi
Schlumberger, Alveolina elliptica (Sowerby) var. flosculina Silvestri,
513
Thickness
Age
Other
Localities
Remarks
Dictyconoides cooki (Carter) and Lockhartia cf. hunti Ovey and reports
the occurrence of a new species Alveolina delicatissima from this part of
the Dammam. Coskinolina balsilliei Davies has been identified by
Henson (1948). Lockhartia hunti Ovey var. pustulosa Smout and L.
tipperi (Davies) have also been found. Dr. R.G.S. Hudson records
Sismondia polymorpha Duncan and Sladen from the lower part of this
division.
4. Midra Member. Shale, light grey, with a foliate cleavage, changing
upwards to light grey marl, the whole being partly yellowish stained by
iron minerals. Thin beds of limestone sometimes occur within this
member. The more shaly parts are frequently gypseous. Thickness ca.
18 feet. Fauna: Dr. Chatton has identified Ostrea turkestanensis
Romanovski, from this member. Fish teeth are of common occurrence.
About 170 feet. The true thickness is difficult to measure with accuracy due to
the occurrence in the section of a long dip slope covered with weathered residual
rubble and sand.
Middle Eocene and perhaps highest Lower Eocene. It is agreed by all authorities
that all of the Dammam Formation above the Midra Shale is of Middle Eocene
age by comparison of its fauna with those of India, Somaliland and the
Mediterranean (Smout 1954, Sander 1952). It has however been suggested by
Calas (see Sander p. 61) that the Midra Shale may be uppermost Lower Eocene
on account of the occurrence in it of the single identified species Ostrea
turkestanensis. Since the underlying Rus Formation has not so far been dated
and the highest part of the Umm er Radhuma is Lower Eocene there would seem
to be no strong objection to the Midra being dated as of highest Lower Eocene
age.
In addition to localities mentioned by Sander, the Dammam formation is also
known from Abqaiq field (Abqaiq No. 6, G.L. to 450 feet) from Abu Hadriya
(Abu Hadriya No. 1, 155 to 785 feet) and from the Basra-Kuwait area. A
description of the Formation in the latter area is given by Owen and Nasr (1956).
It seems very probable that the limestone of division 1 of the above description
of the Qatar section corresponds with the Alat Member of Saudi Arabia and
Bahrain. For this there is as yet no proof but Sanders description of the Alat
conforms almost exactly to the nature of this particular limestone.
Divisions 1 and 2 of the above described section together constitute the Abaruk
Beds, so named by Williamson (GR 97). These form a distinctive section
which is very useful for mapping, but as two very different lithologies are
represented the Abaruk Beds as originally described cannot be conveniently
included in one member.
The Alveolina Bed is a thin zone at the bottom of division 3 of the above
described section. It is of 3 to 16 feet in thickness and contains one or very often
two beds of limestone with abundant Alveolina elliptica var. flosculina. These
beds are normally separated by an interval of marly limestone or shaly marl. The
Alveolina Bed or beds have been much employed as a marker for surface
mapping and the name has therefore been in common use for a number of years.
These beds disappear over the N.E. part of the Peninsula.
514

The Midra Shale Member of the Dammam Formation of Saudi Arabia is readily
recognized in the Qatar section and serves the useful purpose of marking the
bottom of the Dammam Formation. It is however thin or absent in the N.E. part
of the Peninsula.
The Dammam Formation is exposed over most of the area of the Qatar Peninsula
in the form of a residual rubble resulting from weathering. There are however
numerous good partial sections along the length of the Dukhan anticline and the
Formation is known in many other places as a result of water well and other
drilling
31.01.1956
W. Sugden
515

Rus Formation
Name and
rank of unit
Rus Formation of the Hasa Series

Authors and
references
and Eocene) of Saudi Arabia and it is not possible here to give a full translation
of all that he had to say concerning the Rus Formation. A translation of his
description of the type section is given and certain supplementary information
has been condensed to a few paragraphs
South West flank of the of the Dammam Dome, Saudi Arabia. Coordinates: Lat
Type Locality
2619.5N. Long. 5010.0E.
Umm er Radhuma Formation, contact conformable. Sander states (p.35) that the
contact with the Rus is usually marked by a fairly abrupt passage to anhydrites,
clays and limestones but he also says that anhydrites are often absent from the
Rus as is the case in the type section. He gives no criteria by which the bottom
Underlying
of the Rus may be recognized in such instances. It is however observed from
formation
Sanders described sections and elsewhere that the Rus is dominantly soft and
chalky in contrast with the underlying Umm er Radhuma and it appears that
dominant chalkiness could be accepted as a means of identifying the Rus where
it does not contain anhydrites.
Dammam Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the
Overlying Unit
contact see the accompanying description of the Dammam Formation.
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, white, soft, chalky, with several thin oolitic beds, in part
limonite stained. Thickness 1.3 metres.
2. Limestone, white, soft, chalky, with aggregates of quartz forming brown
nodules. Thickness 2.3 metres.
3. Limestone, white, soft, chalky, weathering to rounded surfaces, with
several beds of hard crystalline limestone forming small ledges.
Description of
4. Limestone, white, chalky, strongly limonite stained and with numerous
section
quartz geodes near the bottom. Thickness 13.9 metres.
5. Limestone, probably as in 4, but almost entirely concealed. Thickness
9.4 metres.
6. Limestone, grey to light grey, hard, compact, interbedded with chalky,
white limestone in the upper part. Thickness 9.0 metres.
7. Limestone, white to brown, hard, weathering to large rectangular blocks.
516

Type Section. Dammam Dome. 56.4 metres (185 feet). Sander gives details of
five other complete sections of the Rus. For these thicknesses are as follows:
Location
Thickness
Fossils
Age
Other
Localities
Remarks
Latitude
Longitude
Thickness
(m)
66.6
Thickness
(ft)
218
Bahrain
2600N
5033.6E
Near Hafar al
2819N
4607E
67
220
Batin
Near Fadhili
2648.1N
4913.3E
86.2
283
Near Mukhiyat
2524.9N
4812.5E
12.1
40
Wadi Sahaba
2410.5N
~ 4815E
22
72
According to Sander the Rus of Saudi Arabia is almost devoid of fossils and so
far none have proved to be identifiable. Such is also the case in Qatar
Sander places the Rus Formation in the Ypresian stage of the Lower Eocene but
does not have very much justification for so doing. For further details see the
description of the Rus Formation of Qatar
Since the Rus frequently contains much anhydrite and since this is one of its
most distinctive and important features it may be of interest to give here one of
Sanders descriptions of an anhydritic section of the Rus. For this purpose his
section from Hafar al Batin (Lat 2819N. Long. 4607E) may be chosen. His
description is as follows.
From top to bottom:
1. Anhydrite, white and smoky grey with some gypsum and plastic, applegreen clay. Upper limit marked by a white oolitic limestone. Thickness
42.7 m.
2. Limestone, light brown, porous, soft, partly impregnated with gypsum.
Thickness 4.6 m.
3. Anhydrite, white, with a few thin beds of green clay and white marl.
Thickness 15.2 m.
4. Limestone, light brown, dolomitic, impregnated with gypsum. Thickness
0.9 m.
5. Anhydrite, white, with thin beds of limestone and perhaps some green
clay.
As in many other areas the occurrence of anhydrites in the Rus of Saudi Arabia is
sporadic and this is doubtless in part due to leaching out of calcium sulphate by
percolating water.
31.01.1956
W. Sugden
517

Rus Formation
Type section defined by Sander (1952) from outcrops on the Dammam Dome,
Saudi Arabia. Rus Formation of Qatar first described as such by Sugden
Authors and
(RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53) and now redefined in the light of additional
references
information.
Lower Limestone of Williamson and Pomeyrol (GR/97, Oct. 1938) and others.
Part of the Bahrain Formation of later reports on Dukhan stratigraphy (see
Synonymy
particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLL/1157, 24.10.40).
Almost the whole of the Rus Formation is exposed to the North of Dukhan,
Qatar, though the lower part of the section is much cloaked by weathered residue
of the sand. It is however thought that it is better to give this section as an
example of the Rus than to describe it from an oil well, samples from which are
Locality
always limited and usually imperfect. The best exposures of the Rus may be
seen in the cliffs of Jebel Dukhan at about Lat. 2526N. Long. 5047E. and
from there westwards towards the sea.
Umm er Radhuma Formation, contact conformable. Not exposed in outcrops.
Owing to widespread recrystallization and solution by percolating water the
lower parts of the Rus Formation is not always readily distinguishable from the
underlying Umm er Radhuma and even in cases where the rocks are not much
Underlying
altered there is frequently interfingering or gradation between the two units. The
formation
contact is therefore placed where the chalky facies of the Rus may best be
considered to give place to the coarser grained and porous dolomitic limestones
of the Umm er Radhuma.
Dammam Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying Unit
description of the Dammam Formation of Qatar.
Dolomite-chalk, white, with occasional harder beds which appear to be more
calcareous and sometimes contain a little pellet and oolitic debris. Chert nodules
and small aggregates of quartz or chalcedony are common in the lower part and
Description of
frequently occur also in the upper part. Gypsum is present here and there in
section
small quantities in the outcrops. It was probably originally more widespread, it
being believed that much has been leached out. Rare stringers of shale of Midra
type have been observed at various localities.
At the above mentioned outcrops about 100 ft of the Rus formation is exposed,
the contact with the underlying Umm er Radhuma not being visible. In wells in
Thickness
the Dukhan area the Rus is usually of 110 to 130 feet in thickness.
No identifiable fossils have been obtained from the Rus Formation and its age
can therefore be decided only by reference to beds above and below.
Age
The upper part of the Umm er Radhuma can be safely dated as Lower Eocene
and all of the Dammam Formation above the Midra Shale is reliably dated as
Middle Eocene. The Midra Shale cannot yet be dated with certainty and while it
518

too may be Middle Eocene, the single species (Ostrea turkestanensis) which has
been identified from it indicates Lower Eocene age see description of Dammam
Formation of Qatar).
Other
Localities
Thus while the Rus may be of highest Lower and lowest Middle Eocene age
there is some indication that it may be all Lower Eocene.
In addition to sections described by Sander the Rus Formation is also known
from Abqaiq (Abqaiq No. 6 Well, 450 to 630 feet), Abu Hadriya (Abu Hadriya
No. 1 well, 785 to 1285 feet) and from Jauf (thickness ca. 430 feet). Owen and
Nasr (1956) describe the formation from the Basra-Kuwait area.
The Rus Formation of Dukhan is above described as being principally composed
of dolomite-chalk that is to say the chalk is dominantly made up of dolomite
with a relatively small proportion of calcite. This has been established by the
chemical analysis of two samples (see CHEM.QT/CO/17, P.R. Hannay, 11.6.51).
In rocks of such fine grain it is always difficult to differentiate calcite and
dolomite without chemical analysis and it seems likely that dolomitic chalks in
the Rus may be much more wide-spread than has hitherto been supposed. This is
particularly to be suspected from the occurrence of evaporites in the Rus and the
well-known association of evaporates with dolomite.
Remarks
Numerous partial sections of the Rus Formation are exposed along the length of
the Dukhan anticline and elsewhere on the Qatar Peninsula. It is also well
known from numerous oil and water wells. It is the lowest formation exposed at
the surface.
Gypseous and anhydritic intervals have been found in the Rus of many well
sections on the Qatar Peninsula. It seems probable however that in many places
much original anhydrite has been removed from this formation by percolating
water.
31.01.1956
W. Sugden
519

Name and
rank of unit
Umm er Radhuma Formation of the Hasa Series

Authors and
references
Type Locality
Underlying
unit
Overlying
formation
and Eocene) of Saudi Arabia and it is not possible to give here a complete
translation of everything he says about the Umm er Radhuma Formation. A
condensation of his description of the type section of the Umm er Radhuma is
given and certain supplementary information has been added.
Wadi al Batin, Saudi Arabia. Coordinates: Lat 2742 to 2759N. Long. 4500
to 4529E.
Cretaceous, contact conformable. Unit not named by Sander. Sander states that
the lower limit of the Umm er Radhuma is placed at a thin bed of dolomitic shale
beneath which Maestrichtian fossils are found and above which there is a
characteristic Paleocene microfauna. In such of his sections as show the position
of this shale it is included in the Cretaceous.
Rus Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
description of the type section of the Rus Formation
The following is condensed from Sanders description of the type section.
From top to bottom:

1. Limestone, grey to light brown, partly silicified in the upper part.
2. Dolomite, grey, bench forming. Thickness 5.3 metres.
3. Limestone, white and light brown, fine grained. Thickness 6.5 metres.
4. Limestone, grey, with thin beds of chert. Thickness 12.0 metres.
5. Limestone, white, partly chalky. Thickness 10.0 metres.
6. Limestone, grey, with chert which is mostly confined to the lower part.
Description of
7. Limestone, grey and white in alternating hard and chalky beds.
section
8. Limestone, white, hard, massive, partly porous. Thickness 19.5 metres.
9. Limestone, white, chalky, with occasional thin harder beds. Thickness
20.3 metres.
10. Limestone, blue-grey with brown stains. Thickness 2.5 metres.
11. Limestone, white chalky, marly at the bottom. Thickness 8.6 metres.
12. Limestone, white, mostly chalky, partly thin bedded, in several step like
features. Thickness 43.6 metres.
13. Limestone, blue-grey, fine grained, dolomitized. Thickness 7.0 metres.
14. Interval not measured. Thickness ca. 5 metres.
15. Limestone, brown to dark yellow, hard. Thickness 4.0 metres.
520

Type Section. Wadi Batin. 211.6 metres (694 feet). Sander gives details of two
other sections of the Umm er Radhuma which appear to be complete. For these
thicknesses are:
Location
Thickness
Latitude
Longitude
Thickness
(m)
Thickness
(ft)
Abqaiq wells
Composite
2600N
4942.9E
320.1
1050
section
Well and
exposures at Ma
2625N
4720E
232.2
762
Aqala
Fauna identified from Qatar is mentioned under the description of the Umm er
Radhuma of that locality.
Sander states (p.37) that a well preserved macrofauna has not been found
anywhere in outcrops and since he fails to mention macrofauna from any other
sources it is presumed that none has been identified.
His range chart of Eocene and Paleocene foraminifera shows the following
identifications for the Umm er Radhuma here given in descending order of
occurrence.
Fossils
Nummulites globulus Leymerie, Alveolina subpyrenaica Leymerie, Lockhartia

tipper (Davies), Rotalia trochidiformis Lamarck, Nummulites aff. nitida de la
Harpe, N. lahirii Davies, Operculina cf. canalifera dArchiac, Nummulites cf.
fraasi de la Harpe, Miscellanea miscella (dArchiac & Haime), Kathina major
Smout, Operculina aff. patalensis Davies, O. cf. ammonea Leymerie, Lockhartia
conditi (Nuttall), L. haimei (Davies).
In addition to species shown in the range chart Sander has identified the
following:
Alveolina globosa Leymerie, A. frumentiformis Schwager, A. cf. lepidula
Schwager, Operculina cf. subgranulosa dOrbigny, Heterostegina cf. ruida
Schwager, and Sakesaria cotteri Davies.
Age
As well as species above named Sander describes one new genus, nine new
species and four new varieties belonging to the Rotaliidae but unfortunately most
if not all of these clash with new genera, species and varieties established by
Smout (1954). The writer is not qualified to discuss this problem but it would
appear that as regards priority Smout would have precedence since as far as is
known Sanders work remains still unpublished and therefore not readily
available.
Lower Eocene and Paleocene. According to Sander (see description of Dammam
Formation herewith) the Umm er Radhuma includes Montian, Thanetian,
Sparnacian and lowermost Ypresian, but he fails to justify such close dating. All
authorities are however agreed that the Umm er Radhuma includes both Eocene
and Paleocene.
521

In addition to localities mentioned under Thickness above, sander gives
descriptions of three outcropping sections of the Umm er Radhuma. Localities
are as follows:
Other
Localities
Remarks
Location
Latitude
Longitude
South of Ansab
2852.7N
4442.2E
Wadi Sahaba
2410.5N
4830E
Mukhiyat area
2524.9N
4812.5E
Sander (p.37) states that here and there dolomitisation of the Umm er Radhuma
has been intense and it may be noted that dolomite is quite extensive in Qatar
sections of the Formation
31.01.1956
W. Sugden
522

Authors and
references
Type section described by Sander (1952) from outcrops in the Wadi Batin, Saudi
Arabia. Umm er Radhuma of Qatar not previously described under that name.
Lower part of the Bahrain Formation of older reports on Dukhan stratigraphy
(see particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLL/1157, 21.10.40).
Synonymy
Later described as the Busaiyir Formation (see W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/397,
17.9.53)
Dukhan No. 22 well. Depth 201 to 1270 ft. Coordinates: Lat 252238N. long.
Locality
504834E
Simsima Formation, contact seemingly conformable. There is a very marked
change of fauna between the Tayarat and the Umm er Radhuma which leads to
the suspicion of hiatus between the two formations. The presence of such a
hiatus is supported by the occurrence of a short interval of blue-grey marl or
marly shale, which sometimes contains carbonaceous matter. This interval is
Underlying
usually about ten feet in thickness and contains neither the typical Paleocene nor
formation
the typical Maestrichtian faunas which occur respectively above and below. It
has not however been possible to illustrate unconformity, and the unfossiliferous
interval has been included in the Umm er Radhuma to which it is more akin
lithologically.
Rus Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying Unit
description of the Rus Formation of Qatar.
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, light brown and light grey, mostly very dolomitic, very
porous and mostly with small aggregates of quartz and chalcedony, these
being particularly abundant in the upper part. Thickness 164 ft.
2. Dolomite, brown, grey-brown and dark grey, saccharoidal, very porous,
partly calcareous, particularly in the upper part. Thickness 260 ft,
Description of
Unfossiliferous.
section
3. Limestone, light grey to grey-brown, variably dolomitic, with streaks of
bluish grey marly limestone towards the bottom. Thickness 430 ft.
4. Marly limestone, bluish grey, with beds of blue marl, particularly in the
lower part. Thickness 175 ft.
5. Marl, blue-grey, mostly rather pyritic. Thickness 40 ft.
Section described (Dukhan No. 22 Well), 1069 feet. The Umm er Radhuma does
Thickness
not vary greatly in thickness over the area of the Qatar Peninsula
The foraminifera of the Umm er Radhuma of Qatar have been the subject of
intensive investigation by Smout (1954) who records seven fossil zones within
the Formation. These may be related to the above described lithological
Fossils
divisions as follows.
523

Division 1 is equivalent to Smouts Lower Eocene zone. Fauna: Lockhartia
tipper (Davies), Lockhartia hunti Ovey and L. hunti var. pustulosa Smout,
Sakesaria cotteri Davies, Rotalia trochidiformis (Lamarck) and Nummulites
globulus Leymerie.
Division 2 is unfossiliferous and lies between Smouts Lower Eocene zone and
his zone 6 of the Paleocene.
Division 3 corresponds to the upper part of zone 3 and the whole of zones
4, 5 and 6. Fauna: Rotalia trochidiformis Lamarck, Miscellanea meandrina
(Carter), Sakesaria dukhani Smout, and S. dukhani var. cordata Smout,
Miscellanea miscella (dArchiac and Haime) and M. miscella var. dukhani
Smout, Operculina sp., Daviesina langhami Smout, D. Khatiyahi Smout,
Kathina major Smout K. selveri Smout, K. delseota Smout, Lockhartia diversa
Smout, L. haimei (Davies), L. conditi (Nuttall), L. conica Smout, L. altispira
Smout, Dictyokathina simplex Smout, Dictyoconus indicus Davies. Henson
(1948) has also described D. indicus from this part of the section.
Delheidia haydeni Douville has also been identified from this part of the section
by F.R.S. Henson.
Division 4 includes the lower part of zone 3, the whole of zone 2 and the
upper part of zone 1. Fauna: Lockhartia haimei, L. diversa, L. altispira, L.
conica, L. conditi, Daviesina khatiyahi, Asterigerina dukhani Smout, Rotalia
hensoni Smout, R. dukhani Smout and Lockhartia prehaimei Smout.
Division 5 includes the lower part of zone 1 and the thin unfossiliferous
interval below it. Fauna: Lockhartia prehaimei, L. conditi.
Lower Eocene and Paleocene. Smout like Sander, finds that the Umm er
Radhuma ranges from Paleocene to Lower Eocene. This results from the
comparison of Qatar faunas with those of parts of India and Somaliland.
Age
Other
Localities
Remarks
Smout makes no attempt in his monograph to divide the Umm er Radhuma

according to European stages but in a company report (GRCR/284, 7.5.54) he
favours inclusion of the Danian in the Paleocene, and therefore since there is no
demonstrable break between the Umm er Radhuma and Simsima of Qatar it is to
be presumed that the Umm er Radhuma includes Danian because the Simsima is
demonstrably Maestrichtian.
The formation can be identified in all oil wells drilled on the Qatar Peninsula. In
addition to localities mentioned by Sander the Umm er Radhuma is also known
from Abu Hadriya (Abu Hadriya No. 1 Well, 1285 to 2895 feet) and in the
Kuwait-Basra area. The Formation in the latter area is described by Owen and
Nasr (1956).
The Umm er Radhuma of Qatar invariably includes intervals which have been
subjected to recrystallization and dolomitisation. Such alteration is usually
confined to the upper half of the formation that is to say above the E-2 marker in
the Dukhan area. Near Kharaib however alteration has been much more
extensive with the consequent disappearance of fossils from all but the lowest
zones of the Paleocene.
31.01.1956
W. Sugden
524

Description of a newly named Stratigraphic Unit
Simsima Formation
Authors and
references
W. Sugden. No previous references under the name Simsima Formation

The Simsima Formation is synonymous with the Tayarat Formation of Qatar as
described by W. Sugden in RGQ/141.672/397 of 17.9.53 and
RGQ/141.672/13595 of 20.3.55. Reasons for now describing the unit under a
different name are given under Remarks below.
Synonymy
The Simsima Formation coincides with the upper part of the Tayarat as it was
first correlated in DK-001 (see F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 14.8.40) and is
equivalent to the upper part of the more extensive Tayarat Formation of R.M.
Ramsden (RGQ/141.672/2382, 11.12.49).
The Simsima Formation coincides with the upper part of the Tayarat of Qatar as
referred to by Barber (1948).
The Simsima of Dukhan No. 28 Well (Lat 251712N Long 504846E) is
chosen as the type section, being representative of the Simsima of the Dukhan
Type Locality
anticline. In this well the Simsima Formation occurs between 1270 and 1800 ft.
depth.
Ruilat Formation, contact conformable. The contact of the Simsima and Ruilat
Formations is taken at the point where porous, partly detrital and often dolomitic
limestone above overlie fine grained, compact or chalky, sometimes rather marly
Underlying
limestones below. The change from one formation to the other is often
unit
gradational and indistinct and the contact must be placed according to the merits
of the section concerned.
Umm er Radhuma, contact seemingly conformable. For details of the nature of
Overlying
the contact see the accompanying description of the Umm er Radhuma
formation
Formation of Qatar.
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, blue-grey and grey, partly marly and partly earthy and porous
with beds of grey, marly dolomite. Thickness 90 ft
2. Limestone, light grey, earthy, silty, porous, with some pellet and much
Description of
fossil detritus, showing a great deal of patchy alteration to brown
section
saccharoidal dolomite. Thickness 300 ft.
3. Limestone, white to light grey, porous to moderately compact, dolomitic
in the upper half, with a limited amount of fossil and other detritus.
Thickness 140 ft.
Type Section. (Dukhan No. 28) 530 ft.
Thickness
Thickness does not vary greatly over the area of the Qatar Peninsula.
The fauna of this formation was first fully discussed in a report by F.R.S.
Fossils
Henson, A.N. Dusenbury and A.H. Smout (CGLR/2344, 20.11.40). as divided in
525

the above lithological description the formation contains the following faunas.
In division 1, Omphalocyclus macroporus (Lamarck), Rotalia trochidiformis
(Lamarck), Loftusia morgani Douville, Siderolites calcitrapoides Lamarck,
Fissoelphidium operculiferum Smout, Elphidiella multicissurata Smout.
In division 2, O macroporus, R trochidiformis, L. morgana, F. operculiferum,
Loftusia aff. elongate Cox, Pseudorbitolina marthae Douville, Lepidorbitoides
minor (Schlumberger), Orbitoides media (dArchiac) and Loftusia coxi Henson.
In division 3, O. macroporus, R. trochidiformis, P. marthae, L. minor, O.
media, Dictyoconus cf. arietinus Silvestri, Dicyclina schlumbergeri MunierChalmas, Simplorbites gensacicus (Leymerie), Dictyoconella complanata
Henson, Lituonelloides compressus Henson, Broeckinella arabica Henson and
Pseudodomia multistriata Henson.
Henson (1948) described a number of the above species from specimens partly or
entirety obtained from Qatar, these being; D. cf. arietinus, P. marthae, L. coxi, D.
complanata, L. compressus, B. arabica and P. multistriata. All but the first two
of these were new species described by Henson.
Smout (1955) described F. operculiferum and E. multicissurata from specimens
from the Simsima Formation of Dukhan.
Upper Cretaceous, Maestrichtian. The number of typical Maestrichtian species
in the above faunas leaves no doubt as to the Maestrichtian age of the formation.
Age
Other
Localities
Since the Simsima is demonstrably Maestrichtian and since no break can be

illustrated between the Simsima and the Umm er Radhuma it is to be presumed
that the Umm er Radhuma includes equivalents of the Danian stage. Smout
(GRCR/284) favours inclusion of the Danian in the Paleocene and it is for this
reason that the Danian is not shown separately on relevant plates.
The Simsima Formation is known from some fifty oil wells and structure holes
which between them are representative of a large part of the area of the Qatar
Peninsula.
The Formation is also known to us from Abu Hadriya, Abqaiq, Bahrain and
Trucial Coast. For further details see Remarks below.
Equivalents of the Simsima Formation in Iraq
The equivalents of the Simsima Formation in Iraq can be established only by
recourse to paleontological evidence.
Remarks
It would seem that the Simsima Formation is the equivalent of the Tayarat and
Qurna Formations and the upper part of the Hartha Formation of Basra. The
Tayarat of Basra is a Loftusia bearing limestone and thus correlates well with the
upper Loftusia bearing part of the Simsima Formation. The Qurna is
lithologically and faunally distinct from its supposed equivalents in Qatar but the
upper part of the Hartha Formation of Basra has a fauna including Dicyclina
schlumbergeri, Omphalocyclus macroporus, Dictyoconella cf. complanata and
Orbitoides media. All these species occur in the lower part of the Simsima
526

Formation of Qatar and it would thus appear that the upper part of the Hartha
Formation is the age equivalent of the lower part of the Simsima Formation.2
While the Qurna and Hartha Formations have been named and described from
Basra, the Tayarat type outcrop is in western Iraq (Lat. 3246N, Long.
4017E). The only fossils known from the outcropping Tayarat are Loftusia
morgana and Omphalocyclus macroporus and the type section is limited by an
unconformity at the bottom (see H.V. Dunnington, IR/HVD/584, 31.7.54). Thus
in more basinal sections, where there are sediments representing the interval
immediately preceding the deposition of the outcropping Tayarat, it is not always
a simple matter to decide precisely what part of the section should be included as
correlatable Tayarat Formation. In Basra the difficulty has been overcome by
separating a lithologically and faunally distinct Qurna Formation from an
overlying Tayarat limestone which contains both Loftusia and O. macroporus.
In Qatar however the part of the section believed to be the time equivalent of the
Qurna and the upper part of the Hartha (see above) is lithologically similar to the
overlying Loftusia bearing interval. Thus the name Tayarat could not reasonably
be applied in Qatar without including in it supposed age equivalents of the Qurna
and part of the Hartha and representatives of a time interval probably much
longer than that represented by the outcropping Tayarat.
It is for these reasons that the name Simsima Formation is here proposed for the
interval in Qatar previously known as the Tayarat Formation.
The Simsima Formation in other areas:
The Simsima Formation is known to us from Bahrain 52 Well (658 to 1355 ft)
and Abqaiq No. 6 well (1685 to 2275 ft) at which localities the lithology of the
Formation is very similar to that of the type section.
It is also known from Abu Hadriya No. 1 well (2895 to 4015 ft) but the
Formation there shows some variation in lithology from the type section. At Abu
Hadriya the upper part includes numerous thin black shales while the lower part
is less porous and detrital than at the type locality. Abu Hadriya is a case where
the change from Simsima to Ruilat lithology is not distinct and a contact between
the two Formations cannot be readily placed.
The Simsima formation is known to be the approximate correlative of the
outcropping Aruma Formation of Aramco geologists. The Aruma Formation has
been mentioned in publications either under that name (Steineke and Bramkamp,
1952) or as Upper Cretaceous Limestone (Steineke and Yackel, 1950) but a
description has never been published. In consequence it is not known whether
the outcropping Aruma Formation is the equivalent of the Simsima alone or
whether it also includes equivalents of the Ruilat Formation (see below) but the
name has been extended to well sections in the Hasa where the so called
Aruma certainly includes equivalents of the Ruilat of Qatar.
The Aruma is also mentioned by Barber (1948). Henson (1951) and Baker
2
TherelationshipofUpperCretaceousunitsintheKuwaitandBasraareashasbeendiscussedbyOwenandNasr
(1956)andwillnotbegoneintoher.
527

(1953) refer to a combined Simsima-Ruilat section but do not mention unit
names.
The Simsima Formation takes its name from a locality in the northern part of the
Qatar Peninsula near which structure holes have been drilled.
31.01.1956
W. Sugden
528

Amended definition of a Stratigraphic Unit
Ruilat Formation
Authors and
references
Synonymy
Type Locality
Unit first described by W. Sugden in RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53. Definition

later revised in RGQ/141.672/13595, 20.3.55. The definition is here amended.
Lower part of Tayarat Formation of old reports on Dukhan Stratigraphy. (see
particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 14.8.40; IR/FRSH/75, 20.3.48;
GRCL/1176, 2.11.48; R.M. Ramsden, RGQ/141.672/1714, 9.12.48; Monthly
report for March 1949; RGQ/141.672/2382, 11.12.49
Dukhan No. 25 Well. Depth 1705 to 2072 ft.
Coordinates; Lat 252252N, Long. 504550E
Mishrif Formation, contact unconformable.
For detailed reports on the nature of the unconformity see R.M. Ramsden,
RGQ/141.672/2382, 11.12.49
Underlying
unit
At the end of the deposition of the Wasia, uplift and erosion took place in the
Dukhan area and at the same time the Dukhan anticline suffered part of its
structural development. According to the writers calculations the degree of
folding which took place at that time was equal to about one fifth of the folding
at present developed in the Riyadh Group Limestones.
Owing to structural development during the time of the formation of the Wasia
unconformity and erosion subsequent to or during the folding, the uppermost
beds of the Mishrif Formation which are represented in downflank wells of the
Dukhan structure have been eroded and are therefore absent over the crest of the
structure.
The lower shales of the Ruilat Formation increase greatly in thickness down the
flanks of the structure, this being doubtless due to successive overlap of the
Ruilat towards the crest of the structure during its transgression.
Simsima Formation, contact conformable. (For further information see the
Overlying
accompanying description of the Simsima Formation of Qatar)
formation
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, light grey, fine grained, silty, fairly compact. Thickness 35 ft.
Occasional Omphalocyclus macroporus (Lamarck)
2. Limestone, light grey fine grained, partly chalky or marly. Dark coloured
chert nodules and beds of silicified limestone occur frequently in the case
Description of
of the type section, but these are very irregular in their development and
section
in other sections are sometimes completely absent. In some sections
occasional beds contain scattered glauconite grains. Thickness 200 ft.
Unfossiliferous.
3. Limestone, light grey, silty, compact, with a little glauconite and
occasional minute pyrite nodules; becoming marly towards the bottom.
529

In some sections, but not in the type section, phosphatic nodules occur in
this interval. Thickness 62 ft. Unfossiliferous.
4. Shale, olive-grey and olive-brown. Thickness 70 ft.
Type Section. (Dukhan No. 25 Well) 367 ft
Thickness
Over the northern part of the Dukhan anticline the thickness of the Ruilat
limestones does not vary greatly, such variations as occur being due either to
structural position or to changes of the manner of intergradation with the
overlying Simsima and the underlying shale. In the same area there is however a
variation in the thickness of the shale from about 30 to about 90 ft. which is
attributable to the nature of the overlap at the Ruilat/Mishrif unconformity.
Elsewhere the thickness of both limestone and shale vary greatly due to the
lateral passage of limestone into shale as is illustrated, for example, by Juh No. 1
well. Further information on such changes in lithology are given below.
Upper Cretaceous, Campanian and probably lowermost Maestrichtian.
As indicated above, Omphalocyclus macroporus sometimes occurs in the upper
few feet of the Ruilat. The uppermost part of the type Ruilat is therefore
probably lower Maestrichtian.
The assignment of all but the highest part of the Ruilat to the Campanian depends
upon faunas found in Juh No. 1 well. Over most of the Qatar Peninsula no
fossils have been found in any but the highest parts of the Ruilat Formation. In
Juh No. 1 well however almost all of the Ruilat shows lateral facies change from
the dominant limestone of the type area to shale and marl with foraminiferal
faunas.
Age
From the interval 1955 to 2187 ft. of Juh No. 1 (which interval is approximately
equivalent to the lowest 230 ft. of limestone of the Ruilat type section Dr. A.H.
Smout (AHS/63/Juh 1/1261, 20.11.52) has identified the following fauna:
Globotruncana arca (Cushman), G. contusa (Cushman), G. lugeoni Tilev, G.
stuarti (de Lapparent), G. globigerinoides Brotzen, G. marginata (Reuss), G.
lapparenti Brotzen var. coronata Bolli, G. lapparenti var. bulloides (Vogler), G.
lapparenti var. tricarinata (Quereau), Globigerina cretacea dOrbigny, G. cf.
lacera (Ehrenberg), G. aspera Koch, Bairdia cf. deltoidea, Gyroidina soldani
dOrbigny, Gyroidina sps. 1 & 3, Gumbelina sps 3 & 4, Cibicides sps. Cf 2 & 25,
Allomorphina sp. 1, Vaginulina sp. 3, anomalina sp. 2, Pseudovalvulineria sps 1,
?9 & 13, Planulina sp. Cristellaria 14, Textularia 5, and Clavulina 12.
From immediately overlying beds in Juh No. 1 (1885 to 1955 ft) Dr. Smout has
identified: Monolepidorbis sanctaepelagiae Astre, Chrysalidina cf. gradata
dOrbigny, Planulina sp. Cf. 1. Cibicides sps. Cf. 2 & 25, Anomalina sps. Cf. 2
& cf. 6, Gyroidina sp. 3, Pseudovalvulineria sp. 1 and Bairdia sp. 3.
These two faunas give reasonable certainty that most of the Ruilat Formation is
of Campanian age and thus indicate that of the limestones of the Ruilat type
section all but the uppermost few feet are of Campanian age or older.
530

It seems likely that the lower shales of the Ruilat are also of Campanian age. In
the area of the type locality these shales are unfossiliferous but in Juh No. 1 well
cuttings samples from the corresponding interval contained a fauna similar to
that of the overlying interval. It is however uncertain whether or not this fauna
was derived by caving of the overlying interval, and therefore the presence of
older Senonian cannot be ruled out.
The Ruilat Formation is known from some fifty oil well and structure hole
sections together representative of most of the Qatar Peninsula.
Other
Localities
It is also known from Bahrain (Bahrain No. 52 well, depth 1465 to ?1500 ft),
Abu Hadriya (Abu Hadriya No. 1 Well, depth 4015 to 4915 ft), Abqaiq (Abqaiq
No. 6 well, depth 2275 to ?2395 ft) and can be identified in wells on the Trucial
coast.
For further information see Remarks below.
In the type section of the Ruilat all but the lowest part is composed of limestone
and it might seem natural to include this limestone in the Simsima Formation.
However, as has already been indicated above, the limestones of the Ruilat pass
into shales and marls over comparatively short distances (e.g. between Dukhan
and Juh No. 1). Furthermore the limestones of the Ruilat are in general quite
different in facies to the limestones of the Simsima. It thus happens that taking a
regional rather than a local view it is simpler to divide the Upper Cretaceous into
a lower shale-limestone unit (Ruilat) and an upper unit (Simsima) of limestone of
different facies rather than to attempt division into a shale and an overlying
limestone unit which is in some cases almost impossible due to intergradation. It
is for this same reason that separation of a lower shale formation (named the
Laffan Formation in previous reports) has here been abandoned.
Remarks
It is usual, but not invariable, that the upper part of the Ruilat Formation is
limestone dominated while the lower part is shale dominated, as in the type
section. The olive-grey and olive-brown colouration of the lower shales of the
Ruilat is a conspicuous feature in some areas (Qatar, Abqaiq and Abu Hadriya).
Elsewhere this colouration is not observed, and shales of the upper part of the
Ruilat are normally grey or blue-grey.
The Ruilat Formation takes its name from a locality in the middle of the Qatar
Peninsula.
Equivalents of the Ruilat Formation in the Basra area.
It would appear that the time equivalents of the Ruilat Formation in the Basra
area include the lower part of the Hartha Formation and the Sadi, Tanuma and
Qaib Formations. Paleontological evidence for such a correlation is that the
lower part of the Hartha of Basra contains Cosinella sp. and Monolepidorbis sp.
These species are also recorded from the Sadi Formation of Ratawi No. 1 Well
and M. sanctaepelagiae has been recorded from the Tanuma. In the Qatar area
Cosinella sp. is known from the ruilat of Bahrain 52 and M. sanctaepelagiae
from the upper part of the Ruilat of Juh No. 1.
531

Notes on other areas:
At Abu Hadriya the Ruilat is shale dominated throughout.
At Abqaiq it is very thin, perhaps due to the Upper Cretaceous transgression
taking place at a later date at this locality, and here again the Formation is shale
and marl dominated.
In Bahrain the Ruilat is very much thinner than at the type locality but otherwise
resembles the type section.
The Gudair Formation of Kuwait must be nearly identical in age with the Ruilat
Formation. The correlation of the Gudair with Basra units is discussed by Owen
and Nasr (1956)
31.01.1956
W. Sugden
532

Mishrif Formation
Unit originally described and named by P. Rabanit (BGR/8, 8.7.52).
Type locality, Zubair No. 3 Well. Depth 7204 to 7720 ft.
Published description of type locality given by Owen and Nasr (1956).
Authors and
First named and described from Qatar by W. Sugden (RGQ/141.672/397,
references
17.9.53)
The local development is here redescribed.
Uppermost part of Khatiyah Formation of F.R.S. Henson (CGLL/1157,
24.10.40) and others.
Synonymy
The Khatiyah Formation, as defined by Henson, receives passing mention by
Barber (1948). The formation is not however described.
The Mishrif of Dukhan No. 28 Well (Lat. 25712N, Long. 504846E) is
chosen as being representative of the Formation as it occurs in the Dukhan
Locality
anticline. In that well the Mishrif lies between 2120 and 2380 ft. depth.
Khatiyah Formation, contact conformable.
In the Dukhan area the contact between the Mishrif and Khatuyah Formations is
sometimes, but not always, well marked. In cases where the contact is readily
distinguishable numerous thin shales or marls appear in the uppermost part of the
Underlying
Khatiyah while the lowermost part of the Mishrif is of a very pure limestone
formation
facies and contains in some abundance the fauna associated particularly with the
lower part of that Formation. In other cases however no distinct faunal zones can
be found and the contact is then usually gradational.
Ruilat Formation, contact unconformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying Unit
description of the Ruilat Formation.
Description of Limestone, light grey, soft, earthy, porous, partly silty in appearance due to the
presence of fine calcareous detritus
section
Described section (Dukhan No. 28), 260 feet.
In the Qatar area the thickness is variable due to unconformity at the top of the
Thickness
Formation. Thickness is in general least on the higher parts of structures and
greatest down the flanks.
The following fossils have been identified from this Formation by Dr. F.R.S.
Henson. Dicyclina qatarensis Henson, Zekritia langhami Henson, Praealveolina
cretacea (dArchiac), Qataria dukhani Henson, Pseudochrysalidina conica
(Henson), Dictyoconella minima Henson, Dohaia planate Henson and Cuneolina
pavonia dOrbigny. Meandropsina vidali Schlumberger has also been found.
Fossils
Age
Of these species the majority were originally described from specimens obtained
from Qatar. (For Z. langhami, Q. dukhani, D. minima and D. planatas see
Henson, 1948, for P. conica and D. qatarensis see Henson, 1947 II and 1949).
Middle Cretaceous, seemingly upper Cenomanian but may include lower
Turonian.
533

In spite of the occurrence of the above fairly numerous species there was at one
time very little information on which to base the age of the Mishrif Formation of
Qatar since few of the species had been identified elsewhere in readily datable
units. More recently however it has become possible to give a more precise age
on account of additional information which has become available. (See H.V.
Dunnington, IR/HVD/584, 31.7.54)
It may be said that the Mishrif Formation of Qatar and Basra contains a sufficient
number of species in common to illustrate identity in age at the two localities.
Species recorded from the Mishrif of both Qatar and Basra are: P. conica, D.
qatarensis, P. cretacea, C. pavonia, D. minima, Q. dukhani and M. vidali. Thus
what may be said of the age of the Mishrif of Basra has application also to the
age of the Mishrif of Qatar.
In addition to species already mentioned above the Mishrif Formation of Basra
contains Multispirina iranensis Reichel, Cisalveolina fallax Reichel, C. lehneri
Reichel and Taberina bingistani Henson. These four species occur in Upper
Cenomanian limestones in the Kuh-i-Bingistan in Persia. (see Kent P.E., Slinger
F.C. and Thomas A.N. 1951 and Reichel 1941 and 1947). It would thus appear
that the Mishrif Formation of Basra is Cenomanian.
Mr. Dunnington (op. cit.) has also pointed out that the Mishrif of Basra is the
faunal correlative of Msad limestone of the Rutbah area, these two limestones
having in common the species P. conica, D. qatarensis and T. bingistani. The
lower part of the Msad is independently datable as Upper Cenomanian,
(Dunnington, op. cit.)
An Upper Cenomanian dating for the Mishrif faunas of Basra and therefore of
Qatar is thus consistent with information from other areas, but it should be
pointed out that in Qatar most of the Mishrif fauna is unknown in the upper half
of the Formation (see standard log sheet Q/01.0389 C2) and the possibility
remains that this part may be Turonian. (Kent, Slinger and Thomas, 1951, fig. 4,
indicate possibly Turonian limestones in Iran with a Dicyclina-Cuneolina fauna).
The Mishrif Formation is known from some fifty-two oil well and structure hole
sections together representative of most of the area of the Qatar Peninsula.
Other
Localities
Remarks
It is present in Bahrain (e.g. Bahrain No. 88 Well, 1550 approx. to 1615 ft.) and
at Abu Hadriya (Abu Hadriya No. 1 Well, 4915 to 5010 ft.) but is probably
absent by erosion over most of the central and western Hasa since it is not
represented in Abqaiq. (See log of Abqaiq No. 6 well, M. Chatton)
The Mishrif Formation is the highest known unit of the Lower and Middle
Cretaceous sand-shale-limestone complex which borders the Arabian Shield. Up
to the present there are no known equivalents of the Mishrif Formation in a shale
or sand facies and it is thought that all or nearly all such equivalents have been
removed at some time or other by erosion. For further details of the sedimentary
relationship of the Mishrif to other units of the complex see the accompanying
Appendix 1.
534

Equivalents of the Mishrif Formation have not been recognized in the Burgan
area (See Owen and Nasr, 1956) and consequently it has not yet been illustrated
that the type Mishrif of Basra is in continuity with the Mishrif of Abu Hadriya,
Bahrain and Qatar. Lithology and fauna however leave no doubt that the
application of the same name over the whole area is justified.
18.12.1956
W. Sugden
535

Amended definition of a stratigraphic unit
Khatiyah Formation
Original author F.R.S. Henson, CGLL/1157, 24.10.40
Unit herewith redefined to exclude the Mishrif Formation
Middle and lower part of the Khatiyah Formation of the original definition.
The combined Rumaila and Asara Formations of RGQ/141.672/397 of 17.9.53
Synonymy
by W. Sugden.
Dukhan No. 28 Well (Lat 251712N Long. 504846E) is chosen as the type
locality of the Khatiyah as here redefined. In this well the Khatiyah lies between
Type Locality
2380 and 3025 ft depth.
Mauddud Formation, contact conformable. The contact between the lower shales
Underlying
of the Khatiyah Formation and the Mauddud limestone is sharp and readily
formation
defined over the area of the Qatar Peninsula.
Mishrif Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying Unit
description of the Mishrif Formation of Qatar.
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, light grey, earthy, mostly more or less silty, with numerous
thin beds of marl, grey and bluish grey, silty, and shale, blue-grey and
brown. Thickness 332 ft. Fossils: The species Praealveolina cretacea
(dArchiac) and Flabellammina tumida Dusenbury ms. were first
recorded from this part of the section in a report by Henson, Dusenbury
and Smout (CGLR/2343, 20.11.40). The species Meandropsina vidali
Schlumberger and Praealveolina simplex Reichel, have also been
identified by Smout.
2. Shale, brown and blue-grey, partly marly, with a few thin beds of
limestone, light grey, fine grained, earthy, silty. Thickness 48 ft. Fauna:
P. cretacea, M. vidali and F. tumida. In addition to these three species
Henson (1948) described the new species Orbitolinella depressa from
this part of the Khatiyah of Qatar.
Description of
3. Shale, blue-grey and brown with some blue-grey marl in the lower half.
section
A thin bed of silty, earthy limestone occurs some fifteen feet above the
bottom. Thickness 140 ft. Fauna: Dr. J.A. Douglas (see E 1044 of
11.10.39 and Q/00.0503) gives the following specific determinations for
macrofauna occurring in this part of the section; Serpula filiformis
Sowerby, Trigonia crenulata Fraas, Corbula truncata Sowerby, Pecten
(Syncyclonema) orbicularis Sowerby, Mitra cancellata Sowerby,
Protocardium hillanum Sowerby, Cerithium albensis dOrbigny,
Turritella difficilis dOrbigny, Aspidiscus cristatus Konig, Exogyra
conica (sowerby), Exogyra larteti Coquand, Fusus ornatus dOrbigny.
Praealveolina cretacea (dArchiac), Trocholina Arabica Henson and
Trocholina lenticularis Henson var. minima Henson also occur, the type
horizon of the latter variety being in this part of the Khatiyah of Qatar
(Henson, 1947 I).
4. Limestone, light grey, silty, earthy. Thickness 35 ft. Fauna: P. cretacea
Authors and
references
536
Thickness
Age
(darchiac) and T. Arabica Henson

5. Shale, brown and blue-grey, with a very thin bed of greenish grey, marly,
glauconitic sandstone some 45 ft. above the bottom. Thickness 90 ft.
Fauna: Dr. J.A. Douglas gives the following specific determinations for
macrofauna of this part of the section; P. orbicularis, P. hillanum, E.
conica, E. larteti, Turritella granulata Sowerby, Nucula subrecurva
Phillipi, Neithea quinquecostata Sowerby, Anomia Laevigata Sowerby,
Pteria (Pseudopteria) anomala Sowerby and Camptonectes curvatus
Geinitz. Trocholina lenticularis Henson occurs throughout this part of
section and P. cretacea is known from the upper few feet. The type level
of T. lenticularis is in this part of the Khatiyah and the underlying
Mauddud of Qatar (Henson, 1947 I)
Type section (Dukhan No. 28 well) 645 ft.
The thickness of the Khatiyah does not vary greatly over the area of the Qatar
Peninsula but there is some degree of thickening down the flanks of structures.
Middle Cretaceous. Cenomanian and probably uppermost Albian.
Of the macro-fauna of divisions 3 and 5 of the above description nine species are
from Albian type localities, six from post-Albian and five from pre-Albian type
localities.
(See R.G.S. Hudson, DO/GRCL/4812/40090, 18.7.55 and
DO/GRCL/4822/40092, 21.7.55) Many of them are known to have fairly long
ranges and it may thus be said that while the numerous macro-fauna indicates an
Albian age for divisions 3 and 5 the exact age cannot be established with
certainty.
The presence of Praealveolina cretacea, P. simplex and Meandropsina vidali in
the higher parts of the Khatiyah indicates Cenomanian age for the greater part of
the Formation and, as may be noted, P. cretacea ranges down to the top of
division 5.
Thus, to summarise, the Khatiyah Formation appears to include both
Cenomanian and uppermost Albian. While it is not possible to set a precise limit
to the two stages it would seem that the section down to about the top of division
4 is Cenomanian and that division 5 is probably Albian.
The Khatiyah Formation is known from some fifty two oil well and structure
hole sections which are together representative of most of the area of the Qatar
Peninsula.
Other
Localities
Remarks
The Khatiyah Formation is also known in Bahrain (Bahrain No. 88 well, 1615 to
2155 feet) and Abu Hadriya (Abu Hadriya No. 1 well, 5010 to 5400 feet). In
Basra the equivalents of the Khatiyah are in facies similar to those of Dukhan but
in the former area the interval is divided into three units. For further information
on this point see Remarks below.
The Khatiyah Formation is one of the units of the lower and Middle Cretaceous
sand-shale-limestone complex bordering the Arabian Shield. An interpretation
of its sedimentary relationship to other units of that complex is given in appendix
1. The Khatiyah represents a transition from shale to limestone in a horizontal
sense while vertically it illustrates a landward transgression of the limestone
facies.
537

Lateral variations of the Khatiyah. In the type section of the Khatiyah the
lower part of the Formation is shale dominated while the upper part is limestone
dominated. However in Bahrain, which is not many miles away the whole
formation is shale dominated and it may be observed that in crossing the Qatar
Peninsula from west to east the proportion of limestone in the Formation
increases considerably at the expense of shale and marl.
The equivalents of the Khatiyah formation in the Basra-Kuwait area (Rumaila,
Magwa, Ahmadi and Wara Formations) have been described by Owen and Nasr,
1956. It may in addition be noted that in Ratawi No. 1 Well (7350 to 8063 feet)
and Rumaila No. 1 Well (7782 to 8446 feet) the interval equivalent to the
Khatiyah is shale dominated in the lower part and limestone dominated in the
upper part while in Zubair No. 3 well (7720 to 8470) the equivalent interval is
limestone dominated as a whole. (S. nasr, BGD/1572, April 1954)
At Burgan the lowermost part of the Khatiyah is replaced by the Wara sands.
In Abu Hadriyah No. 1 Well the Khatiyah is shale dominated but in this well the
Khatiyah overlies a sandy sequence part equivalent to the Mauddud. The
uppermost part of the sand sequence of Abu Hadriya may be correlated with the
Wara Formation of Kuwait.
In Abqaiq 6 Well such of the Middle Cretaceous as is represented is sand
dominated. It would appear that the sands represent the combined Burgan and
Wara Formations and that, at least in some wells, a thin section of Khatiyah
overlies the Wara. (e.g. Abqaiq No. 6, about 50 feet of Khatiyah. See graphic
log of that well by M. Chatton).
The outcropping Wasia Formation of Saudi Arabia is sand dominated but near its
top there is a thin lens of limestone with Neolobites vibrayeanus. Dunnington
(IR/HVD/584) suggests correlation of this limestone with the Mishrif Formation
on account of the attributed middle-upper Cenomanian age of N. vibrayeanus. It
is however noteworthy that the genus Neolobites has also been recorded from the
Ahmadi of Burgan. (R.G.S. Hudson, IR/RGSH/290, 25.7.55). The Ahmadi is
certainly the equivalent of the lower part of the type Khatiyah and it therefore
seems quite likely that the lens of limestone in the outcropping Wasia is
equivalent to some part of the Khatiyah Formation.
The Khatiyah Formation is named from a locality close to Dukhan on the west
side of the Qatar Peninsula
18.12.1956
W. Sugden
538

Mauddud Formation
Original author F.R.S. Henson, CGLL/1157, 23.10.40. (see also F.R.S. Henson,
CGLL/2345, 14.8.40 and appendix thereto).
Authors and
Mentioned but not described by Barber (1948).
references
An amended definition in the light of later information is here given
2nd Pay Limestone or Main Pay Limestone of the Bahrain Petroleum Co.
(Anon, 1937).
Bahrain Limestone, F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 14.8.40. (either L or R
Synonymy
could be a typo in the original document)
Orbitolina Limestone of Burgan (Anon, 1953)
Dukhan No. 1 Well (Lat 252516N Long. 504701E) has been chosen as the
type locality of the Mauddud Formation. In this well the Mauddud lies between
Type Locality
Nahr Umr Formation, contact conformable. The contact between the Mauddud
Underlying
and the Nahr Umr is normally a sharp and readily defined lithological change
formation
from arenaceous and argillaceous sediments below to limestone above.
Khatiyah Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying
formation
definition of the Khatiyah Formation.
Limestone, light grey, earthy, mostly of fairly high porosity except for the
bottom few feet which are rather marly. Much of the limestone appears to be
Description of
silty due to the presence of fine calcareous detritus and the upper part contains
section
beds with much fossil and pellet debris. In some Qatar sections the limestone is
rather dolomitic, especially in the middle part.
Over the area of the Qatar Peninsula the Mauddud thickens to the east. (Kharaib
Thickness
No. 1 Well, 237 ft). From north to south there is however little change.
The following foraminifera have been identified from the Mauddud Formation of
Qatar. Orbitolina concava (Lamark) var. qatarica Henson, Trocholina Arabica
Henson, Trocholina lenticularis Henson, Trocholina altispira Henson and
Fossils
Cyclammina whitei Henson.
For further reference to these species, all described from Qatar specimens, the
reader is referred to Henson, 1947 I, 1948 and 1949
Middle Cretaceous, probably upper Albian.
Age
According to Henson (1948) Orbitolina concava is typically a Cenomanian

species but there is no definite record of the variety qatarica having been
identified elsewhere than from Qatar. The remainder of the fauna mentioned
above is of no assistance in deciding the age of the Formation since the ages of
the species are not controlled by known occurrences in definitely dated sections.
The record of the occurrence of Praealveolina cretacea in the Mauddud
Formation by Henson (1948) is almost certainly an error due to contamination of
539

samples during drilling.
It is therefore not possible to attribute a precise age to the Mauddud from its
contained fauna. However it has been stated in the accompanying description of
the Khatiyah Formation that the lowermost part of that Formation is thought to
be uppermost Albian. It therefore seems probable that the Mauddud Formation
is also of upper Albian age.
The Mauddud Formation is known from some fifty nine oil wells together
representative of much of the Qatar Peninsula.
Other
Localities
Remarks
It is also known in Bahrain and Abu Hadriya and in the Kuwait-Basra area. It is
not present in Abqaiq No. 6 well. For further details see Remarks below and
the accompanying definition of the Khatiyah Formation
The Mauddud Limestone represents an important transgression within a
sandstone-shale-limestone complex of Lower and Middle Cretaceous age. Its
sedimentary relationship to other units is discussed in appendix 1.
From oil wells in the Basra-Hasa-Qatar area it is known that the Mauddud
increases rapidly in thickness towards the more seaward parts of what was a
Middle Cretaceous basin. Shorewards there was quite a rapid change in the
sedimentary environment, the limestone being replaced in that direction by
shales and sands. Thus in the Basra oilfield area the Mauddud is of the order of
400 ft in thickness while in the Burgan field where the facies of the Middle
Cretaceous is consistently more arenaceous (BGD/1572 by S. Nasr, April 1954)
the Mauddud is reduced to the order of only 20 ft. in thickness. Again, to the
east of the Qatar Peninsula the Mauddud is of the order of 240 ft. in thickness.
To the west of the Peninsula (Dukhan field) the thickness is about 180 ft. and in
Bahrain (Bahrain Well No. 88, 2155 to 2305 ft.) of the order of 150 ft. In the
Abqaiq field, further to the west, the Mauddud is absent although it is thought
that the Middle Cretaceous sands of that field may include lateral equivalents of
the Mauddud. In this general picture Abu Hadriya occupies a position exactly
analogous to that of Burgan, the Mauddud in Abu Hadriya No. 1 Well being
represented only by stringers of limestone over an interval of 20 ft. (5510 to
5520) while these stringers are overlain by a sandy section equivalent to the
Wara Formation of Kuwait.
The Mauddud Formation is named from Ain Mauddud, a locality near Dukhan
on the west coast of the Qatar Peninsula
31.1.1956
W. Sugden
540

Nahr Umr Formation
Authors and
references
Synonymy
Original author P. Rabanit, BGL/2480, 2.12.52. (Type locality Nahr Umr No. 2
well, 8688 to 9321 ft depth)
First described under the same name from Qatar by W. Sugden
(RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53).
Published description of type locality by Owen and Nasr (1956)
Rutbah sandstone of all early reports on Dukhan stratigraphy and
nomenclature, see particularly F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 14.8.40 and
CGLL/1157, 23.10.40
The Rutbah Sandstone of Qatar, mentioned but not described by Barber
(1948).
The Second Pay on Main Pay of Bahrain (Anon, 1937) includes the upper
part of the Nahr Umr, this part of the Pay being sometimes known as the
Second Pay siltstone.
The Nahr Umr of Dukhan No. 26 Well (Lat. 252053N, Long. 504847E) is
chosen as being representative of the Formation as it occurs in the Dukhan
Locality
anticline. In that well the Nahr Umr lies between 3290 and 3839 ft. depth.
Sabsab Formation, contact conformable. The contact of the Nahr Umr with the
Sabsab is taken at the highest occurrence of Sabsab limestone. There is no
Underlying
limestone in the bottom part of the Nahr Umr Formation and apart from one or
formation
two rare instances, there is almost no sand in the Sabsab Formation.
Mauddud Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying Unit
definition of the Mauddud Formation.
From top to bottom:
1. Sandstone, grey and greenish grey, rather glauconitic, mostly rather
marly, with numerous thin beds of blue-grey shale and marl and
comparatively rare thin beds of grey limestone. Thickness 85 ft. Fauna:
Trocholina lenticularis Henson, T. Arabica Henson, T. altispira Henson
and Cyclammina whitei Henson.
2. Shale, blue-grey and brownish grey, with frequent beds of marl, blueDescription of
grey, the marl beds often containing sporbo. Occasional thin beds of
section
greenish grey, marly, glauconitic sandstone in the upper half. Thickness
190 ft. Fauna: T. lenticularis.
3. Sand and sandstone, grey, mostly rather marly and with numerous thin
beds of marl and shale of various colours. Frequent stringers and thin
beds lignite containing abundant resin fragments. The more marly parts
frequently contain light brown phosphatic concretions or sporbo.
Thickness 265 ft. Fossils: Abundant indeterminate terrestrial plant
541
Thickness
Age
fragments associated with amber and resin.

Described section (Dukhan No. 26 Well), 540 feet.
Over the area of the Qatar Peninsula there is some thickening of the Nahr Umr
from north to south (thickness 670 ft. in Juh No. 1) and some thinning from west
to east (thickness 438 ft. in Kharaib No. 1).
Middle Cretaceous, thought to be Albian.
The fossils mentioned in the above description give no positive indication of the
exact age of the Nahr Umr. They were all originally described from the Dukhan
area (Henson, 1947 I, 1948, 949) and their age ranges are not definitely known.
The supposition that the Nahr Umr is of Albian age is, as far as Qatar is
concerned, the result of its position relative to thick Cenomanian and Aptian
sections and the Albian age of the overlying Mauddud.
The Nahr Umr Formation is known from some forty eight oil together
representative of most of the Qatar Peninsula.
Sandy sections corresponding closely in age with the type Nahr Umr are known
only in the Basra oilfield area (e.g. Ratawi No. 1, 8445 to 9185 ft; Rumaila No.
1, 8809 to 9626 ft; Zubair No. 3, 8923 to 9870 ft) in Bahrain (e.g. Bahrain No.
88, 2305 to 2630 ft) and in Qatar. The Nahr Umr is however only a part of the
very extensive Lower and Middle Cretaceous sands discussed in Appendix 1.
Other
Localities
In the type section and other sections with which it is here identified, the Nahr
Umr is consistently overlain by a thick Mauddud Limestone. In other areas (e.g.
in Burgan DT-1A, 3676 to 5025 ft. and Abu Hadriya 1, 5400 to 6520 ft.) it has
been illustrated that a sand tongue of similar age includes also lateral equivalents
of the greater part of the Mauddud and the lowermost part of the Khatiyah. In
such cases it is useful to employ a different terminology which indicates the
higher age range of the upper sands. In the Burgan field that part of the sand
body which overlies a very thin Mauddud is named the Wara Formation, the part
below the Mauddud being named the Burgan Formation. (Owen and Nasr, 1956)
At outcrop in Saudi Arabia the sands which corresponds approximately with the
Nahr Umr are known as the Wasia Formation. Near the top of these sands there
is a limestone lens containing Neolobites vibrayeanus. This fossil is of
Cenomanian age and therefore indicates that the outcropping Wasia includes
sands of an age even younger than the Wara Formation of Kuwait. (See also
Remarks in the accompanying definition of the Khatiyah Formation)
In the Abqaiq field the Wasia sand body (Abqaiq No. 6 Well, 2370 to 3275 ft)
appears to cover almost the same time range as the combined Wara-Burgan
section and to be overlain by a deeply eroded Khatiyah Formation.
The lower part of the Nahr Umr of Dukhan is without doubt a swamp deposit and
very similar swamp deposits are present in the Nahr Umr of the Basra area and
the Arabian oilfield area. In the upper part of the Nahr Umr of Qatar the
sediments seem to be brackish water deposits, the only sediments indicating true
marine facies being the occasional very thin limestones near the top of the
542

formation. The Mauddud Formation represents the true change to marine facies.
The sporbo referred to in the above description has been otherwise described
as a ferruginous oolite. Usually it consists of almost spherical limonitic pellets
but more rarely these objects are green and may consist of only a thin empty
shell. The latter form is particularly associated with phosphatic nodules the
origins of which are also unknown.
An abstract of a paper by Steineke and Bramkamp (1952) mentions the
outcropping Wasia Formation but it is not described. Other articles (e.g. Kerr
and Nigra 1952 and Kerr 1953) mention the Wasia Formation of the Safaniyah,
Bahrain and Dammam fields but the name Wasia is much more loosely and
generally applied in these articles than in the present report.
18.12.1956
W. Sugden
543

Sabsab Formation
Originally defined by W. Sugden in RGQ/141.672/397 of 17.9.53
The unit is here redefined in the light of an up to date interpretation of its
significance.
Uppermost part of the Musandam Formation of F.R.S Henson CGLR/2345,
14.8.40 and various subsequent reports.
Synonymy
Uppermost part of the Thamama Group of various later reports.
Dukhan No. 27 Well, Lat 251754N Long. 504630E) has been chosen as
Type Locality
the type locality of the Sabsab Formation. In that well the Sabsab lies between
3765 and 3902 feet depth.
Shuaiba Formation, contact thought to be conformable, but see Remarks
below.
Underlying
The contact is at the bottom of the lowest Sabsab shale overlying continuous
formation
Shuaiba limestone.
Nahr Umr Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying
description of the Nahr Umr Formation of Qatar.
formation
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, cream, oolitic and with an abundance of pellet detritus.
Thickness 55 ft. Fauna: Numerous well worn Orbitolinas
Description of
2. Shale, blue-grey and brown with occasional beds of Limestone, grey,
section
marly, which contain much pellet debris and are partly oolitic. Thickness
82 ft. Fauna: Occasional well worn Orbitolinas
Type section (Dukhan No. 27 well) 137 ft. Greatest known thickness (Dukhan
Thickness
No. 29 well) 215 ft.
Aptian or Albian (See Remarks below)
Age
The Sabsab Formation is known only in wells on the Dukhan structure. It can be
Other
identified in some fifty or so wells on that structure although in many it is only a
Localities
few feet in thickness and may for practical purposes be said to be absent.
When the Sabsab Formation was first recognized and studied it was thought to be
a formation which transgressed over a surface of considerable topographic
variation in the Shuaiba limestone. (W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/372, 29.8.53
Authors and
references
Remarks
The reasons for this were fairly obvious, it having been found that there is in fact
a variation of a little over 250 feet in the thickness of the Shuaiba. Depressions
existing in the upper surface of the Shuaiba in this manner are filled or almost
filled by the Sabsab Formation. Thus, the thickness of the Sabsab is greatest
where the thickness of the Shuaiba is least or vice versa, so that the combines
thickness of the two Formations is nearly constant. Furthermore the Sabsab
contains in places vast numbers of Orbitolinas which are invariably worn and
rounded. These were interpreted as having been derived during transgression
from the Shuaiba Formation along with the bulk of the pellet debris with which
they are associated.
544

These circumstances led to the supposition of an Albian-Aptian break of brief
duration.
However, there are certain peculiarities regarding the Sabsab and the Nahr Umr
which indicate that an alternative explanation must be sought.
The Sabsab Formation is known only in the area of the Dukhan field and has not
been found elsewhere in Qatar or in other drilled structures in the vicinity and on
the Dukhan structure itself it exists in considerable thickness only in a broad
valley like depression in the Shuaiba. This crosses the central of the structure. If
it was a transgressive formation it would be expected to have been developed
irregularly and the Shuaiba to have been eroded irregularly over a large area.
But this is not the case and the Shuaiba-Nahr Umr succession appears to be
everywhere normal except for the Middle of the Dukhan structure.
Furthermore it is to be observed that there is no appreciable quantity of sand in
the Sabsab Formation. Formations transgressing an old land surface but
containing no sandy beds are known at various places and levels in the Persian
Gulf area (e.g. at the Upper Cretaceous transgression of Dukhan) but it would be
remarkable if a transgressive Sabsab Formation contained no sand and was
immediately followed by an extremely sandy Nahr Umr. Why abundant sand in
the Nahr Umr and no sand in the Sabsab when a greater source area for sand
should have been exposed?
Again, all regional evidence indicates that in the sandstone shale limestone
complex of the Lower and Middle Cretaceous in the Qatar-Basra area a
sandstone in the succession indicates a regression while a limestone represents a
transgression. (See appendix 1). So, therefore, the change from Shuaiba to Nahr
Umr sedimentation represents a regression and the Sabsab would therefore be
expected to be regressive rather than transgressive.
The above arguments lead to the following interpretation of Shuaiba-SabsabNahr Umr sedimentation. 1) The Shuaiba transgression reached its maximum
and regression began. 2) In the more seaward areas limestone sedimentation
continued during the early part of the regression while in the more landward
areas the Shuaiba eventually became exposed. Meantime and for some unknown
reason a submarine channel or valley or depression came into existence across
the middle of the Dukhan anticline. 3) As the regression continued the more
landward parts of the Shuaiba were eroded, providing the pellet detritus which
together with the finest grades of clastics from further westwards filled the
submarine depression in the Dukhan area thus creating the Sabsab Formation. 4)
Continuing regression and erosion of the land area exposed the main sources of
supply of the Nahr Umr sands. By this time the submarine depression in the
Dukhan area had been filled and the Nahr Umr was deposited over an almost
level surface.
Since ne dateable indigenous fossils have so far been found in the Sabsab or the
overlying Nahr Umr it is not known whether the Sabsab Formation should be
included in the Albian along with the Shuaiba or in the Aptian, the probable age
545

of the Nahr Umr.
The Sabsab Formation takes its name from a locality lying to the east of the
Dukhan anticline.
18.12.1956
W. Sugden
546

Shuaiba Formation
Unit originally described and named by P. Rabanit in BGL/2480 of 2.12.52.
(See also D. Glynn-Jones, GRCL/2696)
Published definition by Owen and Nasr (Publ. pending)
Authors and
Type locality, Zubair No. 3 Well. Depth 9870 to 10,132 feet.
references
First named and described as such from Qatar by W. Sugden in
RGQ/141.672/397 of 17.9.53
Part of the Musandam Formation of F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345 of 14.8.40
Synonymy
and various subsequent reports
Dukhan No. 11 Well, Lat. 252717N, Long. 504802E., is chosen for the
description of the Shuaiba Formation in the Qatar area. This particular well has
Locality
the greatest known thickness of the Shuaiba Formation in the area, the Formation
lying between 3300 and 3728 feet.
Hawar Formation, contact conformable. The lithological change from shale to
limestone at the top of the Hawar Formation is usually sharp and readily
Underlying
distinguishable. In some cases however there is a gradational stage of marl
formation
between the shale and the limestone. In such cases the marl is included in the
Hawar Formation.
Sabsab Formation, contact thought to be conformable. For details see the
Overlying
accompanying definition of the Sabsab Formation.
Formation
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, light grey or white, earthy or chalky, and white chalk.
Thickness 85 feet. Fauna: Anemobulimina chattoni Smout ms.,
Pseudochrysalidina MC/2 and rare Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras.
Description of
2. Limestone, white to light grey, earthy or chalky, mostly rather silty,
section
porous. Mostly partly recrystallized and in parts strongly recrystallized,
occasionally rather dolomitic. Grey and rather marly in the bottom few
feet. Thickness 343 feet. Fauna: O. cf. discoidea, Cardita cf.
upwarensis Woods.
Variable due to peculiar sedimentary circumstances. (See Remarks below).
Thickness
Greatest know, 428 ft. (in Dukhan No. 11 Well). Least known, 160 ft. (Dukhan
No. 29 Well)
Lower Cretaceous, Aptian.
The ascribed Aptian age is based principally on the occurrence of O. cf.
discoidea. Henson (1948) has discussed at some length the stratigraphy of the
orbitoids of Qatar and other parts of the Middle East.
Age
This evidence of the Aptian age of the Shuaiba of Qatar is supported by the
occurrence of C. cf. upwarensis determined by Dr. J.A. Douglas (Memo E-7,
547

11.10.39) but A. chattoni and Pseudochrysalidina MC/2 give no evidence as to
age, having in the first instance been discovered in Qatar, and not being known
from independently dated sections.
The Shuaiba Formation is known in some fifty seven wells together representing
most of the area of the Qatar Peninsula.
The Shuaiba of Kuwait is mentioned by Owen and Nasr (1956).
In Bahrain there is no difficulty in correlating the Shuaiba Formation with that of
Qatar. (Bahrain No. 88 Well, depth 2630 to 2995 ft).
Other
Localities
In Abu Hadriya No. Well the Shuaiba is rather thin (6520 to 6705) but is
otherwise similar to other Shuaiba sections.
The Shuaiba is represented at Abqaiq but is not found in outcrops in central
Saudi Arabia. It is thought that in the latter area the equivalent time interval is
missing at a Lower-Middle Cretaceous break.
The Shuaiba is also known in Matbakh No. 1 Well, 3055 to 3430 feet and Id al
Shargi No. 1 Well.
The relationship of the Sabsab and Shuaiba Formations of Qatar has been
discussed in the accompanying definition of the Sabsab Formation. In this
general connection it may be noted that Arenobulimina chattoni and
Pseudochrysalidina MC/2 are known to occur only in a zone at the top of the
thickest Shuaiba sections. In consequence the zone has been found in only a
limited number of Dukhan wells. In those sections in which it is known, the
bottom of the zone is more or less constant in position at about 340 ft. above the
bottom of the Shuaiba.
Remarks
It is believed, though the evidence cannot be said to be sound, that the time
interval occupied by the Shuaiba of Qatar is slightly greater than that occupied
by the type Shuaiba section. There remains however much uncertainty in that
few fossils in the Formation have been specifically identified and the lithology of
the underlying units in the two areas is quite different.
The Shuaiba is one of the units of a sandstone-shale-limestone complex of Lower
and Middle Cretaceous age which borders the Arabian Shield. A discussion of
the sedimentation of this complex is given in Appendix 1. The Shuaiba is
believed to represent a very strong transgression within the complex.
19.12.1956
W. Sugden
548

Hawar Formation
Author and
reference
Synonymy
Type Locality
Underlying
formation
Original description by W. Sugden in RGQ/141.672/397 of 17.9.53

The unit is here redescribed
Part of the Musandam Formation of F.R.S Henson CGLR/2345, 18.4.40 and
various subsequent reports. (could be 14.8.40, as mentioned in other parts of the
document)
Dukhan No. 22 Well, Lat 252238N Long. 504834E) has been chosen as
the type locality of the Hawar Formation. In this well the Hawar lies between
Kharaib Formation, contact conformable.
In the type section and in many others the contact is sharp and readily defined,
being at the point where the shale of the Hawar overlies the limestone of the
Kharaib Formation. In other section however the shale grades into marl at the
bottom and the latter sometimes contains beds of limestone. In such cases the
bottom of the Hawar must be placed according to the lithology of the section
concerned, but has usually been placed at the bottom of the lowest marl.
Shuaiba Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
definition of the Shuaiba Formation.
Overlying
formation
Description of
Shale, blue-grey with rare Choffatella decipiens Schlumnerger.
section
The Hawar shale of Qatar is usually about 50 ft. in thickness and in some cases
Thickness
up to 60 ft.
Lower Cretaceous, thought to be Aptian.
There is insufficient fossil evidence to assign a precise age to the Hawar
Formation. By its stratigraphic position it would appear to be Aptian in age. For
Age
additional information see the accompanying descriptions of the overlying
Shuaiba and underlying Kharaib Formations.
The Hawar Formation is known from some fifty seven wells which are together
representatives of most of the area of the Qatar Peninsula. It is also known from
Bahrain (Bahrain No. 88 Well, 2995 to 3060 feet), Matbakh No. 1 Well, 3430 to
Other
3480 ft. and Id al Shargi No. 1 Well.
Localities
Remarks
For further details see Remarks below.

The Hawar shale is a unit of the Lower and Middle Cretaceous sandstone-shalelimestone complex bordering the Arabian Shield. It is a comparatively thin
tongue which cannot be recognized west of Bahrain where it passes into a shale
body of much more extensive time range and there is no doubt that it passes into
limestone south-eastwards of the Qatar Peninsula. Although limited to such a
restricted area it is however an important unit locally and for this reason it has
been given formation rank.
549

For further details respecting the sedimentary relationship of the Hawar to other
units see Appendix 1.
The Hawar Formation takes its name from an island off the coast of the Qatar
Peninsula (belonging to Bahrain since 2003)
19.12.1956
W. Sugden
550

Kharaib Formation
Original description by W. Sugden in RGQ/141.672/397 of 17.9.53
The unit is here redescribed
Part of the Musandam Formation of F.R.S Henson CGLR/2345, 18.4.40 and
various subsequent reports. (could be 14.8.40, as mentioned in other parts of the
Synonymy
document)
Kharaib No. 1 Well, Lat 252709N Long. 511156E has been chosen as the
type locality of the Kharaib Formation. In this well the Kharaib lies between
Type Locality
Ratawi Formation, contact conformable.
The contact of the Kharaib and Ratawi Formations is usually readily
distinguished in wells on the Qatar Peninsula, the highest marl of the Ratawi
Underlying
being normally overlain by a continuous section of limestone of the Kharaib. In
formation
sections where the contact is gradational its position must be chosen according to
the merits of the section concerned.
Hawar Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
Overlying
definition of the Hawar Formation.
formation
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, light grey, fine grained, earthy, partly recrystallized.
Thickness 79 ft. Fauna: Orbitolina discoidea Gras var. delicata Henson
and Dictyoconus arabicus Henson.
2) Limestone, grey to cream, earthy, silty, compact, in part with large
pellets. Thickness 136 ft. Fauna: O. discoidea var. delicata and rare
Description of
Choffatella decipiens Schlumnerger.
section
3) Limestone, light grey, earthy, silty, porous. Thickness 58 ft. Fauna: O.
discoidea var. delicata, D. arabicus
4) Limestone, grey, fine grained, compact, silty, marly in the middle and
lower part and pseudo-oolitic in the lower part. Thickness 88 ft. Fauna:
O. discoidea var. delicata, and C. decipiens. Rare Lituola sp.. MC/1 in
the lowest few feet.
Type section (Kharaib No. 1 well) 361 feet.
The Kharaib Formation varies little in thickness throughout the area of the Qatar
Thickness
Peninsula.
Lower Cretaceous, probably Barremian and possibly also Aptian.
There is no conclusive evidence as to the Barremian age of this Formation.
Henson (1948) discusses the above mentioned Orbitolinidae and their
stratigraphic position at some length but does not give an opinion on age other
than that the Formation is probably Barremian. Little can be added to this except
Age
to state that it seems highly improbable that any part of the Formation is younger
than Aptian or older than Barremian. The accompanying diagrams the
Formation is shown as being partly Aptian in keeping with its correlation with
the Zubair Formation.
Author and
reference
551
Other
Localities
The Kharaib Formation is known from some fifty seven wells which are together
representative of most of the area of the Qatar Peninsula. It is partly represented
in Bahrain, but for further details see Remarks below.
It is also known in Matbakh No. 1 Well (3480 to 3770 feet approx..) and in Id al
Shargi No. 1 Well.
The Kharaib Formation is one of the units of the Lower and Middle Cretaceous
sandstone-shale-limestone complex which is discussed in Appendix 1.
Remarks
Northwards and westwards from Qatar the Formation passes progressively into
shale and sand. It has been readily established that in Bahrain divisions 1 and 3
of the above described section are represented in much the same facies as in
Qatar while divisions 2 and 4 are already passing into shale and marl. In Abqaiq
and Abu Hadriyah the age equivalents of the Kharaib are almost entirely made
up of shale. It is believed that the Zubair sandstone of Basra is more or less
equivalent to the Kharaib Formation (O. cf. discoidea and C. decipiens are
known from both the Zubair and Kharaib Formations) but exact chronological
correlation between the very different lithological sequences in the two areas has
not so far been possible. It is also thought that the upper part of the outcropping
Biyadh Formation of Saudi Arabia is the equivalent of at least a part of the
Kharaib Formation.
The Kharaib Formation is in many respects similar in facies to the Shuaiba
Formation and if there was no intervening Hawar Shale, as for instance at Fahud,
division into more than one Formation would not be justified. However, since
the Hawar shale is present at a level believed to correspond fairly well with the
top of the type Zubair Formation, the distinction of three formations with the
highest correlated and named as Shuaiba has been found to be convenient.
The two separate zones containing D. arabicus (divisions 1 and 3 of the
above description) can be readily recognized throughout the Qatar-Bahrain area.
This particular fossil was first described from the Kharaib Formation by Henson
(1948).
The Kharaib Formation takes its name from a locality near the middle of the
Qatar Peninsula where Kharaib No. 1 Well was drilled.
19.12.1956
W. Sugden
552

Ratawi Formation
Definition of type section by P. Rabanit in BGR/8, 8.7.52. (See S. Nasr, Feb.
1950, amended P. Rabanit IR/PMVR/43)
Published description of type section by Owen and Nasr (1956)
Authors and
Type locality, Ratawi No. 1 Well, depth 10,870 to 11,585 ft.
references
First described from Qatar under the same name by W. Sugden,
RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53
The development of the unit in Qatar is here redescribed.
Synonymy
Kharaib No. 1 Well, Lat. 252709N, Long. 511156E., has been chosen as
representative of the Ratawi Formation of Qatar. In this well the Ratawi
Locality
Formation lies between 4050 and 4268 ft. depth.
Huwaila Formation, contact conformable. The Ratawi-Huwaila contact is apt to
be gradational with some inter-fingering of typical Ratawi marl and Huwaila
Underlying
limestone facies. The contact may be taken at the bottom of the lowest
formation
significant body of marl of Ratawi facies.
Kharaib Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying
see the accompanying description of the Kharaib Formation.
Formation
From top to bottom:
1. Marl, grey. Thickness 30 ft. Fauna: Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger
and rare Lituola sp. MC/1.
2. Marl, grey, with beds of limestone, grey, compact, marly, pseudo-oolitic.
Thickness 25 ft. Fauna: C. decipiens and Lituola sp. MC/1
3. Marl, grey, with thin beds of shale, bluish grey, and thin beds of
limestone, grey, fine grained, compact, silty, marly, usually pseudoDescription of
oolitic. Thickness 116 ft. Fauna: C. decipiens and Lituola sp. MC/1.
section
Rare Pseudocyclammina cf. kelleri Henson in the lower part.
4. Limestone, buff, earthy, porous, rather pellet. Thickness 23 ft. Fauna:
Pseudochrysalidina Arabica (Henson), Pseudocyclammina lituus
(Yokoyama), Lituola sp. MC/1 and Trocholina sp.
5. Marl, blue-grey. Thickness 22 ft. Fauna: P. cf. kelleri, P. lituus and
Cardita cf. neocomiensis dOrbigny.
Described section (Kharaib No. 1 Well), 218 feet.
The thickness of the Ratawi Formation does not vary greatly over the area of the
Thickness
Qatar Peninsula
Lower Cretaceous, Barremian and perhaps uppermost Neocomian.
There is a certain amount of evidence for the Ratawi Formation being mainly
Barremian in age. It has been stated elsewhere (see the accompanying definition
Age
of the Kharaib Formation) that the Kharaib Formation is in all probability mainly
Barremian. This would indicate that the Ratawi Formation of Qatar was either
Barremian or Neocomian. The great abundance of Choffatella decipiens in the
553
Other
Localities
upper and middle part of the Formation indicates Barremian rather than
Neocomian age. The lower part of the Formation could however be Neocomian
and the occurrence of Cardita cf. neocomiensis lends some support to this
possibility.
The Ratawi Formation is known from some fifty seven wells together
representative of most of the Qatar Peninsula. It is also known from Matbakh
No. 1 Well (3770 approx. to 4050 ft) and Id al Shargi No. 1 Well (5730 to 6080
ft).
For details of the Ratawi in other areas see Remarks below.
The above mentioned fauna of the Ratawi of Qatar was mostly first described in
a report by F.R.S. Henson, A.N. Dusenbury and A.H. Smout (CGLR/2344,
20.11.40). The type locality of Pseudochrysalidina arabica is the Ratawi
Formation of Qatar (Henson, 1947 II).
The Ratawi Formation is one of the units of the Lower and Middle cretaceous
complex of sandstone shale and limestone which borders the Arabian Shield.
Owing to change of facies and a lack of sufficient precise information from
Saudi Arabia precise lateral equivalent within the Lower Cretaceous part of the
complex cannot yet be established. However there is good reason to suppose that
the Zubair Formation of Basra is very nearly equivalent to the combined Hawar
and Kharaib Formations of Qatar, while the Ratawi at these two localities is of
similar age but commences slightly earlier at Basra.
The correlation of the outcropping Biyadh Formation with Qatar and Basra units
is at present no more than a reasonable interpretation, but it is thought that the
Biyadh is equivalent to the type Ratawi and a part of the type Zubair.
Remarks
Further notes on the Ratawi in particular areas will now be given.

In Bahrain the Ratawi facies extends over a longer range than in Qatar. Division
4 of the Kharaib (See accompanying description of the Kharaib) has partly
altered laterally to marl and shale while the upper part of the section
corresponding to the type Huwaila is also represented partly as marl and shale.
Division 2 of the Kharaib is also represented in a partly shaly and marly facies.
Thus the Bahrain area illustrates the lateral passage of the Kharaib Formation and
the uppermost part of the Huwaila into the dominantly marly and shaly facies of
the Ratawi. In Bahrain No. 88 well the Ratawi may be said to extend from 3265
to 3520 ft. depth.
In Abqaiq 6 the change to shale in a landward direction is further illustrated. In
that area the Kharaib is almost entirely altered to shale facies there remaining
only a few thin beds of limestone, one of which contains O. cf. discoidea. Thus
in the Abqaiq area it may be said that the Ratawi includes the Hawar Formation
and the lateral equivalents of the Kharaib Formation. On this basis the Ratawi
extends from the bottom of the Shuaiba to the top of the Huwaila and in Abqaiq
6 would be placed between 3535 ft approx. and 4200 ft. approx..
554

At Abu Hadriya it is apparent that the section below the Shuaiba is dominantly
shale. Owing to caving of the Nahr Umr during the drilling of the Thamama of
Abu Hadriya 1 it is uncertain whether or not streaks of Zubair sand are present in
the section below the Shuaiba. Since this doubt exists the top of the Ratawi is
placed at the bottom of the Shuaiba and the Ratawi is interpreted as occupying
the interval 6705 to 7600 ft. depth.
The Ratawi of the Basra-Kuwait area is discussed by Owen and Nasr (1956).
19.12.1956
W. Sugden
555

Definition of a stratigraphic unit
Huwaila Formation
No previous references under the same name
Part of the Musandam Formation of F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 18.4.40 and
various subsequent reports.
Synonymy
The combined Rakan, Karanah, Qartas and Misfir Formations of
RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53
Dukhan No. 26 Well, Lat. 252053N, Long. 504847E., has been chosen as
the type locality of the Huwaila Formation. In this well the Huwaila lies between
Type Locality
4905 and 5490 ft. depth.
Wakrah Formation, contact conformable. The contact between the Huwaila and
Wakrah Formations is apt to be gradational and is therefore not always easy to
place. However the typical chalky facies with abundant pellets of the lower part
Underlying
of the Huwaila (Misfir Member) contrasts with the typically fine grained,
formation
compact and sometimes dolomitic limestones of the upper part of the Wakrah.
The contact must be places according to the merits of an individual section, and
the lowest occurrence of pellet limestones has been taken as a general rule.
Ratawi Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying
Formation
see the accompanying description of the Ratawi Formation of Qatar
From top to bottom:
1. Limestone, light to dark grey, fine grained, compact to dense, rather
marly, partly pseudo-oolitic, partly silty. The pseudo-oolitic pellets are
usually blackened with pyrite. Thickness 185 ft. Fauna: Choffatella
decipiens Schlumberger, Pseudocyclammina cf. kelleri Henson,
Pseudocyclammina lituus (Yokoyama), Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler
and Trocholina sp.
2. Karanah Member. Limestone, light grey to buff, fine grained, earthy to
rather compact. Rather pellet in the lower part. Thickness 100 ft.
Fauna: P. lituus, N. oolithica, Stromatopora aff. costai Osimo,
Polyphylloseris cf. prae-turoniana (Zuffardi-Commerci), Trocholina sp.
Description of
Spirocyclina sp.
section
3. Limestone, grey and light grey, fine grained, compact or dense, pseudooolitic, with occasional beds containing true ooliths, in parts with some
calcareous silt or sand. The pseudo-ooliths are mostly black, being
strongly pyritised. Thickness 220 ft. Fauna: N. oolithica, Trocholina sp
and Pseudocyclammina sp. R/A.
4. Misfir Member. Limestone, light grey, fine grained, earthy to chalky and
very chalky in the upper part, the whole containing a variable proportion
of medium grade pellet debris of the same colour as the body of the rock.
This debris is most abundant in the upper part. The lowest few feet are
rather dolomitic. Thickness 80 ft. Fauna: abundant P. lituus.
Type section (Dukhan No. 26 Well), 585 feet.
Thickness
The thickness of the Huwaila Formation does not vary greatly over the area of
the Qatar Peninsula.
References
556

Lower Cretaceous and possibly uppermost Jurassic.
There is no conclusive evidence as to the age of the Huwaila Formation. There is
some reason to suppose that the overlying Ratawi Formation is Barremian
together with the lower part of the Kharaib. The Huwaila Formation thus falls in
a position which would be expected to correspond more or less to the
Neocomian, but fossil evidence does little to confirm this supposed age.
The Pseudocyclammina recorded above as P. lituus occurs in diverse varieties
throughout the Huwaila and Pseudocyclammina sp. R/A seems to be a closely
related form. The type level of P. lituus is said to be Corallian, but the Huwaila
is certainly no Corallian. Forms resembling P. lituus are known to range over a
long time interval.
Age
P. kelleri is recorded as being of Argovian-Callovian age at its type locality (see

Henson, 1948) but the P. cf. kelleri recorded from the Huwaila Formation is now
agreed to be a distinct though related form. Here again various similar forms
certainly occur over a long time interval.
N. oolithica is again inconclusive in that it is known to occur over a long time
range and the remainder of the fauna cannot be said to be very helpful in the
problem of determining age.
The age of the Huwaila has been the subject of much discussion. It was
originally thought to be partly Cretaceous (division 1 of the above description)
and partly Jurassic (divisions 2 3 and 4). This opinion was however based
on the misidentification of certain macro-fossils (see RGQ/141.672/4941 of
8.2.56 by W. Sugden and DO/GRCL/5186/57468, 17.2.56 and IR/RGSH/314 by
R.G.S Hudson) and the lack of evidence that certain Jurassic species could have
closely allied forms over a long range (see above).
The Huwaila Formation is known from some fifty seven oil wells together
representative of most of the Qatar Peninsula. It persists over a very large area
and is represented in Saudi Arabia and in southern Iraq. In various wells the
Huwaila occurs at the following depths.
Other
Localities
Remarks
Well Name
Depth (from), in feet
Depth (To), in feet
Bahrain No. 88
3520
3845
Matbakh No. 1
3960
4485
Id al Shargi No. 1
6080
6600 approx.
Abu Hadriya No. 1
7600
8090
Abqaiq No. 6
4200 approx.
4695
Ratawi No. 1
11585
12510
Previous to the present definition the Huwaila of Qatar was divided into four
formations according to readily observed differences of limestone facies.
However, these four units, though very useful locally, cannot be recognized
elsewhere than in Qatar. It has in consequence been decided to abandon division
into four formations in favour of one formation which is regionally recognizable
and therefore of much greater utility.
This unit may be broadly defined as a series of pellet limestones overlain by a
557

shaly or marly facies (Ratawi) and underlain by a series of featureless fine
grained limestones (Wakrah).
It is believed that the Huwaila is more or less equivalent to the combined Buwaib
and Yamama Formations of outcrops in Central Arabia. Exact time coincidence
cannot be illustrated since there is no available information on fossil ranges at the
outcrop but judging by comparative thicknesses the highest part of the Huwaila
may well be time equivalent to the lowest part of the Biyadh sandstone.
The Huwaila Formation takes its name from a locality situated on the southern
part of the Dukhan anticline.
19.12.1956
W. Sugden
558

Wakrah Formation
References
Synonymy
Type Locality
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Original author W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53.

The unit is here redefined.
Lowermost part of the Musandam Formation of F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345,
18.4.40 and various subsequent reports.
Dukhan No. 27 Well, Lat. 251754N, Long. 504630E., is chosen as the type
locality of the Wakrah Formation. In this well the Formation lies between 5295
and 5740 ft. depth.
Hith Formation, contact conformable. The bottom of the Wakrah Formation is
taken at the highest occurrence of the anhydrite nodules of the Hith.
Huwaila Formation, contact conformable. For details of the contact see the
accompanying description of the Huwaila Formation.
Limestone, light grey and grey, fine grained, varying from compact at the top to
dense at the bottom of the formation. The upper and middle parts contain beds
which are slightly dolomitic.
Description of
In many sections, but not in the type section, a thin bed of pseudo-oolitic or
section
oolitic limestone occurs at the bottom of the formation.
Thickness
Pseudocyclammina cf. lituus in a very poor state of preservation sometimes

occurs in small numbers towards the bottom of the formation.
The thickness of the Wakrah Formation varies little over the area of the Qatar
Peninsula.
Upper Jurassic or lower cretaceous.
The Formation being virtually unfossiliferous, and there being at present no
possibility of determining with any precision the age of overlying and underlying
Formations, the age of the Wakrah is at present open to some speculation.
Age
Other
Localities
ARAMCO place the corresponding outcropping formation, the Sulaiy, in the

lowermost Cretaceous and presume an unconformity (Cretaceous/Jurassic) below
it. (For comment on this unconformity see the accompanying description of the
Hith of Qatar). It is said that Cretaceous echinoids have been found above this
presumed unconformity, but it is not known whether these echinoids were
obtained from the Sulaiy or the Yamama.
In accompanying diagrams the Wakrah Formation is correlated, for lack of better
information, with the lowermost Neocomian and upper Portlandian.
The Wakrah Formation is known from some fifty seven oil wells together
representing most of the Qatar Peninsula.
559

It is also known over a large area southern Iraq and eastern Saudi Arabia. In
various wells it is found at the following depths.
Well Name
Depth (To), in feet
Matbakh No. 1
4485
4900
Bahrain No. 88
3845
4145
Abu Hadriya No. 1
8090
8455
Abqaiq No. 6
4695
5165
Ratawi No. 1
12510
T.D. (Bottom not reached)
Id al Shargi No. 1
6600 approx.
7075
In Arabia the formation known as the Sulaiy corresponds to the Wakrah of Qatar.
These two formations have almost identical lithology and it is presumed that they
occupy almost the same time interval, but paleontological proof is lacking and it
is for this reason only that they are not included under the same name.
Remarks
The Sulaiy of Arabian well sections often has a well developed oolitic or pseudooolitic limestone at the bottom. This interval is usually much thicker than the
corresponding pseudo-oolitic and oolitic limestones at the bottom of the Wakrah
Formation of Qatar.
The Wakrah Formation takes its name from a large village on the east coast of
the Qatar Peninsula.
19.12.1956
W. Sugden
560

Amended description of a local development of stratigraphic
unit named from a type section in another area
Hith Formation
Author and
References
Synonymy
Locality
Underlying
formation
No published or unpublished definition yet available. According to Daniel

(EJD/101, 30.4.51) and R.V. Browne (IR/RVB/5/141.671/219, 18.4.51) the Hith
is named from the Dahl at Hith near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For further
information see Remarks below.
Uppermost part of the Zekrit Formation of old reports on Dukhan stratigraphy.
See particularly F.R.S Henson, CGLR/2345, 25.9.40. The same terminology is
used in a published article by Barber (1948).
The combined interval designated as Doha and Hith Formations in
RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53 and in various subsequent reports.
The name Hith as it is here redescribed was at one time used in exactly the same
sense, see particularly R.V. Browne, DGLQ/140.3/14, 11.1.51, F.R.S. Henson,
GRCL/2512, 23.1.51 and R.M. Ramsden (1952). Reasons for a return to the
same nomenclature are given below.
Dukhan No. 25 Well, Lat. 252252N, Long. 504550E., is chosen as
illustrating a representative section of the Hith Formation of Qatar. In that well
the Hith Formation lies between 5859 and 6334 ft. depth.
Qatar Formation, contact conformable. There is a gradation from the anhydrite
typical of the Hith Formation to the almost pure carbonate facies of the Jaleha
Member (No. 1 Limestone), the uppermost division of the Qatar Formation.
Since however the nature of the gradation is almost identical in every section
(see standard log sheet Q/01.0389 F3 etc.) there is no difficulty in defining the
contact which is placed at the bottom of the gradation, that is to say at the top of
the pure carbonate section of the Jaleha member proper.
Owing to lateral variations in the proportion of carbonate to anhydrite this

definition cannot be conveniently applied to all areas outside the Qatar Peninsula.
Wakrah Formation, contact conformable. The contact is taken at the highest
Overlying
occurrence of the anhydrite nodules typical of the upper part of the Hith
Formation
Formation
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, brown and grey-brown, dolomitic, with nodules of anhydrite.
Thickness 43 ft.
2) Limestone, brown, oolitic, dolomitized. Thickness 13 ft.
Description of
3) White nodular anhydrite with abundant streaks and stringers of dense or
section
compact, brown dolomite. Thickness 117 ft.
4) Anhydrite, white, massive, rarely with stringers of dolomite. Thickness
98 ft.
5) White nodular anhydrite with numerous stringers of brown dolomite.
561
Thickness
Age
Several thin beds of porous, oolitic or pseudo-oolitic, brown dolomitized

limestone. Thickness 66 ft.
6) Anhydrite, white to light brown, massive, partly with stringers of brown
dolomite. Thickness 94 ft.
7) Anhydrite, white nodular with numerous stringers of dark brown
dolomite, changing downwards to dolomite, grey-brown with abundant
nodules of anhydrite. A six foot bed of dolomitized oolitic limestone
near the bottom. Thickness 44 ft.
The thickness of the Hith Formation varies only very slightly over the area of the
Qatar Peninsula
Not known precisely. From its stratigraphic position the Hith Formation would
be expected to be mainly Portlandian but might also include upper
Kimmeridgian.
Vestiges of fossils have been seen in some of the pellet or oolitic beds of the Hith
but these have been so poorly preserved as to defy determination.
In the same way the precise age of the Formation elsewhere is unknown and the
best available key to its age is the lower Kimmeridgian age of the Jubaila and
Darb Formations (see the accompanying definition of the Darb and Qatar
Formations).
The Hith Formation is known from some fifty eight wells together representative
of most of the area of the Qatar Peninsula.
It is also known from oil wells of the Bahrain, Dammam, Qatif, Abqaiq, Abu
Hadriya, Fadhili, Ghawar and Haradh structures and also at the outcrop in the
Dahl al Hith from which it takes its name.
Other
Localities
In various wells it has been placed at the following depths.

Well Name
Depth (To), in feet
Bahrain No. 88
4145
4495
Abu Hadriya No. 1
8455
8890
Abqaiq No. 6
5165
5645
Matbakh No. 1
4900
5200
Id al Shargi No. 1
7075
7364
The Hith Formation is the highest unit of the well known Riyadh Group. The
latter is defined from Saudi Arabia and there includes the Hith and Arab
Formations.
Remarks
The Riyadh Group can be distinguished over a very large area including Kuwait,
the outcrops near Riyadh, the whole of the Hasa and Qatar and a part of the
Trucial Coast. It is however far from uniform in lithology over the whole of that
area. Over most of it, as in Qatar it consists of alternations and mixtures of
anhydrite and carbonate sedimentation, but in Kuwait it is dominantly composed
of salt and anhydrite (Owen and Nasr, 1956) while eastwards along the Trucial
Coast the Group passes gradually towards an entirely carbonate facies. Within
the group there is therefore evidence of an increase in evaporates both
562

northwards and westwards. The Hith Formation is separable in only a limited
part of the area covered by the Riyadh Group. It cannot be satisfactorily
distinguished at either extreme of Riyadh type sedimentation.
As mentioned above the Hith Formation takes its name from an outcrop in the
Dahl al Hith near Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. At that point about 260 feet of the
Formation are exposed. The contact with the overlying Sulaiy limestone is
however peculiar. (See photograph by R. V. Browne in IR/RVB/141.671/219,
18.4.51). It has been suggested by Aramco geologists that at that point the
contact is unconformable and represents a Jurassic-Cretaceous break. It would
seem however that there is no evidence of such a break elsewhere and the nature
of the contact at the Dahl al Hith therefore remains anomalous.
It is understood that Aramco geologists have chosen a type section for the
underlying Arab Formation in the oilfield area of the Hasa. It is not known
whether this is now also the case with the Hith Formation.
In oil well sections Aramco geologists place the top of the Hith at the top of the
highest anhydrite assignable to the Riyadh Group. This was the practice
followed when the name Hith was first applied in Qatar stratigraphy. Later it
was decided to divide what had formerly been called the Hith into an upper
carbonate dominated unit (the Doha Formation) and a lower anhydrite dominated
unit (named as Hith Formation). It was however subsequently recognized that
this must lead to a confusing situation in regional nomenclature and it has now
been decided to adhere once more to the usage as applied in Saudi Arabia.
22.12.1956
W. Sugden
563

Qatar Formation
Author and
References
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53

The unit is her redescribed in a more convenient form
Part of the Zekrit Formation of F.R.S. Henson, CGLR/2345, 25.9.40. The Zekrit
Formation of the older reports on Dukhan stratigraphy is synonymous with the
Riyadh Group of Saudi Arabia.
The Qatar Formation is also partly synonymous with the Arab Formation of Saudi
Arabia and the Fourth Pay of Bahrain. Equivalent terms within the Riyadh Group
as used by different authorities are given below.
Type
Locality
Underlying
formation
Overlying
Formation
Description
of section
Juh
No. 2
Member Limestone
Umm
No. 3
Bab
Limestone
Member
Arab Formation or Zone
Qatar Formation
Synonymy
R.M.
Ramsden
(1952)
Hith
Formation
First
Limestone
B
second
Limestone Limestone
C
Third
Limestone Limestone
Bapco
Terminology
*
C
Limestone
Fourth Pay
Informal
Aramco
Q.P.C
Terminology
Terminology
Hith
Hith
Hith Formation
Formation
Formation
Jaleha
No. 1
A
Member Limestone
Limestone
Definition
(Qatar)
D
Limestone
E
Limestone
Fahahil
No.
4
D
Fourth
F
Formation
Limestone
Limestone Limestone
Limestone
Darb
Jubaila
Jubaila
Formation
Formation
Formation
The fourth Pay Zones A and B of Bapco terminology correspond
roughly with the Hith Formation
Dukhan No. 28 Well. Depth 6245 to 6529 feet.
Coordinates: Lat. 251712N, Long. 504846E.
In Dukhan No. 28 well the Qatar Formation was cored throughout.
Fahahil Formation, contact conformable. The contact is taken at the bottom of the
lowest substantial anhydrite bed of the Qatar Formation
Hith Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact see
the accompanying definition of the Hith Formation
1) Limestone, light brown, fairly fine grained, in part dolomitic, in part pseudooolitic, mostly fairly compact. Thickness 15 ft.
2) Limestone, light grey, oolitic and pseudo-oolitic, porous, dolomitic in the
564
Thickness
Age
Other
Localities
bottom few feet. Thickness 21 ft. Fauna: Mr. G.F. Elliot has identified
Salpingoporella annulata Carozzi and Coprolithus salevensis Parejas from
this part of the section.
3) Anhydrite, white or light grey, with frequent stringers of brown dolomite
near the top and bottom. Thickness 41 ft. Unfossiliferous
4) Limestone, brown, pseudo-oolitic and dolomitic, and dolomite, brown,
porous. Thickness 17 ft. Fauna: C. salevensis.
5) Anhydrite, grey, massive, dolomitic near the top and bottom. Thickness 51
ft. Unfossiliferous.
6) Limestone, grey-brown and brown, partly dolomitic and very much so
towards the top. Partly oolitic or pseudo-oolitic. Partly fine grained and
dense or very compact. Scattered anhydrite nodules more or less
throughout. Thickness 36 ft.
7) Limestone, grey-brown and brown, almost all pseudo-oolitic or oolitic and
with streaks almost entirely composed of autoclastic debris. Occasional thin
beds of fine grained, compact or dense limestone. Thickness 47 ft. Fauna:
The foraminifera Throcholina palastiniensis Henson, Valvulinella jurassica
Henson and Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler have been found in this part of
the section. R.G.S. Hudson and J. Robinson (IR/RGSH/160) have identified
the molluscs Cerithium ursicinum de Loriol, Helicryptus cf. pusilis
(Roemer), Retusa pellati Cossman, Ovacteonina pilleti (de Loriol) and
Isocyprina boonei Cossman. Mr. G.F. Elliot has identified C. salevensis and
the alga S. annulata.
8) Anhydrite, light brown or light grey with a four foot bed of anhydrite
dolomite near the bottom. Thickness 56 ft. Unfossiliferous.
The thickness of the Qatar Formation varies by only a few feet over the area of the
Qatar Peninsula
In all probability Kimmeridgian.
On the basis of the molluscs mentioned as occurring in division 7 of the above
description Dr. Hudson at one time suggested Sequanian (Corallian) age for that
part of the unit (IR/RGSH/160).
It is now however acknowledged that since the Jubaila Formation has been
confidently dated as lower Kimmeridgian by ammonites (Arkell, Bramkamp
and Steineke, 1952) and since the Jubaila is the correlative of the upper part of
the Darb Formation, the overlying Fahahil and Qatar Formations cannot
reasonably be much older or younger than middle and upper Kimmeridgian
The Qatar Formation is known from some fifty eight oil wells together
representative of most of the Qatar Peninsula.
It is known from the Dammam, Qatif, Abqaiq, Abu Hadriya, Fadhili, Ghawar and
Haradh structured in Saudi Arabia where it is included in the Arab Formation (see
Synonymy above).
It is also known in Bahrain, in Matbakh No. 1 Well and Id al Shargi No. 1 Well
565

Actual depths of the Formation in particular wells are as follows:
Well Name
Depth (To), in feet
Bahrain No. 88
4495
4765
Abqaiq No. 6
5645
5975
Abu Hadriya No. 1
8890
9225
Matbakh No. 1
5200
5439
Id al Shargi No. 1
7364
7605
Over such a large area there is naturally some lithological change within the
Formation but the persistence of all its main divisions of carbonates and anhydrites
is astonishingly constant.
Divisions 1 and 2 in the above description comprise the Jaleha Member (No. 1
Limestone), division 4 is the Juh Member (No. 2 Limestone) and divisions 6 and 7
comprise the Umm Bab Member (No. 3 Limestone).
The Arab Zone or Formation and its equivalents in Qatar, the Qatar and Fahahil
Formations are important economic units and in consequence have been many times
mentioned in geological periodicals and semi-technical oil trade journals. A list of
references and the areas to which they refer is given below.
Anon
1939
Barber
1948
Anon
1948
Kerr
1950
Anon
1951
Kerr
1951
Kerr
&
1952
Nigra
Remarks
23.12.1956
Dammam
Dammam, Abqaiq, Qatif, Abu Hadriya, Dukhan
Ain Dar
Saudi Arabia including Fadhili and Haradh, Dukhan
Uthmaniyah
Abqaiq, Ain Dar, Haradh, Qatif, Dammam, Dukhan
Uthmaniyah, Abqaiq, Ain Dar, Dukhan, Bahrain
None of the above references contains an adequate definition of the Arab

Formation.
A thesis by Ramsden (1952) describes the petrology of the Umm Bab Member
of Qatar (referred to as Third Limestone in the thesis) in great detail. The thesis
contains a certain amount of information on the Riyadh Group in general in the
Qatar, Bahrain and Hasa areas but no formal definition of units is given.
In Kuwait the Riyadh Group is represented in a salt anhydrite facies and the
Qatar Formation cannot be differentiated.
It has already been noted that in Saudi Arabia the Arab Formation included the
equivalents of both the Qatar and Fahahil Formations. This represents a
distinction between an economic and an academic viewpoint. Economically the
Fahahil and Qatar Formations can be readily associated since they both contain
prodigious quantities of oil and gas. Also the facies of the Fahahil Formation is
similar to that of the limestone members of the Qatar Formation. However from
an academic viewpoint it is probably better to separate one formation which
consists of alternations of anhydrite and carbonates from another which consists
of carbonates only and is in continuity with an enormously thick underlying
carbonate section.
W. Sugden
566

Fahahil Formation
Author and
Reference
Synonymy
Type Locality
Underlying
formation
Originally described as such by W. Sugden in RGQ/141.672/397, 17.9.53

Some minor amendments are here made to bring the definition up to date
Almost all past and present company reports employ the informal terminology
No. 4 Limestone for this unit.
Fahahil Formation is also a synonym for the D Member of the Arab Zone or
Arab Formation of Aramco geologists. This terminology has been employed in
many technical or semi-technical articles on oil production in Saudi Arabia. A
selected list of such articles is given in the accompanying definition of the Qatar
Formation.
The Fourth Limestone of a thesis by R.M. Ramsden (1952) and the F
Limestone of the Fourth Zone in Bapco terminology are also synonymous
with the Fahahil Formation.
Dukhan No. 26 Well, Lat. 252053 N., Long. 504847 E. is chosen as the
type Locality. In this well the Fahahil Formation lies between 6706 and 6893
feet.
Darb Formation, contact conformable. The contact is usually fairly sharp, being
placed at the point where the typical dark coloured porous dolomites of the
lowest part of the Fahahil overlie the fine grained, compact or dense limestones
of the Darb. In some sections the uppermost part of the Darb Formation contains
beds of porous dolomite similar to the Fahahil dolomite, but up to the present it
has been possible to distinguish the lower Fahahil dolomite from underlying
dolomites in all wells on the Qatar Peninsula.
Regionally the contact is possibly slightly diachronous due to facies variations in

the lower part of the Fahahil and the upper part of the Darb.
Qatar Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying
see the accompanying definition of the Qatar Formation
Formation
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, light grey, mostly fine grained and dense, interbedded with
dolomite, brown, compact. Thickness 11 ft.
2) Anhydrite, grey, with numerous stringers of dolomite. Thickness 3 ft.
3) Dolomite, brown and grey-brown, porous, with beds of dolomitic
limestone. Thickness 15 ft. Fauna: Valvulinella jurassica Henson,
Description of
Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, Salpingoporella annulata Carozzi.
section
4) Limestone, grey and grey-brown, mostly pseudo-oolitic and in parts
largely composed of pellet debris. Numerous thick and thin beds of finer
grained dolomitic limestone. All of fairly high porosity. Thickness 122
ft. Fauna: The foraminifera V. jurassica, V. cf. wellingsi Henson and N.
oolithica.
Stromatoporoids Burgundia trinorchii var. Dehorne,
567

Cladocoropsis mirabilis Felix, Stromatoporina choffati (Dehorne), S.
romanica (Dehorne) and S. somaliense (Zuffardi-Comerci) identified by
Dr. R.G.S. Hudson (IR/RGSH/251). Algae S. Annulata, Clypeina
Jurassica Favre and Richard, C. cf. hanabatensis Yabe and Toyama and
Lithoporella melobesioides Foslie identified by Mr. G.F. Elliott.
5) Dolomite, grey and brown, partly calcareous, porous. Thickness 36 ft.
Fauna: Occasional V. jurassica.
Thickness
Age
The Fahahil Formation varies in thickness by only a few feet over the area of the
Dukhan anticline. It is however much thinner in the Kharaib area (Kharaib No. 1
well, 124 ft.)
Upper Jurassic, Kimmeridgian.
While the above mentioned fossils clearly indicate Upper Jurassic age, the
assignment to the Kimmeridgian stage is largely dependent on the dating of the
outcropping Jubaila Formation as lower Kimmeridgian (Arkell, Bramkamp and
Steineke, 1952) and the correlation of the Jubaila with the upper part of the Darb
Formation. (For further information see the accompanying definition of the Darb
Formation)
The Fahahil Formation is known from some fifty eight oil wells together
representing most of the area of the Qatar Peninsula.
It is also known in oil wells of the Bahrain, Dammam, Qatif, Abqaiq, Abu
Hadriya, Fadhili, Ghawar and Haradh structures and in wells Matbakh No. 1 and
Id al Shargi No. 1
Other
Localities
Remarks
Actual depths in various wells is given below:

Well Name
Depth (To), in feet
Bahrain No. 88
4765
5060
Abqaiq No. 6
5975
6210
Abu Hadriya No. 1
9225
9520
Matbakh No. 1
5439
5580
Id al Shargi No. 1
7605
7724
Eastwards along the Trucial Coast the Fahahil Formation passes into limestones
of a fine grained and dense facies.
It cannot be recognized in Kuwait where its equivalents may exist either within
the lower part of the salt-anhydrite Riyadh facies or, as seems more probable, in
the immediately underlying limestones.
The Fahahil Formation takes its name from a locality in the middle of the
Dukhan anticline.
24.12.1956
W. Sugden
568

Darb Formation
W. Sugden in RGQ/141.672/13520, 10.1.55
Author, date
Some slight amendments and information additional to the original definition are
and References
here given
Upper part of the Jubaila Formation of some early interim memos on wells Juh
Synonymy
No. 1 and Kharaib Nos 1 and 2.
Juh No. 1 well, Qatar Peninsula. Depth, 7107 to 7800. Coordinates: Lat.
245348 N, Long. 5059 55 E.
Type Locality
This section is chosen as the type since it is in the only well in which a large part
of the Formation has been cored.
Diyab Formation, contact conformable. In the type section the contact is taken at
the highest occurrence of fine grained calcareous sandstones of the Diyab detrital
facies. Where true arenaceous facies is not present the contact is taken at the
Underlying
highest occurrence of the micropseudo-oolite facies of the Diyab. Unless this
formation
contact is familiar to the person wishing to establish its position it cannot always
be easily identified by unaided visual inspection of rock specimens. It is,
however, clearly revealed by the examination of thin sections by microscope.
Fahahil Formation, contact conformable. The contact is placed at the bottom of
the persistent dolomite which comprises the lowest part of the Fahahil Formation
(No. 4 Limestone) of the Qatar Peninsula. In the type section of the Darb there is
Overlying
a well marked facies change at the contact from medium grained, porous
Formation
dolomite above to very fine grained compact limestone below, but elsewhere the
contact is not always so sharply marked. (For further details of the nature of the
contact see Remarks below)
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, grey and light grey, fine grained, varying from very compact
to dense. A few beds rather dolomitic and occasional beds containing
scattered large pyrite stained pseudo-ooliths. Thickness 163. Fauna:
Common Valvulinella jurassica Henson and a larger Valvulinella very
similar to V. wellingsi Henson. Rare Pseudocyclammina sequana
(Merian) in the lowermost part.
2) Limestone, dark grey, fine grained, dense. One or two thin streaks
containing pseudo-oolitic debris. Thickness 174. Fauna: Rare
Description of
Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, V. jurassica and V. cf. wellingsi, P.
section
sequana and Pseudocyclammina cf. virguliana Koechlin.
3) Limestone, grey, fine grained dense, becoming rather argillaceous
downwards, with numerous thin beds containing large, scattered, pyrite
stained pseudo-ooliths. Thickness 131. Fauna: Abundant P. sequana,
P. cf. virguliana and N. oolithica. V. jurassica and V. cf. wellingsi in the
lower part.
4) Limestone, dark grey, fine grained, dense, argillaceous and becoming
increasingly so towards the bottom. Becoming silty in the lower part.
569
Thickness
Age
Thickness 225. Fauna: Abundant P. cf. virguliana throughout. P.

sequana and N. oolithica rather rare, V. jurassica very rare. Dr, R.G.S.
Hudson has identified the following macrofossils from the lowermost two
feet of the type section. Exogyra nana (J. sowerby) Pholadomya sp.
Homomya sp. Mactromya sp.
Type section (Juh No. 1), 693
Lower Kimmeridgian and Corallian.
The dating of the Formation is by correlation with the corresponding section in
Bahrain and in Saudi Arabian outcrops. The micro-fauna mentioned above has
been found both in the Darb Formation of Qatar and in the Jubaila and Hanifa
Formations at the type outcrops, in Bahrain and elsewhere. From this it may be
safely concluded that the Darb Formation down to about the bottom of division
2 of the above description is the equivalent of the Jubaila Formation while the
remaining divisions are the equivalent of the Hanifa Formation. By the dating of
the type Jubaila and Hanifa Formations (Arkell, Bramkamp and Steineke, 1952)
this places the time range of the Darb Formation from the Lower Kimmeridgian
into Corallian.
In accompanying diagrams the Hanifa has been drawn as corresponding exactly
in age to the Corallian but this is to some extent a matter of convenience and
proof of exact correspondence is lacking.
Other
Localities
Well Name
Kharaib No. 1
Kharaib No. 2
Dukhan No. 40
Murban No. 1
Matbakh No. 1
Id al Shargi No. 1

6039
5739
5680
11363
5580
7724
Depth (To), in feet

6580
6265
6305
11835
6040
8227
Northwards and westwards from the Qatar Peninsula divisions 3 and 4 of the
Formation as described above change in facies, although containing an almost
identical fauna and the Darb Formation, which shows lithological unity and
continuity over the area of the Qatar Peninsula and south-eastwards, has in
consequence been divided in the area of the Bahrain and Central Arabia into two
units, the Jubaila Formation (upper) and Hanifa Formation (lower). (See
Remarks for further information).
As indicated above the Darb Formation is the lateral equivalent of the combined
Jubaila and Hanifa Formation. While the Jubaila is almost identical in facies
with the Darb Formation, the Hanifa as it occurs in Bahrain is a typical shallow
water, pellet, porous limestone similar in facies to the limestones of the lower
Riyadh and the Uwainat Limestone.
Remarks
Porous, petroliferous limestones of the Hanifa in Abu Hadriya No. 1 are known
as the Hadriya Zone.
There is a little local lithological variation in the Darb Formation over the area of
the Qatar Peninsula, but the lithological sequence is very similar in its essentials
570

throughout this area. No difficulty is experienced in fixing the bottom of the
Formation in the Qatar wells. In the case of the top of the formation however the
contact is not always so distinct. The uppermost division of the Formation
sometimes shows irregular development of porous dolomite beds which may
merge with and become confused with the comparatively regular lowermost
dolomite of the Fahahil Formation (No. 4 Limestone) as for example in DK-40.
(This is also true of the Jubaila-Riyadh contact in the case of the Aramco
sections). In such sections the top of the Darb Formation needs to be placed
according to the particular merits of the section concerned.
In some sections occasional streaks of the Darb Formation contain scattered
sponge spicules together with small bodies of clear calcite which are round or
kidney shaped in cross section. These small bodies are evidently of organic
origin but they have not yet been isolated and the type of organism concerned is
not known.
The Darb Formation takes its name from the Taas al Darb, a large isolated sand
dune near the type locality and marking an ancient pilgrim road to Mecca.
15.12.1956
W. Sugden
571

Diyab Formation
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520, 10.1.55
Author, date
Slight amendments are here made to the original definition and some additional
and References
detail is added
Lower part of the Jubaila Formation of some early interim memos on wells Juh
Synonymy
No. 1 and Kharaib Nos 1 and 2.
Juh No. 1 well, Qatar Peninsula. Depth, 7800 to 8125. Coordinates: Lat.
245348 N, Long. 5059 55 E.
Type Locality
This section is chosen as the type since the formation was cored throughout in
this particular well.
Araej Formation, contact conformable. There is a well marked change of facies
with little or no intergradation between the Araej and Diyab Formations. The
typical coarse pellet limestones of the Araej are in sharp contrast with the silty
Underlying
limestones and extremely fine textured pseudo-oolitic, sandy limestones of the
formation
Diyab. There is also a marked micro-faunal change at the contact of these two
formations
Overlying
Darb Formation, contact conformable. For details see the accompanying
description of the Darb Formation.
Formation
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, dark grey, fine grained, dense, thin bedded, very argillaceous,
very silty, with thin beds of dark grey marl and with thin beds of grey,
dense, fine grained calcareous sandstone. The sand of the sandstones is
mainly composed of calcareous debris and often contains large quantities
of microscopic pseudo-oolitic debris. There is however a fair proportion
of quartz grains. Thickness, 77. Fauna: Abundant sponge spicules and
numerous small ostracods. Occasional streaks of sandstone contain
numerous small miliolids, occasional Glomospira sp., and rare
Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler.
2) Anhydrite, white, nodular, with stringers of grey, marly limestone.
Description of
3) Limestone, dark grey, fine grained, dense, argillaceous, silty, in part thin
type section
bedded and with streaks of grey, dense, fine grained, calcareous
sandstone. Very rare thin beds of chert. The sands of the sandstones are
almost entirely made up of calcareous debris, quartz or other detrital
grains being very rare and microscopic pseudo-oolitic grains being
abundant. Thickness 77.
Fauna: Abundant sponge spicules and occasional small ostracods.
Occasional streaks of sandstone contain abundant small miliolids,
occasional Glomospira sp., and N. oolithica. Dr. L.F. Spath has
identified the following ammonites in this part of the Diyab: at 7890
Aspidoceras sp., and at 7908 Perisphinctes s.l. and Camptonectes sp. In
572
Thickness
Age
Other
Localities
addition Dr. R.G.S. Hudson has identified the following:- at 7892

Exogyra nana (Sowerby) and at 7921 Perisphinctes s.s.
4) Anhydrite, white, nodular with stringers of limestone, grey, dense.
Thickness, 6. Unfossiliferous.
5) Limestone, grey, fine grained, compact. Thickness, 31. Fauna:Abundant sponge spicules.
6) Limestone, dark grey to black, very argillaceous and silty, slightly
dolomitic. In part splitting into thin laminae. Slightly carbonaceous in
the upper part and becoming very carbonaceous in the lower part.
Occasional thin streaks of fine grained calcareous sandstone. The
sandstone streaks do not contain other than calcareous debris. The
carbonaceous matter is sometimes so distributed as to give the limestone
a blotchy appearance in thin section. In other sections the corresponding
part of the Diyab has been found to contain the following. In Kharaib
No. 1, Pholadomya (Homomya) cf. mornata (J. de C. Sowerby) and
Gryphaea sp. (determined by R.G.S Hudson). In Kharaib No. 2, Chlamys
macfadyeni Cox, Exogyra nana and Modiolus imbricatus (Sowerby)
(determined by Dr. M. Chatton) and Gryphaea balli (Stefanini) and
Liostrea Arabica Stefanini (determined by R.G.S Hudson).
Type section (Juh No. 1 well), 325
The thickness of the Diyab is rather variable over the area of the Qatar Peninsula
(KB-1, 430, DK-40, 408) and the available evidence has led to the conclusion
that the top of the Formation is diachronous, the upper part passing laterally into
the rather different facies of the Darb Formation. The Diyab Formation is an
unusual case of a formation which thins southwards over the area of the Qatar
Peninsula
Believed to be upper-middle Callovian, Oxfordian and perhaps lowermost
Corallian.
This age assignation is almost entirely dependent on the correlation of the top of
the Araej with the top of the Dhruma and the assignment of the lower part of the
Darb Formation to the Corallian. Precise determination of the age of the Diyab
is not possible from the known fauna of the Qatar sections but it may be noted
that the macrofossil assemblage of the lowest division of the Diyab Formation
taken together with that of the highest division of the Araej Formation has strong
similarities to the assemblage found in the outcropping Tuwaiq Mountain
Limestone (Arkell, Bramkamp and Steineke, 1952). For further details regarding
age ascriptions see the accompanying definitions of the Darb and Araej
Formations.
Well Name
Depth (To), in feet
Kharaib No. 1
6580
7010
Kharaib No. 2
6265
6653
Dukhan No. 40
6305
6713
Gezira No. 1
11390
12215
Murban No. 1
11835
Bahrain No. 52
5460
5685
Matbakh No. 1
6040
6375
Id al Shargi No. 1
8227
8581
573

In the Kharaib and Dukhan areas the Diyab has the same general characteristics
as in the type section of Juh No. 1. There is however some lateral variation in
lithology. Thus, for example the proportion of quartz in the sandstones of the
highest division of the Formation is quite variable, and while two thin anhydrites
occur in the Juh No. 1 type section, only one occurs in Kharaib No. 1 and none at
all in DK-40. Again, while chert beds are few and very thin in the Diyab of Juh
No. 1 and DK-40, chert and siliceous limestone are common in the middle part of
the Diyab in the Kharaib area and the carbonaceous matter which occurs in
abundance in the lower part of the type section is much less noticeable in other
sections.
The nature of the thin detrital beds of the Diyab is such that it is not always easy
to decide whether they could best be called calcareous sandstones, sandy
limestones or sandy pseudo-oolites. These thin sands and micro-pseudo-oolites
are however the constant and typical feature of the Diyab.
Remarks
The limestones of the Diyab typically contain abundant sponge spicules and in
many cases the spicules are accompanied by numerous microscopic objects
composed of clear calcite, these having a round or kidney shaped cross section.
These objects have been mentioned in the accompanying description of the Darb
Formation. They are not confined to the Diyab Formation but are particularly
abundant in and typical of that unit.
The Diyab lies between the Darb Formation, the lower part of which is correlated
with the Hanifa Formation, and the Araej Formation which is correlated with the
upper part of the Dhruma. The Diyab Formation must therefore be the
approximate lateral equivalent of the Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone of Arabia.
There is however very little available internal evidence, either lithological or
faunal by which the correlation of these two formations can be confirmed.
The Diyab Formation takes its name from a locality on the southern part of the
Dukhan anticline
16.12.1956
W. Sugden
574

Araej Formation
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520, 10.1.55
Author, date
Slight amendments are here made to the original definition and some additional
and References
detail is added
The Hanifa Formation of some early interim memos on wells Juh No. 1 and
Synonymy
Kharaib Nos 1 and 2.
Kharaib No. 1 Well, Qatar Peninsula. Depth, 7010 to 7630 feet. Coordinates:
Type Locality
Lat. 252709 N, Long. 5111 56 E.
Izhara Formation, contact conformable, gradational. There is no sharp change of
facies between the Araej and Izhara Formations. In the type section there is an
upward gradation from the fine grained rather dolomitic limestone typical of the
Izhara to the pellet limestone with partly pyrite stained pellet debris typical of the
Araej. Some interbedding of the two facies takes place near the contact.
Underlying
Although at present only one Qatar section passes through this contact, it is
formation
known to be somewhat diachronous over a large area. This is illustrated for
instance by the nature of the contact in Bahrain 52. The contact is therefore
probably best defined as being the bottom of the lowest substantial pellet
limestone bed of Araej facies.
Diyab Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying
see the accompanying definition of the Diyab Formation.
Formation
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, silty, rather argillaceous with an
abundance of coarse, pyrite stained, pellet debris almost throughout. The
pellet debris of this part of the formation is invariably stained with pyrite
to a dark grey or black colour. This gives the limestone a heavily
speckled appearance. Large numbers of the pellets contain a Trocholina
or a fragment of an echinoid or mollusc. Thickness, 102. Fauna:
Trocholina palastiniensis Henson and Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler
throughout. Valvulinella sp. = Valvulinella 54 of Aramco in the upper
and middle parts. Abundant Form X in the middle and lower parts.
Small arenaceous foraminifera throughout probably including Tetrataxis
Description of
64 and Verneuilina 67 of Aramco. The following macrofauna has
type section
been identified in the corresponding division of the formation of Kharaib
No. 2 well by Dr. M. Chatton: at 6680, 6695 and 6738 Chlamys
curvivarians Dietrich; at 6723, Terebratula cf. superstes Douville.
2) Uwainat Member. Limestone, buff, of medium porosity, consisting of a
matrix of rather fine grained calcite with a variable proportion of pellet
debris which is mostly of similar texture and colour to the matrix. The
proportion of pellet debris is greatest towards the middle of the Uwainat
where much of the rock is almost entirely made up of pellets. Towards
the bottom the unit becomes silty and grades into the facies of the
underlying unnamed divisions of the Araej. Thickness 193. Fauna: N.
oolithica, T. palastiniensis, abundant small simple arenaceous
575
Thickness
foraminifera probably including Tetrataxis 64, Verneuilina 67 and

Valvulina 61 of Aramco. Pfenderina trochoidea (= Calptochetus
825) and Pfenderina helicoidea (= Pfenderina 60 of Aramco).
Araejia sp. (gen. & sp. nov. yet to be described). The following
macrofossils have been identified by Dr. R.G.S. Hudson: from the type
section the stromatoporoids Cladocoropsis sp. cf. zuffardiae Wells
(7113, 7122 and 7129), Stromatoporina sp. cf. somaliense ZuffardiComerci (7123 and 7146); from Kharaib No. 2, Camptonectes sp.
(6843).
3) Limestone, light to dark grey, compact to dense, partly and sometimes
almost wholly composed of pseudo-oolitic and autoclastic debris with a
fine grained matrix. The matrix has here and there suffered partial
recrystallisation to coarse crystalline calcite. The pseudo-ooliths are
sometimes pyrite stained. Occasional beds of true oolite occur.
Thickness 201. Fauna: N. oolithica, Form X, T. palastiniensis and P.
helicoidea throughout. In the upper part, P. trochoidea and Araejia sp.
Small simple arenaceous species are also present. These probably
include Tetrataxis 64, Tetrataxis 822, Verneuilina 67 and
Valvulina 61 of Aramco.
4) Limestone, grey, fine grained, compact or dense, rather silty, with
numerous beds partly composed of pellets. In few cases are the pellets
stained with pyrite. Occasional beds contain scattered large dolomite
crystals. Thickness 124. Fauna: P. helicoidea. Small simple
arenaceous species probably including Tetrataxis, Verneuilina and
Valvulina as in the division above. Rare N. oolithica and Form X
Type section (Kharaib No. 1), 620.
Middle Bathonian to Lower Callovian. This age determination depends on the
correlation of the Araej of Qatar with the upper part of the Dhruma of Arabian
outcrops for which there is ammonite dating (Arkell, Bramkamp and Steineke,
1952).
The correlation of the Araej with the outcropping Aramco sections is reasoned
below. The reader will be better able to follow the arguments by consulting the
Dukhan standard log Sheet Q/01.0389 H3 and the macro- and micro-fossil range
chart for outcrops provided by Aramco (confidential plate Q/00.0493).
Age
Considering first the macrofauna which has been found in the lowermost part of
the Diyab and the uppermost part of the Araej, there are several species in this
part of the section in common with the fauna of Bramkamps Tuwaiq Mountain
Limestone. Thus Gryphaea balli, Exogyra nana, Chlamys curvivarians and
Chlamys macfadyeni have all been found both in the Tuwaiq and either
immediately above or a few feet below the Diyab-Araej contact. These species
are not however found in the upper part of the outcropping Dhruma.
On the other hand Terebratula cf. superstes which is found high in the Araej is
known only in the Upper Dhruma of Arabian outcrops. Macrofauna thus
indicates that the Diyab-Araej contact coincides more or less with the TuwaiqDhruma contact.
576

This coincidence is supported by foraminiferal ranges. Thus Valvulinella 54
of Aramco, which occurs in the lower part of the Tuwaiq and the upper part of
the Dhruma, is also present in the uppermost part of the Araej, and the range of
this species in the Araej considered together with the range of Pfenderina
helicoidea (Pfenderina 60) and Pfenderina trochoidea (Calyptochetus 825)
confirm the correlation of the upper part of the Araej with the upper part of the
Dhruma.
It is therefore safe to assume that the top of the Araej corresponds to the top of
the Dhruma, which correlation has also been given independently by Aramco
geologists working on Hasa sections.
The lower limit of the Pfenderina 60 zone of the Aramco outcrops falls in the
upper few feet of the Thambites Zone while in Qatar the lower limit of
Pfenderina 60 (Pfenderina helicoidea) is about 30 above the bottom of the
Araej. It is thus arguable that the Araej-Izhara contact corresponds roughly in
time with the top of the Thambites Zone. The part of the Araej below the
Uwainat Member would thus correspond approximately with the Middle
Dhruma, Divisions 6, 7 and 8 of Bramkamp (Arkell, Bramkamp and Steineke,
1952).
Thus to sum up it is argued that the Araej is the age correlative of the Aramco
outcrops from the top of the Dhruma to about the top of the Thambites Zone, that
is to say the Araej is the age correlative of most of the Middle and Upper
Dhruma and is thus according to Arkells dating of the Arabian outcrops of
middle Bathonian to lower Callovian age.
Well Name
Depth (To), in feet
Kharaib No. 2
6653
Juh No. 1
8125
Dukhan No. 40
6713
Matbakh No. 1
6375
Gezira No. 1
12215
Bahrain No. 52
5685
6670
Id al Shargi No. 1
8581
8985
Fahud No. 1
5428
5700 approx.
Other
Localities
The Araej Formation is also known in Fadhili 1, Abqaiq 2, Dammam 20 and

Bahrain 88 although we are not in possession of information by which to fix the
bottom of the Formation in these four wells. Thus:
Well Name
Abqaiq No. 2
Dammam No. 20
Bahrain No. 88
Fadhili No. 1
Remarks
Top of Araej (feet)

7700
5710
5900
Ca. 9230
As may be seen from the above, the Araej Formation can be identified over an
enormous area. Moreover its top can be identified at least within a few feet over
the whole of that area. The top of the Araej is therefore a regional marker of
577

very great importance and usefulness, particularly as it is well dated.
The Uwainat Member can also be identified over a large area, though it is not
nearly as extensive as the Araej Formation itself. In various wells the Uwainat is
placed as follows:
Well Name
Kharaib No. 1
Kharaib No. 2
Juh No. 1
Dukhan No. 40
Bahrain No. 52
Matbakh No. 1

7112
6767
8234
6815
5820
6515
Depth (To), in feet

7305
8368
6988
6005
6690
It is known to be present also over a large area of the Hasa, though depths are not
available, and in Fadhili No. 1 well is known as the Fadhili Zone.
South eastwards from the Qatar Peninsula the Uwainat passes into the same
facies as the remainder of the Araej Formation and it cannot be distinguished
either in Gezira No. 1 or Fahud No. 1.
The Araej Formation takes its name from a well known hill on the Qatar
Peninsula.
16.12.1956
W. Sugden
578

Izhara Formation
Author, date
and Reference
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520, 10.1.55

A little additional detail is here added to the original definition.
Kharaib No. 1 Well, Qatar Peninsula. Depth, 7630 to 8052 feet.
Coordinates: Lat. 252709 N, Long. 5111 56 E.
Type Locality
This section is designated as the type since Kharaib No. 1 is so far the only well
on the Qatar Peninsula which has penetrated the formation
Underlying
Gulailah Formation, contact conformable. The contact is taken as being at the
top of the highest anhydrite attributable to the Gulailah Formation.
formation
Araej Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying
see the accompanying definition of the Araej Formation.
Formation
From top to bottom:
1) Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense to medium porous, mostly rather
silty and with scattered medium sized dolomite crystals. Thickness 100.
Fauna: Form X and rare small, simple arenaceous foraminifera.
2) Limestone, grey and dark grey, fine grained, dense, silty, with occasional
streaks of rather fine textures pseudo-oolitic limestone, the pseudo-ooliths
being partly pyrite stained. Thickness 81. Fauna: Form X, rare
Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, fragmental mollusk and echinoid debris,
Glomospira sp.
3) Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, with streaks of shale and marl in the
Description of
upper and middle parts and being rather dolomitic in the lower part.
type section
Thickness 74. Fauna: Form X.
4) Dolomite, grey-brown, mostly saccharoidal and porous. Thickness 35.
Unfossiliferous.
5) Limestone, grey, fine grained, compact or dense, in part rather marly, in
part dolomitic and in part with rare anhydrite nodules. Thickness 55.
Unfossiliferous.
6) Dolomite, grey, fine grained, dense. Thickness 55. Unfossiliferous.
7) Limestone, grey, very fine grained, dense, in part rather marly. Thickness
22. Unfossiliferous.
Type section (Kharaib No. 1), 422 feet.
Thickness
Upper Bajocian and Lower Bathonian. So far no fossils have been found in the
Izhara Formation which enable its age to be fixed with any precision. The age
here given is therefore dependent upon the correlation of the overlying Araej and
underlying Gulailah with ammonite dated Aramco outcrops.
Age
As is noted in the accompanying description of the Araej Formation, the time

equivalent of the Araej-Izhara contact is thought to fall in a position equivalent to
about the top of the Thambites Zone of Aramco outcrops and as is mentioned in
the accompanying description of the Gulailah Formation, the Izhara-Gulailah
contact is believed to correlate approximately with the bottom of the Dhibi
579
Other
Localities
Remarks
Limestone (upper part of Lower Dhruma. See Arkell, Bramkamp & Steineke).
Thus the Izhara is believed to be the approximate time correlative of the interval
from the bottom of the Dhibi Limestone to the top of the Thambites Zone, and
therefore to be of approximately Upper Bajocian to Lower Bathonian age.
Well Name
Depth (To), in feet
Bahrain No. 52
6670
7120
Id al Shargi No. 1
8985
9480
In Bahrain 52 the Izhara Formation is almost entirely composed of dolomite thus
showing some lateral variation from the type section. It is however as readily
distinguishable from the overlying Araej and underlying Gulailah as is the case
in Kharaib 1 and the writer therefore considers that Izhara remains a valid name
for the unit in Bahrain.
The Izhara is probably distinguishable in the Abqaiq and Dammam deep tests but
no information is available on the nature of the relevant section of these wells.
Equivalents of the Izhara are present in Fahud 1 but are there in a facies not truly
distinguishable from the overlying Araej. Moreover the evaporate facies of the
Gulailah is also replaced by a facies in parts somewhat similar to that of the
Araej. The Izhara is therefore not separable.
The Izhara Formation takes its name from a locality near the type section.
16.12.1956
W. Sugden
580

Gulailah Formation
Author, date
and Reference
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520, 10.1.55

A little additional information is here added to the original definition.
Kharaib No. 1 Well, Qatar Peninsula. Depth, 8052 to 8595 feet.
Coordinates: Lat. 252709 N, Long. 5111 56 E.
Type Locality
Kharaib No. 1 is the only well on the Qatar Peninsula which has so far penetrated
the Gulailah Formation.
Suwei Formation, contact conformable. The contact between the Gulailah and
the Suwei is taken at the top of the highest brightly coloured shales or marls
typical of the Suwei. Although the Suwei is dominantly composed of red beds
Underlying
shales, the highest shales and marls of this formation are normally a bright
formation
greenish or bluish-grey, with red and purple shales first appearing some distance
below the top of the Suwei.
Izhara Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying
see the accompanying definition of the Izhara Formation.
Formation
From top to bottom:
1) Dolomite, grey and dark grey, fine grained, dense, calcareous, partly
argillaceous, with beds of anhydrite, grey and white. The anhydrite is
mostly thin bedded or intimately mixed with calcareous dolomite and is
only occasionally nodular in form. Both the dolomite and the anhydrite
contain authigenic quartz. Thickness 88. Unfossiliferous.
2) Dolomite, grey, fine grained, dense, partly calcareous. Thickness 84.
Unfossiliferous.
3) Anhydrite, grey, partly thin bedded, alternating with calcareous dolomite,
grey, fine grained, dense, mostly rather argillaceous, and more rarely
shale, dark grey, calcareous, partly anhydritic. A considerable amount
(up to 20%) of authigenic quartz throughout.
Thickness 38.
Description of
Unfossiliferous.
type section
4) Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, partly dolomitic, mostly with
streaks or nodules of anhydrite. Very argillaceous in the top and bottom
few feet. The lower half is partly pseudo-oolitic. Thickness 122.
Fauna: Ammodiscus sp. and Glomospira sp. in the lowermost few feet.
5) Limestone, grey and grey-brown, fine-grained, dense, partly pseudooolitic or dolomitic and dolomite, grey, fine grained, dense, intimately
associated and interbedded with anhydrite, white and grey-brown. Some
authigenic quartz throughout. Thickness 116. Unfossiliferous.
6) Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, intimately associated with
calcareous dolomite and a small and variable proportion of grey
anhydrite, the anhydrite in general decreasing in proportion downwards.
Type section (Kharaib No. 1), 543 feet.
Thickness
Upper Toarcian and Lower Bajocian. The age assignation is dependent on the
Age
581
Other
Localities
correlation of the type section of the Gulailah Formation with the dated
outcropping Upper Marrat and the anhydritic part of the Lower Dhruma. No age
diagnostic fauna has been found in the Gulailah of the Qatar Peninsula. For
further details see Remarks below.
Well Name
Depth (To), in feet
Bahrain No. 52
7120
7935
Bahrain No. 88
7275
7915
Dammam No. 20
6975
8070
Abqaiq No. 2
8900
10458
Jauf No. 1
9590
10235
Burgan No. DT 1-A
12116
13190
Id al Shargi No. 1
9480
9625
In Division 1 of the above described type section the anhydrites sometimes
contain a very small proportion of pyrite, or fluorite.
Quartz, mentioned as occurring in various parts of the type section, is of very
irregular distribution. It is usually in the form of small nodules or single
anhedral crystals in the carbonate rocks and in the form of small aggregates of
slender subhedral crystals in the anhydrites. Other forms that is, as squat
anhedral crystals, chalcedony and chert, have been observed, but are rare.
A chemical analysis of three samples from the Gulailah Formation is given in the
writers RGQ/141.672/199 of 19th April 1954.
Remarks
Correlation with Arabian outcrops

Since there is no useful age diagnostic fauna in the Izhara, Gulailah and Suwei
Formations of the Qatar Peninsula, the correlation of the Formations with
outcropping Aramco units is mostly dependent on readily distinguished
lithological changes. Going downwards through these Formation in the Kharaib
section the notable changes of lithology are (a) the incoming of the anhydritic
beds of the Gulailah Formation and (b) the change from anhydritic dolomite and
limestone of the Gulailah to the dominantly shaly and red beds facies of the
Suwei. These changes are very characteristic over a large area and there is no
difficulty in identifying the Gulailah and Suwei in Arabian deep test wells (See
"Other localities above).
Similar, though not identical changes of facies take place in Arabian outcrops (a)
at the bottom of the Dhibi Limestone, below which gypsiferous shales appear
and (b) at the top of the Middle Marrat, below which red beds shales appear
(see plate Q/01.0487). Thus there is no serious lithological obstacle to
correlating the top of the Gulailah with the bottom of the Dhibi Limestone and
the top of the Suwei with the top of the Middle Marrat. Palaeontological
confirmation of this correlation is however difficult to obtain, the only known
piece of direct evidence strongly in its favour being the occurrence of species of
Haurania both in the Gulailah of Burgan DT 1-A and in the part of the
outcropping Dhruma with which the Gulailah is here correlated.
The above correlations are more fully discussed in the writers
RGQ/141.671/520 of 24th Nov. 1954. A recent report on the Burgan deep test by
582

Mr. Dunnington has a bearing on this matter and confirms the writers views
(IR/HVD/665, 21.11.56).
Correlation with Ain Zalah
As has been illustrated above, the Gulailah is a widespread unit in Arabia which
can be satisfactorily correlated with parts of the Lower Dhruma. This correlation
indicates upper Toarcian lower bajocian age for the Gulailah and therefore
suggests correlation of the Gulailah with the Alan + Mus + Adaiyah sections of
the M.P.C. area, this combines section being assigned to more or less the same
age range and being made up of lithological types mostly similar to those of the
Gulailah. This correlation is supported by the occurrence of Haurania in the
Mus limestone of Ain Zalah 16. (H.V. Dunnington, IDLL/141.62/3929, 17.1.52.
as mentioned above Haurania sps. have also been found in Lower Dhruma
outcrops and in the Gulailah of Burgan DT 1-A.)
17.12.1956
W. Sugden
583

Amended temporary definition of a stratigraphic unit
Suwei Formation
Author, date
and Reference
Temporary
type locality
W. Sugden, RGQ/141.672/13520, 10.1.55

Further information on the Suwei Formation having now become available, the
definition of the unit is amended
Bahrain No. 88 Well, Bahrain Island. Depth 7915 to 8595 feet.
Coordinates: Lat. 2602.10 N, Long. 5034.35 E (approx..)
The Suwei Formation was originally defined from Kharaib No. 1 well where the
Formation was only partly penetrated. Further information has recently become
available on Bahrain wells 52 and 88, where the Formation was fully penetrated.
Information on No. 88 Well being most complete, this well is now used as the
type locality. However, since information is still not all that might be desired the
section is designed only as a temporary type locality
The underlying unit has no formal name, but has been conveniently termed
Bahrain Unit A in various reports.
Underlying
unit
The contact is certainly unconformable though proof of the precise time interval
involved is so far lacking. It may be said that the unconformity probably
represents a gap from about the bottom of the Lias to some part of the Upper or
Middle Permian.
Gulailah Formation, contact conformable. For details of the nature of the contact
Overlying
see the accompanying definition of the Gulailah Formation. (The nature of the
Formation
contact is virtually the same in Bahrain 88 as in Kharaib 1.)
From top to bottom:
1) Marl and marly siltstone, mostly varying from blue-grey to purplish to
rust-brown, but dominantly blue-grey near the top and bottom. Several
beds (up to 30 ft) of dolomitic anhydrite or anhydritic dolomite and rare
thin beds of limestone. Numerous thin beds and streaks of marly, silty
sandstone of various colours. Thickness 245 feet. Fauna, if any, not
known.
2) Anhydritic dolomite and dolomitic anhydrite, light grey, grey and
Description of
brownish grey with a few pellet streaks and with several intercalations of
temporary
bluish grey or greenish grey marl or shale. Thickness 230 feet.
type section
Unfossiliferous.
3) Marl and shale, bluish grey and grey with numerous thin beds or
intercalations of dolomite, anhydritic dolomite, pellet dolomite,
anhydrite, limestone and marly limestone. Thickness 205 feet. Fauna:
From the lower part of this division Dr. R.G.S. Hudson has identified a
Cardiniid cf. Anodontophora and a possible Trigondus (IR/RGSH/194,
26.4.51)
Type section (Bahrain No. 88) 680 feet.
Thickness
584

As nearly as can be ascertained, Liassic
Age
In the accompanying definition of the Gulailah Formation in RGQ/141.672/520,

24.11.54 it has been argued that the lowermost part of the Gulailah Formation
may be correlated with the Upper Marrat. The upper part of the Suwei
Formation may therefore be expected to be the correlative of the lithologically
very similar Middle Marrat. Accepting this correlation, for which there is only
very indirect paleontological proof, the upper part of the Suwei Formation must
be of Toarcian age.
Having regard to the thickness of the unit it would seem to be therefore
improbable that the lower part extends below the Lias. (see also following
Remarks.)
Other
Localities
Remarks
It may however be noted that Dr. Hudson, on the basis of the poorly
determinable fauna mentioned above, suggests possible Rhaetic or upper Triassic
age for the lowest part of the Formation.
Well Name
Depth (To), in feet
Kharaib No. 1
8595
Bahrain No. 52
7935
Ca. 8600
Fahud No. 1
6405
6520
Dammam No. 20
8070
??
Abqaiq No. 2
10458
??
Jauf No. 1
10235
??
Burgan No. DT 1-A
13190
??
Id al Shargi No. 1
9625
??
Correlation with the Marrat
Reasons for correlating the top of the Suwei with the top of the Middle Marrat
have already been given. The writer has not seen the Marrat outcrops but it is
evident that the very characteristic colours of the upper division of the Suwei are
also observed in the Middle Marrat.
It is therefore possible to suggest further that the limestone and dolomite
dominated Lower Marrat is equivalent to the dolomite dominated middle division
of the Suwei, or at least to the upper part of that division. From these arguments
it may be suggested that according to the dating of the Marrat the upper division
of the Suwei is of Middle Toarcian age, the middle division is of lower Toarcian
age and the lower division is pre-Toarcian, Liassic.
Correlation with Fahud
It would seem probable that at Fahud only the upper division of the type Suwei is
represented, the transgression of the Suwei having taken place at a late date in
that area. At Haushi, in the same general area, there is independent evidence of
the Toarcian age of the Suwei.
17.12.1956
W. Sugden
585
APPENDIX 1
The sedimentation of sands, shales and limestones during the Lower and Middle
Cretaceous in the Qatar-Hasa-Basra area.
In Qatar-Hasa-Basra area the lower and Middle Cretaceous sediments now exposed or known in the
oilfield areas consist of alternations of sands, shales and limestones. The purpose of this appendix
is to give an interpretation of the manner in which this varied sedimentation took place.
From regional investigations certain facts are now well established. The most important of these
facts is that the clastics were derived from the west, that is to say at least partly from the area now
occupied by the Arabian Shield. In the clastics now remaining uneroded there is a general eastward
passage from sand into shale with an eventual passage in the same direction into limestone. It is
therefore quite clear that landward sedimentation in clastic facies has seaward equivalents in
limestone facies.
Vertically there are alternations from limestone to shale and sand and several major alternations can
be recognized regionally e.g. the Nahr Umr Formation. It is clear that these alternations involve
various landward transgressions of the limestone facies. This is not to say that the limestones
transgressed upon an eroded land surface but merely that limestone sedimentation occurred further
westwards than previously.
Up to the present it has not been possible to illustrate that the several limestone transgressions
actually involved transgression of the sea further onto the land area from which the clastics were
derived and in this respect it is perhaps desirable to note that limestone transgression does not
necessarily indicate total marine transgression.
The first and most obvious interpretation of limestone transgression is that the sea did in fact
transgress further onto the Arabian Shield area thus reducing the area from which clastics could be
derived and the volume of clastics actually sedimented and at the same time increasing the total sea
area thereby promoting limestone deposition. There is however another possible cause of general
limestone transgression. Carbonate sedimentation clearly indicates net evaporation of sea water in a
particular area while voluminous clastic deposition may indicate amongst other causes an excess of
rainfall over evaporation. Thus a change of climate from wet to dry could cause a landward
limestone transgression without change of sea level. In a similar way the seaward transgression of
clastics could indicate a change from a dry to a wet climate. Amongst other factors which must
inevitably affect the distribution of limestone and clastic sedimentation are changes in the direction
or volume of marine currents and changes in the physiography and manner of drainage of the
adjoining land.
Amongst these various influences it is not possible at present to decide the actual causes of all the
sedimentary changes which took place within the Lower and Middle Cretaceous in the area under
discussion. Indeed a part of the evidence has been lost for ever by the landward erosion of part of
the sedimentary section. It seems however that the principal cause of variations in sedimentation
was that first mentioned, the actual transgression and regression of the sea, and the present
interpretation makes this presumption.
It is now possible to give an interpretation of the history of Lower and Middle Cretaceous
sedimentation in the area. The accompanying plate Q/00.0566 represents the interpretation. It will
be seen that the right hand part of the diagram includes a copy of a part of Q/00.0564 and shows the
586

interpretation of the relationship of Formations now existing. This block of sediments is bounded
by the wavy lines indicating past unconformities or the limits of present erosion. Above and to the
left of this block are represented sediments believed to have existed at some stage but to have been
subsequently removed during periods of erosion. The supposed original sediments are limited to
the left by a line representing the "probable limit of net sedimentation. This is not necessarily the
shore line. In some cases the limit of sedimentation may have been coincident with the shore line
but there is no doubt that during much or most of the period concerned terrestrial or swamp
sedimentation was taking place far behind the true coast line (as illustrated for example by the Nahr
Umr Formation).
It seems probable that the whole of the area was totally submerged during the Middle and Upper
Jurassic which are represented in carbonate and evaporite facies and there are no known clastics
associated with the Wakrah (= Sulaiy) limestone which may extent upwards into the lowest
Cretaceous. (In this account "clastics" excludes pellety limestones partly formed of fragments of
themselves.)
The Huwaila Formation with its numerous pellety limestones represents a shallowing subsequent to
the Wakrah. The outcropping Yamama and Buwaib Formations which are believed to be partly
equivalent to the Huwaila show more definite indications of shallowing, being an upward transition
from pure to sandy limestone. These Formations are the oldest definite indications of the
Cretaceous emergence of the Arabian Shield. In the diagram Q/00.0566 this emergence is shown, it
being supposed that the Yamama and Buwaib once had true arenaceous equivalents.
The Biyadh sandstone and its supposed part equivalent the Ratawi Formation clearly indicate
further regression (shown as the Ratawi regression on the diagram.) During this regression as
during any regression it is to be expected that the most landward sediments deposited during the
early part of the regression would be eroded and reworked into the sediments deposited during the
later part of the regression.
The next stage of sedimentation presents the only anomaly in the interpretation. According to the
correlations given in the accompanying definitions of units the Kharaib limestone of Qatar is the
lateral equivalent of the Zubair sands of Basra. It would thus appear that transgression was in
progress in Qatar while regression was taking place in the Basra area. This cannot be said to be
impossible or unreasonable since the two localities are some five hundred miles apart but it
represents a departure from an otherwise orderly sequence of regional events. The writer at present
hesitates to offer an explanation except that it would seem that the Ratawi regression culminated
with the Ratawi in Qatar and continued into the Zubair in the Basra area. It is at present and may
remain impossible to substantiate any of the alternatives explanations which come to mind.
Following the Hawar Formation of Qatar and the Zubair Formation of Basra there was the general
regional transgression of the Shuaiba limestone. The original westward limits of the Shuaiba
limestone are not known. It is possible that it originally extended westwards beyond El Aruma and
was eroded from that area during the succeeding Nahr Umr regression. A knowledge of the
geology of the Ghawar area should throw some light on this problem but at present no information
is available.
The Shuaiba transgression was followed by the Nahr Umr regression, also of regional extent. The
Sabsab Formation of Qatar is interpreted as representing the initial phase of the Nahr Umr
regression. (See the accompanying definition of the Sabsab Formation.) Apart from the complete
regression which terminated the Middle Cretaceous the Nahr Umr represents the most extensive
587

regression during Cretaceous times. Swamp deposition with abundant land plants extended as far
eastwards as the Qatar Peninsula and very similar deposits are known in the Basra area. The exact
effects of the Nahr Umr regression in the Nejd-Hasa area are not known. As in the case of the
Shuaiba transgression a knowledge of the geology of the Ghawar area might well throw some light
on this problem, but in the meantime it must be supposed that the limit of net sedimentation
suffered a considerable regression and that the sands of the Nahr Umr include sand derived from
older Cretaceous sediments at that time exposed.
Terminating the Nahr Umr regression is the brief but well marked Mauddud transgression. The
Mauddud limestone did not cover the whole of the area under discussion, being confined to the
eastward part. Its thinning and disappearance westwards is quite well known.
The following Wara regression appears to have been quite rapid. It resulted in the deposition of the
Wara Formation sands of Kuwait and sandy beds and stringers above the Mauddud over a large area
(e.g. sand stringers in the lowermost Khatiyah of Bahrain and Qatar).
The Wara regression was however short lived and was succeeded by the long slow transgression of
the Khatiyah and Mishrif Formations. The westward extent of the Mishrif transgression is not
known, it having been eroded over most of the area under discussion, but from what remains it may
be supposed that its westward extent was comparable with that of the Shuaiba Formation.
Whether or not minor regressions and transgressions followed the deposition of the Mishrif is not
known, there being now no immediately succeeding sediments, but it is certain that the Middle
Cretaceous was followed by a complete regression of the sea from the area here discussed. During
this period extensive erosion of the earlier Cretaceous sediments must have taken place.
588
BIBLIOGRAPHY
AUTHOR(S)
YEAR
Anon.
1937
Anon.
1939
Anon.
Anon.
Anon.
Arkell W.J.
Bramkamp R.A.
Steineke M.
1948
1951
1953
Baker N.E.
1953
Barber C.T.
1948
Cox L.R.
1936
Elliott G.F
1955
Henson F.R.S.
1947
Henson F.R.S.
1947
Henson F.R.S.
1948
Henson F.R.S.
1949
Henson F.R.S.
1951
Kent P.E.
Slinger F.C
Thomas A.N.
1951
Kerr R.C.
1950
Kerr R.C.
1951
Kerr R.C.
1953
Kerr R.C.
Nigra J.O.
Owen R.M.S.
Nasr S. N.
Pilgrim G.E.
1952
1952
TITLE
Bahrain Island among 15 largest oil producers. Oil & Gas Journ., Vol.
36, No. 33, pp. 127-134.
Technical improvements in the petroleum industry of Saudi Arabia
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Production up in Persian Gulf area. World Oil, Vol, 28, No. 6, p. 234.
Aramco has two discoveries. World Oil, Vol. 133, No. 3, p. 282
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Jurassic ammonites from Jebel Tuwaiq, Central Arabia, with
stratigraphical introduction. Phil. Trans. Royal soc. Series B, No. 633,
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Iraq, Qatar, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Jordan, Trucial Coast,
Muscat, Oman, Dhofar and the Hadramaut. Science of Petroleum,
Vol. 6, Pt. 1, pp. 83-87, Oxford Univ. Press.
Review of Middle East oil. Petroleum Times, June 1948.
Fossil mollusca from southern Persia and Bahrain Island.
Paleontologica Indica, N.S. Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 1-69, pls. 8.
Fossil calcareous algae from the Middle East. Micropaleontology Vol.
1, No. 2, pp. 125-131.
Foraminifera of the genus Trocholina in the Middle East. Ann. &
mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 11, Vol. 14, pp. 445-459.
New Trochamminidae and Verneuilinidae from the Middle East. Ann.
& mag. Nat. Hist. Ser. 11, Vol. 14, pp. 605-630
Larger imperforate Foraminifera of South-western Asia. Monograph.
Brit. Mus. (Nat. Hist.) pp. 127. Plates 16.
Recent publications on larger imperforate Foraminifera of the Middle
East. Ann. & mag. Nat. Hist. series 12, Vol. 2, pp. 173-177
Observations on the geology and petroleum occurrences of the Middle
East. Proc. Third world Petroleum congress, Sect. I.
Stratigraphical exploration surveys in S.W. Persia. Proc. Third World
Petroleum Congress sect. I, pp. 141-159
Petroleum developments in Middle East and adjacent countries in
1949. Bull. AAPG Vol 34, No. 7, pp. 1475-1491.
1950. Bull. AAPG Vol. 35, No. 7, pp. 1629-1651.
The Arabian Peninsula. Sci. Petroleum Vol. 6, Pt. 1, pp. 93-98.
Oxford Univ. Press.
1951. Bull. AAPG Vol. 36, No. 7, pp. 1427-1444.
1956
Stratigraphy of the Kuwait-Basra area. B. AAPG (in press).
1908
The geology of the Persian Gulf and the adjoining portions of Persia
and Arabia. Mem. Geol. Surv. Ind. Vol. 34, pt. 4, pp. 1-17
589

AUTHOR(S)
YEAR
Ramsden R.M.
1952
Reichel M.
1941
Reichel M.
1947
Sander N.J.
1952
Smout A.H.
1954
Smout A.H.
1955
Steineke M.
1947
Steineke M.
Bramkamp R.A.
1952
Steineke M.
Yackel M.P.
1950
TITLE
Features of limestones of the Riyadh Group of the S.W. Persian Gulf
Region. Thesis Dept. of Geology & Mineralogy, Oxford University.
Sur un nouveau genre dAlvolines du Crtac Suprieur. Schweiz.
Naturf. Ges. Verh. (Soc. Helv. Nat., Actes) Basel, sess. 121, pp. 137138.
Multispirina iranensis, Foraminifre nouveau du Crtac Suprieur de
lIran. Schweiz. Pal. Ges. Abh. (soc. Pal. Suisse, Mem.) Zurich, Bd.
65, No. 6, pp. 2-13
La stratigraphie de lEocne le long du rivage occidental du Golfe
Persique. Essai biomtrique sur les variations des genres Lockhartia
et Sakesaria. Thesis UniversitdeParis.Pp.216
Lower tertiary foraminifera of the Qatar Peninsula. Brit. Mus. (Nat.
Hist.) pp. 96, plates 15.
Reclassification of the Rotaliidea and two new cretaceous forms
resembling Elphidium. Journ. Wash. Acad. Sci. Vol. 45, No. 7, pp.
201-210.
Middle East oil information. Colorado School Mines Quart. Vol. 42,
No. 3, pp. 119.
Abstract of a paper on the stratigraphy of eastern Saudi Arabia. Bill.
AAPG Vol. 36, No. 5, p. 909.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrein [Bahrain]. In World Geography of
petroleum. Pratt and Good (Editors), Princeton University Press, pp.
203-229.
590
THE FIRST DUKHAN TYPE SECTION

LITHOLOGY
DEPTH ~ 10'
Dolomite, chalk, white with calcite nodules, often iron stained.

Dolomite, chalk, white, with much finely disseminated silica. The
lower part at times weathering with a foliate cleavage. Yellow or
brown, iron staining is common.
100
Dolomitic chalk, white, interbedded with limestone, light grey,

sometimes rubbly. Chert nodules are of frequent occurrence.
Marl, light grey, changing downwards to shale, light grey, with a

foliate cleavage, the whole being partly yellowish stained by iron
minerals. Thin beds of limestone as of interval above
E-1
Dolomite, white, usually with occasional beds of limestone. White,

which may be autodetrital or oolitic.
200
RUS
NOTE
Limestone, light grey, rubbly to nodular.
MIDRA
DAMMAM
MIDDLE EOCENE
LEVEL
Sismondia polymorpha Duncan and Sladen

Ostrea turkestanensis Romanovski
Lockhartia tipperi (Davies)
Lockhartia cf. hunti Ovey var. pustulosa Smout
Lockhartia cf. hunti Ovey
Alveolina delicatissima Smout
Alveolina elliptica (Sowerby) var. flosculina Silvestri
Nummulites lucasanus d'Archiac
Nummulites somaliensis Nuttall et Brighton
Echinocyamus nummuliticus Duncan and Sladen
Echinolampas ovalis de St. Vincent
Euspatangus ornatus (Defrance)
Euspatangus formosus (de Loriol)
Schizaster africanus de Loriol
Covkinolina balsilliei Davies
FAUNA
ABARUK
AGE
MEMBER
GROUP
FORMATION
BY WALTER SUGDEN (Version 1956)
Dolomite, chalk, white, with numerous small aggregates of quartz

or chalcedony and sometimes with occasional thin beds of white
limestone which may be detrital or oolitic.
LOWER EOCENE
Limestone, light brown and light grey, usually very dolomitic, very
porous and usually with numerous small aggregates of quartz and
chalcedony, particularly in the upper part.
400
Rotalia trochidoformis Lamarck
300
500
Lockhartia altispira Smout

Lockhartia conica Smout
Delheidia haydeni Douville
Kathina delseota Smout
Miscellanea miscella (d'Archiac et Haime)
Dictyoconus indicus Davies
Dictyokathina simplex Smout
Kathina delseota Smout
Sakesaria ornata Smout
Daviesina Khativahi Smout
Rotalia trochidoformis Lamarck
Lockhartia diversa Smout
Kathina major Smout
Sakesaria dukhani Smout
Daviesina langhami Smout
Operculina sp
Miscellanea miscella (d'Archiac et Haime) var. dukhani Smout
Sakesaria dukhani var. cordata Smout
H A S A
U M M
E R
R A D H U M A
S E R I E S
T
R
E
T
Dolomite, brown, grey-brown and dark grey, saccharoidal, very

porous, sometimes partly calcareous, particularly in the upper
part.
600
700
E-2
800
Limestone, light grey or light grey-brown, variably dolomitic,

porous, earthy.
900
1000
Limestone, light grey or grey-brown, variably dolomitic, porous,

earthy, with ooids beds of grey or bluish grey marly limestone.
1100
Lockhartia prehaimei Smout

Rotalia hensoni Smout
Rotalia dukhani Smout
1200
Lepidorbitoides minor Schlumberger

Pseudorbitolina marthae Douville
Loftusia cff. elongata Cox
Siderolites calcitrapoides Lamarck
Omphalocyclus macroporus (Lamarck)
Rotalia trochidiformis Lamarck
Loftusia morgana Douville
Fissoelphidium operculiferum Smout
Elphidiella multiscissurata Smout
Limestone, bluish-grey, marly, usually with beds of blue marl

particularly in the lower part.
For the purpose of this diagram,

Paleocene is presumed to
include Danian.
1300
Marl, blue-grey, usually pyritic and often rather carbonaceous.
C-1
1400
Limestone, blue-grey or grey, marly, normally with a few beds of
marl, blue-grey and with streaks of grey, marly dolomite. A
prominent thin bed of blue-grey marl is very often present at the
bottom.
1500
Lituonelloides compressus Henson

Lituonelloides compressus Henson
Simplorbites gensacicus (Leymerie)
Broeckinella arabica Henson
Dictyoconella complanata Henson
Dicyclina schlumbergeri Munier Chalmas
Dictyoconus daviesi Silvestri
S I M S I M A
P
U
O
R
O
E
C
A
Limestone, light grey, earthy, autodetrital, with abundant

fragments of organisms, partly or sometimes almost totally altered
to grey and brown, saccharoidal, very porous dolomite.
1600
1700
Limestone, light grey, earthy, silty, with some detrital debris,

partly dolomitic and fairly porous where dolomitised. The
proportion of dolomite and detrital debris decreases downwards.
M A E S T R I C H I A N
Orbitoides media (d'Archiac)

Loftusia coxi Henson
C-2
1800
1900
Limestone, light grey, fine grained, silty, fairly compact.
2000
R U I L A T
C A M P A N I A N
Limestone, Light grey, fine grained, silty, fairly compact, varying

to light grey chalky limestone. Sometimes rather marly,
sometimes with chert nodules and beds of silicified limestone,
sometimes with a little glauconite.
2100
Limestone, light grey, silty, compact, sometimes with glauconite
and phosphatic nodules, sometimes with small pyrite nodules.
C E N O M A N I A N
Shale, olive-grey and olive-brown.
2200
C-4
2300
Limestone, light grey, earthy, porous, sometimes partly

recrystallised.
2400
Praealveolina simplex Reichter Praealveolina

Flabellamina pumida Dusenbury
MISHRIF
LAFFAN
Meandropsina vidali Schlumberger

Dohaia planata Henson
Cuneolina pavonia d'Orbigny
Dictyoconella minima Henson
Pseudochrysalidina conica Henson
Qataria dukhani Henson
Praealveolina Cretacea (d'Archiac)
Zekritia langhami Henson
Dicyclina qatarensis Henson
Limestone, light grey, fine grained, rather silty and rather marly.
C-5
2500
Limestone, light grey and grey, all more or less marly and silty,
with numerous beds of marl, grey and bluish-grey, hard, silty and
with occasional beds of shale, grey and brownish grey, marly.
The brownish-grey shales sometimes contain plant fragments.
2600
Limestone, light grey, earthy and grey, marly, silty. Occasional beds
of marl, blue-grey, hard, silty.
KHATIYAH
Orbitolinella depressa Henson
2700
C-6
Limestone, light grey and grey, rather marly, marl, blue-grey, silty
and shale blue-grey and brown, the whole deposited in
sedimentary rhythm; limestone and marl predominant at the top
and shale at the bottom of the section.
P
U
O
Shale, blue-grey and brown, usually within thin beds of limestones,

grey, silty, as here indicated
2900
Orbitolina concava (Lamarck) var. qatarica Henson
Limestone, light grey, chalky, silty, usually compact
3000
Shale, blue-grey and brown.
Shale, blue-grey and brown, usually with thin beds of greenish

grey, marly glauconitic sandstone particularly near the top.
3100
C-8
For ranges of macrofauna

recorded from the Khatiyah
Formation see Q/00.0503A.
C-7
E
A
T
Trocholina arabica Henson

Trocholina lenticularis Henson
2800
Trocholina altispira Henson

Cyclammina whitei Henson
MAUDDUD
3200
Limestone, light grey or cream, earthy, usually silty, partly
recrystallised and partly rather dolomitic, sometimes rather chalky
Cyclammina whitei Henson

Trocholina altispira Henson
Trocholina arabica Henson
Trocholina lenticularis Henson
Limestone, light grey, medium grained, porous, usually with some

detrital components, being in part either silty or sandy or with
some pseudo-oolite or oolite.
Limestone, light grey, fine grained, compact, often rather marly

sometimes silty.
C-9
3300
A L B I A N
Principal component - glauconite, sandstone, dark greenish-grey

usually quite marly, thin-beds of blue-grey shale or marl common.
Thin beds of light grey limestone frequently present in upper part.
The type locality of the Nahr

Umr Formation is Nahr Umr No.
2 Well, depth 8688' to 9321'.
Principal component - shale,

blue-grey and usually in part
brownish-grey. Abundant beds
of marl, blue-grey, with
. Occasional beds of
sandstones, greenish grey,
marly, glauconitic.
3400
Almost the whole of the Nahr

Umr of Dukhan is inclined to be
variable in lithology and division
into readily defined correlatable
units is difficult.
The upper part of the Nahr Umr
section is liable to cave to such
an extent during drilling that
the logging of the lower part,
from cuttings samples, is
rendered difficult or impossible.
NAHR UMR
3500
Principal component - Sandstone, light grey to light brown, marly,

but the sandstone is often partly replaced by blue-grey and brown
shale in the upper part of the unit and by dark grey carbonaceous
marl in the lower part. Marls with brown, phosphatic concretions
may be present throughout as may thin beds of marly lignite with
resin fragments. The unit becomes more marly and carbonaceous
towards the bottom.
This lignite is not always readily
distinguishable. All units of the
Nahr Umr below are inclined to
vary greatly in thickness and
lithology.
3600
C-10
Sandstone, light grey or light brown, rarely slightly glauconitic and

often with occasional beds with sandy, phosphatic concretions,
usually marly, especially in the lower part, and with thin streaks of
lignite in the lower part
Principal Component - marl, dark grey, carbonaceous, silty or sandy
but the marl may sometimes be largely replaced by shale, blue-grey
and brown. Streaks of lignite occur throughout and a prominent
lignite bed with resin fragments is often present at the bottom
SAB
SAB
Arenobulimina chattoni Smout ms

Pseudochrysalidina MC/2
Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras
3700
Sandstone, grey to brown, sometimes very marly with variable

developments of thin-beds with phosphatic concretions which
frequently contain Sporbo
Shale, blue-grey and brown, rarely containing phosphatic nodules.

This interval is of very variable thickness
3800
C-11
Shale, blue-grey, interbedded with limestone grey or light grey,

often very porous, largely composed of detrital pellets, sometimes
with small gastropods enclosed in the pellets, sometimes oolitic
Limestone, light grey,

earthy or chalky
3900
Limestone, white, chalky and

chalk white
The type locality of the Sabsab

Formation is Dukhan No. 27
well, depth 3765' to 3902'.
Large numbers of derived
Orbitolina cf discoidea
frequently occur in the Sabsab
Formation.
4000
A P T I A N
SHUAIBA
Limestone, white to light grey or light brown. Variable in lithology.

Usually earthy or chalky and usually silty. Usually partly
recrystallized and sometimes in part very strongly recrystallised
The type locality of the Shuaiba
Formation is Zubair No. 3 well,
depth 9962' to 10132'. The
thickness of the Shuaiba varies
over the area of the Dukhan
field. The greatest known
thickness as shown in this
section is 428' in DK-0011 and
the least known thickness is
160' in DK-0029. When the
thickness of the Shuaiba is
greatest the thickness of the
Sabsab Formation is reduced
almost to zero, but when the
Shuaiba is thinned out, the
decrease in thickness of the
Shuaiba is largely compensated
by the increase in thickness of
the Sabsab. In illustration of
this point, see the
accompanying log :
Q/01.0389/G2
4100
Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger

Dictyoconus arabicus Henson
HAWAR
Orbitolina discoidea Gras
4200
Limestone, light grey or blue grey, fine grained increasingly marly

towards the bottom and usually with beds of hard, blue-grey marl.
C-12
4300
Shale, blue-grey, sometimes marly, sometimes pyritic with thin

beds of grey, pseudo-oolitic, silty or sandy limestone in lower part.
Limestone, light grey to cream, fine grained, rather earthy.
4400
KHARAIB
Limestone, light grey, fine grained, rather compact, in part silty or

sandy.
4500
Limestone, cream , rather fine grained, earthy, very porous, partly

detrital, becoming grey and rather silty and marly towards the
bottom.
Cyclammina greigi Henson

Lituola sp. MC/1
4600
Limestone, grey, compact, marly, sometimes silty particularly at

the top, pseudo-oolitic in the lower part and partly so in the
middle and upper part.
Marl, Blue-grey
4700
B A R R E M I A N
C-13
Limestone, grey, compact, partly pseudo-oolitic, marly
RATAWI
4800
Marl, blue-grey, with thin beds of limestone, bluish-grey, marly,

decreasing in frequency downwards and with abundant thin beds
of shale, blue-grey, the whole more or less silty or sandy.
Shale, blue-grey, often marly or replaced by marl.
C-14
Limestone, light brown or buff, silty, porous, usually pellet.
4900
Marl, rarely shale, blue-grey, silty or sandy, with a variable

proportion of limestone, grey, marly, silty or pseudo oolitic
Cardita cf. neocomiensis d'Orbigny

Pseudochrysalidina arabica Henson
Trocholina sp
Pseudocyclammina lituus (Yokoyama)
Pseudocyclammina cf kelleri Henson
Marl, blue-grey, with numerous beds of limestone, bluish-grey,

marly and with occasional thin beds of shale, blue-grey, the whole
rather silty or sandy.
Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler
M
A
A
H
HUWAILA
KARANAH
Limestone, bluish-grey, very marly, silty and sandy in part

pseudo-oolitic
5000
Pseudocyclammina sp. R/A

Polyphylloseris cf. prae-turoniae (Zuffardi-Commerci)
Spirocyclina sp.
Stromatopora aff. costai Osimo
E
W
O
L
Limestone, buff or light grey, fine grained, sometimes rather silty

or marly
Limestone, light grey, fine grained, with pyritic, pseudo-ooliths,

sometimes rather marly
Limestone, grey, very marly, in part pseudo-oolitic, in part silty or

sandy.
J-1
5100
Limestone, light grey, chalky to dense, in part rather silty or with

some light coloured pellet debris.
Limestone, light grey, very pellety, porous, the pellets being light
coloured.
Limestone, light grey, pseudo-oolitic, or sandy in part.

Limestone, light grey, fine grained, sometimes pseudo-oolitic
5200
Limestone, grey, sandy in part and with pyritic pseudo-ooliths

particularly in the lower part
Limestone, light grey, fine grained often with pyritic pseudo-ooliths.
5300
J-2
Limestone, buff to grey, soft, earthy or sometimes rather marly,

with light coloured pseudo-ooliths.
N E O C O M I A N
Limestone, grey, compact, pseudo-oolitic, the pseudo-ooliths

being usually very dark and pyritic.
Limestone, light grey, fine grained, chalky, varying to light grey
chalk, the whole being rather pellety.
5400
MISFIR
Limestone, light grey, earthy, chalky, mostly rather pellety.
Limestone, light grey, soft rather dolomitic, chalky to fairly

compact.
5500
Limestone, light grey, soft, fine grained, rather chalky.
Limestone, light grey, fine grained, dolomitic in part, soft to rather

compact.
Limestone, light grey, fine grained, compact, with beds of

limestone, light grey, fine grained, soft and earthy.
5600
Limestone, light grey, fine grained, compact, sometimes dolomitic

in part.
J-3
WAKRAH
5700
Limestone, grey and light grey, fine grained, compact to dense.
5800
Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler
Limestone, grey and light grey, fine grained, mostly dense, but
sometimes with beds of soft fine grained limestone.
Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense.
5900
Limestone, grey, compact, oolitic or pseudo-oolitic.
J-4
Limestone, grey to light brown, fairly fine grained, compact or
dense, with occasional nodules of anhydrite
J-5
6000
Limestone, brown or grey-brown, oolitic or pseudo-oolitic, partly

or entirely dolomitized
Limestone and dolomite, light brown and brown, compact or

dense, with nodules of anhydrite. Anhydrite and dolomite increase
in proportion downwards so that the lowest part is of nodular
anhydrite with abundant streaks and stringers of dolomite.
HITH
6100
Anhydrite, white or light brown, massive
Anhydrite, white, light brown or grey, with or without occasional

stringers or streaks of dolomite, grey-brown.
6200
Limestone, grey brown, porous, usually oolitic and partly

dolomitized, sometimes poorly developed.
Anhydrite, light brown or light grey with variably developed

stringers or streaks of dolomite, brown, compact
Anhydrite, white or light brown

Limestone, grey-brown, fairly porous, oolitic, sometimes poorly
developed, usually partly dolomitized.
Anhydrite, white to grey brown, nodular, with streaks and

stringers of dolomite, grey-brown, dense.
6400
J-6
J-7
Limestone, brown, porous, usually oolitic, usually highly

dolomitized, anhydrite, white, nodular with streaks and stringers
of dolomite, brown, dense.
No. 1
LST
JALEHA
Coprolithus salevensis (Parejas)

Salpingoporella annulata Carozzi
6300
Limestone, brown to grey-brown, fairly compact, of rather low

porosity, dolomitic
Limestone, brown, medium grained, oolitic, porous, frequently
very dolomitic.
J-8
Anhydrite, white with stringers and thin beds of dolomite, brown

at the top and bottom.
Stromatoporina romanica (Dehorne)

Stromatoporina cf. somaliense Zuffardi-Comerci
Stromatoporina choffati (Dehorne)
Valvulinella cf. wellingsi Henson
Cladocoropsis mirabilis Felix
Lithoporella melobesioides Foslie
Burgundia trinarchii var. Dehorne
Clypeina jurassica Favre and Richard
Clypeina cf. hanabatensis Yabe and Toyama
Anhydrite, grey, massive
J-11
Anhydrite, white to light grey, with stringers of dolomite,

grey-brown, compact.
6600
Limestone, dark brown, porous, dolomitic, with beds of limestone,

grey and grey-brown, fine grained, compact. Anhydrite nodules in
upper part. Occasional thin beds of Oolite in lower part.
Limestone, grey-brown to brown, pseudo oolitic or oolitic, very

porous in part shaly, some streaks autoclastic. Occasional beds
of rather compact, fine grained silty limestone at the upper part.
Dolomite, brown, rather fine grained, saccharoidal.
Anhydrite, grey with occasional stringers of dolomite, grey,

compact
6700
J-13
Anhydrite, grey to brown, with occasional stringers of dolomite
Limestone, grey-brown, usually rather compact. Occasional
anhydrite nodules.
No. 4 LIMESTONE
FAHAHIL
Limestone, brown and light grey, oolitic especially in the upper

part, and often dolomitic in the lower part. Fairly compact to
fairly porous. Anhydrite with stringers of dolomite, grey.
J-12
6500
J-10
No. 3
LIMESTONE
Cylindroporella sp.
Trocholina palastiniensis Henson
Valvulinella jurassica Henson
Cerithium ursicinum de Loriol
Ceritella cf plicata Zittel
Pseudomelaniainconspicua de Loriol
Helicryptus cf. pusilus (Roemer)
Retusa pellati Cossman
Ovacteonina pilleti (de Loriol)
Isocyprina boonei Cossman
QATAR
I
R
UMM BAB
C
R
K I M M E R I D G I A N
JUH
J-9
No.2
LST
Limestone, brown to black, oolitic or pseudo-oolitic, shelly or

autoclastic in part, very porous, lightly stained to heavily
impregnated with bitumen
Limestone, brown to black, very porous, with abundant
autoclastic pellets, in part oolitic, in part shelly, variably dolomitic,
lightly stained to heavily impregnated with bitumen
6800
Limestone, grey-brown to dark brown, porous, mostly

autoclastic pellets variably stained with bitumen.
Limestone, brown, fine grained with disseminated crystals of

dolomite.
J-14
Dolomite, dark brown, saccharoidal, porous, bitumen stained

often with beds of limestone, grey-brown, fine grained, rather
compact, dolomitic
6900
Pseudocyclammina cf. virguliania Koechlin

Pseudocyclammina sequana Merian
Limestone, light grey to grey-brown, fine grained, compact
7000
Limestone, grey and light grey, compact to dense, partly rather

dolomitic and frequently with beds of dark brown, saccharoidal,
porous, dolomite. The dolomite usually decreases in proportion
downwards. Occasional streaks containing pyrite stained pellety
debris.
DARB
7100
Limestone, dark grey, fine grained, dense
7200
7300
Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, becoming rather argillaceous
towards the bottom. Numerous streaks, particularly towards the
top, contain scattered pyrite stained pseudo-ooliths.
Limestone, dark grey, fine grained, dense, mostly rather

argillaceous and becoming increasingly so towards the bottom,
silty in the lower part.
Exogyra nana (J. Sowerby)
SEQUANIAN
7400
7500
J-15
Limestone, grey and dark grey, fine grained, dense, rather silty
with numerous beds of grey, dense, fine grained sandstone. The
sandstone is mostly made up of calcite grains, but there is a fair
proportion of quartz and some glauconite, some fine
pseudo-oolitic debris is also included.
7600
OXFORDIAN
Elsewhere the sands at the top

of the Diyab are better (KB-1) or
more poorly (JH-1) developed
7700
DIYAB
Limestone, grey and dark grey, fine grained, dense, in part

argillaceous and becoming increasingly so towards the bottom.
Silty in part and in parts slightly dolomitic. Numerous beds of very
fine textured, sometimes sandy pseud-oolitic, the sand in such
cases being calcareous grains. Numerous beds rather siliceous and
rare thin beds of chert. Numerous beds with abundant sponge
spicules and calcified radiolaria.
J U R A S S I C
Chlamys macfadyeni Cox

Modiolus imbricatus (J. Sowerby)
Gryphaea balli (Stefanini)
Liostrea arabica Stefanini
Dichotomoceras anomalus Spath
Pholadomya cf. inornata (J. de C. Sowerby)
In other sections (JH-1 & KB-1)

the proportion of siliceous
limestone and chert shows big
variations. In addition thin beds
(0'-6') of anhydrite and
dolomitie occur in the middle
part of the Diyab in wells JH-1,
KB-1 and KB-2.
7900
J-16
Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, silty, rather argillaceous

with an abundance of coarse, pyrite stained, pellety debris almost
throughout.
8000
J-17
Valvulina sp.
Araejia sp.
Pfenderina trochoidea sp. nov.

Pfenderina helicoidea sp. nov.
CALLOVIAN
Cladocoropsis cf. zuffardiae Wells

Stromatoporina cf. somaliense Zuffardi-Comerci
Terebratula cf. superstes Douville
Chlamys curvivarians Dietrich
7800
UWAINAT
8100
Limestone, buff or light brown of medium porosity, consisting of a
matrix of rather fine grained calcite with a variable proportion of
pellety debris which is mostly of similar texture and colour to the
matrix. The proportion of pellety debris is greatest towards the
middle of the unit where the rock is mostly made up of pellets and
has the greatest porosity and permeability.
ARAEJ
8200
M I D D L E
J-18
8300
BATHONIAN
Limestone, light to dark grey, compact to dense, partly and in parts

almost wholly composed of pseudo-oolitic and autoclastic debris.
The pseudo-ooliths are partly pyrite stained and occasional beds of
true oolite occur.
8400
Limestone, grey, fine grained, compact or dense, rather silty, with

numerous beds partly composed of autoclastic pellets. The pellets
are seldom pyrite stained
8500
J-19
IZHARA
8600
LEGEND:
Limestone (Ls)
Oolitic Limestone
Gypsum
Chalky Limestone
Dolostone (Dol)
Pseudo-Oolitic or
Autoclastic Pellet Limestone
Anhydrite
Nodules
Sandy Limestone
Dolomitic Limestone
Marly Limestone
Shale
Calcareous Dolostone
Marl
Chert or other Silicons

Concretions or
aggregates
Phosphatic Concretions
Chalk
Marly Sand or Sandy Marl
Glauconite
Sand or Sandstone
Lignite
Dolomite Chalk
Anhydrite
Fossil ranges
Common or Abundant
Infrequent or rare
THE FIRST DUKHAN TYPE SECTION

BY WALTER SUGDEN (Version 1956)
SCALE = N.T.S
NOTE : DIGITAL CONVERSION FROM CONVENTIONAL; BARCODE X0005364
QP - OIL & GAS VENTURES DIRECTORATE

OIL & FIELD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Author :
Compiled by:
Drawn by:
Walter Sugden (1956)
Date :
21/7/2013
Jacques Leblanc (Staff # 26624)

Kassim (Staff # 10342)
DWG No. :
24787
Appendix 5
599

APPENDIX 5
Minutes of the Geological Liaison Meetings

Held from 1966 to 1973
Between several Middle Eastern
Oil & Gas Operators and
National Petroleum Companies
600
Notes from the transcriptionist

1) The Geological Liaison Meetings (GLM) were an attempt by several Oil & Gas Operators and
National Petroleum Companies doing business in the Middle East to define the rock stratigraphical
units in the region. We are aware of 12 such meetings which took place over a period of seven (7)
years between June 1966 and 1973; the first meeting having taken place in Bahrain. The minutes of
these meetings and their accompanying documents are the predecessor of the 1975 Stratigraphic
Lexicon of Qatar; they were used mainly by the Private and National Oil Companies doing business
in the Gulf and helped setting some regional ground rules for the stratigraphy of the Arabian
Peninsula.
2) This transcript is far from being complete.
We were unable to locate the Minutes of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 12th Meetings. However, the report
on the Thamama Group, which was presented at the 12th meeting, was located and transcribed.
Some of the figures relating to the text were not attached to our originals.
Therefore, if the reader is aware of the location of any of the missing items, we would appreciate that
you get in touch with us in order to assemble the most complete transcript on the subject
3) All included figures are the original ones.
4) Several of the original documents used to generate these transcripts were found by chance in an old
warehouse where they laid there in the dust for many years without being catalogued and indexed.
5) The Minutes of the 10th Meeting were provided by Dr. Bruno Granier, from Universit de Brest,
who came in contact with it through his work in Abu Dhabi in the late 1990s
6) The final version of the Aruma Group (1969) and Wasia Group (1972) reports were provided to us
by someone outside Qatar and later submitted to QPs Technical Record Centre through an official
transmittal.
7) The text in red throughout this document was added in this transcript in order to:
a. Correct misspelled words in the original document;
b. Add a missing word in a sentence of the original document;
c. Explain a point related to the transcription;
d. Add some clarity to an ambiguous sentence.
8) All the fossil names have been outlined in blue so that they easily stand out of the text.
9) The Dukhan wells in the original documents are written using several non-standard formats, such as
Dukhan well 26, DK-26, etc, therefore, in order to simplify the search for any of the Dukhan
wells, we have always added in red between brackets the well name using the following naming
convention; DK-XXXX, such as DK-0026 and DK-0128.
601
LIAISON MEETINGS
between
ADMA, ADPC, QPC, SCQ & PD(O)
DOHA
July, 1967
602

LIAISON MEETINGS
History
The purpose of the Liaison Meetings is to find a common nomenclature to be used by the main
operating companies in the Gulf; viz:ABUDHABIMARINEAREASLIMITED(A.D.M.A)
ABUDHABIPETROLEUMCOMPANYLIMITED(A.D.P.C.)
QATARPETROLEUMCOMPANYLIMITED(Q.P.C.)
SHELLCOMPANY
:SHELLOFQATARLIMITED
:PETROLEUMDEV.OMAN
Address:
Cable:
Address:
Teleg.:
Address:
Teleg.:
Address:
Address:
Teleg.:
ADMADASISLAND,ABUDHABI
ADMARINEDASABUDHABI
ADPCPOBox270,ABUDHABI
PETRUCIALABUDHABI
Q.P.C.Dukhan(Qatar)
P.O.UMMSAIDQATAR
PETROQATDOHA
P.O.Box47Doha
P.O.Box541Manama,
BAHRAIN
PETROMUSCAT
Projects for study are decided at Meetings held at managerial level, other meetings are attended by
Stratigraphers.
The final Project Report has to be approved by all the managements concerned, before another
project is chosen.
It has been agreed that each company shall be responsible for the organization of Liaison Meetings
in turn.
The first Management Meeting was held in Bahrain on the 10th of November 1965.
Other Meetings of Stratigraphers have been held as follows:
S.C.Q
A.D.P.C
A.D.M.A.
Q.P.C.
ForthcomingS.C.Q.?
15/1631966
27/2861966
6/791966
17/1811967
15/1681967
603
Summary of Liaison Meetings (held in 1966 and January 1967)
Subject : UPPER CRETACEOUS ARUMA
The first stratigraphical meeting established a provisional correlation through the areas of the four
companies (excluding Oman) with fauna and age of the different Upper Cretaceous Rock Units
SCQ Drawing No. 2357
AGE
Q.P.C.
MAASTRICHTIAN
&
U.CAMP.atbase
SIMSIMA?+
RUILAT
U.CAMP.
To
L.CAMP
L.CAMP.
To
SANT.
?TUR.
S.C.Q.
A.D.M.A.
A.D.P.C.
UPPERSIMSIMA
UPPERCHALK
Loftusiasp.
Lepidorbitoidessocialis
Pseudedomiaglobularis
Monolepidorbissp.
UPPERSHALE
Monolepidorbis
Globotruncanastuartigr.
Globotruncanafornicatagr.
UPPERLST.
MIDDLESIMSIMA
LOWERSIMSIMA
Diagnosticagegiving
foraminifera
LAFFAN
SHARGI
ARUMAMARL
HALUL
LOWERLST.
(SANTONIAN)
MIDDLECHALK
Pseudedomiacomplanata
LAFFAN
LAFFAN
MIDDLESHALE
Nodiagnosticfauna
Drawing No.: 2357
UPPER CRETACEOUS CORRELATION ESTABLISHED DURING LIAISON MEETINGS:

BAHRAIN 27/28th 6 1966 (ADPC)
DAS ISLAND 6/7th 9 - 1966 (ADMA)
604

Regarding the numerous Rock Unit Names used for the correlative intervals, the implementation of
common Rock Units was felt necessary; and it was agreed that certain companies would be
responsible for the definition of one or several Rock Units depending on what was decided to be the
best type section. SCQ drawing No. 2356.
PROPOSEDROCKUNITNAMES
SYNONYMOUSROCKUNIT
COMPANYRESPONSIBLEFORDEFINITION
SIMSIMAFORMATION
UPPERLIMESTONE
UPPERCHALK
SHELL
SHARGI
ADPC
ROCK UNIT B (Neritic Shale B

limestone sequence of Upper
Shale)
ROCKUNITA(Basalpelagicshale
ofUpperShale)
HALULFORMATION
LAFFAN
ARUMAMARL
UPPERSHALE
LOWERLIMESTONE
MIDDLECHALK
MIDDLESHALE
ADPC
SHELL
QPC
Drawing No. 2356
PROPOSED TERMINOLOGY OF UPPER CRETACEOUS FORMATIONS, AND COMPANIES

RESPONSIBLE FOR DEFINITION.
Liaison meeting, Das Island 6/7-9-1966 (ADMA)
----------------------------------
605

It was decided that
The rock Unit will be defined from well type sections (Positions of these wells are
indicated on SCQ Drawing No. 2359).
An enclosure scale 1/1000 showing the combination of Gamma Ray/Neutron log,
lithological column and fauna range will be produce for each definition.
The definitions will be of the same type as those for the lexique stratigraphique
International.
At the Meeting held in Dukhan 17/18th January 1967 definitions of Rock Units were proposed and
discussed: (Minutes of meeting F. Gosling, QPC)
SIMSIMA FORMATION (SCQ Drawing No. 2166). See below
Redefined by Shell Co., Qatar
Authors : W.O. Gigon and P.J.C. Hoogkamer
Type section : DK-55 [DK-0055]
Age : Maestrichtian
Synonymous with Tayarat of Southern Iraq
The Simsima formation was originally defined by W. Sugden from DK-28 [DK-0028], but it was
agreed at the previous meeting on Das Island the nearest well DK-55 [DK-0055] with a good
quality Gamma Ray/Neutron log should be chosen as the type section.
Sugdens sub-division of the Simsima into upper, middle and lower units are recognised in DK-55
[DK-0055] and are easily recognised on the gamma ray log.
Also recognisable in the type section three palaeontological zones, an upper Loftusia zone, a middle
Lepidorbitoides zone and lower Orbitoides zone. It was recognised that these zones are widely
distributed, particularly the top two, but the third zone may be absent or obscured. Further detailed
work and with better samples will be needed to establish whether or not these zones can be
recognised in all areas of the Companies concerned.
With regard to the overlying and underlying formation and the nature of the contacts, this needs
clarifying in the redefinition of the Simsima and Shell have agreed to do this. The overlying contact
with the Umm er Radhuma usually presents no problem, but the lower contact may present
difficulties. In the type section the base can be seen clearly on the Gamma Ray log, but Sugden in
his original description of the Simsima states the boundary with the Ruilat is transitional and must
be judged according to the merits of the section concerned.
The proposal by IPC London to include Ruilat in redefined Simsima was rejected.
606

ARADA FORMATION (SCQ Drawing No. 2360)
New Formation by ADPC
Author : A.J. Standring
Type Section : Well Murban No. 44
Age : Probably Upper Campanian
Neritic shales and Limestones equivalent to the upper neritic section of the Upper Shale of informal
terminology used by ADPC
Fossils Monolepidorbis sp., Rotalia spp., (including R. aff. Trochidiformis), Aff. Archaecyclus sp.
Ataxophragmium. The lowest bed or unit is a dark, grey-green shale which contains Pseudodomia
aff. Multistriata.
Overlying formation Simsima, junction of chalky detrital, porous limestone with P. globularis,
above, and chalky marl and limestone with Monolepidorbis below.
Contact probably
disconformable.
Underlying formation Fiqa, junction at a series of interbedded shales marls and limestones with
Pseudodomia aff. Multistriata above, with grey-green shale with Globtruncana gr. Fornicata fauna
below.
This formation which is present in much of Abu Dhabi, dies out northwards, being virtually absent
on the crest of the Bab dome and in offshore areas to the north.
FIQA FORMATION (SCQ Drawing No. 2360)

New Formation by ADPC
Author: A.J. Standring
Type Section: Well Murban No. 44
Age: Lower Campanian
Pelagic shales with a basal light grey, argillaceous pelagic limestone synonymous with the lower
pelagic unit of the Upper shale of ADPC, and Shargi formation of Shell Co.
Fossils Globotruncana fauna with G. gr. fornicata, Planoglobulina sp., Gumbelina sp. and
Ostracoda.
Overlying formation Arada (see details above). Underlying formation junction at argillaceous
limestone with G. gr. fornicata fauna above, with clean dense chalky limestone of attenuated Halul
below.
The Fiqa as defined is predominantly a pelagic shale sequence, but laterally away from the type
locality a sequence of pelagic limestone and shales is usually found. There was some discussion on
the choice of another more representative type locality. However, it was agreed that the type
locality of Murban 44 should be retained, as the main criteria for recognition of this formation is the
pelagic fauna whether in limestones or shales. The formal definition of the Fiqa would however
emphasise the lateral variation of lithology.
607

HALUL (SCQ Drawing No. 2165). See below
Definition by Shell Co.
Authors: W.O. Gigon and P.J.C. Hoogkamer
Type section: Well Idd el Shargi No. 1
Age: Campanian
Neritic limestones consisting of chalky packstones in the upper part with abundant larger
foraminifera, lower part chalky wackestones, cherty with rich occurrence of sponge spicules.
Fossils
Pseudodomia sp. (p) (P. aff. Complanata-globularis), Rotalia sp. (R. aff. Trochidiformis),
Dycyclina cf. schlumbergi, ?Kathina sp. nov., ?Miscellanea sp. nov., Dictyokathina sp., Ostracoda.
There was a considerable amount of discussion on this formation. First A.H. Smout questioned
some of the fossil determinations for this formation. Secondly as the Halul type section is based
entirely on cuttings with possible cavings a better locality preferably with core material should be
considered. The possibility of using Murban No. 1 which has some core material over this interval
was suggested, however it was agreed to await the results of Dr. A.H. Smouts visit to Shell, Doha
before investigating a new type locality.
The age of the Halul was also discussed. In type locality it is Campanian, in ADMA sections a
Santonian age is given, and in Dukhan No. 51 [DK-0051] an Oligostegina limestone of uncertain
age, probably older than at type locality or that in Murban 44 but occurring at the same horizon i.e.
below the Fiqa and above the Laffan. The possible origin of these limestones was discussed but no
definite conclusions were reached. However, it was agreed to include these homotoxial limestones
within the Halul formation, but recognising that their age relationships are questionable until more
evidence is available.
LAFFAN FORMATION (SCQ Drawing No. 2361)

Redefined by ADPC
Author: A.J. Standring
Type section: DK-55 [DK-0055]
Age: ?? Turonian
Shales olive-green and brown with ostracod fauna including Cytherella bilobata and Brachycythere
wellingsi.
In earlier Q.P.C. reports the Laffan ranked as a formation, but Sugden later included this rock unit
within the Ruilat formation.
The choice of type section as with the Simsima was to find a well nearest the original type locality
DK-25 [DK-0025] with a good quality gamma/ray neutron log.
While a Turonian age for the Laffan was suggested during discussions, lack of suitable fossils
precludes any precise dating.
608

The Shell representatives suggested that better dating could be attempted by Palynology, and
samples from the Laffan from Shell and ADPC would be sent BIPM The Hague, Holland for this
purpose. Shale samples from the Laffan of Dukhan having previously been sent to BIPM.
The contact with the Halul was discussed at some length, a fairly sharp boundary is recognised in
Qatar and parts of ADPC but in some areas a transitional interdigitation of shales and limestones is
claimed suggesting conformity. At the underlying contact with the Wasia an unconformity is
usually recognised.
Dr. A.H. Smouts opinion was that an unconformity exists at the top and bottom of the Laffan, and
also that the grey-green ostracod shales of this formation have much closer affinities with the Wasia
than the Aruma Group.
However, all representatives were agreed that the wide-spread distribution of the Laffan shales
justifies formation status, but its age and affinities are by no means clear.
The limestone sequence between the Simsima and Laffan of Dukhan was discussed, and although
Sugdens sub-divisions are recognisable there is little positive evidence to correlate these with the
Halul, Fiqa and Arada of other areas, except of course well Dukhan No. 51 [DK-0051]. It was
agreed therefore that, until more evidence is available, the limestone sequence between the Simsima
and the Laffan of Dukhan should be named the Ruilat formation and the type section should be Dk55 [DK-0055]
JPP/vd:
Doha,
609
DrawingNo.2359
Scale1:2,000,000
POSITIONSOFTYPESECTIONWELLSFORUPPERCRETACEOUSFORMATIONS
610

Minutes of Geological Liaison [5th] Meeting held at
S.C.Q.s office in Doha, Qatar on December 11th -13th 1967.
Delegates:
Chairman
ADMA
ADPC
QPC
PD(O)
KSEPL
SCQ
- John Darley
- John Standring
- Frank Gosling
- Charlie Hopping
Ian Willis
Jacques Marie
- Mike Hughes-Clarke
- Gareth Hughes
Hughes welcomed the delegates on behalf of S.C.Q. to the meeting which had been postponed a
number of times for various reasons.
It was agreed that whilst the stratigraphy of Oman would be borne in mind when framing
definitions etc. it would not at the present discussions be definitely considered. It was hoped that at
some later stage the stratigraphy produced by these meetings would be expanded not only to Oman
but to other concession areas as well.
At previous meetings it had been agreed that logs on the 1/1000 scale should be used for correlation
diagrams. The delegates found this to be unwieldy in practice and all agreed that in future 1/2500
should be used for correlation diagrams; the 1/1000 scale would continue to be used for type section
definition etc.
ARUMA GROUP
Discussion centred on whether the use of this term would conflict with ARAMCO's Use of Aruma.
It was decided that it did not, considering the AAPG code Article 9 Remark (b) "The wedge-out of a
component formation or formations may justify the reduction of the group to formation rank,
retaining the same name". It was felt that the alternative "Upper Cretaceous" set too strict a limit
time wise.
It can be said that the sediments we are discussing were deposited on the edge of the Arabian shield
and contains major and minor hiatuses. We have selected two of the major unconformities between
which in Saudi Arabia exists the Aruma formation. As traced towards the Gulf this unit expands to
become the Aruma Group. This Group in the Kuwait area contains one "package" of formations;
here it contains another "package".
LAFFAN FORMATION
It was agreed that the term be restricted to the section which is predominantly shaly i.e. the
marl/shale intercalations which overlie the shale would not be included. The draft presented by
Standring was accepted with a few minor changes. Hopping would supply details of the
palynological evidence for dating.
611

RUILAT FORMATION
Standring's draft was essentially accepted. It was felt however that the lowest part of the formation
could be recognised over a wider area than the main part of the formation - it apparently extending
as a tongue between the Laffan and Halul. It was agreed to give this lower part the status of a
member and the term JUH MEMBER was agreed. Standring will alter his description accordingly.
HALUL FORMATION
No draft description was available. The description used by ADPC was circulated and no points of
dissension noted. Possible time difficulties had been cleared up by the visit of Dr. Smout in January
1967. Hopping will describe this according to the standard layout and circulate to all members in
January '68.
FIQA FORMATION
Standring's description of the Fiqa' and Arada was circulated. A long discussion followed as to the
status of these two units, the distinction between them being essentially based on the differentiation
between the neritic and pelagic facies.
It was finally agreed that the whole interval (i.e. what was previously called Fiqa' and 'Arada)
should be named the Fiqa' formation containing within it the Arada neritic facies and the Shargi
pelagic facies.
The type section will remain Murban 44 but a reference section from IS-1 will be added to illustrate
the Shargi facies.
Standring will re-write the description of the Fiqa' formation, Hopping will add the palynological
evidence. The reference section of the Shargi facies (IS-1) will be described by Hopping.
SIMSIMA FORMATION
No draft description was available.
A discussion as to whether the Tayarat as used in Iraq should be used by the law of priority, the
formations being essentially the same, However the Tayarat has previously been used with a
different meaning in the area. It was agreed that the name Simsima was widely used in the Gulf and
should remain.
The palaeontology shown on the type log of Dukhan-55 [DK-0055] is in fact from three wells, Dk-1
[DK-0001], Dk-28 [DK-0028] and Dk-55 [DK-0055]. It was agreed that Hopping would make the
formal description and separate out the palaeontology into its original wells.
The formation consists of three major units with hiatuses between. It was agreed that the upper unit
was sufficiently extensive to warrant a member status and Gosling will check on the name SALWA
MEMBER.
The upper limit of the formation is faunally quite distinct being the upper limit of Maastrichtian
fauna, overlain by Paleocene fauna. A marl break is normally present and this will form the top of
the Simsima formation, Aruma Group and the Cretaceous.
612

It was agreed that the description together with type sections would be circulated to all members.
Each company would add a representative section from their own area and return them to P.D.
(Oman). Oman would then make a correlation section and circulate to all members with the aim of
finalising an "Age relationship of named rock units" chart at the next meeting.
P.D. (O) offered to be hosts for the next meeting and this was gladly accepted. A tentative date of
the second week of March was made and P.D.(O) will contact all delegates concerning visas.
-------------13th December, 1967
Addendum to minutes
18/12/1967
Reference the upper member of the Simsima formation : Gosling has advised that there is no
objection to the name SALWA MEMBER.
However reference the lower member of the Ruilat formation Gosling advises that the name JUH is
already in use for another stratigraphical unit and it cannot therefore be used. He proposes instead
the DAASAH MEMBER from the name of a village south of well Dk-55 [DK-0055], one of the
wells used for a type section.
IWGH/vd.
613

ARUMAGROUP
UPPERCRETACEOUS
Authors
R.M.S.OwenandS.N.Nasr,1958
Steineke&Bramkamp(1952)gavethefirstpublishedreferencetotheArumaformation,whichoutcrops
inSaudiArabia,asapredominantlylimestoneunitofCampaniantoMaastrichtianage.Thisformationwas
formally described by Steineke, Bramkamp and Sander (1958), who showed that it is overlain by the
Paleocene, Umm er Radhuma formation and underlain by clastics of the Middle cretaceous, Wasia
formation.TheArumaformationistheonlyUpperCretaceoussequencetobeexposedinSaudiArabia.
ThenameArumaGroupwasappliedbyOwenandNasr(1958)tothecomplexUppercretaceoussequence
in the BasraKuwait area. This publication formalised a usage established for a considerable time by
geologistsinmanypartsofArabia.
In KuwaitBasrah, the name was applied to units originally dated Maastrichtian to Lower Senonian,
boundedbytheUmmerRadhumaformationaboveandMishrifformationbelow.Dunnington,etal.1959
suggestthe presenceof a majorunconformity separating an upper, MaastrichtiantoUpperCampanian,
unitapproximatelythesameageasthetypeArumaformationfromalower,poorlydatedSenonian,
sectionbelow.
Chatton(1962)recordsevidencethattheSaditoKhasibformationsofthelowersectionareofTuronianto
Lower Campanian age, thus indicating that the KhasibMishrif break is not of such great magnitude as
previouslythought.
In consequence the term Aruma Group is apparently now applied to units of Maastrichtian to Turonian
age,exceedingitsnormallyacceptedpositionofbeingsynonymouswithUpperCretaceous.
Use of the name Aruma Group should, strictly, be confined to the formations occurring above the pre
Hartha unconformity, of BasraKuwait i.e. confined to formations of Maastrichtian to Upper Campanian
age(FiqatoSimsimaonly).ItsusetodescribeallformationsofUpperCretaceousageissoestablishedin
geologicalworkinarabiathatitisproposedtoretainitintheQatarAbuDhabiareaforallformations
lyingbetweentheCenomanian,MishrifandPaleocene,UmmerRadhumaformations.
InQatartheArumaGroupissubdividedintothreeformationsasfollows:
Simsima
Maastrichtian
Ruilat
Ageindet.
Laffan
LowerSenonianor?Turonian
IntheQataroffshoreareatheShellCompanycurrentlyusethefollowingsubdivisionoftheArumaGroup
(Dominguez1965):
Simsima
Shargi
=
FiqaFm
Halul
Laffan
614

InoffshoreAbuDhabi,A.D.M.A.useaninformalterminologyasfollows:
ArumaUpperlimestone= SimsimaFm
ArumaMark
ArumaLowerLimestone= HalulFm.
Laffan
TheLaffanformationiscurrentlyplacedintheWasiaGroupbyA.D.M.A.becauseofitssupposedTuronian
age.
Unconformities
(sincethisdocumentwasadraft,notextwasincludedinthissection)
615

SimsimaFormation:
A Typelocality:
Lithology
1
2
3
10
WellDukhan55[DK-0055],11581644
OriginallyW.SugdenhadchosenwellDK28 [DK-0028]astypesection.
UnfortunatelynoGammaRayNeutronlogsareavailableforthiswell.It
has therefore been decided during the Liaison Meeting at Das Island to
choose the well closest to DK28 [DK-0028] for which these logs are
available,DK55[DK-0055].
From top to bottom we find the following 10 units (see lithol. Column,
Encl.1notincludedinouroriginal):
60
Medium grey, sl. Chalky, lime Packstone, becoming slightly argillaceous
towardsitsbase.TheparticlesconsistoflargerandsmallerForaminifera,
Ostracoda, coral and echinoid and gastropod fragments and
Dasycladaceae.
10
Greenishgrey,soft,calcareousshalewithsomepyriteandmainlysmaller
ForaminiferaandOstracoda.
80
Brownishgrey,patchilydolomitised,porouslimeWackestone.
Particles: Larger and smaller Foraminifera and broken fossils (Rudists,
Echinoids,etc)
30
Lightgrey,slightlychalky,limePackstone.
Particles: Mainly larger Foraminifera, smaller Foraminifera and broken
Rudists,etc..
20
Brownishgrey,patchilydolomitised,porouslimeWackestone.
Echinoids,etc)
15
Lightgrey,sl.Chalky,limePackstone.
Particles: Mainly larger Foraminifera, smaller Foraminifera and broken
Rudists,etc..
145
Brownishgrey, patchily dolomitised, porous, lime Wackestone. In the
lowerthirdafewroundedQuartzgrains.
Echinoids,etc)
30
Light to medium grey, in the middle part argillaceous, lime Packstone,
onlyverysl.Chalky.
Particles: Smaller and Larger Foraminifera, broken fossils (Rudists,
Echinoids,etc)
65
Medium brown, porous, dolomitised Wackestone (only the particles are
notdolomitised).
Particles:Mainlybrokenfossils(lamellibranchiataetc.).
36
Light grey, partly chalky and in the upper part slightly dolomitised lime
Packstone.
Particles:Brokenfossils,largerandsmallerForaminifera.
Totalthickness:486feet
616
Sugdens proposed subdivision in an upper, middle and lower Simsima formation for
DK28[DK-0028]canalsoberecognisedinDK55[DK-0055]
Units1&2
= upperSimsima
Units38
= middleSimsima
Units9&10
= lowerSimsima
Thissubdivisioncanalsoeasilyberecognisedonthegammaraylog(seeencl.1not
includedinouroriginal):.
Paleontology
ThedetailsofthefaunaandthedifferentrangesaregivenonEncl.1.Thisissomewhattheresultof
acombinationofoccurrencesinwellsDK1[DK-0001],DK25[DK-0025]andDK55[DK-0055].
Age
Maastrichtian
Literature
W.Sugden
Definition of formational units of the Qatar Peninsula and correlations
withNejdHasaKuwaitBasraareaunits.Dec.1956
617

FIQAFORMATION
UpperCretaceous
(Shargifacies)
?LowerCampanian
Author:
A.J.Standring
Synonymy
LowerpelagicunitoftheuppershaleofAbuDhabiPetroleumCompany
Limitedinformalstratigraphicusage,slightlyrevised
ShargiformationofShellCompanylimited,Qatar(Dominguez1965,ArabPetroleum
Congress)
ArumaMarlofAbuDhabiMarineareasLimited
Typelocalityandsection:
Abu Dhabi Petroleum company Limited well Murban No. 44, lat. 231622N, long.
522035E, R.T.K.B. elevation 438ft, between drilled depths 6302 and 6571 ft.
(referencesectioninQatarisIS1)
Thickness
269feet(82m)
Lithology
1
Shaledarkgreygreen
233feet
2
Limestone,lightgrey,argillaceous,locallypyritic.
36feet
Fossils
Globotruncana gr. fornicata, G. arca arca (Cushman), G. arca (Cushman) caribica
Gandoifi, G. globigermoides Brotzen, G. cf convata (Brotzen), G. contusa (Cushman),
Rugoglobigerina beldingi Gandoifi, Planoglobulina sp. Gumbelina spp., ostracoda
including Bairdoppilata sp., Cytherella sp., Paracypris glabrans Sayyab ms.,
BrachycytherewellingsiSayyabms.
Age
CampanianprobablyLowerCampanian
Overlyingformation
Aradaformation(nowtheupperfaciesoftheFiqaFormation);contactconformable,
placed at junction of series of interbedded shales, marls and limestones with
Pseudodomiaaffmultistriataabove,withcontinuousdarkgreygreenshaleoftheFiqa
formation,below
Underlyingformation
Halulformation;contactdisconformableatjunctionofgreyargillaceouslimestoneof
thebasalFiqaformation,above,withpure,densechalkylimestone,below.
Distribution
AbuDhabiandtheotherTrucialStates,possiblyextendingintopartofSaudiArabia.As
apelagicmarlinSouthernQatar(wellDk.51 [DK-0051]).Tothenorththeformation
becomes a thicker, marllimestone sequence, still with the typical Globotruncana

fauna,whichdirectlyunderliestheSimsimaformation
Remarks
TheFiqaformationrepresentsanimportant,widespread,deepwaterphasewithinthe
mainlyshallowwaterUpperCretaceousdepositionalsequence.Atitstypelocalityand
overmostofAbuDhabiandinsouthQataritissucceededconformablybytheneritic
shalelimestone, succession of the Arada formation. It is probably separated by
widespreadunconformityfromtheunderlyingHalulformation.
The fact that the Fiqa directly underlies the Simsima in the ADMA and Shell offshore
618

concession areas is believed to be the result of northward cutout of the Arada
formationasillustratedontheaccompanyingcorrelationdiagram.Suchcutoutatthe
AradaSimsimaboundarycanbedemonstratedinAbuDhabisothatpassingfromwell
Mb44tothecrestoftheBabdome,theAradaiscompletelycutout.Theabsenceof
theneriticAradafaciesoverpartsofBabdomeisprovedbycoringinwellMb1.
ARADAFORMATION
UpperCretaceous
(actuallyAradafaciesofthe
UpperCampanian
Fiqaformation)
A.J.Standring
Author:
Synonymy:
UpperneriticsectionofArumaUpperShaleofA.D.P.C.Ltd.,informalstratigraphic
usage,slightlymodifiedattop.
AbuDhabiPetroleumCo.Ltd.,wellMurbanNo.44,lat.231622N,long.572035E.,
Typelocalities
R.T.K.B.elevation438ft.,betweendrilleddepths5422and6302feet.
andSection:
Theformationtakesitsnamefromalocalitysome33km.S.S.E.ofthewell.
Thickness:
880ft
Lithology:
1
Marl; very chalky, and light grey grading to chalk, white, locally slightly
silty, rare shale partings. Interbeds of limestone, chalky, foraminiferal,
limewackestone,containingfineskeletaldebris.128ft.
2
Shale;darkgreygreen,calcareousandmarl,lightgrey,chalky,gradingto
chalk, white. Thin interbeds of limestone, buff, detrital, chalky,
foraminiferal, shell debris wackestone and argillaceous limestone, light

grey.137ft.
3
Limestone;lightbuff, slightlyargillaceousandchalky;smallforaminifera,
shellandechinoiddebriswackestone.161ft.
4
Shale;darkgrey,slightlycalcareousandmarl,grey,chalky.60ft.
5
Limestone;palebuff,chalkytolocallyargillaceousinterbeddedwithshale
darkgreysometimescalcareous.Shalepredominantinlowest40feet.
6
Limestone; pale grey to buff, slightly chalky; shell debris foraminiferal
wackestonewithinterbedsofshale,greygreen.178ft.
7
Shale, dark greygreen grading into marl, grey with thin interbedded
limestones,lightgreybuff,finelimewackestone.100ft.
619

Fossils:
In1
Age:
Underlying:
Overlying:
Distribution:
Remarks:
Monolepidorbis douvillei Aster, Rotalia aff. Trochidiformis Lamarck, Aff.

Archaecyclussp.
In2
M. douvillei, R. aff trochidiformis, Aff Archaecyclus sp., Ataxophagmium
sp.
In3
M. douvillei, R. aff trochidiformis, R. sp, Aff. Archaecyclus sp. bryozoa,
echinoiddebris.
In4&5
M.douvillei,R.afftrochidiformis,R.sp.,
In6
M. douvillei, M.sanctae pelagiaeAstre,rare Globotruncana sp., carb (or
crab?)debris,echinoidspines,bryozoa,rudistfragments,fishremains.
In7
M.sanctaepelagiae,Pseudodomiaaffmultistriata(Henson)
UpperCampanian
Fiqa formation; contact conformable; In type sections placed at top of continuous

greygreen shalewithtypicalGlobotruncanagr.fornicatafauna.Elsewhereplaced at
junction of lowest neritic, Monolepidorbis Pseudodomia aff multistriata bearing
beds of the basal Arada with the highest beds with pelagic assemblage. Should the
two interdigitate, the contact should normally be placed at the base of the lowest
neritichorizon.
Simsimaformation;contactdisconformable,thetwoformationsbeingseparatedbya
regionalunconformityofvariablemagnitude.Attheboundarybetweenbasicallypure
Maastrichtian lime wackestone and packstone of the Simsima with more or less
argillaceous,Monolepidorbisbearingcarbonates,orshales,oftheupperArada.
Present over much of onshore Abu Dhabi and south Qatar. Probably present in
neighbouring states. Not recognized intheA.D.M.A.orS.C.Q.concessionareasor in
northQatar.
This formation reaches a considerable thickness in west and central Abu Dhabi but
becomesextremelyattenuatedtowardsthenorthandeastasaresultofdemonstrable
cutoutofbedsbothregionally(towardstheoffshoreareas)andlocallyoverindividual
structures. Confusion can arise in Schlumberger log correlation since the lithological
characteroftheFiqaformationinoffshoreareasisverysimilartothatoftheAradaof
onshore Abu Dhabi. Only by examination of the fauna and facies as illustrated by
samplescanthetwounitsbereadilydifferentiated.
Somedifficultyofcorrelationhasariseninthepastasaresultofloggingoftherobust
MonolepidorbisdouvilleioftheupperFiqa(Arada)asOrbitiodessp.anditsinclusionin
theoverlyingUpperChalk(Simsima).
620
RUILATFORMATION
Author:
Synonymy:
Typelocality
andsection:
Thickness:
Lithology:
Fossils:
Age:
Under;ying:
Overlying:
Otherlocalities:
CRETACEOUS
UpperCretaceous
W.Sugden(1953)unpublishedreport
None
Q.P.C.WellDukhanNo.55 [DK-0055],lat25240N.,long.504546E.,
between drilled depths 501 m. (1644 ft.) and 584 m. (1916 ft.). (This
replacesSugdensoriginaltypesectioninWellDukhanNo.25[DK-0025]
between1705and2002ft.)
The formation takes its name from a locality in the middle of the Qatar
Peninsula.
83m.(272ft.)
1
Limestone, light grey compact, limemudstone to wackestone with
common fine elongate spicules and fine indeterminate calcareous silt;
chertnodulesinupperpart.Finerecrystallizationobscuringraresmall?
pelagicforaminifera(216ft.).
2
Limestone, as above, with common rounded phosphatic nodules,
glauconitegrains,10ft.
3
Limestonelightgrey,fine,compactlimemudstone,towackestonepartly
silicified,32ft.
4
Limestone,grey,argillaceouslimemudstone,14feet.
In1
Smallindetforaminifera includingprobable Gumbelina
In3
Gumbelinasp.
Cannotbecorrectlydetermined.Campanianorolder.
Laffan formation with no evidence of unconformity. At the contact of grey,

argillaceouslimestoneofthebasalRuilatabovewitholivegreentobrownshalesofthe
Laffanformationbelow.
Simsima formation; contact conformable. At contact of fine, grey specular grey lime
mudstonebelowwithfossiliferouslimepackstoneofthebasalSimsima,above.
ThisformationisconfinedtotheQatarPeninsulawhereitisknownfrommostofthe
wellsontheDukhanstructureandfromexplorationwells.
621

Remarks:
Addendumto
theRuilat
ItisunfortunatethatitremainsnecessarytoretaintheRuilatformationasarockunit
peculiar to the Qatar Peninsula. It cannot be directly correlated with any rock unit
known to exist elsewhere between the Simsima and Laffan formations. Indeed
correlationevenwiththesuccessioninthesouthernmostDukhanwellisdifficult.
Inthelatter(wellDukhan51 [DK-0051])theSimsimaisunderlainbythinunitsofthe
AradaandFiqaformations.Beneaththisoccursathinlimestonecontainingspicules,
togetherwithOligostegina,Gumbelinasp.andHedbergellawhichisitselfunderlain
by typical Laffan Shale. This succession shows many similarities to that developed
morefullyinAbuDhabi.
The Simsima in Dk.51 [DK-0051] is thinner than the combined Simsima and Ruilat
formations found at structurally higher elevations to the north. It shows a similar
foraminiferal zonation to the Simsima only of these wells. Thus it appears that the
Ruilat must be considered to the equivalent of some or all of the largely Campanian
sectionbetweentheSimsimaandLaffanofDk.51[DK-0051].
Unit3(someonescribbled2overthe3intheoriginaldocumentweused.Maybe
the typist of the original document made a mistake) of the type section has all the
appearance of a zone of condensation or even of marking a break in sedimentation.
Unit 4 contains Gumbelina. It appears possible that the 42 feet of limestone which
restswithoutapparentunconformityontheLaffaninDukhan55 [DK-0055]couldbe
the equivalent of the similar limestone which overlies the formation in Dk.51 [DK0051].IfsotheunitisprobablyolderthanUpperCampanian.
Ifthiscorrelationbeaccepted,thenunits1and2oftheRuilatmustbepartlyorwholly
equivalent of the Upper Campanian neritic and pelagic units found in Dk.51 [DK0051].(i.e.oftheAradaand/orFiqaformations.
Until further research has been undertaken, the Ruilat will remain an unsatisfactory
rockunitinthatitcannotbecorrelatedwithanyothersubdivisionoftheAruma.
InDukhanwellNo.1 [DK-0001] asimilarsequencetothatinthetypesectionasseen

in a partially cored section. The equivalent of unit 1 of the type section ranges from
approximately1485to1555feet,atwhichdepththelithologyapparentlychangestoa
coarser limewackestone to packstone with phosphates and glauconitic grains and
nodules, the particles being largely echinoid and lamellibranch fragments. Some
particlesarepyritised.Thisunitcouldbeasmuchas50feetthickandisunderlainasin
Dk.55 [DK-0055] by fine wackestones, partly silicified and containing Gumbilina sp.
ThisisevidenceofsomevariationinthedetaileddevelopmentoftheRuilatformation
overtheDukhanfield.
622
HALULFORMATION(1)
Author:
Synonymy:
TypeSection:
Reference
SectioninAbu
Dhabi
Thickness
Lithology:
Fossils:
Age:
Underlying:
Overlying:
Distribution:
Remarks
UpperCretaceous
LowerCampaniantoSantonian
W.O.GigonandP.J.C.Hoogkamer
Middle Chalk of A.D.P.C. Ltd. Informal terminology; Aruma Lower Limestone of

A.D.M.A.
ShellCo.ofQatarwellIdalShargiNo.1betweendrilleddepths3310and3468feet.
A.D.P.CWellMurbanNo.1lat235643N,long.534156E.,R.T.K.B.elevation53feet,
betweendrilleddepths6175and6396feet.
221feet
Limestone, white to grey, of nodular appearance, comprising predominantly

foraminiferal, lamellibranch, echinoid and algalfragment wackestone. Commonly
forming paler lenses or nodules separated by darker grey wisps and lenses of soft,
argillaceouslimestoneoftenapproachingmarlinconstituency.
Pseudedomia complanata Eames and Smout, Pseudedomia ?sp, Dicyclina

schlumbergeriMunierChalmas,Arenobuliminasp.,Rotaliaskourensis,?Laffeittinasp.,
Pyrgo sp., large miliolids, fragments of echinoids, lamellibranchs, algae are common.
ThegenusArchaecyclushasbeenrecordedfromtheunit.
LowerCampanianorolder
Laffanformation,contactapparentlyconformable.Atjunctionoflowestlimestoneof
theHalulformationwiththeunderlyingbluegreytobrownshaleoftheLaffanbelow.
Fiqa formation, contact apparently conformable but, in fact, probably a widespread,

shortdurationunconformity.Atjunctionofgreygreen,pelagicshaleofthebasalFiqa
formationwiththehighest,pale,limewackestonesoftheunderlyingHalulformation.
Well developed in central north and parts of eastern Abu Dhabi, the formation thins
rapidlytopracticallydisappeartothesouthandwest.Welldevelopedtothenorthin
offshoreAbuDhabiandQatar.
Awidespread,persistentrockunit,easilyrecognizedbyitscharacteristicforaminiferal
assemblage.Thefaciesisrepeatedattwohigherhorizonsandcaremustbetakento
ascertain the correct species of the Pseudedomia. If this is not done, it could be
possible to become confused by the similarity of the basal Simsima zone of P.
globularis or the lowest Arada zone of P. aff multistriata. Both these have similar
ecofacies,includingD.schlumbergeri,R.affskourensis,Archaecyclussp.
The Santonian age assigned by A.D.M.A. to certain Halul sections is by no means

incompatiblewithnormalageassignmentsofLowerCampaniantoolder.Thereislittle
doubtofthecorrelationoftheHalulwithArumaLowerLimestoneandMiddleChalk
andtheirequivalenttopartoftheIlamformationofIran.
In south, central Abu Dhabi, including well Murban 44, a thin white chalky limestone
623

which intervenes between the Fiqa and Laffan formations has been assigned to the
Halulformation.Nogoodfaunalevidencewasavailableuntilsidewallsamplingproved
theunittocontainapelagicfauna.Whilethiscouldindicateachangeoffaciesinthe
Halul to the south, it could equally mean that in such locations the true Halul is
completelyabsentduetoerosionornondepositionandthatthelimestoneinquestion
isrelatedtotheoverlyingFiqa.
Cretaceous
HALULFORMATION(2)
(Campanian)
The Halul Formation was described, defined and named by M.W. Hughes Clarke in
Author:
S.C.Q.unpublishedreport(1963)
Synonymy
The following rock stratigraphical terms are considered to be synonymous with the
HalulFormation:
TheArumaLowerLimestoneinanA.D.M.A.unpublishedreport,(19);
TheMiddleChalkinanA.D.P.C.unpublishedreport,(19)
Typelocalityand Hughes Clarke originally chose the interval 3310 to 3468 in the S.C.Q. well Iddel
Shargi 1 as representing the type section of this formation. This interval, extended
section
downwardsto3545,hasbeenretainedasthetypesection.TheFormationtakes its
namefromtheislandofHalulofftheeastcoastofQatar.
Location:
S.C.Q. well IddelShargi 1; latitude 252332.9N, longitude 522155.93 E. The
formationisbetweenthedrilleddepthsof3310and3545feet.
235feet(drilledthickness)
Thickness:
Lithology:
Thefollowinglithologicalunitscanbedeterminedfromtoptobottom:
1
90 limestone; light grey, chalky bioclastic lime packstone, particles
consisting of larger Foraminifera with some smaller Foraminifera,

Ostracodsandshellfragments.
2
68 limestone; light grey, chalky bioclastic lime wackestone, particles
consisting of spicules, small shell fragments with some smaller
ForaminiferaandlargerForaminifera;somepyriteandscattereddolomite
rhombs.
3
27marl,greygreensoftwithsomeshale,bluegreyandsomelimestone,
lightgreylightbrown,chalky,partlyrecrystallized.
4
50 chalk, lightgrey, soft, frangible, occasionally slightly marly with
limestone, lightgrey and light brown chalky, partly recrystallized, shell

fragmentsinplaces.
Totalthickness235ft.
Palaeontology:
The details of the faunal assembles and their distribution are shown on Fig. (none
stated). The occurrence of Pseudedomia complanata, Pseudedomia globularis and
DicyclinaschlumbergeriisindicativeofaCampanianorolderCampanianage.
Palynology:
NopalynologicalworkhasbeenundertakenupontheHalulFormation.
Age:
Campanian,probablyearlyCampanian.
624

Boundaries
Overlying
Thelightgrey,chalkypackstonesoftheHalulFormationareoverlainbya+/10bedof
light brown, very calcareous shales grading upwards into the grey, blue, green,
planktonicforaminiferalmarlsoftheFiqaFormation.
Underlying The light grey chalky wackestone of the Halul Formation are underlain by the olive
greenmarlsandshalesoftheLaffanFormation.
HALULFORMATION(3)
A. TypeLocality WellIddelShargi1,33103468
B. Lithology
The Halul formation consists of light grey, chalky wackestones grading upwards into
chalkyPackstones(seeencl.2notattachedtoouroriginal).Thelowerpartcontains
frequentlychert,probablyinnodules.Somepyriteisfoundinthelowestpartandonly
scattered dolomite rhombs occur about in the middle. The particles in the
Wackestonesarespicules,smallshellfragments,smallerForaminiferaandsomelarger
Foraminifera.
Inthemiddleandupperpart(Packstones)thenumberoflargerForaminiferaincreases
considerably.TogetherwiththemoccurstillsmallerForaminifera,someOstracodaand
shellfragments.
C. Paleontology Encl.2(notattachedtoouroriginal)givesthedetailsofthefaunaandthedistribution.
D. Age
Campanian
625
LAFFANFORMATION
Author
Synonymy
Typelocalityand
section
Thickness
Lithology
Fossils
Age:
Underlying:
Overlying:
Otherlocalities:
Remarks:
CRETACEOUS
TuronianorL.Senonian
W.Sugden1953(unpublishedreport)
None
Q.P.C. well Dukhan No. 55 [DK-0055], lat. 25240N., long. 504546E., between
drilleddepths584m(1916ft)and613m(2011ft).(ThisreplacesSenoniansoriginal
typesectioninwellDukhanNo.25[DK-0025]between2002and2072ft.).
TheformationtakesitsnamefromRasLaffanonthenortheastcoastofQatar.
27m(95ft)
Shale,olivegreen.
Atypicalostracodassemblagewhichhasnotbeenpublished.DescribedbyA.S.Sayyab
(1956) in an unpublished thesis. Includes: Brachycythere wellingsi Sayyab ms.,
Cytherella bilobata Sayyab ms., Eobuntonia? Curta Sayyab ms., Eobuntonia seminuda
Sayyab ms.,Cythereis?Dukhanensis Sayyabms., BrachycytherehasaensisSayyab ms.,
Mesocycthereis hensoni Sayyab ms., Xestoloberis punctata Sayyab ms., Paracypris
globrams.
LowerSenonian(orpossiblyTuronian)
Mishrif formation, contact unconformable, at junction of shale above, with chalky

fossiliferouslimestoneoftheMishrifbelow.CutoutofbedsoftheunderlyingMishrif
beneath the Laffan can be demonstrated by tracing faunal markers and by simple
thinningoftheformation
Ruilat formation, at contact of shales of the Laffan below, with argillaceous lime
mudstone of the Ruilat above. There normally appears to be a sharp change from
shaletolimestoneatthecontact,butnodirectevidenceofunconformityisseen.
KnownfromonshoreandoffshoreAbuDhabioffshoreQatar,BahrainandpartsofIraq.
The Laffan is an important formation of value in regional correlation. It always

underliesUpperCretaceousandoverliesMiddleCretaceousformations.IntheQatar
Abu Dhabi area it is almost invariably present, in spite of great facies and thickness
variationintheoverlyingformationsoftheArumagroup.
This marine ostracodbearing shale which marks the Middle to upper Cretaceous
boundaryisdifficulttodateaccurately,owingtotheabsenceofagediagnosticfossils.
The ostracod suite is apparently peculiar to the Laffan in Qatar and to the north but
important elements are recovered from more than one slab horizon in the Aruma of
Abu Dhabi. From its position beneath proven Campanian rocks in well Dukhan 51
[DK-0051] (see Ruilat formation) it must be as old as early Campanian, while its
positionabovetheCenomanianMishrifmakespossibleanageyoungerthanthat.
626
On evidence of ostracod ranges published by Sayyad (1956), Smout believes

(unpublishedreport),thatinspiteoftheunconformablerelationshipoftheLaffanwith
the underlying formation, it has Middle Cretaceous affinities and is probably of
Turonianage.
Palynological examination has so far failed to give a precise age, but is suggestion of
lowerSenonian.ThustheunitisprobablylowermostUpperorhighmiddleCretaceous
inage.
Thecriticalpoint,moreimportantthanpreciseage,isthequestionofassigningtheunit
toeithertheArumaorWasiaGroups.InKuwaitandS.Iraq,Chatton(1962)hasshown
that the basal formation of the sequence assigned by Owen and Nasr to the Aruma
GroupisofTuronianage.It(theKhasibformation)isabasinalargillaceousunit,resting
unconformably upon the Mishrif. Dunnington (1967) accepts the MishrifTanuma
(Khasib is scribbled over Tanuma in our original) junction as a natural boundary
betweentheAruma andWasiaGroupinS.Iraq.Thus, even shouldtheLaffan finally
provetobeTuronian,itsbaseisstillacceptableasthelowerlimitoftheArumaGroup
inQatarandneighbouringareas.
The Laffan formation thickness markedly downflank on the Dukhan structure,

probablyasaresultofsuccessiveonlapovertheMishrif.
627

THE SIXTH GEOLOGICAL LIAISON MEETING
(ADMA, ADPC, KSEPL, PD(O), QPC, SCQ)
AT MINA AL FAHAL, MUSCAT AND OMAN
FROM 28TH SEPTEMBER TO 3RD OCTOBER, 1968
MINUTES
The following delegates participated at the above meeting:

D. Campbell Kennedy
P.J. Carter
A.H. Smout
A.J. Standring
K.W. Glennie
C.A Hopping
F. Gosling
I.W.G. Hughes
A.D.M.A.
A.D.M.A.
A.D.M.A.
A.D.P.C.
K.S.E.P.L.
P.D.(O)
Q.P.C.
S.C.Q.
(Chairman)
The business of the meeting comprised the finalisation of the study project The Stratigraphy of the
Aruma Group in South-East Arabia and the initiation of a similar study project of the Wasia
Group. A draft text entitled Upper Cretaceous Rock stratigraphy in South East Arabia was
prepared and forwarded to the delegates prior to the meeting.
The vitally important time-stratigraphic subdivision was that of the stage. It was thus essential that
the criteria used in the definition of a stage should be carefully evaluated. It was considered that the
boundary Albian-Cenomanian can be determined upon sound criteria in the area of the Middle East.
Thus it was proposed that the cretaceous deposits should be subdivided into the major units of
Lower and upper Cretaceous rather than the former, long established sub-division of Lower, Middle
and Upper. This proposal was approved by the meeting. (See important comment in the first page
of the Minutes of Meeting of the 7th Geological Liaison).
The above proposal necessitated changing the title of the report upon the Aruma Group study
project which is now entitled, The Stratigraphy of the Aruma Group in South East Arabia.
It was suggested that the former and proposed nomenclature for the rock-stratigraphic units of
the Aruma Group as mentioned in the text should be listed in full and sub-headed for each
company. It was proposed that this information should also be presented in the format of a table.
This proposal was approved and the recommendation has been implemented in the completed
report, (ref. Enclosure 2 not included in our original).
A written account of the major and minor unconformities within the Aruma Group was approved by
the meeting for incorporation within the general chapter of the Aruma Group.
The age of the Simsima Formation has been determined as Maastrichtian. It was proposed that the
Simsima Formation could range from an essentially Maastrichtian age into a Danian age, (i.e. a
628

Danian Stage within the Cretaceous era). The proposal was agreed by the meeting. A further
suggestion that the Simsima Formation could also be of an early Tertiary age was rejected.
A proposal to subdivide the Simsima Formation into an upper, Salwa Member and a lower, Janan
Member was discussed at length. A Salwa Member with locally developed dolomite and anhydrite
beds overlying a variable Janan Member or Lepidorbitoides Zone was finally agreed by the
meeting.
The meeting rejected the stratigraphic range of the Qahlah-Quryat Formation and proposed that it
should be redefined with a restricted range within the Maastrichtian. This proposal has been
adopted within the definition of the Qahlah Formation in the completed report.
The KSEPL delegate gave a special lecture on the Hawasina Semail Groups and the tectonic
history of the Oman Mountain region. This lecture was greatly appreciated by all the delegates at
the meeting.
The account of the Muti Formation and the subdivision of the Fiqa Formation into an Arada and
Shargi Member was approved by the meeting.
The important correlative Daasah Member was placed within a redefined Halul Formation which
necessitated a redefinition of the Ruilat Formation. A discussion upon the age of the Halul
Formation was inconclusive, the delegates being unable to assign it to either the Santonian or
Campanian.
The age of the Laffan Formation was agreed by the delegates as probably ranging from the
Coniacian to Santonian.
After a visit to the outcrop section of the Wasia Group in Wadi Miaidin the delegates discussed the
possible subdivisions of the Wasia Group in respect to their respective concession areas.
The meeting asked the A.D.P.C. and P.D. (O) delegates to finalise the report upon the Aruma
Group. A meeting between these delegates was arranged for November, 1968 to carry out this
request.
The meeting closed with an invitation from A.D.P.C. who will be hosts at the seventh meeting of
the geological liaison group.
AJS/pvg
Abu Dhabi,
21.5.1969
629
Geological Liaison meetings

ADMA, ADPC, P.D.(O), Q.P.C. & S.C.Q.
DRAFT
Upper Cretaceous Rock Stratigraphy in
Southeast Arabia
Edited by
C.A. Hopping
May, 1968
630

Contents
Page
1
3
11
16
21
28
31
36
TheArumaGroup
TheSimsimaFormation
TheSaihalMalehFormation
TheMutiFormation
TheFiqaFormation
TheRuilatFormation
TheHalulFormation
TheLaffanFormation
Note: The pagination above is from the original document and not from this transcript.
Listofenclosures
1. LithologyandPalaeontologyoftheSimsimaFormationinwell
Dukhan55[Dk-0055].
2. LithologyandPalaeontologyoftheHalulFormationinwellIdd
elShargi1.
3. Lithology&PalaeontologyoftheArumaGroupinWellDukhan
51[Dk0051],updatedDec2nd1968.
Scale
Draw.No.
1:1000
3217
1:1000
3200
1:1000
3127
631
TheARUMAGroup
Authors
Remarks
QatarOnshore
QatarOffshore
Cretaceous
(ConiaciantoMaastrichtian)
OwenandNasr,(1958).
Steineke and Bramkamp, (1952) gave the first published reference to the Aruma
Formation, which outcrops northeast of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, as a predominantly
limestone unit of Campanian to Maastrichtian age. This formation was formally
describedanddefinedbySteineke,BramkampandSander,(1958),whoshowedthatit
isoverlainbythePaleocene,UmmerRadhumaFormationandunderlainbytheclastics
oftheMiddleCretaceous,WasiaFormation.TheArumaFormationistheonlyUpper
Cretaceous(postCenomanian)sequencetobeexposedinSaudiArabia.
ThenameArumaGroupwasappliedbyOwenandNasr(1958)tothecomplexUpper
CretaceoussequenceintheNasraKuwaitarea.Thispublicationformalisedausage
establishedforaconsiderabletimebygeologistsinmanypartsofArabia.
In the BasraKuwait area, the name was applied to units originally dated as Lower
Senonian to Maastrichtian, bounded by the Umm er Radhuma Formation above and
the Mishrif Formation below. Dunnington et al (1959) suggested the presence of a
majorunconformityseparatinganupper,MaastrichtiantolateCampanianunit,which
was approximately the same age as the type Aruma Formation, from a lower, poorly
datedSenonianunitbelow.
Chatton (1962) records evidence that the Sadi to Khasib Formations of the above
mentionedlowerunitareofTuroniantoearlyCampanianage,thusindicatingthatthe
KhasibMishrifhiatusisnotofsuchgreatmagnitudeaspreviouslybelieved.
The use of the name Aruma Group should, strictly, be confined to the formations
occurring above the preHartha unconformity, of BasraKuwait, i.e. confined to
formations of late Campanian to Maaastrichtian age. Its use to describe all/certain
formationsofUpperCretaceousageissoestablishedingeologicalworkinArabiathat
it is proposed to retain it in the QatarAbu DhabiOman area for all formations of
?Turonian, Coniacian to Maastrichtian age lying between the Mishrif and Umm er
RadhumaFormations.
IntheQataronshoreareaQ.P.C.havesubdividedtheArumaGroupintothefollowing
rockstratigraphicalunits:
Simsima
(Fiqa)
Ruilat
Laffan
IntheQataroffshoreareaS.C.Q.havesubdividedtheArumaGroupintothefollowing
rockstratigraphicalunits
Simsima
Shargi =
TheFiqa
Halul
Laffan
632

AbuDhabi
Offshore
AbuDhabi
Onshore
Oman
In the Abu Dhabi offshore area A.D.M.A. have subdivided the Aruma Group into the
followingrockstratigraphicalunits:
ArumaUpperLimestone
=
TheSimsimaFm.
ArumaMarl
=
TheFiqaFm
ArumaLowerlimestone
=
TheHalulFm
Laffan
In the Abu Dhabi onshore area A.D.P.C. have subdivided the Aruma Group into the
UpperChalk =
TheSimsimaFm
UpperShale =
TheFiqaFm.
MiddleChalk =
TheHalulFm.
MiddleShale =
TheLaffanFm.
In the Oman P.D.(O) have subdivided the Aruma Group into the following rock
stratigraphicalunits:
ArumaLimestoneFm =
TheSimsimaFm
ArumaShaleFm
=
TheFiqaFm
However, in the region of the Oman Mountains a further subdivision of the Aruma
Grouphasbeenmadeasfollows:
ArumaLimestoneFm
=
TheSimsimaFm
TheSaihalMalehFm
(HawasinaSemailGroup)
TheMutiFm
ArumaShaleFm
=
TheFiqaFm
633

Cretaceous
(Maastrichtian)
Author
The Simsima Formation was originally described, defined and named by Sugden in a
Q.P.C.unpublishedreport(1956).ThenamewasfirstpublishedbyDominguez,(1965).
Synonymy
The following rockstratigraphical terms are considered here to be synonymous with
theSimsimaFormation:
The Aruma Formation, Steinekeet al., (1952) ; TheTayaratLimestoneFormation,

Owen & Nasr, (1958); The Upper Limestone, of Cobb & Papiyath in an A.D.M.A.
unpublished report, (1963); The Upper Chalk, of Field in an A.D.P.C. unpublished
report, (1962); The Aruma Limestone (in part), of Marie in a P.D. (O) unpublished
report, (1966); The Abad Formation (in part), and The Gahwan Formation of
HorstinkinaP.D.(O)unpublishedreport,1967).
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.ColumnarSectionFig.???)
Sugden had originally chosen the interval in the Q.P.C. well Dukhan28 [DK0028] as
representingthetypesectionoftheSimsima.However,nogammarayorneutronlogs
areavailablefromthiswell.ThusthewellDk55[DK0055]whichhastheselogsandis
closesttoDk28[DK0028]hasnowbeenselectedasthetypesection.Theformation
takesitsnamefromthelocalityofSimsimanortheastQatar.
Q.P.C.wellDukhan(Dk)55[DK0055];lat.25240N,long.504546E.Theformation
Location
isbetweenthedrilleddepthsof1,158and1,644feet.
Thickness
TheSIMSIMAFormation
634

Lithology
Thefollowinglithologicalunitscanbedeterminedfromtoptobottom.
#
Ft
1 58 Limestone;mediumgrey,slightlychalky,limepackstone,becomingslightly
argillaceous towards the base. Particles consist of larger and smaller
Foraminifera, Ostracoda, coral, echinoid and gastropod fragments with
dasycladaceanAlgae.
2
9 Shale; greenishgrey, soft, calcareous shale with some pyrite and mainly
smallerForaminiferaandOstracoda.
3 82 Limestone;brownishgrey,patchilydolomitized,porouslimeWackestone.
ParticlesconsistoflargerandsmallerForaminiferaandbrokenfossils,e.g.
Rudists,echinoids,etc.
4 28 Limestone; light grey, slightly chalky lime Packstone. Particles consist of
mainly larger Foraminifera with smaller Foraminifera and broken rudists
etc.
rudists,echinoids,etc.
6 15 Limestone; light grey, slightly chalky, lime Packstone. Particles consist of
etc.
A few rounded quartz grains are found in the lower part of the unit.
rudists,etc.
8 29 Limestone; light to medium grey, partly argillaceous and very slightly
chalky, lime Packstone. Particles consist of larger and smaller
Foraminifera,brokenfossils,e.g.rudists,echinoids,etc.
9 66 Limestone; medium brown, porous, dolomitized Wackestone. Particles
which are not dolomitized consist of mainly broken fossils, e.g.
lamellibranchs,etc.
10 34 Limestone; light grey, partly chalky and in the upper part slightly
dolomitized lime Packstone. Particles consist of broken fossils and larger
andsmallerForaminifera.
486 TotalThickness
Sugdensproposedsubdivisionofanupper,middleandalowerSimsimaFormationin
Dukhan28 [DK0028] can also be recognized in the type section in Dukhan55 [DK
0055],i.e.
Units
1&2
UpperSimsimaFormation
3to8
MiddleSimsimaFormation
9&10
LowerSimsimaFormation
Thissubdivisioncanbeclearlyrecognizedalsoonthegammarayneutronlog,ref.Fig.
??. The upper unit is considered to be sufficiently distinctive and geographically
extensive to merit the status of a member, the SALWA Member. Thus the Simsima
Formationatpresentcanbesubdividedintoalowerasyetunnamedmemberandan
upperSalwaMember,q.v.
635
Palaeontology
The details of the fauna and their distribution are shown on Fig ??. A threefold
palaeontologicalsubdivisioncanbeobservedfromthedifferentrangesofthesefauna.
Theloftusiaunit,characterisedbytheoftendominantoccurrenceofthetypeLoftusia
sp(p).(L.minorL.morganiagroup).ThefaunalassemblagealsocontainsElphidiella
multicissurata, Fissoelphidium operculiferum, Omphalocyclus macroporus and
abundantspecimensofdasycladaceanAlgae.
TheLepidorbitoidesunit,characterisedbythedominantoccurrenceofLepidorbitoides
sp(p).(L.socialisgroup)withsiderolitescalcitrapoides,Omphalocyclusmacroporusand
rudists.
The Orbitoides unit, containing Orbitoides media with sporadic occurrences of

Omphalocyclusmacroporus.
Theabovethreefaunalunitsarecoincidentwiththediscussedlithologicalunits,thus
these fossil occurrences would appear to be controlled to some degree by the
environmentalconditionsofdeposition,q.v.
Palynology
NopalynologicalworkhasbeenundertakenupontheSimsimaFormation
Age
ThefollowingforaminiferahavebeenacceptedasidentifyingtheMaastrichtianStage;
Omphalocyclusmacroporus,SiderolitescalcitrapoideandLepidorbitoidessocialis.
Boundaries
The stratigraphical limits of the Simsima Formation in the type section have been
demarcateduponthefollowingcriteria:
Overlying Thewhitegrey,chalky, algal, limepackstonesoftheuppermostSimsimaareoverlain

bya10bedofdarkbrowncrystallinetosucrosedolomite,whichformsthebaseofthe
Umm er Radhuma Formation, which is overlain by hard, white, lime wackestones
containingabundantlargerForaminifera.Thelithologicalchangeisfurtherreflectedby
acharacteristickickonthegammaraylog.
It is of further interest to note that the contact of the Simsima and the Umm er
Radhuma Formations here marks the boundary between Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)
andtheTertiary(Paleocene).Theabruptandalmosttotalfaunalchangewouldappear
tobeindicativeofahiatusindeposition.
Underlying The white, chalky, slightly dolomitized, lime Wackestones containing abundant larger
Foraminifera and bioclastic debris of the lowermost Simsima are underlain by white,
recrystallized, dolomitized, lime Wackestones of the Ruilat Formation. These
characteristic recrystallized Wackestones containing abundant spicules form a quite
sharplithologicalcontrastwiththeoverlyingbeds.Nevertheless,theprecisecontactis
ratherobscureandindeeditismostprobablethatthecontactisconformable
Reference
The above type section is from the Q.P.C. Dukhan field, which is geographically
Sections
considered as representative of onshore Qatar. The following reference sections are
alsoprovidedfromoffshoreQatar,offshoreAbuDhabi,onshoreAbuDhabiandOman.
OffshoreQatar S.C.QwellIddelShargi1;lat.252332.9N,long.522155.93E;
Theformationisbetweenthedrilleddepths2,545and3,042feet
636
OffshoreAbu A.D.M.A.well;lat.N,long.E;
Dhabi Theformationisbetweenthedrilleddepthsoffeet
Onshore
AbuDhabi
ReferenceSection
A.D.P.C. well Murban No. 44, lat. 231622N, long. 532035E; between the drilled
depths4349and5422feet
Thickness 1073feet(drilled)
Lithology Thefollowinglithologicalunitscanbedeterminedfromtoptobottom:
1 Limestone; foraminiferal, skeletal debris packstone with

interbeddedlimemudstoneandwackestone.Variablytocompletely
dolomitized.TypifiedbyoccurrenceoflargeLoftusiaspp.andrudistid
fragments.271feet
2 Limestone: predominantly foraminiferal, echinoid debris, chalky

packstone, the upper part including abundant algal remains 670
feet.
3 Limestone: chalky, foraminiferal, skeletal debris wackestone 132

feet.
Palaeontology In 1: Loftusia spp., Fissoelphidium operculiferum, Omphalocyclus

macroporus,Siderolitescalcitrapoides,rudistiddebris,algae.
In 2: Lepidorbitoides socialis abundant, Omphalocyclus macroporus,

Rotalia spp., Fissoelphidium operculiferum, Orbitoides media, Cuneolina
sp.Bairdoppilataorientalis,Neomeriscretacea.
In 3: Pseudedomia globularis, Dicyclina schlumbergeri, Aff. Archaecyclus

sp.
Remarks Unit1comprisestheLoftusiaZonewhichistheequivalentofSugdens
Upper Simsima of Qatar, now named the Salwa member. This member
wascoredinanearbywell,andexaminationofthesecoreshasassistedin
descriptionofthecuttingssamplesfromthereferencesection.
InthicksectionsoftheSimsima,suchasthatdescribedabove,theSalwa
member appears to pass down without an obvious break into the
underlyingLepidorbitoidesZone(Unit2).Thelatternormallyformsthe
greaterpartoftheformation,beingtypifiedbylimepackstonesinwhich
theparticlesarealmostwhollyLepidorbitoidessocialis.
The lowest unit in the reference section is a limewackestone with a

faunaofPseudedomiaglobularis. TheOrbitoidesZoneof Qatarisnot
recognizedassuchinAbuDhabi,althoughafewindividualsofthegenus
are often found in the lower part of Unit 2. The P. globularis Zone is
found at the base of the formation in central and western Abu Dhabi,
where full, thick sections of the Simsima occur. It has not been
recognizedinmoreattenuatedsectionstothenorthandeast.
637
This member is the highest of three limestone units typified by a fauna

composedofPseudedomia,DicyclinaandArchaecyclus.Othersformthe
baseoftheAradaandtheHalulformation.
With the exception of the common absence of the P. globularis basal

member, the zonation of the Simsima formation is remarkably constant
over most of onshore Abu Dhabi, whether in very thin or very thick
developments. Attenuation of the formation normally brings about the
clearcutnatureoftheminornonsequencebetweentheSalwamember
andtheunderlyingLepidorbitoideszone.
TheSimsimaisoverlaininthereferencesection,asinallofAbuDhabi,by
the basal shale unit of the Umm er Radhuma formation. No angular
discordanceisseen,butthesharpfaunalchangeacrosstheboundaryis
indicativeofahiatus.
The lower limit of the formation in Murban 44 is at the rather sharp

contact of pure, porous, limestone of the basal Simsima, above, with
marlsoftheunderlyingArada,below.Regionally,thiscontactisbelieved
tobeunconformable,causingnorthwardcutoutofmuchoftheArada.
Oman
P.D.(O)wellSuneinah1;lat.???N,long.???E;Theformationisbetweenthedrilled
depthsof6,470and6,920feet.
Thefollowingdetailedlithologicalunitscanbedeterminedfromtoptobottom:
#
Ft
1
20 Limestone;white,chalky,friable,limeMudstoneWackestone;
2
30 Limestone; white, hard, partly cemented by sparry calcite, skeletal,
pelletoidal,limePackstoneWackestone;
3
20 Limestone;white,chalky,friable,limeMudstoneWackestone
4
pelletoidal,limePackstoneWackestone
5
133 Dolomite;cream,coarse,porous,sucrosicdolomite,becomingdarkgrey,
pyriticandargillaceousatthebase;
6
27 Limestone; white, chalky, friable, partly dolomitized, lime mudstone
Wackestone;
7
22 Dolomite;cream,coarse,porous,sucrosicdolomite;
8
88 Limestone; white, chalky, friable, partly dolomitized, lime mudstone
Wackestone;
9
40 Limestone;grey,hard,argillaceous,dolomitized;skeletal,pelletoidal,lime
WackestonePackstone;
10
20 Limestone;argillaceous,dolomitic,foraminiferal,limePackstone.
These detailed lithological units can be grouped together into the following three
majorunits:
Units1to4
Units5to7
Units8to10
638
AfaunalassemblagecontainingSiderolitescalcitrapoides,Omphalocyclusmacroporus,
Orbitoides spp., Lepidorbitoides sp., with rare occurrences of Loftusia sp., would
indicateaMaastrichtianage.
TheSimsimaisoverlainbythePaleoceneUmmerRadhumaFormation.Thecontactis
taken at the junction of the white, chalky, lime MudstoneWackestone limestones of
the Simsima with the dark grey, calcareous basal shale and overlying cream, hard,
skeletal, pelletoidal, lime PackstoneGrainstone limestones of the Umm er Radhuma.
Thiscontactisunconformable.
TheSimsima is underlain by the Campanian Muti Formation. Thecontactistaken at

the junction of the hard, grey argillaceous, dolomitic Packstones of the Simsima with
the greygreen, dolomitic cemented, glauconitic pyritic, quartzitic sandstones of the
Muti.Thecontactisunconformable.
TheabovewellsectionoftheSimsimaFormationinSuneinah1isfairlytypicalofthe
formationwhichcanbeseenandstudiedatoutcropsalongthenorthwesterndesert
edge of the Oman Mountains. Considerable thicknesses of the Simsima Formation
havebeenobserved,e.g.atJebelLahqinandDhankarea,northofIbri,itissome???
thick. The Simsima in this area unconformably overlies the Hawasina and is overlain
directlybythelimestonesoftheUmmerRadhumaFormation.Intheabsenceofthe
Shalemarkerthecontactisnotsoeasilydiscernible.
On the northeastern Batinah Coast edge of the Oman Mountains the Simsima
conformably overlies the Maastrichtian Saih al Maleh Formation, q.v., and is
unconformablyoverlainbylimestones ofEocene age.Onthesoutheastedgeofthe
Oman Mountains in the Sur area the Simsima Formation has been locally termed by
P.D.(O) the Abad and Gahwan formation. In this area the limestones of the
Simsima are unconformably underlain by the Hawasina or conformably underlain by
theSaihalMalehFormations.IntheSurareatheSimsimaisoverlainbylimestonesof
thePaleoceneandthecontactisnotdistinctive.
Distribution:
A widespread formation which is present over most of the Arabian

Peninsula.However,itisabsentovermuchofthedesertareaofOman
duetoerosion.
Remarks:
The Simsima Formation is the most lithologically uniform and

geographicallywidespreadofalltheformationsoftheArumaGroup.Itis
consistentlyoverlainbythePaleoceneUmmerRadhumaFormation,the
contact being unconformable and marked by a thin shale interval.
Howeverin large areas ofOman this shale break is notpresent and the
contact between the Simsima and the overlying Paleocene carbonates
would appear to be conformable. Indeed in the Sur area the only
observable difference between the Maastrichtian and Paleocene
limestonesisthefaunalcontent.
639

TheSAIHALMALEH
Cretaceous
Formation
(MaastrichtianPaleocene)
Author
The Saih al Maleh Formation was originally described, defined and named by H.R.
Wessels Boer as the Saih al Maleh Clastic Formation in a P.D.(O) unpublished report,
(1968).
Synonymy
The following rockstratigraphical terms are considered to be synonymous with the
SaihalMalehFormation;
TheAjmaBoulderBed,Hudsonetal,(1954);TheWatayiaConglomeratesofWetzel
in a P.D.(O) unpublished report, (1949); The Qahlah Clastic Formation and The
QuryatClasticFormation,ofHorstinkinaP.D.(O)unpublishedreport,(1967).
TypelocalityandSection(Ref.ColumnarSectionFig.??).
ThetypesectionoftheSaihalMalehFormationwasselectedbyWesselsBoeronthe
westernflankofJebelMalehattheeponymoustypelocalityofSaihalMaleh.Thetype
sectionofWesselsBoerhasbeenretained.
Location
SurfacesectionatJebelMaleh,SaihalMalehnr.Matrah;
Lat.???N,Long.???E.
105metres(theoriginaldocumentdoesindeedmentionmetresinsteadoffeet)
Thickness
Lithology
#
Ft
1 ~212 Coarse, poorly sorted conglomerates consisting of Mylas Dolomites,

Hawasina Cherts and Semail Ophiolites with sandstones and
intercalationsofmarls,limestonesandshales;
2 ~113 Morecoarseconglomeratesthanintheupperunitwithintercalationsof
sandstones
Palaeontology
Inthetypesectionfossilshaveonlybeenobtainedfrom marls and limestonesofthe
upperunit.SpecimensofLockhartiaspp.andKathinaspp.havebeendeterminedthus
indicatingaPaleoceneageforthisupperunit.
Palynology
NopalynologicalworkhasbeenundertakenupontheSaihalMalehFormation
Age
Anagedeterminationfromthesamplescollectedfromthetypelocalityhasprovena
Tertiary, Paleocene age for the uppermost part of the Saih al Maleh Formation.
Samples collected at other localities have yielded fossils indicative of an Upper
Cretaceous,Maastrichtianage,q.v.
Boundaries
Overlying InthetypesectiontheSaihalMalehFormationisapparentlyconformablyoverlainby
limestonesofPaleoceneage.
Underlying InthetypesectionandthemajorityofotherlocalitiestheSaihalMalehFormationis
unconformablyunderlainbytheSemailOphiolitesortheHawasinaCherts.
640

Distribution
TheSaihalMalehFormationcanbeseenatoutcroplocalitiesalongtheentireeastern,
coastaledgeoftheOmanMountainrangefromtheSurareainthesoutheasttothe
JebelQamarareainthenorthwest.
NorthofSur,nearQalhat,Horstink(1967)describedaunitcomprisingcoarsepolymict
conglomeratesofmainlySemailophioitesandHawasinaradiolaritesinanargillaceous,
sandy, silty matrix with alternating lithic sandstones, shales and marls which overlies
the Hawasina radiolarites or the Semail metamorphics and grades into the massive
shallow water limestones of the Simsima Formation. Horstink named this unit the
QahlahClasticFormation.Twopointsofinterestregardingthisunitarethepresence
ofa30to90feetthickbasalticlavasillwithlocallydevelopedpillowstructuresanda
Maastrichtian dating based upon the occurrence of Loftusia spp. obtained from
argillaceouslimestoneswithintheformation,underlyingthebasalticsill.
FurthernorthofQalhat,nearQuryat,Horstink(1967)alsodescribedaunitcomprising
redbrown, fine to coarse grained, poorly sorted argillaceous, calcitecemented,
ferruginouslithicsandstones;polymictconglomeratescomprisingcoarse,poorlysorted
pebblesandbouldersofMylasDolomitesandHawasinaChertsinanargillaceoussandy
matrixwithintercalationsofmarly,argillaceouslimemudstonesandsandstones,which
overlies the Hawasina radiolarites or carbonates of a Lower Cretaceous age and is
overlainbylimestonesofaPaleoceneage.HorstinknamedthisunitQuryatFormation.
ThisclasticsequencecanbecorrelatedalongthenorthernSaihHatattoBandarJissa,
southofMuscatandnorthtoSaihalMalehanduptoFangia.
TheWatayiaConglomeratesof?MaastrichtianagefromWadiAdi(Aday),southofSaih
alMalehhavebeendescribedbyWetzel,(1949).Thisunit,comprisingconglomerates
ofHawasinaandSemailandsoftsandymarlsandlimestonesunconformablyoverlying
theHawasina,canbeincludedwithintheSaihalMalehFormation.
At Wadi Humth near Wadi Hawasina, Wessels Boer, (1968) has described beds of
conglomerates comprising mainly of Hawasina pebbles with yellow marls and
intercalations of skeletal limeWackestones. These beds overlie the Hawasina and
underlie limestones of Middle Eocene age and are referable to the Saih al Maleh
Formation.
AtAlQuseirsouthofSohar,theSaihalMalehFormationisparticularlywellexposedin
a series of outcrops which unconformably overlie the Hawasina and subsequently
gradeintotheMaastrichtianlimestonesoftheSimsimaFormation.Atthebaseofthe
sequence there are conglomerate beds of coarse, poorlysorted pebbles of Hawasina
and Semail intercalated within soft, yellowgreen marls. These conglomerate beds
become more thinly developed, finergrained and carbonatecemented in the upper
part of the section until they grade into the more massive limestone beds of the
MaastrichtianSimsimaFormation.
The abovementioned yellowgreen marls have yielded a planktonic foraminiferal

assemblage including Globotruncana contusa, Globotruncana stuarti, Globotruncana
conica, Globotruncana spp., Praeglobotruncana citae, Rugoglobigeri sp. Heterohelix
spp.andsmallerbenthonicForaminifera,whichisindicativeofaMaastrichtianage.
These beds can be traced northwards to Wadi Jizza, where a Maastrichtian age
determination has also been obtained from the intercalated marls. Further north in
theareaofJebelQamar,Hudsonetal(1954)hasdescribedaboulderbed,comprising
641

rocks of Semail and Hawasina of ?Maastrichtian age which he has named the Ajma
Boulder Bed. This unit is most probably also synonymous to the Saih al Maleh
Formation.
The rockstratigraphical units which have been discussed above, the Qahlah Clastic
Formation, the Quryat Clastic Formation, the Watayia Conglomerates and the Ajma
BoulderBedswereoriginally described,definedandnamedbydifferentgeologistsat
differentlocalities.However,alltheseunitshavethefollowingfeaturesincommon.
TheyareunconformableupontheSemail/Hawasinaorolderformations.Theyareall
basically clastic units comprising the same lithology and depositional environment of
coastal, proximal fluviomarine conglomerates, coastal barrier sands, tidal flat or
lagoonal marls and shallow water limestones. They have a common age span of
Maastrichtian to Paleocene and are apparently conformably overlain by the more
massive,shallowwaterlimestonesofMaaastrichtianorPaleoceneage.
Thus these units are now considered to form a single regional mappable formation
whichhasbeentermedtheSaihalMalehFormation.
Remarks
642

Cretaceous
(?Turonian,ConiaciantoCampanian,?Maastrichtian)
Author
The Muti Formation was originally described, defined and named by Haremboure &
HorstinkinaP.D.(O)unpublishedreport,(1967).
Synonymy
ThefollowingrockstratigraphicalunitsareconsideredtobesynonymouswiththeMuti
Formation:
The Qumayra Formation and The Rais Formation of Haremboure & Horstink in a
P.D.(O) unpublished report, (1967); The Riyamah Formation of unpublished report,
(196?).
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.ColumnarSectionFig.??).
ThetypesectionoftheMutiFormationwasestablishedbyHaremboure&Horstinkina
surface section at the eponymous type locality of Wadi Muti, north of Izki. The
originally defined Muti Formation was included within the Hawasina Tecto
stratigraphicGroupasa(par)autochthonousunit.Theuppermostpartofthisformer
Muti Formation is now considered as a distinctive unit, the Guwayza sandstone and
only this part of the Muti Formation is now included with the overlying Hawasina
TectostratigraphicGroup,nowtermedtheHamratasDuruq.v.
Thus the Muti Formation is now redefined at the type locality as those deposits
overlyingtheWasiaGroupandunderlyingtheoverthrustedHamratadDuruGroup.
Location
Surface section at Wadi Muti, south east flank of Jebel Akhdar, 2 kms west of Muti
villageintheSemailGapnorthofIzki;lat.???N;long.???E.
Thickness
+/1,050feet
Lithology
Thefollowinglithologicalunitscanbedeterminedfromtoptobottom;
#
Ft
1
740 Indurated marls and varying calcareous shales generally with content of
finequartzsiltandmostlysomewhatsilicified,withoneortwolensesof
limestoneconglomerates
2
310 Limestone conglomerates and coarse lithoclastic packgrainstones, the
matrix generally consisting of argillaceous limemudstone with some
argillaceousmudstoneandmarlinterbedding.
TotalTickness:1,050feet
Palaeontology
TheonlyindigenousfossilsfoundinthetypesectionareundiagnosticRadiolariainthe
marlsandshales.Thelimestoneconglomeratesyieldreworkedfossilsoftwodistinct
suites:
1
Cretaceous (Albian to Cenomanian), se.g. Praealveolina spp. Orbitolina
spp. in limestones often with rudist debris and apparently derived from
thelimestonesoftheunderlyingWasiaGroup.
2
Permian,e.g.anabundantandvariedPermianfossilassemblageofcorals,
algae, brachiopods, bryozoans, fusulinid foraminifers, etc. in
recrystallized,hard,whitelimestonesofamarkedlydifferentlithological
aspectthantheabovementionedWasiapebbles.
TheMutiFormation
643

Palynology
Age
NopalynologicalworkhasbeenundertakenupontheMutiFormation
An age determination from samples collected at the type locality has not been
possible.However,anagehasbeendeterminedatotherlocalitiesq.v.
Boundaries
The stratigraphical limits of the Muti Formation in the type section have been
demarcateduponthefollowingcriteria.
Overlying InthetypesectionandinthemajorityofotherlocalitiestheMutiFormationisoverlain
by the Guwayza Formation. The exact location of the contact in surface sections is
difficultbecauseofthesoftweatheringnatureofthebasalGuwayzaandargillaceous
Muti.HoweverthecontactisbelievedtobeamajorthrustastheGuwayzaFormation
is of Jurassic age. The basalunitof theGuwayzaFormation, a quartz sandstonewas
formerlyincludedintheoriginaldefinitionoftheMutiFormation.
Underlying In the type section and in the majority of other localities the Muti Formation is
underlainbylimestonesoftheWasiaGroup.Thecontactisnotseentobeangularbut
isinfactadisconformitywithahiatuswhichcanbeseentocutdownstratigraphically
insuchawaythattheMutiFormationeventuallyrestsonPermoTriassicdolomitesin
thenorthernSaihalMaleh,southofMuscat.
Distribution
TheMutiFormationoutcropswithintheOmanMountainrangefromtheDibbaareato
theareawestofSur.ItisfoundinthesubsurfaceinHamratDuru1,Suneinah1and
probablyinAfar1andtheJuwayzawells.
Outside the type section the basic lithological characterof theMuti Formation is the
indurated marlshale type as seen in unit 1 of the type section. The limestone
conglomeratesarelaterallydiscontinuousandmayconstitutefromverylittletoalmost
alloftheintervalsassignedtotheMuti.Theconglomeratesmayoccurthroughoutthe
unitandnotnecessarilyonlyatthebaseasinthetypesection.Theseconglomerates
havebeennamedinformallyastheHamraconglomeratesinP.D.(O)internalreports.
The basic lithology may range from a pure shale analogous to that in the Fiqa
FormationtoaveryfineargillaceousquartzsiltasseeninHamratDuru1
Other surface sections also contain similar reworked fossils as found in the type
section. However, samples of the marlshale facies have yielded Upper Cretaceous
planktonic Foraminifera. Isolated forms such as Globotruncana carinata,
Globotruncana fornicata and Globotruncana elevata have proven a Santonian and
CampanianagetotheMutiFormation.ThinsectiondeterminationsofGlobotruncana
schneegansi,Globotruncanasigali,GlobotruncanarenziandGlobotruncanaimbricata
wouldfurtherindicateaConiacianage,althoughalateTuronianagecannotbeentirely
eliminated.
Thus the age of the Muti Formation has been determined as Upper Cretaceous,
Coniacian to Campanian.However,a late Turonianageat the base cannot as yetbe
excluded.Further,ifthedepositsintheJuwayza1wellareincludedwithintheMuti
Formation then the upper age limit must be extended into the Maastrichtian on the
recordedplanktonicForaminifera.
The Muti may be overlain tectonically by other units of the Hawasina Tecto
stratigraphicGroup.Further,inthewellsSuneinah1andJuwayza1theMutiappears
to be overlain directly by the Maastrichtian Simsima Formation. The Muti can also
644
Remarks
underlieformationsfromwithintheWasiaGroupdowntothePermoTriassicandthe
materialcomprisingtheconglomeratesvariesaccordingly.However,theonlycommon
materialinallsectionsisthewhiterecrystallizedPermianlimestone.
AshaleandconglomerateunitverysimilartotheMutiisfoundintheoverthrustslices
comprising the Hawasina Group. This unit rests on a basinal turbiditic unit of
Cenomanianage,theNayidFormation,butithasnotasyetyieldedproofofanUpper
Cretaceousage. It is reasonable, however, to regardthis unit as theMuti Formation
deposited in the basin in which the Hawasina sediments were laid down and
subsequentlythrustwiththem.
TheMutiFormationembracesthefinalandinpartsynorogenicdepositsoftheOman
MountainorogenicbeltwhichreacheditsculminationinthelateCretaceous.
The majority of the exposed sections, including the type show that the Muti is
essentiallyaflyschtypeoffaciesdepositedonthetectonicallyactivesideofadeep
intracontinentallateCretaceousbasinactingasaforedeeptothelineoforogenyand
uplift.Distallyfromtheaxisoftheorogeny,i.e.towardstheRubalKhali,thecontent
of the debris dumped from the rising orogenic line decreases and the Muti passes
laterallyintothebasinalFiqaFormation.
TowardsthenorthernOmanMountainstheMutibecomesmoresiliceousthaninthe
typeareaandintheJebelGhashnahithasbeennamedtheQumayrahFormation.The
evenmoresiliceousdevelopmentintheDibbaareahasbeennamedtheRiyamahChert
Formation.
The Riyamah Formation and outcrops of a Muti facies on the north east of the Jebel
Akhdarmassifareinvolvedinthelowanglethrustsheetswhichemplacethetectonic
units of the Hawasina Group. An Upper Cretaceous age is not proven but field
relationships would suggest that these deposits may represent the Muti Formation
depositedinthetroughinwhichtheHawasinabasinalsedimentswerealsodeposited
and later thrusted with the Hawasina. Some lavas may be associated and also the
chertifiedmudstonesmixedwithpillowlavasattheeasternendofWadijizzicontaina
?TuroniantoConiacianplanktonicforaminiferalassemblage,i.e.withinthetimespan
oftheMutideposition.
In the outcrop belt of the Oman Mountains, deposition of the Muti ceased with the
everthrusting ofthevariousunitsof theHawasina Tectostratigraphic Group. This
paroxysm may be dated as between the youngest Muti observed (within the
Campanian) and thedeposition oftheMaastrichtian shallowwater limestonesof the
SimsimaFormationortheshallowwaterconglomeratesandshalesoftheSaihalMaleh
Formationwhichoverlietheentirecomplex.Towardsthesouthandwestbeyondthe
limitoftheHawasinaoverthrusts,thesedimentationoftheMutiappearstohavebeen
morecontinuousthroughtotheMaastrichtianshallowing.
645

Cretaceous
(SantoniantoCampanian)
Author
TheFiqaFormationwasfirstdescribed,definedandnamedbyStandringinageological
liaisonnote(1967).
Synonymy
FiqaFormation
TheShargiFormationofHughesClarkeinaS.C.Q.unpublishedreport,(1963);The
Aruma Marl of ???? in an A.D.M.A. unpublished report (1963); The Aruma Shale
FormationofMarieinaP.D.(O)unpublishedreport,(1966).
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.ColumnarSectionFig.???)
Theformationtakesitsnamefromalocality???
Location
A.D.P.C.wellMurban44;lat.231622N,long.572035E;Theformationisbetween
thedrilleddepthsof5,422and6,571feet.
Thickness
1,149feet(drilledthickness).
Lithology
#
Ft
1
128 Limestone; light grey, very chalky marl grading into a white, chalk with
locallyslightlysilty,rareshalepartings.Interbedsofchalky,foraminiferal,
limeWackestones,containingfineskeletaldebris
2
137 Shale and limestones; dark greygreen, calcareous shale and light grey,
chalky marl grading into a white chalk. Thin interbeds of buff detrital,
chalky, foraminiferal lime Wackestone containing shell debris and light
greyargillaceouslimestones.
3
161 Limestone; light buff slightly argillaceous chalky lime Wackestone,
particlesconsistingofsmallerForaminiferaandshellandechinoiddebris.
4
60 Shaleandmarl;darkgrey,slightlycalcareousshalewithgreychalkymarl.
5
116 Limestone and shale; pale buff, chalky to locally argillaceous limestone
interbeddedwithdarkgrey,sometimescalcareousshale,whichtendsto
predominateinthelowest40.
6
178 Limestone and shale; pale grey to buff, slightly chalky foraminiferal
Wackestone, particles consisting of shell debris, interbeds of greygreen
shale.
7
100 Limestone; dark greygreen shale grading into grey marl with thin
interbeddedlightgreybuff,finelimeWackestone.
8
233 Shale;darkgreygreenshale.
9
36 Limestone;lightgrey,argillaceous,locallypyriticlimestone.
Totalthickness1,149feet
Standring originally had placed the units 1 to 7 in a separate formation named the
Arada and the original Fiqa Formation consisted only of units 8 and 9. However the
lithologicalcharacteroftheseforaminiferalunitsisnotalwayssoeasilydiscernibleas
shownintheabovetypesection.InfactaconfusioninSchlumbergerlogcorrelation
canarisesincethelithologicalcharacteroftheformerFiqaFormationinoffshoreareas
isverysimilartothatoftheAradaFormationofonshoreAbuDhabi.Furtherstudyand
TheFIQAFormation
646

correlationshowedindeedthattheonlycriteriaofdistinguishingtheseformationswas
byastudyofthefaunaandfacies.
Thus the entire interval has now been renamed the Fiqa Formation and the
palaeontologically defined neritic facies is termed the Arada Facies and the pelagic
facieshasbeenrenamedtheShargiFacies.
Nevertheless,insomeareasaconsistentlithologicalvariationcanbeobservedwithin
theFiqaFormationinthatoftenthereispresentanUpperLimestoneMemberanda
LowerShaleMember.Q.v.
Palaeontology
Inunit1
Monolepidorbisdouvillei,Rotaliaaff.trochidiformis,Aff.Archaecyclussp.
Inunit2
M.douvillei,R.aff.trochidiformis,Aff.Archaecyclussp.,Ataxophagmium
sp.
Inunit3
M. douvillei, R. aff. Trochidiformis, Rotalia sp., Aff. Archaecyclus sp.,
Bryozoaandechinoiddebris.
In units 4 M.douvillei,R.aff.trochidiformis
&5
Inunit6
M. douvillei, M. sanctae pelagiae, rare Globotruncana sp., crab debris,
echinoidspines,Bryozoa,rudistfragments,fishremains
Inunit7
M.sanctaepelagiae,Pseudodomiaaff.Multistriata.
In units 8 Globotruncana gr, fornicata, Globotruncana arca arca, Globotruncana

&9
arca caribica, Globotruncana globigermoides, Globotruncana cf.
concavata, Globotruncana contusa, Rugoglobigerina beldingi,
Planoglobulina sp., Gumbelina spp., Ostracoda including Bairdoppilata
sp.,Cytherellasp.,Parachyprisglabransms.,Brachycytherewellingsims.
Palynology
NopalynologicalworkhasbeenundertakenontheFiqaFormationinthetypesection
of Murban44. However considerable palynological work has been done on the Fiqa
FormationinOman,whichisdiscussedunderthatarea,q.v.
Age
Campanian
Boundaries
Overlying The Fiqa Formation is overlain disconformably by the Simsima Formation, the two
formations being separated by a regional unconformity of variable magnitude. The
boundaryistakenatthecontactoftheoverlyingbasicallypurelimeWackestoneand
PackstonesoftheSimsimaandtheunderlyingargillaceouscarbonates,marlsordark,
greengreyshalesoftheFiqaFormation.
Underlying The underlying contact is also considered to be disconformable and is taken at the
junctionoftheoverlyinggrey,argillaceouslimestoneofthebasalFiqaFormationwith
thepure,dense,chalkylimestoneoftheHalulFormation.
647

Reference
Sections
OnshoreQatar
OffshoreQatar
OffshoreAbu
Dhabi
Oman
The above type section is from the A.D.P.C. Murban Field, which is geographically
consideredasrepresentativeoftheonshoreAbuDhabiarea.Thefollowingreference
sectionsarealsoprovidedfromonshoreQatar,offshoreQatar,offshoreAbuDhabiand
Oman.
Q.P.C.wellDukhan[DK-];lat.N;long.E;
Theformationisbetweenthedrilleddepthsofandfeet
Remarks
S.C.Q. well IdalShargi1; lat. 252332.9N, long. 522155.93E; The formation is

betweenthedrilleddepthsof3,042and3,310feet
Remarks
A.D.M.Awell;lat.N,long.E;
Theformationisbetweenthedrilleddepthsofandfeet.
Remarks
P.D.(O)wellFahud(South)9;lat.N,long.E;Theformationisbetween
thedrilleddepthsofand4,424feet
Remarks
#
Ft
1
+260 Limestone; whitelight grey, soft, argillaceous, chalky,
pelletoidal,foraminiferallimeWackestone;
2
43 Marl;lightbrowngrey,softmarl;
3
4121 Shale; greygreen or browngrey, soft, fissile, pyritic,
calcareousshalewithmicaandcarbonaceousmaterial.
Totalthickness+4,424feet
The above described argillaceous limestonemarl and shale sequence is

fairly typical of the Fiqa Formation in Oman. However, there is
considerable variation in the development and relative thicknesses of
these units. In the south and west of Oman, the dominant lithology
wouldappeartobetheargillaceouslimestonemarlmember,whereas
comingintothecentralareas,thelimestonesaremoremarlyandthinly
developedbecominginthenorthandeastofOmanapureshale.
The Fiqa Formation contains an abundant planktonic and benthonic

foraminiferal assemblages including, Globotruncana fornicata,
Globotruncana fornicata plummerae, Globotruncana lapparenti group,
Globotruncanastuartiformis,Globotruncanacarinata.Thedistributionof
these species together with the occurrences of the Globotruncana
calcaratarecordedfromtheuppermostFiqaFormationinanearbywell
wouldindicatetheageoftheFiqainOmantorangefromlateSantonian
tolateCampanian.
648
Distribution
Remarks
Palynological work undertaken in Fahud (South)9 and other wells in

Oman gives a Campanian age for this formation. The microplanktonic
species Pseudoceratian ceratioides and Gangaulacysta orthoceras are
knowntohavetheirlast(top)occurrenceswithintheCampanianstage.
In the desert area of Oman the Fiqa Formation is unconformably

overlain by the Umm er Radhuma Formation and unconformably
underlainbylimestonesoftheWasiaGroup.
AwidespreadformationfoundinQatar,AbuDhabi,SaudiArabiaandOman.TheArada
Neritic Facies being somewhat more restricted than the Shargi Pelagic Facies. The
AradaFaciesisfoundovermuchofonshoreAbuDhabiandsouthernQatarandreaches
aconsiderablethicknessinwestandcentralAbuDhabi.
In general, the Fiqa Formation represents a widespread, deepwater phase within a

mainly shallowwater Upper Cretaceous depositional sequence. In Oman the Fiqa
Formationmaybeextremelythicklydevelopedinabasinal,planktonicpureshale.Itis
believed that the shallowerwater Halul and Laffan Formations are lateral time
equivalentunitsofthisshaleformation.ThestronglydevelopedAradaNeriticFacies
in northern Abu Dhabi with its abundant benthonic larger Foraminiferal assemblage
hasdisappearedandonlyafewPseudodomiaaff.multistriataandMenolepidorbissp.
have been found within the Fiqa in association with a planktonic foraminiferal
assemblage.
649

Cretaceous
(UpperCretaceous)
Author
The Ruilat Formation was described, defined and named by Sugden in a Q.P.C.
unpublishedreport,(1953)
Synonymy
None
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.ColumnarSection,Fig.??)
Sugdenhadoriginallychosentheinterval1,705to2,002feetintheQ.P.C.wellDukhan
(Dk)25[DK0025],asrepresentingthetypesectionoftheRuilatFormation.However,
nogammarayorneutronlogsareavailablefromthiswell.ThusthewellDukhan(Dk)
55[DK0055]whichhastheselogshasreplacedDukhan(Dk)25[DK0025],asthetype
section. The formation takes its name from a locality in the middle of the Qatar
Peninsula.
Location
Q.P.C.wellDukhan(Dk)55[DK0055];lat.25240N.,long.504546E;Theformation
Thickness
Lithology
#
Ft
1
216 Limestone;lightgrey,compact,bioclasticlimeMudstonetoWackestone.
Particles consisting of fine elongate spicules, some inderterminate
calcareous silt with chert nodules in the upper part of the unit. Fine
recrystallizationobscuringrare,small?planktonicForaminifera.
2
10 Limestone as above; with common rounded phosphatic nodules and
glauconitegrains.
3
32 Limestone; light grey, fine, compact, partly silicified, lime Mudstone to
Wackestone.
4
14 Limestone;grey,argillaceous,limeMudstone.
Totalthickness272feet
Thelowerpartoftheformationunits3and4canberecognizedandcorrelatedovera
muchwiderareathanthemain,upperpartoftheformationunits1and2.Thislower
partoftheformationistermedtheDAASAHMember.TheDaasahMemberapparently
extendsasatonguebetweentheLaffanandHalulFormations.Themembertakesits
namefromthevillageofDaasah,southofwellDK55[DK-0055],DukhanField,Qatar.
Palaeontology
Some small indeterminate Foraminifera including questionable specimens of
Gumbelina spp. have been obtained from unit 1. Specimens of Gumbelina spp. have
beenobtainedfromunit3.
Palynology
NopalynologicalworkupontheRuilatFormationhasbeenundertaken
Age
TheageoftheRuilatFormation cannotbecorrectlydeterminedbutitisassumedtobe
ofaCampanianorolderage.
TheRUILATFormation
650

Boundaries
Overlying The overlying contact with the Simsima Formation is apparently conformable. The
contact is taken at the junction of the fossiliferous lime Packstones of the Simsima
Formationwiththefine,grey,speculargreylimeMudstonesoftheRuilatFormation.
Underlying There is no evidence of an unconformity at the base of the Ruilat Formation. The
contact is taken at the junction of the grey, argillaceous limestones of the Daasah
MemberoftheRuilatwiththeolivegreentobrownshalesoftheLaffanFormation.
Distribution
TheRuilatFormationasawholeisconfinedtotheQatarPeninsula.Itisknownfrom
mostofthewellsontheDukhanstructureandinotherQ.P.C.explorationwells.The
lowerDaasahMembercanhoweverbecorrelatedfromonshoreQatartotheoffshore
areaofQatar.
Remarks
It is unfortunate that it remains necessary to retain the Ruilat Formation as a rock
stratigraphical unit peculiar to the Qatar Peninsula. It cannot be directly correlated
withanyotherrockunitknowntoexistelsewherebetweentheSimsimaandtheLaffan
Formations.IndeedcorrelationevenwiththesuccessioninthesouthernmostDukhan
wellisdifficult.
InthiswellDukhan(Dk)51[DK0051],theSimsimaFormationisunderlainbythinunits
of the Fiqa Formation. Beneath these layers occurs a thin limestone containing
spicules, together with Oligostegina, Gumbelina sp. and Hedbergella sp. which
limestone is in turn underlain by the typical shales of the Laffan Formation. This
successionshowsmanysimilaritiestothatdevelopedmorefullyinAbuDhabi.
TheSimsimaFormationinDK51[DK-0051]isthinnerthanthecombinedSimsimaand
Ruilat Formations found at structurally higher elevations to the north. It shows a
similarforaminiferalsubdivisiontotheSimsimaFormationpresentonlyinthesewells.
ThusitappearsthattheRuilatFormationmustbeconsideredtobetheequivalentof
some or all of the largely Campanian section between the Simsima and Laffan
FormationsofDK51[DK-0051].
Unit2ofthetypesectionhasalltheappearanceofanintervalofcondensationoreven
of marking a break in deposition. Unit 3 contains Gumbelina sp. It appears possible
thatthe46feetoflimestones(i.e.theDaasahMember)whichrestwithoutapparent
unconformityontheLaffanFormationinDukhan55[DK0055]couldbetheequivalent
ofthesimilarlimestoneswhichoverliestheLaffanFormationinDK51[DK-0051].If
this is so, the unit is most probably older that late Campanian. If this correlation is
accepted, then units 1 and 2 of the Ruilat Formation must be partly or wholly the
equivalent of the late Campanian neritic and planktonic units found in DK51 [DK0051],(i.e.theFiqaFormation).
Until further research has been undertaken, the Ruilat Formation will remain a rock
stratigraphicalunitwhichcannotbecorrelatedwithanyothersubdivisionoftheAruma
Group.
651

Cretaceous
(Campanian)
Author
The Halul Formation was described, defined and named by M.W. Hughes Clarke in a
Synonymy
HalulFormation:
Thelowerlimestoneof????inanA.D.M.A.unpublishedreport(19??);TheMiddle
Chalkof????inanA.D.P.C.unpublishedreport(19??).
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.ColumnarsectionFig.??)
Hughes Clarke originally chose interval 3,310 to 3,468 (There is a hand written
correction over the value of 3,468 with 3,545) in the S.C.Q. well IdalShargi1 as
representingthetypesectionofthisformation.Theintervalcontainedinthiswellhas
been retained as the type section. The Formation takes its name from the island of
HalulofftheEastcoastofQatar
Location
S.C.Q. well IdalShargi1; lat. 252332N, long. 522155.93E; The formation is
betweenthedrilleddepthsof3,310and3,468feet(asabove,thereisahandwritten
correctionoverthevalueof3,468with3,545).
Thickness
158feet(drilledthickness)[Theabovechangeinintervalwouldmakeit235thick]
Lithology
#
Ft
1
90 Limestone; light grey, chalky bioclastic lime Packstone, particles,
2
68 Limestone; light grey, chalky bioclastic lime Wackestones, particles
rhoms.
Totalthickness158
Palaeontology
ThedetailsofthefaunalassemblagesandtheirdistributionareshownonFig.??.The
occurrence of Pseudodomia complanata, Pseudodomia globularis and Dicyclina
schlumbergiisindicativeofaCampanianorolderCampanianage.
Palynology
Age
Campanian,probablyearlyCampanian
TheHALULFormation
652

Boundaries
Overlying Thelightgrey,chalkyPackstonesoftheHalulFormationareoverlainbya+/10bedof
light brown, very calcareous, shale grading upwards into the grey, blue, green,
Underlying Thelightgrey,chalkyWackestonesoftheHalul Formationareunderlainbythegrey

browntolightbluegreenmarlsoftheLaffanFormation.
ReferenceSection
The above type section is from the S.C.Q. IdalShargi Field, which is geographically
consideredasoffshoreQatar.Thefollowingreferencesectionsarealsoprovidedfrom
onshoreQatar,offshoreAbuDhabiandonshoreAbuDhabi.
OnshreQatar Q.P.C.wellDukhan[DK-];lat.N,long.E;Theformationisbetweenthe
drilleddepthsoffeet
Remarks
OffshoreAbu A.D.M.A.well;lat.N,long.E;
Dhabi Theformationisbetweenthedrilleddepthsoffeet
Remarks
OnshoreAbu A.D.P.C.wellMurban1;lat.235643N;long.534156E;Theformationisbetween
Dhabi thedrilleddepthsof6,175and6,396feet.
Remarks
IntheabovewelltheHalulFormationcomprisesof221ofwhitetogrey
nodular limestones, which are predominantly bioclastic, lime
Wackestones. The particles consist of larger and smaller Foraminifera
with lamellibranch, echinoid and algal fragments. These limestones
commonlyformpalerlensesornodulesseparatedbydarkergreywisps
and lenses of soft, argillaceous limestones which often approach the
constituencyofamarl.
The faunal assemblage found in Murban1 contains Pseudodomia

complanata,Pseudodomia?sp.andDicyclinaschlumbergi,Arenobulimina
sp. Rotalia skourensis, ?Laffitteina sp. Pyrgo sp. large miliolids and
fragments of echinoids, Algae and lammellibranchs. The above
assemblagewouldindicateanearlyCampanianorolderagetotheHalul
Formation.
TheoverlyingcontactwiththeFiqaFormationisapparentlyconformable
butinfactitisprobablyawidespread,shortdurationunconformity.The
contact is taken at the junction of the greygreen, planktonic
foraminiferal shales of the Fiqa Formation with the highest, pale lime
WackestonesoftheHalulFormation.
653
Distribution
Remarks
The underlying contact with the Laffan Formation is apparently

conformable and istakenatthejunctionofthelowestlimestoneofthe
Halul Formation with the underlying bluegrey to brown shale of the
LaffanFormation.
OMAN
Deposits which can be determined as belonging to the Halul Formation

havenotbeenobservedinoutcroporsubcropinOman.Theabsenceof
the Halul Formation in Oman would be in accordance with the
distributivetrendoftheHalulFormationinAbuDhabiq.v.
The Halul Formation is well developed in Qatar and in offshore Abu Dhabi and in
central north and partsof eastern Abu Dhabi. The formationthinsrapidly, however,
andpracticallydisappearstothesouthandwest.ItisapparentlynotpresentinOman
whereitstimeequivalentisbelievedtobethebasinalshaleoftheFiqaFormation(the
textinredishandwritteninouroriginal)
Awidespreadandpersistentrockstratigraphicalunit,whichcanalsoberecognizedby
characteristic foraminiferal assemblage. A similar facies to that of the Halul may be
repeated at two younger horizons and care must be taken to ascertain the correct
speciesofPseudodomia.Ifthisisnotdone,itcouldbepossibletobecomeconfusedby
thesimilarityofthebasalSimsimaintervalcontainingP.globularisortheAradainterval
of P. aff. multistriata. Both these units have a similar ecofacies including D.
schlumbergeri,R.aff.skourensisandArchaecyclussp.
TheSantonianageassignedbyA.D.M.A.tocertainsectionsoftheHalulFormationisby
nomeansincompatiblewiththeagegivenhereofearlyCampanianorolder.Thereis
littledoubtofthecorrelationoftheHalulFormationwiththeArumaLowerLimestone
andMiddleChalkandtheirequivalenttopartoftheIlamFormationofIran
In south, central Abu Dhabi, including the well Murban44, a thin, white chalky
limestonewhichintervenesbetweentheFiqaandLaffanFormationshasbeenassigned
totheHalulFormation.Nogoodfaunalevidencewasavailableuntilsidewallsampling
indicated that this unit contained planktonic fauna. This could indicate a change of
faciesintheHalultothesouthbutitcouldequallymeanthatinsuchlocationsthetrue
Haluliscompletelyabsentduetoerosionornondepositionandthatthelimestonein
questionisrelatedtotheoverlyingFiqaFormation.
654

Cretaceous
(?TuronianorSenonian)
Author
The Laffan Formation was described, defined and named by Sugden in a Q.P.C.
unpublishedreport(1953).
Synonymy
LaffanFormation:
TheMiddleShaleof????inanA.D.P.C.unpublishedreport,(19??)
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.ColumnarSection,Fig.??)
Sugdenhadoriginallychosentheinterval2,002to2,072feetintheQ.P.C.wellDukhan
(Dk)25[DK0025]asrepresentingthetypesectionoftheLaffanFormation.However,
nogammarayorneutronlogsareavailablefromthiswell.ThusthewellDk55[DK
0055]hasnowbeenselectedascontainingthetypesection.Theformationtakesits
namefromRasLaffanonthenortheastcoastofQatar.
Location
Q.P.C.wellDukhan(Dk)55[DK0055];lat25240N,long.504546E;Theformation
Thickness
Lithology
Shale:Olivegreenglauconiticshales.
Palaeontology
The Laffan Formation contains a typical Ostracod assemblage which has not been
published. Sayyab, (1956) in an unpublished thesis has described the following
OstracodfaunafromDk55[DK0055];Brachycytherewellinsims.,Cytherellabilobata
ms., Eobuntonia? Curta ms., Eobuntonia seminuda ms., Cythereis? Dukhanensis ms.,
Brachycythere hasaensis ms., Mesocycthereis hensoni, Xesteloberis punctata ms.,
Paracyprisglobrans.ThisOstracodfaunaisconsideredtohaveTuronianaffinitiesby
Smout.
Palynology
AfewsamplesfromtheLaffanFormationhavebeenpalynologicallyinvestigatedfrom
theS.C.Q.wellIdalShargi1andtheA.D.P.C.wellMurban44.
From the interval 3,545 to 3,645 in IdalShargi1 an abundant microplankton

assemblage was obtained containing; Dinogymnium sp., Palaeohystrichophora
infusorioides, Pseudoceratium ceratioides, Odontochitina costata and Hystrichodinium
pulchrum. The cooccurrence of H. pulchrum with the genus Dinogymnium would
indicateanearlySenonianage,ConiaciantoSantonian.
From a suite of samples in Murban44 only a sample at 6,78085 feet yielded a

microflora containing a restricted Senonian species, i.e. Dinogymnium heterocostatu,
whichisindicativeofaConiaciantoCampanianage.
Age
EarlySenonian,ConiaciantoSantonian
TheLAFFANFormation
655

Boundaries
Overlying The olive green shales of Laffan Formation are overlain by the argillaceous lime
MudstonesoftheRuilat[RuilatisoverwrittenbyhandwrittenHalulinouroriginal
document]. This contact appears to be a sharp change from shale to shale and
limestonebutnodirectevidenceofanunconformitycanbeobserved.
Underlying AtthejunctionoftheunconformablecontactbetweentheLaffanshalesandthechalky
fossiliferouslimestonesoftheunderlyingMishrifFormation.Thecutoutofbedsofthe
MishrifFormationbeneaththeLaffancanbedemonstratedbytracingfaunalmarkers
andbysimplethinningoftheformation.
ReferenceSections
The above type section is from the Q.P.C. Dukhan Field, which is geographically
alsoprovidedfromoffshoreQatar,offshoreAbuDhabi,andonshoreAbuDhabi.
OffshoreQatar S.C.Q well IdalShargi1; lat. 252332.9N, long. 522155.93E; The formation is
betweenthedrilleddepthsof3,468[handwrittenoverby3,549]and3,664feet.
Remarks
Thelithologyconsistsofgreenshalesandmarls
The microfauna contains abundant ostracods, with smaller benthonic

Foraminiferaincluding;Ammobaculitesspp.,Rotaliaspp.Anomalinaspp.
Themicroflorafromtheinterval3,545to3,645feetcontainsanabundant
microplankton
assemblage
including;
Dinogymnium
spp.
Palaeohystrichophora infusorioides, Pseudoceratium ceratioides,
Odontochitina costata, and Hystrichodinium pulchrum. The co
occurrence of H. pulchrum with the genus Dinogymnium would indicate
anearlySenonianage,ConiaciantoSantonian
OffshoreAbu A.D.M.A.well????;lat.N,long.E;Theformationis
Dhabi betweenthedrilleddepthsof????and????feet
Remarks
OnshoreAbu A.D.P.C..wellMurban44;lat.N,long.E;Theformationis
Dhabi betweenthedrilleddepthsof6,583and6,800feet
FromasuiteofsamplesinMurban44,onlyasampleat678085yielded
Remarks
a microflora containing a restricted Senonian species, i.e. Dinogymnium
heterocostatum,whichisindicativeofaConiaciantoCampanianage.
Seemoredetailsinthefollowingfewpages
656

LAFFANFORMATION
OnshoreAbuDhabi
ReferenceSection
A.D.P.C. well Murban No. 44, lat. 231622N., long. 532035E., between drilled
depths6582and6800feet.
Thickness
218feet(drilled)
LithologyandPalaeontology
The lithology of the formation in the reference section is predominantly a grey and
olivebrown shale. Its fauna is composed of ostracoda and rare arenaceous
foraminifera.
The unit may include thin limestone streaks in its upper part in some areas of Abu
Dhabi,whereitrangesinthicknessfromafewfeettoover500feet.
Remarks
ThisshaleunitexhibitsthetypicalcharacteroftheLaffanformation.In
lithologyandcolouritcloselymatchesthetypesection,whileitsostracod
fauna,althoughsparse,issimilartothatoftheQatarLaffan.
TheupperboundaryoftheLaffan,intheareaofthereferencesectionis
at the contact of grey shales of the upper Laffan formation with an
overlyingthingreychalkylimestonewhichhasbeenassignedtotheHalul
formation. It is possible however that this thin limestone is not true
Halul,butacarbonatedevelopmentmarkingamajorunconformitywhich
cutsoutthatformation,causingtheFiqaformationtorestdirectlyupon
theLaffan.
NormallytheLaffanisoverlainconformablybytheHalulformation.
At its lower limit in the reference section the formation rests without
apparentdiscordanceupontheCenomanianLowerChalkunit.Inother
partsofAbuDhabitheLaffanmaydirectlyoverlietheMishrifformation
or the basinal Oligostegina limestone. Regionally, the relationship is an
unconformableone.
Distribution
TheLaffanisawidespreadrockstratigraphicalunit,knownfrompartsofIraq,Bahrain,
onshore and offshore Qatar, and offshore and onshore Abu Dhabi. It is not known
fromOman,whereitslateraltimeequivalentarebelievedtobethebasinalshalesof
theFiqaFormation[textinredishandwritteninouroriginaldocument]
Remarks
The Laffan is an important formation of value in regional correlation. In the Qatar
Abu Dhabi area it is almost invariably present, in spite of great facies and thickness
variationintheoverlyingformationsoftheArumaGroup.
This marine, ostracodbearing, shale which in the abovementioned area demarcates

the base of the Aruma Group has been difficult to date accurately, owing to the
absence of agediagnostic fossils. The ostracod assemblage is apparently peculiar to
theLaffaninQatarandtothenorthbutimportantelementsarerecoveredfrommore
thanoneshalehorizonintheArumaGroupofAbuDhabi.Fromitspositionbeneath
657
Unconformities
provenCampanianrocksinwellDukhan51[DK0051](ref.RuilatFormation)itmustbe
asoldasearlyCampanian,whileitspositionabovetheMishrifmakespossibleanage
olderthanearlyCampanian.
OntheevidenceofostracodrangesrecordedbySayyad(1956),Smoutbelievesthatin
spite of the unconformable relationship of the Laffan with the underlying Mishrif
FormationthatithasMiddleCretaceousaffinitiesandisprobablyofTuronianage[text
inpurpleisstrikedthroughinouroriginaldocument]
Palynological examination however gives a Senonian (Coniacian to Santonian) and

indeed suggestive of a Santonian age. On the evidence of the microfloras obtained
fromIdalShargi1andolderTuronianageishighlyunlikely.
A critical point, perhaps more important than the precise age, is the question of
assigningtheunittoeithertheArumaortheWasiaGroups.InKuwaitandSouthIraq,
Chatton(1962)hasshownthatthebasalformationofthesequenceassignedbyOwen
and Nasr to the Aruma Group is of Turonian age. This Khasib Formation is a basinal
argillaceousunitrestingunconformablyupontheMishrif.Dunnington(1967)accepts
theMishrifKhasibjunctionasanaturalboundarybetweentheArumaandtheWasia
Group,inSouthIraq.Thus,evenshouldtheLaffanfinallyprovetobeTuronian,itsbase
isacceptedasthelowerlimitoftheArumaGroupinQatarandneighboringareas.
The Aruma Group is universally bounded, above and below, by major regional
unconformities, which clearly define the group, separating it from the overlying and
underlyingmajorrockunits.
TheupperlimitoftheArumaismarkedoverthewholeareabyasharpfaunalchange.
The uppermost Simsima formation contains typical Maastrichtian large foraminifera
while, immediately above, a completely different suite of Paleocene microfossils
occurs.Typically,theuppercontactismarkedbyasharpchangefrompredominantly
carbonates of the upper Simsima to shales of the basal Umm er Radhuma. Angular
discordance is rarely apparent. Even where the Paleocene shale unit is absent, the
upper Aruma boundary is clearly marked by change of fauna whose elements are
normallysonumerousastoformmajorpartsoftherocksconsidered.Thusevenata
limestonetolimestonecontactitispossibletomapthetopoftheArumagroup.
ThetopoftheArumaGroupcoincideseverywherewiththejunctionoftheMesozoic
andTertiaryeras.
TheonlyexceptiontothiscouldtheoreticallyoccurinareaswherebasinalFiqafacies
extendsintotheMaastrichtian.Itispossiblethat,insuchareas,depositioncouldbe
continuousintothePaleocene.Noexampleofthiscanbequotedatpresent.
The base of the Aruma Group also normally marks an unconformity. In some areas
strong angular discordance can be demonstrated. In others, regional thinning of
underlyingbedsillustratestherelationship,whileinpartsofcentralAbuDhabiasharp
passagefrombasinalCenomanianlimestonetoneriticLaffanshalesisindicativeofthe
condition.
658
The most important hiatus within the Aruma group, again recognized almost
universallyinthearea,isundoubtedlythepostHalulunconformity.Itisprobablynot
present in the continuous longranging basinal Fiqa formation development in Oman
andeasternAbuDhabi,butelsewhere,inthepredominantlyshallowwaterprovinceto
the west its presence is known. The unconformity marks in this area, the contact of
shallowwater carbonates of the Halul with overlying deep water shales of the Fiqa
formation. The feature can be recognized as far north as south Iraq and probably
continuesintoSaudiArabia.
This unconformity divides the Aruma Group into two units. One, late Campanian to
Maastrichtianinage,passeslaterallyintotheoriginalArumaformationwhichoutcrops
inSaudiArabiaasafeatheredgeoftheSimsimaFiqasubgroup.
Theother,olderunit,isslightlymoreconfinedinoccurrence,sinceitdoesnotoutcrop
aroundtheArabianshield.
Twootherunconformitiesoflesserimportancecanberecognizedinsomeareas.The
SimsimaandAradaareseparatedbyabreakwhichinnorthernAbuDhabiappearsto
cutoutthegreaterpartofthelatterformation.
Lastly,anintraformationalbreakoflittlemagnitudecanbeseenoversomestructures
to appear between the Salwa member and the Lepidorbitoides zone of the Simsima
formation.
659

Minutes of [the 7th] Geological Liaison Meeting held in Abu Dhabi
May 19th 21st 1969
Present:
D. C Kennedy
P.J. Carter
C.A Hopping
M. Hughes-Clarke
I.W.G. Hughes
A. Ford
F. Gosling
A.J. Standring
BP London
A.D.M.A.
P.D.(Oman)
K.S.E.P.L.
S.C.Q.
S.C.Q.
Q.P.C. & A.D.P.C.
A.D.P.C.
This was the first meeting called to discuss the stratigraphy of the Wasia Group, although brief
consideration was given to the subject at the previous meeting at Mina al Fahal.
Minutes of the previous meeting were distributed and read. The last sentence of paragraph two was
disputed by several delegates who had no recollection of agreeing to the proposal that the
Cretaceous should be sub-divided into Upper and Lower only. Rejection of this sentence
necessitated minor modification to several plates in the report The stratigraphy of the Aruma
Group in South east Arabia which was distributed at the meeting. Other copies with the necessary
corrections would be sent direct from Muscat to principal Geologists in head offices.
It was agreed that for formal usage in time stratigraphy two sub-divisions of the Cretaceous should
be recognised in accordance with international usage. An informal subdivision of the Cretaceous
into three time-subdivisions would, however, be maintained because of local convenience and long
usage. The Middle Cretaceous would indicate the Turonian, Cenomanian and Albian stages. It was
reiterated that the most important time stratigraphic unit is the Stage.
The name Wasia Group will be retained and used in the general sense of Owen and Nasr (1958).
The possible Cenomanian age of the Upper Biyadh Formation of the Saudi Arabian outcrop,
suggested by Powers et alia (1966, p. 76) could invalidate the subsurface correlation upon which the
definition of the Wasia Group is based. Supporting evidence for this suggestion is, however, felt to
be insufficient to justify rejection of the established terminology. Should more convincing proof be
produced, the name Wasia Group will be replaced by a more suitable alternative.
All delegates except those of A.D.P.C. wish to apply the name Nahr Umr to the Albian terrigenous
clastic development which forms the basal unit of the Wasia Group, whether it occurs as a
predominantly shale sequence or include a high percentage of sand and silt. A.D.P.C.s case was
what it is desirable to differentiate a potential reservoir lithology from a potential cap-rock
lithology. The fact that the type section of the Nahr Umr contains 60% shale and 40% sand, and
that it is differentiated from the Burgan formation, which is predominantly sand, caused other
660

delegates to be doubtful of the need for another name for the largely shale sequence of Abu DhabiOman.
A.D.P.C. agreed to re-examine their position in this matter.
The base of the Wasia Group and the basal clastic unit was defined as the boundary between
predominantly terrigenous clastics including occasional thin limestone, above, and the dominantly
carbonate sequence of the underlying Thamama Group.
A.D.M.A. raised the problem of exactly defining the top Thamama in an off shelf environment.
They recognized a shale-limestone unit which overlies the Thamama of their definition and
underlies the more continuous shales of the Wasia. It was decided, at this stage, that in such cases
individual members should use their own discretion in selecting the exact boundary.
The top of the Nahr Umr/Wasia Shale formation is defined as the contact of terrigenous clastics,
sometimes containing thin limestone interbeds, below, with predominantly limestone above.
Away from the Shield area, the Nahr Umr/Wasia Shale passes laterally into a shelf carbonate facies
which may be difficult or impossible to differentiate from the Mauddud formation, above, or from
some facies of the upper Thamama, below. This case will probably only arise in the P.D.O.
concession area, among Liaison Group participants. Subdivisions of the resulting complete
carbonate sequence, if desirable, will be partly conditional on more accurate definition of currently
accepted rock units.
It was agreed that, in areas such as onshore Qatar, where the units could be clearly differentiated,
and closely compared with the succession in South Iraq and Kuwait, the Mishrif, Ahmadi and
Mauddud Formations would be maintained.
In offshore Qatar the Ahmadi (=Khatiyah) facies interfingers with Mishrif-type facies and the
simple threefold subdivision cannot be applied. It was further shown that much of the section
ascribed to the Mauddud in S.C.Q. sections was not of the typical Orbitolina Trocholina
packstone facies but rather a chalky limestone without Orbitolina. Some deeper-water Oligostegina
Limestone could also occur.
In the shelf-edge area typified by the A.D.P.C. well Shuwaihat-1 no Ahmadi remains and the whole
section above the basinal Oligostegina limestone is described by that Company as Mishrif.
The diachronous, laterally transitional contact of Mishrif and Ahmadi was demonstrated.
In view of these complications it was proposed, and provisionally accepted, that a new formation be
erected to describe the complete shelf sequence from top Wasia to top Nahr Umr/Wasia shale when,
being predominantly carbonate, it cannot be clearly subdivided. The name Sila Formation, with a
type section in Sila well No. 1 was offered by A.D.P.C. and provisionally accepted (see footnote)1.
The deeper water deposits, formed upon the platform remaining at the close of the Nahr Umr/Wasia
Shale deposition, are largely confined to Abu Dhabi. They are most fully developed in the onshore
1
Further consideration needs to be given to the acceptance of Sila as a type section. There is no shelf limestone
equivalent of the Mauddud here. The only area where the greater part of the Mauddud to Mishrif equivalent is in
undifferentiated shelf carbonate is in Oman (e.g. Wadi Miaidin). It may be better to erect a formation in this area and
apply the name where required to other shelf-edge sequences.
661

area. Three formations currently recognised by A.D.P.C. and informally named the Oligostegina
Limestone, Lower Shale and Lower Chalk were accepted as valid formations. Full formal
descriptions of these formations, with type sections and formal names will be produced by A.D.P.C.
before the next meeting.
Mr. Hughes-Clarke gave account of the allochthonous Hawasina sediments and their relationship to
the autochthonous shelf deposits in the Oman mountain area, with particular reference to the Middle
Cretaceous. K.S.E.P.L. will produce a brief note on this for inclusion in the final report on the
Wasia Group.
Prior to the meeting, A.D.M.A. circulated copies of their reference section of the Wasia (Umm
Shaif-1) to all participants.
During the meeting P.D.O. handed to delegates notes on the Wasia Group in Oman, together with a
graphic log of the surface section in Wadi Miaidin. A subsurface section from a Fahud well was
demonstrated and will be sent to participating companies after clearance has been obtained from
The Hague.
S.C.Q. demonstrated sections showing interfingering of different facies in their area, illustrating the
difficulty of using current formation names. No typical section was distributed.
Q.P.C. distributed notes on the Wasia Group in onshore Qatar together with a type description of
the Mauddud Formation and reference sections for the Mishrif, Ahmadi and Nahr Umr Formations.
A.D.P.C. distributed descriptions of Oligostegina Limestone, Lower Shale, Lower Chalk, Mishrif
and Wasia Shale formations together with two typical graphic subsurface sections deeper water
sequence from Murban and shelf sequence from Shuwaihat-1.
Delegates indicated their current picks for formation boundaries on the various sections.
A further meeting was proposed in November, at which precise formation definitions would be
formulated, incorporating the results of further research into remaining problems which include:
Q.P.C.
S.C.Q.
A.D.P.C.
1
2
3
A.D.M.A.
1
2
More precise lithological descriptions of formations including the Nahr

Umr,whichwillbecoredinafuturewellbutprobablynotbeforethenext
meeting.
More precise lithological and palaeontological information, especially on

thecurrentlydefinedMauddudequivalent.
Formalnamesanddescriptionsofdeeperwaterformations.
FurtherstudyoftheupperboundaryoftheWasiaShale
The possible lateral equivalence of the upper limestone member of this

formation with part of the Mauddud and correlation with P.D.O. units f
and/org.
ThevalidityofthenameNahrUmrinAbuDhabi.
MoreprecisepositionofH.Washitensis fauna.
Reference section to incorporate revision to limits of deeper water and
shallowwatercarbonateunits.
StudyoflowerboundaryofWasiaGroup.
A.D.M.As offer to act as hosts to the next meeting in Abu Dhabi was accepted.
662
THE STRATIGRAPHY OF THE ARUMA GROUP

IN SOUTH EAST ARABIA
Edited by
C.A.Hopping
P.D.(O)
and
A.J.Standring
A.D.P.C.
A.D.M.A., A.D.P.C., K.S.E.P.L., P.D.(O), Q.P.C., S.C.Q.

Geological Liaison Meetings, South-East Asia
May 1969
663

Contents
Page
1
2
5
13
16
17
21
27
29
34
38
Introduction
TheArumaGroup
TheSimsimaFormation
TheQahlahFormation
TheHawasinaSemailGroups
TheMutiFormation
TheFiqaFormation
TheRuilatFormation
TheHalulFormation
TheLaffanFormation
ReferencestoLiterature
Note: The pagination above is from the original document and not from this transcript.
Listofenclosures
Scale
1 SituationMap
1:2,500,000
2 TableshowingformerandproposedRockStratigraphicNomenclature
Noscale
3 AgerelationshipsoftheRockStratigraphicUnitsoftheArumaGroupinSouthEast
Noscale
Arabia
4A ColumnarSectionoftheArumaGroupinQ.P.C.wellDukhan55[DK0055],(Q.P.C.
1:1,000
ReferenceSection)
4B ColumnarTypesectionoftheSimsimaFormationinQ.P.C.wellDukhan55[DK0055]
1:1,000
4C ColumnarTypesectionoftheRuilatFormationinQ.P.C.wellDukhan55[DK0055]
1:1,000
4D ColumnarTypesectionoftheLaffanFormationinQ.P.C.wellDukhan55[DK0055]
1:1,000
5 ColumnarsectionoftheArumaGroupinQ.P.C.wellDukhan51[DK0051],(Q.P.C.
1:1,000
ReferenceSection)
6A ColumnarSectionoftheArumaGroupinS.C.Q.wellIddElShargi1,(S.C.Q.
1:1,000
ReferenceSection)
6B ColumnarTypeSectionoftheHalulFormationinS.C.Q.wellIddElShargi1
1:1,000
7 ColumnarSectionoftheArumaGroupinA.D.M.A.wellUmmShaif4,(A.D.M.A.
1:1,000
Referencesection)
8A ColumnarSectionoftheArumaGroupinA.D.P.C.wellMurban44,(A.D.P.C.
1:1,000
Referencesection)
8B ColumnarTypeSectionoftheFiqaFormationinA.D.P.C.wellMurban44
1:1,000
9 ColumnarSectionoftheArumaGroupinP.D.(O)wellSuneinah1,(P.D.(O)Reference
1:1,000
section)
10 ColumnarSectionoftheArumaGroupinP.D.(O)wellFahud(south)9,(P.D.(O)
1:1,000
Referencesection)
11 ColumnarTypesectionoftheQahlahFormationfromtheQahlatSurfaceSection
1:1,000
12 ColumnarTypesectionoftheMutiFormationfromtheWadiMutiSurfaceSection
1:1,000
13 StratigraphicCorrelation(AlAramahS.S.,Dukhan55[DK0055],51[DK0051],IddEl
1:2,500V
Shargi1,UmmShaif4,Murban44,Suneinah1),
1:500,000H
664

Introduction
Intercompany liaison work and discussion upon the stratigraphy of the Aruma Group was initiated at
A.D.M.A., (Das Island) in September 1966. Subsequent progress meetings upon the Aruma Group have
beenheldatQ.P.C.,(Dukhan)inJanuary1967andatS.C.Q.,(Doha)inDecember1967.Thesediscussions
upontheArumaGroupwerefinalisedatP.D.(O),(MinaalFahal)inSeptember1968.AtthismeetingC.A.
HoppingofP.D.(O)andA.J.StandringofA.D.P.C.wereaskedtocompileandeditthefollowingreportupon
theresultsofthesediscussionsonbehalfoftheparticipatingcompanies.
Thefollowingcompanies andstaffhaveparticipated intheworkanddiscussionuponthestratigraphy of

theArumaGroupaspresentedinthisreport:A.H.Smout,J.Darley,J.Pepperell,C.K.S.Padiyath,P.J.Carter
and D. Campbell Kennedy of A.D.M.A; E. Hart and A.J. Standring of A.D.P.C.; F. Gosling of Q.P.C.; W.O.
Gigon, P.J.C. Hoogkamer and I.W.G Hughes of S.C.Q. At a meeting at S.C.Q., (Doha) the above original
member companies of the SouthEast Arabia Geological Liaison Group invited P.D.(O) and K.S.E.P.L. to
join this Group. Thus from December 1967 J.P.P. Marie, I.A.G. Willis and C.A. Hopping of P.D.(O); K.W.
GlennieandM.W.HughesClarkeofK.S.E.P.L.,haveparticipatedinthiswork.
The finalisation of the discussions and the subsequent completion of this report upon the Aruma Group
projecthavetakenmuchlongerthanwasanticipatedinSeptember1966.Howeveritmustberealisedthat
firstly the participating geologists from different companies with their diverse backgrounds have had to
reachacommonunderstandingandappreciationofeachothersworkingmethods.Secondlythescopeof
theLiaisonGroupwasgreatlywidenedbytheparticipationofP.D.(O)andK.S.E.P.L.,whoseadditionaldata
hadtobeincorporatedintothisArumaGroupstudyproject.Finallythetransferofstaffalreadyacquainted
withtheworkoftheLiaisonGroupandthefamiliarisationoftheincomingstaffhasledtofurtherinevitable
delays.
The Liaison Group is greatly indebted to the continuity and valuable advice from F. Gosling and A.J.
Standring; whose work forms an important part of this report, and whose efforts have realised the
completionofthisinitialprojectoftheArumaGroup.
AgeneralaccountoftheArumaGroupandeachofthecontainedandassociatedrockstratigraphicunitsis
describedindetailundertheseparatechapterheadingsoftheparticularunitsconcerned.Anaccountof
the authorship, synonymy, type section and reference sections are given for each of the formations
comprising the Aruma Group. The authorship is indicated by the initials found on the last page of each
chapter.
665
TheARUMAGroup
Authors
Cretaceous
(ConiaciantoMaastrichtian)
OwenandNasr,(1958).
Steineke and Bramkamp, (1952) gave the first published reference to the Aruma
Formation, which outcrops northeast of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, as a predominantly
limestone unit of Campanian to Maastrichtian age. This formation was formally
describedanddefinedbySteineke,BramkampandSander,(1958),whoshowedthatit
is overlain by the Umm er Radhuma Formation and underlain by the clastics of the
WasiaFormation.TheArumaFormationistheonlypostCenomaniansequenceofthe
UpperCretaceouswhichisexposedinSaudiArabia.
ThenameArumaGroupwasappliedbyOwenandNasr(1958)tothecomplexUpper
CretaceoussequenceintheBasraKuwaitarea.Thispublicationformalisedausage
establishedforaconsiderabletimebygeologistsinmanypartsofArabia.
In the BasraKuwait area, the name was applied to units originally dated as Lower
Senonian to Maastrichtian, bounded by the Umm er Radhuma Formation above and
the Mishrif Formation below. Dunnington et al (1959) suggested the presence of a
majorunconformityseparatinganupper,MaastrichtiantolateCampanianunit,which
was approximately the same age as the type Aruma Formation, from a lower, poorly
datedSenonianunitbelow.
Chatton (1962) records evidence that the Sadi to Khasib Formations of the above
mentionedlowerunitareofTuroniantoearlyCampanianage,thusindicatingthatthe
KhasibMishrifhiatusisnotofsuchgreatmagnitudeaspreviouslybelieved.
The use of the name Aruma Group should be confined strictly to the formations
occurring above the preHartha unconformity, of BasraKuwait, i.e. confined to
formations of late Campanian to Maastrichtian age. Its use to include certain Upper
CretaceousformationsofprelateCampanianageissoestablishedingeologicalwork
inArabiathatitisproposedtoretainthenameinSouthEastArabiaforallformations
ofConiaciantoMaastrichtianagelyingbetweenupperformationsoftheWasiaGroup
andtheUmmerRadhumaFormation,(ref.Enclosure3).
The Aruma Group is universally bounded, above and below, by major regional
unconformities, which clearly define the group, separating it from the overlying and
underlyingmajorrockunits.
TheupperlimitoftheArumaismarkedoverthewholeareabyasharpfaunalchange.
TheuppermostSimsimaFormationcontainstypicalMaastrichtianlargerForaminifera,
whileimmediatelyabove,acompletelydifferentsuiteofPaleocenemicrofossilsoccurs.
Typically the upper contact is marked by a sharp change from the predominantly
carbonates of the upper Simsima to the shales of the basal Umm er Radhuma. An
angulardiscordanceisrarelyapparent.WherethePaleoceneshaleunitisabsent,the
upper Aruma boundary is clearly marked by change of fauna whose elements are
normallysonumerousastoformamajorpartoftherock.Thusevenatalimestoneto
limestonecontact,itispossibletomapthetopoftheArumaGroup.
ThetopoftheArumaGroupcoincideseverywherewiththejunctionoftheMesozoic
andTertiaryeras.Theonly exceptiontothis could theoretically occurinareaswhere
666
QatarOnshore
QatarOffshore
basinal Fiqa facies extends into the Maastrichtian. It is possible that, in such areas,
depositioncouldbecontinuousintothePaleocene.Noexampleofthiscanbequoted
atpresent.
The base of the Aruma Group is delimited by an unconformity. In some areas an

angular discordance can be demonstrated. In others, a regional thinning of the
underlyingbedsillustratestherelationship,whileinpartsofcentralAbuDhabiasharp
passagefromCenomanianlimestonestoLaffanshalesisindicativeofthisboundary.
The most important hiatus within the Aruma Group, again recognised almost
universallyintheareas,isundoubtedlythepostHalulunconformity.Itisprobablynot
present in the continuous longranging basinal Fiqa formation development in Oman
andeasternAbuDhabi,wheretheHalulFormationisnotdeveloped,butelsewhere,in
thepredominantlyshallowwaterprovincetothewest,itspresenceisknown.Inthis
areatheunconformitymarksthecontactofshallowwatercarbonatesoftheHalulwith
overlyingdeepwatershalesoftheFiqaFormation.Thefeaturecanberecognisedasfar
northassouthIraqandprobablycontinuesintoSaudiArabia.
This unconformity divides the Aruma Group into two units. One, Campanian to
Maastrichtian in age, passes laterally into the original Aruma formation, which
outcrops in Saudi Arabia as a feather edge of the Simsima and Fiqa Formations. The
otherolder unit is slightly more geographicallyrestrictedand is notfound in outcrop
aroundtheArabianshield.
Twootherunconformitiesoflesserimportancecanberecognisedinsomeareas.The
SimsimaandFiqaFormationsareseparatedbyahiatus,whichinnorthernAbuDhabi,
appears to cutout the greater part of the Fiqa. In SouthEast Abu Dhabi there is a
markedthinningoftheSimsimaFormation,whichisabsentoveralargeareaofOman.
An intraformational hiatus of little magnitude can be seen over some structures

betweentheSalwaandJananMembersoftheSimsimaFormation.
Thefollowingformerandproposedrockstratigraphicnamesforthedifferentunitsof
theArumaGrouparealsoshownschematicallyonEnclosure2.
IntheQataronshoreareaQ.P.C.havesubdividedtheArumaGroupintothefollowing
rockstratigraphicalunits:
SimsimaFormation
=
TheSimsimaFormation
=
(TheFiqaFm.)Dk51[DK0051]
Ruilat
=
TheRuilatFormation
Laffan
=
TheHalulFormation
=
TheLaffanFormation
IntheQataroffshoreareaS.C.Q.havesubdividedtheArumaGroupintothefollowing
rockstratigraphicalunits
Simsima
=
TheSimsimaFormation
Shargi
=
TheFiqaFormation
Halul
=
TheHalulFormation
Laffan
=
TheLaffanFormation
667

AbuDhabi
Offshore
AbuDhabi
Onshore
Oman
In the Abu Dhabi offshore area A.D.M.A. have subdivided the Aruma Group into the
ArumaUpperLimestone
=
TheSimsimaFormation
ArumaMarl
=
TheFiqaFormation
ArumaLowerlimestone
=
TheHalulFormation
Laffan
=
TheLaffanFormation
In the Abu Dhabi onshore area A.D.P.C. have subdivided the Aruma Group into the
UpperChalk =
TheSimsimaFormation
UpperShale =
TheFiqaFormation
MiddleChalk =
TheHalulFormation
MiddleShale =
TheLaffanFormation
In the Oman P.D.(O) have subdivided the Aruma Group into the following rock
stratigraphicalunits:
ArumaLimestoneFormation =
TheSimsimaFormation
ArumaShaleFormation
=
TheFiqaFormation
However, in the region of the Oman Mountains a further subdivision of the Aruma
Grouphasbeenmadeasfollows:
ArumaLimestoneFormation
=
TheSimsimaFormation
TheSaihalMalehFormation
=
TheQahlahFormation
(HawasinaSemailGroup)
=
TheHawasinaSemailUnit
TheMutiFormation
=
TheMutiFormation
ArumaShaleFormation
=
TheFiqaFormation
668

Cretaceous
(Maastrichtian)
Author
The Simsima Formation was originally described, defined and named by Sugden in a
Q.P.C.unpublishedreport(1956).ThenamewasfirstpublishedbyDominguez,(1965).
Synonymy
The following rockstratigraphical terms are considered here to be synonymous with
theSimsimaFormation:
TheArumaFormation,Steinekeetal.,(1952) ;
TheTayaratLimestoneFormation,Owen&Nasr,(1958);
The Upper Limestone, Cobb & Padiyath in an A.D.M.A. unpublished report,
(1963);
TheUpperChalkofFieldinanA.D.P.C.unpublishedreport,(1962);
The Aruma Limestone Formation (in part), of Marie in a P.D. (O) unpublished
report,(1966);
The Abad Formation (in part), and The Gahwan Formation of Horstink in a
P.D.(O)unpublishedreport,1967).
The Aruma Limestone (in part), Tschopp, (1968) [a hand written note in our
originalhas1968strikethroughandreplacedby19672]
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.Enclosure4A)
Sugden had originally chosen the interval in the Q.P.C. well Dukhan28 [DK0028] as
representingthetypesectionoftheSimsimaFormation.However,nogammarayor
neutronlogsareavailablefromthiswell.ThusthewellDk55[DK0055]whichisthe
nearest well to Dk28 [DK0028] with good quality gammaray neutron logs has now
beenselectedasthetypesection. Theformationtakes its namefromthelocalityof
SimsimaNorthEastQatar.
Location
Q.P.C. well Dukhan (Dk)55 [DK0055]; lat. 25240.09N, long. 504545.75E. The
formationisbetweenthedrilleddepthsof1,158and1,646.
Thickness
486feet(drilledthickness).[Note:16461158=488]
TheSIMSIMAFormation
669

Lithology
Thefollowinglithologicalunitscanbedeterminedfromtoptobottom.
#
Ft
1 58 Limestone;mediumgrey,slightlychalky,limepackstone,becomingslightly
argillaceous towards the base. Particles consist of larger and smaller
Foraminifera, Ostracoda, coral, echinoid and gastropod fragments with
dasycladaceanAlgae.
2
9 Shale; greenishgrey, soft, calcareous shale with some pyrite and mainly
smallerForaminiferaandOstracoda.
3 82 Limestone; brownishgrey, partly dolomitized, porous lime Wackestone.
Rudists,echinoids,etc.
etc.
rudists,echinoids,etc.
etc.
7 145 Limestone;brownishgrey,partlydolomitized,porouslimeWackestone.A
fewroundedquartzgrainsarefoundinthelowerpartoftheunit.Particles
consistof largerand smaller Foraminifera and broken fossils,e.g.rudists,
etc.
8 29 Limestone; light to medium grey, partly argillaceous and very slightly
chalky, lime Packstone. Particles consist of larger and smaller
Foraminifera,brokenfossils,e.g.rudists,echinoids,etc.
9 66 Limestone; medium brown, porous, dolomitized Wackestone. Particles
which are not dolomitized consist of mainly broken fossils, e.g.
lamellibranchs,etc.
10 34 Limestone; light grey, partly chalky and in the upper part slightly
dolomitized lime Packstone. Particles consist of broken fossils and larger
andsmallerForaminifera.
486 TotalThickness
Sugdensproposedsubdivisionofanupper,middleandalowerSimsimaFormationin
Dukhan28 [DK0028] can also be recognized in the type section in Dukhan55 [DK
0055],i.e.
Units
1&2
UpperSimsimaFormation
3to8
MiddleSimsimaFormation
9&10
LowerSimsimaFormation
This subdivision can be clearly recognized also on the gamma ray neutron log, (ref.
Enclosure 4A). The upper limit is considered to be sufficiently distinctive and
geographically extensive to merit the status of a member, the Salwa Member. Thus
theSimsimaFormationatpresentcanbesubdividedintoalowerJananmemberand
an upper Salwa Member. The Salwa Member takes its name from the Gulf of Salwa
670

lyingbetweenSaudiArabiaandQatarandtheJananMemberfromtheIslandofJanan,
northofDukhaninQatar.
ThedetailsofthefaunaandtheirdistributionareshownonEnclosure4A.Athreefold
Palaeontology
palaeontologicalsubdivisioncanbeobservedfromthedifferentrangesofthesefauna.
Theloftusiaunit,characterisedbytheoftendominantoccurrenceofthetypeLoftusia
sp(p).(L.minorL.morganiagroup).ThefaunalassemblagealsocontainsElphidiella
multicissurata, Fissoelphidium operculiferum, Omphalocyclus macroporus and
abundantspecimensofdasycladaceanAlgae.
TheLepidorbitoidesunit,characterisedbythedominantoccurrenceofLepidorbitoides
sp(p).(L.socialisgroup)withSiderolitescalcitrapoides,Omphalocyclusmacroporusand
rudists.
The Orbitoides unit, containing Orbitoides media with sporadic occurrences of

Omphalocyclusmacroporus.
Theabovethreefaunalunitsarecoincidentwiththediscussedlithologicalunits,thus
these fossil occurrences would appear to be controlled to some degree by the
environmentalconditionsofdeposition.
Palynology
NopalynologicalworkhasbeenundertakenupontheSimsimaFormation.
Age
UpperCretaceous(Maastrichtian).
ThefollowingforaminiferahavebeenacceptedasidentifyingtheMaastrichtianStage;
Omphalocyclus macroporus, Siderolites calcitrapoide, Lepidorbitoides socialis and
Loftusiasp(p).
Boundaries
The stratigraphical limits of the Simsima Formation in the type section have been
demarcateduponthefollowingcriteria:
Overlying Thewhitegrey,chalky, algal, limepackstonesoftheuppermostSimsimaareoverlain

bya10bedofdarkbrowncrystallinetosucrosedolomite,whichformsthebaseofthe
Umm er Radhuma Formation, which is overlain by hard, white, lime wackestones
containingabundantlargerForaminifera.Thelithologicalchangeisfurtherreflectedby
acharacteristickickonthegammaraylog.Thetypicalbasalshaleoftheoverlying
UmmerRadhumaFormationhasnotbeenrecognizedfromcuttingsamplesorthelogs
inDK55[DK0055].
It is of further interest to note that the contact of the Simsima and the Umm er
Radhuma Formations here marks the boundary between the Cretaceous
(Maastrichtian) and the Tertiary (Palaeocene). The abrupt and almost total faunal
changewouldappeartobeindicativeofanhiatusindeposition.
Underlying The white, chalky, slightly dolomitized, lime Wackestones containing abundant larger
Foraminifera and bioclastic debris of the lowermost Simsima are underlain by white,
recrystallized, dolomitized, lime Wackestones of the Ruilat Formation. These
characteristic recrystallized Wackestones containing abundant spicules form a quite
sharplithologicalcontrastwiththeoverlyingbeds.Nevertheless,theprecisecontactis
ratherobscureandindeeditismostprobablethatthecontactisconformable
671

Reference
Sections
The above type section is from the Q.P.C. Dukhan field, which is geographically
alsoprovidedfromoffshoreQatar,offshoreAbuDhabi,onshoreAbuDhabiandOman.
OffshoreQatar S.C.QwellIddelShargi1;lat.252332.9N,long.522155.93E;
Theformationisbetweenthedrilleddepths2,545and3,042,showingathicknessof
497drilled(ref.Enclosure6A).
Dolomiteanddolomiticlimestone,finelycrystallinetosucrosicwithanumberofthin
anhydrite bands between 2,740' and 2,840' grading into soft, lime chalky, lime
WackestonesandMudstonesat2,950'.
Duetotherecrystallization,theupperpartgenerallycontainsonlyanindeterminate
fauna or is barren. In IS2 a core near to the top of the Simsima contained a large
specimenof Loftusiamorgani and rare specimens ofGlobotruncansp(p). The lower
chalkypartcontainsLepidorbitoidessocialis.
Offshore A.D.M.A. well Umm Shaif4; Lat. 251200N, Long. 531048E. The formation is
AbuDhabi betweenthedrilleddepths3,080and3,695,showingathicknessof615drilled,(Ref.
Enclosure7).
TheSimsimaFormationispoorlyknowninthisconcessionareabecauseitisnormally
drilledwithoutreturns.Thebestlithologicalandpalaeontologicalsectionisprovidedby
US.1.,wherespotcoresweretakenatapproximately100'intervals.US.1,however,has
no gamma ray neutron log, thus the adjacent well US.4 has been selected as a
referencesection.ThereisagoodelectriclogcorrelationbetweenUS.1andUS.4.
The Simsima Formation has been subdivided by A.D.M.A. into three units. These are
really electric log units which may not entirely correspond to the subdivisions of the
Simsimausedinotherareas.Themiddleunitismarkedlymorevariedintheelectriclog
readingsthantheupperandlowerunits.
Upperunit
A.D.M.A.wellUmmShaif4,3080to3,210.
A.D.M.A.wellUmmShaif1,core10,2,962to2,966.
Bluegrey dark argillaceous dolomite with anhydrite nodules. Doubtful relicts of

molluscanshells,somepossibleambergrains.Thismayhavebeenaveryshallowwater
orevenasubaerialdeposit.
Insomewells,thisunitcontainsabasalshalewhichiscorrelativewiththebasalshale
oftheLoftusiabeds(SalwaMember)ofotherareas.Palaeontologicalconfirmationof
thiscorrelationislacking,andconsequently,theunitisundated.
MiddleUnit
A.D.M.A.wellUmmShaif4,3,210to3,525
Dolomite,veryfinetocoarsegrained,buff,withanhydritenodules.
A.D.M.A.wellUmmShaif1,core12,3,200'to3,206'.
672
Dolomite, secondary after a limestone Wackestone containing melobesian algae and

angular fragments which may have been rudist fragments; anhydrite nodules are
present.Theunitisundated.
LowerUnit
A.D.M.A.wellUmmShaif4,3,525to3,695.
Both cores show limestone, buff, friable. These are bioclastic Wackestone without
derived fragments. The upper beds are dominated by Lepidorbitoides socialis. Below
3,451' no larger Foraminifera are found. There is a transition from the neritic larger
foraminiferal fauna to the pelagic Globotruncana fauna. Recorded fossils include
Lepidorbitoides socialis, Pseudosiderolites, Archaecyclus cf. midorientalis, Rotalia cf.
trochidiformis, Marssonella, Heterohelix, Globotruncana, Rugoglobigerina, Textularia,
Bigenerina, Biglobigerinella, Peneropolis, Praebulimina, Baridia, Brachycythere,
Cytherella, Lima (Promantellum), Mesophyllum, Piarothyris, echinoid fragments and
molluscanfragments.
The overlying Umm er Radhuma formation has a general similarity to the upper two
unitsoftheSimsimabutitsbasalbedisarerognisableargillaceousdolomiticlimestone
withtheEarlyPalaeocenefossilassemblageLockhartiahaimei,L.diversa,L.prehaimei,
Daviesinakhatiyahi,Taberinadaviesi,Rotaliatrochidiformis,Globigerinatriloculinoides,
Turborotaliapseudobulloides(UmmShaifwell1,core9,2,841'to2,859').
TheuppermostbedsoftheunderlyingFiqaFormationarechalkylimestonewithlittle
todifferentiatethemfromthelowerunitoftheSimsima.However,thetopoftheFiqa
istightandthissuggestsabreakinsedimentationatthislevel.Thepossibilitythatthe
upper partof the Fiqa is of the same age asthe lowest partof theSimsima ofother
areascannotbeprecluded.
Dolomite and anhydrite are not mentioned in the type description of the Simsima,
which consists of limestone with subordinate shale. A.D.M.A. believe that in Umm
Shaif,theuseofmembernames is unwise, but findit usefultodistinguishthe lower
unitofalmostpureorbitoidallimestonefromtheoverlyingdolomites.
Onshore
AbuDhabi
A.D.P.C. well Murban No. 44, lat. 231622N, long. 532035E. The formation is
between the drilled depths 4,349 and5,422, showing a thickness of 1,073 drilled,
(Ref.Enclosure8A).
Lithology Thefollowinglithologicalunitscanbedeterminedfromtoptobottom:
1 Limestone; foraminiferal, skeletal debris Packstone with

interbeddedlimeMudstoneandWackestone.Variablytocompletely
dolomitized.TypifiedbyoccurrenceoflargeLoftusiaspp.andrudistid
fragments. 271 [our original document states 2,710 but this is
obviouslyanerror].
2 Limestone; predominantly foraminiferal, echinoid debris, chalky

Packstone;theupperpartincludingabundantalgalremains670
3 Limestone;chalky,foraminiferal,skeletaldebrisWackestone132.
673
Palaeontology The following faunal assemblages have been determined within the
aboveunits:
In 1: Loftusia spp., Fissoelphidium operculiferum, Omphalocyclus

macroporus,Siderolitescalcitrapoides,rudistiddebris,algae.
In 2: Lepidorbitoides socialis abundant, Omphalocyclus macroporus,

Rotalia spp., Fissoelphidium operculiferum, Orbitoides media, Cuneolina
sp.Bairdoppilataorientalis,Neomeriscretacea.
In 3: Pseudedomia globularis, Dicyclina schlumbergeri, Aff. Archaecyclus

sp.
Remarks Unit1comprisestheLoftusiaZonewhichistheequivalentofSugdens
Upper Simsima of Qatar, now named the Salwa member. This member
wascoredinanearbywell,andexaminationofthesecoreshasassistedin
descriptionofthecuttingssamplesfromthereferencesection.
InthicksectionsoftheSimsima,suchasthatdescribedabove,theSalwa
member appears to pass down without an obvious break into the
underlyingLepidorbitoidesZone(Unit2).Thelatternormallyformsthe
greaterpartoftheformation,beingtypifiedbylimepackstonesinwhich
theparticlesarealmostwhollyLepidorbitoidessocialis.
Unit3isthehighestofthreelimestonestypifiedbyafaunacomposedof
Pseudodedomia,DicyclinaandArchaecyclus.Othersformthebaseofthe
AradaandgreaterpartoftheHalulFormation
WiththeexceptionofthecommonabsenceoftheP.globularisbasalunit,
thezonationoftheSimsimaformationisremarkablyconstantovermost
ofonshoreAbuDhabi,whetherinverythinorverythickdevelopments.
Attenuationoftheformationnormallybringsabouttheclearcutnature
oftheminornonsequencebetweentheSalwamember(Unit1)andthe
underlyingJananMember(Units2&3).
TheSimsimaisoverlaininthereferencesection,asinallofAbuDhabi,by
the basal shale unit of the Umm er Radhuma formation. No angular
discordanceisseen,butthesharpfaunalchangeacrosstheboundaryis
indicativeofanhiatus.
The lower limit of the formation in Murban 44 is at the rather sharp

contact of pure, porous, limestone of the basal Simsima, above, with
marlsoftheunderlyingArada,below.Regionally,thiscontactisbelieved
tobeunconformable,causingnorthwardcutoutofmuchoftheArada.
674
Oman
P.D.(O)wellSuneinah1;lat.234133N,long.555315E.Theformationisbetween
the drilled depths of 6,470 and 6,920, showing a thickness of 450 drilled, (Ref.
Enclosure9).
Thefollowingdetailedlithologicalunitscanbedeterminedfromtoptobottom:
#
Ft
1
20 Limestone;white,chalky,friable,limeMudstoneWackestone;
2
pelletoidal,limePackstoneWackestone;
3
20 Limestone;white,chalky,friable,limeMudstoneWackestone
4
pelletoidal,limePackstoneWackestone
5
133 Dolomite;cream,coarse,porous,sucrosicdolomite,becomingdarkgrey,
pyriticandargillaceousatthebase;
6
27 Limestone; white, chalky, friable, partly dolomitized, lime Mudstone
Wackestone;
7
22 Dolomite;cream,coarse,porous,sucrosicdolomite;
8
88 Limestone; white, chalky, friable, partly dolomitized, lime Mudstone
Wackestone;
9
40 Limestone;grey,hard,argillaceous,dolomitized;skeletal,pelletoidal,lime
WackestonePackstone;
10
20 Limestone;argillaceous,dolomitic,foraminiferal,limePackstone.
These detailed lithological units can be grouped together into the following three
majorunits:
Units1to4
?SalwaMember
Units5to7
JananMember
Units8to10
AfaunalassemblagecontainingSiderolitescalcitrapoides,Omphalocyclusmacroporus,
Orbitoides spp., Lepidorbitoides sp., with rare occurrences of Loftusia sp., would
indicateaMaastrichtianage.
TheSimsimaisoverlainbythePaleoceneUmmerRadhumaFormation.Thecontactis
takenatthejunctionofthewhite,chalky,limeMudstoneWackestoneoftheSimsima
with the dark grey, calcareous basal shale and overlying cream, hard, skeletal,
pelletoidal, lime PackstoneGrainstone of the Umm er Radhuma. This contact is
unconformable.
TheSimsimaisunderlainbytheHawasinaGroup.Thecontactistakenatthejunction
of the hard, grey argillaceous, dolomitic Packstones of the Simsima with the grey
green, dolomite cemented, glauconitic pyritic, quartzitic sandstones and cherty
limestonesoftheHawasinagroup.Thecontactisunconformable.
TheabovewellsectionoftheSimsimaFormationinSuneinah1isfairlytypicalofthe
formationwhichcanbeseenandstudiedatoutcropsalongthenorthwesternfoorhills
of the Oman Mountains. Considerable thicknesses of the Simsima Formation have
been observed, e.g. at Jebel Lahqin and Dhank area, north of Ibri, it is some 1,500
675
thick. The Simsima in this area unconformably overlies the Hawasina and is overlain
directlybythelimestonesoftheUmmerRadhumaFormation.Intheabsenceofthe
Shalemarkerthecontactisnotsoeasilydiscernible.
On the northeastern Batinah Coast edge of the Oman Mountains the Simsima
conformably overlies the Maastrichtian Qahlah Formation, and is unconformably
overlainbylimestonesofEoceneage.OnthesoutheastedgeoftheOmanMountains
intheSurareatheSimsimaFormationhasbeenlocallytermedbyP.D.(O)theAbad
and Gahwan Formations. In this area the limestones of the Simsima are
unconformably underlain by the Hawasina or conformably underlain by the Qahlah
Formations.IntheSurareatheSimsimaisoverlainbylimestonesofthePaleoceneand
thecontactisnotdistinctive.
Distribution:
A widespread formation which is present over most of the Arabian

Peninsula.However,itisabsentovermuchofthedesertareaofOman
duetoerosion.
Remarks:
The Simsima Formation is the most lithologically uniform and

geographicallywidespreadofalltheformationsoftheArumaGroup.The
Salwa member outside type area is commonly dolomitized and
sometimesincludesminoranhydriticoccurrences.
TheoccurrenceofshaleswithintheSalwaMemberandtheircontactwith
thebasalshaleoftheUmmerRadhumaFormationcausessomedifficulty
in the precise demarcation of the formational boundary. However, in
southeastOman,thisshalebreakisnotpresentandthecontactbetween
the Simsima and the overlying Paleocene carbonates appear to be
conformable. Indeed in the Sur area the only observable difference
between the Maastrichtian and Paleocene limestones is the faunal
content.
676

Cretaceous
(Maastrichtian)
Author
The Qahlah Formation was originally described, defined and named by J. Horstink as
theQahlahClasticFormationinP.D.(O)unpublishedreport,(1967).
Synonymy
QahlahFormation;
TheWatayiaConglomeratesofWetzelinaP.D.(O)unpublishedreport,(1949);
The Qahlah Clastic Formation and The Quryat Clastic Formation (in part) of
TypelocalityandSection(Ref.Enclosure11).
ThetypesectionoftheQahlahFormationwasselectedbyHorstingNorthofSurnear
QalhatinSouthEastOman.ThetypesectionofHorstinkhasbeenretained.
Location
SurfacesectionatQalhatNorthofSur,SouthEastOman.
Lat2243N,long.5920E.
Thickness
140metres(theoriginaldocumentdoesindeedmentionmetresinsteadoffeet)
Coarse polymict conglomerates with mainly Semail ophiolite and Hawasina chert
Lithology
components in an argillaceous, sandysilty matrix alternating with lithic sandstones,
shales and marls. The red and green sandstones are fine coarse, poorly sorted with
subangular, subrounded chert and metamorphic grains, poorly cemented, probably
duetoweathering.Interbeddedwiththeseconglomeratesisa1030m.thickbasaltic
lavasillwithlocallydevelopedpillowstructures.
Palaeontology
Inthetypesectionfossilshavebeenobtainedfromthebakedargillaceouslimestones
below the sill. Specimens of Loftusia sp. and some Lamellibranchs have been
determinedindicatingMaastrichtianageforthisformation.
Palynology
NopalynologicalworkhasbeenundertakenupontheQahlah Formation.
Age
UpperCretaceous(Maastrichtian)
Boundaries
Overlying In the type section the Qahlah Formation is apparently conformably overlain by
limestonesoftheSimsimaFormation.
Underlying In the type section and the majority of other localities the Qahlah Formation is
unconformablyunderlainbytheSemailOphiolitesortheHawasinaCherts.
TheQahlahFormation
677

Distribution
The Qahlah Formation can be seen at outcrop localities along the entire eastern,
coastaledgeoftheOmanMountainrangefromtheSurareainthesoutheasttothe
Soharareainthenorthwest.
FurthernorthofthetypelocalityofQalhat,nearQuryat,Horstink(1967)alsodescribed
aunitcomprisingredbrown,finetocoarsegrained,poorlysortedargillaceous,calcite
cemented, ferruginous lithic sandstones; polymict conglomerates comprising coarse,
poorly sorted pebbles and boulders of Mylas Dolomites and Hawasina Cherts in an
argillaceoussandymatrixwithintercalationsofmarly,argillaceouslimemudstonesand
sandstones. This unit overlies the Hawasina radiolarites or carbonates of a Lower
CretaceousageandisoverlainbylimestonesofaPaleoceneage.Horstinknamedthis
unittheQuryatFormation.Thisundatedclasticsequencecanbecorrelatedalongthe
northernSaihHatattoBandarJissa,southofMuscatandnorthtoMinaalFahalandup
to Fangia. The Quryat Formation in part at least is synonymous to the Qahlah
Formation.
The Watayia Conglomerates of ?Maastrichtian age from Wadi Adi (Aday), south of
Mina al Fahal have been described by Wetzel, (1949). This unit, comprising
conglomerates of Hawasina and Semail and soft sandy marls and limestones
unconformablyoverlyingtheHawasina,canbeincludedwithintheQahlahFormation.
At Wadi Humth near Wadi Hawasina, Wessels Boer, (1968) has described beds of
conglomerates comprising mainly of Hawasina pebbles with yellow marls and
intercalations of skeletal limeWackestones. These beds overlie the Hawasina and
underlielimestonesofMiddleEoceneageandarereferabletotheQahlahFormation.
At Al Quseir south of Sohar, the Qahlah Formation is particularly wellexposed in a

seriesofoutcropswhichunconformablyoverlietheHawasinaandsubsequentlygrade
into the Maastrichtian limestones of the Simsima Formation. At the base of the
sequence there are conglomerate beds of coarse, poorlysorted pebbles of Hawasina
and Semail intercalated within soft, yellowgreen marls. These conglomerate beds
become more thinly developed, finergrained and carbonatecemented in the upper
part of the section until they grade into the more massive limestone beds of the
MaastrichtianSimsimaFormation.
The abovementioned yellowgreen marls have yielded a planktonic foraminiferal

assemblage including Globotruncana contusa, Globotruncana stuarti, Globotruncana
conica, Globotruncana spp., Praeglobotruncana citae, Rugoglobigeri sp. Heterohelix
spp.andsmallerbenthonicForaminifera,whichisindicativeofaMaastrichtianage.
These beds can be traced northwards to Wadi Jizza, where a Maastrichtian age
determinationhasalsobeenobtainedfromtheintercalatedmarls.
Remarks
The rockstratigraphical units which have been discussed above, the Qahlah Clastic
Formation, the Quryat Clastic Formation, the Watayia Conglomerates were originally
described,definedandnamedbydifferentgeologistsatdifferentlocalities.However,
alltheseunitshavethefollowingfeaturesincommon.
TheyareunconformableupontheSemail/Hawasinaorolderformations.Theyareall
basically clastic units comprising the same lithology and depositional environment of
coastal, proximal fluviomarine conglomerates, coastal barrier sands, tidal flat or
lagoonal marls and shallow water limestones. They have a common stratigraphical
678
position and probable age of Maastrichtian and are overlain by the more massive,
shallowwaterlimestonesofMaastrichtianorPaleoceneage.Thustheseunitsarenow
consideredtoformasingleregionalmappableformationwhichhasbeentermedthe
QahlahFormation.
Thereislittledoubt,however,thatthisoccurrenceoftheabovetypeofconglomeratic
"boulderbed"isacommonandrepetitivephenomenathroughthelateCretaceousand
TertiarytimealongtheBatinahcoast.
679

Cretaceous
(LateCampaniantoEarlyMaastrichtian)
TheabovementioneddepositsdonotbelongtotheArumaGroup.However,nocompletedescriptionof
theArumaGroupinSouthEastarabiaispossiblewithoutsomereferencetotheHawasinaSemailGroups,
which constitute a large part of the Oman Mountains from Ras al Hadd in the south to the Musandam
Peninsulainthenorth.
The Hawasina Group is composed of lithoclastic limestones, turbiditic lime grainstones and radiolarian
cherts.Thesedepositsarebelievedtohavebeendepositedinageosynclinaltroughtothenortheastofthe
presentOmanMountainsduringMiddlePermiantoUpperCretaceous(Cenomanian)time.
TheSemailOphiolitesconsistofserpentinisedperidotiteswhichwereintrudedbygabbrosandhyperbyssal
igneousrocks.ThisintrusionisconsideredtohaveoccurredduringthetimeintervalofPermian(orolder)
to Upper Cretaceous (? Coniacian). The magma has penetrated those deposits and has been extruded,
formingpillowlavasontheoceanfloor.
InlateUpperCretaceous(CampaniantoearlyMaastrichtian)timetheHawasinadepositswhereemplaced,
together with the Semail Ophiolites, in a position overlying the Muti and Fiqa Formations of the Aruma
Group. Where these formations are absent due to tectonics, the HawasinaSemail then overlies the
CenomanianshallowwaterlimestonesoftheWasiaGroup.
TheHawasinaSemailGroups
680

Cretaceous
(?Turonian,ConiaciantoCampanian,?Maastrichtian)
The Muti Formation was originally described, defined and named by Haremboure &
TheMutiFormation
Author
Synonymy
ThefollowingrockstratigraphicalunitsareconsideredtobesynonymouswiththeMuti
Formation:
TheQumayraFormationandTheRaisFormationofHaremboure&Horstinkin
aP.D.(O)unpublishedreport,(1967);
TheRiyamahChertFormationofBoef&MoodyStuartinaK.S.E.P.L.unpublished
report,(1968);
TheLakshaifaBedsofHudsonetal.(1953);
TheFukhairibedsofHudsonetal.(1953).
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.Enclosure12).
ThetypesectionoftheMutiFormationwasestablishedbyHaremboure&Horstinkina
surface section at the eponymous type locality of Wadi Muti, north of Izki. The
originally defined Muti Formation was included within the Hawasina Group. The
uppermostpartofthisformerMutiFormationisnowconsideredasadistinctiveunit,
theGuwayzaSandstoneandonlythispartoftheMutiFormationisnowincludedwith
theoverlyingHawasinaGroup.
Thus the Muti Formation is now redefined at the type locality as those deposits
overlyingtheWasiaGroupandunderlyingtheHawasinaGroup.
Location
Surface section at Wadi Muti, south east flank of Jebel Akhdar, 2 kms west of Muti
villageintheSemailGapnorthofIzki;lat.23N;long.5746E.
Thickness
+/1,050
Lithology
Thefollowinglithologicalunitscanbedeterminedfromtoptobottom;
#
Ft
1
740 Indurated marls and varying calcareous shales generally with content of
finequartzsiltandmostlysomewhatsilicified,withoneortwolensesof
limestoneconglomerates
2
310 Limestone conglomerates and coarse lithoclastic packgrainstones, the
matrix generally consisting of argillaceous limemudstone with some
argillaceousmudstoneandmarlinterbedding.
TotalThickness:1,050feet
Palaeontology
TheonlyindigenousfossilsfoundinthetypesectionareundiagnosticRadiolariainthe
marlsandshales.Thelimestoneconglomeratesyieldreworkedfossilsoftwodistinct
suites:
1
Cretaceous (Albian to Cenomanian), se.g. Praealveolina spp. Orbitolina
spp. in limestones often with rudist debris and apparently derived from
thelimestonesoftheunderlyingWasiaGroup.
2
Permian,e.g.anabundantandvariedPermianfossilassemblageofcorals,
algae, brachiopods, bryozoans, fusulinid foraminifers, etc. in
recrystallized,hard,whitelimestonesofamarkedlydifferentlithological
aspectthantheabovementionedWasiapebbles.
681
Palynology
Age
NopalynologicalworkhasbeenundertakenupontheMutiFormation
An age determination from samples collected at the type locality has not been
possible.However,anagehasbeendeterminedatotherlocalities.
Boundaries
The stratigraphical limits of the Muti Formation in the type section have been
demarcateduponthefollowingcriteria.
Overlying InthetypesectionandinthemajorityofotherlocalitiestheMutiFormationisoverlain
bytheGuwayzaFormationoftheHawasinaGroup.Theexactlocationofthecontactin
surfacesectionsisdifficultbecauseofthesoftweatheringnatureofthebasalGuwayza
and argillaceous Muti. However the contact is believed to be a major thrust as the
Guwayza Formation is of Jurassic age. The basal unit of the Guwayza Formation, a
calcareous quartz sandstone was formerly included in the original definition of the
MutiFormation.
Underlying In the type section and in the majority of other localities the Muti Formation is
underlainbylimestonesoftheWasiaGroup.Thecontactisnotseentobeangularbut
isinfactadisconformitywithanhiatuswhichcanbeseentocutdownstratigraphically
insuchawaythattheMutiFormationeventuallyrestsonPermoTriassicdolomitesin
thenorthernSaihalMaleh,southofMuscat.
TheMutiFormationoutcropswithintheOmanMountainrangefromtheDibbaareato
Distribution
theareawestofSur.ItisfoundinthesubsurfaceinHamratDuru1,Suneinah1and
probablyinAfar1andtheJuweizawells.
Outside the type section the basic lithological characterof theMuti Formation is the
indurated marlshale type as seen in unit 1 of the type section. The limestone
conglomeratesarelaterallydiscontinuousandmayconstitutefromverylittletoalmost
alloftheintervalsassignedtotheMuti.Theconglomeratesmayoccurthroughoutthe
unitandnotnecessarilyonlyatthebaseasinthetypesection.Theseconglomerates
havebeennamedinformallyastheHamraconglomeratesinP.D.(O)internalreports.
The basic lithology may range from a pure shale analogous to that in the Fiqa
FormationtoaveryfineargillaceousquartzsiltasseeninHamratDuru1
Other surface sections also contain similar reworked fossils as found in the type
section. However, samples of the marlshale facies have yielded Upper Cretaceous
planktonic Foraminifera. Isolated forms such as Globotruncana carinata,
Globotruncana fornicata and Globotruncana elevata have proven a Santonian and
CampanianagetotheMutiFormation.ThinsectiondeterminationsofGlobotruncana
schneegansi,Globotruncanasigali,GlobotruncanarenziandGlobotruncanaimbricata
wouldfurtherindicateaConiacianage,althoughalateTuronianagecannotbeentirely
eliminated.
Thus the age of the Muti Formation has been determined as Upper Cretaceous,
Coniacian to Campanian.However,a late Turonianageat the base cannot as yetbe
excluded. Further, if the deposits in the Juweiza1 well are included within the Muti
Formation then the upper age limit must be extended into the Maastrichtian on the
recordedplanktonicForaminifera.
The Muti may be overlain tectonically by other units of the Hawasina Group. The
682
Remarks
Muti can also overlie formations from within the Wasia Group down to the Permo
Triassicandthe material comprisingtheconglomeratesvaries accordingly. However,
theonlycommonmaterialinallsectionsisthewhiterecrystallizedPermianlimestone.
AshaleandconglomerateunitverysimilartotheMutiisfoundintheoverthrustslices
comprising the Hawasina Group. This unit rests on a basinal turbiditic unit of
Cenomanianage,theNayidFormation,butithasnotasyetyieldedproofofanUpper
Cretaceous age. It is reasonable, however, to regardthis unit as theMuti Formation
deposited in the basin in which the Hawasina sediments were laid down and
subsequentlythrustwiththem.
TheMutiFormationembracesthefinalandinpartsynorogenicdepositsoftheOman
MountainorogenicbeltwhichreacheditsculminationinthelateCretaceous.
Themajorityoftheexposedsections,includingthetypesection,showthattheMutiis
essentiallyafaciesdepositedonthetectonicallyactivesideofadeepintracontinental
lateCretaceousbasinactingasaforedeeptothelineoforogenyanduplift.Distally
fromthe axis ofthe orogeny,i.e.towards theRub alKhali,thecontentof the debris
dumpedfromtherisingorogeniclinedecreasesandtheMutipasseslaterallyintothe
basinalFiqaFormation.
In the northern Oman Mountains, near Jebel Ghashnah, the Qumayrah Formation is
thoughttobeamoresiliceouslateralequivalentoftheMutiFormation.IntheDibba
areatheRiyamahChertisconsideredtocontinuethistrendofincreasingcertification.
BoththeQumayrah and Riyamah Formationscontain rolled andbroken fragmentsof
Orbitolina,placingamaximum limitontheirages, butthreisnodirectproofoftheir
ageequivalencetotheMutiFormation.
IntheHagilwindowoftheRuusalJibal,Hudsonetal.(1953)describedtwoformations,
the Fukhairi Beds and the Lakshaifa Beds. The Fukhairi Beds, marls with
conglomerates,yieldedafaunaofSenonian,probablyCampanian,age.TheLakshaifa
Bedsaresimilarinfacies,butHudsonetal.(1953)consideredthattheywereAptian
AlbianinageowingtothepresenceofOrbitolina.However,itisnowthoughtthatthe
Orbitolinas are all derived in conglomerates containing Upper Cretaceous pelagics in
the matrix, and that the Fukhairi and Lakshaifa Beds are part of the same sequence.
OnthebasisoflithologicalsimilaritythenamesFukhairiandLakshaifaareabandoned
andthesequenceassignedtotheMutiFormation.
The Riyamah Formation and outcrops of a Muti facies on the north east of the Jebel
Akhdarmassifareinvolvedinthelowanglethrustsheetswhichemplacethetectonic
units of the Hawasina Group. An Upper Cretaceous age is not proven but field
relationships would suggest that these deposits may represent the Muti Formation
depositedinthetroughinwhichtheHawasinabasinalsedimentswerealsodeposited
and later thrusted with the Hawasina. Some lavas may be associated and also the
chertifiedmudstonesmixedwithpillowlavasattheeasternendofWadijizzicontaina
?TuroniantoConiacianplanktonicforaminiferalassemblage,i.e.withinthetimespan
oftheMutideposition.IgneousfragmentsarealsofoundintheMutiFormationofthe
HagilWindow.
In the outcrop belt of the Oman Mountains, deposition of the Muti ceased with the
overthrusting of the various units of the Hawasina Group. This paroxysm may be
dated as between the youngest Muti observed (within the Campanian) and the
683

depositionoftheMaastrichtianshallowwaterlimestonesoftheSimsimaFormationor
theshallowwaterconglomeratesandshalesoftheQahlahFormationwhichoverliethe
entirecomplex.TowardsthesouthandwestbeyondthelimitoftheHawasinaover
thrusts,thesedimentationoftheMutiappearstohavebeenmorecontinuousthrough
totheMaastrichtianshallowing.
684

Cretaceous
(?Coniacian/SantoniantoCampanian)
Author
The Fiqa Formation was first described, defined and named by Standring in an
unpublishedgeologicalliaisonnote(1967).
Synonymy
FiqaFormation
TheShargiFormationofHughesClarkeinaS.C.Q.unpublishedreport,(1963)and
Dominguez,(1965);
TheArumaMarlofCobb&PadiyathinanA.D.M.A.unpublishedreport(1963);
TheUpperShaleofFieldinaA.D.P.C.unpublishedreport,(1963);
TheArumaShaleFormationofMarieinaP.D.(O)unpublishedreport,(1966).
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.ColumnarSectionFig.8b)
Theformationtakesitsnamefromaplacesome9kmsnorthofthetypelocality
Location
A.D.P.C. well Murban (Mb)44; lat. 231022N, long. 572035E; R.T.K.B. elevation
438est.Theformationisbetweenthedrilleddepthsof5,422and6,571.
Thickness
1,149(drilledthickness).
Lithology
#
Ft
1
128 Marl and Limestone; light grey, very chalky marl grading into a white,
chalk with locally slightly silty, rare shale partings. Interbeds of chalky,
foraminiferal,limeWackestones,containingfineskeletaldebris.
2
137 Shale and limestones; dark greygreen, calcareous shale and light grey,
chalky marl grading into a white chalk. Thin interbeds of buff detrital,
chalky, foraminiferal lime Wackestone containing shell debris and light
greyargillaceouslimestones.
3
161 Limestone; light buff slightly argillaceous chalky lime Wackestone,
particlesconsistingofsmallerForaminiferaandshellandechinoiddebris.
4
60 Shaleandmarl;darkgrey,slightlycalcareousshalewithgreychalkymarl.
5
116 Limestone and shale; pale buff, chalky to locally argillaceous limestone
interbeddedwithdarkgrey,sometimescalcareousshale,whichtendsto
predominateinthelowest40.
6
178 Limestone and shale; pale grey to buff, slightly chalky foraminiferal
Wackestone, particles consisting of shell debris, interbeds of greygreen
shale.
7
100 Shale and Limestone; dark greygreen shale grading into grey marl with
thininterbeddedlightgreybuff,finelimeWackestone.
8
233 Shale;darkgreygreenshale.
9
36 Limestone;lightgrey,argillaceous,locallypyriticlimestone.
Totalthickness1,149feet
TheFiqaasheredefinedindicatestwodistinctmembers:
1. The arada Member (Units 1 to 7 of the type section) occurs over most of Abu
Dhabi.TheAradaMembertakesitsnamefromalocalitysome33kmsS.S.E.ofthe
wellMurban44.
TheFIQAFormation
685

2. TheShargiMember(Units8and9ofthetypesection)isnamedfromIddelShargi,
Qatar, where it is the only member of the Fiqa Formation present between the
SimsimaandHalulFormations.
Palaeontology
Inunit1
Monolepidorbisdouvillei,Rotaliaaff.trochidiformis,Aff.Archaecyclussp.
Inunit2
M.douvillei,R. aff.trochidiformis,Aff.Archaecyclussp.,Ataxophagmium
sp.
Inunit3
M. douvillei, R. aff. Trochidiformis, Rotalia sp., Aff. Archaecyclus sp.,
Bryozoaandechinoiddebris.
In units 4 M.douvillei,R.aff.trochidiformis
&5
Inunit6
M. douvillei, M. sanctae pelagiae, rare Globotruncana sp., crab debris,
echinoidspines,Bryozoa,rudistfragments,fishremains
Inunit7
M.sanctaepelagiae,Pseudodomia aff.Multistriata.
In units 8 Globotruncana gr, fornicata, Globotruncana arca arca, Globotruncana

&9
arca caribica, Globotruncana globigermoides, Globotruncana cf.
concavata, Globotruncana contusa, Rugoglobigerina beldingi,
Planoglobulina sp., Gumbelina spp., Ostracoda including Bairdoppilata
sp.,Cytherellasp.,Parachyprisglabransms.,Brachycytherewellingsims.
Palynology
NopalynologicalworkhasbeenundertakenontheFiqaFormationinthetypesection
of Murban44. However considerable palynological work has been done on the Fiqa
FormationinOman,whichisdiscussedunderthatarea.
Age
UpperCretaceous(Campanian)
In the type area the age of the Fiqa Formation appears to be restricted to the
Campanian.HoweverinthemorebasinalareassuchaspartsofOmantheformation
embracesmostoftheUpperCretaceousSenonian.
Boundaries
Overlying The Fiqa Formation is overlain disconformably by the Simsima Formation. The
boundaryistakenatthecontactoftheoverlyingbasicallypurelimeWackestoneand
PackstonesoftheSimsimaandtheunderlyingargillaceouscarbonates,marlsordark,
greengreyshalesoftheFiqaFormation.
Underlying The underlying contact is also considered to be disconformable and is taken at the
junctionoftheoverlyinggrey,argillaceouslimestoneofthebasalFiqaFormationwith
thepure,dense,chalkylimestoneoftheHalulFormation.
686

Reference
Sections
OnshoreQatar
OffshoreQatar
OffshoreAbu
Dhabi
The above type section is from the A.D.P.C. Murban Field, which is geographically
consideredasrepresentativeoftheonshoreAbuDhabiarea.Thefollowingreference
sectionsarealsoprovidedfromonshoreQatar,offshoreQatar,offshoreAbuDhabiand
Oman.
Q.P.C.wellDukhan51 [DK-0051];lat.245346N;long.505954E;Theformation
is probably between the drilled depths of 1,885 and +/ 2,120. There are no
Schlumbergerlogsavailablefromthiswell,(Ref.Enclosure5).
Remarks: TheFiqaFormationinthiswellcomprisesmainlypelagicmarlsandshales
of the Shargi Member, which is overlain by a thin neritic limestone
constitutingtheAradaMember.ThisFormation hasnotbeen observed
elsewhereintheQataronshorearea.
S.C.Q. well IddelShargi1; lat. 252332.9N, long. 522155.93E; The formation is

betweenthedrilleddepthsof3,042and3,310(Ref.Enclosure6A).
Remarks
The formation isentirelyrepresented bytheShargi Member inoffshore
Qatar.Itcomprisesbluegreytoolivegreenstickymarlsandverymarly
chalkylimemudstone.TheShargiMemberherehasyieldedanabundant
microfauna of Ostracoda and small Foraminifera, the latter including
approximately30% of planktonic facies. Themostimportantplanktonic
foraminiferaare:Globotruncanafornicata,G.aft.Concavata,G.repanda,
G.cf.ventricosa,G.elevatastuartiformis,G.renzi.
A.D.M.A well Umm Shaif 4; lat. 251200N, long. 531048E; The formation is
betweenthedrilleddepths3,695and4,069(Ref.Enclosure7).
This formation is poorly known throughout the A.D.M.A. concession because it is

usually drilled without returns. The best lithological and palaeontological section is
provided by US.1 where spot cores were taken at approximately 100' intervals. US.1,
however,hasnogammarayneutronlog,andsotheadjacentwellUS.4ischosenfor
A.D.M.A.type.AgoodcorrelationexistsbetweenUS.1and.US.4byelectriclogs
A.D.M.A.UmmShaifwell1,descriptionofcores:
Core
Feet
Feet
15
3543
To
3561
16
3610
To
3616
17
3715
To
3732
18
3835
To
3856
Core 15 shows limestone, buff, argillaceous, chalky grading into grey marls. Lower
cores are darker and more argillaceous. Recorded fossils show a dominance of
planktonicforaminifera,withsomesmallforaminiferaandechinoidfragments.Cores
15 to 17 contain Globotruncana elevata stuartiformis, G. linneiana bulloides, G.
tricarinata, Trinitella scotti, Rugoglobigerina, Heterohelix, Marssonella, Textularia,
rotalidsetc.ThisassemblageisoflateCampanianorearlyMaastrichtianage.Core18
containsGlobotruncanaackermanni,G.bollii,G.bolliiparva,G.fornicata,G.linneiana
bulloides, Heterohelix striata, Rugoglobigerina ordinaria, Trinitella beldingi subornata,
Anomalinoides, Bolivina, Lenticulina, Nodosaria, Biglobigerinella, Gavelinella,
687
Gaudryina,Cythereis,Cytherella,etc.ThisassemblageistypicaloftheFiqaFormation
andisassessedasofCampanianage.
TheFiqaofUmmShaifismorecalcareousthanthatinsomeotherpartsoftheA.d.M.A.
concession,whereitisdarkerandmoreshaley,e.g.atHairDalmah.Theupper,more
calcareous,bedsoftheFiqaofA.D.M.A.arepossiblyequivalenttotheAradaFormation
ofonshoreAbuDhabi.
ThebasalbedsoftheSimsimaFormationareverysimilartotheupperbedsoftheFiqa
Formation,andapparentlyoverliethemconformably.However,atightzoneatthetop
oftheFiqaservesasamarkerfortheboundaryandpossiblyindicatesadisconformity
withsubaerialexposure.
The tight relatively pure neritic limestone of the Halul Formation is overlain
disconformablybythemarlsorshalesoftheFiqa.
Oman P.D.(O)wellFahud(South)9;UTMzone40:E.450.672.0N.2.462.622.3.;Theformation
isbetweenthedrilleddepthsof60and4,424(Ref.Enclosure10).
Remarks
#
Ft
1
+260 Limestone; whitelight grey, soft, argillaceous, chalky,
pelletoidal,foraminiferallimeWackestone;
2
43 Marl;lightbrowngrey,softmarl;
3
4121 Shale; greygreen or browngrey, soft, fissile, pyritic,
calcareousshalewithmicaandcarbonaceousmaterial.
Totalthickness+4,424
1&2 AradaMember
3
Shargimember
The above described argillaceous limestonemarl and shale sequence is

fairly typical of the Fiqa Formation in Oman. However, there is
considerable variation in the development and relative thicknesses of
these units. In the south and west of Oman, the dominant lithology
would appear to be the argillaceous limestone of the Arada Member,
whereas coming into the central areas the limestones are more
argillaceous and thinly developed, becoming in the north and east of
OmanthepureshaleoftheShargimember.
The Fiqa Formation contains an abundant planktonic and benthonic

foraminiferal assemblages including, Globotruncana fornicata,
Globotruncana fornicata plummerae, Globotruncana lapparenti group,
Globotruncanastuartiformis,Globotruncanacarinata.Thedistributionof
these species together with the occurrences of the Globotruncana
calcaratarecordedfromtheuppermostFiqaFormationinanearbywell
wouldindicatetheageoftheFiqainOmantorangefromlateSantonian
tolateCampanian.
Palynological work undertaken in Fahud (South)9 and other wells in

Oman gives a Campanian age for this formation. The microplanktonic
688
Distribution
Remarks
species Pseudeceratiam ceratiodes and Gonyaulacysta orthoceras are

knowntohavetheirlast(top)occurrenceswithintheCampanianstage.
In the desert area of Oman the Fiqa Formation is unconformably

overlain by the Umm er Radhuma Formation and unconformably
underlainbylimestonesoftheWasiaGroup.
AwidespreadformationfoundinSouthernQatar,AbuDhabi,SaudiArabiaandOman.
The Arada Neritic Facies being somewhat more restricted than the Shargi Pelagic
Facies.TheAradaFaciesisfoundovermuchofonshoreAbuDhabiandSouthernQatar
andreachesaconsiderablethicknessinwestandcentralAbuDhabi.
TheShargiMemberoftheFiqaFormationrepresentsawidespread,deepwaterphase
withinamainlyshallowwaterUpperCretaceousdepositionalsequence.InOmanthis
membermaybeextremelythicklydevelopedinabasinal,planktonicpureshale.Itis
believed that the shallowerwater Halul and Laffan Formations are lateral time
equivalentunitsofthisshalemember.ThestronglydevelopedAradaMemberwithits
abundantbenthonic larger Foraminiferal assemblage has disappeared and only a few
Pseudodomia aff. multistriata and Monolepidorbis sp. have been found within the
ShargiMemberinassociationwithaplanktonicforaminiferalassemblage.
689

Cretaceous
(Campanian)
Author
The Ruilat Formation was described, defined and named by Sugden in a Q.P.C.
unpublishedreport,(1953)
Synonymy
None
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.ColumnarSection,Fig.4C)
Sugden had originally chosen the interval 1,705 to 2,002 in the Q.P.C. well Dukhan
(Dk)25[DK0025],asrepresentingthetypesectionoftheRuilatFormation.However,
nogammarayorneutronlogsareavailablefromthiswell.ThusthewellDukhan(Dk)
55[DK0055]whichhastheselogshasreplacedDukhan(Dk)25[DK0025],asthetype
section. The formation takes its name from a locality in the middle of the Qatar
Peninsula. The Ruilat Formation is now redefined to include only the upper part of
SugdensoriginalRuilatFormation.
Location
Q.P.C.wellDukhan(Dk)55[DK0055]; lat.25240N.,long.504546E;Theformation
isbetweenthedrilleddepthsof1,644and1,870.
Thickness
226(drilledthickness)
Lithology
#
Ft
1
216 Limestone;lightgrey,compact,bioclasticlimeMudstonetoWackestone,
particles consisting of fine elongate spicules, some inderterminate
calcareous silt with chert nodules in the upper part of the unit. Fine
recrystallizationobscuringrare,small?planktonicForaminifera.
2
10 Limestone as above; with common rounded phosphatic nodules and
glauconitegrains.
Totalthickness226
Palaeontology
Some small indeterminate Foraminifera including questionable specimens of
Gumbelinaspp.havebeenobtainedfromunit1.
NopalynologicalworkupontheRuilatFormationhasbeenundertaken
Palynology
Age
TheageoftheRuilatFormation cannotbedeterminedonacontainedfaunabutitis
assumed to be of a Campanian from its stratigraphical position between dated
MaastrichtianSimsimaandtheHalulFormationofaSantoniantoearlyCampanianage.
TheRUILATFormation
690

Boundaries
Overlying The overlying contact with the Simsima Formation shows no apparent unconformity.
ThecontactistakenatthejunctionofthefossiliferouslimePackstonesoftheSimsima
Formationwiththefine,grey,spiculargreyMudstonesoftheRuilatFormation.
Underlying The contact is taken at the junction of the light grey specular lime Mudstones and
glauconiteWackestonesoftheDaasahMemberoftheHalulFormation.
ThiscontactisunconformableandrepresentsamajorhiatuswithintheArumaGroup.
Distribution
TheRuilatFormationasawholeisconfinedtotheQatarPeninsula.Itisknownfrom
mostofthewellsontheDukhanstructureandinotherQ.P.C.explorationwells.
TheRuilatFormationisasarockstratigraphicalunitpeculiartotheQatarPeninsula.It
Remarks
canbedirectlycorrelatedwithatleastpartoftheFiqaFormation.Ifthiscorrelationis
accepted, then units 1 and 2 of the Ruilat Formation must be partly or wholly the
equivalentofthelateCampanianneriticandplanktonicunitsinDK51[DK0051](i.e.,
theFiqaFormation).
691

Cretaceous
(SantonianCampanian)
Author
The Halul Formation was described, defined and named by M.W. Hughes Clarke in a
Synonymy
HalulFormation:
The lower limestone of Cobb & Padiyath in an A.D.M.A. unpublished report

(1963);
TheMiddleChalkofFieldinanA.D.P.C.unpublishedreport(1962).
TheRuilatFormation(inpart)ofSugdeninaQ.P.C.unpublishedreport(1953).
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.ColumnarsectionFig.6B)
HughesClarkeoriginallychoseinterval3,310to3,468intheS.C.Q.wellIddelShargi1
asrepresentingthetypesectionofthisformation.Thisinterval,extendingdownwards
to 3,545, has been retained as the type section. The Formation takes its name from
theislandofHalulofftheeastcoastofQatar
Location
S.C.Q. well IddelShargi1; lat. 252332.9N, long. 522155.93E; The formation is
betweenthedrilleddepthsof3,310and3,545.
Thickness
Lithology
#
Ft
1
90 Limestone; light grey, chalky bioclastic lime Packstone, particles,
2
68 Limestone; light grey, chalky bioclastic lime Wackestones, particles
rhombs.
3
27 Marl; greygreen, soft with some shale, bluegrey and some limestones,
lightgreylightbrown,chalky,partlyrecrystallized.
4
50 Chalk; light grey, soft, frangible, occasionally slightly marly with
limestones, light grey and light brown, chalky, partly recrystallized, shell
fragmentsinplaces.
Totalthickness235
The Halul Formation can be subdivided into two distinct members which have an
importantcorrelativevalueinQatar.Units1and2fromtheuppermemberandunits3
and4thelowerorDaasahMember.Thelowermemberisnamedafterthevillageof
DaasahsouthofDukhan55[DK0055]inQatar.
Palaeontology
ThedetailsofthefaunalassemblagesandtheirdistributionareshownonEnclosure6B.
The occurrence of Pseudodomia complanata, Pseudodomia globularis and Dicyclina
schlumbergeriisindicativeofanearlyCampaniantolateSantonianage.
Palynology
TheHALULFormation
692
Age
Boundaries
Overlying
UpperCretaceous(SantonianCampanian)
Thelightgrey,chalkyPackstonesoftheHalulFormationareoverlainbya+/10bedof
lightbrown,verycalcareous,shalegradingupwardsintothetypicalgrey,blue,green,
Underlying The light grey, chalky Wackestones of the Halul Formation are underlain by the olive
greenmarlsandshalesoftheLaffanFormation.
ReferenceSection
The above type section is from the S.C.Q. IddelShargi Field, which is geographically
consideredasoffshoreQatar.Thefollowingreferencesectionsarealsoprovidedfrom
onshoreQatar,offshoreAbuDhabiandonshoreAbuDhabi.
OnshoreQatar Q.P.C. well Dukhan55 [DK-0055]; lat.25240N, long.50456E; The formation is

betweenthedrilleddepthsof1,870to1,916,(Ref.Enclosure4A).
Remarks
The Halul Formation is represented in onshore Qatar by the Daasah
Member only and a typical reference section as present in DK55 [DK
0055]showsthefollowinglithologicalunits:
# Feet
1
32 Limestone;lightgrey,fine,compact,partlysilicified,lime
MudstonetoWackestone,glauconiticintheupperpart.
2
14
Limestone;greyargillaceous,limeMudstone.
OffshoreAbu A.D.M.A.wellUmmShaif4;lat.251200N,long.531048E;betweendrilleddepths
Dhabi 4,069to4,355(RefEnclosure7).
ThisformationispoorlyknownthroughtheA.D.M.A.concessionbecauseitisnormally
drilledwithoutreturns.Thebestlithologicalandpalaeontologicalsectionisprovidedby
U.S.1, where spot cores were taken at approximately 100' intervals. U.S.1, however,
hasnogammarayneutronlog,andsotheadjacentwellU.S.4ischosenforA.D.M.A.
type.AgoodcorrelationexistsbetweenU.S.1andU.S.4byelectriclogs.
UpperMember
A.D.M.A.wellUmmShaif1,core19,3,965to3,966[only1foot?]
Limestone, pure neritic, with Pseudodomia complanata, Valvulammina picardi,

Archaecyclusmidorientalis,smallforaminifera,echinoidandmolluscanfragments.The
age is judged as Santonian because this is the youngest date at which V. picardi has
been previously recorded while P. complanata has not been recorded from older
horizons.
DaasahMember
A.D.M.A.wellUmmShaif1,core20,3,965to3,966[only1foot?]
core21(part)4,206(caved)
693
Marl, calcareous, grey and white mottled, rubbly. Recorded fossils include:
Globotruncana marginata, Hedbergella, Bolivina, rotalids, echinoid and molluscan
fragments. This assemblage ranges from late Turonian to Santonian in age. The
DaasahMemberisconsideredtobeofSantonianage.
The dark grey marls and shales of the Fiqa Formation overlie the Halul limestone
disconformably. The Da'asah marls overlie the Laffan Shale apparently conformably.
Determination of the contact is sometimes disputed and it is likely that part of the
Da'asahhassometimesbeendeterminedasLaffan,givingrisetoreportsoflimestone
andmarlbreaksintheLaffan.
In A.D.M.A., the conventional marker for the DaasahLaffan contact is probably in a

thinbeddedshaleandlimestonesequence.Forlackofcoreevidence,itisnotcertain
whether this would be considered to be Da'asah or Laffan on lithological characters
andfaunalcontent.
OnshoreAbu A.D.P.C. well Murban44 (Ref. Enclosure 8A) the Halul Formation forms a thin but
Dhabi characteristicbedofsome+10betweentheFiqaandtheLaffanFormations.However
inthewellMurba1;lat.235643N;long.534156E;theformationisbetweenthe
drilleddepthsof6,175and6,396.
Remarks
IntheabovewelltheHalulFormationcomprisesof221ofwhitetogrey
nodular limestones, which are predominantly bioclastic, lime
Wackestones. The particles consist of larger and smaller Foraminifera
with lamellibranch, echinoid and algal fragments. These limestones
commonlyformpalerlensesornodulesseparatedbydarkergreywisps
and lenses of soft, argillaceous limestones which often approach the
constituencyofamarl.TheDaasahmemberhasnotbeenrecognizedin
thewellMurban1.
The faunal assemblage found in Murban1 contains Pseudedomia

complanata, Pseudedomia ?sp. and Dicyclina schlumbergeri,
Arenobulimina sp. Rotalia skourensis, ?Laffitteina sp. Pyrgo sp. large
miliolids and fragments of echinoids, Algae and lammellibranchs. The
aboveassemblagewouldindicateanearlyCampanianorolderagetothe
HalulFormation.
TheoverlyingcontactwiththeFiqaFormationisapparentlyconformable
butinfactitisprobablyawidespread,shortdurationunconformity.The
contact is taken at the junction of the greygreen, planktonic
foraminiferal shales of the Fiqa Formation with the highest, pale lime
WackestonesoftheHalulFormation.
The underlying contact with the Laffan Formation is apparently

conformable and istakenatthejunctionofthelowestlimestoneofthe
Halul Formation with the underlying bluegrey to brown shale of the
LaffanFormation.
OMAN
Deposits which can be determined as belonging to the Halul Formation

havenotbeenobservedinoutcroporsubcropinOman.Theabsenceof
the Halul Formation in Oman would be in accordance with the
distributivetrendoftheHalulFormationinAbuDhabi.
694
Distribution
Remarks
TheHalulFormationisofalimiteddevelopmentinonshoreQatarbutwelldeveloped
inoffshoreQatarandincentralnorthandpartsofeasternAbuDhabi.Theformation
thins rapidly, however, and practically disappears to the south and west. It is
apparentlynotpresentinOman.
Awidespreadandpersistentrockstratigraphicalunit,whichcanalsoberecognizedby
itscharacteristicforaminiferalassemblage.AsimilarfaciestothatoftheHalulmaybe
repeated at two younger horizons and care must be taken to ascertain the correct
speciesofPseudodomia.Ifthisisnotdone,itcouldbepossibletobecomeconfusedby
the similarity of the basal Simsima interval containing P. globularis or the Arada
MemberofP.aff.multistriata.BoththeseunitshaveasimilarecofaciesincludingD.
schlumbergeri,R.aff.skourensisandArchaecyclussp.
The Santonian age assigned by A.D.M.A. to the Halul Formation is by no means

incompatiblewiththeagegivenhereofearlyCampanianorolder.Thereislittledoubt
ofthecorrelationoftheHalulFormationwiththeArumaLowerLimestoneandMiddle
ChalkandtheirequivalenttopartoftheIlamFormationofIran
In south, central Abu Dhabi, including the well Murban44, a thin, white chalky
limestonewhichintervenesbetweentheFiqaandLaffanFormationshasbeenassigned
totheHalulFormation.Nogoodfaunalevidencewasavailableuntilsidewallsampling
revealedthatthisunitcontainedplanktonicfaunawhichcouldperhapsbeindicativeof
theDaasahMember.
695

Cretaceous
(ConiaciantoSantonian)
Author
The Laffan Formation was described, defined and named by Sugden in a Q.P.C.
unpublishedreport(1953).
Synonymy
LaffanFormation:
TheMiddleShaleofFieldinanA.D.P.C.unpublishedreport,(1962)
TypeLocalityandSection(Ref.ColumnarSection,Fig.4D)
Sugdenhaschosentheinterval2,002to2,072intheQ.P.C.wellDukhan(Dk)25[DK
0025]asrepresentingthetypesectionoftheLaffanFormation.However,nogamma
rayorneutronlogsareavailablefromthiswell.ThusthewellDk55[DK0055]hasnow
beenselectedascontainingthetypesection.TheformationtakesitsnamefromRas
LaffanonthenortheastcoastofQatar.
Location
Q.P.C.wellDukhan(Dk)55[DK0055];lat25240N,long.504546E;Theformation
isbetweenthedrilleddepthsof1,916and2,011.
Thickness
Lithology
Shale:Olivegreenshales.
Palaeontology
The Laffan Formation contains a typical Ostracod assemblage which has not been
published. Sayyab, (1956) in an unpublished thesis deposited in the British Museum
has described the following Ostracod fauna from Dk55 [DK0055] ; Brachycythere
wellingsi ms., Cytherella bilobata ms., Eobuntonia? curta ms., Eubontonia seminuda
ms.,Cythereis?Dukhanensisms.,Brachycytherehasaensisms.,Mesocycthereishensoni,
Xesteloberispunctatams.,Paracyprisglobrans.
Palynology
No palynological work has been undertaken upon sample material from the type
section, DK55 [DK0055]. However samples from the Laffan Formation in the S.C.Q.
well IddelShargi1 (offshore Qatar) and the A.D.P.C. well Murban44 in Abu Dhabi
have been examined. The results from these investigations would indicate an early
SenonianorConiaciantoSantonianagefortheLaffanFormation.
EarlySenonian,ConiaciantoSantonian
Age
Boundaries
Overlying The olive green shales of Laffan Formation are overlain by the argillaceous lime
MudstonesoftheDaasahMemberoftheHalulFormation.Thiscontactappearstobe
a sharp change from shale to shale and limestone but no direct evidence of an
unconformitycanbeobserved.
Underlying At the unconformable contact between the Laffan shales and the chalky fossiliferous
limestones of the underlying Mishrif Formation. The cut out of beds of the Mishrif
FormationbeneaththeLaffancanbedemonstratedbytracingfaunalmarkersandby
simplethinningoftheformation.
TheLAFFANFormation
696

ReferenceSections
The above type section is from the Q.P.C. Dukhan Field, which is geographically
alsoprovidedfromoffshoreQatar,offshoreAbuDhabi,andonshoreAbuDhabi.
OffshoreQatar S.C.Q well IddelShargi1; lat. 252332.9N, long. 522155.93E; The formation is
betweenthedrilleddepthsof3,545and3,664(Ref.Enclosure6A).
Thelithologyconsistsofgreenshalesandmarls
Remarks
The microfauna contains abundant ostracods, with smaller benthonic

Foraminiferaincluding;Ammobaculitesspp.,Rotaliaspp.Anomalinaspp.
The microflora contains an abundant microplankton assemblage
including; Dinogymnium spp. Palaeohystrichophora infusorioides,
Pseudoceratium ceratioides, Odontochitina costata, and Hystrichodinium
pulchrum. The cooccurrence of H. pulchrum with the genus
Dinogymnium would indicate an early Senonian age, Coniacian to
Santonian
Offshore A.D.M.A. well Umm Shaif4 ; lat.251200N, long. 531048E; The formation is
AbuDhabi betweenthedrilleddepthsof4,355and4,444(Ref.Enclosure7)
Core4,4,390to4,410.Shale,browngreen.
The Laffan is of variable colour in offshore Abu Dhabi and is in part a pure white
kaolinite in some cases. Fossils recorded include Cythereis, Cytherella, Eucythere,
Platycythereis, Protobuntonia, Hemicytherideis, Osangularia, Rotalia algeriana,
Anomalinoides,Lenticulina.TheageisthesameasthetypeLaffan;probablyConiacian.
DarkgreymarlsoftheDa'asahMemberoftheHalulFormationoverlietheLaffanshale,
apparently conformably. The Laffan overlies the Wasia Group with marked angular
unconformity.InUmmShaif1,thecontactiswithaneriticlimestoneofTuronianage.
ReportsoflimestoneandmarlbandsintheLaffanmightbeduetomisinterpretationof
siltybedsortoinclusionofpartoftheDa'asahmarlsintheLaffan,butintertonguing
betweenDa'asahandLaffanissuggestedbytheG.R.N.logcharacters.TheLaffanhas
beendatedasTuronianinA.D.M.A.hithertobutitisbelievedtobethesameageasthe
Laffaninotherconcessionareasandtheconsensusofevidencefromallsourcesmakes
Coniacianageprobable.
697

Onshore Reference section: A.D.P.C.. well Murban No. 44, lat. 231622N, long. 532035
AbuDhabi E;Theformationisbetweenthedrilleddepthsof6,582and6,800(Ref.Enclosure8A).
Thickness:218(drilled)
LithologyandPalaeontology:Thelithologyoftheformationinthereferencesectionis
predominantlygreyandolivebrownshale.Itsfaunaiscomposedofostracodaandrare
arenaceous foraminifera. The microflora contains a restricted Senonian species
Dinogymniumcostatum,whichisindicativeofaConiaciantoCampanianage.
Theunitincludesthinsiltstoneorlimestonestreaksinitsupperpartinsomeareasof
AbuDhabi,whereitrangesinthicknessfromafewfeettoover500'.
Remarks
This shale unit exhibits the typical character of the Laffan Formation. In
lithologyandcolouritcloselymatchesthetypesection,whileitsostracod
fauna,althoughsparse,issimilartothatoftheQatarLaffan.
TheupperboundaryoftheLaffan,intheareaofthereferencesection,is
at the contact of grey shales of the upper Laffan formation, with an
overlyingthingreychalkylimestonewhichhasbeenassignedtotheHalul
Formation. It is possible, however, that this thin limestone is not true
Halul,butacarbonatedevelopmentmarkingamajorunconformitywhich
cutsoutthatformation,causingtheFiqaFormationtorestdirectlyupon
theLaffan.
NormallytheLaffanisoverlainconformablybytheHalulFormation.
At its lower limit in the reference section the formation rests without
apparentdiscordanceupontheCenomanianlimestone.Inotherpartsof
Abu Dhabi the Laffan may directly overlie the Mishrif Formation or the
basinal Oligostegina limestone. Regionally, the relationship is an
unconformableone.
Distribution
TheLaffanisawidespreadrockstratigraphicalunit,knownfrompartsof
Iraq,Bahrain,onshoreandoffshoreQatar,andoffshoreandonshoreAbu
Dhabi.ItisnotknownfromOman.
Remarks
TheLaffanisanimportantformationinregionalcorrelation.IntheQatar
AbuDhabiareaitisalmostinvariablypresent,inspiteofgreatfaciesand
thicknessvariationintheoverlyingformationsoftheArumaGroup.
This marine, ostracodbearing shale, which in the abovementioned area

demarcates the base of the Aruma Group, has been difficult to date
accurately, owing to the absence of agediagnostic fossils. The ostracod
assemblageisapparentlypeculiartotheLaffaninQatarandtothenorth,
butimportantelementsarerecoveredfrommorethanoneshalehorizon
in the Aruma Group of Abu Dhabi. Palynological examination, however,
gives a Senonian (Coniacian to Santonian) and indeed suggestive of a
Santonianage.OntheevidenceofthemicroflorasobtainedfromIddel
Shargi1,anolderTuronianageishighlyunlikely.
698

REFERENCESTOLITERATURE
ThemajorityofthereferencesinthisreporthavebeendrawnfromCompaniesprivatereports
Name
Boef(M.G.A),andMoodyStuart(M.M.)
Chatton(M.C.)
Clarke(R.F.A.),andHoogkamer(P.J.C)
Cobb(R.M.),andPadiyath()
Dominguez(J.R.)
Dunnington(H.V.),VanBellen(R.C.),Wetzel(R.)and
Morton(D.M.)
Date
1968
1962
1967
1963
1965
1959
Field,(H.A.)
Harembourg(J.)andHorstink(J.)
Horstink(J.)
Hudson(R.G.S.)
HughesClarke(M.W.)
Marie(J.P.P.)
Owen(R.M.S.)andNasr(S.N.)
1962
1967
1967
1953
1963
1966
1958
Powers(R.W.),Ramirez(L.F.),Redmond(C.D.),and
Elberg,Jr.(E.L.)
1966
Steineke(Max)andBramkamp(R.A)
1952
Steineke(Max),Bramkamp(R.A)andSander(N.J.)
1958
Sayyab(A.S.)
1956
Sugden(W)
Tschopp(R.H.)
1956
1968
WesselsBoer(H.R.)
Wetzel(R.)
1968
1949
Reference
UnpublishedCompanyReport
OffshoreFieldsofQatar
LexiqueStratigraphique
InternationalAsieVol.III,Fasc.
10a,IRAQ.CongresGeologique
InternationalCommissionde
Stratigraphie.
StratigraphyoftheKuwaitBasra
AreaAm.Assoc.Petroleum
GeologistsSymposium,pp.1252
1278.
GeologyofArabianPeninsula,
SedimentaryGeologyofSaudi
ArabiaGeol.Surv.Professional
Paper560D.
MesozoicrocksofEasternSaudi
Arabia(abs.).Am.Assoc.Petroleum
GeologistsBull.V,No.5,p.909
StratigraphicRelationsofArabian
JurassicOil,Am.Assoc.Petroleum
GeologistsSymposium,pp.1294
1328.
Unpublishedthesis[Cretaceous
OstracodafromthePersianGulf
Area;UniversityofIowa]
TheGeneralGeologyofOman
SeventhWorldPetroleumCongress
699
SituationMap.Scale1:2,500,000.Authors:C.A.Hopping&A.J.Standring(1969)
700
Tableshowingformer&proposedrockstratigraphicnomenclature.Authors:C.A.Hopping&A.J.Standring(1969)
701
AgerelationshipsofnamedArumaGrouprockunitsinSouthEastArabia.Authors:C.A.Hopping&A.J.Standring(1969)
702
ColumnarSectionoftheArumaGroupintheADMAWellUmmShaif4(ADMAReferenceSection).Scale
1:1000.AuthorsA.H.Smout,D.C.Kennedy(1969)
703
ColumnarSectionoftheArumaGroupintheADPCWellMurban44(ADPCReferenceSection).Scale
1:1000.Author:A.J.Standring(1969)
704
ColumnarTypeSectionoftheFiqaFormationintheADPCWellMurban44.Scale1:1000.Author:A.J.
Standring(1969)
705
ColumnarSectionoftheArumaGroupintheP.D.(O)WellSuneinah1(P.D.O.ReferenceSection).Scale
1:1000.Author:C.A.Hopping(1969)
706
ColumnarSectionoftheArumaGroupintheP.D.(O)WellFahud(South)9(P.D.O.ReferenceSection).
Scale1:1000.Author:C.A.Hopping(1969)
707
ColumnarTypeSectionoftheQahlahFormationatQahlat,NorthofSur,Oman.Scale1:1000.Author:C.A.
Hopping(1969)
708
ColumnarTypeSectionoftheMutiFormationatWadiMutiNorthofIzki,Oman.Scale1:1000.Author:
C.A.Hopping(1969)
709
StratigraphicCorrelation(AlAramahSS,Dukhan55,51,IDDElShargi1,UmmShaif4,Murban44,Suneinah1).Scale Vertical1:2500&Horizontal
1:500000.AuthorC.A.Hopping(1969)
710

ABU DHABI MARINE AREA LIMITED
Minutes of the eight Geological Liaison Meeting held in Abu Dhabi
10th 12th November, 1969
Delegates:
A.D.M.A.
A.D.P.C. & Q.P.C.
B.P.
P.D.(O)
S.C.Q.
1
P.J. Carter (Chairman)

E. Hart
A.J. Standring
D. C Kennedy
G.W. Verspyck
C.A Hopping
I.W.G. Hughes
Aimsofthemeeting
ThiswasthesecondmeetingfordiscussionofWasiaGroupstratigraphy,atwhichitwastoformulate
preciseformationdefinitions,incorporatingtheresultsoffurtherresearchintoproblemsremaining
fromthefirstmeetinginMay1969.
Commencingbusiness
The minutes of the previous meeting, distributed earlier to member companies, were read and
agreed.BPrepeatedtheirattitudetomakeeveryefforttoavoidproliferationofformationnames,
this being the only omission from the minutes. Other delegates were not prepared, however, to
furtherconsideradivisionofWasiaGroupintoonlytwoformationsanupperlimestoneandalower
terrigenousclasticunit.
Prior to commencing discussions, P.D.(O) handed out their Wasia Group reference section from
FahudNorth3;andA.D.M.A.distributedtheirsecondreferencesection,fromZakum.No.37.
Generalpolicy
No delegates have received any communication from principals in European main offices
acknowledging receipt of, or commenting on, the recently compiled Aruma Group report. PD.(O)
asked that this fact be minuted, and expressed their wish to receive some comment. A suggestion
that there was no point in the subcommittee proceeding further with stratigraphical studies until
somewordwasreceivedfromthe"European"committeewasrejected.
A.D.M.A.delegateaskedA.D.P.C.torecounttheoriginsandpoliticsoftheliaisonmeetings.TheBP
delegate commented that the original intention of free exchange of stratigraphic data had never
beencarriedout.
AllcompaniesexceptA.D.P.C.arenowemployingthenewArumaGroupnomenclature,regardlessof
absenceofcommentorinstructionsfromEuropeanmainoffices.A.D.M.A.opinedthatnonewsis
goodnews,andthatiftechnicalprincipalsinEuropeanofficeshadanyobjectionstoourusageof
thenewnomenclature,thenpresumablytheywouldsayno.Noobjectionswereforthcomingfrom
localManagements.
711
S.C.Q.proposedthatthereportsofthesubcommitteeshouldbepublished,oratleastdistributedto
all other companies operating in the Gulf area, perhaps resulting in the holding of regional
stratigraphic symposia. SCQ delegate is of the opinion that the reports are of little use solely for
internalcirculationamongtheliaisonmembercompanies.
BaseofWasiaGroup
Defined at the last meeting as the boundary between predominantly terrigenous clastics including
occasional thin limestones above, and the dominantly carbonate sequence of the underlying
ThamamaGroup.Inanoffshelfarea,wherethereissometimesanintervalofapproximatelyequal
limestone and shale, the boundary seems best chosen at the top of the highest limestone for
essentiallylithologicalreasons,viz.theargillaceousintervalsbelowthehighestlimestoneare,infact,
marlsandshalylimestonesmoreakintotheThamamathantoWasiasediments.Onthisevidence,
A.D.M.A.agreedtoreviseitspresentpickfortheboundaryupwards(thepresentpickistakenpurely
onlogevidence,atthelowestapparent"shale").Furthermore,forpracticalfieldpurposes,itiseasier
to pick the "first" limestone than the last marl or shaly limestone. No palaeontological nor
limestone lithofacies evidence to define the Wasia/Thamama boundary exists. BP delegate
expresseddoubtaboutexcludingthetransitionalintervalatZakumfromtheWasia,butrecordsno
supportingevidence.
In Oman, where the basal terrigenous clastic unit becomes an interbedded limestone/terrigenous
clasticunit,thesituationwithregardtochoosingtheboundaryissimilartothatintheAbuDhabioff
shelfareas,i.e.achangefromdominantclasticstodominantlimestone,togetherwithachangein
characteroftheargillaceousinterbeds.
In onshore Qatar, the base of the terrigenous clastic unit is taken below the lowest occurrence of
sandstone.
Basalterrigenousclasticunit
Theimpasse betweenADPCandothercompaniesonwhetherornottohaveathird nameforthis
formation where it is entirely in a shale or shale/limestone facies, was not resolved. P.D.(O)'s
objection to a third name is on the basis of the published definition of the Nahr Umr formation,
which,intheiropinion,canembraceanallshaleandshale/limestonefacies.
A.D.P.C.submittedatypesectionfortheproposedBirmaformationfromMurbanNo.3.A.D.P.C.will
providecopiesinagraphiclogformofthetypesectionoftheNahrUmrinIraq.Furtherstudyofthe
unitinashaleandshale/limestonefaciesinOmanandAbuDhabiwillbecarriedoutbyA.D.P.C.in
conjunctionwithP.D.(O),andA.D.P.C.willseekadvicefromtechnicalprincipalsinLondon,beforethe
nextmeeting.
AsuggestionfromSCQtorefertotheallshaleformationastheNahrUmrShalesorNahrUmrShale
Formation,didnotmeetgeneralacceptance.
Upperboundaryofthebasalclasticunit
ThiswasdefinedasthebaseoftheoverlyingOrbitolina/TrocholinalimestonesoftheMauddudshelf
carbonatesequence,ortheirlateralequivalent.
Theexactpickissometimesdifficult,duetothepresenceofthinlimestonesinthetopoftheclastic
unit.A.D.P.C.currentlytaketheboundaryatthehighestappearanceofshale.Thishighestshale,a
persistent feature over Abu Dhabi divides a clean limestone interval correIatable with f and g
units in Oman. In Oman this shale (green in colour) is clearly identifiable with the overlying shelf
carbonate sequence, not the underlying clastic unit (containing brown shales). A.D.P.C. agreed to
712
revise their boundary downwards to the base of the clean limestone unit correlatable with g in
Oman.TheboundaryisalreadytakenatthislevelbyA.D.M.A.
AlbianCenomanianShelfDeposits
ThefullestsequenceisconsideredtobeinOman,andP.D.(O)wereaskedtoprovidedescriptionand
definition.P.D.(O)showedseveralphotomicrographstoillustratetherocktypespresent.Thename
provisionally proposed for a continuous shelf carbonate sequence between the Aruma Group and
Wasiabasalterrigenousclasticunit,istheNatihformation.
In Oman, occasional thin shales in the shelf carbonate sequence are all a distinct green in colour,
changing abruptly to brown at the top of the basal clastic unit. Even when the latter contains
interbeddedlimestones,thereshouldbenodifficultyinidentifyingtheboundary.
InQatar,threesubdivisionsoftheshelfdepositswereacceptedandagreedatthelastmeeting.A
middle limestone/shale sequence (Ahmadi formation) separates two almost entirely limestone
formations (overlying Mishrif and underlying Mauddud). S.C.Q. provided a reference section from
IddelShargi No.1. The type Mishrif and Ahmadi are in Iraq and Kuwait respectively, and the type
MauddudoccursinQatar.
a Mauddud Q.P. C. produced thin sections of the type Mauddud from Dukhan. Examination
revealedveryclosesimilaritywith'f'and'g'unitsinOman.Thelatterlimestoneunitscanbe
traced by good logcorrelation into AbuDhabi,where they consistently appear on topof the
basal clastic unit throughout the offshelf area. (However, lithological examination of the
intervalinA.D.P.CwellsrevealsthattrueMauddudfaciesisnotalwaysdeveloped).Duetolack
ofevidenceinsouthernoffshoreQatar,itisnotcertainthatthef/gequivalentintervalinAbu
DhabiisincontinuitywiththeMauddudofonshoreQatar.The"missinglink"evidencemight
be found by correlating round the Qatar arch via northern offshore Qatar. SCQ agreed to
attemptthisinconjunctionwithA.D.P.G.Q.P.C.willalsoreexaminethesectionatMusaymir.

The Mauddud was defined in 1940, but has never been published, resulting in considerable
misapplicationandconfusion.Q.P.C.undertooktoredescribethetypeMauddudsection.

Theupperlimitoftheformationisdefinedasthebaseoftheoverlyingshalesandlimestones
oftheAhmadiformation,wherethelatterispresent.

It is not yet certain whether f' and 'g' limestones of Oman alone are equivalent to the
MauddudofQatar,orwhetherfand'g'andthelowerpartofe'areequivalent.Thisproblem
will receive attention from P.D.(O), A.D.P.C. and Q.P.C. Where the top of the Mauddud is
identifiableinacontinuousshelfcarbonatesequence,theformationcanbecomeamemberof
theproposedNatihformation.

ThebaseoftheMauddudisdefinedbythetopoftheunderlyingterrigenousclastics.

713
AhmadiThetopandbottomofthisshale/limestoneformationaredefinedbythebaseofthe
overlyingMishriflimestonesandthetopoftheunderlyingMauddudlimestones.Obviouslythe
limitsareautomaticallythehighestandlowestshales.
Difficulty in identifying the limits of the Ahmadi may arise in parts of offshore Qatar, where
only tongues of the formation are present in an otherwise continuous shelf carbonate
sequence(i.e.proposedNatihformation).Thiswasfelttobealocalproblem,ineffectjusta
small inconvenience affecting only SCQ, who could decide for themselves whether or not
sufficient shale was present in any given well to warrant recognising a MishrifAhmadi
Mauddudsuccession,orjustaNatihformation.
ThereferencesectionfromDukhanNo.28[DK0028]needsredescribingandthiswillbedone
byQ.P.C.whenthewelllogsbecomeavailable.
Mishrif shelf limestones underlying the basal Aruma unconformity and overlying the shales
and limestones of the Ahmadi formation. Where the base of the Mishrif is identifiable in a
continuouscarbonatesequence,theMishrifcanbecomeamemberoftheNatihformation.
The reference section from Dukhan No. 28 [DK0028] awaits redescription when the logs
becomeavailable.
DeeperWaterDeposits
ThefullestsequenceoccursonshoreAbuDhabi.Theexistenceofthreeformationswasacceptedand
agreedatthelastmeeting.A.D.P.C.offeredsomeformalnames(settlementsnearMurban),andthe
followingwereaccepted.(SubjecttointernalapprovalbyA.D.P.C.)
Currentinformal Proposedformal
LowerChalk Huwaifat
LowerShale Yahili
OligosteginalLimestone Shilaif
Athintongueofshallowshelfcarbonates(seeparagraphonMauddudformation)existsatthebase
of the deeper water deposits. This is not always in true Mauddud facies, and there is evidence to
suggest that what is in fact present is shelfderived material. For this reason it was agreed that a
Mauddud formation proper is not recognisable over most of the offshelf area (the thickness is a
maximum of some 50 feet), and that the shelf derived interval is best considered as the basal
depositsoftheShilaifformation.
Improveddescriptionsofthethreedeeperwaterformations,andtypesections,willbeprovidedby
A.D.P.C.fromMurbanwells.
Thebase oftheproposed Shilaif formation is fixedby the topoftheunderlying terrigenousclastic

unit.ThetopisdefinedatthebaseoftheshalesandargillaceouslimestonesoftheoverlyingYahili
formation.TheHuwaifatformationhasatitslimitstheoverlyingbasalArumaunconformityandthe
underlyingshalesandargillaceouslimestonesoftheYahili.
714

9
10
11
Preparationsfor,andaimsof,thenextmeeting
ItisplannedtoprepareadraftWasiaGroupreportbeforethenextmeeting,andagreeandissuethe
finaldraftofthereportatthemeeting.
A.J.Standring,A.D.P.C.,undertookresponsibilityforcompilingthedraft.Graphicsectionson1:1000
scale GRN logs are required from the member companies, together with 1:2500 scale reductions.
Sepiatransparenciesarepreferable.Awriteuponthevariousformationsisalsorequiredfromeach
company,basedonthelayoutasusedfortheArumareport.Sectionsarerequiredtoillustratethe
followingformationsintheareasindicated:
Q.P.C.
Mishrif
Referencesection.
Ahmadi
do
Mauddud
Typesection
NahrUmr
Referencesection
S.C.Q.
Mishrif
Typicalsection
Ahmadi
do
Mauddud
do
NahrUmr
do
Natih
do
A.D.M.A.
Natih
Typicalsection
NahrUmr
do
Yahili
do
Shilaif
do
A.D.P.C.
Natih
Typicalsection
Huwaifat
Typesection
Yahili
do
Shilaif
do
Birma
do
(orNahrUmr)Typicalsection)
P.D.(O)
Natih
Typesection
NahrUmr/Birma
Typicalsection
Locationanddateofnextmeeting
SubjecttotheirManagement'sapproval,Q.P.C.willhostthenextmeetinginDukhan.Aconvenient
dateforallmembercompanieswasagreedasearlyMay1970.
FutureMeetings
The next meeting but one (? late 1970) should commence Thamama Group studies. P.D.(O)
suggestedthismeeting isbestheldinOman, sothatoutcropsectionscouldbeexamined,andthis
wasagreedinprinciple.P.D.(O)'sproposalthatalltheLowerCretaceousandJurassicbedealtwith
together,asopposedtojusttheThamama,wasfirmlyrejectedbyA.D.M.AandA.D.P.C.
715

12
Closingofpresentmeeting
A.D.P.C. expressed gratitude and appreciation to A.D.M.A. for hosting the meeting, and P.D.(O)
requested that this be minuted. A.D.M.A. expressed their thanks to E. Hart for his impromptu
lectureontheCretaceousofIraq.
AbuDhabi,
18thNovember,1969
Distribution:
Q.P.C
S.C.Q.
P.D.(O)
3copieseach
A.D.P.C.
RegionalGeologist,MiddleEast,BPLondon2copies.
PetroleumGeologyResearchSection,BPSunbury2copies.
C.R.&G.M./F.M/H.R.,A.D.M.A.AbuDhabi 1copy.
Plg.Supt/A.G.A.D.M.A.AbuDhabi2copies
PJC:yv.
P.J.Carter
(Chairman)
716
Minutes of the ninth Geological Liaison Meeting

held in Dukhan, Qatar : 28th 29th March, 1971
Delegates:
P.D.(O)
A.D.M.A.
A.D.M.A. (BP)
A.D.P.C.
S.C.Q.
C.F.P.
Conoco
S.C.Q.
Q.P.C.
1
C.A Hopping
T.D. Adams
G.V. Wood
A.J. Standring
J.P. de Zoeten
R. Lacassagne
I.D. Maycock
A. Ford
F. Gosling (Chairman)
Aimsofthemeeting
The main aim of this meeting was to finalise the draft report on the stratigraphy of the Wasia
GroupinSouthEastArabia.
Priortothecommencementofthemeeting,PD(O)distributedareportwithplates;TheNatureand
distribution of the M. Cretaceous (AlbianTuronian) Deposits in the Sultanate of Oman. ADPC
distributedgraphiclogs(1:1000)oftypeandreferencesectionsinOnshoreAbuDhabiandcorrelation
diagrams. QPC circulated graphic logs (1:1000) of the Nahr Umr, Mauddud, Ahmadi and Mishrif
formation.
Commencingbusiness
OnbehalfofQPCtheChairmanwelcomedthedelegatestoDukhan.
NocommentsweremadeontheMinutesofthepreviousmeetinganddiscussionbeganimmediately
on thedraft report ofthe WasiaGroupprepared by A.J.Standring,dealing with each formation as
follows:
i
NahrUmr
Discussionsandcommentswerelargelyontheageassignedtothisformation.Inthetype
sectioninIraqanAlbianageisgiventothisformation,butevidencefromADMAgivesan
AlbiantoLowerCenomanianagebasedonammonitesandmolluscs.Itwasagreedthatin
thefinalreporttheagerangeoftheNahrUmrinareasoftheCompaniesconcernedshould
beshownasAlbiantoLowerCenomanian.
ItwasalsoagreedthatsomereferenceinthefinalreportshouldbemadetotheKhazdumi
formation, the lateral equivalent of the Nahr Umr in Iran particularly when discussing
lateralcorrelationintheOffshoreareas.
717
ii
iii
iv
Mauddud
The Albian age assigned to this formation in the draft report was discussed at length. It
wasarguedthatanAlbianagegiventothisformationintypesectioninDukhanWellNo.1
[DK-0001]andthesameformationinIraqwasinferredbystratigraphicpositionbutnot
proved by fauna within these sections. Furthermore, with the underlying Nahr Umr in
ADMAcontainingLowerCenomanianfaunaapostAlbianagemustapplyfortheMauddud
type limestones in some areas. In Iran, James & Wynd (AAPG, December 1965, Vol. 49)
have assigned an Upper AlbianCenomanian age to the Mauddud member of Sarvak
formation.ThegeneralconclusionwasthatthereportshouldrecordtheMauddudranging
inagefromAlbian(probablyUpper)toCenomanian.
InOnshoreQatar,partsofOffshoreQatarandeasternAbuDhabiatypicalMauddudshelf
faciesisdeveloped.However,inOmanatthebaseoftheNatih,thintonguesofMauddud
arerepresentedbythefandglimestones.InwesternandcentralAbuDhabi,partsof
Offshore Qatar, ADMA and Offshore Dubai, thin Orbitolina, Trocholina packstone
limestonesoccurimmediatelyabovetheNahrUmrandwithintheoligosteginallimestones
oftheShilaif.ThestatusorrankofthesethinMauddudtypelimestoneswasthesubjectof
muchdiscussion.ItwasfirstagreedthattheyshouldrankasaMauddudmemberwithin
the Shilaif formation. However, later in the meeting it was agreed they should be
recognizedasMauddudtongueswithintheShilaif,seeparagraph(v)below.Itwaspointed
outbySCQthatinnorthernOffshoreQatarthesethinMauddudtonguespassintotypical
Mauddudbuteastwardtheselimestonespinchout.
Ahmadi
WithintheoperatingareasoftheCompaniesconcernedthisformationisrecognisedonlyin
OnshoreQatarandpartsofOffshoreQatar.
TherewassomediscussionontheplacingofthecontactwiththeoverlyingMishrif.Butit
was recognised that some interfingering of these two formations does occur and the
pickingofthecontactisarbitraryandshouldbelefttotheCompanyconcerned.
Mishrif
The description of this formation and its distribution within the areas concerned as
presentedbyA.J.Standringwasaccepted.
The Mishrif is a clastic limestone of Cenomanian/Turonian age, rather thin on Onshore

Qatar but thickening considerably at the expense of the Ahmadi east of the Qatar
peninsula.InmuchofOnshoreandOffshoreAbuDhabiandOffshoreDubaiathickMishrif
overliesoligosteginalglobigerinallimestones.
Shilaif
Limestonegrey,bufforbrown,finegrained,Oligosteginal,argillaceous
Tuwayil
Shalegreytodarkgrey,withthinbedsoflimestoneOligosteginalandmarlwithpelecypod
casts.
718
vi
Ruwaydha
Limestonelightgrey,argillaceousandchalky,finetoveryfinegrained,lowerpartcontains
Oligostegina.
For the above three rock units the names Shilaif, Yahili and Huwaifat were formally
proposed at the previous meeting by ADPC but the latter two names, it has been
ascertained, have no geographical significance and have been replaced by Tuwayil and
Ruwaydharespectively.
ADPCproposedthattheabove rock units should eachrank as formations. However, the

majorityofthedelegatespresentfeltthatwhiletheunitsdescribedwerevalidtheydidnot
rankasformationsanditwassuggestedtheyshouldbeofmemberstatus.Thisproposal
wasfinallyaccepted,ADPCwhoagreedtofindanewformationnameincludingtheShilaif,
Tuwayil and Ruwaydha as members. One delegate proposed that Shilaif should be the
formationnameandanewnamefoundforthelowestmember.Earlierinthemeetingit
hadbeenagreedthataMauddudmemberwasrecognisableinsomeareasinthebasalpart
oftheShilaif.ItwasthenagreedthatthesethinOrbitolina/Trocholinapackstoneswhere
recognisedshouldnowrankasMauddudtongues.
Natih
ThedraftreportonthisformationaspresentedbyPD(O)wasacceptedwithoutsignificant
comments.ThisformationisnowrestrictedindistributiontotheOmanandpartsofsouth
westernAbuDhabi.
GeneralCommentsonWasiaStratigraphicalReport (Note:Itskipsfrompoint2to4intheoriginal)
A.J. Standring of ADPC agreed to undertake the job of editing the final report of the Wasia Group
incorporatingamendmentsandproposalsmadeatthismeeting.F.Goslingagreedtocheckthefinal
report before its circulation to participating Companies. There will be no further meetings on the
WasiaGroup.
Therearestillsomegraphicsectionsandlithologicaldescriptionsoutstandingtocompletethereport
and these should be forwardedtoA.J.Standring atADPCas soonaspossible. Details ofthese are
givenbelow:
QPC LithologicaldescriptionoftheMishrif,AhmadiandMauddudisstillrequired.
SCQ& Graphicsectionson1:1000.ScaleGR/Nlogsand1:2500scalereductionofallformations
ADMA arerequired.AlsoawriteupofeachformationsimilarinlayouttothatusedintheAruma
report.
Conoco LogsofformationsintheWasiacouldbeprovidedfromtheDPCareabyCONOCO,butthis
Companys rights and membership status still requires clarification by European Office
principals.
NextMeeting
At the suggestion of the PD(O) delegate it was agreed that the next meeting be held in the Oman
aboutthesecondweekinNovember1971.
TheaimofthenextmeetingwillbetocommencethestudiesoftheThamamaGroupstratigraphy.
Oman is particularly suitable for the next meeting as delegates will be able to visit the Thamama
outcropinWadiMiaidinandthusprovidinganexcellentreferencesectionforfuturestudiesofthis
rockgroup.
719
There were preliminary discussions on the Thamama Group at this stage of the meeting and the
significantpointsarenotedbelow:
i ItwasgenerallyagreedthatatthenextmeetingtheThamamawouldneedtoberedefinedifits
usewascontinued.

ii DelegatesgaveabriefsummaryoftheLowerCretaceous(Thamama)stratigraphyanditwas
obvious that the main rock units concerned are recognisable throughout the area and
correlationwouldpresentnogreatproblem.

iii Itwas proposedthatthetypesectionfortheThamamashouldbetheoutcropinOmanusing
localnamesfornewformationswherepossible.

iv AllCompaniesconcernedshouldprovideatthenextmeetinggraphiclogsGR/N1:1000scaleof
each Lower Cretaceous rock units in their area. Also to provide a single skeleton correlation
chart1/1000scale,usingGR/Nlogsifpossibleofallrockunits.IfpossiblelogsoftheRatawiand
ShuaibatypesectionsinsouthernIraqwouldbeobtainedthroughIPCLondon.
GeneralDiscussion
Itwasstronglyrecommendedbythemeetingthatthereportsofthesestratigraphicstudiesshouldbe
publishedandinajournalwithawidecirculation,preferablytheBulletinoftheAmericanAssociation
ofPetroleumGeologists.
ClosingoftheMeeting
AvoteofthankswasproposedtoQPCforhostingthemeetingandforthehospitalityreceivedbythe
delegateswhileinDukhan.
4thApril,1971
Dukhan
(F.Gosling)
CHAIRMAN
720
Geological Liaison meetings A.D.M.A., A.D.P.C., P.D.(O),

Q.P.C., and S.C.Q.
DRAFT
The Stratigraphy of the Wasia Group in

South-east Arabia
Edited by:
A.J. STANDRING
March 1971
721

Subdivision of the Cretaceous System:
In much of Arabia the Cretaceous succession can be divided into three major rock stratigraphic
units, whose limits are defined, at least in shelf provinces, by widespread regional unconformities of
varying magnitude. As a result of the natural tripartite subdivision and since the stratigraphic
breaks involved are approximately synchronous over the region, it has become customary to divide
the Cretaceous system into three time units, Upper, Middle and Lower Cretaceous. The
approximate time boundaries so recognised are as follows:
MIDDLE
EAST USAGE
INTERNATIONAL
USAGE
CRETACEOUS
UPPER
(LATE)
UPPER
MIDDLE
LOWER
(EARLY)
LOWER
STAGE NAMES
MAESTRICHTIAN
CAMPANIAN
SANTONIAN
CONIACIAN
TURONIAN
CENOMANIAN
ALBIAN
APTIAN
BARREMIAN
HAUTERIVIAN
VALANGINIAN
BERRIASIAN
CURRENT MAJOR
ROCK UNITS
ARUMA GROUP
WASIA GROUP
THAMAMA GROUP
It is agreed that for formal usage in time stratigraphy, two subdivisions of the Cretaceous System
should be recognised in accordance with international usage. An informal subdivision of the
Cretaceous into three time units will however, be maintained because of local convenience and long
usage. The Middle Cretaceous of such a subdivision will include the Albian, Cenomanian and
Turonian Stages
It is recognised that the fundamental time-stratigraphic unit is the Stage.
THE WASIA GROUP

Authors: R.M.S. Owen, and S.N. NASR, 1958.
The rocks units laid down in Arabia during the Middle Cretaceous have commonly been assigned to
the so-called Wasia Group. The name Wasia was first applied to an arenaceous clastic formation of
Cenomanian age which outcrops in Saudi Arabia. STEINEKE et. al. 1958. It is terminated, above,
by a major post - Cenomanian (?Turonian) unconformity, which almost universally marks the close
of Middle Cretaceous sedimentation, at least in shelf areas. The base of the Wasia Formation rests
unconformably upon the Biyadh Sandstone Formation. Until recently, there was believed to be a
considerable hiatus, involving at least the Albian stage, beneath the Wasia Formation at outcrop.
In Kuwait and south Iraq a post - or late Aptian unconformity of lesser duration can be shown to
separate the Lower Cretaceous from the succeeding Middle Cretaceous Formations. Here, a
considerable sequence of rocks of Albian age can be recognised, probably separated by a further
break in sedimentation from the succeeding Cenomanian Formations. Some of the latter are time
722

equivalents of the Wasia Formation. The upper limit of the Middle Cretaceous is a post
Cenomanian unconformity.
Owen and NASR, 1958, applied the name Wasia Group to all the rock units which lie between the
post-Aptian and the post-Cenomanian unconformities. Their publication formalised a usage already
established in many parts of Arabia. Use of the name Wasia Group has continued to the present day
in the sense of their description.
DUNNINGTON, 1967, has cast doubt on the validity of OWEN and NASRs application of the
name Wasia Group to formations of Albian to Cenomanian age. His argument is as follows:
The Wasia Formation at outcrop is Cenomanian, bounded above and below by unconformities. In
the Kuwait - Basrah area a number of formations of Cenomanian age are found to be separated by a
widespread unconformity from the underlying Albian rock units. Thus, he says, the logical lower
limits of a Group including the Wasia Formation is the "Profound unconformity" at the base of the
transgressive Cenomanian.
Further complication, mentioned by DUNNINGTON, was introduced by POWERS et. al., 1966,
who throws doubt on the age of the uppermost part of the Biyadh Formation at outcrop. It is now
possible that this sequence could be as young as Albian or even oldest Cenomanian. The top of the
Biyadh Formation is said to mark the top of the Thamama Group. Should the post-Aptian age of
part of the Biyadh be confirmed, that part must equate laterally with some of the Nahr Umr Mauddud cycle, which post-dates the post-Aptian unconformity. Thus, the upper part of the
Thamama Group of Saudi Arabia may be equivalent to the lower part of the Wasia Group of
OWEN and NASR, 1958. The clear-cut division into a Lower Cretaceous Thamama Group and a
Middle Cretaceous Wasia Group separated by a post Aptian unconformity could no longer be
upheld.
Liaison Group participants have decided that the name Wasia Group will be retained and used in the
general sense of OWEN and NASR, 1958. The possible Cenomanian age of the Upper Biyadh
Formation of the Saudi Arabian outcrop, suggested by POWERS et. al., 1966, p.76, could invalidate
the subsurface correlation upon which the definition of the Wasia Group is based. Supporting
evidence for this suggestion is, however, felt to be insufficient to justify rejection of the established
terminology. Should more convincing proof be produced, the name Wasia Group will be replaced
by a more suitable alternative.
At the commencement of discussions on the Wasia Group, the following formation names were
applied by participants.
723

Q.P.C(QatarOnshore)
Mishrif
Ahmadi
Mauddud
NahrUmr
S.C.Q.(QatarOffshore)
Mishrif
Khatiyah
Mauddud
NahrUmr
A.D.M.A.(AbuDhabiOffshore)
Mishrif
Khatiyah
Oligostegina Limestone
Mauddud
NahrUmr
A.D.P.C.(AbuDhabiOnshore)
DeepWater
LowerChalk
Lowershale
OligosteginaLimestone
WasiaShale
P.D.(O)(Oman)
WasiaLimestone
NahrUmr
Cenomanian
Albian
Shelf
Mishrif
Mauddud
WasiaShale
(aMember
(b
(c
(d
(e
(f
(g
724

Cretaceous
(Albian)
Author
R.M.S.OwenandS.M.Nasr,1958(firstdescribedbyD.Glyn.Jones,1938inunpublished
companyreport)
Synonymy
NahrUmrFormation,Dunningtonetal.,1959,"NahrUmr"Dominguez,1965."Wasia
Shale", Hajash, 1967. "Nahr Umr", Tschopp, 1967. "Wasia Shale and Nahr Umr",
Dunnington,1967."NahrUmr",FoxandBrown,1968.NahrUmr,AlNaqib,1967.
Typelocalityandsection
Location
B.P.C.wellNahrUmrNo.2betweendrilleddepths8688and9321feet
Lithology
Described by Owen and Nasr as "black shales interbedded with medium to fine grained
sands and sandstones with lignite, amber and pyrite. The sand shale ratio in the type
section has been estimated to be 40/60. In the Basrah oil fields a prominent limestone
memberexistsintheupperthirdoftheunit."
ThisdescriptionisrepeatedalmostverbatiminDunnington,(andothers)1959.
Thefactthatlimestoneisaninportantelementofthetypesectionisbroughtoutonlyby
ALNAQIB,1967.E.Harthasreexaminedtheoriginaldescriptionofthetypesectionand
shown that the ratio of constituent lithologies is: sand/shale/limestone = 37% / 45% /
18%.
ThelithologyissummarizedinFig.
Thickness
633feet
Palaeontology Orbitolinacf.discoideaGras.
Haplophragnoidessp.Cythereissp.,arerecordedintheoriginaldescription
Age
Albian
Underlying
Shuaiba Formation, contact conformable and gradational, at the base of the lowest
beddedshalesoftheNahrandatthetopofthelimestonewithshalestreakswhichmake
upthehighestdivisionoftheShuaibaFormation,(DUNNINGTON,1959).
Overlying
Mauddud Formation, contact conformable and gradational, placed at the base of the
limestoneoftheMauddudandatthetopofablackshalesection.(DUNNINGTON,1959.)
TheNahrUmrFormationisrecognisedfromSouthIraqinthenorthtoOmaninthesouth.
Distribution
The heterogeneous lithology of the type section makes possible the application of its
name to all grades of terrigenous clastic from predominantly sandstone to continuous
shale.Itsuseispermissibleevenwherealargeproportionoflimestoneoccurswithinthe
shale,asinOman.
NahrUmrFormation
725

Reference
Sections
Thefollowingreferencesectionsareconsideredtypicalofthevariousconcessionareas.
Onshore
Qatar
Offshore
Qatar
OffshoreAbuDhabi
ReferenceSection UmmShaifNo.1(enclosure)
Location Latitude251203.90N
Longitude531312.60E
Interval(b.r.t.) 5123to5464
Drilledthickness 341
TheNahrUmrFormationiscomposedofaseriesofvariegatedgrey,green,
and brown splintery shales, with rare sand lenses and glauconitic silts.
Occasionalthinooliticlimestonesdooccur.Bothupperandlowercontacts
areconformable,withadjacentformations.Thicknessesarevariableacross
the area and contemporary structural growth is reflected in local
sedimentation. Faunally, the following species have been recorded from
theinterval:Haploptrognoidessp.,Lituolasp.,Cytheseissp.,Cythesellasp.,
Macrocypsis sp., Protocytheis sp., Pycnodonta vesicularis , Isusus montelli,
Dukhan Well No. 26 [DK-0026], Depth 32983830 ft. (see enclosure No.
???).DescribedbySugden,1956(unpublishedreport)asfollows:
i
Upper section of sandstones, grey and greenish grey, rather
glauconitic, mostly rather marly,withnumerous thinbeds of blue
grey shale and marl. Comparatively rare thin beds of limestone
occur.
ii
Middle section of shale, bluegrey and brownish grey, with
frequent beds of marl, bluegrey, the marl beds often containing
sporbo;occasionalthinbedsofgreenishgrey,marly,glauconitic
sandstoneintheupperhalf.
iii
Lower section of sand and sandstone, grey, sometimes marly and
with numerous thin beds of marl and shale of various colours.
Frequent stringers and thin beds of lignite containing abundant
resin fragments. The more marly parts frequently contain light
brownphosphaticconcretiousorsporbo.
Overlying MauddudFormation,contactconformable.
Underlying ShuaibaFormation,contactunconformable
Age
MiddleCretaceous,thoughttobeAlbian
726
Cardito forgemoli, Orbitolina concava, Orbitolina discoidea, Spathicesas,

Nuculasoriannoi,Modiolusreversus.
Therefore,inagetheNahrUmrspansapossibletimeintervalfromAlbian
toLowerCenomanian.
OnshoreAbuDhabi
Locality A.D.P.C. Well Murban No. 47, lat 233524N., long.
532232E.,betweendrilleddepths7930and8487ft.
Thickness 557ft.
Lithology 1 Shale, grey to greybrown, interbedded with thin

streaksoflimestone.28ft.
2 Shale, redbrown to green to greybrown, variegated,

with a few thin limestone streaks some 72 feet above
itsbase.Lowestparttendstobemoreuniformlygrey
green.
Fauna In2,scatteredsmallOrbitolinaconcavaandHemicyclammina
sigali.
Age Albian
Overlying ShilaifFormation,contactconformable.Placedatthebaseof
thelowestwelldevelopedlimestoneoftheShilaifFormation
and the top of greybrown streaks with thin limestone
intercalations. The immediately overlying limestone can be
completed with the g" Member of the Natih Formation of
Owen.
Until now, the top of the Nahr Umr Formation has been
selected by A.D.P.C. at the top of a thin green shale which
overlies the g Member equivalent. This was found to be
the most consistent regional marker and to be most easily
recognised on Electric Logs. It also separates predominantly
shallowwaterfromdeeperwatersedimentsoveralmostthe
whole of Abu Dhabi. It is abandoned with some reluctance
forthesakeofuniformityofpractice.
Underlying Shuaiba Formation, contact is an erosional unconformity,

betweenshaleaboveandbuff,chalkylimestones,withpyrite
andphosphatenodules,below.
Oman
727
Remarks
The top of the Nahr Umr Formation is conventionally taken at the first
appearanceofaprominentOstracodCyclamminarichshalelayer.However
thin argillaceous intercalations may already occur in the lower part of the
"g"Member.Ontheotherhand,Orbitolinawackestonebedsarefrequent
intheuppermostpartoftheNahrUmrShales.Thecharacteristicfaciesof
the Nahr Umr Shales are green to brown Ostracod rich shales with
CyclamminawhiteandoftencommonOrbitolina.
DISCUSSION
BoundariesoftheNahrUmrFormationinSoutheastArabia
BaseoftheNahrUmrFormation
Definedastheboundarybetweenpredominantlyterrigenousclastics,includingoccasionalthinlimestones,
aboveandthedominantlycarbonatesequenceoftheunderlyingThamamaGroup.InanoffshelfShuaiba
area, where there is sometimes an interval of approximately equal limestone and shale, the boundary
seems best chosen at the top of the highest limestone for essentially lithological reasons, viz. the
argillaceousintervalsbelowthehighestlimestoneare,infact,marIsandshaleylimestonesmoreakintothe
Thamama than to Wasia sediments. On this evidence A.D.M.A. agreed to revise its present pick for the
boundary upwards (the present pick is taken purely on log evidence, at the lowest apparent shale).
Furthermore,forpracticalfieldpurpose,itiseasiertopickthefirstlimestoneencounteredwhiledrilling
thatthelastmarlorshaleylimestone.Nopalaeontologicalor limestone lithofaciesevidencetodefine
theWasia/Thamamaboundaryexists.
In Oman, where the basal terrigenous clastic unit becomes an interbedded limestone/terrigenous clastic
unit,thesituationwithregardtochoosingtheboundaryissimilartothatintheAbuDhabioffshelfareas,
i.e. a change from dominant clastics to dominant limestone, together with a change in character of the
argillaceousinterbeds.
In Onshore Qatar, the base of the terrigenous clastic unit is taken below the lowest occurrence of
sandstone.
UpperBoundaryoftheNahrUmr
Defined as the base of the overlying Orbitolina/Trocholina limestones of the Mauddud shelf carbonate
sequence,ortheirlateralequivalent
Theexactpickissometimesdifficult,duetothepresenceofthinlimestonesinthetopoftheclasticunit.
The base of the g" Member of Oman is normally clearly defined and is selected as the top of the Nahr
Umr. In areas such as Onshore Qatar 'where the f" and g Members are notclearly differentiated, the
contact is clearly defined by the boundary between limestone of the Mauddud Formation and the
underlyingclastics.
IninterveningareasofOnshoreandOffshoreAbuDhabiandOffshoreQatar,thinlimestonesoccurwhich
canbecorrelatedwiththeandgMemberofOman.ThetopoftheNahrUmrisplacedatthebaseof
thelowestofthese.
728

Cretaceous
(Albian)
MauddudFormation
Author
Synonymy
F.R.S.Henson,1940,unpublishedreport
MauddudFormation,OwenandNasr,1958.MauddudFormation,Dunningtonetal.
1959. Mauddud, Dominguez, 1965. Mauddud Member, James and Wynd, 1965.
MauddudFormation,Dunnington,1967.MauddudMember,Powers,1968.
TypelocalityandSection
Location Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 1 [DK-0001], Lat. 252516N, Long. 504701E, Elevation 128
ft.,Completed9.1.1940,betweendrilleddepths2,408and2,589feet.
Lithology DescribedbySUGDEN,1956(UnpublishedReport)asfollows:
Limestone, light grey, earthy, mostly of fairly high porosity except for bottom few feet
whicharerathermarly.Muchofthelimestoneappearstobesiltyduetothepresenceof
fine calcareous detritus and the upper part contains beds with much fossil and pellet
debris. In some Qatar sections the limestone is rather dolomitic, especially the middle
part.
Thickness 181ft
Palaeontology Orbitolinacancava(Lamarck)var.qatarica Henson,TrocholinaArabicaHenson,Trocholina

lenticularisHenson,TrocholinaaltispiraHenson,CyclamminawhiteiHenson.
Age Albian age is proved by DUNNINGTON, 1959, for a comparable unit with similar fauna
whichoccursinIraq.
Underlying Nahr Umr Formation, contact at conformable boundary between limestone of the
MauddudwitharenaceoussedimentsoftheNahrUmr.
Overlying AhmadiFormation,contactconformable.ShalesandmarlsoftheAhmadioverlietypical
limestoneoftheMauddud.
ReferenceSections
The above type section is representative of onshore Qatar. Reference sections for
offshore Qatar, offshore Abu Dhabi and Oman are provided to illustrate variation in
developmentinsoutheastArabia.
OffshoreQatarS.C.Q.Well
729

OffshoreAbuDhabi
MauddudMember
ReferenceSection UmmShaifNo.1(Enclosure1)

Location Latitude25120.3.90N
Longitude531312.60E

Interval(b.r.t.) 5086to5123

Drilledthickness 37
A prominent thick limestone band subcropping beneath the Shilaif
Formation occurs throughout the ADMA concession. Its basal contact is
somewhat transitional with the underlying Nahr Umr Formation, but by
definition,onlogcharacter,theboundaryistakenatthebaseofthelowest
most prominent gammaray and neutron peak. The member maintains a
remarkably uniform thickness for considerable distances; its development
was apparently not influenced by localised structural growth. No detailed
lithologicalorpalaeontologicaldataareavailablefortheunit.

Remarks The member differs considerably from the type Mauddud. A separate
nameshouldbeappliedforoffshoreAbuDhabi.

OnshoreAbuDhabi
Onlywelldevelopedinonewell,whichisselectedastheReferenceSection:
A.D.P.C.WellFaihaNo.1,Lat.232308N.Long.550219E,betweendrilleddepths7103and7297feet.

Thickness 194ft

Lithology Compactskeletaldebriswackestoneswithlocally,veryabundantTrocholina
spp. and Orbitolina sp. Also present are scattered large shell fragments,
echinoidspines,smallgastropods,molluscandebrisandtextularids.

Beds of more argillaceous, dense limestone occur near the top. An
alternationofgreygreenshaleandlimestoneoccurtowardsthebase.

Palaeontology Trocholina altispira, T. sp., Orbitolina concava occur throughout.
Cyclamminawhiteiisfoundinshalesbelow7240feet.

Age Albianfromstratigraphicposition.

Underlying NahrUmrFormation. Thecontentsisplacedatthebaseofthelowestwell
developed limestone of the Mauddud (equals the "g member of Oman)
andthehighestshaleofaseriesofalternatingshalesandlimestonesofthe
highestNahrUmr.

Overlying Shilaif Formation. Content at apparently conformable boundary between
shelflimestoneoftheMauddudanddeeperwaterlimestonesoftheShilaif.

730

Remarks This is the only welldeveloped Mauddud section so far recognized in
onshore Abu Dhabi. It equates approximately with the g and f
MembersofOman.

Thin equivalents of this unit are recognized at the boundary of the Shilaif
and Nahr Umr formations throughout onshore Abu Dhabi. These are
consideredtobeformedofmaterialwashedfromtheMauddudshelfatthe
closeoftheNahrUmrelasticdepositionandareregardedasbasalunitsof
theShilaifFormation(perhapsaMauddudMember)ratherthanadiscrete
formation.
OMAN
A discrete Mauddud Formation cannot be readily distinguished in Oman. Mauddudtype Trocholina
orbitolinawackestonestypifythegand"fMembers,whichoverlietheNahrUmr.Theycanbeclosely
correlatedwiththeMauddudFormationasrecognisedineasternonshoreAbuDhabi.Someintercalations
of deepwater Albian sediments can occur above this level, together with interbedded Orbitolina
packstones and rudist packstones. These form the lower part of the e" Member. Evidence exists of an
erosional surface which separates the lower from the higher part of this Member. The top of the Albian
Stageisplacedataboutthislevel,abovewhichonlyafewrareOrbitolinabearingbedsoccur.
The Mauddud Formation is typically an Albian OrbitoliaTrocholina packstone or wackestone, bounded

above and below by the Ahmadi and the Nahr Umr Formations respectively. In Qatar and areas to the
norththeMauddudissaidtobeseparatedfromtheoverlyingunitbyanerosionalunconformity.Itstopis
alsomarkedbythehighestoccurrenceofOrbitolina,butnotofTrocholina.
ThereappeartobethreepossibletopswhichcouldbeselectedfortheMauddudinOman.
ThehighestoccurrenceofOrbitolina,atthetopoftheeMemberistheleastconvincingsinceitisquite
possiblefortherangeofthisfossiltoextendhigherthannormally,givensuitableenvironmentalconditions.
The top of the f Member can be correlated with a top Mauddud in Abu Dhabi. The latter is almost
certainlynotfullydevelopedinthatarea,however.Inthewest,towardsQatar,the"f"and"gMembers
appeartomergeintothelowerpartoftheMauddudasthepeninsulaisapproached.
TheevidenceofcommonoccurrenceofOrbitolinauptotheerosional surfacedescribedabove,together
withtherecordofanumberofrudistpackstonehorizonsinthelowerpartoftheeMemberleadstothe
belief that there exists some situation comparable to that in the Shuaiba Formation as described in Abu
Dhabi.Onthisbasis,thetopofthelower"e"MemberwouldbelogicalpickforthetopMauddud.
DISCUSSION
TrueMauddudfaciesiswelldevelopedtothewestandtheeast.IntheareaofonshoreandoffshoreAbu
Dhabithereexistsapredominantlydeepwatersequencebeneathwhichoccurtwothinlimestoneswhich
canbeshowntocorrelatewiththe"f"and"gMembersofOman.ThetopoftheNahrUmrFormationis
now placed at the base of the lowest of these. Sometimes these limestones exhibit a typical Mauddud
fauna. It is, however believed that this results from the washing into deeper water of shelf limestone
components. Thus it is proposed that such thin units be considered as basal members of the Shilaif
Formation,ratherthanasaseparateMauddudFormation.
ThenatureofthechangefromtypicalMauddudofonshoreQatarhasbeenstudiedinsomeS.C.Q.wells.
Theresultofthisistosuggestthatthereisanintermediatefaciesdevelopmentofshallowwatermarl,with
ostracods, which intervenes laterally between the Mauddud and its, thinner, offshelf equivalent in the
731

basalShilaifFormation.Asaresult,theMauddudisrecognisedonlyinwellstothenorthofQatarinthe
offshoreareaanditisdefinitelyabsentfromthereferencesectioninIdalShargi1.
Cretaceous
Cenomanian
AhmadiFormation
Author
Synonymy
R.M.S.OwenandS.M.Nasr,1958
KhatiyahFormationofQ.P.C.(obsolete),KhatiyahFormationofS.C.Q.,nonKhatiyah
Formation A.D.M.A., Ahmadi Member, James and Wyrd, 1965, Ahmadi Member,
Powers,1968.
TypeLocalityandSection
K.O.C.WellBurganNo.62betweendrilleddepths4257and4497feet
240feet
Thickness
Lithology
Shales, green, greengrey to chocolate brown in upper part and grey in lower part. At
baseamarlylimestonecontainingabundantOstracods
Palaeontology Haplophragmoides sp., Flabellina sp., Ammobaculites sp., Gumbelina sp., Lenticulina sp.,
Franbinasp.
Inbasallimestoneunit,CythereisBahraini,ExogyracfColumba,Metoicocerassp.
Age
Cenomanian
Underlying
Wara Formation, contains at conformable junction of shales of the Wara beneath
argillaceouslimestoneofthebasalAhmadi
Overlying
RumailaFormationcontainsconformable
Remarks
In Kuwait, the Ahmadi is about wholly shale. In south Iraq, the formation is shown by
Dunnington(1959)topasslaterallyintoeithermarlorlimestoneoranypossibleratioof
thetwo.
In1961ChaltonandHartofI.P.C.demonstratedthesimilarityoftheAhmadiofSouth Iraq
to the socalled Khatiyah Formation of Qatar. To this reason the same Khatiyah was
abandonedbyQ.P.C.andreplacedbyAhmadi".
ReferenceSections
Only recognized as a formation in Onshore Qatar from which the following reference
sectionisdescribed.
OnshoreQatar ReferenceSectionQ.P.C.wellDukhanNo.28[DK0028]depth2380to3025
feet. The Dukhan type section was renamed by Standring (unpublished
report)asAhmadi,beingcomparabletothesuccessioninKuwaitandS.Iraq
althoughnotexactlysimilartothetypesectioninBurganwell62KuwaitOil
Company.SugdensdescriptionoftheAhmadiinDk.28[DK0028]from
toptobottomisasfollows:
732
Limestone,lightgrey,earthy,mostlymoreorlesssiltywithnumerous
thinbedsofmarl,greyandbluishgreyandshalebluegreyandbrown.
Thickness332feet.
ii Shale, brown and blue grey, partly marly with a few thin beds of
limestone,lightgrey,finegrained,earthysilty.Thickness48feet.
iii Shalebluegreyandbrownwithsomebluegreymarlinthelowerhalf.
A thin bed of silty limestone occurs some 15 feet from the bottom.
Thickness140feet.
iv Limestonelightgreysiltyearthy.Thickness35feet.
v Shale brown and blue grey with a very thin bed of greenish grey,
marly glauconitic sandstone some 45 feet from the bottom of the
section.

Thicknessinreferencesection(Dk.28[DK0028]seeencl.2)645feetandis
fairly constant over the area of the Qatar peninsula, but there is some
variablethinningnearthecrestoftheDukhananticline.
Cretaceous
Cenomanian:Turonian
R.M.S. Owen & S.M. Nasr, 1958 (but first described by P.M.V. Rabanit, 1952 in
Author
unpublishedreport).

Synonymy
MishrifFormation,Dominguez,1965


Location B.P.C.wellZubairNo.3,Lat.302306N,Long.474329E.,elevation52ft.,
completed26.2.51,betweendrilleddepths7,204and7,720feet.

Thickness 516feet

Lithology
1 FinegrainedlimoniticfreshwaterlimestonecontainsCharophytae.Top.
2 Greywhite, dense, fractured or stylolitic algal limestone with gastropods and shell
fragments
3 Brown,detrital,porouspartlyveryshellyand foraminiferal limestonewithbanksof

Rudists.Gradesdowninto:
4 Compactmarlylimestone.Base
Palaeontology In1 Charasp.
In2 Multispirina iranensis Reichel, Cisalveslina fallax Reichel, Praealveolina cretacea

(dArchiac)and P.cretacea vartenuis Reichel, Dicyclina qatarica Henson,Taberina
bingistani(Henson),Pseudochrysalidinaconica(Henson),Begiaspp.(ofA.H.Smout,
1956)CoxiteszubairensisSmout,Trocholinaspp.

Age
Turonian(Owen&Nasr1958)orCenomanian(Dunnington,1959)

MishrifFormation
733

Underlying
RumailaFormation.Contactatconformableboundarybetweenneriticlimestone,above
andoligosteginalglobigerinallimestone,below.

Khasib Formation, disconformable, but almost certainly involves a considerable
Overlying
sedimentaryhiatus(Dunnington,1959).

Otherlocalities
The Basrah area, northeast Kuwait, eastern Saudi Arabia (Mishrif Member), Bahrain,
Qatar,TrucialCoast.

Referencesections

TheshallowwaterrudistidforaminiferallimestonefaciesoftheMishrifFormationcanbe
recognised in all areas operated by participants. In some cases, as in Onshore Qatar its
limits are such as to permit the use of the name Mishrif Formation. The following
referencesectionsaretypicaloftheareasinwhichtheyoccur.

OnshoreQatar Reference sectioninQatar,Dukhanwell No. 28[DK0028]. Depth21202380 feet
(see enclosure No. ). Described by Sugden 1956 (unpublished paper) as:
Limestone, light grey, soft, earthy, porous, partly silty in appearance due to
presenceoffinecalcareousdetritus.ThicknessinDk.28[DK0028]well260feet,
butintheareaoftheDukhananticlinethicknessisvariableduemainlytoerosionof
theupperpartoftheformation.

Overlyingformation LaffanFormation,contactunconformable.

Underlyingformation Ahmadi,contactconformable
Age AccordingtoSugden,MiddleCretaceousseeminglyupperCenomanianbut
mayincludelowerTuronian.

Discussion
In its type areas the Mishrif Formation is underlain by Oligosteginalglobigerinal
limestones of deeper water aspect. Nearby it is underlain by the neritic argillaceous
AhmadiFormation.
InonshoreQatarthesamerelationshipofMishrifoverlyingAhmadiisseenandthereisno
barrier to acceptance of the two formation names. Eastwards from Qatar, the Ahmadi
facies is progressively replaced by shelf carbonates. In offshore Qatar, S.C.Q. finds it
impossibletodifferentiatethetwoformations,althoughsomeinterbeddedshaleunitsstill
occur. In much of offshore and onshore Abu Dhabi the Ahmadi facies has completely
disappearedandthicksequenceofshelflimestonesofMishriftypeoverlieoligosteginal
globigerinallimestones.
ItiscurrentpracticeinA.D.P.C.toconsiderthesethickshelfcarbonatesofCenomanian,
toperhapsTuronian,ageasMishrif,havingadiachronouslowerlimit.
In view of the problems of S.C.Q. in applying Mishrif as a name to their postMauddud

sequence (and their difficulty in discerning the limits and lateral correlation of the
Mauddud)itwasagreedthatthenameNatihFormationbeappliedtosuchsectionswhich
includemorethanthetimeequivalentofthetypicalMishrif.
734
ShilaifFormation
Cretaceous
(AlbianCenomanian)
Author
A.J.Standring(1969)

Synonymy
OligosteginaLimestoneofA.D.P.C.,Oligostegina LimestoneofA.D.M.A.

TypeLocalityandsection

A.D.P.C.wellMurbanNo.47,lat.233524N.,long.532232E.,betweendrilleddepths
7305and7930feet.

Thickness
625feet

Limestone, grey, buff or brown, fine grained, small foraminiferal wackestone to lime
Lithology
mudstone. While the lithology remains virtually similar throughout, a series of major
cycles can be seen, reflected by an alternation of pure carbonate and argillaceous
carbonate,thelatteroftenquitehighlybituminous.
The uppermost 275 feet are predominantly pure carbonate with minor argillaceous
streaks,withtheexceptionoftheinterval7435to7490feetwhichisslightlyargillaceous.
With the exception of the basal 42 feet; the lowest 309 feet are predominantly
argillaceousandoftenhighlybituminous.
The lowest 42 feet of the formation are composed of two dense clean limestones
separated by a thin shale unit showing some suggestion of a slightly shallower
environment.
Palaeontology Planktonic foraminifera in all but the lowest 42 feet. One common element is
Oligosteginawhichisparticularlyabundantinthelowerargillaceoussections.
ThemoreargillaceouspartsofthesequenceyieldcommonGlobigerinaspp.,Heterohelix
sp.,SchackoinaandGlobotruncanids,manyofwhichhavenotbeenspecificallyidentified.
Rotoliporasp.,andPraeglobotruncanastephanihavebeenrecordedfromtheupperpart.
The interval of approximately 100 feet above the basal limestone has yielded a fauna
typifiedbyoccurrencesofGl.Hedbergellawashitensisinneighbouringwells.
The lower 42 feet show some affinity with the Mauddud of the shelf province, yielding
Orbotolinacf.concavaandTrochulinalenticuleris.
Age
CenomaniantoAlbian
Underlying
NahrUmrFormation;attheconformable,gradationalcontactofgreybrownshales,with
interbeddedlimestonesbelow,withlimestoneofthebasalShilaif,above.
Overlying
Tuwayil Formation; contact conformable. Dark grey shales of the Tuwayil overlie
speckledglobigerinal,oligosteginallimestoneoftheShilaif.
735

Other
localities
Remarks
PresentthroughoutAbuDhabi,theformationextendsintoeasternOffshoreQatar
Further work remains to be done on the microfauna and facies of this unit. With the
exceptionofafewcoresfromearlywells,almostalldescriptionwasbasedonexamination
of cuttings. However, there is a very strong similarity of lithology and succession in all
wellsdrilledthroughthe"OligosteginaLimestoneincentralAbuDhabi.
The appearance of cyclicity in the succession requires further study. This may lead to
closer correlation with subdivisions of the shelf carbonate succession, where several
horizons of coarse clastic carbonate, often with rudisted reefs, are separated by denser
finelimemudstone.
This formation is present in whole or in part in virtually all wells drilled in Abu Dhabi. It
thinsmarkedlytothewest,whereitchangesprogressivelyintoshelflimestone.
Reference
The above type section is typical of onshore Abu Dhabi. Other reference sections are
appendedtoillustratedevelopmentsoftheShilaifinneighbouringareas.
Sections
OffshoreAbuDhabi
Referencesection Zakum37(enclosure2)
Location
Latitude244748.42N
Longitude534505.24E
Interval(b.r.t.)
6423to6927
Drilledthickness
504
Synonymy
Oligosteginal(part)
The Shilaif Formation is generally composed of a variable development of

pelagic calcareous packstones and wackestones, and argillaceous
mudstones;allofwhicharestronglybituminous.Detailedbiozonationof
the unit has not been carried out, but in addition to the normal
oligosteginalsuite,Planomalina(Hedbergella)planispira,P.(H)washitensis
andExogyraconicawerefoundinaShilaifcorefromUmmShaifNo.1.
The Shilaif Formation is developed regionally across the A.D.M.A.

concession,butoncemorethicknessvariationsonandoffstructure,reflect
strong influence of contemporary structural growth. The Shilaif Formation
is known to pass laterally and vertically into the shelf limestones of the
Natih Formation. However, in areas where it is overlain by the Yahili
Formation,thecontactisunconformable.
In age the Shilaif Formation spans an interval from Turonian to Upper

Albian, but more detailed faunal analyses are required for further
definition.
736

Cretaceous
Cenomanian
TuwayilFormation
Author
A.J.Standring(thisreport)
Synonymy
LowerShaleofA.D.P.C.reports
A.D.P.C. well Murban 47, lat. 233524N., long. 532232E., between drilled depths
7,028and7,305feet
TheformationtakesitsnamefromalocalityneartheBuHasaOilfield.
Thickness
277feet
Lithology
Shale grey to dark grey with thin beds of limestone, light grey, lime mudstone,
oligosteginal,andmarlwithpelecypodcastsinitsupperpart.
Fauna
Theshalesyield ostracods including Brachycythere wellingsi,Cytherellasp. Cythereis sp.
together with common Globigerina sp. and a restricted fauna of Heterohelix near the
base.LimestonestreakscontainOligostegina.
Age
Probably Cenomanian. This is supported by Palynological determination of correlative
horizonsinwellsSalabikh1andMushash1
Underlying
Shilaifformation.AtconformablecontactofgreyshalesoftheTuwayilwithlimestonesof
theunderlyingShilaif.
RuwaydhaFormation.GreylimestonesoftheRuwaydhaconformablyoverliegreyshales
Overlying
oftheTuwayil.
OtherLocalities
Widespread in central onshore Abu Dhabi, the Tuwayil Formation can be traced in an
attenuatedformintotheoffshorearea,notrecognizedinsurroundingareas.
Remarks
TheTuwayilFormationwasoriginallynamedtheLowerShalebyA.D.P.C.atatimewhen
it was believed to be the basal unit of the Upper Cretaceous, Aruma Group. With
recognitionoftheCenomanianageoftheunit,thenamebecameunacceptableaswellas
informal and was only retained as fieldname until a suitable formation name could be
proposed.
Although largely confined to Abu Dhabi, the Tuwayil is sufficiently widespread and
uniformlydevelopedtoconstituteavalidandvaluableformation.
The main lateral change in the formation is a westward change of the limestone which
occurintheupperparttosandsandsilts.
737

REFERENCESECTIONS
Onlyoneotherarea,offshoreAbuDhabi,recognizestheTuwayilFormation;areference
sectionisappendedbelow.
OffshoreAbuDhabi
ReferenceSection
ZakumNo.37(enclosure)
Location
Latitude244748.42N
Longitude534505.24E
Interval(b.r.t.)
6,330to6,423
Drilledthickness
93
Synonymy
Oligosteginal(part)
LowerShale(A.D.P.C.)
The Tuwayil Formation in ADMA, forms a restricted unit of interbedded calcareous

siltstones,pyriticshales,calcareousmudstones, andargillaceous mudstones.Bothbasal
and upper surfaces are marked by unconformities. The formation is highly variable in
thickness, and its sedimentationwas stronglycontrolled by local structural growth. The
Tuwayil Formation is geographically restricted within the ADMA concession to a narrow
northsouthbeltpassingthroughMossadejandZakum(east).
Generalremark
For ADMA, the Tuwayil should have no more than member
statuswithintheShilaifFormation
738
Referencesection:Lithology&PalaeontologyoftheTuwayilFormation,Murban47
739
RuwaydhaFormation
Cretaceous
UpperCenomanianorTuronian
Author
A.J.Standring(thisreport)
Synonymy
LowerChalkofA.D.P.C.reports
A.D.P.C.WellMurbanNo.47,lat.233524N.,long.532232E.,betweendrilleddepths
6,860and7,028feet.
TheformationisnamedafteralocalityneartheBuHasaOilfield
Lithology
Limestonelight grey,argillaceous andchalky,fine to veryfine grained,andchalky, grey,
limemudstonetowackestone.
Fauna
The upper part contains a planktonic assemblage including Globotruncana renzi,
Praeglobotruncana stephani and Rotalipora turonica. The lower part mainly contains
Oligostegina.
Age
While theabove assemblage couldbelowermostTuronian, E.Hart prefers to compare it
with the assemblage recorded by Malapris and Rat which occurred with Upper
Cenomanianammonites.
Overlying
LaffanFormation. Contactapparently conformable but could in factbedisconformable.
ShalesoftheLaffanFormationoverliethelimestoneoftheRuwaydha.
Tuwayil Formation. Contact conformable. At boundary between grey limestone of the

Underlying
RuwaydhaandunderlyinggreyshalesoftheTuwayil.
Remarks
The informal name Lower Chalk was first applied to this unit when it was believed to
formpartofthelowestcycleoftheUpperCretaceous,ArumaGroup.NowthatitsMiddle
Cretaceousagehasbeenestablishedanewformalnameisproposed,takenfromthearea
whereitismostfullydeveloped.
The Ruwaydha formation is known to be well developed only in onshore Abu Dhabi. It
almost certainly extends into the offshore area of Abu Dhabi but has not yet been
definitely identified. In the west in Qatar, both offshore and onshore, as well as in
westernAbuDhabi,itsequivalentistobesoughtintheupperpartoftheNatihorMishrif
Formations.IntheShuweihatsectionthelateralequivalentoftheRuwaydhaFormation
canbeshowntobeunits1and2oftheNatihFormation.
It has not been definitely recognized in eastern Abu Dhabi, where it may have been
removed by postCenomanian erosion. In Oman,the aMemberof the Natih Formation
stillyieldscommonplanktonicforaminifera,whichcouldbecomparabletothoserecorded
from the type section. They have, however, been assigned a younger, Turonian to
Coniacianage.
740
NatihFormation
Cretaceous
AlbianTuronian
Author
Synonymy
C.Hopping(thisreport)
Wasia Limestone of P.D.O.; Mishrif Formation of A.D.P.C.; Khatiyah Formation of

earlyA.D.M.A.reports.
TypelocalityandSection
P.D.(O)WellFahudNorth 3
Lat.Long.
Elev.Ft.,betweendrilleddepthsandft.
Thickness
Ft.
Lithology
Palaeontology
Age
ReferenceSections
TheabovetypesectionistypicalfortheOmanarea,althoughsomeminorvariationexists,
particularlyinthedistributionofdeeperwaterintercalations.ThenameNatihFormation
is appliedtoshelfcarbonatesuccessionswhichcannotbeaccurately subdivided.This is
the case in Offshore and Onshore Abu Dhabi. Reference sections for these areas are
describedbelow.
OffshoreQatar LocationS.C.Q.WellIdalShargiNo.1

OffshoreAbuDhabi
ReferenceSection UmmShaifNo.1(enclosure1)
Location
Latitude251203.90N
Longitude531312.60E.
Interval(b.r.t.)
4235to4812
Drilledthickness
577
Synonymy
Mishrifformation
KhatiyahFormation
MiddleCretaceousLimestone(part)
TheNatifFormationinUmmShaifNo.1is madeupofamassiveseriesofwellwashed,
shallowwater,shelflimestones.ItisoverlainunconformablybytheshalesoftheLaffan
Formation, but at its base, the Natih Formation conformably overlies beds of the Shilaif
Formation. The following lithological descriptions are based on cuttings from the
referencesection.
The upper part of the Natih Formation from 4235 to 4578 (b.r.t.) is composed of a
remarkably uniform series of cream and white rudistid limestones, which are chalky in
741
parts. Small clusters of pyrites occur throughout. Below 4598, rudist fragments are
noticeablyabsent;andfrom4650toformationbase,at4812,thewhitechalkylimestones
become grey white in colour, and are considerably less shelly. Bituminous residues are
occasionally noted in the darker bands of this interval. The formation becomes
increasinglymoremarlytowardsitsbase.
DetailedpaleontologyofNatihfaunashasnotbeencarriedout.However,Dr.Smouthas
designatedtheupperNatihinUmmShaif1asbeingofTuronianage.Thisisbasedonthe
relativeabundantoccurrenceofLaeverinearequieni,togetherwithThalmanninella(?)cf.
reicheliandTerabratulinalata.Below4598(b.r.t.)aCenomanianagehasbeenassigned,
butnofaunallistisavailabletosupportthisdesignation.
TheNatihFormationisvariablydevelopedacrosstheA.D.M.A.concession.Contemporary
structuralgrowthonindividualstructurescontrolledlocalsedimentation;whilstregionally
the unit rapidly thickens towards Qatar in the west, but disappears eastwards in Zakum
andMosaddej.ItreappearsoncemoreinUmmAddalkhandFatehingoodreefalfacies.
Generalremark
ItisstronglyrecommendedthatthenameMishrifberetainedforthisunit
inA.D.M.A.,asthefullneriticlimestonesofthetypicalNatih area arenot
developed.
OnshoreAbuDhabi
ReferenceSection A.D.P.C.WellShuweihatNo.1
Coordinates
522628E,240336N.,
Betweendrilled
5260and6640feet
depths
Thickness
1380feet
742
Lithology
Top
Limestone white, chalky, pellet, shellfragment,
foraminiferal, algal grainstone to packstone,
sometimesoolitic,cementedgradingdowninto:
2 Limestonewhite, fine grained,chalky wackestone
tomudstonewiththininterbedsofveryfineshell
fragment,packstone.
3 Limestone grey, argillaceous, lime mudstone,
becomingshaleinthebasalfewfeet.
4 Limestone, white, fine, shellfragment, algal,
foraminiferal wackestone, grading to packstone
andgrainstone.
5 Limestone,fine,denselimemudstone.
6 Limestone white, fine grained, packstone
wackestone,chalky.
7 Limestone, white fine grained, chalky lime
mudstone.
8 Limestone,finetocoarsepackstonegrainstoneto
wackestone,particlesofshellfragments,including
Rudists,foraminifera,algae.
9 Dolomite,secondaryafterfinepackstone,dense
10 Limestone white, chalky, fine fossil fragment,
packstone.
Base
240
98
23
129
86
189
55
398
Fossils
Age
Overlying
Underlying
Discussion
The Mishrif formation of onshore Qatar is relatively thin, being separated

fromtheMauddudbytheargillaceousAhmadiformation.Eastwardsfrom
Qatar,theshales,marlsandlimestonesoftheAhmadiarereplacedbyclean
porous detrital limestones of Mishrif type until, at the shelf edge, the
AhmadihaswhollygivenwaytoMishriffacies.
In western Abu Dhabi, the eastward change from shelf to basinal

carbonatesisgradational.Theshelfedgecanbeshowntohavemigrated
eastwards a considerable distance with time. In the far west, a very thin
tongue of basinal limestone intervenes between the Natih and the Wasia
Shale. Passing eastwards, it can be shown that the Natih changes
progressively into the basinal Shilaif Formation and finally into the
younger Ruwaydha and Tuwayil. The most easterly development of the
22
140
SeeenclosureNo.
WhollyorlargelyCenomanian.Couldextendintothe
Turonian in its uppermost part there is no definite
proofofthis.
Laffan formation. Contact probably unconformable.

At junction of shales above, with white chalky
packstonesoftheMishrifbelow.
Shilaif Formation. Contact conformable, but

regionallydiachronous.
743
NatihisatahorizonequivalenttotheTuwayilofthebasinalfacies.
In eastern Abu Dhabi, the relationship is more complex, owing to more

active tectonism giving rise to uplift and erosion at the close of the
CenomanianorTuronian.
The name Natif Formation is applied to this shelf carbonate sequence in

conformitywithdivisionsatrecentLiaisonGroupmeetings.Itissuggested
that, where it can be shown that the shelf carbonate unit overlies the
Shilaif, and that any Mauddud equivalent is absent, the name Mishrif
shouldberetained.Suchadecisioncouldbejustifiedbythefactthatthe
typeMishrifunderliestheArumaGroupandoverliestheRumailFormation
(Oligosteginalglobigerinallimestone).Thisistherelationshipinwestern
Abu Dhabi and some areas of Offshore Qatar. Some parts of the latter
show sections which cannot be fitted into this system, however, since
shallowwater equivalents of the Mauddud Formation are present but
cannotbeseparatedoffasadiscreteformation.Inthesecasesthename
NatihFormationcouldbeapplied.
ThemainvalueofthetermNatihFormationisintheOmanarea,wherea
succession of shelf carbonates, basically similar to those described from
areas to the west, cannot be accurately subdivided into the established
formations.
744
Minutes of the tenth Geological Liaison Meeting

Held at Mina al Fahal, The Sultanate of Oman
From 27th November to 2nd December 1971
Delegates
A.D.M.A.
A.D.M.A.
A.D.P.C.
C.F.P.
D.P.C.
P.D.O.
P.D.O.
Q.P.C
S.C.Q.
S.I.P.M.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Paris
Dubai
Muscat
Muscat
Dukhan
Doha
The Hague
T.D. Adams
P.R. Ashton
B.N. Twombley
R.M. Lacassagne
I.D. Maycock
C.A. Hopping (Chairman)
J.R. Freake
F. Gosling
A.B. Sent
R.J. Murris
INTRODUCTION
The main aims of this meeting were:
To receive and adopt the final report on "The Stratigraphy of the "Wasia Group" In
South-East Arabia" by A.J. Standring, which report had been approved in draft at the
previous Liaison Meeting held at Dukhan, Qatar; to commence the study on the
stratigraphy of the Lower Cretaceous deposits of South-East Arabia.
The meeting assembled for business at 08.00 hours on 28th November in the board room of the
P.D.O. main office, Mina al Fahal. Mr. J.S. Jennings (Exploration Manager) of P.D.O. welcomed
the delegates to Oman on behalf of P.D.O. and gave an account of the companys activities,
particularly in the field of exploration.
The chairman announced that S.C.Q. (Doha) had been unable to send a delegate to this meeting in
view of leave schedules and minuted S.C.Q.s letter of regret.
The A.D.P.C. and Q.P.C. delegates informed the meeting that the approved draft report on The
stratigraphy of the Wasia Group in South-East Arabia had not yet been finalised in view of A.J.
Standrings departure to the United Kingdom, where he is currently completing this work. It was
hoped that this report would be received at an early date.
745

The following data, notes and reports were handed out prior to the meeting:
1) The Thamama Group in Offshore Abu Dhabi by P.R. Ashton (A.D.M.A.);
2) Notes on Berrisian to Albian Rock Stratigraphy of Onshore Abu Dhabi by A.D.P.C.;
3) Thamama Group Stratigraphy of the Qatar Peninsula with Notes on the Shuaiba and
Ratawi Type section in Southern Iraq by Q.P.C;
4) The Rock-stratigraphical Units of the Lower Cretaceous in Oman by P.D.O.
5) Gamma-ray Log with Notes on the D.P.C. Well Fateh A-1 by D.P.C.
Note: Only 3 above was included in our original
Each delegate gave a brief account of the stratigraphy of the Lower Cretaceous deposits in their area
of interest.
DISCUSSION
Onshore Qatar (Q.P.C)
Mr. Gosling intimated that the rock-stratigraphical units used in the onshore Qatar area had
been defined mainly by Sugden in 1956 and are contained in the forthcoming publication of
the Stratigraphical Lexicon of Qatar by A.J. Standring.
Shuaiba Formation
Mr. Gosling submitted the logs and descriptions of the type section from Zubair-3 in
southern Iraq. The Shuaiba Formation as defined in onshore Qatar (reference section,
Dukhan-11 [DK-0011]) was shown to be in accordance with the descriptions of Owen
& Nasr (1958) as amended by Dunnington (1959). Two pertinent points arose in
discussion, the lower boundary of the Shuaiba Formation taken at the base of the
limestone as defined in the Type Section and the term Sabsab assigned to the
distinctive lithological development of grainstones/packstones with abundant
abraided Orbitolinas.
Hawar Formation
A well-defined, distinctive but thinly developed unit, which is restricted to the
onshore and offshore area of the Qatar peninsula. Mr. Gosling further remarked that
the Hawar Formation was, for many years, considered to be the upper member of a
heterogenous formation which also included the Kharaib and Ratawi Formations.
The other delegates doubted the validity of this strata unit as a formation, particularly
outside onshore Qatar.
Kharaib Formation
A predominantly clean limestone unit of uniform and widespread development over
a vast area of South-East Arabia
Ratawi Formation
Mr. Gosling submitted the logs and description of the Type section from Ratawi-1 in
southern Iraq. The Ratawi Formation as defined in Qatar (reference section, Kharaib1) is only the approximate equivalent of the Ratawi Formation of the type section.
Indeed the unit in Qatar is more comparable with the development in the lower Gulf
area and described under the name Lekhwair Formation in Oman.
746

Yamama Formation
Mainly a clean grainstone unit with similarities to but not always comparable with
the Yamama Formation at the type section in Saudi Arabia and often difficult to
subdivide from the underlying Sulaiy Formation.
Sulaiy Formation
Mainly a detrital limestone unit similar to but not quite comparable with the Sulaiy
Formation at the type section in Saudi Arabia and often difficult to subdivide from the
overlying Yamama Formation.
Offshore Qatar
In the absence of a delegate from S.C.Q., Mr. Gosling gave a short resum of the rock-units in the
offshore acreage of Qatar and a correlation with those in onshore Qatar.
Offshore Abu Dhabi
Messrs. Ashton and Adams presented the logs from the Umm Shaif and Zakum fields and
discussed A.D.M.A.s subdivision of the Thamama (Formation) Group. They explained that their
subdivision was a purely practical one, which depicted the clean porous limestones or reservoir
units. These reservoir units are indicated by roman capital numbers from I to VI from top to
bottom or from young to old.
Unit I
A limestone unit correlatable with and equivalent to the limestone development at the
base of the Shuaiba Formation.
Unit II
A limestone unit correlatable with and equivalent to the upper limestone unit of
Kharaib Formation
Unit III
A limestone unit correlatable with and equivalent to the lower limestone unit of the
Kharaib Formation.
Unit IV
A limestone unit correlatable with and equivalent to the lower limestone unit of the
Kharaib Formation
Unit V
A limestone unit which is correlatable within the middle part of the Ratawi/Lekhwair
Formations
Unit VI
A distinctive limestone unit at the base of the Ratawi/Lekhwair Formations, which
can be correlated over a large area of South-East Arabia. It is an important
correlative Marker horizon and worthy of member status, q.v. Zakum Member.
Yamama/Sulaiy Formations
An homogeneous limestone unit underlying Unit VI and overlying the anhydrites of
the Hith Formation has been termed the Yamama/Sulaiy Formations by A.D.M.A.,
apparently purely on a correlative basis and no subdivision has been attempted.
747

Onshore Abu Dhabi
Mr. Twombley presented the logs from the Bab Dome and Bu Hasa fields and discussed
A.D.P.C.s subdivision of the Thamama (Formation) Group. Mr. Twombley showed that
A.D.P.C.s subdivision was essentially similar to that employed by A.D.M.A., in that it depicted
the clean porous limestones or reservoir units, which are indicated by A.D.P.C., by capital letters
A to H from top to bottom or young to old.
Unit A
A limestone unit correlatable with Unit I of A.D.M.A., and equivalent to the lower
part of the Shuaiba Formation. This unit is present in both Bab Dome and Bu Hasa
fields but is best shown in Bab Dome. A.D.P.C. have used the term Shuaiba
Formation in a restricted sense, i.e. solely for the rudistid limestone development
found at Bu Hasa.
Unit B
A limestone unit correlatable with Unit II of A.D.M.A. and equivalent to the upper
limestone of the Kharaib Formation.
Unit C
A limestone unit correlatable with Unit III of A.D.M.A. and equivalent to the lower
limestone unit of the Kharaib Formation.
Unit D
A limestone unit correlatable with Unit IV of A.D.M.A. within the upper part of the
Ratawi/Lekhwair Formations.
Unit E
A limestone unit correlatable with Unit V of A.D.M.A. within the middle part of the
Ratawi/Lekhwair Formations.
Units F, G and H
Limestone units correlatable with Unit VI of A.D.M.A. which is also subdivided into
individual units. An important marker horizon over a large area of South-East
Arabia at the base of the Ratawi/Lekhwair Formations.
Yamama/Sulaiy Formations
A non-subdivided, homogeneous limestone unit underlying Unit H and overlying the
anhydrites of the Hith Formation.
Offshore Dubai
Mr. Maycock presented the logs from Fateh field and discussed the lithological development of the
lower Cretaceous deposits in this area. The various defined rock-stratigraphical units of the lower
Arabian Gulf area could be satisfactorily determined and correlation was acceptable except for the
lower boundary of the Thamama (Formation) Group. Underlying a limestone unit referred to as
the Yamama/Sulaiy Formations a limestone unit had been determined as the Hith Equivalent.
Mr. Hopping objected to the usage of a term Hith Equivalent for a unit containing no lithological
characteristics of the Hith Formation, e.g. a massive pure anhydrite, and that the unit determined as
Hith Equivalent in Fateh field might well be younger or older than the Hith Formation. R.J.
Murris then showed by definition to type section and regional correlation that the unit designated
as the Hith Equivalent in Fateh field was indeed an older rock unit, Member IV of the Arab
Formation.
748

This information let to a further study of data in the Abu Dhabi Dubai area and a discussion on
the determination and correlation within the deposits straddling the Jurassic Cretaceous
boundary.
Oman
Mr. hopping presented the logs and data of the type and reference sections (Lekhwair-6 and -7) for
the rock-stratigraphical sub-division of the Lower Cretaceous deposits used in Oman. These data
were principally drawn from wells drilled in the Lekhwair area but confirmed in wells drilled in
other areas of Oman and established and defined at outcrop in the Oman Mountains.
Shuaiba Formation
The Shuaiba Formation in Oman was essentially similar to that used by A.D.P.C. and
A.D.M.A. and included as its basal unit the thinly developed shales of the Hawar
Formation of Qatar. Mr. Gosling objected to the inclusion of these shales within the
Shuaiba Formation and showed by regional correlation and definition of the type
section that the base of the limestone (i.e. Unit I and Unit A) was indeed the true base
of the Shuaiba Formation.
Kharaib Formation
In view of the above-mentioned discussion on the lower boundary of the Shuaiba
Formation it was decided to include the shales of the Hawar Formation within the
upper part of the double limestone of the Kharaib Formation, demarcating the base of
this formation at the base of the lower limestone member.
Lekhwair Formation
Mr. Hopping described this unit as an heterogenous development of thin limestones,
shales and marls and considered that this development was similar to that shown in
the other areas including Qatar. Mr. Gosling agreed that the Ratawi Formation of
Qatar was more similar to the Lekhwair Formation of the lower Gulf area than the
Ratawi Formation as defined in the type section Zubair-3 in the upper Gulf area of
southern Iraq.
Mr. Murris indicated a miscorrelation of the lower part of the Lekhwair Formation
(Unit VI or Units F, G and H) within the Lekhwair area. This miscorrelation did not
affect the type section Lekhwair-7 or the definition of the Lekhwair Formation but the
determination of these lower limestone units in the well Lekhwair-9.
Yamama Formation
A clean grainstone disconformably underlying the Lekhwair Formation, which in
the Lekhwair area and in the outcrop area of the Oman Mountains can be
distinguished and subdivided from the underlying Sulaiy Formation
Sulaiy Formation
A detrital limestone underlying the Yamama Formation which is not easily
distinguishable from the Yamama Formation outside the Lekhwair area and the
outcrop area of the Oman Mountains
749

Salil Formation
A distinctive uniform unit comprising speculate limestones, which is most likely a
lateral facies development of the lower part of the Yamama/Sulaiy unit as shown in
the other areas of the lower Gulf.
Rayda Formation
A Calpionellid limestone with porcellanite underlying the Salil Formation of
Berrisian (possibly) Portlandian age, which is considered to be the lowermost
formational unit of the Lower Cretaceous deposits in Oman. It is most probable that
this formation is a lateral facies development of the upper part of the Hith Formation,
which may also be assigned to the Lower Cretaceous.
FIELD TRIP
Mr. Hopping led a field trip of the delegates to the Wadi MiAidin section of the Lower
Cretaceous rock outcrops of the Oman Mountains on 30th November 1971. Particular attention
was paid to the development of the Shuaiba Formation, the boundary of the Kharaib/Shuaiba
Formations, the development of the lower limestone units of the Lekhwair Formation, the
boundary of the Yamama/Lekhwair Formations and the overall development of the Rayda, Salil
and Sulaiy Formations.
DECISION AND ACTION
At the closing discussions on 1st December 1971 the following Lower Cretaceous rockstratigraphical units were defined and named for use in South-East Arabia. The responsibility for
the description of each rock-stratigraphical unit was also minuted.
Shuaiba Formation
The section from the base of the lowermost limestone (Bacinella Boundstone unit, Unit I, Unit A)
to the top of the continuous limestone, limestone and shale or X-Shale of A.D.M.A., underlying
the shales of the Nahr Umr Formation. A description of the formation with its different
developments and distinctive members Sabsab, Bab and Bu Hasa to be undertaken by Q.P.C.
Kharaib Formation
The section from the base of the lower limestone member (Unit III or Unit C) to the top of the
shales (Hawar Member) underlying the Shuaiba Formation. A description of this formation is to
be undertaken by Q.P.C.
Lekhwair Formation
The section from the disconformable base of the pre-Buwaib unconformity (Unit VI or Units F,
G and H) overlying the grainstones of the upper Habshan Formation to the shales underlying the
lower limestone member of the Kharaib Formation. A description of the formation with its
members (e.g. Zakum Member) and important stratigraphical breaks to be undertaken by P.D.O.
Habshan Formation
In view of the unsatisfactory definitions of the Yamama and Sulaiy Formations at their type section
in Saudi Arabia, the inaccessibility of the type section areas and the difficulties in the
determination of these units in regional correlation it was decided to redefine the rock unit(S)
underlying the Lekhawair Formation and overlying the Hith or Salil Formations and re-name these
rock units the Habshan Formation. A description of the formation will be undertaken by A.D.P.C.
with palaeontological assistance from P.D.O.
750

Salil Formation
The section underlying the Habshan Formation and overlying the Rayda Formation in Oman. A
description of the distinctive lithological types and its overall stratigraphical position to be
undertaken by P.D.O.
Rayda Formation
The basal rock-stratigraphical unit of the Lower Cretaceous in Oman. A description of the
distinctive lithological types, the contained fauna and flora and overall age determination of the
unit to be undertaken by P.D.O.
A Group name for the formations comprising the Lower cretaceous deposits was discussed but not
decided. P.D.O. would be responsible for the editing of the report "The Stratigraphy of the Lower
Cretaceous deposits in South-East Arabia, which would be finalized on receipt of the individual
reports from the various areas.
THE ELEVENTH MEETING
Mr. Maycock invited the delegates to attend the eleventh geological liaison meeting at D.P.C
offices, Dubai, in May 1972.
POSTSCRIPT
Mr. Hopping would like to thank all accompanies and their staff who have been involved in the
geological liaison meetings for their help and understanding during his stay in the Middle East and
wishes them good luck and good stratigraphy in the future.
The Hague, 11th September 1972
CAH/LN
751
QATAR PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
THAMAMA GROUP
STRATIGRAPHY
OF THE
QATAR PENINSULA
WITH NOTES ON THE SHUAIBA

AND RATAWI TYPE SECTIONS
SOUTHERN IRAQ
Report No. QP. 248
Dukhan
November 1971
752
CONTENTS
Page
PART - I: THE THAMAMA GROUP, QATAR
INTRODUCTION
THAMAMA GROUP
SHUAIBA FORMATION
HAWAR FORMATION
RATAWI FORMATION
YAMAMA FORMATION
12
SULAIY FORMATION
14
PART II: THE SHUAIBA AND RATAWI FORMATION IN

SOUTHERN IRAQ
INTRODUCTION
16
SHUAIBA FORMATION
17
RATAWI FORMATION
18
PART III: BIBLIOGRAPHY

BIBLIOGRAPHY
20
PLATES:
QPG. 3037
QPG. 3038
SHUAIBA FORMATION TYPE SECTION WELL ZUBAIR NO.3.
QPG. 3039
RATAWI FORMATION TYPE SECTION WELL RATAWI NO. 1
QPG. 3040
THAMAMA GROUP FORMATIONS WELL NO. DK.80 [Dk-0080]
QPG. 3041
HAWAR-KHARAIB-RATAWI FORMATIONS BUSAYIR WELL NO.1
QPG. 3048
THAMAMA GROUP CORRELATION QATAR
HAWAR-KHARAIB-RATAWI FORMATIONS KHARAIB WELL NO. 1
Note 1: QPG 3038, 3039, 3040, 3041 and 3048 were not included in our original
Note 2: The pagination above refers to the original document and not to this transcript.
753

INTRODUCTION
Modification and standardization of the rock unit nomenclature of on-shore Qatar was first
completed by W. Sugden in 1956. In recent years this work was revised by A.J. Standring, whose
latest interpretation of the Thamama Group rock units, except for minor comments, is given below
Cretaceous
Berriasian (or Thithonian)
to Aptian
The name Thamama Group is applied in Qatar to a clearly defined sequence of rock units which
overlie the Hith Anhydrite Formation and underlie the terrigenous clastics of the Nakr Umr
Formation. This usage conforms to normal practise in much of Arabia, and is retained in spite of
recently published evidence which could invalidate the customary application of the name
(POWERS et. al., 1966). The name continues to be used for comparable subsurface sections in
Saudi Arabia (POWERS, 1968).
THAMAMA GROUP
The Thamama Group of Qatar contains lithologic units comparable to those described from the
subsurface of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Exact correlation being impossible on the
basis of available evidence, different formation names have been applied to parts of the succession.
Even where names from Saudi Arabia have been applied, it is possible that formation boundaries
are slightly different from those in the type area.
In 1956, the Thamama Group of Qatar was subdivided into the following formations
Shuaiba Formation
Hawar Shale Formation
Kharaib Formation
Ratawi Formation
Yamama Formation
Sulaiy Formation
The Shuaiba Formation is a widespread, transgressive carbonate unit of Aptian age which can be
recognised over much of Arabia, but does not reach the outcrop area of Saudi Arabia. Its inclusion
in the Thamama Group is based upon its apparent conformable relationship and close age affinity
with the underlying units, together with its common erosional contact with the overlying clastics of
the Nahr Umr Formation.
In 1961, it was shown that the Ratawi Formation of south Iraq has a diachronous, laterally
gradational contact with the Zubair Formation. A situation obtains in some areas where shales of
the Ratawi Formation have wholly replaced the Zubair, and include an appreciable proportion of
limestone. The Ratawi in such developments closely resembles the combined Hawar, Kharaib and
Ratawi Formations as originally defined in Qatar. For this reason, the Hawar and Kharaib were
754

reduced by QPC to the status of members within a Ratawi Formation which included the
predominantly argillaceous sequence which underlies the Shuaiba and overlies the Yamama
Formations.
Since 1961 the Thamama Group has attained great economic importance as a source of oil and has,
consequently, been closely studied. One result is evidence of the widespread regional value of a
formation closely comparable to the original Kharaib Formation. The name Kharaib Formation is
now being applied in Abu Dhabi and Oman. It is proposed to reinstate it in QPC terminology. The
Hawar Formation will be reintroduced, while the name Ratawi will be applied, in the original
sense, to the predominantly argillaceous unit which occurs between the Kharaib and Yamama
Formations. The Ratawi Formation so defined approximates closely in lithology and age to the
Ratawi of the type area.
The units assigned to the Yamama and Sulaiy Formations are believed to be very like rock
sequences similarly named in neighbouring parts of Saudi Arabia. It is probable that a break in
sedimentation occurs at the sharp contact between the Yamama and Ratawi Formations.
The Thamama Group is conventionally assigned a Lower Cretaceous (Berriasian to Aptian) age
in Qatar. Faunal evidence originally believed to prove Jurassic age up to the top of the Yamama
has been discredited. It is possible that the poorly fossiliferous Sulaiy Formation could be partly
Jurassic (?Tithonian) in age but the clearly defined contact between the Hith and Sulaiy Formations
is used as a convenient, conventional boundary between Jurassic and Cretaceous Systems.
SHUAIBA FORMATION
Cretaceous
(Aptian)
Author
R.M.S. Owen and S.M. Nasr, 1958 (amend. H.V. Dunnington, 1959)
Synonymy
Shuaiba Formation, Dominguez, 1965. Shuaiba Formation, Powers, 1968. Shuaiba
Formation, Harris et al., 1968.
The type section
Is in B.P.C. Well Zubair No. 3, South Iraq, see part II of this report
Reference section in Qatar
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 11 [DK-0011], lat. 252717 N, Long. 504802 E, Elevation 41.5 m
(136 ft), completed 1.8.1949, between drilled depths 1006 and 1135 m (3291 and 3724 ft).
Thickness 132 m (432 ft)
Top. 1. Limestone, light grey or white, chalky and white chalk. 26 m (85 ft). 2.
Lithology
Limestone, white to light grey, chalky, containing fine, calcareous, organic debris.
Partly to strongly recrystallised. Occasionally dolomitic. Grey and argillaceous in
bottom few feet. 106 m (348 ft).
In 1. Arenobulimina sp., Pseudochrysalidina sp., and Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras.
Fossils
In 2. O. cf. discoidea, Cardita cf. upwarensis.
Graphic log of this formation is given in QPG.3040 a gamma-ray/neutron log run
recently in Dukhan No. 80 [Dk-0080]
Age
Aptian
Underlying Hawar Formation; contact conformable. Placed where limestones of the basal
Shuaiba overlie blue-grey shales of the Hawar.
Overlying Nahr Umr Formation; contact probably disconformable; at contact of grey limestone
of the Shuaiba, below, with the shales of Nahr Umr Formation.
755

Remarks
R.M.S. Owen and Nasr (1958) describe the Shuaiba Formation as made up of dolomitic limestones
which are coarsely crystalline, porous and cavernous, with recrystallised Rudistae and with rare
Orbitolina discoidea and Choffetella decipiens.
The type section, described by Dunnington (1959), is quite unlike this, being composed of finegrained, chalky and argillaceous limestones, some of which contain globigerinids, interbedded with
shales in their upper and lower parts.
The Shuaiba Formation has recently become an important oil-producing reservoir in the
neighbouring state of Abu Dhabi and has, in consequence, been the subject of detailed study. The
Shuaiba Formation of the Bu Hasa Field is comparable to the coarse rudistid limestones recorded
from Kuwait. The type section in S. Iraq, appears to show more affinity to the equivalent deeperwater sequence which occurs at the top of the Thamama Group in the Bab Dome (Harris, Hay and
Twombley, 1968).
The Shuaiba Formation of Qatar has been almost exclusively examined as well cuttings and its
detailed lithology cannot, consequently, be determined. It has been described, in general, as a
chalky, Orbitolina-bearing limestone but much lithofacies variation undoubtedly occurs over the
peninsula. It is, probably, more closely related to the shallow platform facies of Bu Hasa and
Kuwait since deeper-water limestones like those seen in the type section and in parts of Abu Dhabi
have not been recognised.
The name Sabsab Formation was at one time assigned to a distinctive lithologic unit, composed of
grainstones or packstones with abundant abraded Orbitolinae, described from many Dukhan wells.
This is now included in the Shuaiba Formation.
HAWAR FORMATION
Cretaceous
Lower Aptian or
Barremian
Author
W. Sugden, 1953 (unpublished report).
Synonymy
None
Type locality
QPC Well Kharaib No. 1, Lat. 252709 N, Long. 511156 E, elevation 41 m (136 ft), completed
29.6.1953, between drilled depths 1109 and 1125 m (3637 and 3689 ft).
16 m (52 ft)
Thickness
Shale and marl, blue-grey.
Lithology
Fossils
Lower Aptian or Barremian
Age
Underlying
Kharaib Formation; contact conformable, placed at boundary between limestone,
below, and shales or marls, above.
Shuaiba Formation; contact conformable; limestones of the Shuaiba rest upon
Overlying
shales of the Hawar Formation
Other localities
Occurs throughout onshore Qatar and can be traced eastwards through offshore Qatar where it
changes progressively into a characteristic limestone unit composed of foraminiferal, pellet
packstones and wackestones and argillaceous lime mudstones, often highly glauconitic and dense.
This limestone can be traced eastwards through Abu Dhabi and probably extends into Oman.
Everywhere it intervenes between the Shuaiba and Kharaib Formations. The shale is present in
756

Bahrain and forms the highest unit of the Biyadh Formation in eastern areas of Saudi Arabia.
Remarks
Justification for assigning formation rank to this relatively thin unit is its value over a wide area as a
distinctive rock unit which intervenes between the well-defined Shuaiba and Kharaib Formations.
The Hawar Formation was, for many years, considered to be the upper member of a heterogeneous
formation which also included the Kharaib and Ratawi Formations as defined in this Lexicon. The
name Ratawi was assigned to the complete sequence which was considered to be a distant
equivalent of the Zubair / Ratawi clastics complex of south Iraq.
KHARAIB FORMATION
Cretaceous
(probably Barremian)
Author
W. Sugden, 1953 (unpublished report)
Synonymy
None
Type locality
QPC Well Kharaib No. 1, Lat 252709 N, Long. 511156 E, elevation 41 m (136 ft), completed
83 m (273 ft).
Thickness
Top. 1. Limestone, light grey, fine grained, porous, partly crystallised. 24 m (79
Lithology
ft). 2. Limestone, grey to cream, porous to compact, detrital, in parts with large
pellets, interbedded with argillaceous limestone. 41 m (136 ft). 3. Limestone, light
grey, porous, fine grained. 18 m (58 ft).
In 1. Orbitolina discoidea Gras, var. delicata Henson, Dictyoconus arabicus
Fossils
Henson. In 2. O. discoidea var. delicata, Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger. In
3. O. discoidea var. delicata, D. arabicus.
A graphic log is given on the enclosed plate QPG. 3038 and graphic S.P./Sonic log
of the formation in the nearby well Busayir is given on the enclosed plate
QPG.3041.
Probably Barremian
Age
Ratawi Formation; contact apparently conformable but, regionally, considerable
Underlying
cut-out and condensation of beds beneath the Kharaib Formation can be
demonstrated over the Qatar arch. Boundary placed at the contact of limestones of
the basal Kharaib Formation, above, with marls or shales of the Ratawi Formation,
below.
Hawar Formation; contact conformable. At contact of marl and shale of the
Overlying
Hawar, above, with limestones of the upper Kharaib Formation, below.
Other localities
Throughout onshore and offshore Qatar and the Trucial States. Probably extends some distance to
the west of Qatar where its equivalent is to be found within the Biyadh Formation.
Remarks
This, predominantly limestone, unit can be traced over a vast area of S.E. Arabia, as a continuous
carbonate development typified by the occurrence of Orbitolina discoidea, associated at two levels
with Dictyoconus arabicus. In Abu Dhabi the Kharaib Formation includes the Zone B plus Zone C
Reservoirs of the Thamama Group limestones, which contains important oil accumulations (Hajash,
1967).
To the east of Qatar, the marls and shales of the Ratawi Formation, which underlies the Kharaib,
pass into a predominantly limestone facies. In offshore Qatar the name Kharaib has been applied to
the complete sequence which underlies the Hawar Shale Formation and overlies the Yamama
757

Formation (Dominguez, 1965). This application of the name is contrary to majority practise in the
area.
The upper and lower members of the formation are probably better developed equivalents of the
First and Second Orbitolina Limestones recorded from the Biyadh Formation of eastern Saudi
Arabia
Cretaceous
RATAWI FORMATION
?Barremian-Valanginian
Author
R.M.S. Owen and S.M. Nasr, 1958
Synonymy
Ratawi Formation, H.V. Dunnington, 1959, 1967; Ratawi Formation, K.M. Al Naqib, 1967.
The type section
Is BPC Well Ratawi No. 1, in south Iraq, see Part II of this report
QPC Well Kharaib No. 1, Lat 292709 N, Long. 511156 E, elevation 41 m (136 ft), completed
Top. 1. Limestone, grey, fine grained, compact, argillaceous, detrital. Pellety in
Lithology
lower part. 26 m (86 ft). 2. Marl, grey interbedded with limestone, grey,
argillaceous, pellety. 16 m (52 ft). 3. Marl, grey, with thin interbeds of limestone,
grey, argillaceous, detrital, often pellety. 36.5 m (120 ft). 4. Limestone, buff, pellety.
7 m (23 ft). 5. Marl, blue-grey. 7.5 m (25 ft). 6. Limestone, buff, porous. 4 m (14
ft). 7. Marl, blue-grey. 3 m (10 ft). 8. Limestone, buff, porous. 3.3 m (11 ft). 9.
Limestone, grey, argillaceous, in parts pellety, detrital. 22 m (72 ft). 10. Limestone,
grey, fine grained, compact argillaceous, pellety, 18 m (59 ft). Base.
In 1. Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger, Lituola sp. (Orbitolina discoidea is
Fossils
recorded but probably derived from the overlying Kharaib Formation). In 2 and 3.
C. decipiens, Lituola sp., Cyclammina greigi. In 4. Pseudochrysalidina arabica
Henson, Pseudocyclammina lituus (Yokoyama), Lituola sp., Trocholina sp. In 5.
Pseudocyclammina kelleri Henson, P. lituus, Cardita cf. neocomiensis dOrbigny. In
6. P. arabica, P. lituus. In 8. P. arabica, P. lituus. In 9 and 10. P. kelleri, P.
lituus, P. lituus var. nov.
Hauterivian by regional comparison of microfaunas.
Age
Overlying Kharaib Formation; contact apparently conformable but regional evidence suggests
the presence of a considerable sedimentary break between the Ratawi and Kharaib
Formations over Qatar. The boundary is a sharp one between pure, porous limestone
of the basal Kharaib Formation and argillaceous limestone and marls of the
underlying Ratawi Formation.
Underlying Yamama Formation; contact apparently conformable; placed where grey,
argillaceous, pellety limestone of the basal Ratawi overlies pure, fine grained
carbonates of the upper Yamama. Regionally, there is evidence of possible cut-out of
beds at this boundary which could, therefore, be unconformable.
Other localities
Recognised throughout Qatar. An equivalent is known from Bahrain, whence it may be traced
through eastern Saudi Arabia to the type locality in south Iraq. Eastwards from Qatar, the
argillaceous Ratawi Formation is rapidly replaced by shallow-water limestones
758

Remarks
Correlation of the Ratawi Formation of Qatar with the better-studied cyclical sequence recognised
in Abu Dhabi suggests that a considerable section recognized in the latter area is absent from the
upper part of the Ratawi Formation over the Qatar arch.
The most widely recognised member of the formation is unit 4 of the reference section. This is the
lateral equivalent of the Chrysalidina Zone of the Buwaib Formation of Saudi Arabia. Similar
limestones are present in the type section, in south Iraq. In Abu Dhabi, the porous Zone F of the
Thamama Group correlates with this limestone bed. Units 6 and 8 can also be traced over a wide
area.
The Ratawi Formation of Qatar is the approximate equivalent of the Ratawi of the type section in
south Iraq. It is a predominantly argillaceous unit interbedded limestone which underlies limestone
containing Orbitolina discoidea and overlies pure carbonates of the Yamama Formation.
Accurate correlation with Saudi Arabia is not possible. It appears probable that the Ratawi of Qatar
is the equivalent of the Buwaib Formation of nearby subsurface sections. Cyclammina greigi,
which is typical of the lower Buwaib Formation in nearby areas occurs in unit 3 of the Qatar
reference section. The form Daxia which apparently replaces it in the upper Buwaib has not been
recognised in Qatar. It is probable that fossils recorded as Choffatella decipiens in Qatar have been
named Daxia in Saudi Arabia. The range of C. decipiens cannot be applied as a criterion in
correlation. The lowest occurrence of Orbitolina and Dictyoconus arabicus in the basal part of the
Kharaib Formation and of the Biyadh Formation is probably more significant.
The lowest part of the Ratawi Formation in Qatar is an argillaceous limestone which may be the
equivalent of the upper part of the Mid Thamama Limestone of Saudi Arabia. It was originally
named the Rakan Formation by Q.P.C.
It is probable that the fossil recorded as Pseudocyclammina kelleri from the Ratawi Formation of
Qatar is not the true P. kelleri of Iraq. In appearance it has some affinity with Cyclammina and
could be similar to Everticyclammina hensoni Redmond from the Buwaib Formation of Saudi
Arabia.
Current usage in QPC assigns the name Ratawi to the combined Hawar, Kharaib and Ratawi
Formations described herein. This reflects the fact that the unit between the base Shuaiba and top
Yamama Formations is the lateral equivalent of the Zubair-Ratawi clastic sequence of areas to the
north. The system of nomenclature applied in this Lexicon will be re-adopted in Qatar.
759

YAMAMA FORMATION
Cretaceous
(Valanginian)
Authors
M. Steineke, R.A. Bramkamp and N.J. Sander, 1958 amend. R.W. Powers et al., 1966
Synonymy
None
Type locality
A number of short exposures on the Al Qusaija upland of Saudi Arabia.
QPC Well Dukhan No. 26 [DK-0026], Lat. 252658 N, Long. 504847 E, elevation 24.4 m (80
ft), completed 14.1.1952, between drilled depths 1553 and 1674 m (5095 and 5490 ft).
Thickness 120 m (395 ft).
Top. 1. Limestone, light grey to buff, fine grained, porous to compact, pellety in
Lithology
lower part. 29 m (95 ft). 2. Limestone, grey, hard, fine grained, compact, pellety
with occasional oolitic horizons; often includes coarse to fine detrital carbonate
grains. 66 m (217 ft). 3. Limestone, light grey, chalky to very chalky in upper part,
containing variable proportions of pellet debris. 25 m (83 ft).
In 1. Pseudocyclammina aff. lituus (Yokoyama), Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler,
Fossils
Trocholina sp., Spirocyclina sp., Stromatopora aff. costai Osimo, Polyphylloseris cf.
prae-turoniae (Zuffardi-Commerci). In 2. Pseudocyclammina sp., N. oolithica,
Trocholina sp. In 3. P. aff. lituus (this form is compared by Redmond with his P.
sulaiyana).
Probably Valanginian by comparison with the type Yamama Formation of Saudi
Age
Arabia.
Overlying Ratawi Formation; contact appears conformable in Qatar but regional evidence
suggests that a considerable sedimentary hiatus could exist at this level. Boundary
placed where clean, porous limestones of the Yamama are overlain by argillaceous
limestones of the basal Ratawi.
Underlying Sulaiy Formation; contact placed at conformable boundary between pellety, porous
limestones of the basal Yamama and fine grained, denser limestones of the Sulaiy
Formation.
Other localities
The Yamama Formation exhibits a similar lithologic development in the subsurface throughout
Qatar. To the east in Abu Dhabi it is predominantly lime mudstone and often difficult to
distinguish from the Sulaiy Formation. The Yamama Formation can be traced north westwards
through Saudi Arabia into Kuwait and South Iraq.
Remarks
The fossil Pseudocyclammina aff. lituus recovered from the lowest unit of the Yamama of Qatar is
the form compared with P. sulaiyana by Redmond. Powers (1968), states that the top of the Sulaiy
has been revised upwards in Saudi Arabia, to include the Yamama Detrital facies, which contains
P. sulaiyana. It is possible that the Sulaiy-Yamama boundary should be revised upwards in Qatar
to accommodate this change.
760

SULAIY FORMATION
Cretaceous ?Jurassic
Authors
M. Steineke, R.A. Bramkamp and N.J. Sander, 1958
Synonymy
Sulaiy Formation, Powers et al., 1966. Sulaiy Formation , Powers, 1968.
The type section
Is in the cliff above Dahl Hit in Saudi Arabia.
QPC Well Dukhan No. 27 [DK-0027], Lat. 251754 N, Long. 504630 E. elevation 16 m (52
ft), completed 23.2.1952; between drilled depths 1615 and 1753 m (5298 and 5700 ft). A graphic
gamma-ray/neutron log of this formation from Well Dk.80 [DK-0080] is given on plate QPG.3040
Limestone, light grey to grey, fine grained varying from slightly porous at the top to
Lithology
dense at the bottom. The upper and middle parts are slightly dolomitic. In many
sections, but not in the reference section, a thin bed of pellety or oolitic limestone
occurs at the bottom.
None identified.
Fossils
Not definitely established in Qatar. Conventionally treated as earliest Cretaceous but,
Age
as in Saudi Arabia, its lowest part could be late Jurassic.
Underlying Hith Formation; contact conformable; placed at the top of limestone containing
anhydrite nodules, assigned to the Hith.
Overlying Yamama Formation; contact conformable, placed where porous, chalky, pellety
limestones of the basal Yamama overlie fine mudstones of the underlying Sulaiy.
Other localities
Recognised in all deep wells drilled in Qatar. To the south-east, in Abu Dhabi, a dense lime
mudstone sequence at the base of the Thamama can be compared with the Sulaiy Formation but an
exact distinction between Sulaiy and Yamama Formations cannot be made.
Remarks
The Sulaiy Formation is generally unfossiliferous in Qatar, but its consistent lithology permits
correlation over a wide area.
Recent revision of the upper limit of the Sulaiy Formation in the subsurface of Saudi Arabia
(Powers, 1966) possibly invalidates the current pick for the formations top in Qatar. The presentday boundary between predominantly dense lime mudstones, below, and porous detrital limestone,
above, still appears the most natural formation contact in Qatar.
The age of the Sulaiy in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia is deduced from long range correlation of the
top of the Hith Formation with the top of the Gotnia Formation of Iraq. The latter is overlain by
limestone containing Tithonian to Berriasian ammonites. This deduction assumes that the end of
anhydrite formations over a wide area is approximately synchronous.
In spite of the above, the base of the Sulaiy Formation is conventionally taken to mark the Jurassic
Cretaceous boundary in Qatar.
The name Wakrah Formation, assigned to this rock unit before the name Sulaiy was adopted, is now
obsolete.
761
PART II
THE SHUAIBA AND RATAWI FORMATIONS IN
SOUTHERN IRAQ
INTRODUCTION
The Shuaiba and Ratawi Formations have their type sections in Southern Iraq and descriptions of
these are given below.
SHUAIBA FORMATION
Type Locality
Zubair Well No. 3, BPC., Lat. 302301., Long. 474329e., located between drilled depths 9870
feet to 10132 ft.
First published details of the type locality were given by Owen and Nasr 1958, with further details
given in Lexique Stratigraphique International, Vol. III, Asie, Iraq, 1959
More recently in 1970 E. HART investigated the original descriptions of the type section by P.M.V.
RABANIT and concluded that the description of the Shuaiba by OWEN and NASR 1958, are more
applicable to sections of Ratawi and Nahr Umr rather than the type section at Zubair Well No.3. E.
HART quoting from RABANITIS original reports gives a description of the type section of the
Shuaiba from top to bottom as follows:
9870 9962
9962 10125
10125 10132
Crystalline limestone with large thick shelled globigerinids and traces of

glauconite
Dominantly fine grained limestone the top more chalky and the lower part
more argillaceous
Pseudo-oolitic limestone with clear calcite matrix and angular sand grains
The fauna of this limestone formation in on the whole rather poor with the exception of a rich zone
Orbitolina discoidea at the base
There are no gamma-ray/neutron logs available from Zubair well No. 3 but a graphic summary is
given on the enclosed electric log QPG.3037. [see figure at the end of this report]
762

RATAWI FORMATION
Type locality
Ratawi Well No. 1, BPC., Lat. 303322N., Long. 470545E., located between drilled depths
10870 ft. to 11700 ft.
Published details are given in Owen and Nasr 1958 and Lexique Stratigraphique International, Vol.
III, Asie, Iraq, 1959.
The description of the type section was amended by M. Chatton and E. Hart 1962, (unpublished
report) as follows:
830 ft.
From top to bottom; 20 ft. limestone, buff dense, organic detrital; 70 ft. shale,
black with thin limestone stringers; 68 ft. marl and shale, greenish grey with thin
limestone bed towards base; 142 ft. shale, black with two thin sandstone stringers
of 20 ft. total thickness; 530 ft. shale, calcareous, greenish grey interbedded with
limestone, buff, dense, organic detrital, the limestone occasionally grading into marly
limestone.
Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger, Pseudocyclammina lituus (Yokoyama),
Fossils
Pseudocyclammina kelleri Henson, Cyclammina greigi Henson, rare Valvulinella
jurassica Henson, Trocholina spp., Pseudocyclammina spp., Lithocodium
aggregatum Elliott, Clypeina sp., Ostrea rectangularis Sowerby, Terebratula cf.
squamosal Mantell, Exogyra sinuate Sowerby, ?Venus pilatina Mayer, Pecten
(?Syncyclonema) cf. P. alpinus Mayer, Kingena spp., including K. cf. Zeilleria
tamarindus (Sowerby) in Douville, Anomia sp., Cylindrites sp., algal, stromatoporoid
and bryozoan fragments
Hauterivian (probably lower) Uppermost Berriasian, see Remarks.
Age
Underlying formation and details of contact
Yamama Formation, contact conformable taken at the top of the calcarenitic limestone of the
Yamama Formation and the base of the fine grained limestone of the Ratawi Formation.
Overlying formation and details of contact
Zubair Formation, contact conformable taken at the top of the fine grained limestone of the Ratawi
Formation and the base of the black shale and sandstone of the Zubair Formation.
This formation has been amended to emphasise the lithological difference between it
Remarks
and the Yamama Formation. Both formations are shelf deposits of the Lower
Cretaceous and can contain similar lithologies i.e. fine grained limestone and shale,
predominant in the Ratawi and subordinate in the Yamama. But by definition the
Yamama is calcarenite. It is therefore logical to group the main body of calcarenites
(pellet, pseudo-oolitic and oolitic limestone) into the Yamama Formation. It is why
that, at the type locality, the base of the Ratawi is now placed slightly lower to
include limestones that do not possess the Yamama characteristics.
Thickness
Lithology
There are no gamma-ray/neutron logs available from Ratawi Well No. 1 but a graphic
summary is given on the enclosed electric log QPG.3039
763
PART III
BIBLIOGRAPHY
AmericanCommissiononStratigraphicNomenclature,1961
CodeofstratigraphicNomenclature.AmericanAssociationofpetroleumGeologists.Bull.Amer.Assoc.
Pet.Geol.Vol.45,No.5May1961,pp.645665(Amended1970).
Banner,F.E.&wood,G.(1964).
LowerCretaceousupperJurassicstratigraphyoftheUmmShaifField,AbuDhabiMarineAreas.Bull.
Amer.Assoc.Pet.Geol.Vol.48,No.2,pp.191206
Dominguez,J.K.(1965)
OffshoreFieldsofQatar,5thArabPet.Cong.57(B1)
Dunnington,H.V.,Wetzel,R.&Morton,D.M.,(1959)
Iraq,MesozoicandPalaeozoic.LexiqueStratigraphiqueInternationale.Vol.III,Fasc.10a
Dunnington,H.V(1967)
StratigraphicDistributionofOilfieldsintheIraqIranArabianBasin.Journ.Inst.Pet.,Vol.53,No.520,pp.
129161.
Elder,S.(1963)
UmmShaifOilfield,HistoryofExplorationandDevelopment.Journ.Inst.Pet.,Vol.49,No.478,pp.308
315.
Hajash,G.M.(1967).
TheAbuDhabiSheikhdomTheOnshoreOilfields,HistoryofExplorationandDevelopment.Proc.7th
WorldPet.Cong.Vol.2,p.130
Harris,T.J.,Hay,J.T.C.&Twombley,B.N.(1968)
ContrastingLimestoneReservoirsintheMurbanField,AbuDhabi.SecondReg.Tech.Symp.Soc.OfPet.
Eng.OfAIME.SaudiArabiansection,Dhahran.
James,G.A&Wynd,J.C.(1965).
StratigraphicNomenclatureofiranianOilConsortiumagreementArea.Bull.Amer.Assoc.Pet.Geol.,1965,
49,pp.21822245
Naqib,K.M.Al,(1967)
GeologyoftheArabianPeninsulaSouthwesternIraq.U.S.Geol.Surv.Prof.Paper.560G.
Powers,R.W.(1968)
LexiqueStratigraphiqueInternationale.Vol.III,Fasc.10b1,SaudiArabia
Powers,R.W.,Ramirez,L.F,Redmond,C.D.,&Elberg,E.L.jr.(1966)
GeologyoftheArabianPeninsulaSedimentarygeologyofSaudiArabia.U.S.Geol.Surv.Prof.Paper 560
D
Steineke,Max&Bramkamp,R.A.(1952a)
MesozoicRocksofEasternSaudiArabia(abstr.)Bull.Amer.Assoc.Pet.Geol.No.5,p.909.
764
SHUAIBAFORMATION
TYPESECTION
WELLZUBAIRNO.3(Iraq)
(AFTERPMVRABANITANDE.HART)
Q.P.C.Pet.Eng.Dept.
QPG.303711171
765
Minutes of the 11th Geological Liaison Meeting

Held in Dubai October 23-25, 1972
(Minutes dated June 14th 1973)
Delegates attending were:

Harry A. Vest
Robert Lacassagne
Wolfgang G. Witt
Martin J. Davies
Tal Hassan
Jan P. de Zoeten
Rul T. Murris
Bryan Twombley
Frank Gosling
Ian Maycock
Dubai Petroleum Company (D.P.C.) - Dubai

C.F.P. - Paris
P.D. (O) - Muscat
A.D.M.A. Abu Dhabi
A.D.M.A. Abu Dhabi
Shell - Qatar
S.I.P.M. The Hague
A.D.P.C. Abu Dhabi
Q.P.C. - Qatar
Conoco Ponca City
AimsofMeeting
1 Approvethefinalreporton"TheStratigraphyoftheWasiaGroupinSoutheastArabia"byA.J.
Standring"
2 Approveand/orreviewthesummaryofThamamaformationsmadebyP.D.(O).
3 Discussanyobjectionstotheminutesofthepreviousmeetingonthe"ThamamaGroup".
4 ReviewUpperJurassicstratigraphyandsuggestappropriatenomenclature.

Introduction
Mr. H. C. Sager welcomed the delegates to Dubai, and the meeting commenced at approximately 0900
hourson23rdOctober.
Thefollowingcontributionsweredistributed:
1 "TheStratigraphyoftheWasiaGroup(AlbianTuronian)inSoutheastArabia"byA.J.Standring.
(seebelow)
2 "UpperJurassicFormationsoftheQatarPeninsula"byQ.P.C. (seebelow)
3 "TheUpperJurassicstratigraphyofAbuDhabi"byA.D.P.C.(seebelow)
4 "UpperJurassicReferenceSectionsinOffshoreAbuDhabi"byA.D.M.A.
5 "UpperJurassicintheFatehA1,OffshoreDubai,byD.P.C. (seebelow)
6 "UpperJurassicReferenceSectionsofOman"byW.G.Witt,PD(O).(seebelow)

W.Witt,P.D.(O),apologizedforthefactthatP.D.(O)hadbeenunable,duetopressureofwork,tofinalize
eithertheThamama stratigraphicsummaryortoprovideanUpperJurassicpresentationfordistribution.
Upper Jurassic Reference Sections of Oman was presented later in December 1972 (see below). The
ThamamadocumentwasmadereadyinJune1973(seebelow)
J.deZoetensimilarlyapologizedforS.C.Q.sayingthat,duetotheirverysmallstaff,theywereunableto
provideaformalreport.
766

Proceedings
1 WasiaReport
TheabovementionedreportofStandringwasbrieflyreviewedandapprovedbythedelegates.
2 ThamamaGroup
The delegates working in concessions within the Gulf area all agreed that, in view of the
accepteduseoftheterm"ThamamaGroup",itwouldbeinadvisabletochangethenameofthe
group at this time. Therefore, they agreed that the name "Thamama Group" would be
maintained. Mr. Witt indicated that P.D.(O) used a different terminology although the
correlationremainedthesame.
3 ThamamaSubdivision
Severaldelegatesmentionedthattheydisagreedinpartwiththedetailsoftheminutesofthe
previous meeting, particularly in regard to certain aspects of Thamama terminology. Mr.
Goslingpointedoutthattheterm"SabSab"hadbeenusedforalithologicunitatthetopofthe
Shuaiba,butthatthistermhadnowbeendiscontinued.
The debate on the use of the term "Hawar" was revived. Arguments similar to those of the
previousmeetingwereheard.Again,theregionalimportanceofthewidespreadnatureofthe
base of the Shuaiba was stressed, and the delegates agreed to maintain the term "Hawar
Member"fortheuppermostsectionoftheKharaibformation.
Mr.Hassansuggestedthat,inviewofthewidespreaddevelopmentandeconomicimportance
of Zone II, it should be accorded member status and named appropriately. There was no
generalagreementthatthiswould,infact,beworthwhile;andthedelegatesvotedagainstthis
suggestion.
Discussion of the Salil and Rayda formations followed. These formations are recognized in
OmanandSouthernonshoreAbuDhabi;but,elsewhere,theirlimitsaredifficulttodetermine.
Theexactagerelationsoftheseformationsarestillinquestion.Mr.Murrispointedoutthatthe
Rayda may, in fact, be a partial time equivalent of the Hith anhydrite. Several delegates
mentioned that recent palynological dating suggested that the Hith might, in fact, be Lower
Cretaceousinage.Mr.Wittintimatedthatdifficultiesindatingthecalpeonellidfaunaofthese
formationscloudedtheproblemoftheiraccuratecorrelation.
In view of the problems of (a) the Rayda and the Salil, and (b) the oolitic and intraclastic
grainstones in the base of the Thamama or within the uppermost Jurassic in Abu Dhabi and
Dubai, it was agreed that further discussion of the nature of the Upper Jurassic/Cretaceous
boundaryshouldbedeferreduntillaterinthemeeting.
4 UpperJurassic
ThecontributingdelegatescalledtheattentionofthemeetingtotheirwrittenreportsonUpper
Jurassicstratigraphyoftheirindividualareas.Eachbrieflyoutlinedthestratigraphywithinhis
region.Delegatesarereferredtothedistributedmaterialformorecompletesummariesofthe
varioussections.
767
A Qatar Mr. Gosling reviewed the recommended breakdown of the Upper Jurassic as
indicated in the Q.P.C. contribution, Report No. QP 259. He pointed out that the
nomenclature as indicated is shortly to be published in the Qatar Lexicon. The Fahahil
formation proposed by Q.P.C. equates with the Arab IV or Arab D of neighboring Saudi
Arabia.

Mr.deZoetenbrieflydiscussedtheUpperJurassicofoffshoreQatar,mentioningthatthe
upper part of the Fahahil tended to be more dolomitic than onshore where grainstones
withalgalmaterialaremorecommon.HealsopointedoutthattheDiyabwasfrequently
ooliticandpelletedwithinnorthernoffshoreQatar.Thiscontrastswiththesectiontothe
south where finergrained bituminous carbonates with rare clastics and occasional
anhydriticnodulesoccur.

B OnshoreAbuDhabiMr.Twombleyoutlinedthestratigraphicsuccessionwithinonshore
Abu Dhabi, intimating that the Darb and the Diyab were not subdivided and outlining
generalfacieschangesacrossthearea.Hedescribedtheproblemsexperiencedintheeast
whereanUpperJurassicorLowerCretaceousooliticsequenceisdevelopedandwherethe
Hithanhydriteislost.

C Offshore Abu Dhabi Mr. Hassan showed that similar problems to those experienced
onshore were encountered from west to east across offshore Abu Dhabi at the contact
between the Thamama Group and the Upper Jurassic. The top of the Hith anhydrite is
easilyrecognizableinthewestwhereastotheeastooliticandpelletygrainstonesdevelop
possiblywithinboththeuppermostJurassicandthelowestThamama.Hepointedoutthat
withintheZakumareadeterminationofthisboundarywasparticularlydifficultduetothe
developmentofanhydriticdolomitesandthinanhydrites.Hemaintainedthatpreviouslya
featureless dolomite overlain by 20 to 30 feet of intraclastic grainstones within the
MandousNo.1wellhadbeenequatedwiththeHith.

D OffshoreDubaiMr.MaycockbrieflyreviewedthesectionseenintheFatehA1welland
pointedoutthedifficultiesexperiencedincorrelatingthiswellwithonshoreandoffshore
Abu Dhabi. Hesaidthatadequate subdivision was difficult and that nomenclatureof the
sectionshouldawaittheoutcomeofthemeeting.

E Oman Mr. Witt outlined the distribution and nature of the Jurassic rocks within the
P.D.(O) concession area. He demonstrated that adequate correlation had been obtained
between the Aramco well St. 18 and P.D.(O) Butabul No. 1 where the best and most
completeUpperJurassicsectioninonshoreOmanhadbeenseen.Representativesofthe
Jubaila, Hanifa, and Tuwaiq Mountain formations occur in these wells. Each of these
formationsshowgreaterdevelopmentofgrainsupportedrockstowardthetop,whilethe
Jubaila is dolomitic in the Upper part and the Hanifa dolomitic in the lower. Mr. Witt
pointed out that in eastern Oman the Lower Cretaceous directly overlies the Middle
Jurassic. In view of the excellent correlation with the Aramco wells and the location of
muchoftheOmanJurassicontherelativeperipheryofthedepositionalbasin,P.D.(O)had
decidedtomaintaintheAramconomenclature.

768
RegionalCorrelationsMr.Murris,withtheaidofwelllogsfrombothinsideandoutside
theregionsoftheoperatingcompaniespresent,demonstratedlogcorrelationswithinboth
UpperandMiddleJurassicsectionsoveraverylargearea.
Thisdemonstrationwasofgreatinterestandusefulness.Afterconsiderablediscussionof
possiblecorrelationswithintheregion,itwasdecidedtorecommendcertaintypesections
andformationsforfurtherconsideration

RecommendedNomenclature
1 GroupNomenclature
The term "Sila Group" was recommended to cover the interval from the top of the Hith
formationtothetopoftheAraejformation.Theappropriatereferencesectionoccursfromthe
SilaNo.1weIlbetween9,156and11,100feet.
A HithFormation
Reference section DK80 [DK0080] from 5,750 to 6,210 feet. Log characteristics and
lithologysummarizedinQ.P.C.reportNo.QP259,pages24.
B QatarFormation
TypesectionDK80[DK0080]from6,210to6,258feet(Notethatthebelowimagewhich
displays the correlation between Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai areas states a depth from
6,210 to 6,508 feet; which makes more sense since the top of the underlying Dukhan
Formationisat6,508feet).LogcharacteristicsandlithologysummarizedinQ.P.C.report
No.QP259,pages58.
C DukhanFormation
TypesectionDK80[DK0080]from6,508to7,677feet.Logcharacteristicsandlithology
aresimilartothoseformationsdescribedinQ.P.C.reportNo.QP259,pages917asFahahil
member,Darbformation,andDiyabformation.
IncludedintheDukhanisthe:
FahahilMember
TypesectionDK80[DK0080]from6,508to6,747feet.Lithologyandlogcharacteristics
of this member inthe type localityarevery similartothose described from DK66 [DK0066] inQ.P.C.reportNo.QP259,pages911.
2 DubaiEasternAbuDhabiarea
TheSilagroupinthisareaisdividedintotwoformations;viz.,theAsabandFateh.
A AsabFormation
Type section: A.D.P.C. Asab No. 1, from 10,389 to 10,750. An oolitic grainstone of
approximately 130 feet overlies dolomitized lime mudstone with scattered anhydrite
nodules.Theargillaceouscontentofthelatterintervalresultsinaconspicuousgammaray
response.
B FatehFormation
Type section: D.P. C. Fateh A1, from 10,415 to 11,310 feet. Variable dolomitic and
limestone sequence with both mud and grain supported rocks, frequently pelleted with
occasionalanhydritenoduleswhichoverliestheupperAraejgrainstonesandpackstones.
769

Oman
In view of the similarities of the Oman Jurassic sequence to the type Saudi Arabian section,
P.D.(O) affirmed that they would maintain the terms "Jubaila", "Hanifa", and "Tuwaiq
Mountain".InOmantheupperboundaryisvariableduetoanoverlyingunconformity,butthe
baseoftheTuwaiqMountainoccursatthetopoftheAraejasseenintheSouthernGulf.The
accompanyingsketchfigureillustratestherelationshipsoftheformationsinthevariousregions.
Due to the matter of the facies changes across Abu Dhabi, use of the recommended
nomenclaturewillnotbeeasyincentralAbuDhabi.

GeneralDiscussion

There was considerable discussion of the relationship of the Rayada formation and the Sila group in
northeastOman.Thepossibilitythatthetwomaybelaterallyequivalentwasconsidered.Itwasdecided
thatthecontactbetweentheRayadaandtheSalilshouldbefurtherevaluatedandshouldanymodification
ofthepreviouslyagreeddecisionsbenecessarytheyshouldbeincorporatedintheforthcominglithologic
descriptionsofthevariousThamamaformations.
After some debate as to the recommended base of the Thamama and/or top Hith, there was general
agreement that the top of the Hith anhydrite rather than that of the commonly associated oolithic
grainstones(e.g.,inQatar)shouldbeconsideredasthetruetopHith.

12thGeologicalLiaisonmeeting
ItwasagreedthatpriortothenextmeetingthatA.D.P.C.wouldprovideadetaileddescriptionofthetype
ASAPwhileD.P.C.wouldlikewisesupplyonefortheFatehFormation.Itwasrecommendedthatthenext
meeting should be held in March 1973; at which time the remainder of the known section; i.e., Middle
Jurassic through Permian or older, should be discussed. The venue of the March meeting was to be
subsequentlydecided.S.C.Q.orA.D.P.C.appearedtobethemostlikelyhostcandidates.
I.D.Maycock
GeologicalCoordinator
InterpretationGroup
EHPDExploration
tjc
770
771
NOTES ON UPPER JURASSIC ROCK UNITS OF QATAR
By
F. Gosling
The next Geological Liaison Meeting will be held in Dubai late October 1972, and the main topic
for discussion will be Upper Jurassic Stratigraphy of South East Arabia.
A Upper Jurassic formation nomenclature, compiled by Sugden modified by Standring, which has
been in use in Q.P.C. for some years, is presented in the attached report QP.259. This nomenclature
is sound and workable in Qatar, but the correlation of some formations with neighbouring areas is
not established and the boundaries of others are questionable. These points are discussed below.
1. DIYAB/DARB FORMATIONS
These two formations are essentially a sequence of dense lime-mudstones interbedded with pellet
limestones. The Darb is poorly fossiliferous and generally of finer particles but there is general
gradation upwards into the Darb. The whole sequence suggests a gradual progression from deeper
the shallower water sedimentation. In fact this progressive increase towards shallow water
sediments continues into the overlying Fahahil Formation. In the Diyab chert, dolomite and cherty
silt are not uncommon but these minerals are found also in the basal Darb and gradually disappear
upwards in this formation. Therefore, there is little lithological criteria to select a precise boundary
between these two formations, and retention of the Darb and Diyab as separate formations may be
questioned. If two formations are retained it is suggested that the boundary in the type section in
well Dk.51 [DK-0051] is revised downwards to 7,877 feet. Below this depth an anhydritic bed is
present and can be correlated with a similar horizon in Kharaib No. 1, Musaymir No. 1, and other
wells. Also below this anhydritic bed, chert rather than cherty silt is more common. However
again anhydrite is largely a replacement mineral and it may not prove to be a consistent marker.
Correlation of the Diyab/Darb as individual units outside Qatar with rocks equivalent age has not
been established. There seems to be a good case for correlating the upper part of the Darb with part
of the Jubaila of Saudi Arabia. Below the upper part of the Darb comparisons are difficult and in
Abu Dhabi the sequence between the Arab No. 4 and top of Araej is usually undifferentiated and
called Darb/Diyab equivalent. The lower Neocomian ? sequence of pellet, pyritic, micrites with
small miliolids and textularids described by Banner and Wood, from Umm Shaif are, ignoring the
age assigned to these beds, similar lithologically and in fauna to the Darb and Diyab. The
Neocomian ? interclastic sparites underlying the pellet micrites of Umm Shaif have not been
recognized in Qatar. Therefore, if the Diyab/Darb are the exact equivalent of the pellety micrites of
Banner and Wood, the age gap between the Middle and Upper Jurassic in Qatar is much greater
than at Umm Shaif. Another possibility is that the interclastic sparites of Umm Shaif are the age
equivalent of the lower Diyab, and just another example of lateral changes in facies that are present
in the Upper Jurassic sediments of S.E. Arabia, below the Qatar/Hith or equivalent formation.
772

One significant feature of lower Darb and Diyab in Qatar are the cherty silts and cherts which have
not been mentioned in rocks of equivalent age in neighbouring areas. The cherts are secondary and
in some thin sections can be seen replacing pellet limestones. The grains of cherty silts are very
angular, suggesting transportation from a nearby source. Sponge spicules are common in some
beds and the cherty silts are probably due to local current action on skeletons of sponges and similar
fauna.
2. FAHAHIL FORMATION
This formation or No. 4 Limestone consists of lime-mudstones and dolomites at the base which
grade upwards into coarser pellet wackestones and packestones to dominantly skeletal packestones
and grainstones. The upper part of the Fahahil consists of dense lime-mudstones and dolomites,
thin anhydrite and anhydritic sucrose dolomite.
The Fahahil Darb boundary is placed at the base of thin sequence of porous dolomites interbedded
with lime mudstones. In Dukhan this boundary can usually be identified with little difficulty
although there are exceptions where thin porous dolomites and limestones persist into the upper
Darb, e.g. the No. 4 Limestone extension. In Fuwairat and Musaymir wells the Fahahil Darb
boundary is not readily identified, and the Fahahil appears to have thickened at the expense of the
Darb. Therefore, it would appear there is a gradational change both vertical and laterally between
the Fahahil and Darb formations.
The top of the Fahahil in type section is placed at the contact of the thick anhydrite bed with a
anhydritic dolomite. This contact is very consistent in all wells in Qatar and marks the top of Zone
IV of the No. 4 Limestone, see page 3-22 of the current Q.P.C. Data Book. The beds comprising
this zone, including the thin anhydrite are remarkably consistent in type and thickness across Qatar.
This same zone can also be traced in off-shore areas off eastern Qatar. Likewise the contact
between Zone III and IV can be identified in Qatar and adjacent off-shore areas. In fact S.C.Q. take
the boundary between Zones III and IV of the No. 4 Limestone as the top of their Arab 4 reservoir.
In Saudi Arabia the top of the Arab D (Fahahil or No. 4 Limestone equivalent) is less clear. Powers
A.A.P.G. Memoir No. 1, 1962, page 178 discussing this boundary states:
The transition from carbonate (mostly calcarenite and calcarenitic limestone, rarely
dolomite or aphanitic limestone) to anhydrite is generally abrupt. In some instances
a thinly interbedded anhydrite carbonate complex occurs immediately below the
main anhydrite. It is interesting to note that clastic carbonate rather than dolomite
underlies the main anhydrite
The thinly interbedded anhydrite carbonate complex beneath the main anhydrite of Saudi Arabia
would appear to be the lateral equivalent of Zone IV in the No. 4 Limestone. Also like S.C.Q.,
ARAMCO where it occurs include this unit within the overlying evaporitic sediments, and the top
of their Arab D reservoir placed at the top of the calcarenite or calcarenitic limestones, which
almost certainly correlates with the grainstones found at the top of Zone III of the No. 4 Limestone.
Therefore to be consistent with adjacent areas a downward revision of the top of the Fahahil is
indicated. Both the top of Zone III and IV are excellent markers in Qatar but the anhydritic
carbonate beds of Zone IV have greater infinities with the overlying Qatar Formation than the
Fahahil below. There is every possibility that the thin anhydrites, dolomites and limestones of Zone
IV west of Qatar pass laterally into the overlying thick anhydrite. Also in Zone III of Q.P.C. the
grainstones rich in algae, stromotoporoids and some corals suggest a depositional environment
773

quite different to the limestones of the Qatar/Hith, which are dominated by faecal pellets, small
molluscs and gastropods, and a generally stunted fauna. Oolites very rare in the Fahahil are often
abundant in the supratidal limestones of the Qatar/Hith.
In Qatar, including adjacent offshore areas, western Abu Dhabi, BAPCO and possibly into Saudi
Arabia the top of Zone III is an excellent regional marker. Across Qatar its remarkable consistency
suggests it is almost isochronous. In parts of ADMA and eastern Abu Dhabi this horizon may
present problems of identification and correlation. However over large areas, certainly in Qatar, it
appears to end rather abruptly a phase of marine limestone sedimentation which began with deeper
water conditions in the Diyab and became progressively shallower in the Darb. The final phase was
a widespread shoaling in which grainstones and coarser grained limestones of Zone III or its lateral
equivalent were deposited.
Difficulty in correlating the Diyab/Darb and to a lesser degree the Fahahil formations with
neighbouring areas is largely due to lateral change of facies in sediments of this age.
3. QATAR/HITH FORMATIONS
The Qatar formation has its type section in Dukhan well DK. 28 [DK-0028]. The Hith takes its
name from an outcrop locality in Saudi Arabia. In Qatar these two rock units are easily recognized
and demarcated. By contrast with the underlying Upper Jurassic formations these cyclic anhydrite
and limestone beds of the Qatar/Hith are remarkably consistent in thickness and lithology over large
areas. However, the only difference between these two formations is that limestone members are
thicker in the Qatar than in the Hith. Eastwards from Qatar towards offshore and on-shore Abu
Dhabi separation of these two formations becomes increasingly difficult as anhydrite is replaced by
limestones. In these circumstances the combined name Hith/Arab or Hith/Qatar is applied. It could
be argued that the Qatar/Hith in Qatar and adjacent areas is a single cyclic, anhydrite-carbonate unit
and now that more is known of the regional variations of this rock unit a grouping into one
formation perhaps would be more practicable.
GENERAL COMMENTS AND CONCLUSIONS

In the Upper Jurassic of Qatar and adjacent areas two main phases of sedimentation are recognized
one which embraces the present Diyab, Darb and Fahahil and a second embracing the Qatar/Hith
formations. It is also felt that these two phases of sedimentation are basically two formations, and
the boundary between them is the top of Zone III in the No. 4 Limestone. The establishment of two
formations would make regional correlation easier and more meaningful. The No. 1 2 and 3
Limestone reservoirs would have the status of member in the upper Anhydrite Carbonate
formation. The No. 4 Limestone reservoir would be a member at the top of the lower formation,
which would incorporate the present Diyab and Darb.
Qatar
21.9.1972
/kec.
774

UPPER JURASSIC
FORMATIONS
OF THE
QATAR PENINSULA
Report No. QP.259
Dukhan
July 1972
775

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
HITHANHYDRITEFORMATION
QATARFORMATION
FAHAHILFORMATION
DARBFORMATION
DIYABFORMATION
Remark : The pagination above is from the original document and not from this transcript
QPG.3063
QPG.3064
QPG.3065
QPG.3066
QPG.3079
PAGE
1
2
5
9
12
1517
PLATES
DARBANDDIYABFORMATIONSTYPESECTIONWELLDK.51[DK0051]
FAHAHILFORMATIONTYPESECTIONWELLDK.66[DK0066]
QATARFORMATIONTYPESECTIONWELLDK.28[DK0028]
UPPERJURASSICFORMATIONSWELLDK.80[DK0080]
UPPERJURASSICFORMATIONSWELLMUSAYMIR1.
INTRODUCTION
The Upper Jurassic rock unit nomenclature contained in this report was originally described by W.
Sugden in 1956. In recent years there have been some revisions to Sugden work by A.J. Standring
whose latest interpretation of the Upper Jurassic formations for on-shore Qatar is given below.
776

HITHANHYDRITE
Author
Synonymy
Type
Locality
Lithology
Fossils
Age
Underlying
Overlying
Other
localities
Remarks
Jurassic
UpperJurassic
M.Steineke,R.A.BramkampandN.J.Sander,1958;amendedbyR.W.Powersetal,1966
None
InSaudiArabia.AtypicalsectionofthisformationisshownonthegraphiclogofWell
DK.80[DK0080]seeplateQPG.3066
Top 1. Limestone, brown and greybrown, dense, dolomitic, with abundant nodules of
anhydrite. 12m. (40ft.) 2. Limestone, brown oolitic, dolomitised. 4m. (13ft.) 3. White,
nodular anhydrite with abundant streaks and stringers of dense or compact brown
dolomite. 35m. (117ft.) 4. Anhydrite, white, massive, rarely with stringers of dolomite.
30m. (98ft.) 5. White nodular anhydrite with numerous stringers of brown dolomite.
Severalthinbedsofporous,ooliticorpellety,brown,dolomitisedlimestone.20m.(66ft.)6.
Anhydrite, white to light brown, massive, partly with stringers of brown dolomite. 29m.
(94ft.) 7. Anhydrite, white, nodular, with numerous stringers of dark brown dolomite
changingdownwardstodolomite,greybrown,withabundantnodulesofanhydrite.Asix
footbedofdolomitisedooliticlimestonenearthebase.10m.(34ft.)Base.
Undeterminablevestiges
Notknownpreciselyowingtothelackoffossilevidence.Accordingtotheageattributed
totheunderlyingQatarFormationitissupposedthattheHithisUpperJurassic,possibly
Tithonian.ThisagreeswiththelatestageproposedfortheHithFormationinSaudiArabia
(POWERSet.al.1966.)
Qatar Formation, contact conformable. The contact is taken at the top of the purely
carbonate upper member of the Qatar Formation. Beds showing gradational change to
massiveanhydriteareincludedintheHith,contrarytopractiseinSaudiArabia(STEINEKE
et. al., loc. cit.) ARAMCO practise has publication priority but the alternative, long
establishedinQatarrecords,isretainedasamatterofconvenience.
Sulaiy Formation, contact conformable. At the highest occurrence of limestones with

abundantnodularanhydritetypicaloftheupperunitoftheHithFormation.
Throughout the oilfield areas of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. The formation can be
traced eastwards into Abu Dhabi but disappears in the eastern part of that state as the
resultoferosionorfacieschange.ItisabsentfromOman.
The top of the Hith Anhydrite is commonly accepted as a convenient time boundary
between the Jurassic and Cretaceous Systems in many parts of Arabia. This position is
maintainedinSaudiArabiainspiteofsuggestionsbasedonpalynologicalstudiesthatthe
HithandupperArabFormationcouldbeofLowerCretaceousage.(HEMER,1965).
EvidenceforaLowerCretaceousageassigned toasimilaranhydriteunitoccurringinUmm
Shaif,AbuDhabi(BANNERandWOOD,1964.)wasrefutedbyDUNNINGTON(1967).
AJurassic(probablyTithonian)ageisappliedtotheHithFormationinQatarinconformity
withmajoritypractise.
777
Themodeoforiginofthiswidespread(IraqtoAbuDhabiandsouthRubalKhali)anhydrite
unitisopentoconjecture.Originallysupposedtoresultfromevaporationinasilledbasin,
the Hith Anhydrite could have formed in a shallow, hypersaline sea (SUGDEN, 1963).
Some, at least, of the sequence may result from diagenesis in supratidal sediments
resultingfromprocessessimilartothoserecordedfrompresentdaycoastalsabkhasinAbu
Dhabi.
TheHithAnhydritemarksthefinalshallowingandinfillingofthelongestablishedJurassic
seainwhichvastthicknessesoflimestoneweredepositedovermuchofArabia.
An equivalent of the Hith Anhydrite can be traced northwards into Iraq, as the Gotnia
Formation.ItcanalsoberecognisedinsouthwestIran.Thehalitedepositsrecordedfrom
thesouthwestRubalKhali extend southwardstoformtheSabatayn Formation which is
foundinthesaltdomesoftheShabwaareaofwesternHadhramaut.
Jurassic
QATARFORMATION
Kimmeridgian?Tithonian
Author
FirstnamedbyW.SUGDEN,1953inanunpublishedreport
Synonymy
Type
locality
Thickness
Lithology
Fossils
Age
None. (The A, B, C and upper, anhydrite, unit of the D Member of the Arab Formation,
R.W.POWERSet.al.1966.)
Q.P.C.WellDukhanNo.28 [DK-0028],lat.2517'12"N.,long.5048'46"E.,elevation32m.
(106ft.),completed1.5.1952,betweendrilleddepths1903and1990m.(6245and6529ft.)
see plate QPG.3065. The formation takes its name from the Qatar Peninsula, since it
containsthefirstcommercialoilreservoirdiscoveredinthatcountry.
87m.(284ft)
Top.1.Limestone,lightbrown,varyingfromfinegrained,partlydolomiticandcompactto
adolomitisedandporouspelletylimestone.11m.(36ft.)2.Anhydrite,whiteorlightgrey,
with frequent stringers of brown dolomite near the top and bottom. 12m. (41ft.) 3.
Limestone, brown, pellety and dolomitic, and dolomite, brown, porous. 5m. (17ft.) 4.
Anhydrite,grey,massive,dolomiticnearthetopandbottom.15m.(51ft.)5.Limestone,
greybrownandbrown.20ft.ofdolomitic,anhydriticlimestoneisunderlainbysome40ft.
of pellet grainstone and packstone interbedded with lime mudstones. These pass down
intoa basal oolitic grainstone.25m. (83ft.) 6. Anhydrite, light brown or light grey,witha
4ft.bedofanhydriticdolomitenearthebottom.17m.(56ft.)Bottom.
In1.Salpingoporellaannulata Carozzi,Coprolithussalevensis Parejas.In3.C.salevensis.In

5.C.salevensis,S.annulata,TrocholinapalestiniensisHenson,Kurnubiajurassica(Henson),
Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, Cerithium ursicinum de Loriol, Helicryptus cf. pusilus
(Roemer), Retusa pellati Cossman, Ovacteonina pilleti (de Loriol), Isocyprina boonei
Cossman.
Upper Jurassic,Kimmeridgian ?Tithonian.ALower Kimmeridgian age isassigned to the

underlyingFahahilFormationonthebasisofitscontainedfaunaandstratigraphicposition.
ThefaunaofthelowermemberoftheQatarFormation(theNo.3Limestone)showssome
affinity with that of the Fahahil. It seems reasonable to regard the Qatar Formation as
beingKimmeridgianinage,possiblyrangingintotheTithonian.
778
Underlying
Overlying
Other
localities
Remarks
Fahahil Formation; contact conformable, taken at the base of the lowest substantial
anhydritebedoftheQatarFormation.
Hith Formation; contact conformable and probably gradational. Picked at junction of

limestonecontainingnodularanhydrite,above,withlimestoneanddolomitebelow.
Throughout onshore and offshore Qatar. The clear subdivision into alternating anhydrite
and carbonate members tends to disappear east of Qatar as a result of increasing
anhydritedevelopment.InsomeareasdistinctionbetweentheHithandQatarFormations
cannotbemadewithanyconfidence.Theformationthinstotheeast.
TheequivalentoftheQatarFormationoccursinlargeareasofSaudiArabia,whereitforms
themajor,upper,partoftheArabFormation.
ThethreelimestonemembersoftheQatarFormationcanbecorrelatedwiththeA,B,and
C Reservoirs of the Arab Formation of Saudi Arabia (POWERS, 1968). In Qatar these
membersareinformallynamedtheNumber 1,Number2andNumber 3Limestonefrom
toptobottom.Nonamehasbeenappliedtotheanhydritememberswhichseparatethe
limestones.
The equivalent of the Qatar Formation can be traced in the subsurface of large areas of
SaudiArabia,whereitincludesimportantoilreservoirs.Thelowestmember,theNumber3
Limestone,wasthefirstcommercialoilproducingreservoirtobediscoveredinQatar.
The combined Qatar and Fahahil Formations of Qatar are the lateral equivalents of the
Arab Formation of Saudi Arabia. The Fahahil Formation (No.4 Limestone) has also been
includedwiththeoverlyingcyclicalcarbonateanhydritedevelopmentintheoffshoreQatar
area. The name Qatar Formation has here been erroneously applied instead of the
synonymous,earlierpublishednameArabFormation.
The practice ofincluding all four Arab Zone limestoneswithinone formationhas many
factstorecommendit.ItisnotcustomaryinonshoreQatarforhistoricalreasonsandalso
because it was believed that the contact of the Fahahil and Qatar Formations marks a
fundamentalchangefromcontinuouscarbonatedepositiontothelater,cyclical,anhydrite
limestoneregime.ThisfactbecomesmoreobvioustotheeastofQatar,whereitisoften
impossible to distinguish the contact of the Fahahil Formation with the underlying Darb
Formation. The base of the Qatar Formation can still be recognised in such cases, as the
baseofthelowestsignificantanhydritedevelopment.
The Number 1, Number 2 and Number 3 Limestones were assigned the names Juleha
Member,JuhMemberandUmmBabMemberrespectively.Thesenameshaveneverbeen
publishednorhavetheybeenappliedlocally.Theyareconsideredtoberedundant.
779
FAHAHILFORMATION
Author
Synonymy
Type
locality
Thickness
Lithology
Fossils
Age
Underlying
Overlying
Other
localities
Remarks
Jurassic
LowerKimmeridgian
W.SUGDEN(unpublishedcompanyreport).
Lower, carbonate, part of the Arab D Member, POWERS, 1968. No. 4 Limestone of
Qatar
Q.P.C.WellDukhanNo.66[DK0066],lat.252425.8"N,long.5046'54.9"E,elevation23m.
(76ft.) completed 18.5.1960, between drilled depths 1772 and 1823m (5800 and 5989ft.)
seeplateQPG.3064.TheformationtakesitsnamefromalocalityontheDukhananticline
nearthetypesection.
58m(189ft)
(After F. GOSLING, unpublished report.) Top. 1. Dolomitic lime mudstone with streaks of
dolomite and anhydrite, dolomitic packstone; two foot anhydrite bed near top. 6.4m.
(21ft.) 2. Interbedded grainstone, wackestone and packstone of skeletal grains in lime
mudstone matrix. Upper 9m predominantly grainstone. 42m. (141ft.) 3. Alternating
dolomiticlimemudstoneanddolomite.8.2m.(27ft.)Base.
In 1. Prethocoprolithus sp., Aeolisaccus dunningtoni Elliott. Kurnubia jurassica (Henson),

NautiloculinaoolithicaMohler,SalpingoporellaannulataCarozzi,Burgundiatrinarchiivar.
Dehorne, Cladocoropsis mirabilis Felix, Stromatoporina choffati (Dehorne), S. romanica
(Dehorne), S. somaliense (ZuffardiComerci), S. annulata, Clypeina jurassica Favre and
Richard,C.of.hanabatensis,YabeandToyoma,LithoporellamelobesioidesFoslie.In3.K.
jurassica.
AnUpperJurassic,probablyLowerKimmeridgian,ageis inferredbytheabovefaunaand
flora,and,also,bythestratigraphicpositionoftheunitabovetheDarbFormation,whichis
itselfpartlyequivalenttotheLowerKimmeridgian,JubailaFormationofSaudiArabia.
DarbFormation;contactconformable.AtthejunctionofporousdolomitesoftheFahahil
Formation,above,withdenselimemudstonesoftheDarbFormation,below.
Qatar Formation; contact conformable. At the junction of dolomitic, anhydritic lime

mudstoneoftheUpperFahahilFormation,below,withmassiveanhydritesofthebasalunit
oftheQatarformation,above.
Extends throughout the oilfield area of Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but is unknown
fromKuwaitnorthwards.ItsequivalentcanberecognisedinAbuDhabi.
This unit is easily defined in western Qatar and much of Saudi Arabia. In eastern Qatar,
increasing dolomitisation of the Upper Darb Formation makes it virtually impossible to
distinguish a stratigraphic equivalent of the base of the formation as defined in Dukhan.
Muchincreaseddolomitisationofthisnature,farthertotheeast,probablyisreflectedin
the conditions met in the Umm Shaif Oilfield, where the name ArabDarb has been
introduced.
Thelowerunit(3)ofthereferencesectioncouldberelatedtotheunderlyingDarbaseasily
astotheFahahilFormation.Ithasbeendemonstrated(F.GOSLINGunpublishedreport)
780

that the Fahahil marks a transition from deeper to shallower water conditions. It is this
transitional nature, together with the unit's great commercial value as an oil reservoir,
whichpromptedSUGDENtosegregateitasadistinctformation,insteadofincorporatingit
eitherinanArabFormation(asinSaudiArabia)orintheDarbFormation.
UpperJurassic
DARBFORMATION
LowerKimmeridgian
Author
W.SUGDEN(unpublishedreport)
Synonymy None
Type
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 51 [DK0051], (formerly Juh. No.1) lat. 2453'48N., long. 5059'
locality
55E., elevation 76.5m. (252ft.), completed 25.10.1952, [or is it 14.10.1952?...see Diyab
Formation] between drilled depths 2166 and 2377m. (7107 and 7800ft. ) see plate QPG.
3063.
The formation takes its name from the Taas al Darb, a solitary sand dune near the type
locality,whichmarkstheancienttracktomecca.
Thickness 211m(693ft)
Lithology Top.1.Limestone,greyandlightgrey,limemudstone,compacttodense.Dolomitestreaks
andbandsofpyritestainedpelletpackstone.50m.(163ft.)2.Limestone,darkgreylime
mudstone,densewithrarestreaksatpyriticpelletpackstone.53m.(174ft.)3.Limestone,
grey, lime mudstone, dense, becoming argillaceous downwards: numerous thin beds
contain scattered, large, pyritestained pellets 40m. (131 ft.) 4. Limestone, dark grey,
dense, lime mudstone, becoming increasingly argillaceous towards the bottom. 68m.
(225ft.)Base.
Fossils
In1.KurnubiajurassicaHenson,Kurnubiacf.wellingsiHenson,Pseudocyclamminajaccardi
(Schrodt). In 2 and 3. K. jurassica, K. cf. wellingsi, P. jaccardi, Nautiloculina oolithica
Mohlet, Pseudocyclammina cf. virguliania Koechlin. In 4. P. jaccardi, P. cf. virguliania, N.
oolithica,K.jurassica.InthelowesttwofeetExogyranana(J.Sowerby).
Age
UpperJurassic.ThepresenceofPseudocyclamminajaccardithroughoutthesequenceand
its absence from the underlying Diyab Formation suggests that the Darb could be the
lateralequivalentoftheJubailaandHanifaFormationsofSaudiArabia.Thedetermination
of the Kurnubia species is based on work prior to publication (1964) of Redmond's new
species. As suggested by POWERS et. al. 1966, (page 56) the form determined as K. cf.
wellingsi in this formation, could well be random sections of K. morrisi Redmond, which
rangethroughalloftheJubailaandtheupperpartatleastoftheHanifaFormation.Thus,
alargelyKimmeridgianageisacceptedfortheDarbFormation,althoughsomeOxfordian
couldberepresented.
Underlying Diyab Formation; contact conformable, placed at the position where dense, argillaceous
lime mudstone of the basal Darb Formation rest upon fine, calcarenitic limestone with
interbedded,veryargillaceouslimemudstoneoftheuppermostDiyabFormation.
Overlying FahahilFormation(ArabNo.4Limestone);contactconformable.Intypesectionplacedat
boundarybetweenfinelimemudstoneoftheUpperDarbFormationandporousdolomite
781

ofthebasalFahahilFormation.AtotherlocalitiesinDukhanand,moremarkedly,tothe
east, the uppermost Darb Formation becomes increasingly dolomitised. As a result, an
additionalporoussectionisaddedtothebaseoftheFahahilFormation,attheexpenseof
theDarbFormation.
Other
Well established as a separate formation only in the Qatar area, where it has been
localities
encounteredinmanydeepwells.
Remarks
The typical Darb facies can be traced into the Trucial States, where it has not however,
proved possible to separate with confidence a Darb and a Diyab Formation within the
intervalboundedbytheFahahilFormationandtheAraejFormation.Itisnormallypossible
to distinguish an argillaceous lower unit which could be compared in general with the
Diyab Formation. This facies, is, however, variably developed and sometimes almost
absent.
The Darb Formation must be the lateral equivalent of' most, or all, of the Jubaila and
Hanifa Formations of Saudi Arabia. The latter names have not been adopted in Qatar
becauseithasnotprovedpossibletotracetheirexactlithologicalequivalentsintoQatar.
UpperJurassic
DIYABFORMATION
Callovian?Oxfordian
Author
W.SUGDEN(unpublishedreport)
Synonymy None
Type
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No.51, [DK0051] (formerly Juh. No.1), lat. 2453'48"N., long. 5059'
Locality
55"E., elevation 76.5m. (252ft.) completed 14.10.1952, [or is it 25.10.1952?, see Darb
Formation] between drilled depths 2377 and 2476m. (7800 and 8125ft.) see plate
QPG.3063.
TheformationtakesitsnamefromalocalityonthesouthpartoftheDukhananticline
Thickness 99m(325ft)
Lithology Top. 1. Limestone, dark grey, fine grained lime mudstone, dense, thin bedded, very
argillaceous, with thin interbeds of dark grey marl and of grey, dense, fine, calcarenite
containingsomequartzgrains.23m.(77ft.).2.Anhydrite,white.0.6m.(2ft.).3.Limestone,
dark grey, fine grained, argillaceous lime mudstone, thin bedded, with streaks of grey,
dense,finecalcarenite,asinunit1butwithlessquartz.Veryrarethinbedsofchert.23m.
(72ft.). 4.Anhydrite,white. 1.8m. (6ft.). 5. Limestone, grey,fine grained limemudstone,
dense. 9.4m. (31ft.). 6. Limestone, dark grey to black, very argillaceous, silty, slightly
dolomitic, in part finely fissile, carbonaceous, particularly in lower part; occasional thin
streaksoffinegrainedcalcarenite.40m.(132ft.)Base.
Fossils
In 1. Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, Glomospira. sp. In 3. N. oolithica., Glomospira sp.,
Exogyra nana (J. Sowerby), Perisphinctes sp., In 6. Pholadomya cf. inornata (J. de C.
Sowerby),Gryphaeaballi(Stefanini),LiostreaarabicaStefanini,ChlamysmacfadyeniCox,E.
nana,Modiolusimbricatus(J.Sowerby),Dichotomocerascf.D.anomalusSpath.
782

Age
Underlying
Overlying
Other
localities
Remarks
Upper Jurassic. The contained fauna gives no precise indication of age, which must,
therefore be sought by correlation with the better dated sections described from Saudi
Arabia. Originally considered to equate with the Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone, the Diyab
Formation is now thought to be possibly correlatable with the black, argillaceous,
ammonitebearing unit described from the basal Hanifa Formation of Fadhili. If this is
correct, a Kimmeridgian age must be ascribed to the Diyab. Insufficient is known of the
lateralvariationsoftheHanifaandTuwaiqMountainLimestonetopermittheunqualified
acceptance of one or other correlation. An age from Callovian to Kimmeridgian could
thereforebepossible.
Araej Formation. At sharp contact of dark grey to black argillaceous limestone and fine
calcarenites of the Diyab with grey pellet grainstones of the Upper Araej Formation. The
contact is apparently conformable, but could represent a considerable break in
sedimentation.
DarbFormation;contactconformable.Placedwheredense,argillaceouslimemudstonesof
the basal Darb overlie very argillaceous lime mudstones with interbedded fine sandy
calcarenitesoftheDiyabFormation.
RecognisedasaseparateformationonlyinQatar,whereithasbeenencounteredinmany
deepwells.DarkgreyargillaceouslimestonesoccurabovetheAraejFormationtotheeast
inAbuDhabi,butadistinctDiyabFormationbasnotbeendistinguished.
POWERS,1968,statesthatthebasal,argillaceousunitoftheHanifaFormationisseparated
byanhiatusfromthelower,CuneolinabearingbedsoftheTuwaiqMountainLimestonein
thecentralcoastalareaofSaudiArabia,closetoQatar.TheDiyabFormationmaybethe
equivalent of the basal Hanifa. The Cuneolinabearing beds have not been recognised in
Qatar, although their equivalent may ocour to the east, in Umm Shaif, where additional
section containing Meyendorffina sp. occurs between typical Araej and Diyab lithologies.
The upper unit of the Araej in Qatar is equated with the Hisyan Member of the Dhruma
Formation. Thus, the DiyabAraej contact could represent a considerable break in
sedimentation, spanning the Oxfordian and possibly part of the Callovian eras, resulting
fromupliftovertheQatararch.ShouldtheDiyabcontainequivalentsofpartoftheTuwaiq,
there probably still remains a break between it and the Araej, represented by the
Cuneolinabearing beds and their equivalents (the Meyendorffinabearing bed) which are
presentoneithersideoftheQataraxis.
783
THE UPPER JURASSIC
STRATIGRAPHY OF ABU DHABI
Prepared by M. Gatrall
For 11th stratigraphic Liaison meeting
DUBAI, October 1972
784
THE UPPER JURASSIC STRATIGRAPHY OF ABU DHABI

INTRODUCTION
The stratigraphic terminology used in Abu Dhabi by ADPC is largely based on regional correlation
with Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Rock unit terminology in the Jurassic of Abu Dhabi tends to follow
that of their counterparts in Qatar. The formation names adopted and currently used by ADPC are
defined by Sugden (1953, 1956) and Sugden and Standring (1972).
The upper limit of the Jurassic is taken at the top of the Hith Formation as in Saudi Arabia (Powers
1966) and Qatar (Sugden and Standring 1972). Although stratigraphic terminology follows that of
Qatar, precise correlation is often difficult, sometimes impossible due to facies changes.
The major stratigraphic subdivisions currently used by ADPC are tabulated below:-
Period/Epoch
LowerCretaceous
UpperJurassic
InformalStratigraphicTerminology
FormationName
Habshan
HithAnhydrite
Arab
Darb/Diyab
Araej
Age
Tithonian
Tithonian/Kimmeridgian
Kimmeridgian/Oxfordian
Figures in Appendix:
Unknowndrawing#:
AD4885
AD4884
Unknowndrawing#:
Schematicregionalcorrelationof"UpperJurassic"rockunit
RevisedCorrelationoftheHith/ArabofAbuDhabi
LithologyandpalaeontologyoftheHithanhydriteandArabformationsSila1
LithologyoftheDarbDiyabFormation,Shah1(in2pages)
785

HITHANHYDRITEFORMATION
UpperJurassic
Author
H.Steineke,R.A.BramkampandN.J.Sander1958;amendedbyR.W.Powersetal1966.
Synonymy None
Type
InSaudiArabia
Locality
AbuDhabi ADPCwellSila1;Plate
Reference Lat.235453Long.515009
Drilledbetween91639648feet.Thickness485feet
Section
Lithology
Top
1
Anhydrite, white, crystalline, with occasional thin beds of dolomite,
lightbrown, finegrained, crystalline, sucrose,slightlycalcareous;and 199feet
limemudstone,brownaphanitic.
2
Anhydrite,white,crystalline,interbeddedwithnumerousthinbedsof
dolomite,browntoblack,finetomediumgrained,crystalline,sucrose, 286feet
withrarelimemudstonebands,browntoblack,dense.
Bottom
Fossils
None
Age
Theabsenceoffossilevidencemakes precisedatingimpossible.However,theunderlying
QatarformationisdatedbyfossilevidenceasKimmeridgianwhiletheoverlyingHabshan
FormationisoflowerThamamaage.TheHithisthusthoughttobeofTithonianage.
Underlying The Arab Formation, contact conformable, and marked by a change in lithology to
dolomiticlimemudstones.
Overlying TheHabshanFormation,contactunconformable?ThetopoftheHithistakenatthetopof
themassiveanhydrite,andatthebaseofthelimemudstonesoftheHabshan.
Remarks
The Hith is somewhat variable over Abu Dhabi, being thickest in western Abu Dhabi and
thinning eastwards. At Bida Hamama1 and Asab1 this formation is missing due to
erosional cutout east of a line from Zakum, passing between Shah and Asab in a SSE
direction.ErosionwaspossiblyintraTithonian.
786

ARABFORMATION
UpperJurassic
Author
M.Steineke,R.A.Bramkamp,andN.J.Sander1958;amendedbyR.W.Powersetal1966.
Synonymy QatarandFahahilformations,SugdenandStandring(1972).
Type
InSaudiArabia
Locality
AbuDhabi ADPCwellSila1;Plate
Reference Lat.235453Long.515009
Drilledbetween964810074feet.Thickness426feet
Section
Lithology
Top
1
Alternating lime mudstone, brown to dark brown, dense, aphanitic,
slightly dolomitic, with dolomite, brown to black, finely sucrose, 29feet
crystalline,andoccasionalpellets.
10
11
Lime mudstone, brown, aphanitic with lime mudstone, dark brown,

finelysucrose,dense,andoccasionalpellet.
37feet
Anhydrite, white with alternating streaks of lime mudstone, dark

brown,aphaniticanddolomitebrown,finelysucrose.
30feet
Lime mudstone, brown aphanitic interbedded with dolomite, brown

toblack,finelysucrose,compact,withanhydrite,white,nodular.
33feet
Dolomite, light to dark brown, finely sucrose compact interbedded

withanhydrite,white.
60feet
Lime mudstone, buff, greybrown, aphanitic, rare pellets, passing

downwardsintoapelletpackstoneatthebase,scatteredfinegrained
anhydrite crystals. Streak of dolomite at base, brown, fine grained
sucrose.
57feet
Anhydrite, white, massive, chickenwire texture with thin streaks of

dolomite,brown,finegrained.
44feet
Dolomite,browntoblack,finelycrystalline,dense,scatteredspicules
interbedded with lime mudstone, grey to greybrown, aphanitic,
dolomitised,withthinstringersofpeletalgrainstones.
17feet
Lime mudstone, grey brown, aphanitic, dense, bioturbated, slightly

dolomitised, locally pellet packstone, with abundant miliolids, and
textularids.
20feet
Dolomite, grey brown to black, interbedded with lime mudstone,

dense, with thin stringers of anhydrite, interbedded with lime
mudstonegrey,brown,black,aphaniticdense.
10feet
Limemudstone,greytobuff,aphanitic,dense,slightlydolomitic,with
scatteredcrystalsofanhydrite.
787
57feet
12
Fossils
13
Age
Underlying
Overlying
Remarks
Oolitic packstone, grey to brown, medium grained, dense, fine

grainedmatrix,scatteredmiliolids.
19feet
Limemudstone,browntogreybrown,finegrained,dense.
13feet
Bottom
TheonlyfossilsidentifiedfromSila1areasfollows:
In8,Prethocoprolithus.In9,Prethocoprolithus,Kurnubiasp.Valvulinellasp.textularids,
miliolidsandrotalids.In11,miliolids,textularids.
ByanalogywithQataraKimmeridgian TithonianageisassignedtotheArab.InQatarthe
No. 4 Limestone contains a Kimmeridgian fauna, while the No. 3 Limestone has faunal ?
similaritieswiththelowermember.
DarbDiyabFormation;contactconformable,andbaseoftheArabFormationtakenatthe
topofthedense,dirtylimemudstones.
HithAnhydriteFormation;contactconformable,thetopArabbeingpickedatthetopofthe
morecontinuouscarbonatesequence.
InSila1the No.3Limestoneistaken tobebetween9838 9896feet(unit 6),whilethe

No.4Limestoneistakenfrom993710074(units813).
CorrelationwithintheArabisdifficultduetoanhydrite/dolomitefacieschanges.Difficulty
is frequently encountered in central and eastern Abu Dhabi in carrying the base No. 4
Limestone/topDarb/Diyabmarker.
In eastern Abu Dhabi, the Arab Formation is progressively cutout eastwards by ? intra
Tithonianerosion.
788
DARBDIYABFORMATION
Author
Synonymy
Type
Locality
AbuDhabi
Reference
Section
Lithology
W.Sugden(unpublishedreport)
DarbandDiyabFormationsofQatarW.Sugden(unpublishedreport).
IsinQPCwellDukhan51[DK0051]
ADPCWellShah1
Lat.225612Long.535057
Drilledbetween925711001feet
Thickness1744feet
1
Lime mudstone light brown, fine grained, porcellaneous, dense,
occasionallydolomiticwithlimestonelightbrown,veryfinegrained,
vague pellet outlines, recrystallised and partly dolomitized,
argillaceous.
Fossils
Age
UpperJurassic
Kimmeridgian&Oxfordian
Top
143feet
Lime mudstone, buff to dark brown, very fine grained, crystalline,

slightly detrital, occasional pellety texture; interbedded with thin
bands of marl, greywhite, soft and dolomite, light brown, fine
grained,sucrose,compact.
247feet
Lime mudstone light to dark brown, grey, very fine grained,

crystalline, hard, dense locally dolomitic, argillaceous, occasionally
bituminous towards base. Rare anhydrite nodules, and thin streaks
ofgreymarl.
651feet
Lime mudstone, dark grey to brown, black, microcrystalline, dense,

becomingincreasinglyargillaceoustowardsthebase,rareanhydrite
nodules,andoccasionalthinbedsofmarlylimestone,lightgrey,fine
grained,mottled,soft.
406feet
Lime mudstone, light brown, grey, black, porcellaneous,

recrystallised,flakyargillaceous,withscatteredpatchesofveryfine
pellet packstone. Locally traces of pelletlump grainstone,
recrystallised,towardsthebase.
34feet
Lime mudstone brown, grey, fine grained, dense, with packstone,

brown fine grained, pelletal, detrital, with traces of pellet lump
grainstone,pyritic.
63feet
Bottom
Aremarkablefeatureofthisformationisthealmosttotallackoffauna.Apartfromafew
rarespiculestheDarbDiyabisunfossiliferousoverthewholeofAbuDhabi.
By analogy with the Darb and Diyab formations of Qatar it is considered to be Upper
Jurassic. From fossil evidence in Qatar these formations are identified as being
KimmeridgianandOxfordian.
789

Underlying
Overlying
Remarks
AraejFormation;contactapparentlyunconformableduetoaperiodoferosionduringthe
Callovian.ThetopoftheAraejispickedatthefirstoccurrenceofTrocholinagrainstone.
ArabFormation;contactconformable,thetopoftheDarbDiyabistakenatthestartofthe
argillaceousdenselimemudstones.
InAbuDhabinodivisionispossiblebetweentheDarbandDiyabFormationsasinQatar.
Therefore,atpresentthewholelimemudstoneintervalbetweentheArabandtheAraejis
termedtheDarbDiyab.Thisisanunsuitablestratigraphicterminologyandtheformation
requires a new name. It is thickest in Shah 1 and thins gradually to the northwest and
northeast.
MG/vds
Abu Dhabi,
18.10.1972
790
SchematicregionalcorrelationofUpperJurassicrockunit
791
RevisedcorrelationoftheHith/ArabofAbuDhabi
792
LithologyandPalaeontologyoftheHithAnhydriteandArabFormationsSila1
793
LithologyoftheDarbDiyabFormation,Shah1(continueonnextpage)
794
LithologyoftheDarbDiyabFormation,Shah1(continuefrompreviouspage)
795
ELEVENTH GEOLOGICAL LIAISON MEETING
UPPER JURASSIC REFERENCE
SECTIONS OF OMAN
By
W. G. WITT
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT (OMAN) LIMITED
DECEMBER, 1972
796

1. Introduction
The Upper Jurassic rock unit nomenclature used in this report is based on a manuscript dated
October 1972 on the Jurassic stratigraphy of Oman by W. G. Witt.
The Rayda Formation is transitional between the Jurassic and Cretaceous and is thought to be partly
equivalent in age to the Hith Anhydrite and possibly the Arab Formation. However, it is pertinent to
include the Rayda in the Thamama Group, since the Rayda also contains early Cretaceous
sediments. Moreover, the Rayda is separated from the underlying Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone
(Oxfordian) or the Dhruma Formation (Middle Jurassic) by a diastem. The description of the type
and the reference sections of the Rayda are included in the forthcoming Geological Liaison Meeting
Report on the Thamama Group.
2. Upper Jurassic Stratigraphy of Oman
U
M
Tithonian
Valanginian
KL
Berriasian
Portlandian
Kimmeridgian
JU
Oxfordian
JM
RaydaFormation
JubailaLimestone
HanifaFormation
TuwaiqMountainLimestone
DhrumaFormation
Figures in Appendix:
Enclosure1
Drawing9210,P.D.(O)
Enclosure2
Drawing9209,P.D.(O)
UpperpartButabulGroup,GRNLogcorrelation,
ButabulW1,Butabul1
StratigraphicalSection,Butabul1,Jurassic
797

3. Reference Sections
JubailaLimestone
LowerKimmeridgian
Author
Ref.Powers1968,p.90
Synonymy
Ref.Powers1968,p.90
Typesection Ref.Powers1968,p.91
SaudiArabian
reference
Ref.Powers1968,p.91
section
TheP.D.(O)wellButabul1(Encl.1);U.T.Mcoordinates,lat.2322393,77N,long.344
Oman
reference
972,30E,elevation348ft.;completed11.8.1966.Theformationliesbetweenthedrilled
section
depths5588ft.and5983ft.(bdf).
Description
Thickness 395ft

Lithology The lower part (260 ft) consists of buff lime mudstone and skeletal foraminiferal lime
wackestone,partiallychalkyordolomiticwith,atthebase,thinbeds(lessthan10ft)of
argillaceous limestone to calcareous shale. The middle part (ca. 95 ft) is partially
argillaceous lime mudstone, lime wackestone and calcareous dolomite with repeated
calcareous shale intercalations. The upper part (ca. 40 ft) is probably composed of
partiallyargillaceouslimespackstone.

Microfossils NautiloculinaoolithicaMohler,KurnubiagrpalastiniensisHenson(sensuMayne1966),
Alveosepta jaccardi (Schrodt) (sensu Mayne 1960); Salpingoporella sp., Cylindroporella
ArabicaElliott;Ostracoda.

Macrofossils Gastropoda,Pelecypodafragments,Echinodeaspines.

Age LowerKimmeridgian

Limits lower
TheconformablecontactwiththetopoftheHanifaFormationtakenatthe
change from interbedded calcareous shale and mud supported limestone
abovetoparticlesupportedcleanlimestonebelow.

upper
The unconformable contact with the interbedded lime wackestones and
argillaceouslimestonesoftheLekhwairFormation

Remarks The Jubaila is up to now only known from the Butabul area. Due to airdrilling the
cutting samples of the Upper Jurassic in Butabul1 and Butabul W1 are rather
unreliable and in part completely missing. Moreover only 10 sidewall samples are
availablefromthis1104ft.intervalinButabul1.InadditiontheGRreadingsofButabul
1between5630ftand5750ft.areincorrectduetoadetectorfailure(Encl.2,Drawing
9209)
798

HanifaFormation
LowerKimmeridgian
Author
Ref.Powers1968,p.76
Synonymy
Ref.Powers1968,p.76
Typesection Ref.Powers1968,p.76
SaudiArabian
reference
Ref.Powers1968,p.76
section
Oman
TheP.D.(O)wellButabul1(Encl.1,Drawing9210);U.T.M.coordinatesandelevation
reference
seeabove.Theformationliesbetweenthedrilleddepths5983ft.and6191ft.(bdf)
section
Description
Thickness 208ft

Lithology Atthebasethereareafewfeetofgreyargillaceouslimestonetolightgreencalcareous
pyritic shales which are overlain by slightly argillaceous grey to white skeletal
wackestoneandlightbrownpartiallysucrosicoranhydriticdolomite.Thesestrataare
overlain by buff ooidal superficialooidal pelletoidal onkoidal lime grainstone to
packstone.

Microfossils NautiloculinaoolithicaMohler,Kurnubiagr.palastiniensisHenson(sensuMayne1966),
Alveoseptajaccardi(Schrodt)(sensuMayne1966)

Age LowerKimmeridgian

Limits
The conformable contact with the top of the Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone
Lower takenatthechangefromargillaceouslimestonetocalcareousshaleaboveto
cleanlimemudstonebelow.
Upper Seeabove

Remarks Towardstheeasttheparticlesupportedlimestonesoftheupperpartoftheformation
arereplaced bygreytobuff skeletalpelletoidalpartiallydolomiticlimewackestoneto
packstone,lightbrowndolomiteandgreytobuffchalkyordolomiticlimemudstone.
799

TuwaiqMountainLimestone
Oxfordian
Author
Ref.Powers1968,p.142
Synonymy
Typesection
SaudiArabian
reference
section
Oman
reference
section
The P.D.(O) well Butabul1 (Encl. 1, Drawing 9210); U.T.M. coordinates and elevation
seeabove.Theformationliesbetweenthedrilleddepthsof6191ft.and6692ft.(bdf)
Description
Thickness 501ft
Lithology Mainlybufftogreypartiallyslightlydolomitic,occasionallyargillaceouslimemudstone,
andskeletalorpelletoidallimewackestonewithintercalationsofbufftogreypelletoidal
superficialooidalskeletallimepackstonetograinstone.
Microfossils NautiloculinaoolithicaMohler,Kurnubiagr.palastiniensisHenson(sensuMayne1966),
possibly Alveosepta jaccardi (Schrodt) (sensu Mayne 1966); Ostracoda. At the base
TrocholinapalastiniensisHenson
Macrofossils Gastropoda, Echinoidea spines, Crinoidea fragments; in addition at other locations:

CoralsandpelagicPelecypoda.
Age Oxfordian
Limits
The possibility disconformable contact with the top of the underlying

Lower Dhruma Formation taken at the change from clean limestone above to
argillaceouslimestoneandcalcareousshalebelow.
Remarks
In Saudi Arabia a lacuna between the Tuwaiq and Dhruma Formations is

accepted (Powers 1968). Whereas in Saudi Arabia the base of the Tuwaiq is
reported as Middle Callovian in age while in Oman there is palynological
evidencethatitsbaseisintheOxfordian.
The Tuwaiq rests, possibly disconformably, on the Dhruma. Palaeontological

evidence is scarce, but in fahud1 core samples containing an Upper Bathonian
foraminiferal association and Upper Jurassic calcareous algae are separated by
some 40 ft. only of undated rock, which might represent the Callovian (late
MiddleJurassic)orpartofit
Upper Seeabove
The above mentioned particlesupported limestone intercalations wedge out

towards the east and are replaced by mudsupported limestone and coarse
crystallinedolomiteswithpyritestainedghostpelletoidsandpseudooids.
800

4. Published References
Bolliger,W.&Burri,P.(1970)
Sedimentologie vonSchelfCarbonaten undBeckenablagerungenim

Oxfordien des zentralen Schweizer Jura. Beitr. Geol. Karte schweiz,
N.P.140
Hottinger,L.(1967
Foraminifres imperfors du Msozoique marocain. Not. Mm. Serv.
Gol.Maroc.,No.209
Mayng,W.(1960)
Biocaractres et analyse morphomtrique des espces Jurassique du
genre Pseudocyclammina (foraminifre). II. Pseudocyclammina
jaccardi(Schrodt).RevuedeMicropalontologie,3.No.2
Mayng,W.(1966)
Microbiostratigraphy of the Jurassic of Israel. Geol. Surv. Israel, Bull.
No.40
Powers,R.W.(1968)
Saudi Arabia (excluding Arabian shield). Lexique stratigraphique
Internationale,3,Fasc.10b1.
Sartoni, S. & Crescenti, U. RicerchebiostratigrafichenelMesozoicedellAppenninomeridionale.

(1962)
Giorn.Geol.,serie2a,29.
801
UpperpartButabulGroup,GRNLogCorrelation,ButabulW1,Butabul1
802
StratigraphicalSection,Butabul1,Jurassic
803
UPPER JURASSIC IN THE FATEH A-1 WELL

OFFSHORE DUBAI
Accurate regional correlation of the Upper Jurassic in this area has not yet been finalized. The
basal Cretaceous/Upper Jurassic contact is debatable. It may lie either above or below the oolitic
sequence from 10,050 to 10,220. Lithologic Agreement between Zakum No. 1 and Fateh A-1
suggests that this oolitic sequence lies within the lower Cretaceous. However, an alternative
correlation with onshore Abu Dhabi wells suggests that, in fact, the Lower Cretaceous boundary
may occur at the top of the oolites where a thin bed of ostracodal mud exists (analogous to a similar
bed in Zakum No. 1). However, adequate correlations between either Zakum No. 1 or Fateh A-1
with S.W. Fateh No. 1 have not been achieved.
As a result of these problems, no formational names above the Middle Jurassic Araej Formation
have been appended to the accompanying well section (Figure 1). It is hoped during the course of
this meeting to satisfactorily determine the equivalence of the various Upper Jurassic horizons in
offshore Dubai. Hitherto, DPC has recognized a Hith Equivalent at 10,220, an Arab/Darb
Equivalent at 10,430, and a Diyab Formation at 11,300. It is stressed that these names are for
informal in-house DPC use. Brief lithologic summaries of these rock units are as follows.
Hith Equivalent (10,220 430)

The coated grain limestones (oolites, pellets, and pisolites) of the basal Thamama grade downward
into a skeletal siltite mud containing occasional rather large fragments of echini and Mollusca along
with silicified fragments of stromatoporoid algae and then into a dark brown sucrosic dolomite at
10,220 along with some anhydrite at 10,240. These anhydritic dolomites continue down section
to 10,430. The nature of the original rock type is obscure. A sabkha analog is considered
appropriate in the explanation of the development of this lithology.
Arab-Darb Equivalent (10,430 11,300)

The upper portion of this section is marked by some finely pelleted skeletal and sponge spicule mud
with scattered dolomite rhombs. The skeletal material is made up of echini, bryozoan (?), mollusca
and some forams which include small miliolids and valvulines. The bryozoan (?) appear as a
stellate form in thin section. Kurnubia sp. at 10,600 is the first Upper Jurassic form found.
Normally, Kurnubia sp. occurs up to the top of the Arab. However, as the preservation in this case
is poor, due to secondary dolomitization, the significant non-appearance higher in the sequence is
questionable.
The section down to 11,250 is composed essentially of skeletal, pelleted, pelletoidal, and oolitic
limestones, some of which have been dolomitized to such an extent that it is difficult to reconstruct
the original rock-types. However, they appear to have been mainly grain supported limestones.
Diyab Formation (11,300 11,500)

At 11,300 the more or less complete dolomitization of the carbonates ceases and the limestone
types become identifiable. The carbonates below 11,300 are mainly grain-supported with pellets,
intraclasts, lumps, coated grains and skeletal debris. The matrix material is predominantly mud
with rare spar. Many of the pellets, lumps and coated grains are probably of algal origin, although
preservation has blurred details of their structure. Stromatoporoid and mat-type algae are present
804

together with fragments of Mollusca and echini. Kurnubia sp., Nautiloculina sp., miliolids and
valvulines occur throughout the unit.
The observed lithologies contrast with the carbonates of the Qatar area where the Darb and Diyab
are composed of essentially quiet water sponge spicule muds, with in the case of the Diyab, some
terrigenous material and anhydrite.
The Middle Jurassic top is picked at 11,500 with the recognition of the Araej Formation which
extends to T.D.
The top Araej is picked at 11,500 in Core #10 (11,452 11,512), with the appearance of the
typical lithology with rounded pyrite-stained coated grains in a spar and/or mud matrix. Trocholina
palestiniensis is present in fair abundances at and below 11,500, often as a spar nucleus in grey
pyritic coated grains. There is no definitive evidence of a break between the Diyab and the Araej,
although an environmental shoaling might be interpreted in the uppermost part of the latter.
805
DubaiFatehA1
806

MIDDLE JURASSIC
FORMATIONS
OF THE
QATAR PENINSULA
Report No. ???
Dukhan
July 1972
807

INTRODUCTION
The Middle Jurassic rock unit nomenclature of onshore Qatar was first described by W. Sugden in
1956. In recent years this nomenclature has been revised by A.J. Standring whose latest
interpretation is given below.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
ARAEJFORMATION
IZHARAFORMATION
HAMLAHFORMATION
QPG.3062
QPG.3078
PAGE
1
25
67
810
PLATES
ARAEJANDIZHARAFORMATIONTYPESECTIONWELLKHARAIBNO.1(notincluded)
MIDDLEJURASSICFORMATIONSDUKHANWELLDK.80[DK0080]seebelow.Note:No
referencetothisplateismadeinthetext
808

ARAEJ Formation
Jurassic
(BathonianCallovian)
Author
W. Sugden (unpublished report)
Synonymy
Upper and Middle Dhruma Formation Powers et al., 1966. Araej Formation, Dominguez,
1965. Araej Formation, Dunnington, 1967. Araej Formation, Fox and Brown, 1968.
Type Locality
Q.P.C. Well Kharaib No. 1, lat 252709N, long. 511156 E, elevation 41.5 m (136 ft),
completed 29.6.1953, between drilled depths 2137 and 2316 m (7010 and 7600 ft), see plate QPG.
3062
The formation takes its name from the Jebel Araej in Southern Qatar
180 m (590 ft)
Thickness
Top 1. Limestone, grey, foraminiferal, pellet-grainstone and packstone with some
Lithology
interbedded wackestone and lime mudstone. Pellets often black and pyritic. Some
horizons argillaceous. 31 m (102 ft). 2. Limestone; buff, medium to coarse grained,
bioclastic pellet-lump grainstone to packstone, porous; particles of buff colour
without pyrite staining. 59 m (193 ft). 3. Limestone, light to dark grey, compact to
dense, comprising interbedded pyrite-stained pellet grainstone and packstone,
wackestone and lime mudstone. Occasional beds of calcite-cemented oolite 61 m
(201 ft). 4. Limestone, grey wackestone to lime mudstone, with some interbedded
pellet packstone and occasional grainstone; pellets rarely pyrite stained; some
horizons silty. 28.6 m (94 ft). Base
In 1. Chlamys curvivarians Dietrich, Terebratula cf. superstes Douville, Trocholina
Fossils
palastiniensis Henson, Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, Kurnubia sp. In 2.
Cladocoropsis cf. zuffardiae Wells, Stromatoporina cf. somaliense ZuffardiComerci, Camptonectes sp., N. oolithica, T. palastiniensis, Pfenderina neocomiensis
Pfender, P. trochoidea Smout and Sugden. In 3. N. oolithica, T. palastiniensis,
Pfenderina sp. In 4. N. oolithica, Pfenderina sp. In addition to the above, there
occur throughout the formation, but particularly in unit 2, a number of simple
arenaceous fossils which have not been named and, also, fossils referred to Paleotrix
Farasin. (The fossil recorded above as P. neocomiensis is now believed to more
closely relate to P. salernitana Sartoni and Crescenti).
Callovian to Bathonian based on correlation of the Araej Formation with the
Age
Upper and Middle Dhruma Formation of Saudi Arabia (see Remarks below).
Recently published results of work on ammonites by Imlay (1970) suggest that the
Upper Araej and Uwainat Member should be assigned to the Callovian Stage and the
Lower Araej to the Bathonian.
Underlying Izhara Formation. Contact conformable. At junction of impure, silty, pellety, grey
limestones of the basal Araej, above, with buff, pure, wackestone and packstone of
the upper Izhara, below.
Diyab Formation, contact probably disconformable. At sharp junction of highest,
Overlying
coarse, pyritic, trocholina-bearing grainstone of the Araej Formation with
argillaceous lime mudstones and fine pellet limestones of the basal Diyab.
Other localities
This formation is widespread in S.E. Arabia being known throughout Qatar, in the subsurface, in
Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, underlying much or all of the Trucial States and passing in attenuated
form into Oman.
809

Remarks
Correlation of the Araej Formation with the Upper and Middle Dhruma Formation of Saudi Arabia
has been accepted for some time. The equivalence of the Fadhili Zone (now the Lower Fadhili
Reservoir) to the Uwainat Member of the Araej (unit 2, above) was the key to this correlation. The
publication of detailed descriptions by R.W. Powers et al., 1966, makes accurate correlation with
the Saudi Arabian outcrop section possible.
The Atash Member of the Upper Dhruma is undoubtedly the equivalent of the Uwainat Member of
the Araej Formation. Both are typified by the Pfenderina trochoidea assemblage which appears to
be restricted to this unit in Arabia.
The Upper Araej (Unit 1), typified in Qatar by pellet grainstone and packstones with abundant
Trocholina palastiniensis, must be related to the Hisyan Member, which contains numerous
limestones bearing the same foraminifera in a similar facies. The Upper Araej is itself widely
recognised in S.E. Arabia. In Qatar the upper limit of the Araej Formation is sharply defined, with
marked lithologic and faunal difference from the overlying Diyab Formation. To the east, away
from the Qatar axis, the unit thickens and passes gradationally into the Diyab by gradual reduction
of coarse pellet debris and increase of fine lime mudstone and fine pellet calcarenite. In such
situations it is not always possible to select a precise formation boundary. The thin Upper Araej
development and its sharp contact with the Diyab, in the Qatar area, is suggestive of a sedimentary
break between the two formations.
The contact of the Uwainat Member with the Upper Araej is abrupt but conformable, with no
evidence of erosion or non-deposition.
The Uwainat Member passes down gradationally into the Lower Araej. The latter is correlated with
the Middle Dhruma because of its conformable position beneath the equivalent of the Upper
Dhruma and above the Izhara Formation, whose upper member is believed to coincide in position
and age with the Dhibi Limestone Member.
810

IZHARA FORMATION
Jurassic
Bajocian - ? Bathonian
Author
Synonymy
Lower Dhruma Formation, Powers, 1968. Izhara formation, Dominguez, 1965.
Type locality
Q.P.C. Well Kharaib No. 1, lat 252709 N, long. 511156 E, elevation 41.5 m (136 ft),
completed 29.6.1953, between drilled depths 2317 and 2454 m (7630 and 8052 ft) [Note: The 1975
Lexicon states a depth of 7600 ft instead of 7630 ft. Converting 2317 metres into feet gives 7601 ft
and not 7630 ft]. see plate QPG. 3062. The formation takes its name from a locality near the type
section.
137 m (452 ft).
Thickness
Lithology
Top. 1. Limestone, grey, porous, with scattered dolomite crystals. 24.4 m (80 ft). 2.
Limestone, grey to dark grey, fine grained, dense, with streaks containing pellets,
often pyrite-stained, sometimes argillaceous, silty. Lowest part variably dolomitic
and including beds of dark grey marl and shale. 56 m (185 ft). 3. Limestone, grey,
fine-grained, dense in part, very dolomitic. 6 m (20 ft). 4. Dolomite, grey to greybrown, calcareous, dense at top, becoming porous, saccharoidal. 10.6 m (35 ft). 5.
Limestone and dolomite, grey, fine-grained, dense, with argillaceous beds in upper
and lower parts. 40 m (132 ft). Base.
In 1. Rare Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, Glomospira sp., Paleotrix sp. In 2.
Fossils
Haurania sp.
Middle Jurassic, Bajocian possibly to Lower Bathonian. Based on its conformable
Age
position beneath the Callovian to Bathonian limestone of the Araej Formation. Can
be correlated with a fair degree of confidence with the Lower Dhruma Formation of
Saudi Arabia, recently assigned a wholly Bajocian age by IMLAY, 1970.
Underlying Gulailah Formation (at type locality), contact unconformable. Placed at the top of
the highest anhydrite bed of the underlying Gulailah Formation. In Well Dukhan
No. 65 [DK-0065], the Izhara is underlain conformably by the Hamlah Formation
(see Hamlah Formation).
Araej Formation; contact conformable. At junction of pure, buff-grey, porous,
Overlying
limestone of the Upper Izhara, below, with impure, silty, pellety, grey limestones of
the basal Araej Formation, above.
Other localities
Present in deep wells throughout Qatar. The Izhara Formation has also been recognised in Abu
Dhabi.
Remarks
The type description is a modification of the original account written after the formation had been
penetrated for the first time. It emphasises the presence of a 24 m (80 ft) upper member composed
of porous, pure carbonate, predominantly pellet and lump packstones and grainstones with
interbedded lime mudstones, which contrast strongly with the impure, variably developed limestone
of the overlying Araej Formation and the underlying Lower Izhara. This unit contains a
characteristic microfauna including Haurania spp. and forms related to Cockinolinopsis and
Orbitopsella. It is the equivalent of the Dhibi Limestone Member (formerly Haurania Limestone)
of the Lower Dhruma of Saudi Arabia, and can be traced over a large area of Arabia.
The lower part of the Izhara Formation is composed of interbedded pellet grainstones, argillaceous
packstones and lime mudstones, dolomite and shale. These contain increasing quantities of quartz
sand towards the base. Thin, discrete sandstone bodies have been recorded in the lower part.
811

HAMLAH FORMATION
Lower Jurassic
Author
A.J. Standring (unpublished report)
Synonymy
None
Type locality
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 65 [DK-0065], lat. 252738 N, long. 504713 E. elevation 42.6 m
(140 ft), completed 21.10.1960, between drilled depths 2367 and 2436.5 m (7764 and 7992 ft). The
formation takes its name from a locality on the west coast of Qatar
Thickness 69.5 m (228 ft).
Top. 1. Dolomite, grey and brown to dark grey, dense to porous, saccharoidal.
Lithology
Stringers and nodules of anhydrite in the upper part. Becoming argillaceous
downwards. 5 m (16 ft). 2. Shale, dark grey-green, with subordinate marl, grey, and
some green glauconitic sandstone and dolomite. 6 m (20 ft). 3. Dolomite, dark grey,
calcareous, with anhydrite streaks, interbedded with green shale, and grey marl. 9 m
(30 ft). 4. Dolomite, grey-brown, interbedded with grey, dense limestone and some
anhydrite. 41 m (135 ft). 5. Sandy marl with beds of shale, dark grey. 8 m (27 ft)
None
Fossils
Lower Jurassic age inferred. The formations conformable relationship with the
Age
overlying Izhara Formation which is believed to be Middle Jurassic and the
unconformity between it and the Triassic rocks of the underlying Gulailah Formation
support this deduction.
Underlying Gulailah Formation; contact unconformable. At contact of sandy marl and shale of
the basal Hamlah, above, with dolomites of the Gulailah, below.
Overlying Izhara Formation, contact apparently conformable, placed at the horizon where bluegrey shales with interbedded dolomite of the basal Izhara Formation overlie grey, fine
grained dolomite of the Hamlah Formation.
Other localities
Encountered only in the Dukhan Field in Qatar. Possibly represented by part or all of the Gulailah
Formation of DOMINGUEZ, which underlies the Izhara Formation in offshore areas of Qatar.
Remarks
Originally included in the Gulailah Formation (s.s.) but difficulties arose since this attribution
resulted in an appearance of continuous sedimentation from the Triassic to the Middle Jurassic with
no indication of the widespread pre-Toarcian unconformity known to exist in neighbouring areas.
Discovery of a marked change in structural configuration at a drilled depth of 7992 ft in Well
Dukhan No. 65 [DK-0065] made it necessary to separate the unit from the Gulailah.
The Hamlah Formation could be considered to be an additional, lower unit of the Izhara Formation
not present in the type locality. The Izhara can however, be mapped as a distinct rock unit over a
wide area. The lithology of the Hamlah is sufficiently different for it to be considered a valid
formation.
The Izhara Formation is conventionally correlated with the whole Lower Dhruma. For this reason
the Hamlah is correlated with the Marrat Formation and assigned a possibly Lower Jurassic,
Toarcian age.
Although the Hamlah Formation is known only from one part of Qatar, its presence over a large
area which is structurally lower than the present and Mesozoic crests of the Qatar arch can be
reasonably assumed. The thickness of the Hamlah Formation at different localities will depend
upon the degree of structural activity during the late Triassic and early Jurassic.
812
GeologicalLiaisonMeetings
A.D.M.A.,A.D.P.C.,D.P.C.,P.D.(O),Q.P.C.,andS.C.Q.
TheStratigraphyoftheWasiaGroup(AlbiantoTuronian)
InSouthEastArabia
Editedby:
A.J.STANDRING
September1972
813
CONTENTS
TEXT
Page
1
2
4
5
7
10
15
27
34
40
52
57
67
68
FacingP.10
FacingP.14
Introduction
SummaryofRecommendations
SubdivisionoftheCretaceousSystem
TheWasiaGroup
SedimentationintheWasiaGroup
DevelopmentofStratigraphicNomenclation
NahrUmrFormation
MauddudFormation
AhmadiFormation
MishrifFormation
NatihFormation
SalabikhFormation
HawasinaFormation
PublishedReferences
TextFigures
1
DevelopmentofFormationterminology
2
TableshowingdevelopmentofterminologyinOman
Theabovepaginationisfromtheoriginaldocumentandnotfromthistranscript.
814
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
LISTOFENCLOSURES
LocationMap
SchematisedRegionalCorrelationofRockUnitsWasiaGroup
RockUnitCorrelationintheWasiaGroup,DK26[DK0026],St1,Bu47,Fh1&Fahud(N)3.;
1:2,500
RockUnitCorrelationintheWasiaGroup,DK26[DK0026],IS1,US1,Zk37,SWFateh1and
Fahud(N)3;1:2,500
Lithology&PalaeontologyoftheWasiaGroupinWellDukhanNo.26
Lithology&PalaeontologyoftheWasiaGroupIddelShargi No.1
A.D.M.A.ReferenceSectionNo.1
WasiaGroupWellUmmShaifNo.1
A.D.M.A.ReferenceSectionNo.2
WasiaGroupWellZakumNo.37
D.P.C.ReferenceSectionNo.1
WasiaGroup,WellSouthwestFatehNo.1
WasiaGroup,WellFatehA1
WasiaGroup,WellFatehB1
LithologyandPalaeontologyoftheWasiaGroup,WellShuweihatNo.1
A.D.P.C.ReferenceSectionNo.2
WasiaGroup,WellBuHasaNo.47
Stratigraphicaldatasheet.TheWasiaGroupinP.D.(O)WellFahud(N)No.3
TheWasiaGroupinsurfacesection.WadiMiaidin,Oman.
TypeSectionoftheNahrUmrFormationinB.P.C.,WellNahrUmrNo.2
Lithology&PalaeontologyoftheNahrUmrFormationinWellDukhanNo.26[DK0026]
ColumnarStandardSectionoftheNahrUmrFormationinP.D.)O)WellMaqhoulNo.1
Lithology&PalaeontologyoftheMauddudFormationinWellDukhanNo.1[DK0001]
ReferenceSectionoftheMAuddudFormationinA.D.P.C.WellFaihaNo.1
Lithology&PalaeontologyoftheMishrifandAhmadiFormationsinWellDukhanNo.28[DK0028]
Lithology&PalaeontologyoftheSalabikhFormation,WellBuHasaNo.47
815

INTRODUCTION
TherockstratigraphyofAlbiantoTuroniansedimentswhichoccurinQatar,AbuDhabi,DubaiandOman
werediscussedonfouroccasionsbyaStratigraphicLiaisonCommitteecomposedofdelegates1fromsixoil
companieswhichoperateintheareaandfromsomeoftheirparentcompanies;thefollowingcompanies
wereinvolved:
AbuDhabiMarineAreasLtd.
A.D.M.A.2
AbuDhabiPetroleumCompanyLtd.
A.D.P.C.
DubaiPetroleumCompanyLtd.
D.P.C.
PetroleumDevelopment(Oman)Ltd.
P.D.(O)
QatarpetroleumCompanyLtd.
Q.P.C.
ShellCompanyofQatarLtd.
S.C.Q.
BritishPetroleumCompanyLtd.
B.P.
CompagnieFrancaisedePetrole
C.F.P.
KoninklijkeShellExploratieenProductieLaboratorium
K.S.E.P.L.
Initial discussion of the Wasia Group was held at P.D.(O). headquarters, Mina al Fahal, following
examination of an exposed section in the Wadi Mi'Aiddin. Three more meetings were necessary before
finalagreementwasreachedonasystemofrockunitnomenclatureapplicabletothewholearea.Twoof
thesemeetingswereheldinAbuDhabiattheheadofficesofA.D.P.C.andA.D.M.A.Thefinalmeetingwas
heldintheDukhan,Qatar,officesofQ.P.C.
Definitions anddiscussionsoftheproposed formationscomprisethegreaterpartofthisreport,which is

nowsubmitted to Head Office principals forcomment.Many ofthe formationnameshavealreadybeen
adoptedbyoperatingcompanies.
SUMMARYOFRECOMMENDATIONS
1. AninformaltripartitesubdivisionoftheCretaceousSystemwillbemaintainedinS.E.Arabiainspite
ofinternationalstratigraphicpractise.
2. ThenameWasiaGroupappliedinthesenseofOWENandNASR(1958),shouldberetainedinspite
of possible difficulties resulting from recently published conjecture on the age of the Riyadh
Formation.
3. ThesimilarityofrockunitsinSouthIraqandonshoreQatarisacknowledgedbytheretentionofthe
Mishrif,Ahmadi,MauddudandNahrUmrFormationsinthelatterarea.
4. The base of the Wasia Group is at the base of the Nahr Umr Formation which is defined by the
unconformable boundary between shales of the Nahr Umr and limestones of the Shuaiba
formation or by the top of the highest limestones of the Shuaiba Formation where more
continuoussedimentationisapparent.
5. ThetopoftheWasiaGroupismarkedthroughouttheareabytheunconformityatthebaseofthe
ArumaGroup.
List of Delegates: T.D. Adams (A.D.M.A.), P.J. Carter (A.D.M.A.), A. Ford (K.S.E.P.L.), K. Glennie (K.S.E.P.L.), F.
Gosling, (Q.P.C. & A.D.P.C.), E. Hart (A.D.P.C.), C. Hopping (P.D.(O).), G. Hughes (S.C.Q.), M. Hughes-Clarke
(K.S.E.P.L.), D.C. Kennedy (B.P.), R. Lacassange (C.F.P.), I. Maycock (D.P.C.), A.H. Smout (B.P.), A.J. Standring
(A.D.P.C.), G.W. Verspyck (P.D.(O).), J. de Zoeten (S.C.Q.).
2
Abbreviations used in the text
816

6. The name Nahr Umr can be applied to the predominantly terrigenous clastic formation whether
composedpredominantlyofsandstoneorshaleandevenifitincludesanappreciableproportionof
limestone.
7. TheMauddudFormationisrecognisedasadiscreterockunitinonshoreandpartsoffshoreQatar
andalsoineasternAbuDhabi.InotherareasitoccursasathintongueinthebaseoftheSalabikh
FormationexceptinOman,wherelimestonesofMauddudtypeformthelowerpartoftheNatih
Formation.
8. TheAhmadiFormationisrecognisedonlyinonshoreQatarand,possibly,partsofoffshoreQatar.
ElsewhereAhmaditonguesmayberecognisedwithintheMishrifFormation.
9. ThenameMishrifFormationwillbeappliedtoclasticneriticlimestonesofCenomaniantoTuronian
agewhichcommonlyhavediachronousboundarieswiththeAhmadiandtheSalabikhFormations.
AnyequivalentoftheMauddudFormationisexcluded.
10. The name Natih Formation will be applied to sequences of predomintly shallowwater clastic
limestonesofAlbiantoTuronianageincludingequivalentsoftheMauddudFormationbutwhich
cannotbesubdividedaccuratelyintoMishrifandMauddudFormations.Theformationiscurrently
confinedtoOmanbutmayextendintoeasternAbuDhabi.
11. The Salabikh Formation is a sequence of oligosteginal globigerinal limestones, of deeperwater

aspect,ranginginagefromAlbiantoCenomanian(orTuronian),beingthelateraltimeequivalent
of the Mauddud to Mishrif Formations. Three subdivisions of this unit, originally accorded
formationstatusbyA.D.P.C.,arenowrecognisedasmembers.
12. Itisstronglyrecommendedthattheproposalscontainedhereinbepublished,inashortenedform,
inageologicaljournalwithwidecirculation,sothattheiravailabilitytootherorganisationsworking
intheareamayleadeventuallytomoreuniformstratigraphicpractise.
817
CRETACEOUS
SubdivisionoftheCretaceousSystem:
In much of Arabia the Cretaceous succession can be divided into three major rock stratigraphic units,
whose limits are defined, at least in shelf provinces, by widespread regional unconformities of varying
magnitude.Asaresultofthenaturaltripartitesubdivisionandbecausethestratigraphicbreaksinvolved
areapproximatelysynchronousovertheregion,ithasbecomecustomarytodividetheCretaceoussystem
into three time units, Upper, Middle and Lower Cretaceous. The approximate time boundaries so
recognisedareasfollows:
MIDDLEEAST
INTERNATIONAL
STAGENAMES
CURRENTMAJORROCKUNITS
USAGE
USAGE
MAESTRICHTIAN
CAMPANIAN
UPPER
ARUMAGROUP
SANTONIAN
(LATE)
UPPER
CONIACIAN
MIDDLE
TURONIAN
CENOMANIAN
ALBIAN
WASIAGROUP
LOWER
(EARLY)
APTIAN
BARREMIAN
HAUTERIVIAN
VALANGINIAN
BERRIASIAN
THAMAMAGROUP
LOWER
Itisagreedthatforformalusageintimestratigraphy,twosubdivisionsoftheCretaceousSystemshouldbe
recognisedinaccordancewithinternationalpractise.AninformalsubdivisionoftheCretaceousintothree
timeunits,will,however,bemaintainedbecauseoflocalconvenienceandestablishedcustom.TheMiddle
CretaceousofsuchasubdivisionwillincludetheAlbian,CenomanianandTuronianStages
818

THEWASIAGROUP
ThenameWasiawasfirstappliedtoanarenaceous,clasticformationwhichoutcropsinSaudiArabia.The
name is taken from Khashm Wasi'a, a waterwell area near the type locality. First described, briefly, by
STEINEKE and BRAMKAMP, (1952) the formation was formally defined in a publication by STEINEKE,
BRAMKAMPandSANDERin1958.
In itstypearea,theWasia Formation isbounded, above,by a disconformity which separates it from the

overlyingArumaFormation,alimestoneunitofMaestrichtiantoUpperCampanianage.Thisdisconformity
is of widespread occurrence in areas of shelf sedimentation, marking, almost universally, the end of
"MiddleCretaceoussedimentation.
ThebaseoftheoutcroppingWasiaFormationrestsunconformablyupontheBiyadhSandstoneFormation
which was believed, until recently, to be of Aptian to Barremian age. The Wasia Formation is assigned a
Cenomanian age based on the occurrence of the ammonite Neolobites vibrayeanus in a local lens of
limestone.Thusaconsiderablebreakinsedimentation,spanningatleasttheAlbianStage,wasbelievedto
separatetheWasiaandBiyadhFormationsatoutcrop.
ThenameWasiaGroupwasappliedbyOwenandNASR(1958)toathicksedimentarysequenceofAlbianto
Turonian age encountered in deep oil wells in Kuwait and South Iraq. The Wasia Group, so defined,
compriseslimestones,shales,andsandstones,subdividedintoanumberofformations,whichtheauthors
believed to be the "obviously equivalent unit" to the Wasia Formation of Saudi Arabia. It is overlain
unconformablybytheKhasibFormationandunderlainbytheShuaibaFormation.Thelowercontactisalso
unconformable.
DUNNINGTON (1959) notes that recognition of the Wasia Group by OWEN and NASR was influenced by
practicesintroducedbyARAMCOgeologistsincoastalprovincesofSaudiArabia.Hestatesthattheunitisa
"somewhat, unnatural grouping as far as South Iraq is concerned because of the existence of a
disconformabletounconformablecontactbetweentheWaraandMauddudFormationsandthefactthat
thissedimentarybreakcanbetracednorthwestwardstotheoutcropoftheRutbahSandstoneandsouth
westwardstotheWasiaoutcrop.
In1966,POWERSet.al.publishedinformationwhichtheybelievedcouldsuggestthattheupperpartofthe
Biyadh formation at outcrop may be as young as Albian or, even, oldest Cenomanian. This could have
importantstratigraphicalconsequencessincethetopoftheBiyadhFormationatoutcropis,bydefinition,
the top of the Thamama Group. The upper part of the Thamama Group at outcrop would be the lateral
equivalent of part or all of the Nahr Umr and Mauddud Formations, which are placed within the Wasia
GroupbyOWENandNASR.
TheWasiaFormationisCenomanianatoutcropandboundedaboveandbelowbyunconformities.Inthe
KuwaitBasrah area, a number of formations of proven Cenomanian age are, according to DUNNINGTON
(1967)separatedbyawidespreadunconformityfromunderlyingAlbiansediments.Thelogicallowerlimit
ofagroupwhichincludestheWasiaFormationis,hemaintains,the"profoundunconformityatthebase
oftheCenomaniantransgression.
POWERS (1968) suggests that the unconformity at the base of the Wasia, which cannot be identified in
subsurface sections, decreases in magnitude and probably disappears towards the east. He agrees with
Dunnington that its equivalent falls at or near the level of the Mauddud. In spite of this, he describes a
subsurfaceWasiaFormationincludingtheexactequivalentoftheformationswhichcompriseOWENand
NASR'sWasiaGroupandwhichisoverlainbytheArumaFormationandunderlainbytheAptianlimestones
oftheShuaibaFormation.
819

Liaison Group participants have decided that the name Wasia Group will be retained and used in the
general senseof OWEN and NASR.Published evidenceforthe possibleAlbian or Cenomanian ageof the
upperBiyadhFormationoftheSaudiArabianoutcropisbelievedtobeinsufficienttojustifyrejectionofthe
established terminology. The Wasia Group so defined is the equivalent of the Wasia Formation of
subsurface sections in Saudi Arabia, which includes members (described by POWERS in 1968)
approximatelysynonymouswiththeformationsdefinedinKuwaitandsouthernIraq.
SEDIMENTATIONINTHEWASIAGROUP
A 1400 km. long sandstone outcrop in central Saudi Arabia represents the featheredge of a major
sedimentary body, the Wasia Group, that is found in almost the whole of east and northeast Arabia,
usuallyinthesubsurface.TwomajorsedimentaryprovincescanbediscernedwithintheWasia.Inthewest,
closetotheShieldfromwhichtheywerederived,terrigenousclasticsweredepositedundercontinental,
lacustrineorshallowmarineconditions.Totheeastandnortheast,inareasmoredistantfromtheShield,
thegroupcomprisesmarinesedimentssubdividedintoabasalpelitic,clasticunit,theNahrUmrFormation
andlaterformedlimestonesofbothshallowanddeepwaterorigin.Thetwoprovincesareseparatedbya
zoneoftransition,inwhichshalespredominate,whichcanbetracedalongtheGulfcoastfromsouthIraq
toQatar,and,thence,southintotheRubalKhali.
The area under discussion falls almost wholly within the marine province, the only significant exception
being Qatar where intermediate conditions are recognised. Within the marine province, further
differentiation into shallow shelf and deeperwater environments took place in the late Albian or early
Cenomanian.
TwomajorsedimentarycyclesareapparentintheWasiasuccessionlaiddowninshelfareasbutarenotso
obviousinthedeeperwatersequence.
Theearliercyclecommencedwiththesuddenburialoftheshallowplatformandshelfcarbonateprovince
oftheShuaibaFormationbyaninfluxofterrigenousclasticmaterialwhichformstheNahrUmrFormation.
Sandstones occur in Qatar where they were deposited together with shales in a series of lacustrine and
deltaicdeposits.SandswerealsolaiddowninsoutheastOmanclosetoaminorsource,theHaushiHuqf
swell.Intheremainderofthearea,variegatedmarineshalescomposedoffineterrigenousmaterialforma
more distal facies variant of the Nahr Umr. In Dubai and part of north Oman reduced supply of clastic
materialpermittedtheformationofneriticlimestoneswhichareinterbeddedwiththeshales.
BeyondthebordersofArabia,theNahrUmrclasticsprobablychangelaterallyintoneriticlimestoneswhich
passinturnintodeeperwatersedimentsfoundwithintheKazdhumiFormationofIran.
AttheendofNahrUmrdeposition,shallowshelflimestonestransgressedrapidlyshoreward,coveringthe
sholeliaisonareaandadjoiningpartsofSaudiArabia.Subsidencesoonpermitteddeeperwatertoinvade
easternoffshoreQatar,AbuDhabiandDubai,leadingtothelayingdownofoligosteginalandglobigerinal
limestones of the basal Salabikh Formation contemporaneously with the neritic Mauddud Formation in
QatarandsimilarlowerNatihFormationlimestonesinOman.
At this time, in the late Albian or early Cenomanian, the deeperwater province attained its most
widespread development, permitting basal Salabikh limestones to extend from near Qatar to Oman. Its
subsequent history is one of diminution caused by the progressive encroachment of shallowwater
limestonesduringthesecondcycleofWasiasedimentation.
The Nahr Umr Mauddud cycle was brought to a sudden close in shelf areas by a further uplift which
causederosioninsomeparts,followedbyasecond,morelimitedinvasionbyclasticsedimentsfromthe
Shield. Argillaceous sediments of the Ahmadi Formation invaded Qatar at the beginning of the second
820

sedimentary cycle, coming to rest, with a sharp contact, upon the Mauddud limestones. The neritic
limestone province retreated ahead of this clastic invasion, causing Mishrif Limestones to be laid down
uponathin,marginaldevelopmentoftheSalabikhFormation.Fromthistime,thelimitofAhmadiinfluence
was in eastern offshore Qatar, where tongues of shale occur within a predominantly Mishrif limestone
development.
GradualinvasionofthedeeperwaterprovincebytheMishrifcontinuedthroughouttheCenomanianand,
possibly,duringtheearlyTuronian,causingtheareaofdepositionoftheSalabikhFormationtoshrinkuntil
itfinallyoccupiedonlycentralonshoreandoffshoreAbuDhabi.Asaresult,theMishrifSalabikhcontactis
stronglydiachronousinwesternareas,becomingyoungertotheeast.
The Mishrif transgressed rapidly shorewards late in the Cenomanian, forming the widespread, uniform
limestonedevelopmentwhichoverliestheAhmadiinQatarandareastothenorthwest.
Similar events took place in the east. The Natih Formation of Oman shows many similarities to the shelf
development of Qatar and nearby areas. Mauddudtype limestones are succeeded by shallowwater
carbonates showing faunal and lithological similarity to the Mishrif. The succession in Oman can be
subdivided into a number of cycles, which often commence with a shale. These cycles are probably
contemporaneous with those discernible in the deeperwater Salabikh Formation, as alternations of
globigerinal and calcisphaeral limestone. Evidence of this minor cyclicity is less clear in the west but it
seemsprobablethatperiodicdownwarpingaffectedthewholeregion.
AhmaditypeshalesoccurwithintheNatihFormationintheAfarregionofOman.Thegeneralsimilarityof
the shelf succession on both sides of the deeperwater province together with regional considerations
suggestthatthetwomaybepartofoneshelfprovinceextendingfromQatartoOmanbeneaththeRubal
Khali.
TherelationshipbetweentheNatihandSalabikhFormationsisnotsoevidentasthatbetweentheMishrif
andtheSalabikhbecauseoftheeffectoflateCenomaniantoTuronianupliftand erosionineasternAbu
Dhabi."Basinwardencroachmentofneriticcarbonatescanbedemonstratedinsomesections,suggesting
similaritywiththewest.TheoccurrenceoffarreachingtonguesofSalabikhtypesedimentswithinthelate
Natih succession has no known parallel in the west. Continuity of these intercalations with the main
Salabikh Formation cannot be proved, but appears most probable. They suggest possible eastward
transgressionoftheSalabikhataboutthesametimeasthemajor,laterCenomanian,Mishriftransgression,
inthewest.
821
Fig1:DevelopmentofFormationTerminology,QatarandTrucialCoast
822

DevelopmentofStratigraphicNomenclature
SedimentsofAlbiantoCenomanianagewerefirstencounteredinQatar,in1939,byDukhanWellNo.1.No
formation names were available from Bahrain, where similar rocks were known to have been found, so
local names were applied by Henson to rock units described in 1940. The name Khatiyah Formation was
applied to a dominantly argillaceous unit overlain by Senonian limestones, and underlain by Orbitolina
bearinglimestones.ThelatterwerenamedtheMauddudFormation,theonlyMiddleCretaceousrockunit
inQatartosurvivewithoutrevisiontothepresentday.Asandstoneshale,sequencewhichunderliesthe
MauddudwasnamedRutbahSandstone,afteranapparentlysimilarsandstonewhichoutcropsinwestern
Iraq.
A major unconformity was later discovered within the original Khatiyah Formation and shales occurring
aboveitwereremovedtobecometheLaffanShale,excludedfromtheWasiaGroup.Asignificantneritic
limestonewasfoundtooccurbeneaththeunconformityindownflankpositionsontheDukhananticline.
The Mauddud Formation was recognised in wells drilled in south Iraq. It is overlain by a Cenomanian
sequence which appeared similar to that then constituting the Khatiyah Formation of Qatar. This Iraqi
succession was subdivided into three rock units named, from top to bottom, Mishrif, Rumaila and Asara
Formations.
InQatarthenameMishrifwasappliedtothelimestonefoundbeneaththepostCenomanianunconformity.
CorrelationwiththetypeMishrifissufficientlygoodforthisnametohavesurvivedinQatar.
ThemoreargillaceoussequenceunderlyingtheMishrifinQatarwassubdividedintoanupper,limestone
bearing,RumailaFormationandalower,predominantlyargillaceous,AsaraFormation.ThenameKhatiyah
wastemporarilyabandoned.
The name Rutbah Sandstone was replaced by Nahr Umr Formation at the same time. The former was
believed to belong to a younger Cenomanian cycle in its type area, while there was no doubt of the
correlationoftheQatarclasticswiththeNahrUmrofsouthIraq.
The Rumaila and Asara Formations soon disappeared from Qatar terminology. No trace of the deeper
water facies of the Rumaila of Iraq could be discovered in Qatar. The Asara was replaced in Iraq by the
AhmadiandWaraFormations,definedinKuwait.
The name Khatiyah was reinstated in Qatar to describe the argillaceous succession between the Mishrif
andMauddudFormations.
In 1961 the name Ahmadi Formation was redefined in Iraq to describe the complete argillaceous unit
overlying the Mauddud, even where it includes appreciable limestone developments. Its diachronous
contact with adjacent formations was recognised. Similarity to the Khatiyah formation led to the final
rejectionofthatnameanditsreplacementbyAhmadiFormationbyQ.P.C.
S.C.Q.commencedexplorationdrillingineasternoffshoreQatarin1955.Thiscompanyadoptedthethen
current Qatar terminology of Mishrif, Khatiyah, Mauddud and Nahr Umr Formations. This nomenclature
was retained by S.C.Q. until the present in spite of some difficulties caused by lateral facies changes.
Eastward lateralchange from Ahmadi shale to Mishrif limestone ledto problemswhere intertonguingof
thetwolithologiesoccurs.EastwarddisappearanceofthetypicalMauddudlimestoneandtheincomingof
thindeeperwaterlimestonetonguesabovetheNahrUmrcouldnotbeadequatelyrepresented.Adoption
byS.C.Q.oftheproposalscontainedinthisreportshouldimprovethissituation.
A.D.M.A.begandrilling,ontheUmmShaifstructure,in1958.Consultationledtotheearly,butinformal,
local adoption of Q.P.C. formation names in offshore Abu Dhabi. There were many difficulties in their
823

applicationandearlypublicationsuseinformallithologicaldescriptiveterms.In1968FOXandBROWNused
the names Mishrif and Nahr Umr to describe rock units similar to those in Qatar. They described as
"Oligostegina Limestone" the deeperwater limestones which separate the Mishrif and Nahr Umr
FormationsandUmmShaifandrepresentthewholeofthelateWasiainZakum.
Qatar names were applied in onshore Trucial Coast wells in an informal, often inconsistent manner
between 1952 and about 1960. Accelerated exploration drilling in Abu Dhabi after the latter date led to
recognition by A.D.P.C., of two major facies developments. The name Mishrif was applied to neritic
limestonesofCenomanianagewhichformthegreaterpartoftheWasiainwesternAbuDhabiandarealso
present in the east. "Oligosteginal" limestones found in central Abu Dhabi and named the "Wasia
Limestone"werethoughttobethedeeperwaterequivalentoftheMishrifFormation.Abasal shaleunit
wasnamedtheWasiaShaletodifferentiateitfromthesandyNahrUmrFormationofwhichitisthelateral
equivalent.TheMishrif andWasiaShaleFormation wereseparatedeverywhereinAbuDhabibyvariable
developmentsoftheWasiaLimestone.
Two formations originally believed to form the earliest cycle of the, younger, Aruma Group were later
proved to be lateral equivalents of the upper part of the Mishrif Formation and hence, to belong to the
Wasia.Thus,theLowerChalkandLowerShalebecamethetwohighestformationsintheWasiaGroupof
onshoreAbuDhabi.
AmbiguousapplicationsofthenameWasiaLimestoneledtoitsreplacementby"OligosteginaLimestone"
to designate the deeperwater limestone which occupies the interval between the Wasia Shale and the
LowerShale.
TheMauddudFormationwasfirstfoundinAbuDhabiinwellFaihaNo.1,drilledin1967.
D.P.C. have followed A.D.M.A. in the application of the names Mishrif, Oligostegina Limestone and Nahr
Umr. Moderatelywelldeveloped OrbitolinaTrocholina limestones were named Mauddud Formation and
thereremainssomeuncertaintywhetherthisisavalidusageinFateh.
TheMiddleCretaceous"depositsdonotappeartohavebeenformallyorinformallynamedintheinitial
studiesbyI.P.CgeologistsworkingintheOman.Morton(1959)inaresumeofthesestudiesonlydirectly
refers to the outcrop areas of Jebel Akhdar in the Oman Mountains and the "HuqfHaushi swell in the
southernOmanDesert.IntheJebelAkhdarareaMortoncitesacompletesequenceofsome304metresof
"MiddleCretaceous"depositscomprisingfromtoptobottom:
a) massivelimestonewithrudistsandPraealveolinacretacea72metres.
b) pelletylimestonewithOrbitolinacfConcava109metres
c) marly,siltylimestonewithOrbitolinacfconcava122metres
MortonfurthernotesthatintheHaushiHuqfarea,theLower/MiddleCretaceouscontactismarkedbya
151metresofmarlsandsandsoverlainbya156metresofmarlylimestones.
Van Deventer (1961) referred to the fossiliferous "Middle Cretaceous" comprising shales and marls with
intercalationsofthinlimestonesoftheNahrUmrFormationoverlainbylimestonesandmarlylimestonesof
the MauddudandKhatiyahFormations. However, inone enclosurevan Deventerhas assignedthe name
"Wasia"asarockunittermtothe1,800ft.thick"MiddleCretaceous"depositsintheHaushiHuqfWestern
Oman region. The term "Wasia" is not qualified but it is most probably used in a 'group' connotation
comprisingtheNahrUmr,MauddudandKhatiyahFormations,ref.Dunnington(1959).Wilson,Periamand,
Magnee(1962)inasummaryreportonMesozoicoilprospectsinOmanhave firstusedthetermWasia
Formation"asaninformalrocktimeunitforthecomplete"MiddleCretaceous"sequenceofdeposits.
824

Adetailedlithologicalstudyofthe"MiddleCretaceous"depositsofthesubsurfaceintheNatihareawas
undertakenbyJung(1964).Jungacceptedbutfullyrecognisedtheinformalandinvalidnatureoftheterm
"WasiaFormation".This1,600ft.thick"formationcouldbesubdividedbyJungintoa400ft.lowerpartof
shales and argillaceous limestones equivalent to the Nahr Umr Formation and a 1,200 ft. thick "Wasia
Limestone"containingsevencarbonateunits,(A,B,C,D,E,F,andGfromtoptobottom)separatedbythin
shale beds. Jung further termed his seven carbonate units with the Nahr Umr Formation" unit as
lithologicalmembersofhis"Wasia"formation.
Wells and Wilson (1964) completing a research project on Middle East carbonate studies, followed the
practicesoftheArabianGulfareaandusedthetermWasiaGroupforthe"MiddleCretaceous"depositsin
the Oman. They subdivided the Wasia Group into two major units; a rather uniform, ubiquitous "Lower
Wasia Group" comprising the Nahr Umr and Mauddud Formations and a variable "Upper Wasia Group"
comprising a number of rock types including the Khatiyah Formation and the informal "Praealveolina
Limestone"unitintheOman.
Marie (1966) first used the informal rock unit terminology of the "Wasia Limestone Formation" and the
"NahrUmrShaleFormation".ThisterminologywasadoptedbyGigon(1966)andvonderWeid(1966)with
the proviso that the nomenclature should be revised at a forthcoming Geological Liaison Meeting.
However,theseinvalidtermsthe"WasiaLimestoneFormation"andthe"NahrUmrShaleFormation"were
subsequentlypublishedbyTschopp(1967).
Purser (19667) in a research study retained the term "Wasia Formation" in the sense of Wilson, Periam
andMagnee,i.e.comprisingthecompletesequenceof"MiddleCretaceous"deposits.Hesubdividedthis
"WasiaFormation"intoaseriesoffivedepositionalcyclesfromtoptobottom;Alpha,Beta,Gamma,Delta
andEpsilon.
Gigon (1966) in a regional stratigraphical study of the Wasia Group rejected the depositional cycle
subdivision of Purser as impractical and confirmed the correlative value of Jungs detailed lettered
subdivisionofcarbonateunits.TodifferentiatebetweenJungsmembers(AG)andtheproductionzones
(AG),GigonlistedJungsmembersinminuscleletters(ag).Gigon(1967)stressedthattheuseoftheterm
"Wasia Group" with its two formations; the Wasia Limestone Formation and the "Nahr Umr Shale
Formation" was informal and temporary in view of the probable introduction of formal and valid "Gulf
wide"termsataforthcomingGeologicalLiaisonMeeting.
Scherer(1968)inadetailedmicrofaciesstudyoftheWasiaGroupandwiththeuseoffossilassemblages
wasabletodatetheWasiaGroupaccurately,provideadditionalcorrelativehorizonsandamoreaccurate
classificationofthecarbonaterocks.
ThedevelopmentofrockterminologyintheOmanissummarisedintextfigureNo.2.
825
Fig2:TableshowingdevelopmentofrockstratigraphicalterminologyfortheMiddleCretaceousinOman
826

Cretaceous
(AlbiantoLowerCenomanian)
R.M.S.OwenandS.M.Nasr,1958(firstdescribedbyD.GlynnJones,1938inunpublished
Author
companyreport)
Synonymy
Nahr Umr Formation, Dunnington et al., 1959, "Nahr Umr" Dominguez, 1965.
Kazhdumi Formation, (part) James and Wynd, 1965. "Wasia Shale", Hajash, 1967.
"Nahr Umr Formation", Tschopp, 1967. "Wasia Shale and Nahr Umr", Dunnington,
1967."NahrUmr",AlNaqib,1967."NahrUmr",FoxandBrown,1968.
Type Locality SeeEnclosure16

andSection
Location B.P.C.wellNahrUmrNo.2betweendrilleddepths8688and9321feet

Thickness 633feet

Lithology Described by Owen and Nasr as "black shales interbedded with medium to fine grained
sands and sandstones with lignite, amber and pyrite. The sand/shale ratio in the type
section has been estimated to be 40/60. In the Basrah oilfields a prominent limestone
memberexistsintheupperthirdoftheunit."
ThisdescriptionisrepeatedalmostverbatiminDunningtonetal.(1959).
Thefactthatlimestone(theDairMember)isanimportantelementofthetypesectionis
broughtoutonlybyALNAQIB(1967).E.Harthasreexaminedtheoriginaldescriptionof
the type section and shown that the percentage of constituent lithologies is:
sand/shale/limestone=37%/45%/18%.
ThelithologyissummarizedinEnclosure16.
Fossils Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras., Haplophragnoides sp. Cythereis sp., are recorded in the
originaldescription
In addition, the following fossils are recorded from the Dair Member by AL NAQIB:
Orbitolinacf.O.discoideaGras.O.cf.o.concava(Lamarck),algae,andmolluscs,including
Plicatula cf. P. auressensis (Coquand), Orbiculoides sp., Neithea dutrugei (Coquand),
Exogyracf.E.dieneri(Blanckenhorn).
Age Albian
AdjacentFormationsanddetailsofcontacts
Underlying Shuaiba Formation, contact conformable and gradational, at the base of the lowest
beddedshalesoftheNahrandatthetopofthelimestonewithshalestreakswhichmake
upthehighestdivisionoftheShuaiba(DUNNINGTON,1959).
Overlying Mauddud Formation; contact conformable and gradational, taken at the base of the
limestoneoftheMauddudandatthetopofablackshalesection.(DUNNINGTON,1959.)

Distribution The Nahr Umr Formation forms a belt of terrigenous clastics which extends southeast
fromIraqtoOman.ThenameNahrUmrisappliedtoitinIraq,Qatar,AbuDhabi,Dubai
andOman.TheBurganFormationofKuwaitisitsexactstratigraphicequivalentasisthat
partoftheWasiaFormationofeasternSaudiArabiawhichcomprisestheSafaniyah and
NahrUmrFormation
827

KhafjiMembers.
TheformationhasnotbeenrecognisedatoutcropinSaudiArabiaalthoughithasrecently
beensuggestedthatitsequivalentmayoccurintheupperpartoftheoutcroppingBiyadh
Sandstone.TheonlyundoubtedNahrUmroutcropsoccurinOman.
TheKazhdumiFormationofIranshowssomeaffinitywiththeNahrUmr.
The clastics of the Nahr Umr become progressively finer with increasing distance from
theirsourceontheArabianShield.SandsarecommoninIraqandonshoreQatarbutare
virtually absent from much of offshore Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman. In parts of
DubaiandOmanlimestonesbecomeanimportantpartofthesuccession.
The heterogenous nature of the type section justifies the application of the name Nahr
Umr to sequences which vary from predominantly sandstone to continuous shale. The
nameisalsovalidwhenaconsiderableproportionoflimestoneispresent.
Lateralvariationoflithologywithintheformationisillustratedbythefollowingreference
sectionswhicharetakenfromthevariousconcessionareas.
REFERENCESECTIONS
OnshoreQatar(seeEnclosure17)
Location Q.P.C.WellDukhanNo.26[DK0026],Lat.252053.21N.,long.504846.79E.,completed
14.1.1952.Thissectionoccursbetweendrilleddepth32783828feet.
Thickness 550feet

Lithology Fromtoptobottom
1
Sandstones, grey and greenish grey, often glauconitic, commonly
marly, with numerous thin beds of bluegrey shale and marl. Thin
bedsoflimestoneoccurrarely.105ft.
2
Shale,bluegreyandbrownishgrey,withfrequentbedsofmarl,blue
grey,whichoftencontainsporbo.Thinbedsofgreenishgrey,marly,
glauconiticsandstoneoccurintheupperhalf.233ft.
3
Sand and sandstone,grey,sometimes marlyandwithnumerousthin
bedsofmarlandshaleofvariouscolours.Frequentstringersandthin
beds of lignite contain abundant resin fragments. The more marly
partsoftencontainlightbrownphosphaticconcretionsorsporbo.212
ft.
Fossils The following fossils have been recorded. From unit 1. Trocholina lenticularis Henson, T.
arabicaHenson.T.altispiraHenson,CyclamminawhiteiHenson.Fromunit2.T.lenticularis.
TheprovenanceoftheTrocholinas maybeopentodoubt,astheyaremoretypicallyfound
intheoverlyingMauddudFormationandcouldhave"caved"fromthatformation.
Age An Albian age is usually assigned, based on the formation's stratigraphic position and in
828

conformitywithmajoritypractice.
Underlying ShuaibaFormation,unconformablecontactplacedwhereshalesrestuponlimestones
Overlying Mauddud Formation, conformable contact placed where limestones of the Mauddud
overliesandstonesoftheNahrUmr.
OffshoreQatar(seeEnclosure6)
Location S.C.Q.WellIddelShargiNo.1,coordinates637250E.,280.930N. U.T.M.,betweendrilled

Thickness c.260feet

Lithology Top. 1. Clay, green, brown and grey, soft, marl and shale, green, brown and grey, fissile.
Thinbedsoflightgreylimestone,cream,chalkyoccurinthetop38feet.150feet.
2.Shaleandclay,asabove,withsand,brown,fine,wellsorted,friable.110feet.

Fossils OrbitolinaconcavaHensoninunit1.

Age AnAlbianageisascribedtotheNahrUmrFormationinthisarea,basedonitsstratigraphic
positionandonregionalcorrelation.
Underlying Shuaiba Formation; contact placed at an erosional disconformity where terrigenous
clasticsoftheNahrUmrrestuponfossiliferouswackestonesoftheShuaibaFormation.
Overlying SalabikhFormation;contactappearsconformable.Claysandshales,interbeddedwiththin
limestones, of the upper Nahr Umr pass up into chalky limestone of the basal unit
(Mauddud tongue) of the Salabikh. The latter is overlain by typical greybrown, deeper
water,limestoneoftheSalabikh.
OffshoreAbuDhabi(SeeEnclosure7)
Location A.D.M.A.WellUmmShaifNo.1,lat.2512'03.90"N.,long.5313'12.60"E.,betweendrilled

Thickness 341feet

Lithology Composedofaseriesofvariegatedgrey,greenandbrownsplinteryshales,withraresand
lensesandglauconiticsilts.Occasionalthinooliticlimestonesoccur.

Fossils Thefollowingfossilshavebeenrecordedfromtheinterval:
Haploptrognoides sp., Lituola sp., Cytheseis sp., Cytherella sp., Macrocypsis sp.,
Protocytheris sp., Pycnodonta vesicularis , Isurus mantelli, Cardita forgemoli, Orbitolina
concava,Orbitolinadiscoidea,Spathiceras,Nuculasoriannoi,Modiolusreversus.

Age AnAlbiantoLowerCenomanianageisassignedtotheformationonthebasisoftheabove
faunalrecord.
829

Underlying ShuaibaFormation;contactconformable.ShalesoftheNahrUmrrestuponbuff,compact,
argillaceouslimestoneoftheShuaiba.
Overlying Salabikh Formation; contact conformable, placed at the boundary between shales,
containingthinlimestoneinterbeds,oftheNahrUmrandshallowwaterlimestoneswhich
formthebasalunitoftheSalabikh.

Remarks Thicknessesarevariableacrosstheareaandcontemporarystructuralgrowthisreflected
inlocalsedimentation.
OnshoreAbuDhabi(Seeenclosure13)
Location A.D.P.C. Well Murban No.47, lat. 233524N., Long. 5322'32"E., between drilled depths
7930and8487feet.

Thickness 557feet

Lithology 1.Shale,greytogreybrown,interbeddedwiththinbedsoflimestone.28ft.
2.Shale,redbrowntogreentogreybrownvariegated.Afewthinlimestonebeds,equalto
theMarkerLimestoneofOman,occursome72feetabovethebase.Lowestshalestendto
bemoreuniformlygreygreen.529feet.

Fossils In2.ScatteredsmallOrbitolinaconcavaandHemicyclamminasigali.

Age AlbianageisnormallyassignedtotheformationbyA.D.P.Cbecauseofitspositionabove
Aptian limestones of the Shuaiba Formation and beneath Albian to Lower Cenomanian
limestonescontainingHedbergellawashitensis.
Underlying Shuaiba Formation; contact an erosional unconformity between shale, above, and buff,
chalkylimestone,withpyriteandphosphaticnodules,below.
Overlying SalabikhFormation;contactconformable.Placedatthebaseof thelowestwelldeveloped
limestoneoftheSalabikhFormationandthetopofgreybrownNahrUmrshalescontaining
thinlimestoneintercalations.

Remarks ThereislittleevidenceofthicknessvariationduetolocalstructuralgrowthinonshoreAbu
Dhabi.
RegionalthicknessvariationwithintheNahrUmrappearstobepartlyrelatedtothenature
ofthepostShuaibatopographyuponwhichtheformationwasdeposited.Inareaswhere
underlying shallowwater Shuaiba limestones show evidence of emergence and erosion,
the Nahr Umr is of relatively uniform thickness. Where deeperwater limestones of the
Shuaiba pass up into the Nahr Umr shales without evidence of any breaks, a thicker
sequenceoccurs.
Thinlimestones form amarkertowardsthebase oftheformationsimilartothe"Marker

Limestones"ofOman.(SeeOman).
830

OffshoreDubai(SeeEnclosure10)
Location Dubai Petroleum Co., Well Fateh A1, lat. 25611.58N., long. 542555.43E., between
drilleddepths8040and8250feet.

Thickness Approximately210feet

Lithology Shale, reddish brown and green, splintery, containing occasional thin Orbitolina bearing
limewackestonebeds.

Fossils OccasionalOrbitolinadiscoidea

Age AlbianLowerCenomanian
Underlying ShuaibaFormation;contactbelievedto beunconformable
Overlying SalabikhFormation;Natureofcontactunknown
Oman(Seeenclosure18)
Location P.D.(O)WellMaqhoul(North)1,coordinates,N.2,488424,E.396286,UTM.Elevation450
feet. Completed 29.10.1968. The formation lies between drilled depths 5214 and 5730
feet.

Thickness 516feet

Lithology theuppermember,(427 feet)comprisesbrowngreytogreenandolivegreenfissile,soft,
siltyshaleswithintercalationsofthinbeddedOrbitolinalimewackestones.Theuppermost
part of the lower member (89 feet) is demarcated by a characteristic and ubiquitous
limestone bed termed the Marker Limestone, which is an argillaceous, Orbitolina lime
wackestone.ThisMarkerLimestoneisunderlainbybluegreenfissile,softshales.

Fossils the Nahr Umr Formation contains an abundant microfaunal assemblage comprising
Cyclammina whitei, Orbitolina concava and many specimens and species of Ostracods.
RecentsystematicandstratigraphicalworkwiththesespecimensofOstracodshasrevealed
athreefoldsubdivisionoftheNahrUmrFormationintheOman.

Age Albian
Underlying ThebaseoftheNahrUmrFormationisunconformablyunderlainbythelimestonesofthe
ShuaibaFormation.
Overlying ThetopoftheNahrUmrFormationisconformablyoverlainbyTrocholinaOrbitolinalime
wackestonesoftheNatihFormation.

Remarks The Nahr Umr crops out in the Jebel Akhdar area of the Oman Mountains (Reference
Section,WadiMi'Aidin)andintheHaushiHuqfareaofthesouthernOmanDesert.
The Formation becomes much more marly and contains many more limestones towards
theeastinwellHamratDuru1andtheWadiMiAidin.TowardsthesouthernOmanDesert
areatheformationbecomesmuchmoremarlyandsandy,asseeninGhaba1,CoreHoles
15and16andatoutcropintheHaushiHuqfarea.
831
DISCUSSION
BoundariesoftheNahrUmrFormation
BaseoftheNahrUmrFormation
Definedastheboundarybetweenpredominantlyterrigenousclastics,includingoccasionalthinlimestones,
above,andthedominantlycarbonatesequenceoftheunderlyingThamamaGroup.InareasofAbuDhabi
inwhichtheNahrUmroverliesShuaibaFormationwhichexhibitsrelativelydeepwaterfacies,thereisan
appearance of downward gradation from more or less continuous shale into alternations of calcareous
shale and argillaceous limestone. Here, the formation boundary seems best chosen at the top of the
highest limestone, for essentially lithological reasons, viz. the argillaceous intervals below the highest
limestone are, in fact, marls and shaley limestones more akin to the Thamama than to the Wasia
sediments.
In Oman, where the basal terrigenous clastic unit becomes an interbedded limestone/terrigenous clastic
unit,thesituationwithregardtochoosingtheboundaryissimilartothatintheAbuDhabioffshelfareas,
i.e. a change from dominant clastics to dominant limestone, together with a change in character of the
argillaceousinterbeds.
In Onshore Qatar, the base of the formation is normally taken where a dark grey shale rests on clean
Shuaibalimestone.
UpperBoundaryoftheNahrUmrFormation
Defined as the base of the overlying Orbitolina/Trocholina limestones of the Mauddud shelfcarbonate
sequence, or their lateral equivalent. Selection of the boundary is sometimes difficult owing to the
presenceofthinlimestonesinthetopoftheNahrUmrformation.
InOman,thebaseoftheg"MemberoftheNatihFormationisnormallydefinedandisselectedasthetop
of the Nahr Umr. In areas such as Onshore Qatar where the f" and g Members are not clearly
differentiated,thecontactisdefinedbytheboundarybetweenlimestoneoftheMauddudFormationand
theunderlyingclastics.
IninterveningareasofOnshoreandOffshoreAbuDhabiandOffshoreQatar,thinMauddudtongues occur
which are correlated with the f and g Members of the Natih Formation. The top of the Nahr Umr is
placedatthebaseofthelowestoftheselimestonemembers.
ThetopoftheNahrUmrFormationwasoriginallyplacedbyA.D.P.C.atthetopofathingreenshalewhich
overliestheg"Memberequivalent.Thiswasfoundtobethemostconsistentregionalmarkerandtobe
mosteasilyrecognisedonpetrophysicallogs.
TheKazhdumiFormation
TheKazhdumiFormationofsouthwestIranoccupiesasimilarstratigraphicpositiontotheNahrUmr.Atits
type locality its lithology and fauna are quite different from those of the Nahr Umr, being composed of
bituminous shale and argillaceous limestone containing predominantly planktonic fossils, ranging in age
fromAptiantoearlyCenomanian.AShallowwaterfaciesexhibitedbytheKazhdumiinsoutheasternFars
ProvinceshowsstrongerlithologicaffinitywiththeNahrUmr.
TherecordofHedbergellawashitensisandassociatedplanktonicsfromtheupperpartofitstypesection
togetherwiththepresenceofabundantammonites,includingSpathicerassp.,fromthelowerpart,hasled
832

to comparison between the Kazhdumi and the Nahr Umr of Umm Shaif (offshore Abu Dhabi) whence
similar faunal occurrences are chronicled. Aptian ammonites are recorded from the basal Kazhdumi,
suggestingthatthispartofthesectioniscomparablewiththeupperpartoftheShuaibaFormationofparts
ofAbuDhabi,whichalsoyieldsammonitesfromargillaceouslimemudstones.
TheAgeoftheNahrUmrFormation
TheNahrUmreverywhereoverliestheShuaibaFormation,whoseestablishedageisAptian.Theformation
is always overlain by Mauddud limestones whether with formation rank or as tongues at the base of a
deeperwater sequence (the Salabikh Formation). The age of the Mauddud Formation cannot be
established with precision in S.E. Arabia from the evidence of its contained fauna and, hence, other
informationmustbeexaminedinordertoarriveatanage.
DUNNINGTONhasdemonstratedthattheNahrUmrofIraqpasseslaterallyintotheJawanFormationwhich
yieldsAlbian fossils near itsbase.Hencethe age of the lowerNahr Umr is AlbianinIraq. Thiswouldbe
expectedfromtheformationsstratigraphicpositionabovetheShuaiba.
Dunnington argues persuasively for an Albian age for the Mauddud Formation of Iraq. The age of the
Mauddud in other areas is less easily established. The Albian age assigned originally to molluscbearing
beds overlying the type Mauddud in Qatar can no longer be supported, although an Albian to Lower
Cenomanianassignmentisalmostcertain.Hence,theshorttimespanrepresentedbytheMauddudcould
beaccommodatedwiththelowerCenomanianortheAlbian.
Mauddud tongues in Abu Dhabi are overlain by limestone containing a Lower CenonamianAlbian
planktonic fauna, including H. washitensis. The same fauna is recorded from the top of the Nahr Umr of
UmmShaif,whileSpathicerassp.,issaidtooccurinitslowestpart.Thesearetheonlyplanktonicfossilsto
be recorded from the Nahr Umr in S.E. Arabia and have been taken as indicating a transition to the
KazhdumiFormationofIran.AwhollyCenomanianagewasoriginally assignedtotheNahrUmrofUmm
Shaifonthebasisofthesefossils,butitisnowagreedthatanAlbiantoLowerCenomanianageattribution
ismoreconsistentwithregionalevidence.Inviewoftheimportanceoftheseageindicesandthefactthat
the planktonicforaminiferal assemblageoftheupperNahrUmrresemblesthat ofthe overlying Salabikh
FormationinUmmShaif,furtherinvestigationoftheirprovenanceappearsdesirable.
Over large areas of Abu Dhabi the contact between the Shuaiba and Nahr Umr Formations appears
gradational and conformable. In these areas, Aptian ammonites date the upper Shuaiba and, hence, it is
mostprobablethat,asinIraq,thelowestNahrUmrisatleastasoldasAlbian.
TheaboveevidencesuggeststhatanAlbiantoLowerCenomanianageshouldbeassignedtotheNahrUmr
Formation.
833
MauddudFormation
Cretaceous
(AlbianorLowerCenomanian)
Author
Synonymy
F.R.S.Henson,1940,unpublishedreport
Mauddud Limestone, Smout 1956. Mauddud Formation, Owen and Nasr, 1958.
Mauddud Formation, Dunnington et al. 1959. Mauddud, Dominguez, 1965.
MauddudMember,JamesandWynd,1965.MauddudFormation,Dunnington,1967.
MauddudMember,Powers,1968.
TypelocalityandSection(SeeEnclosure19)
Location Q.P.C.WellDukhanNo.1[DK0001],Lat.252516N,Long.504701E,Elevation128ft.,
Completed9.1.1940.Theformationliesbetweendrilleddepthsof2,408and2,589feet.
TheformationnamecomesfromAinMauddud,alocalitynearDukhan,Qatar.
Thickness 181feet

Lithology
1. Whitebuff,OrbitolinaTrocholinapackstonesandwackestones,withthinbedsof
grainstones,containingechinoid,lamellibranch,gastropodandsomecoraldebris,
tracesofpyrites.130feet.
2. Whitegrey or buff OrbitolinaTrocholina wackestone, with thin brown sucrose

dolomitesshowingtracesofrecrystallisedfossildebrisintheupperpart.34feet.
3. Greywhite, dense, marly, silty wackestones with Orbitolina and Trocholina. 17

feet.
Fossils Orbitolinaconcava(Lamarck)var.qataricaHenson,TrocholinaArabicaHenson,Trocholina
lenticularisHenson,TrocholinaaltispiraHenson,CyclamminawhiteiHenson.
Age ProbablyAlbian.AnAlbianagewasoriginallyassignedinQatarbecauseoftheoccurrence
ofasupposedlyAlbianmacrofaunainthelowerpartoftheoverlyingAhmadiFormation.
The value of this fauna as an indicator of Albian age is now doubtful owing to the co
occurrence of species recorded from both Albian and Cenomanian rocks elsewhere. The
ageofthebasalAhmadiisprobablyLowerCenomanian.Thusthereisnodirectevidence
thatthetypeMauddudFormationisAlbian.
StrongevidencethattheMauddudFormationofIraqisAlbianisgivenbyDUNNINGTON
(1959), who also quotes faunal evidence that the formation is of the same age in the
KuwaitBasraharea.
It appears probable that the Mauddud Formation was deposited approximately

synchronously over the whole area during a period of quiet, shallow marine conditions
which followed deposition of the Nahr Umr clastics. For this reason, Dunnington's
arguments'regardingtheageoftheMauddudarecurrentlyappliedinQatar.
Underlying Nahr Umr Formation, contact at conformable boundary between limestones of the
MauddudwitharenaceoussedimentsoftheNahrUmr.
Overlying Ahmadi Formation, contact conformable but abrupt. Shales and marls of the basal
AhmadioverlietypicallimestonesoftheMauddud.

Distribution The Mauddud Formation is a shallowwater limestone of widespread distribution in the
subsurface in Arabia. Originally definedin Qatar, it has subsequently been recognised in
834

Iraq,Kuwait,easternArabia,Bahrain,Qatar,AbuDhabiandDubai.Mauddudlimestones
arepresentinOmanbut,becauseofdifficultyindefiningtheirupperlimit,theyarethere
includedintheNatihFormation.

The formation as such does not outcrop in Sandi Arabia but similar rocks are seen in
surfacesectionsinOman.
InpartsofoffshoreQatar,AbuDhabiandDubaithintonguesofMauddudlikelimestones
areincludedinthebaseofthe,predominantlydeeperwater,SalabikhFormation.
The Mauddud is recognised as a member of the Sarvak Formation in Iran, where it is

assignedaCenomanianage.
The very uniform lithology exhibited by the formation is illustrated by the following
referencesections.
Offshore
Noreferencesectionisavailable.AMauddudtongueispresentatthebaseoftheSalabikh
Qatar
Formation in Well IddelShargi1 and it is known that the Mauddud Formation is well
developedfurtherwest,closetotheQatarpeninsula.
Onshore Abu (seeEnclosure20)

Dhabi
Location A.D.P.C. well Faiha No. 1, latitude 232308N., longitude 550219E., between drilled

Thickness 194feet

Lithology Compact skeletal debris wackestones with, locally, very abundant Trocholina spp., and
Orbitolina sp. Also present are scattered large shell fragments, echinoid spines, small
gastropods,molluscandebrisandtextularids.
Beds of more argillaceous, dense limestone occur near the top. An alternation of grey
greenshaleandlimestoneisevidenttowardsthebase.

Fossils Trocholinaaltispira,Trocholinasp.,andOrbitolinaconcava occurthroughout.Cyclammina
whiteiisfoundinshalesbelow7240feet.

Age AlbianfromStratigraphicposition
Underlying NahrUmrFormation.Thecontactisplacedwherethebaseofthelowestwelldeveloped
limestone of the Mauddud (equal to the "g" Member of Oman) rests conformably upon
thehighestshaleofaseriesofalternatingshalesandlimestonesformingtheupperpartof
theNahrUmr.
Overlying Salabikh Formation. Contact at apparently conformable boundary between shelf
limestonesoftheMauddudanddeeperwaterlimestonesoftheSalabikh.

Remarks ThisistheonlywelldevelopedMauddudsectionsofarrecognisedinonshoreAbuDhabi.
Itequatesapproximatelywiththe"g"and"fMembersoftheNatihFormationofOman.
Thin equivalents of this unit which are found at the boundary of the Salabikh and Nahr
835

UmrFormationsthroughoutmostofonshoreandoffshoreAbuDhabiareincludedinthe
former. They are commonly overlain by deepwater limestone containing a microfossil
assemblage which includes Hedbergella washitensis, which signifies an Albian to Lower
Cenomanianage.
MauddudlikelimestonesoccuratthebaseoftheSalabikhFormation inoffshoreDubai.
More thickly developed than in Abu Dhabi, these limestones have, in the past, been
assigned formation rank but are considered a major Mauddud tongue in the basal
Salabikh.
DISCUSSION
TheAgeoftheMauddudFormation
EvidencefortheageoftheMauddudinIraqandQatarissummarisedinthedescriptionofthetypesection.
AlbianageappearsprobableinQatarbutaLowerCenomanianageisnotimpossible.
Albian age isassigned to theMauddud or its equivalent in SaudiArabia,Bahrain and Oman andthis age
wouldnodoubtbeacceptedbutforevidencefoundinUmmShaif,whereCenomanianfossilsarerecorded
from the Nahr Umr Formation. Spathiceras sp., and Ficheuria sp. have been recorded from low in this
sectionwhileaplanktonicassemblageincludingHedbergellawashitensisisrecordedfromitsupperpart.It
is not possible to assign precise age to ammonites with only generic determinations. Planktonic
foraminiferaarenotrecordedfromanyotherNahrUmrsectionsinArabia,butthefaunaoccurringinUmm
Shaif has an Albian to Lower Cenomanian aspect. Thus the Nahr Umr of Umm Shaif could be Albian or
Cenomanian.IfapossibilityexiststhattheNahrUmrcouldbepartlyCenomanian,atleastinpart,thenitis
equallyfeasiblethattheMauddudisofthatage.
836
Cretaceous
Cenomanian
AhmadiFormation
Author
Synonymy
R.M.S.OwenandS.M.Nasr,1958
Ahmadi Shale, Smout, 1956. Khatiyah Formation, (unpublished) of Q.P.C., Sugden,

1956, Khatiyah Formation, Dominguez, 1965. Ahmadi Member, James and Wynd,
1965,AhmadiFormation,AlNaqib,1967.AhmadiMember,Powers,1968.
Locality K.O.C.WellBurganNo.62betweendrilleddepths4257and4497feet

Thickness 240feet

Lithology Shales, green, greengrey to chocolate brown in upper part and grey in lower part. At
baseamarlylimestonecontainingabundantOstracods

Fossils Haplophragmoides sp.,Flabellinasp.,Ammobaculitessp.,Gumbelinasp.,Lenticularissp.,

Frankeina sp. In basal limestone unit, Cythereis Bahraini, Exogyra cf Columba,
Metoicocerassp.

Age Cenomanian
Underlying Wara Formation, contact at conformable boundary between sands of the Wara and
argillaceouslimestoneofthebasalAhmadi
Overlying Magwa Formation; contact conformable; limestones of the Magwa overlie varicoloured
shalesoftheAhmadi.

Distribution TheAhmadi Formation is recognised as apredominantly neritic argillaceous unit inIraq,

Saudi Arabia (Ahmadi Member), Bahrain and Qatar. An Ahmadi Member of the Sarvak
Formation of Iran is described by JAMES and WYND (1965). In Oman, shales of Ahmadi
typearerecordedfromtheNatihFormationoftheAfararea.
A shale, with subordinate limestone member, in Kuwait, the Ahmadi Formation "passes
laterally into either marl or limestone or any possible ratio of the two in Iraq.
(DUNNINGTON,1959).
ReferenceSections
SouthernIraq
ThereferencesectiondesignatedforIraqisinB.P.C.WellZubairNo.3.OWENandNASR,
(1958)andDUNNINGTON,(1959),describea348feetsectionfromthiswell,separatedby
anequivalentoftheWaraFormationfromtheunderlyingMauddudFormation.ALNAQIB
(1967) follows CHATTON and HART (unpublished report) in including shales laterally
equivalent to sands of the Wara Formation within a 447 feet sequence ascribed to the
Ahmadi Formation. This unit occupies the complete interval between the Rumaila and
Mauddud Formation in south Iraq. The change in the limits of the Ahmadi Formation in
ZubairisinrecognitionofthelaterallydiachronoustransitionfromsandsoftheWarato
AhmaditypeshalesawayfromtheShieldarea.ItisthisrevisedAhmadisectionofZubair
whichiscomparedwiththeQatarsequence.
AcomparablelithologicalchangeisseeninSaudiArabia.Here,apredominantlyshaleunit,
837

assigned to the Ahmadi, is everywhere underlain by a member named Wara. The latter
changes from sands to shales in a generally easterly direction. Shallow marine shales
assignedtotheWarabetweenGhawarandQatararetheequivalentsofthelowerpartof
theAhmadiasdefinedinQatar.
(SeeEnclosure21)
Onshore
Qatar
Location Q.P.C. well Dukhan No. 28 [DK0028], latitude 251711.9N., longitude 504846E.,
completed30.4.1952.Theformationoccursbetweendrilleddepths2384to3035feet.

Thickness 651feet

Lithology Fromtoptobottom
1. Greywhite detrital wackestones and packstones, skeletal fragments common,

withthinbedsofbluegreyshale.278feet.
2. Shale, brown or grey, with traces of siltstone and thin beds of grey skeletal
wackestoneandpackstoneasabove.223feet.
3. Greybrown, skeletal wackestone and packstone with Trocholina and other
skeletaldebris.55feet.
4. Shale,browntogreenishgrey,siltyinparts,tracesofsandstone.95feet.

Fossils In1.Praealveolinacretacea,Cisalveolinafallax,Meandropsinavidali,FlabellamminaSP.
In 2. P. Cretacea, M. vidali, Flabellammina sp., Orbitolinella depressa, Serpula filiformis,
Trigonia crenulata, Corbula truncata, Pecten orbicularis, Mitra cancellata, Protocardium
hillanum, Cerithium albensis, Turritella difficilus, Aspdiscus cristatus, Exogyra conica, E.
Luyunesi, E. larteti, Fusus ornatus, Cerithium vibrayeanum, Trocholina arabica, T.
lenticularisvar.minima.
In3.P.cretacea,T.arabica.
In 4. Pecten orbicularis, Protocardium hillanum, Exogyra conica, E. larteti, Turitella
granulata, Alectrynonia macroptera, Gervillia rostrata, Nucula subrecurva, Neithea
quinquecostata, Anomia laevigata, Pteria anomala, Camptonectes curvatus, Trocholina
lenticularis,Praealveolinacretacea.

Age Cenomanian.TheirabundantmacrofaunawasoriginallybelievedtoindicateanAlbianage
forunits2and4.Thisis nowconsideredunlikelyastheassemblagehasCenomanianas
well as Albian affinities. The foraminiferal fauna is suggestive of a Cenomanian age. The
highestpossibleAlbiandatingisnormallyassignedtotheunderlyingMauddudFormation.
Underlying MauddudFormation;contactasharp butapparentlyconformableupwardschangefrom
limestoneoftheMauddudtoshalesofthebasalAhmadi.
Overlying Mishrif Formation; boundary placed where the top of the highest shale/marl bed of the
AhmadiisoverlainbylimestonesoftheMishrifFormation.

Discussion The Ahmadi Formation as here described is a predominantly neritic shalemarl unit
containing varying proportions of limestone. Continental and marine sands which fringe
the Arabian Shield pass laterally into the argillaceous Ahmadi facies, with zones of
interdigitation. With increased distances from the Shield the argillaceous Ahmadi
sediments change laterally into shelf limestones, which are here ascribed to the Mishrif
Formation.QatarliesattheeasternlimitoftrueAhmaditypesedimentation.Totheeast,
intheoffshoreQatararea,limestonespredominateovershales,whicharerepresentedat
838
onlyafewlevels.ThisstateofaffairscausesdifficultyintheS.C.Q.concessionarea,where
problemswerefoundinapplyingformationnamesusedintheonshorearea.Basicallythe
faciesisofMishriftypebutcontainingtonguesofAhmadi.Furthercomplicationisadded
byerosionoftheupperpartoftheMiddleCretaceoussequenceinsomeoffshoreQatar
areas.
In western areas of offshore and onshore Abu Dhabi all trace of Ahmadi influence has
completely disappeared and limestones occupy the whole interval between the base of
theArumaGroupandthetopoftheNahrUmrFormation.
839
Cretaceous
CenomanianTuronian
Author
R.M.S. Owen & S.M. Nasr, 1958 (but first described by P.M.V. Rabanit, 1952 in
unpublishedreport).AmendedbyK.AlNaqib,1967

Synonymy
"Mishrif Limestone", SMOUT, 1956. Mishrif Formation", DUNNINGTON, 1959. Mishrif
Formation", DOMINGUEZ, 1965. "Mishrif Member", JAMES & WYND, 1965. Mishrif
Formation, DUNNINGTON, 1967. "Mishrif Formation, AL NAQIB, 1967. "Mishrif
Member,POWERS,1968.Mishrif",FOX&BROWN,19698.


Location B.P.C. well Zubair No. 3, Latitude 302306N, Long. 474329E., elevation 52 ft.,
completed26.2.1951,betweendrilleddepths7,204and7,605feet.

Thickness 401feet

Lithology Theoriginaltypedescription(OWEN&NASR,1958)wasasfollows"(toptobase)afine
grained limonitic, fresh water limestone containing Charophytae. This is followed by
greywhite, dense, fractured or stylolitic, algal limestone with gastropods and shell
fragments.Andthis,inturn,isfollowedbybrown,detrital,porous,partlyveryshellyand
foraminiferallimestonewithbanksofrudists;thislimestonegradesdownintoacompact
marlylimestone".
K.alNaqib(1967)givesthefollowingmoredetaileddescription:
8. Limestone, fine grained, limonitic, fresh water, containing Charophytae, and marl;
interbeddedwithblackshalehavingsomelightbuffstreaks50feet.
7.Limestone,whitebuff,finegrained,fracturedorstylolitic,marly,partlypseudooolitic
andmicrobrecciouswithstreaksofgreenishblackshaleandpalebuffmarltowardsbase
26feet.
6.Marl,whitishbuff,algalandgreenishblackshale12feet.
5. Limestone , brown and white, dense, detrital, containing gastropods, rotalids, and
sponge spicules; partly pseudooolitic and contains rare chalk streaks and thin green
shaleintercalations68feet.
4. Limestone. Cream to white or brownishbuff, porous, partly very shelly and
foraminiferal; contains bands of rudists, Cisalveolina sp, Begia sp., Dicyclina sp.
Dictyconoussp.,miliolidsandothers136feet.
3.Marl,whitetobuff,chalky,oilstainedinplaces16feet.
2.Limestone,porous,oilstained,browntolightbuff;leachedoutfossils;containscalcite
veins and floods of miliolids, Begia sp., Cisalveolina sp., Dicyclina sp., Taberina sp.,
Praealveolinasp.,andothers.58feet.
1. limestone, buff to brown, algal, contains miliolids or Cisalveolina sp., very dense at
base30feet.

Fossils (afterDunnington,1959)
AttopCharasp.
Inupper,algallimestonePermocalculussp.,nov.,Cisalveolinasp.,Begiaspp.

In very shelly and foraminiferal limestone Multispirina iranensis Reichel, Cisalveolina
fallax Reichel, Praealveolina cretacea (dArchiac) and P. cretacea var. tenuis Reichel,
MishrifFormation
840

Dicyclina qatarica Henson, Taberina bingistani (Henson). Pseudochrysalidina conica
(Henson),Begiaspp.,(ofA.H.Smout,1956),CoxiteszubairensisSmout,Trocholinaspp.

Age Turonian(Owen& Nasr 1958)or Cenomanian (Dunnington,1959), Cenomanian early
Turonian(AlNaqib,1967)

Underlying RumailaFormation.Contactatconformableboundarybetweenneriticlimestone,above
andoligosteginalglobigerinallimestone,below.
Overlying Khasib Formation, disconformable, but almost certainly involves a considerable
sedimentaryhiatus(Dunnington,1959).

Otherlocalities The Basrah area, northeast Kuwait, eastern Saudi Arabia (Mishrif Member), Bahrain,
Qatar,AbuDhabiandDubai.LimestoneofMishriftypeoccursinthehighestpartofthe
NatihFormationofOman.

Remarks The type section of the Mishrif Formation is reduced in thickness by 115 feet by K. al
NAQIB (1967), without comment. It is assumed that the compact, marly limestone
included as the basal member of the Mishrif by OWEN and NASR (1958) has been
transferredtotheRumailaFormation.
ALNAQIB'sdescriptionofthelowerlimitandunderlying formationisvirtually identical

with DUNNINGTON's (1959), suggesting that subbasinal oligosteginal and globigerinal
facieshassubsequentlybeenfoundtooccur115feethigherintheZubair3succession.

Referencesections
Theshallowwaterrudistid,ForaminiferallimestonefaciesoftheMishrifFormationcanberecognisedinall
areas operated in by participants. The following reference sections are typical of the areas in a Mishrif
Formationisdefined.
Onshore
(SeeEnclosure21)
Qatar
Location Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 28 [DK0028], latitude 251712N., longitude 504836E.,
elevation 100feet; completed 1.5.1952. The formation occurs between drilled depths
21182384feet.

Thickness 266feet

Lithology Greywhite detrital packstone/wackestone and thin grainstone; fossil debris includes
foraminifera,algae,molluscs,andrarecorals.Somethinbedsofgreyshale.

Fossils Dicyclina qatarensis Henson, Zekritia langhami Henson, Qataria dukhani Henson,
Praealveolina cretacea (d'Archiac), Pseudochrysalidina conica Henson; Dictyoconella
minima Henson, Dohaia planata Henson, Cuneolina pavonia d'Orbigny, Meandropsina
vidaliSchlumberger.

Age An Upper Cenomanian age is assigned in Qatar but it is recognised that some Turonian
couldberepresentedinthehighestpart.
841

Underlying Ahmadi Formation; contact conformable and placed at the top of the highest well
developedshalehorizonoftheAhmadi.
Overlying Laffan Formation; contact an angular unconformity, placed at the boundary between
limestonesoftheMishrifandolivegreenshalesoftheoverlyingLaffan.
Other TheMishrifFormationisrecognisedinthesubsurfaceofallpartsoftheQatarpeninsula,
Localities whereitisarelativelyuniformdevelopmentofclean,porousshelflimestonewhosebase
isplacedatanalmostconstantstratigraphichorizon.Itsupperlimitvariesmostmarkedly
overtheDukhananticline,wheretheunitisvirtuallyeliminatedbyerosioninthecrestal
area.
Offshore
(SeeEnclosure6)
Qatar
Location S.C.Q. Well Idd-el-Shargi No.1, co-ordinates 637.250 E., 280.930 N. UTM. Between
drilled depths 3664 and 4590 feet.
Thickness 926 feet
Lithology Top.
1. Marly chalk, light grey, soft. 46 feet.
2. Limestone, light grey, chalky, granular, rarely pseudo-oolitic 108 feet.
3. Chalk, light grey, locally marly, and limestone, white to light grey, granular, locally
pellety and pseudo-oolitic, occasionally slightly marly. 159 feet.
4. Limestone, cream, compact, very finely crystalline, locally foraminiferal and shelly. 112
feet.
5. Shale, dark grey to brown or blue, soft, plastic, and clay, marly, green. 56 feet.
6. Limestone, cream, soft to medium hard, finely crystalline, and limestone grey-brown,
hard. 73 feet.
7. Limestone, cream and blue, medium-hard, chalky. 111 feet.
8. Limestone, dolomitic, chalky, foraminiferal, medium hard, in places sucrose. 85 feet.
9. Chalk and chalky limestone, white, soft, shelly, 126 feet.
10. Chalk, marly, some limestone, grey-brown or grey, chalky, crystalline. 50 feet.
Fossils In 2. Praealveolina cretacea Henson;

In 5, P. cretacea.
In 7. Trocholina lenticularis Henson, P. simplex, P. cretacea.
Age A Cenomanian age is assigned to this sequence, based on its stratigraphic position & fauna.
Adjacent Formations and details of contacts

Underlying Salabikh Formation (Shilaif Member). The conformable contact is placed where shallowwater, chalky limestones of the Mishrif grade downwards into marly limestones which
themselves overlie deeper-water, grey-brown, dense limestone, with associated
carbonaceous shale.
Overlying Laffan Formation, contact unconformable; placed where the soft, marly chalk of the
Mishrif is immediately overlain by shales of the Laffan.
Remarks The Mishrif Formation of Idd-el-Shargi is the lateral equivalent of the combined Mishrif
and Ahmadi Formations of onshore Qatar. It shows only minor traces of Ahmadi influences
in the presence of some shale and marl between 4090 and 4220 feet.
To the west of Idd-el-Shargi, tongues of Ahmadi shale become more important components
of the Mishrif.
842

OffshoreAbu
Dhabi
(see Enclosure 7)
Location Location - A.D.M.A. Well Umm Shaif No. l, latitude 251203.90" N., longitude
531312.60" E., between drilled depths 4235 and 4812 feet.
Lithology A massive series of well-washed, shallow-water, shelf limestones. The upper 343 feet
comprise cream to white rudistid limestone, which is chalky in parts. Small clusters of
pyrite occur throughout. Below 4598 feet (drilled) in the reference section rudist fragments
are noticeably absent and, from 4650' to the base of the formation, the limestones become
grey-white in colour, and are considerably less shelly. Bituminous residues are occasionally
noted in the darker bands of the lowest interval. The formation becomes increasingly marly
towards its base.
Fossilsand Detailed palaeontology of Mishrif faunas has not been investigated. However, Smout has
Age designated the upper Mishrif in Umm Shaif-1 as being of Turonian age. This is based on
the relatively abundant occurrence of Laeverinea requieni, together with Thalmanninella
(?) cf. reicheli and Terabratulina lata. Below 4598 feet (b.r.t.) a Cenomanian age has been
assigned, but no faunal list is available to support this designation.

Underlying The Mishrif Formation overlies beds of the Salabikh Formation.
Overlying Shales of the Laffan Formation overlie limestones of the Mishrif unconformably
Remarks The Mishrif Formation is variably developed across the A.D.M.A. concession.
Contemporary structural growth on individual structures controlled local sedimentation,
whilst regionally the unit thickens towards Qatar in the west, but disappears eastwards in
Zakum and Mosaddej. It reappears once more in Umm Addalkh (and Fateh) in good reefal
facies.
OnshoreAbu (See Enclosure 12)

Dhabi
Location A.D.P.C. Well Shuweihat No.1, latitude 241336N., longitude 5226'28"E., completed
10.11.1957 between drilled depths 5260 and 6640 feet.
Thickness 1380 feet
Lithology Top.
1. Limestone; white, chalky, pellet, shell-fragment, foraminiferal, algal grainstone to
packstone, sometimes oolitic, cemented (240 feet) grading down into:2. Limestone; white, fine grained, chalky wackestone to mudstone with thin interbeds of
very fine shell-fragment, packstone. 98 feet.
3. Limestone; grey, argillaceous, lime mudstone, becoming shale in the basal few feet. 23
feet.
4. Limestone; white, fine, shell-fragment, algal, foraminiferal wackestone, grading to
packstone and grainstone. 129 feet.
5. Limestone; fine, dense lime mudstone. 86 feet.
6. Limestone; white, fine-grained, packstone/wackestone, chalky. 189 feet.
7. Limestone; white, fine-grained, chalky lime mudstone. 55 feet.
8. Limestone; fine to coarse packstone-grainstone to wackestone, particles of shell
fragments, including rudists, foraminifera, algae. 398 feet.
9. Dolomite; secondary after fine packstone, dense. 22 feet.
10. Limestone; white, chalky, fine fossil-fragment packstone. 140 feet.
Base.
843

Fossils In 1. Zekritia langhami, Dicyclina qatarensis, Qataria dukhani, Mangashtia viennoti.
In 5. Praealveolina cretacea.
In 6. M. viennoti, P. cretacea.
In 7. P. cretacea.
In 8. D. qatarensis, P. cretacea, Pseudochrysalidina conica, Nezzazata sp., Taberina
bingistani.
Age Wholly or largely Cenomanian. Could extend into the Turonian in its uppermost part but
there is no faunal proof of this.

Underlying Salabikh Formation, contact conformable, but regionally diachronous.
Overlying Laffan Formation, contact probably unconformable. At boundary between shales, above,
and white chalky packstones of the Mishrif, below.
Remarks The most complete development to be found in onshore Abu Dhabi occurs in the far west,
where it occupies almost the whole interval between the Laffan Shale and the Nahr Umr. A
thin tongue of deeper-water Salabikh limestone, which separates the Mishrif and Nahr Umr
in this area, replaces the former laterally eastwards, from the bottom up. This process is
gradual as far as Shuweihat but becomes more rapid between that area and Ruwais, where
the final vestiges of Mishrif are found.
The Mishrif is absent from most of the remaining areas of Abu Dhabi, its place being taken
by the deeper-water Salabikh Formation.
Mishrif re-appears in eastern Abu Dhabi, where it is relatively thin as a result of late or post
Cenomanian uplift and erosion, both local and regional.
Offshore
Dubai
(See Enclosure 9)
Locality D.P.C. Well Southwest Fateh No.1, latitude 2530' 01.56N., longitude 541828.37"E.,
between drilled depths 7876 and 8163 feet. (approx).
Thickness 287 feet (approx.)
Lithology Limestone, predominantly packstone, occasional grainstone, and minor wackestone. Rudist
debris forms the predominant skeletal constituent. Detrital particle size decreases
downwards towards the contact with the Salabikh. Very occasional large forams. , e.g.
Praealveolina sp., occur. Oligosteginids occur in minor amounts in the finer grained
material towards the base. Interparticle, vuggy, and moldic porosities are dominant. Minor
amounts of finely crystalline, secondary dolomite occur near the Mishrif/Salabikh
boundary.
Fossils See Lithology
Age Cenomanian

Underlying Salabikh Formation, contact apparently conformable and gradual.
Overlying Laffan Formation, contact unconformable. Cut-out of beds of the Mishrif beneath the
Laffan can be demonstrated in the offshore Dubai area. In crestal Fateh, the Laffan rests
directly upon basal Salabikh Formation, all Mishrif, which is found downflank, having been
removed prior to deposition of the Laffan.
844

Discussion
The name Mishrif is applied to clean, neritic, clastic limestones of Cenomanian to Turonian
age which can be clearly distinguished from the older shelf limestones of the Mauddud
Formation.
The above definition presents no problem in Qatar, where the Mishrif and Mauddud
Formations are separated by the well-developed, argillaceous sediments of the Ahmadi
Formation.
Eastward lateral facies change has caused the replacement of most of the Ahmadi by
Mishrif-type 1imestones in offshore Qatar. The presence of shales within a predominantly
Mishrif development has caused some nomenclatural difficulties, but these shales are now
assigned the status of Ahmadi tongues within the Mishrif Formation. This formation can
occupy the whole of the Wasia Group above the Mauddud Formation. Although the Mishrif
can rest directly upon the Mauddud in this area, selection of the boundary between them
has presented no problem.
In easternmost offshore Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai the upper and lower limits of the
Mishrif Formation are clearly defined by its contacts with the Laffan Shale and Salabikh
Formation respectively. Definition of the formation poses no problem in these areas.
Limestones of Mishrif-type, containing similar faunal assemblages, occur in the upper part
of the Wasia Group in Oman. They are underlain by limestones comparable to the
Mauddud Formation but it has proved impossible to define an incontrovertible Mishrif Mauddud boundary. The complete post-Nahr Umr succession has, consequently, been
defined as one formation - the Natih Formation - which is defined below.
845
NatihFormation
Cretaceous
AlbianTuronian
Author
Synonymy
W.O.Gigon(196667)unpublishedreport
Wasia Formation, WILSON, PERIAM and MAGNEE, 1962. Wasia Limestone, JUNG,
1964.WasiaLimestoneFormation,MARIE,1966,andTSCHOPP,1967.
Type locality (SeeEnclosure14)

andSection
Location P.D.(O) Well Fahud (North)3, central Oman; coordinates, UTM: N, 2466148E, 449254,
elevation741.5feet,completed4.8.1964.Theformationliesbetweenthedrilleddepths
of1662and3103feet.

TheeponymouslocalityistheNatihfield

Thickness 1,441feet

Lithology Seven carbonate units lettered as "members were established by Jung (1964) and
developedbyGigon(1967)andScherer(1968).Theyare,fromtoptobottom:

1 aMember, (197 feet) consists of an upper sequence of shallow marine deposits
containing mollusc, echinoid, rudist wackestones; pelletoidal, miliolid wackestones
with larger Foraminifera and the characteristicDictyoconella minima Praealveolina
cretacea facies. This is underlain by a lower deeper marine facies with planktonic
foraminiferaandscatteredmollusc,echinoidandgastropodfragments.

2 bMember, (247 feet)j consists of upper, light brown, slightly bituminous to non
bituminouswackestonescontainingechinoid,molluscandbrachiopodfragmentswith
fewplanktonicforaminifera.Thisfacies,althoughmoreprominentintheupperpart
of the bMember, alternates with dark brown, bituminous wackestones/packstones
containing abundant planktonic foraminifera (Heterohelix sp.). These facies are
underlain by a dense mudstone to wackestone containing few planktonic
foraminifera,skeletalfragmentsandsmall,rarePraealveolinaspp.Thebaseoftheb
Member consists of Ostracod shales with intercalations of a Trocholina wackestone
containing extremely large specimens of Praealveolina referable to Praealveolina
cretacea brevis. These limestone intercalations have a similar facies to those of the
underlyingcMember.

3 cMember (159 feet). An upper rudistid packstone is underlain by an algal
(Permocalculus), Trocholina,Praealveolina wackestone, whichis the dominantfacies
of the cMember. These rocks become slightly argillaceous, with fewer and smaller
particles and rare planktonic foraminifera, in the lower part of the member. The
membercontainsabasalgreytobrownshale.

4 dMember, (135 feet), is a rather similar unit to the cMember, with an uppermost
rudistlimestoneandaloweralgal,Trocholina,Praealveolinawackestone.However,a
moreshallowwaterdepositionalenvironmentthanthatofthecMemberisindicated
by the presence of large miliolids and specimens of Pseudochrysalidina conica. The
lowerpartofthedMembercontainsmanyshaleintercalationsyieldingCyclammina,
Pseudocyclamminaandabundantostracods.
846

5 eMember,(546feet);comprisesanupperpartofalternatingthinlylayeredrudistid
wackestones/packstones, miliolid Nezzazata Pseudochrysalidina Ovalveolina
wackestonesandalgal,Trocholinawackestoneswithargillaceousintercalationssimilar
to those found in the lower part of the dMember. A boulder bed has been
established in the basal part of this interval, representing a pause in sedimentation
overpartsofOman.Itisnotyetfullyestablishedthatthisbreakcanbeequatedwith
theAlbian/CenomanianunconformityinSaudiArabia.Thisisunderlainbypelletoidal,
Orbitolina packstones/grainstones with small miliolids, textularids and intercalations
of rudistwackestones/Packstones. These are furtherunderlain by chertymudstones
with a fuzzy, pelletoidal texture which contain few spicules and Orbitolina. The
lowermost part of the eMember contains a calcispheral, planktonic foraminifera
(Hedbergella cf. washitensis) wackestones. When this interval is thickly developed it
canbecomemoreorlessbituminousandsimilartothebituminousstreaksintheb
Member.

6 fMember(104feet)

7 gMember, (53 feet); these two members form a single facies unit separated from
eachotherbyathinshalewhichisoftenonlydiscernibleonapetrophysicallog.The
characteristic facies of these members is a TrocholinaOrbitolina wackestone with
someechinoidandmolluscfragmentsandoccasionalalgalandrudistdebris.

Fossils The Natih Formation is extremely fossiliferous. The most common microfauna
assemblages are, from top to bottom; Qataria dukhani, Praealveolina cretacea, Dohaia
planata and Dictyoonella minima in the aMember; Heterohelix sp., planktonic
foraminiferaintheupperpartofthebMember;Praealveolinacretaceabrevis,P.iberica,
Gavelinella sp., Trocholinalenticularis in the lower partof thebMember and theupper
part of the cMember; Dicyclina schlumbergeri, Praealveolina simplex and Orbitolinella
depressa are also present in the rest of the cMember; a similar fauna with Nezzazata
simplex is present in the dMember; the upper part of the eMember contains an
abundant fauna comprising, Ovalveolina ovum, lraqia simplex, Nezzazata simplex,
Pseudochrysalidina conica and a few specimens of Orbitolina concava; the lower part of
theeMembercontainsabundantO.concava,Hedbergellawashitensisandcalcispheres,f
and gMembers contain abundant specimens of Orbitolina concava and Trocholina
altispira.

Age AlbiantoCenomanian,possiblyTuronian.

Underlying Nahr Umr Formation; the base of the Natih Formation is conformably underlain by the
greenbrown OstracodCyclammina shales with intercalated thin Orbitolina wackestones
oftheNahrUmrFormation.
Overlying Fiqa' Formation; the top of the Natih Formation is unconformably overlain by the dark
grey,pyriticshalesoftheShargiMemberoftheFiqaFormation.

Other At outcrop in the Jebel Akhdar area of the (reference section Wadi Mi'Aidin) Oman
localities MountainsandintheHaushiHuqfareaofthesouthernOmanDesert.

Remarks The Natih Formation is a typical shallow marine, shelf carbonate deposit, which shows
littlevariationinthicknessorinlateralfacieschange.However,someimportantvariations
do occur particularly within the a and eMembers. In some well sections, e.g. Fahud
847
(North) 3 and Umm as Samim1 the uppermost part of the aMember of the Natih
Formation comprises a greybrown limestone, which is additional to the usual
developmentoftheNatihFormationandisheretermeda1.Thisuppermosta1Member
contains an abundant planktonic foraminifera fauna including, Hedbergella delricensis,
Praeglobotruncana cf. paradubiagigantea, Heterohelix globulosa?, Globotruncana
schneegansi and Globotruncana sp. The age of the Natih a1 member is uncertain. The
fauna is suggestive of a TuronianConiacian age but the existence of a distinct member
youngerthantheacceptedNatihaforthetimebeingremainsquestionable.
Insomeareas,intheeasternOmanDesert,thedeepermarinedepositionalenvironment
prevails throughout the entire aMember in the form of a dominant, abundant
calcispheral, planktonic foraminiferal wackestone and a coarser lamellibranch, echinoid,
gastropodwackestoneunit.
Further east and southeast, in the Afar area, the c and dMembers tend to become
rathermareshaleyandsimilartotheAhmadiFormationoftheQatararea.
The lower part of the eMember can show quite a variation in thickness and lithology,
sometimes comprising dolomitised limestones and, elsewhere, marls and marly
limestones.
848
SalabikhFormation
Cretaceous
(AlbianCenomanianorTuronian)
Author
Synonymy
A.J.Standring

Combined Lower Chalk, Lower Shale and Oligosteginal Limestone of A.D.P.C.
(HAJASH, 1967); Oligostegina Limestone of A.D.M.A. (Fox & Brown, 1968); Khatiyah
FormationofD.U.M.A.

TypeLocalityandsection(SeeEnclosure22)
Location A.D.P.C.WellMurbanNo.47,latitude233524N.,longitude532232E.,betweendrilled
The formation takes its name from a locality 50 km. to the W.N.W. of the type locality,
whereanexploratorywellpenetratedacomparablesequence.

Thickness 1070feet

Lithology Fromtoptobase
1 (RuwayadhaMember)Limestone,lightgrey,argillaceousandchalky;finetoveryfine
grained,andchalky,grey,limemudstonetowackestone.168feet.

2 (Tuwayil Member) Shale, grey to dark grey, with thin beds of limestone, light grey,
lime mudstone, oligosteginal and marl with pelecypod casts in the upper part. 277
feet.
3 (Shilaif Member) Limestone, grey, buff or brown, fine grained; smallforaminiferal

wackestone to lime mudstone. While the lithology remains virtually similar
throughout,aseriesofmajorcyclescanbeseen,reflectedbyanalternationofpure
carbonateandargillaceouscarbonate,thelatteroftenquitehighlybituminous.Total
thickness625feet.
The uppermost 275 feet are predominantly pure limestone with minor argillaceous
streaks,excepttheinterval7435to7490feet,whichisslightlyargillaceous.
Thelowest350feetarepredominantlyargillaceousandoftenhighlybituminouswiththe
exceptionofthebasal41feet.
The latter unit is composed of two dense, pure limestones, separated by a thin shale,
whichappearstohaveformedinaslightlyshallowerenvironmentthantheremainderof
theformation.
Fossils Unit1(RuwaydhaMember)
The upper part contains a planktonic assemblage including (Globotruncana renzi,

Praeglobotruncana stephani, and Rotalipora turonica. The lower part contains mainly
Oligostegina.
Unit2(TuwayilMember)
TheshalesyieldostracodaincludingBrachycytherewellingsi,Cytherellasp.,togetherwith
commonGlobigerinasp.,andarestrictedfaunaofHeterohelixnearthebase.Limestone
streakscontainOligostegina.
849
Unit3(ShilaifMember)
Planktonic foraminifera occur in all but the lowest 42 feet. One common element is
"Oligostegina" which is particularly abundant in the less argillaceous sections. The more
argillaceous parts of the sequence yield common Globigerina sp., Heterohelix Sp.,
Schackoina sp., and Globotruncana spp., many of which have not been specifically
identified.Rotalipora sp.,andPraeglobotruncanastephanihave beenrecordedfromthe
upperpart.
The interval of approximately 100 feet above the basal limestone has yielded a fauna
typifiedbyoccurrencesofGl.(Hedbergella)washitensisinneighbouringwells.Thelowest
42 feet show some affinity with the Mauddud Formation of the shelf province, yielding
Orbitolinacf.concavaandTrocholinalenticularis.
Age Albian to Lower Cenomanian in the lower part, indicated by the G. washitensis
assemblage;theremainderisplacedintheCenomanian.
TheTuwayilMemberhasyieldedfewagediagnosticfossils.AprobableCenomanianageis
supported by study of the palynology of correlative horizons in wells Salabikh1 and
Mushash1.
Thefaunalassemblagecontainedinthehighest(Ruwaydha)membercouldbelowermost
Turonian. E. Hart prefers to compare it with a fauna, which cooccurs with Upper
Cenomanianammonites,recordedbyMalapriesandRat.
AdjacentFormationsanddetailsofcontact
Underlying NahrUmrFormation;boundaryplacedattheconformable,gradationalcontactbetween
greybrownshales,withinterbeddedlimestones,below,andlimestoneofthebasalShilaif,
above.
Overlying Laffan Formation; contact appears conformable but could in fact be disconformable.
ShalesoftheLaffanFormationoverliethelimestoneoftheRuwaydhaMember.

Distribution The Salabikh Formation is fully developed only in central, onshore Abu Dhabi. To the
north,inpartsofoffshoreAbuDhabi,theSalabikhoccupiestheintervalbetweentheNahr
UmrFormationandbaseoftheArumaGroupbutitsupperpartiseitherabsentthrough
erosionorpoorlydevelopedasaresultofattenuation,bothreflectingupliftatthecloseof
theMiddleCretaceous.
TheSalabikhextendswestwardsalmosttotheQatarPeninsula.Itsupperpartisreplaced
laterallyandprogressively,fromthetopdown,byshallowwaterlimestonesoftheMishrif
Formation.Asaresulttheformationbecomesthinnerandofalessertimedurationwith
increasingdistancetothewestandiswhollyreplacedbytheMishrifclosetoQatar.
The Salabikh is present in eastern areas of onshore and offshore Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Herealso,passageintoshallowwaterMishriflimestonesisevidentsothatinOman,the
SalabikhisrepresentedonlybythintonguesofdeeperwaterlimestonewithintheNatih
Formation.
Remarks TheRuwaydhaandTuwayilMemberswere originallynamedtheLowerChalkandLower

Shale when they were believed to be of Upper Cretaceous age and to form the lowest
cycleoftheArumaGroup.Proofoftheir"MiddleCretaceous"ageandtimeequivalenceto
partoftheMishrifFormationmadethenamesinappropriateaswellasinformalandthey
wereretainedonlyuntilliaisondiscussioncouldleadtoanagreedterminology.
850
TheRuwaydhaMemberiswelldevelopedonlyinonshoreAbuDhabi.Italmostcertainly
extendsintotheoffshoreareaofAbuDhabibuthasnotyetbeendefinitelyidentified.To
the west, in both offshore and onshore Qatar, as well as in western Abu Dhabi, its
equivalentistobesoughtintheupperpartoftheMishrifFormation.IntheShuweihat
sectionthelateralequivalentoftheRuwaydhaFormationcanbeshowntobeunits1and
2oftheMishrifFormation.(SeeMishrifFormation,p.48)
The member has not been recognised in eastern Abu Dhabi, where it may have been
removedby postCenomanianerosion.InOman,thea1MemberoftheNatihFormation
commonly yields planktonic foraminifera, which could be comparable to those recorded
from the Ruwaydha Member of the Salabikh. They have, however, been assigned a
younger,TuroniantoConiacianage.
The main lithological variation in the Tuwayil Member is a westward change of the
limestoneswhichoccurinitsupperparttosandsandsilts.
TheShilaifMemberispresentinalmostallwellsdrilledinAbuDhabi.Itthinsmarkedlyto
thewest,byprogressivelateralchangeintoshelflimestoneoftheMishrifFormation.
Further work remains to be done on the microfauna and facies of the Shilaif Member.
With the exception of a few cores from early wells, almost all description is based on
examinationofcuttingssamples.However,thereisverystrongsimilarityoflithologyand
successioninallwellsdrilledthroughthe"OligosteginaLimestone"incentralAbuDhabi.
The appearance of cyclicity in the succession requires further study, which may lead to
closercorrelationwithsubdivisionsoftheshelfcarbonatesuccession.
DUNNINGTON(1967)statesthattheunitheredefinedastheShiIaifMemberisofAlbian
age and the time equivalent of the Mauddud Formation. As shown above, the greater
part of the Salabikh Formation can be proved to change laterally into shallowwater
Mishrif limestone. Only the lowest part of the Shilaif Member, containing a Hedbergella
washitensis fauna, could equate with the Mauddud. Indeed, this fossil assemblage is
foundwithinMauddudlikelimestonesinthebasalpartoftheNatihFormationofOman.
ReferenceSections
TheabovedescribedsectiontypifiestheSalabikhFormationofonshoreAbuDhabi.Thefollowingreference
sectionsillustratedevelopmentsoftheformationinneighbouringareas.
OffshoreAbu (SeeEnclosure8)
Dhabi
Locality A.D.M.A. well Zakum No.37, lat. 2447'48.42"N., long. 5345'05.24"E., between drilled

Thickness 597feet

Lithology TheTuwayilMemberisarestrictedunitcomposedofcalcareoussiltstones,pyriticshales,
calcareousmudstonesandargillaceousmudstones.Thickness.93feet.

TheShilaifMemberiscomposedof"pelagic"calcareouspackstoneandwackestones,and
851

argillaceousmudstones,allofwhicharestronglybituminous.Thickness504feet.

Fossils The Tuwayil Member yields a predominantly ostracod fauna, together with a restricted
suiteofbasinalplanktonicforaminifera.

DetailedbiozonationoftheShilaifMemberhasnotbeencarriedoutbut,inadditiontothe
normal oligosteginal suite, Planomalina (Hedbergella) planispira, P. (H). washitensis and
ExogyraconicawerefoundinaShilaifcorefromUmmShaifWellNo.1.

Age The Salabikh Formation in offshore Abu Dhabi, spans a time interval from Turonian to
UpperAlbian(orLowerCenomanian),butmoredetailedfaunalanalysisarerequiredfor
furtherdefinition.

AdjacentFormationanddetailsofcontact
Underlying NahrUmrFormation;contactconformable,beingplacedattheboundarybetweenshales,
with thin limestone interbeds, of the Nahr Umr and shallowwater limestone (Mauddud
tongue)oftheSalabikhFormation.
Overlying LaffanFormation;contactunconformable,atboundarybetweenshalesoftheLaffanand
interbeddedsiltstone,shalesandmudstonesoftheTuwayilMemberoftheSalabikh.

Distribution TheShilaifMemberisdevelopedregionallyacrosstheA.D.M.A.concessionbutthickness
variation, on and off structure, reflects strong influence of contemporary structural
growth.

TheTuwayil memberisgeographicallyrestrictedintheA.D.M.A.concessiontoanarrow
northsouth belt passing through Mossadej and Zakum (east). The member is highly
variableinthicknessanditssedimentationstronglycontrolledbylocalstructuralgrowth.

The Ruwaydha Member is restricted in the A.D.M.A. concession area to narrow belt
extendingsoutheastfromZakumtowardstheonshorearea.Totheeastitisreplacedby
MishrifFormation,tothewestprogressivecutoutremovestheRuwaydhaMember.

Offshore
(seeEnclosure9)
Dubai

Location D.P.C.WellSouthwestFateh1,lat.253001.56"N.,long.541828.37"E.,betweendrilled
depths8163and8410feet(approx.)

Thickness 247feet(approx..)

Lithology Top1.ShilaifMember.Limestoneandshale.Thelimestoneismediumtoverydarkgrey,
dominantly micrite, argillaceous and/or bituminous, commonly rich in oligosteginids,
whichoccasionallyreachsuchquantityastoconstituteOligosteginapackstone,scattered
ostracods, and rare pelagic forams. Shale, dark grey to black, calcareous, often highly
bituminous, containing scattered oligosteginids; pelagic forams, e.g. Hedbergella sp.,
ostracods,andthinshelledpelecypods.167feet.

2.Mauddudtongue.Interbeddedlimestoneandshale.Thelimestoneisdominantlygrey
to pale brown mudstone and wackestone, variably fossiliferous, with in places
foraminifera (orbitolinids, trocholinids) ostracods, pelecypods, and possibly gastropods.
Rare pellet packstone horizons, with scattered interparticle porosity. Shale,
predominantly pale green occasionally dark grey and black, slightly calcareous,
852

occasionallymicrofossiliferous,withtracesofglauconite.
Fossils HedbergellawashitensisoftenoccursinthebasalpartsoftheShilaifMember.Orbitolina
sp., and Trocholina sp., ostracods, pelecypods and possibly gastropods occur in the
limestonesoftheMauddudtongue.
Age AlbianLowerCenomanian
Underlying NahrUmrFormation;contactconformable.Placedatthetopofcontinuousredbrownto
greenshalesoftheNahrUmrFormationandthebaseofthelowestlimestoneofaseries
ofalternatinglimestoneandgreenshaleswhichconstitutethebasalMauddudtongueof
theSalabikhFormation.
Overlying Mishrif Formation; contact conformable and gradational. Placed where deep water
limestone of the Salabikh Formation passes up into shallowwater wackestones and
mudstonesofthebasalMishrif.
Remarks The status of the Mauddud in offshore Dubai (and western offshore and onshore Abu
Dhabi) isproblematical. The development is intermediatebetween thatfound in central
Abu Dhabi where thin tongues occur at the Salabikh Nahr Umr contact and the
development of Mauddud of formational rank such as in A.D.P.C. Well Faiha1. Earlier
practicebyD.P.C.wastotreattheunitasaseparateformationdistinctlithologicallyfrom
theoverlying,"oligosteginal",Salabikhlimestone.

Offshore
(SeeEnclosure6)
Qatar
Locality S.C.Q. Well IddelShargi No.1 coordinates 637.250E, 280.930N, UTM. between drilled
Thickness 197feet
Lithology Top.1.Limestone,grey,softtohard,marlyinplaces,sandyandshelly.46ft.
2. Limestone, greybrown, hard, finely crystalline, shelly and shale, dark brown to black,
carbonaceous.54ft.
3.Limestone,brownorgrey,hard,finetomediumgrained,shelly.Limestone,buff,soft,
chalkyandshale,darkbrowntobluegreen.72ft.
4.Limestone,chalky,cream,soft.25ft.Base.
Age Albian to Lower Cenomanian age is assigned to this section because of its stratigraphic
position and because of the presence of a planktonic fauna including Hedbergella
washitensisatthislevelinmanysectionsinneighbouringareas.
Underlying Nahr Umr Formations; contact placed where soft chalky limestones of the basal
(Mauddud)tongueoftheSalabikhFormationrestconformablyuponshales,andclaysof
theNahrUmr.
Overlying Mishrif Formation. Contact conformable, but regionally diachronous, placed where
shallowwaterlimestonesoftheMishrifrestupondeeperwaterlimestoneoftheSalabikh.
Remarks TheSalabikhFormationisrepresentedinIddelShargibyonlypartoftheShilaifMember.
Thisunitthinswestwards,beinggraduallyreplacedbytheshallowshelfcarbonates.The
SalabikhsectionofIddelShargiisabsentfromwellstothewest;itsplacebeingtakenby
shelflimestoneoftheMauddudFormation.
853
HawasinaandRelatedsedimentsContemporaneouswiththeWasia
TheWasiasedimentsweredepositedonthecontinentalshelfsurroundingtheArabiancratonduringthe
Albian,Cenomanianand,onlyrarely,theTuronian.TherelationshipofthesedimentsoftheHawasinaand
Sumeini Groups to the accepted Wasia sediments is a highly controversial topic. Interpretations vary
widelyandnoexplanationyetfindsuniversalacceptance.
Thetwomostwidelyheldinterpretationsarebrieflysummarisedasfollows:
Wilson(1969)followingMorton(1959)concludedthattheHawasinawasdepositedinitspresentlocation
during the late Cretaceous. The Hawasina facies, gives evidence in the form of basal boulder beds,
turbidites,andmassiveterminalgravityslidesofsharpcontemporaneoustectonism.LowerHawasinadeep
water turbidites have yielded an inverted faunal sequence of shallow water fossils such that the whole
sequencecannotbeolderthanthereworkedyoungestmiddleCretaceousfaunapresentinthebasalbeds.
Wilson postulated that the source of the turbiditic sediments was a submerged seamount north of the
OmanMountainsthatwasbeingerodedduringthelateCretaceous.
A contrary view has recently been put forward by Glennie et al, (Bull. Amer. Assoc. Pet. Geols., in
preparation)whobelievethatthesedimentsoftheHawasinaandSumeiniGroupsweredepositedinthe
ocean basin lying to the north and east of the present Oman Mountains in the period end Permian to
Cenomanianbutlater(inthelateCampanianorearlyMaestrichtian)tectonicallyemplacedtooverliethe
ArabianShelfsediments.ThoseHawasinaandSumeinisedimentsthatwereoriginallydepositedproximal
to the Arabian Continental Shelf are to a large extent made up of debris from the continental shelf
emplacedasturbidites.Thedebrisconsistsbothoflithoclastsfromearliershelfunits,outcroppingonthe
shelf edge and slope, and contemporaneous unconsolidated shelf sediment. Both lithoclastic and fresh
sedimentarymaterialfromtheshelfWasiasedimentsareseeninanumberoftherockunitsmakingupthe
HawasinaandtheSumeiniGroups.Thoseunitsare:
TheDheraFormation
TheDibbaFormation
Hawasina
TheNayidFormation
TheWahrahFormation
TheMayhahFormation
SumeiniGroup
Intheturbiditesintheseunitsoccurlithoclastsandfreeskeletaldebrisdirectlycomparablewiththefacies
andfossilsseenintheNatihFormation.Theonlysmalladditionistheinfrequentoccurrenceofooidalclasts
andgrainswhichtodate,arenotrecordedfromtheNatihFormation.ThiswouldindicatethattheNatih
FormationtotheNorthandEastofpresentoutcropsinOman(i.e.nearertheformercontinentalmargin)
couldbelocallydevelopedasanoolite.
The perennial pelagic sediments interbedded with these turbidites are generally silicified, frequently
radiolarian but occasionally contain pelagic foraminifera, mostly Hedbergellatypes and rarely Rotalipora
types.
854
PublishedReferences
ADAMS,T.D.,KHALILI,M.&SAID,A.K.,1967
"Stratigraphic significance of some oligosteginal assemblages from Lurestan Province, northwest

Iran".Micropaleontologyvol.13,No.6,pp.5567.
DOMINGUES,J.R.,1965
"OffshoreFieldsofQatar"5thArabPetrolCong.57(B1).
DUNNINGTON,H.V.,1967.
"Stratigraphical distribution of oilfields in the IraqIranArabian Basin" Journ. lnst. Pet., vol. 53,
No.520,pp.129161.
DUNNINGTON,H.V.,WETZEL,R.&NORTON,D.M.,1959.
"Iraq,MesozoicandPalaeozoic",LexiqueStratigraphiqueInternationale",vol.III(Asia),Fasc.10a.Ed.
L.Dubertret.
ELDER,S.1963
"UmmShaifOilfield,Historyofexplorationanddevelopment",Journ.Ist.Pet.,vol.,49,No.478pp.308
315.
ELDER,S.&GRIEVES,K.F.C.,1965.
"AbuDhabiMarineAreasGeology",LePtroleetlaMer,Symposium,section1,No.127,Monaco.
FOX,A.F.,&BROWN,R.C.C.,1968
TheGeologyandReservoirCharacteristicsoftheZakumOilfield,AbuDhabi";2ndReg.Tech.Symp.,
Soc.ofPet.Eng.ofA.I.M.E.,SaudiArabianSection.Dhahran.
HAJASH,G.M.,1967
"The Abu Dhabi Sheikhdom The onshore oilfields history of Exploration and Development", Proc.
7thWorldPet.Cong.,vol.2,pp.130139.
JAMES,G.A.&WYND,J.F.,1965
"Stratigraphic nomenclature of Iranian Oil Consortium Agreement Area", Bull. Amer. Assoc. Pet.
Geol.,vol.49,No.12,pp.21822245.
MALAPRIS,M.&RAT,P.1961
DonnessurlesRosalinesduCnomanienetduTuroniendeCoted'Or."Rev.Micropalvol.4,No.2,
pp.8598.
MORTON,D.M.,1959
"TheGeologyofOman,"Proc.5thWorldPet.Cong.,sect.1,pp.277294,NewYork.
NAQIB,K.M.AI,1967
"GeologyoftheArabianPeninsulasouthwestIraq",U.S.Geol.Surv.Prof.Paper560G.
OWEN,R.M.S.&NASR,S.M.,1958
"StratigraphyoftheKuwaitBasrahArea,inHabitatofOil,asymposium.Amer.Assoc.Pet.Geol.,pp.
12521278.
POWERS,R.W.,1968
"ArabieSoudite",LexiqueStratigraphigueInternationa1e,vol.III(Asie),fasc.10B1Ed.L.Dubertret.
POWERS,R.W.,RAMIREZ,L.F.,REDMOND,C.D.&ELBERG,E.L.Jr.,(1966)
"Geology of the Arabian Peninsula. Sedimentary Geology of Saudi Arabia, U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof.
Paper560D.
SMOUT,A.H.,1956
"ThreenewCretaceousgeneraofforaminifera relatedtotheCeratobuliminidae",Micropaleontology
vol.2,No.4,pp.335348.
STEINEKE,MAX&BRAMKAMP,R.A.,1952
"MesozoicrocksofeasternSaudiArabia(abs.),Bull.Amer.Assoc.Pet.Geol.vol.36No.5,pp.909
STEINEKE,M.BRAMKAMP,R.A.&SANDER,N.J.,1958
"StratigraphicrelationsofArabianJurassicOil",inHabitatofOilSymposium,Amer.Assoc.Pet.Geol.
pp.12941329.
855

SUGDEN,W.&STANDRING,A.J.,inpress.
"TheQatarPeninsula".LexiqueStratigraphiqueInternationale,vol.III(Asie)Ed.L.Dubertret.
TSCHOPP,R.H.,1967
"ThegeneralgeologyofOman",Proc.7thWorldPet.Cong.vol.2,pp.231241.
WILSONH.H.,1969
"Late Cretaceous Eugeosynclinal sedimentation, gravity tectonics, and ophiolite emplacement in

OmanMountains,SoutheastArabia.Bull.Amer.Assoc.Pet.Geol.vol.53,No.3,pp626671.
856
LocationMap.Scale1:4,000,000.Author:A.J.Standring
857
ADMAReferenceSectionNo.1:WasiaGroup,WellUmmShaifNo.1.Author:P.J.Carter(1968)
858
ADMAReferenceSectionNo.2:WasiaGroup,WellZakumNo.37.Author:P.J.Carter(1969)
859
D.P.C. Reference Section No. 1: Wasia Group, Well Southwest Fateh1. Scale 1:1000. Date & Author
unknown
860
SchematisedRegionalCorrelationofRockUnits:WasiaGroup.Author:A.J.Standring.(19710325)
861
RockUnitCorrelationintheWasiaGroup.DK0026,St.1,Bu.47,Fh.1&Fahud(N)3.Scale1:2500.Author:B.N.Twombley.Dateunknown
862
RockUnitCorrelationintheWasiaGroup.DK0026,Is1,US1,Zk37,S.W.Fateh1&Fahud(N)3.Scale1:2500.Author:A.J.Standring.Dateunknown
863
D.P.C.ReferenceSectionNo.2.WasiaGroup.wellFatehA1.Scale1:1000.Author&Dateunknown
864
D.P.C.ReferenceSectionNo.3.WasiaGroup.WellFatehB1.Scale1:1000.Author&Dateunknown
865
Lithology & Palaeontology of the Wasia Group Shuweihat No. 1. Scale 1:1000. Author: A.J. Standring.
(19690518)
866
ADPCReference Section No. 2.Wasia Group.Well Bu Hasa No. 47. Scale1:1000. Author:A.J.Standring.
(19690518)
867
Stratigraphical Data Sheet of the "Wasia Group" in Exploration well Fahud North3, after Scherer (1968).
Vertscale1:1000.Author:C.a.Hopping(196911)
868
TheWasiaGroupinsurfacesectionWadiMi'Aidin.Lithofaciesunits(depositionalenvironments)bedding
properties, characteristic microfacies, diagenesis and fossil distribution. Vert Scale 1:1000. Author: F.C.
Scherer(196805)
869
TypeSectionoftheNahrUmrFormationB.P.C.WellNahrUmrNo.2.Scale1:500.Author:A.J.Standring
(19710324)
870
ColumnarStandardSectionoftheNahrUmrFormationintheP.D.(O)wellMaqhoul1.Scale1:1000.Authorunknown.(197103)
871
ReferenceSectionoftheMauddudFormationinADPCWellFaiha1.Scale1:1000.Author:A.J.Standring(19710325)
872
Lithology & Palaeontology of the Salabikh Formation in Bu Hasa47. Scale 1:1000. Author: A.J. Standring
(19690518)
873
Geological Liaison Meetings

A.D.M.A, A.D.P.C., D.P.C., P.D.(O), and S.C.Q
THE STRATIGRAPHY OF THE

THAMAMA GROUP
(BERRISIAN TO APTIAN)
AND
KAHMAH GROUP
(KIMMERIDGIAN TO APTIAN)
IN SOUTH EAST ARABIA
Edited by
W.G. WITT
JUNE 1973
874

CONTENTS
PAGE
Introduction
SummaryofRecommendations
TheThamamaGroup
TheKahmahGroup
DepositionalHistoryoftheThamamaandtheKahmahGroup
DevelopmentofStratigraphicNomenclature
ShuaibaFormation
KharaibFormation
LekhwairFormation
HabshanFormation
SalilFormation
RaydaFormation
PublishedReferences
Enclosures
Original
Document
1
2
3
8
9
14
18
33
43
55
65
67
71
This
Document
3
4
5
8
9
11
13
22
29
36
43
44
46
48
ENCLOSURES
1
2
Locationmap
ThamamaandKahmahGroup.Generalizedregionaldevelopmentand
nomenclature
QatarOman.SchematizedcorrelationofrockunitsThamamaand
KahmahGroup
ShuaibaFormationtypesectionwellZubairno.3
Wellno.Dukhan80[DK0080],ThamamaGroup.Missingfromouroriginal
LithologicalcolumnofIddelShargi1.Missingfromouroriginal
LithologyandpalaeontologyoftheThamamaGroup.ShuaibaFormation
referencesectionBuHasa34
LithologyandpalaeontologyoftheThamamaGroup.TopShuaibatotop
HabshanreferencesectionBab2
ReferencesectionoftheThamamaGroupofUmmShaif3andZakum1
ThamamaGroup.A.D.M.A.referencesectionZakum1
FatehA1,ThamamaGroup,GammaRay Neutron Laterolog.Missing
fromouroriginal
FatehA1,ThamamaGroup,Lithology,GammaRayNeutronlaterolog
Lekhwair7.StratigraphicaldatasheetShuaibaandtopKharaib
Formations
Kharaibwellno.1graphicwelllogKharaibLekhwairFormations.
Missingfromouroriginal
Busayirwellno.1graphicwelllogKharaibLekhwairFormations
StratigraphicaldatasheetKahmahGroupLekhwair6
LithologyandpalaeontologyoftheHabshanFormationBab2
StratigraphicaldatasheetRaydaFormationLekhwair3
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
1:2,500,000
Draw#,
P.D.(O)
9206
1:2,500,000
9243
1:2,500,000
9212
1:1,000
1:1,000
1:1,000
9296
9295
9365
1:1,000
9202
1:1,000
9204
1:1,000
1:1,000
9208
9207
1:1,000
9406
1:1,000
9439
1:200
9146
1:1,000
9297
1:1,000
1:1,000
1:1,000
1:1,000
9298
4343
9249
9211
Scale
875

INTRODUCTION
The rock stratigraphy of the Tithonian/Berriasian Aptian dated sediments occurring in Qatar, Abu
Dhabi, Dubai and Oman were discussed at the 10th Geological Liaison Meeting (27.11 2.12.1971)
by delegates from six operating and parent oil companies. Participants were as follows:
T.A.Adams
P.R.Ashton
B.N.Twombley
I.D.Maycock
H.A.Vest
J.R.Freake
C.A.Hopping
F.Gosling
R.M.Lacassagne
R.J.Murris
AbuDhabimarineareasLtd.
A.D.M.A.
AbuDhabipetroleumCompanyLtd.
A.D.P.C
DubaiPetroleumCompanyLtd.
D.P.C.
PetroleumDevelopment(Oman)Ltd.
P.D.(O)
QatarPetroleumCompanyLtd.
ShellCompanyofQatarLtd.
CompagnieFranaisedesPtroles
ShellInternationalPetroleumMaatschappijN.V.
Q.P.C
S.C.Q.
C.F.P.
S.I.P.M.
The meeting was held at Mina al Fahal, Oman, and agreement was reached on the rock unit
nomenclature applicable to the entire area (Encl. 1)
Definitions and discussions of the proposed formations (Encl. 2, 3) comprise the greater part of this
report. Many of the formation names have already been adopted by operating companies.
876

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
1
The name Thamama Group applied in the sense of Powers (1968) should be retained. The
formationsoftheThamamaGroup(HabshanShuaiba)aremainlyLowerCretaceous(Berriasian
Aptian)inage.Theoldestformation,theHabshan,appearstobepartlyUpperJurassicinage.
In the Oman Mountains and subsurface the Rayda to Shuaiba Formations are included in the
KahmahGroup(GLENNIEetal.1973)ofKimmeridgianTithoniantoAptianage.
The Shuaiba Formation described from southern Iraq and the Kharaib Formation described from
QatararemappableinSoutheastArabia.
The Lekhwair Formation is accepted as the carbonate age equivalent of the clastic Ratawi
FormationofIraq.
TheYamamaandSulaiyFormationsaresupersededbytheHabshanFormation.Incertainareasof
OmantheYamamaandSulaiyrockunitswillberetainedasmembers
ThedeepermarineageequivalentoftheshallowmarineHabshanFormationistheSalilFormation.
TheRaydaFormationistheageequivalentofthedeepermarinesequencesofthelowerHabshan
andtheupperpartoftheUpperJurassicSilaGroup
It is recommended that the proposals contained herein be published, in shortened form, in a

geological journal so that their availability to otherorganisations working in the area may lead to
moreuniformstratigraphicalpractice
877

THE THAMAMA GROUP (Encl. 2) (by R.J. Murris)
The name Thamama was first applied to a Lower Cretaceous formation outcropping in Saudi
Arabia. It included the Sulaiy, the Yamama and an unnamed member.
The formal publication (STEINEKE & BRAMKAMP 1952) elevated the Thamama still including
these three units to group rank. From top to bottom these three formations were designated as the
Buwaib, Yamama and Sulaiy. Later the Biyadh Sandstone was added, largely to conform with
subsurface usage. Thus present-day outcrop terminology in Saudi Arabia is as follows (POWERS
1968):
BiyadhSandstone
ThamamaGroup
BuwaibFormation
Unconformity
YamamaFormation
SaulaiyFormation
The base of the group is taken at the top of the Hith evaporites and the top in outcrop is taken at the
unconformity supposedly separating the Biyadh and the Wasia Formations.
In the subsurface of coastal Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, parts of the Rub al Khali and
possibly northernmost parts of Dhofar, the Thamama Group is defined by common subsurface
usage to comprise the sequence between the Hith evaporites below and the diastem1 at the base of
the Nahr Umr Formation above. The latter diastem, showing no apparent break in the Arabian Gulf
area, develops into an unconformity towards the basin edges in the west, south and east.
The correlation of the top of the Thamama Group, from the subsurface areas where the Shuaiba
Formation is present below the Nahr Umr Formation, to the Saudi Arabian outcrop area, has led to
considerable controversy in the past and is at present still open to doubt. According to POWERS et
al (1966) and POWERS (1968), the Biyadh Sandstone in its type area includes the sandy
equivalents of the Nahr Umr, Mauddud and possibly even younger formations of the Wasia Group.
In this interpretation, the boundary between the Wasia and Thamama Groups would differ
drastically between outcrop and subsurface. Until detailed correlations corroborated by faunal
and/or floral data are made publically available, this will remain a point of controversy.
Another subject for divergence of opinion is the base of the Thamama Group outside the area of
typical Hith development, i.e. in the eastern part of the United Arab Emirates including parts of
Abu Dhabi and Oman. Detailed subsurface correlations suggest that the Hith and the underlying
Qatar/Arab Formation are replaced eastwards by ooidal lime grainstones and argillaceous
dolomites, which appear to separate the shallow evaporitic basin to the west from an area of deeper
marine sedimentation to the east. In the latter, deeper marine limestones with at the base siliceous
lime mudstone (porcellanites) of the Rayda were deposited.
1
Diastem is defined as a minor interruption in the deposition of sedimentary material, or, a minor interruption in
sedimentation with little or no erosion before deposition is resumed
878

The subdivision of the Thamama Group in the outcrop area as given by POWERS et al. (1966) and
POWERS (1968) is based on lithological criteria supported by some faunal evidence. The Sulaiy
and Yamama Formations of the outcrop belt form a single carbonate offlap cycle, with pellet
calcarenites at top. The overlying argillaceous carbonates of the Buwaib are considered by
POWERS (1968) to be separated from the Yamama by a regional unconformity. This
unconformity diminishes in importance eastwards, accommodating more and more beds between
the Buwaib and type Yamama, until in the coastal area the sequence appears to be complete
(POWERS 1968, p. 161).
The boundary between the Buwaib and Yamama Formations has led to repeated re-interpretations
in the past, including re-assignment of bed sequences to one or the other formation in the type
areas. Subsurface correlations indicate that facies changes may complicate the situation, so that the
interpretation of a single pre-Buwaib unconformity may turn out to be an oversimplification. The
various possible correlations between type areas and the main subsurface area in the east has led to
the use of such terms as Yamama equivalent, Sulaiy Yamama, etc..
The stratigraphical Liaison Committee at the 10th Meeting (27th Nov. 2nd Dec. 1971) has therefore
decided to introduce a new nomenclature for the subsurface area dealt with, which is as follows:
Shuaiba Formation
Kharaib Formation
Lekhwair Formation
Habshan Formation
Salil Formation
Rayda Formation
The Salil and Rayda Formations are only present in Oman. The Salil is a deeper water equivalent
of the lower part of the Habshan Formation. The Rayda was then (1971) considered to be a deeper
water equivalent of the upper part of the Hith Formation.
Facies-wise the Habshan Formation correlates with the type Sulaiy and Yamama, whereas the
Lekhwair Formation is related in its lithological and faunal development to the type Buwaib of
Saudi Arabia and the Ratawi Formation of southern Iraq. The upper part of the Lekhwair
Formation, the Kharaib Formation and finally also the Shuaiba Formation are represented in the
type outcrop area by the Biyadh sandstone, or at least by the lower part thereof.
Regional studies resulted in the acceptance of the 11th Meeting (23rd 25th October 1972) that a
lower part of the Rayda Formation is in fact a deeper marine equivalent of the Hith and the
underlying Qatar/Arab, Jubaila and Hanifa Formations, i.e. an equivalent of the upper part of the
Sila Group. At the same meeting the term Thamama Group was re-instituted for the mainly Lower
Cretaceous rock-units Habshan to Shuaiba.
The problem of the grouping of the Rayda Formation was consequently discussed within S.I.P.M.
and P.D.(O) and the following terminology is proposed (Encl. 3):
879

A
Westernarea(Qatar,AbuDhabi,Dubaiincludingoffshoreareas
ShuaibaFormation
KharaibFormation
ThamamaGroup
LekhwairFormation
HabshanFormation
Easternarea(Oman)
ShuaibaFormation
KharaibFormation
LekhwairFormation
KahmahGroup
HabshanFormation
SalilFormation
RaydaFormation
As adopted by the 11th Meeting, the Thamama Group comprises the strata between the top of the
Hith Formation and the top of the Shuaiba Formation. Its age is therefore Berriasian to Aptian,
although the precise age boundaries are yet to be confirmed. The age of the Hith is still
controversial and the Shuaiba/Nahr Umr boundary may be slightly diachronous, the Nahr Umr
being locally as old as Upper Aptian. The Thamama Group coincides greatly with the Lower
Cretaceous of the much used tripartite division of the Cretaceous in the Middle East.
880

THE KAHMAH GROUP (encl. 3)
In the Oman Mountains the porcellanites, the deeper marine limestones and marls and the
shallow marine carbonates up to and including the Shuaiba Formation are incorporated in the
Kahmah Group (GLENNIE et al. 1973).
The Kahmah Group overlies the Sahtan Group (Oman Mountains) and Butabul Group (Oman
subsurface) and is overlain by the Wasia Group. It ranges in age from Lower to Middle
Kimmeridgian to Aptian.
The basal Rayda Formation consists of iron-stained encrinites limestones passing upwards into
porcellanite limestones. The contained calpionellid fauna of the upper part of the Rayda indicates
an Upper Tithonian to Lower Berriasian age.
The overlying beds consist of lime
mudstones/wackestones which pass gradually into the argillaceous limestones of the Salil
Formation and eventually into the shallow carbonate shelf limestones of the Habshan, Lekhwair,
Kharaib and Shuaiba Formations.
The change from deeper water, starved to shallow water deposition between the underlying
Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone of Oxfordian age and the Rayda is considered to reflect a rapid change
in environmental conditions and not necessarily an unconformable or disconformable relationship.
The change from shallow to deeper marine deposition took place during the Kimmeridgian, most
probably in lower to Middle Kimmeridgian times, if northern Oman is compared with the interior
Fars area (Iran), where ammonites date the change to deeper marine sedimentation as Lower to
Middle Kimmeridgian (JAMES & WYND 1965).
881

DEPOSITIONAL HISTORY OF THE THAMAMA AND THE KAHMAH GROUP
(Encl. 2) (by R.J. Murris)
During the Upper Jurassic the Arabian shelf was gradually subdivided into three paleogeographical
areas. In Saudi Arabia, Qatar and western parts of Abu Dhabi, euxinic, restricted and evaporitic
conditions prevailed. In eastern Abu Dhabi and Dubai, a broad topographic swell distinguished by
its energy conditions separated the basinal areas of Oman in the east from the highly restricted
conditions in the west. The division culminated during the late Upper Jurassic to earliest
Cretaceous.
In Oman the Kahmah Group starts with the Rayda Formation, a deeper marine limestone sequence
with chert at its base overlying the Oxfordian Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone probably without a
sedimentary break. Beds of ooidal lime grainstones are interpreted to be of turbiditic origin and are
derived from the swell in the west. The deeper marine limestones of the Rayda grade into
argillaceous limestones and marls of the Salil Formation, a unit, which thanks to its thickness fills
up the basinal areas of Oman so that already during Valanginian times uniform shallow marine
carbonate sedimentation prevailed throughout.
In the west after the close of the Upper Jurassic megacycle with the deposition of the Hith
evaporites over the larger part of the Arabian shelf, the Thamama Group starts with a widespread
transgression. The onset of this transgression is reflected in the uppermost beds of the Hith, where
in some areas the evaporites are replaced by less restricted deposits in the form of ooidal lime
grainstones, the Manifa Reservoir (POWERS 1968, p. 101) or Basal Sulaiy Oolite in older
terminology.
The Thamama starts with dense aphanitic limestones and argillaceous limestones. In eastern abu
Dhabi this unit contains calpionellids, denoting the transition into the deeper marine Salil Formation
of Oman. Repeated shallowing led to the formation of pellet-oolite zones, some of which are of
regional importance and constitute important reservoir horizons, e.g. the Minagish Oolite of Kuwait
Neutral Zone. Influx of non-carbonate clastic material remained limited over most of the shelf
area and therefore the Habshan Formation is rather poor in argillaceous intercalations. In Oman,
however, the predominantly Salil Formation forms a prograding deeper marine unit over which the
Habshan shallow water carbonates built out eastwards.
The Habshan Formation contains a characteristic fauna with a.o. Pseudocyclammina lituus and
Everticyclammina kelleri. Although distinctly less restricted than the terminal Jurassic, the
presence of anhydrite nodules and beds in its lower part in some areas, and the fauna and lithology
indicate that normal open marine conditions were not yet established across the shelf area. The
widespread pellet-oolite zones at the top of regionally correlatable carbonate cycles attest to stable
depositional conditions.
The Lekhwair Formation reflects the return to more normal open marine conditions. The formation
is built up of numerous small cycles, mainly of the offlap type, with marls or calcareous shales
grading via argillaceous limestones into clean neritic limestones. Pellets are common, and often
highly pyritized. The fauna includes Everticyclammina greigi and Choffatella decipiens with
Pseudocyclammina lituus in the lowermost (= Zakum) member.
The increased influx of non-carbonate clastics, reflected in the high shale content of the Lekhwair
Formation, is most pronounced in southern Iraq and northern and western Saudi Arabia, where the
Zubair and Biyadh Sandstones were deposited. Over the Qatar arch the Lekhwair Formation thins,
882

partly due to intraformational thinning and disappearance of individual beds, but mostly due to preKharaib erosion.
In Oman the base of the Lekhwair Formation in the type area is taken at the change from poorly
fossiliferous, pelletoidal lime grainstones below to foraminiferal lime wackestones/packstones
alternating with argillaceous lime mudstones above. Southwards, in southern Oman and Dhofar,
the Lekhwair Formation oversteps the Habshan Formation, becoming at the same time silty-sandy.
This overstep relationship may be correlated with the pre-Buwaib unconformity of Saudi Arabia.
In the areas where the Lekhwair formation is fully developed, i.e. northern Oman and Abu Dhabi,
the individual cycles are excellently correlatable over large distances, proof of stable depositional
conditions. In the upper part of the formation, in areas where it is complete, the offlap character of
the cycles is replaced by onlap build-ups: clean, pelletoidal lime wackestones/packstones grading
upwards into argillaceous mudstones/wackestones, in turn abruptly overlain by the clean basal
limestones of the next cycle.
The Kharaib Formation is composed of two carbonate onlap cycles, starting with clean, shallowneritic limestones, overlain by argillaceous beds. The upper argillaceous horizon develops locally
into a calcareous shale, the Hawar Member. The fauna includes Choffatella decipiens in the more
argillaceous beds, and Orbitolina cf. discoidea and Dictyoconus arabicus in the cleaner limestones,
which often have a chalky texture. Across the Qatar arch the Kharaib rests unconformably on the
Lekhwair, cutting out the major part of that formation in the offshore area north of the peninsula.
Elsewhere the contact appears to be conformable.
The basal part of the Shuaiba Formation is formed by a very widespread algal lime wackestone to
boundstone, which constitutes the algal flat on which the upper Shuaiba was deposited. This upper
part shows a highly varied development from area to area. In eastern on- and offshore Abu Dhabi
and in northwestern Oman argillaceous lime mudstones prevail with planktonic Foraminifera and
calcispheres. In the upper part Orbitolina lime wackestones occur frequently.
This basinal development is bordered by a shallow marine zone including rudistid, bioclastic lime
packstones/grainstones as important reservoirs. In more restricted areas these are in turn replaced
by algal and foraminiferal lime wackestones/packstones, alternating with chalky lime mudstones.
Fossils of the Shuaiba include Bacinella, Lithocodium, Orbitolina cf. discoidea, Hedbergella sp,
and rudists. From the basinal facies ammonites have been collected, including Gargasiceras sp.
and Dufrenovia sp. From the faunal content the Shuaiba is considered Aptian in age.
The Shuaiba forms the last carbonate cycle of both, the Kahmah and the Thamama before the basinwide transgression of the Nahr Umr Formation. The break prior to Nahr Umr deposition is
reflected in leaching and dolomitization of the upper Shuaiba, a feature common in the areas of
shallow water Shuaiba development. In the northern Gulf the entire Shuaiba is strongly
dolomitized, which coincides with the occurrence of sandstones in the overlying and underlying
formations. Towards the edges of the Arabian basin, e.g. in southern Oman, Dhofar and southern
Saudi Arabia, the break at the base of the Nahr Umr develops into a low-angle unconformity,
overstepping the Thamama and Kahmah Groups and older units respectively.
883

DEVELOPMENT OF STRATIGRAPHIC NOMENCLATURE
1) Q.P.C.
The Thamama Group of onshore Qatar was, as early as 1956, sub-divided into the following
formations:
ShuaibaFormation
HawarShaleFormation
KharaibFormation
RatawiFormation
YamamaFormation
SulaiyFormation
In 1961 it was shown that the Ratawi Formation of south Iraq has a diachronous, laterally
gradational contact with the overlying Zubair Formation. In some areas shales of the Ratawi
Formation have entirely replaced the Zubair Fm and include an appreciable proportion of
limestones. The Ratawi in such developments resembles the combined Hawar, Kharaib and Ratawi
Formations as originally defined in Qatar. For this reason, the Hawar and Kharaib Formations were
reduced by Q.P.C. to member status within the Ratawi Formation.
Since 1961 the Thamama Group has become economically important and consequently has been
closely studied. As a result of such study, in 1971 it was proposed to reinstate the Hawar and
Kharaib as formations and to use the Ratawi Formation in its original sense.
2) S.C.Q.
Since 1963 (DOMINGUEZ 1965) the Thamama Group of offshore Qatar is subdivided into the
following formations:
ShuaibaFormation
HawarFormation
KharaibFormation
YamamaFormation
SulaiyFormation
The above subdivision has applied until now.
3) A.D.P.C.
The stratigraphical subdivision of the Thamama Group as published by Hajash (1967) consisted of
numbering the porous limestone units from A to H. The uppermost part of the Thamama Group
including Zone A in shallow limestone facies was named the Shuaiba Formation. Its deeper
marine equivalent was called Dense Shuaiba Limestone. HARRIS, HAY & TWOMBLEY
(1968) retained this subdivision and only changed the term Dense Shuaiba Limestone to Dense
Shuaiba Equivalent. In 1971 A.D.P.C. proposed the following subdivision:
884

ShuaibaFormation&ShuaibaEquivalent(ZoneA)
HawarEquivalent
KharaibFormation(ZoneBC)
RatawiEquivalent(ZoneDH)
Yamama/SulaiyFormation
4) A.D.M.A.
In 1971 A.D.M.A. used no formal rock-stratigraphical nomenclature for the Thamama Group.
Instead six major porous zones were recognized, which are effectively individual reservoirs. A
correlation with the A.D.P.C. nomenclature was proposed as follows:
A.D.P.C.
ShuaibaFormation
HawarEquivalent
KharaibFormation
RatawiEquivalent
Yamama/SulaiyFormation
A.D.M.A.
TopZoneItobaseSubzoneIA
BaseSubzoneIAtotopZoneII
TopZoneIIto ?baseSubzoneIIIA
?baseSubzoneIIIAtobaseZoneIV
ZonesVandVI
5) D.P.C.
In 1971 the Thamama Group of offshore Dubai was subdivided into six major porous zones which
have not been correlated with defined rock-stratigraphical units.
6) P.D.(O)
The Thamama Group, overlain by the Nahr Umr Formation and underlain by shallow carbonates of
the Jurassic, has been identified since 1963. Attempts were made to subdivide the Thamama into
Upper, Middle and Lower Thamama. The Upper Thamama was further subdivided in units A, B,
and C, unit A corresponding with the Shuaiba Formation. In 1964 WELLS & WILSON
(unpublished report) recognized the Shuaiba Formation at the top of the Thamama Group. In 1968
CLARKE (unpublished report) reinstated the Musandam Limestone in the sense of LEES (1928)
and HUDSON & CHATTON (1959), whereas MORTON (1959), TSCHOPP (1967) and WILSON
(1969) included the Wasia Group in the Musandam Limestone.
Since 1969 (SCHERER, HOPPING, unpublished reports) the following rock-stratigraphical units
have been used:
ShuaibaFormation(includingHawarEquivalent)
KharaibFormation
LekhwairFormation(includinguppermarl)
YamamaFormation
SulaiyFormation
SalilFormation(=lowermarl)
The term Thamama was abolished. Later in 1971 HOPPING created the term Zumul Group (now
obsolete), which included the above mentioned formations and in addition the porcellanite and its
overlying strata beneath the Salil Formation (now the Rayda Formation).
885

SHUAIBA FORMATION
Cretaceous
(Aptian)
Author
RABANIT 1951. Unpublished report. Published by OWEN and NASR 1958 (amended by H.V.
DUNNINGTON et al. 1959)
Synonymy
Uppermost part (unit p and o, with exception of lowermost part of o) of the Musandam
Limestone, HUDSON & CHATTON 1959; Shuaiba Formation, DOMINGUEZ 1965; Shuaiba
Formation, DUNNINGTON 1967; Shuaiba Formation, Dense Shuaiba Limestone, HAJASH
1967; Shuaiba Formation, POWERS 1968; Shuaiba Formation, dense Shuaiba Equivalent,
HARRIS, HAY & TWOMBLEY 1968; Shuaiba Equivalent in former A.D.P.C. usage;
A.D.M.A.s Zone I down to base Subzone I A; Thamama A of the Upper Thamama in former
P.D.(O) usage.
Type Locality and section (enclosure 4)
B.P.C. well Zubair No. 3; lat 302301N, long. 474329E; elevation 51.9 ft.;
Location
completed 21.2.1951; between drilled depths 9870 and 10132 ft. The formation
name is taken from Shuaiba locality just east of Basra and close to Zubair Field
(southern Iraq).
262 ft
Thickness
More recently in 1970 HART investigated the original descriptions of the type
Lithology
section by RABANIT and concluded that the description of the Shuaiba by OWEN
and NASR (1958) is more applicable to sections at Ratawi and Nahr Umr locations
rather than the type section at well Zubair No. 3. HART quoting from RABANITs
original reports gives a description of the type section of the Shuaiba from top to
bottom as follows:
9870 9962
9962 10125
10125 10132
Crystalline limestone with large thick shelled globigerinids and

traces of glauconite.
Dominantly fine grained limestone, the top more chalky and the
lower part more argillaceous.
Pseudo-oolitic limestone with clear calcite matrix and angular
sand grains
The fauna of this limestone formation is on the whole rather poor with the exception
of a rich Orbitolina discoidea zone at the base. RABANITs description checks
rather well with the one of DUNNINGTON et al. (1959).
Planktonic Foraminifera in the upper part, Orbitolina cf. Discoidea Gras (rare),
Fossils
Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger (rare) at base only.
Aptian
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Zubair Formation; contact conformable and gradational, taken at the top of the first
shale bed below the Orbitolina cf. discoidea limestone.
Overlying Nahr Umr Formation; contact conformable, taken at the base of the first
considerable shale bed above the limestones of the upper part of the Shuaiba.
Distribution Widespread in the western Arabian Gulf: Subsurface Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia,
Qatar, U.A.E., both onshore and offshore, and Oman; outcropping in the Oman
Mountains. The Dariyan Formation of the Iranian Oil Consortium Agreement Area
is considered to be an extension of the Shuaiba Formation (JAMES & WYND
1965).
886

Remarks
OWEN & NASR (1958) describe the Shuaiba as made up of dolomitic limestones
which are coarsely crystalline, porous, and cavernous, with recrystallized Rudistae
and with rare Orbitolina discoidea and Choffatella decipiens.
The type section described by DUNNINGTON et al. (1959), is quite unlike this,
being composed of mainly fine-grained, chalky and argillaceous limestones, some of
which contain planktonic Foraminifera, interbedded with shale in their upper part.
The Shuaiba has recently become an important oil producing reservoir in Abu Dhabi
and Oman and has, in consequence, been subject of detailed studies.
The Shuaiba of the Bu Hasa Field is comparable to the coarse rudistid limestones
recorded from Kuwait and Oman.
The type section in South Iraq appears to show more affinity to the deeper water
sequence of the Bab Dome (HARRIS, HAY & TWOMBLEY 1968), onshore Abu
Dhabi, Zakum, offshore Abu Dhabi, and Lekhwair, Oman.
The Shuaiba of onshore Qatar is probably more closely related to the shallow
platform facies of Bu Hasa, Kuwait and southern and eastern Central Oman
The name Sabsab Formation (SUGDEN 1953, unpublished report) was at one time
assigned to a distinctive lithologic unit of Qatars subsurface, composed of lime
grainstones and packstones with abundant abraded Orbitolina. This is now included
in the Shuaiba Formation and the term is now obsolete.
Reference Sections
Onshore Qatar (enclosure 5) Shuaiba Reference Section
Q.P.C. well Dukhan No. 11 [DK-0011]; lat. 252717N, long. 504802E;
Location
elevation 136 ft. (41.5 m); completed 1.8.1949; between drilled depths 3291 and
3724 ft. (1003 and 1135 m).
433 ft. (132 m).
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
85
1 Light grey or white, chalky limestone and white chalk, 85 ft (26 m).
2 White to light grey, chalky limestone, containing fine skeletal debris.
Partly to strongly recrystallized. Occasionally dolomitic. Grey and 348
argillaceous in bottom few feet. 348 ft (106 m)
In 1: Arenobulimina sp., Pseudochrysalidina sp., Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras.
Fossils
In 2: O. cf. discoidea; ? Cyclocardia cf. upwarensis Woods.
Aptian
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hawar Member of the Kharaib Formation; contact conformable between limestone
above and blue-green shale below.
Overlying Nahr Umr Formation; contact probably disconformable, at contact of grey limestone
below and shale above.
No adequate logs are available from well Dukhan No. 11 [DK-0011], enclosure
Remarks
shows a graphic log with a GRN log run recently in well Dukhan No. 80 [DK-0080].
887

Offshore Qatar (enclosure 6) - Shuaiba Reference Section
S.C.Q. well Idd el Shargi-1; lat. 252332.9N, long. 522155.93E; completed
Location
17.12.1956; between drilled depths 5047 and 5354 ft. (B.R.T.)
307 ft
Thickness
Lithology
Grey-white, chalky lime mudstone/wackestone and rare packstone. Particles being
for the most part Orbitolina with some skeletal debris, possibly rudistid, and rare
chalky pellets. Evidence of leaching below the disconformity in the top 100 ft. and
particularly in the top 10 ft.
Fossils
Aptian
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hawar Member of the Kharaib Formation; contact conformable between chalky
limestone above and marl and calcareous shale below.
Overlying Nahr Umr Formation; contact disconformable between shale above and chalky
limestone below.
888

Abu Dhabi (enclosure 7) - Shuaiba Reference Section
A.D.P.C. well Bu Hasa 34; lat. 232947N, long. 532032E; between drilled
Location
depths 8228 and 8690 ft.
462 ft
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
1 Mainly rudist lime packstone, interbedded with skeletal debris,
198
foraminiferal lime packstone and grainstone. Clean and porous.
2 Interbedded foraminiferal, skeletal debris lime packstone and algal lime
boundstone, generally chalky. Stylolites common becoming more 212
frequent in the lower part.
3 Chalky lime mudstone, clean with Foraminifera and occasional fine
26
skeletal debris.
4 Algal lime boundstone with interbedded algal debris, foraminiferal lime
26
packstone. Slightly argillaceous, stylolitic.
Throughout 1 to 4: Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras.
Fossils
In 1 Caprinid and caprotinid Rudists and rare corals; Lithocodium aggregatum
Elliott
In 2 L. aggregatum; occasional corals, small Rudists in upper part
In 3 Hedbergella sp.; calcispheres.
In 4 Bacinella irregularis Radoicic, L. aggregatum, Salpingoporella dinarica
Radoicic; Pseudochrysalidina sp.
Aptian
Age
Structure of caprinid Rudists shows more affinity with Albian forms than with
simpler Aptian types. The Shuaiba Formation may therefore range from Aptian to
early Albian.
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hawar Member of the Kharaib Formation; contact conformable, between buff, algal
debris, foraminiferal limestone above and grey to dark, argillaceous and pyritic,
dense, foraminiferal, skeletal debris lime packstone and wackestone with Choffatella
decipiens Schlumberger below.
Overlying Nahr Umr Formation; contact disconformable, between shale above and buff, chalky
limestone below, with pyrite, phosphatic pebbles and dolomite at the contact which
is irregular and sharply defined.
Remarks
At Bu Hasa and in areas where the Nahr Umr Formation rests upon shallow water
limestones of the Shuaiba, the contact is sharply defined. In areas where the
Shuaiba is in deeper open marine facies, as in the Bab reference section, the contact
tends to be less well defined as no erosional break is present and the contact shows
passage by alternation between denser argillaceous limestone and grey shale.
The Shuaiba of the Bu Hasa reference section exhibits marked facies and thickness
change northwards towards the Bab Dome (see Bab reference section p. 25).
The shallow water algal and rudistid sediments of units 1 and 2 wedge out rapidly
northwards and are replaced by a thinner sequence of deeper water argillaceous
limestone and shale (= Bab Member). The basal units, 3 and 4, persist regionally as
clean generally porous limestones of the Zone A of A.D.P.C.
Microfacies photographs of rocks of the various units are published in HARRIS,
HAY & TWOMBLEY 1968.
889

Abu Dhabi (enclosure 8) - Shuaiba Reference Section
A.D.P.C. well Bab 2; lat. 235256N, long. 534411E; between drilled depths
Location
7905 and 8077 ft.
172 ft
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
1 Bab Member. Dark grey to black, locally light grey brown, dense,
argillaceous lime mudstone, partly variably flaggy and fissile with some 121
shelly bands and planktonic Foraminifera. (unit 1, encl. 8).
2 Light brown to buff, porous, chalky lime mudstone and wackestone, with
30
scattered Foraminifera and fine shell debris. (unit 2, encl. 8)
3 Lime wackestone and packstone, some algal boundstone. Foraminifera
21
and algal debris abundant. Stylolitic. (unit 3, encl. 8).
Fossils
In 1 Crushed internal moulds of ammonite have been identified as follows:
Pseudohaploceras sp., juv.
cf. Pseudosaynella fimbriata (Imlay)
Diadochoceras sp. nov.
Colombiceras spp.
Gargasiceras spp.
Dufrenovia spp.
Planktonic Foraminifera and calcispheres abundant in parts, especially in
section just above unit 2
In 2 Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras, locally planktonic Foraminifera.
In 3 Miliolidae, Pseudochrysalidina sp., O. cf. discoidea; Bacinella irregularis
Radoicic.
Aptian, unit 1 Upper Aptian on ammonite dating
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hawar Member of the Kharaib Formation; contact conformable between buff, algal
debris, foraminiferal limestone above and grey to black, argillaceous, pyritic, dense,
foraminiferal and skeletal debris limestone with Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger
below.
Overlying Nahr Umr Formation; contact conformable with grey green to brown shale above
and interbedded dark grey limestone and grey, slightly calcareous shale below.
The lowermost units, 2 and 3, are correlatable with similar lithologies in the Bu
Remarks
Hasa reference section (units 3 and 4 p.23). The overlying planktonic foraminiferal
and argillaceous limestones (= Bab Member) are the deeper water lateral equivalents
of the thick algal and rudistid sediments of the Bu Hasa.
The upper limit of the Shuaiba Formation is usually well marked on GRN logs. A
thin limestone bed, or sometimes several, may be present some 90 to 120 ft. above
the top Shuaiba.
Microfacies photographs of rocks of the different units are published in HARRIS,
HAY & TWOMBLEY 1968.
The Bab Member, dense, argillaceous, deeper water limestones and shales, takes its
name from the Bab Field. Type-section is well Bab 2.
890

Offshore Abu Dhabi (enclosure 9) - Shuaiba Reference Section
A.D.M.A. well Umm Shaif No. 3; lat 251159.8N, long. 531453.1E; between
Location
drilled depths 5759 and 5913 feet (B.R.T.).
154 ft
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
1 Bab Member. Mainly light grey, dense, variably argillaceous, pellet and
106
bioclastic lime mudstone/wackestone. Minor thin shale intercalations.
2 Mainly skeletal and pellet lime packstone/wackestone grading downwards
48
to dense lime mudstone.
Textularia sp., Lenticulina sp., Hedbergella sp.; Salpingoporella dinarica Radoicic.
Fossils
Aptian
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hawar Member of the Kharaib Formation; contact conformable with light grey,
dense lime mudstone above and dark grey, dense, calcareous shale below.
Overlying Nahr Umr Formation; contact conformable with grey and brown shale above and
grey argillaceous lime mudstone below.
A more than 300 ft. thick development of the Shuaiba similar to the one at Bu Hasa
Remarks
is recognized in Mandous 1 in eastern offshore Abu Dhabi.
Offshore Abu Dhabi (enclosures 9 and 10) - Shuaiba Reference Section
A.D.M.A. well Zakum No. 1; lat. 245123N, long. 534200E; between drilled
Location
depths 6856 and 7091 ft. (B.R.T.).
235 ft
Thickness
From top to bottom
Lithology
ft.
1 Interbedding of blue-grey, calcareous and non-calcareous shale and lime
89
mudstone/wackestone becoming more argillaceous towards the base.
2 Light grey, skeletal lime mudstone/wackestone and minor bioclastic lime
63
packstone and dolomite.
41
3 Light grey lime mudstone.
4 Mainly pellet, skeletal, lump and algal debris lime packstone minor
42
grainstone.
No systematic determination was carried out.
Fossils
In 2: Planktonic Foraminifera.
In 4: Calcareous algae.
Not indicated
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hawar Member of Kharaib Formation; contact conformable between skeletal, algal
debris lime packstone/grainstone above and pyritic, pelletoidal, bioclastic, skeletal,
cemented lime packstone/grainstone below.
Overlying Nahr Umr Formation; contact probably conformable, yellow/brown shale above and
light grey, bioclastic lime mudstone below.
The Nahr Umr/Shuaiba contact is probably conformable in Zakum No. 1, the
Remarks
uppermost 89 ft. of shale and limestone appear to be of transitional nature. To the
west of Zakum the contact is probably disconformable.
891

Offshore Dubai (enclosures 11 and 12) - Shuaiba Reference Section
D.P.C. well Fateh A-1; lat. 253611.58N, long. 542555.43E; between drilled
Location
202 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
1 Light tan to light brown, partly chalky, coccolith lime
mudstone/wackestone with rare scattered very fine skeletal debris. In 103
upper part shale streaks.
2 Interbeds of light tan, coccolith lime mudstone/wackestone and red
27
brown and green shale.
3 Light tan to buff, chalky lime mudstone/wackestone with common
72
coccoliths and some skeletal debris.
In 1: Coccoliths; Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras.
Fossils
In 2: Coccoliths, Lithocodium aggregatum Elliott, Salpingoporella dinarica
Radoicic; Echinoidea and Gastropoda fragments.
Aptian
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hawar Member of the Kharaib Formation; contact conformable between chalky
limestone above and shale and limestone below.
Overlying Nahr Umr Formation; contact probably disconformable between green and red
brown shale above and limestone below.
892

Oman (enclosure 13) - Shuaiba Reference Section
P.D.(O) well Lekhwair-7; U.T.M. coordinates lat 2 518 104 N, 324 577 E; elevation
Location
335 ft.; completed 1.4.1969; between drilled depths 3799 and 4113 ft.
314 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
1 Slightly argillaceous, pelletoidal, micropelletoidal, foraminiferal skeletal
lime grainstone/packstone with interbeds of skeletal and 35
micropelletoidal, skeletal, foraminiferal lime wackestone.
2 Argillaceous, foraminiferal lime wackestone/mudstone, argillaceous,
micropelletoidal, foraminiferal and skeletal, foraminiferal lime
98
packstone/wackestone, argillaceous, dolomitic lime mudstone and
skeletal lime wackestone.
planktonic
foraminiferal,
skeletal
lime
3 Argillaceous,
wackestone/mudstone, rarely packstone with questionable slump 136
structures.
28
4 Skeletal, echinoidal lime wackestone, rarely packstone.
17
5 Bacinella lime boundstone.
Plant remains; Bacinella irregularis Radoicic; indeterminate benthonic and
Fossils
planktonic Foraminifera, specimens of Miliolidae, Textulariidae and Lituolidae,
Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras; Ostracoda; Worm tubes, sponge spicules,
Stromatoporoidea, Anthozoa, Pelecypoda (oysters, Rudists, Inoceramus sp.),
Brachiopoda, rare aptychi and juvenile ammonites, and Echinoidea debris.
Aptian
Age
The age of the Shuaiba is given as Aptian, but the rudist fauna studied at Al
Huwaisah is Albian in aspect, thus an Albian age cannot be excluded for at least the
upper part of the formation.
LAUERs recent nannoplankton investigations of the Shuaiba of Lekhwair-7 (1973,
unpublished report) resulted in the recognition of the boundary Lower/Upper Aptian
at 4004 ft. This result is based on THIERSTEINs (1971) research on the
nannoplankton flora of Lower Cretaceous type sections in Europe.
The
Lower/Upper Aptian boundary corresponds with the boundary of the ammonite
zones of Deshayesites deshayesi and Aconoceras nisus (Colloque sur le Crtac
infrieur, 1963, p. 832)
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hawar Member of the Kharaib Formation; contact conformable, between
argillaceous limestone below and the Bacinella limestone unit of the Shuaiba above.
Overlying Nahr Umr Formation; contact probably disconformable, between blue-green shale
above the first limestone of the Shuaiba.
There are pronounced lateral facies changes in Oman, where in the Yibal area the
Remarks
upper part of the formation is developed in a buff, chalky, pelleted lime packstone,
in the Al Huwaisah area in an algal/coral/rudist limestone facies, in south central
Oman in an Orbitolina/algal limestone facies and in east central Oman in an algal
limestone facies with rudist biostromes. In Yibal, Al Huwaisah, south and east
central Oman the Nahr Umr Formation disconformably overlies the Shuaiba
Formation
893

Discussion (about the Shuaiba Formation)
The age of the Shuaiba Formation
The ammonite fauna collected in the upper part of the well section of Bab 2 indicates an Upper
Aptian age following ARKELL et al. (1957). This result checks well with calcareous
nannoplankton dating of the upper Lekhwair-7 well section (p.30)
Evolution of caprinid rudist wall structure is a further means for dating of the rudist bearing strata
of the Shuaiba Formation at Bu Hasa and Al Huwaisah. Forms recognized at the above mentioned
locations would tentatively indicate an Aptian and early Albian age following PERKINS (1962,
unpublished report).
The presence of calcareous algae and Foraminifera, especially Salpingoporella dinarica Radoicic
(Barremian Aptian, ELLIOTT 1968) and Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras (? Pre-Aptian Lower
Cenomanian with its maximum development in the Aptian, HENSON 1948) suggest an Aptian age
for the Shuaiba Formation.
Upper boundary of the Shuaiba Formation
In the north where the upper part of the Shuaiba Formation is developed in the deeper marine facies
of the Bab Member (e.g. Bab, Umm Shaif) a conformable contact with the overlying Nahr Umr is
accepted. Towards the south where the Shuaiba shows shallow marine facies a disconformity is
apparent. Erosion, weathering and leaching is evident.
894
KHARAIB FORMATION
Cretaceous
Barremian Lower Aptian
Author
SUGDEN, 1953. Unpublished report
Synonymy
Upper part (lowermost part of unit o, unit n with exception of its lowermost part) of the Musandam
Limestone, HUDSON & CHATTON 1959; upper part of Kharaib Formation of DOMINGUEZ
1965; A.D.M.A.s base of Subzone IA to base of Subzone IIIA; Thamama B and C of the Upper
Thamama in former P.D.(O) usage.
Type Locality and Section (enclosure 14)
Q.P.C. well Kharaib No. 1; lat. 252709N, long. 511156E; elevation 136 ft. (41
Location
m); completed 29.6.1953; between drilled depths 3637 and 3962 ft. (1109 and 1208
m). The formation takes its name from a locality near the middle of the Qatar
Peninsula where the well Kharaib No. 1 was drilled.
325 ft (99 m)
Thickness
From top to bottom
Lithology
ft.
Hawar Member. Blue-grey shale and marl. 52 ft (16 m).
52
1
Light grey, porous, fine grained, partly recrystallized limestone. 79 ft.
2
79
(24 m).
Grey to cream, porous to compact, detrital limestone, in parts with
3
136
large pellets, interbedded with argillaceous limestone. 136 ft. (41 m).
Light grey, porous, fine grained limestone. 58 ft. (18 m).
58
4
Fossils
In 1 Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger.
In 2 Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras, O. discoidea delicata Henson, Dictyoconus
arabicus Henson.
In 3 O. discoidea delicata, Choffatella decipiens
In 4 O. discoidea delicata, D. arabicus
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Lekhwair Formation; contact apparently conformable but, regionally, considerable
cut-out and condensation of beds beneath the Kharaib can be demonstrated over the
Qatar arch, the boundary being disconformable. Boundary placed at the contact of
limestone above with marl or shale below.
Overlying Shuaiba Formation; contact conformable, between limestone above and shale and
marl below.
Distribution Subsurface onshore and offshore Qatar and the U.A.E., subsurface Oman,
outcropping in the Oman Mountains. Some distance west of Qatar its equivalent is
to be found in the Biyadh Formation of Saudi Arabia.
In onshore Abu Dhabi the Kharaib contains the Zone B plus Zone C Reservoir of the
Remarks
Thamama Group, which contain important oil accumulations (HAJASH 1967).
In offshore Qatar the name Kharaib has been applied to the complete sequence
which underlies the Hawar Member and overlies the Yamama (DOMINGUEZ
1965). This application of the name is contrary to the practice accepted by the
majority of operators.
The upper and lower porous, clean limestone units of the formation are probably
better developed equivalents of the First and Second Orbitolina Limestones
895

recorded from the Biyadh Formation of eastern Saudi Arabia.
The Hawar Formation (SUGDEN 1953, unpublished report), formerly by A.D.P.C.
called Hawar Equivalent, was accorded member status only on the 10th Meeting
and included in the Kharaib Formation in spite of the impending publication of the
Lexique stratigraphique of Qatar. The Hawar Member takes its name from an island
off the coast of the Qatar Peninsula, type section is well Kharaib No. 1.
Notes from the transcriptionist:
1) The official 1975 Qatar Stratigraphic Lexicon mentions the Hawar as a
Formation.
2) In Oman & UAE, as of today (2012), the Hawar is a member of the Shuaiba
Formation.
3) If the rules of stratigraphy are followed to the letter, the Hawar should be
considered a Formation by itself since there is a disconformity at its top and
base. (see: Hedberg, H.D. (ed.) 1976. International stratigraphic guide: A guide
to stratigraphic classification, terminology, and procedures. J. Wiley, New
York, 200 p.; and Granier 2008. Holostratigraphy of the Kahmah regional
Series in Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. In "Notebooks on
Geology").
Schlumberger logs are not available from well Kharaib No. 1. A graphic well log of
the nearby well Busayir No. 1 containing a SP and a sonic log is therefore included
(encl. 15).
Reference Sections
Offshore Qatar (enclosure 6) Kharaib Reference Section
S.C.Q. well Idd el Shargi-1; lat. 252332.9N, long 522155.93E; completed
Location
17.12.1956; between drilled depths 5354 and 5636 ft (B.R.T.)
282 ft
Thickness
From top to bottom
Lithology
ft.
18
1 Hawar Member; Compact blue-grey marl and calcareous shale.
2 Grey-white to cream, generally chalky lime wackestone and near the top
123
rarely lime packstone with pellets and rare superficial ooids.
102
3 Chalky, marly lime mudstone and marl.
39
4 Grey-white to cream, generally chalky lime wackestone.
Fossils
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Lekhwair Formation; contact conformable between chalky lime wackestone above
and argillaceous limestone below.
Overlying Shuaiba Formation; contact conformable between chalky limestone above and marl
to calcareous shale below.
896

Abu Dhabi (enclosure 8) Kharaib Reference Section
A.D.P.C. well Bab 2; lat 235256N, long. 534411E; between drilled depths
Location
8077 and 8410 ft.
333 ft
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
1 Hawar Member. Grey to black, argillaceous lime mudstone, wackestone
and packstone, pellet and foraminiferal. Scattered fine quartz grains and
glauconite, locally pyritic. Foraminifera and fine skeletal debris often 21
abraded and blackened by pyrite. Argillaceous partings, bioturbation
features and horsetail structures common. (unit 4, encl. 8).
2 Buff to brown, porous, clean, fine to medium grained, pelletoidal,
foraminiferal lime packstone and grainstone interbedded with rudistid
75
lime wackestone passing down to medium to coarse grained, algal lump
limestone. (Unit 5, encl. 8).
3 Buff to brown, algal lump lime wackestone grading down to chalky lime
90
mudstone with Foraminifera. Stylolitic. (Unit 6, encl. 8).
4 Dark brown, becoming dark grey to black downwards, dense,
argillaceous, foraminiferal lime wackestone and lime mudstone, partly
63
porcellaneous, partly dolomitic, pyritic, with numerous black shaly
partings. (Unit 7, encl. 8).
5 At the top dark brown to buff, clean, porous, stylolitic lime mudstone
and wackestone with Foraminifera and shell debris, lower part oolitic 84
and pellet. (Unit 8, encl. 8).
Through 1 to 5: Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras.
Fossils
In 1 Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger
In 2 Quinqueloculina sp., Pseudochrysalidina sp.; Lithocodium aggregatum
Elliott, Bacinella irregularis Radoicic.
In 3 Pseudochrysalidina sp., Dictyoconus arabicus Henson in lower part.
In 4 C. decipiens
In 5 D. arabicus, B. irregularis, Dasycladaceae.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Lekhwair Formation; contact conformable between clean, porous limestone above
and grey, dense, argillaceous limestone below.
Overlying Shuaiba Formation; contact conformable between clean limestone above and
argillaceous limestone below.
Microfacies photographs of rocks of various units of the Kharaib are published in
Remarks
HARRIS, HAY & TWOMBLEY 1968.
897

Offshore Abu Dhabi (enclosure 9) Kharaib Reference Section
A.D.M.A. well Umm Shaif No. 3; lat. 251159.8N, long. 531453.1E; between
Location
drilled depths 5913 and 6186 ft. (B.R.T.).
273 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
1 Hawar Member. Top 5 ft. dark grey, dense, calcareous shale.
33
Remainder mainly dense, pellet, bioclastic lime mudstone/wackestone.
2 Light brown to grey, porous, chalky, pellet, bioclastic lime
packstone/wackestone/grainstone with abundant rudist and pelecypod 124
shells.
3 Light grey, dense, stylolitic lime mudstone and dark grey, argillaceous in
72
part pyritic, dense lime mudstone.
grey,
porous,
pellet,
bioclastic
lime
4 Light
44
packstone/wackestone/grainstone. Rather fossiliferous.
Arenobulimina sp., Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger, Orbitolina cf. discoidea
Fossils
Gras, Dictyoconus arabicus Henson; Bacinella irregularis Radoicic.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Lekhwair Formation; contact conformable. Contact gradational with porous lime
packstone/wackestone above and lime mudstone/wackestone below.
Overlying Shuaiba Formation; contact conformable with light grey, dense lime mudstone
above and dark grey, calcareous shale below.
The Kharaib is the most consistent formation of the Thamama Group in the
Remarks
A.D.M.A. concession.
898

Offshore Abu Dhabi (enclosures 9 and 10) Kharaib Reference Section
Location
depths 7091 and 7393 ft. (B.R.T.)
302 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
1 Hawar Member. Light grey-brown, cemented, pellet, bioclastic, pyritic
lime packstone/grainstone; subordinate variably argillaceous, dense lime 29
mudstone. Black shale laminae at the top, occasional pyritic nodules.
2 Light brown, pellet, skeletal and algal debris lime packstone and
47
wackestone, minor lime mudstone.
3 Buff to brown, pellet, foraminiferal and lump lime grainstone and
59
packstone.
4 Buff to brown, foraminiferal lime packstone, wackestone and mudstone.
24
Sucrosic dolomite and dolomitic lime mudstone, stylolitic.
15
5 Light brown, dense, foraminiferal lime wackestone and mudstone.
6 Light brown to dark grey, dense, variable argillaceous, pyritic,
foraminiferal lime mudstone/wackestone. Laminae and thin beds of black 68
shale. Stylolitic.
brown,
pellet
lime
packstone/grainstone.
Lime
7 Light
60
wackestone/mudstone. Thin stringers of dolomite at the base.
Not identified
Fossils
Not indicated
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Lekhwair Formation; contact conformable taken at change from dolomitic limestone
above to dense lime mudstone below.
Overlying Shuaiba Formation; contact conformable between cemented and argillaceous
limestone below and clean limestone above.
899

Offshore Dubai (enclosures 11 and 12) Kharaib Reference Section
Location
306 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
Hawar Member. Light tan, pelletoidal and pelletoidal, skeletal lime
1
63
wackestone/packstone with shale streaks at top.
Light tan to brown, skeletal, pelletoidal lime packstone/grainstone
2
grading downwards into pelletoidal lime wackestone and lime 138
mudstone.
Interbeds of tan-brown, dense, partly argillaceous lime mudstone and
3
29
dark grey calcareous shale.
Light tan to brown, partly chalky limestone with traces of pellets.
76
4
Fossils
In 1 Coccoliths, Salpingoporella dinarica Radoicic; Miliolidae, Orbitolina cf.
Discoidea Gras; Echinoidea and mollusc fragments
In 2 Coccoliths, Lithocodium aggregatum Elliott, S. dinarica; Miliolidae,
valvulinids, O cf. discoidea; Echinoidea and mollusc fragments.
In 3 Mollusc fragments
In 4 Dictyoconus arabicus Henson.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Lekhwair Formation; contact conformable between partly chalky limestone above
Overlying Shuaiba Formation; contact conformable between chalky limestone above and
limestone below.
900

Oman (enclosure 16) Kharaib Reference Section
P.D.(O) well Lekhwair-6; U.T.M. coordinates lat. 2 528 064 N, long. 333 094 E;
Location
elevation 362 ft.; completed 11.1.1969, between drilled depths 4157 and 4482 ft.
325 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
Hawar Member.
Dark grey, stylolitic, argillaceous, pyritic,
1
14
pelletoidal, foraminiferal lime packstone often rich in Orbitolina.
Buff, chalky, pelletoidal lime packstone/grainstone with rudists and
2
111
thin layers of algal onkoids.
Buff, chalky lime mudstone with scattered shell fragments and
3
97
Orbitolina.
Grey, dense, argillaceous lime mudstone with rare planktonic
4
39
Foraminifera and grey, Orbitolina, algal lime wackestone.
5
Buff, chalky, bacinella lime boundstone, pelletoidal lime packstone
64
grading downwards into algal lime wackestone.
Indeterminable benthonic and rare planktonic Foraminifera, specimens of Miliolidae
Fossils
and Textulariidae, Trocholina sp., Pseudochrysalidina sp., Choffatella decipiens
Schlumberger (rare), Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras; Ostracoda; Gastropoda, rudist
fragments, Echinoidea fragments; Acicularia sp., ? Permocalculus inopinatus
Elliott, Bacinella irregularis Radoicic.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Lekhwair Formation; contact conformable taken at the boundary from clean, porous
limestone above and the sequence of alternating dark argillaceous and buff
limestone below.
Overlying Shuaiba Formation; contact conformable taken at change from porous, clean
limestone above to dense, argillaceous, pyritic limestone below.
The Kharaib Formation is lithologically the most consistent of all Lower Cretaceous
Remarks
formations in Oman.
Discussion (about the Kharaib Formation)
The age of the Kharaib Formation
Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger became extinct in the earliest Upper Aptian (SIGAL 1965).
Rarely, however, it is recorded from the overlying Shuaiba Formation in Abu Dhabi and Oman.
Dictyoconus arabicus Henson ranges from Barremian to Lower Aptian (Henson 1948). The
presence of Orbitolina limits the lower boundary of the Kharaib Formation to Upper Barremian
(HOFKER jr. 1963), since Orbitolina is not present in the underlying Lekhwair Formation.
Consequently the age of the Kharaib Formation is Barremian Lower Aptian.
901
LEKHWAIR FORMATION
Cretaceous
Hauterivian Lower Barremian
Author
SCHERER, 1969. Unpublished report
Synonymy
Upper part (lowermost part of unit n, unit m, l and uppermost part of unit k) of the Musandam
Limestone, HUDSON & CHATTON 1959; lower part of the Kharaib Formation,
DOMINGUEZ 1965; Ratawi Formation (OWEN & NASR 1958) of Qatar; Ratawi Equivalent
(includes Zones D H) of Abu Dhabi; A.D.M.A.s base of Subzone III A to base of Zone IV;
Middle Thamama in former P.D.(O) usage.
Not synonym with Ratawi Formation of OWEN & NASR 1958, of the upper Gulf (Iraq, Kuwait).
Location
elevation 362 ft.; completed 11.1.1969; between drilled depths 4482 and 5616 ft.
The formation name is taken from Lekhwair, an area named after Tawi al Khuwayr
(= Lekhwair), a water well in the Wadi al-Ayn.
1134 ft.
Thickness
The sequence consists of a multiple repetition of thin rock units (average of 100 ft.),
Lithology
each unit comprises a sedimentary cycle with the following three fundamental
lithologies. From top to bottom?:
Buff, chalky, pelletoidal lime packstone/grainstone, often pelleted, rudist
1
lime packstone/grainstone and Bacinella Lithocodium lime
wackestone/boundstone.
Buff, algal and echinoidal lime wackestone, sometimes pelleted and chalky.
2
Dark grey, argillaceous, pyritic lime wackestone/packstone with Choffatella
3
decipiens Schlumberger, echinoid and mollusc fragments and detrital quartz.
The total thickness of the buff limestone units 1 and 2 hardly exceeds 50 ft.
Towards the base of the entire sequence the dark grey argillaceous, pyritic rocks
(unit 3) predominate over the other lithological units (1 2) becoming more
argillaceous and locally turn into marls (the Upper Marl in former P.D.(O) usage).
Miliolidae and Textulariidae (rare), Pseudochrysalidina sp. (rare), Trocholina sp.,
Fossils
Pseudocyclammina sp., Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger (abundant), Lenticulina
sp.,; Bacinella irregularis Radoicic, Lithocodium sp., indeterminate calcareous
algae; sponge spicules, rudist fragments (monopleurids), abundant Echinoidea
fragments. Towards the base of the formation Everticyclammina sp. and
Everticyclammina greigi (Henson) (= E. contorta Redmond).
Age
Orbitolina, which ranges from Upper Barremian to the uppermost Cenomanian
following Hofker jr. (1963) or arises during the Barremian according WAGNER
(1964, unpublished report), is only recorded from the overlying strata.
Choffatella decipiens occurs probably already in pre-Barremian times following
HENSON (1948) and SIGAL (1965).
Everticyclammina greigi is recorded from the Buwaib Formation of Saudi Arabia,
which has most probably a Hauterivian age (POWERS 1968). Consequently, an age
of Barremian (most probably the lower part) to Hauterivian for the lower part of the
unit is to be accepted for the formation at the type locality.
902

Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Habshan Formation; contact possibly disconformable, taken between clean, particle
supported limestone below and argillaceous limestone above.
Overlying Kharaib Formation; contact conformable, between clean porous limestone above and
tight, argillaceous limestone below.
Distribution The Lekhwair Formation is recognised in the subsurface of Qatar, Abu Dhabi and
Dubai, including the offshore areas, and in Central and North Oman. The formation
crops out in the Oman Mountains. In the west the Ratawi and the Buwaib
Formation are partly time equivalents to the Lekhwair and distinguished by high
amounts of predominantly pellitic terrigenous material
The Zakum Member (encl. 16) in Omans subsurface has lost its lithological
Remarks
distinction. The unit, however, can be correlated into Oman.
Reference Sections
Onshore Qatar (enclosure 14) Lekhwair Reference Section
Q.P.C well Kharaib No. 1; lat. 292709N, long. 511156E; elevation 1236 ft (41
Location
m); completed 29.6.1953; between drilled depths 3962 and 4434 ft. (1208 and 1352
m)
472 ft. (144 m)
Thickness
From top to bottom
Lithology
ft.
1 Grey, fine grained, compact, argillaceous, detrital limestone. Pellety in
86
lower part. (26 m)
52
2 Grey marl, interbedded with grey, argillaceous, pellet limestone. (16 m)
3 Grey marl with thin interbeds of grey, argillaceous, detrital, often pellet
120
limestone. (36.5 m).
4. to 10. Zakum Member
23
4 Buff, pellet limestone. (7 m)
25
5 Blue grey marl. (7.5 m)
14
6 Buff, porous limestone. (4 m)
10
7 Blue grey marl. (3 m)
11
8 Buff, porous limestone (3.5 m)
72
9 Grey, argillaceous, in parts pellet, detrital limestone. (22 m)
59
10 Grey, fine grained, compact, argillaceous, pellet limestone. (18 m).
Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger, Lituola sp., (Orbitolina is
Fossils
In 1
recorded but probably derived from the overlying Kharaib Formation).
In 2 & 3 C. decipiens, Lituola sp., Everticyclammina greigi (Henson).
Pseudoschrysalidina arabica (Henson), Pseudocyclammina lituus
In 4
(Yokoyama), Lituola sp., Trocholina sp.
Everticyclammina kelleri (Henson), P. lituus, ?Ludbrookia cf.
In 5
neocomiensis dOrbigny.
P. arabica, P. lituus.
In 6
P. arabica, P. lituus.
In 8
In 9 & 10 E. kelleri, P. lituus, P. lituus var. nov.
Age
903

Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Habshan Formation; contact apparently conformable, placed where argillaceous
limestone of the basal Lekhwair overlies pure carbonates of the upper Habshan.
Regionally, there is evidence of cut-out of beds at this boundary which could
therefore be unconformable.
Overlying Kharaib Formation; contact disconformable. Regional evidence suggests the
presence of a considerable sedimentary break between the Lekhwair and Kharaib
over Qatar. The boundary is a sharp one between pure, porous limestone of the
basal Kharaib and argillaceous limestone and marl of the underlying Lekhwair.
Correlation of the Lekhwair of Qatar with the better studied cyclical sequence in
Remarks
Abu Dhabi suggests that a considerable section recognised in the latter area is absent
from the upper part of the Lekhwair over the Qatar arch.
The most widely recognised member of the formation is unit 4 of the reference
section. This is the lateral equivalent of the Chrysalidina Zone of the Buwaib
Formation of Saudi Arabia. In Abu Dhabi, porous Zone F of the Thamama Group
correlates with this limestone bed. Units 6 and 8 can also be traced over a wide
area.
Schlumberger logs are not available from well Kharaib No. 1. A graphic well log of
the nearby well Busayir No. 1 containing a SP and a Sonic log is therefore included
(encl. 15).
Offshore Qatar (enclosure 6) Lekhwair Reference Section
S.C.Q. well Idd el Shargi-1; lat. 252332.9N, long. 522155.93E; completed
Location
17.12.1956; between drilled depths 5636 and 6188 ft. (B.R.T.)
552 ft.
Thickness
From top to bottom
Lithology
ft.
1 Grey white to cream, generally chalky lime wackestone. Chalky, marly
limestone and marl occur as less interbeds but increase downwards such
374
that the lowest 250 ft. is dominated by marl. (a hand-written note on our
original document states that this is probably the Fahia Member)
2 Zakum Member. Dominantly off-white lime mudstone, both chalky and
dense with bands of pellet lime wackestone and rare packstones and marl 178
intercalations which become more prominent towards the base.
Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger, Lituola sp., Everticyclammina greigi (Henson)
Fossils
at base of unit 1.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Habshan Formation; contact probably disconformable between interbeds of marl and
limestone above and chalky limestone below.
Overlying Kharaib Formation; contact conformable between chalky lime wackestone above
904

Abu Dhabi (enclosure 8) Lekhwair Reference Section
A.D.P.C. well Bab 2; lat. 232947N, long. 532032E; between drilled depths
Location
8410 and 9525 ft.
1115 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
1 Grey-brown, dense variably argillaceous lime wackestone and lime
mudstone with thin beds of light brown, porous, skeletal lime packstone. 170
Stylolitic. (unit 9 encl. 8).
2 Interbedded light brown, fine grained, skeletal, onkoidal lime packstone
and wackestone with pelletoidal lime packstone and grainstone. Clean 47
and porous, becoming dense adjacent to stylolites. (unit 10 encl. 8).
3 Grey-brown to dark grey-black, hard, dense lime wackestone and lime
mudstone variably argillaceous with thin units of clean, porous,
foraminiferal, onkoidal, skeletal lime wackestone. Some bands of
403
black, pyritic, variably flaggy and fissile limestone in lower part.
Becoming porcellaneous and slightly dolomitised towards the base.
Stylolites throughout. (unit 11 encl. 8)
4 Grey-brown and dark grey, argillaceous, partly variably flaggy and
fissile, dense lime mudstone and lime wackestone with Foraminifera 210
and occasional shell fragments. (unit 12, encl. 8)
5 Zakum member
a Interbedded buff-brown, porous, clean, medium to coarse grained,
foraminiferal, pelletoidal lime packstone and wackestone with algal
55
onkoid, skeletal debris lime packstone and wackestone. Dense and
fine grained in lower part. (unit 13, encl. 8).
b Dark grey to black, dense, pyritic, locally pelletoidal, often
argillaceous lime mudstone and lime wackestone. Thin, clean,
porous units in the upper part comprised of pelletoidal and algal 230
onkoidal lime packstone and lime wackestone with Bacinella. Thin
calcareous shale at the base of the unit. (unit 14 encl. 8).
In dense argillaceous limestone of units 1, 2 and 3: Choffatella decipiens
Fossils
Schlumberger.
In 5 and 6: Pseudochrysalidina arabica (Henson),
Pseudochrysalidina sp., Pseudocyclammina lituus (Yokoyama) and P. lituus vars.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Habshan Formation; contact conformable between shale and argillaceous limestone
above and clean limestone below.
Overlying Clean limestone of the Kharaib, contact conformable.
905

Offshore Abu Dhabi (enclosure 9) Lekhwair Reference Section
Location
drilled depths 6186 to 6878 ft. (B.R.T.)
692 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
Cyclic alternation of light grey to dark grey, dense, in part argillaceous and pyritic
lime
mudstone/wackestone
and
light
grey,
porous,
chalky
lime
packstone/wackestone occasionally with pellet and bioclastic lime grainstone.
Marssonella sp., Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger, Pseudocyclammina lituus
Fossils
(Yokoyama), Pseudocyclammina hedbergi Maync, Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras
(?contamination); ?????sphaera sp., Calcisphaerula sp.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Habshan Formation; contact disconformable with dark grey, dense, argillaceous
lime mudstone above and light grey, porous lime mudstone below.
Overlying Kharaib Formation; contact conformable. Contact gradational with porous lime
packstone/packstone above and lime mudstone/wackestone below.
The major light and porous units of the Lekhwair are easily correlatable across the
Remarks
concession.
906

Offshore Abu Dhabi (enclosures 9 and 10) Lekhwair Reference Section
Location
depths 7393 and 8241 ft. (B.R.T.).
848 ft
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom:
ft.
1 Alternation of light grey to brown lime mudstone/wackestone varying
from chalky and porous to compact, occasionally argillaceous, pellet
and
bioclastic,
and
pellet,
bioclastic
lime 538
packstone/grainstone/wackestone. Thin intercalations of dolomitic lime
mudstone. Traces of fine quartz grains. Shale laminae common.
2 Skeletal, intraclastic lime packstone/grainstone. Buff to dark grey,
pellet lime mudstone/wackestone.
Beds of dolomitic lime 73
mudstone/wackestone.
3 Zakum Member (8004 8241 ft. B.R.T.)
brown,
pellet,
intraclastic,
bioclastic
lime
a Light
packstone/grainstone and wackestone, both with algal debris and
146
Foraminifera. Subordinate grey to brown, in parts dense, pyritic
lime mudstone. Local algal lime boundstone.
b Mainly argillaceous, pyritic lime mudstone. Bioclastic, intraclastic,
pellet (at one level ferruginous) lime wackestone/packstone. Thin 91
bands of shale in the lower part.
Not identified.
Fossils
Not indicated.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Habshan Formation; contact disconformable, with pellet lime packstone and shale
above and dense lime mudstone below.
Overlying Kharaib Formation; contact conformable with dense lime mudstone below and
dolomitic limestone above.
Remarks
The Zakum Member (type locality Zakum-1) consists of three porous units
separated by dense units. The basal part is thickly developed and comprises the
above unit 3b. The Zakum Member is easily correlatable across the concession,
although in the east, the upper porous unit tends to loose definition.
Offshore Dubai (enclosures 11 and 12) Lekhwair Reference Section
Note from the transcriptionist: Unfortunately, on our original (which is a
Location
photocopy), page 52 has been poorly photocopied and we prefer not to attempt to
transcribe the text until a better copy is found. We will therefore leave this section
blank. We refer the reader to the original in order to try making sense of the text.
Thickness
From top to bottom:
Lithology
1
2
Fossils
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying
Overlying
Remarks
907

Discussion
Note from the transcriptionist: Unfortunately, on our original (which is a photocopy), page 53 has
also been poorly photocopied and we prefer not to attempt to transcribe the text until a better copy
is found. We will therefore leave the first part of this section blank. The second part, which starts
on page 54 of the original, is found below. We refer the reader to the original in order to try
making sense of the text in the first part of the Discussion.
Pseudocyclammina hedbergi Maync of the Urgo Aptian to Middle Albian of Venezuela is
amongst others associated with Choffatella decipiens (MAYNC 1953).
Summarizing an age of Hauterivian Lower Barremian should be assigned to the Lekhwair
Formation.
Upper boundary of the Lekhwair Formation
Regional correlations show that, most obvious, across the Qatar arch a considerable sedimentary
break between the Lekhwair and the Kharaib exists creating disconformable contacts over Qatar
and the Northern offshore area.
Lower boundary of the Lekhwair Formation
The pre-Buwaib unconformity observed in outcrop in Saudi Arabia is only observed in west
Saudi Arabias subsurface. Elsewhere in Saudi Arabias subsurface the Buwaib overlies the
Yamama conformably. Regional correlation shows no unconformable contacts between the
Lekhwair and the Habshan, although for certain parts of Oman and offshore Abu Dhabi a
disconformable contact cannot be excluded.
908
HABSHAN FORMATION
?uppermost Jurassic Lower Cretaceous

? uppermost Jurassic Berriasian-Valanginian
Author
Tenth Geological Liaison Meeting 1971
Synonymy
Upper part (lower part of unit k, unit j and possibly unit i) of the Musandam Limestone,
HUDSON & CHATTON 1959; Yamama and Sulaiy Formations, STEINEKE, BRAMKAMP &
SANDER 1958; DOMINGUEZ 1965; POWERS et al. 1966; POWERS 1968; SUGDEN &
STANDRING (in press) of Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Oman; A.D.M.A.s top of Zone V to base of
Zone VI; Lower Thamama in part in former P.D.(O) usage.
A.D.P.C. well Bab 2; lat. 235256, long. 554411; elevation 155 ft. (47 m);
Location
completed 19.4.1960; between drilled depths 9525 and 10555 ft. (2905 and 3219 m).
The formation name is taken from Habshan, the A.D.P.C. central pumping station
on Bab Dome, 13.5 kms SW of the type section of Bab 2.
1030 ft. (314 m).
Thickness
From top to bottom Lithology
ft.
1 Buff, passing down to light to dark brown, fine grained, porcellaneous,
argillaceous, dense lime mudstone with scattered fine grained shell
107
debris. Locally light brown, fine sucrose dolomite. Strongly pyritic at
top. (33 m).
2 Light to dark brown, fine grained, crystalline lime packstone with
abundant fine to medium grained shell fragments and lime mud
46
lithoclasts interbedded with thin bands of brown, porcellaneous lime
mudstone. (14 m).
3 Light to dark brown, fine sucrose, calcareous dolomite with occasional
anhydrite nodules interbedded with dark brown, dolomitic, porcellaneous 120
lime mudstone. (37 m).
4 Light grey to light brown, dolomitic, porcellaneous lime mudstone with
locally fine pelecypod debris. Thin bands of dark brown to black, fine
127
grained, dense calcareous dolomite, with scattered nodules of anhydrite
and chert. (39 m).
5 Light to dark brown, fine sucrose, calcareous dolomite with rare
pelletoids and locally scattered anhydrite crystals interbedded with light
to dark brown, dense, crystalline argillaceous, locally dolomitic lime 232
mudstone and locally pelletoidal lime wackestone/packstone with fine to
medium, shell fragments. Scattered anhydrite nodules. (71 m)
6 Light to dark brown or grey, dense, crystalline, argillaceous, pyritic,
locally dolomitic lime mudstone, with scattered anhydrite nodules. Thin 247
bands of dark brown-grey, fine grained, calcareous dolomite. (75 m).
7 Light grey-brown or buff, fine to medium grained, pelletoidal lime
grainstone/packstone, locally oolitic lime grainstone with locally
151
abundant skeletal debris and occasional anhydrite nodules interbedded
with grey-buff, pelletoidal lime wackestone with shell debris. (46 m).
909

Benthonic
Foraminifera
indet.,
Miliolidae,
Textulariidae,
Lituolidae,
Spirocyclinidae, Pseudocyclammina cylindrical Redmond, P. lituus (Yokoyama),
Pseudocyclammina sp., Everticyclammina spp., Pseudospirocyclina sp.,
Bramkampella arabica Redmond, Nautiloculina sp., aff. N. oolithica Mohler;
Munieria baconica Deecke, Acicularia sp., Lithocodium sp., Salpingoporella sp.,
Salpingoporella annullata Carozzi, Clypeina sp., Permocalculus sp. (fragments),
Algae indet.
?uppermost Jurassic Berriasian Valanginian.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hith Formation, contact probably conformable between limestone above and
anhydrite below.
Overlying Lekhwair Formation, contact possibly disconformable between shale and
argillaceous limestone above and clean limestone below.
Distribution The Habshan Formation is recognized in the subsurface of Qatar, Abu Dhabi and
Dubai, including the offshore areas and in Central and North Oman. The formation
crops out in the Oman Mountains.
Fossils
910
Reference Sections
Onshore Qatar (enclosure 5) Habshan Reference Section
Location
1 Upper part of formation (Yamama): Q.P.C. well Dukhan No. 26 [DK-0026];
lat. 252658N, long. 504847E; elevation 80 ft. (24.4 m); completed
14.1.1952; between drilled depths 5095 and 5490 ft. (1553 and 1674 m).
2 Lower part of formation (Sulaiy): Q.P.C. well Dukhan No. 27 [DK-0027]; lat.
251754N, long. 504630E; elevation 52 ft. (16 m); completed 23.2.1952;
between drilled depths 5298 and 5700 ft. (1615 and 1737 m).
797 ft.
Thickness
ft.
Upper part (Yamama) (120 m)
395
Lower part (Sulaiy) (122 m)
402
From top to bottom
Lithology
ft.
Light grey to buff, porous to compact, fine grained limestone, pellet
1
95
in lower part. (29 m).
Grey, hard, compact, fine grained limestone, pellet with occasional
2
oolitic horizons; often included coarse to fine detrital carbonate 217
grains. (66 m).
Light grey limestone, chalky to very chalky in upper part, containing
3
83
variable proportions of pellets. (25 m).
Light grey to grey, fine grained limestone, varying from slightly
4
porous at the top to dense at the bottom. The upper and middle parts 402
are slightly dolomitic. (122.5 m)
Fossils
In 1 Pseudocyclammina aff. Lituus (Yokoyama), Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler,
Trocholina sp.; ?Stromatopora aff. costai Osima, Polyphylloseris cf.
praeturoniae (Zuffardi Commerci).
In 2 Pseudocyclammina sp., N. oolithica, Trocholina sp.
In 3 P. aff. Lituus.
In 4 No fossils identified
Possibly late Upper Jurassic Valanginian.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hith Formation; contact conformable, placed at the top of limestone containing
anhydrite nodules.
Overlying Lekhwair Formation; contact appears conformable in Qatar, but regional evidence
placed where clean porous limestones of the Habshan are overlain by argillaceous
limestone of the basal Lekhwair.
Schlumberger logs not available from wells Dukhan No. 26 and 27 [DK-0026 &
Remarks
DK-0027], a graphic GRN log of this formation is given from well Dukhan No. 80
[DK-0080].
911

Offshore Qatar (enclosure 6) Habshan Reference Section
S.C.Q well Idd el Shargi-1; lat. 252332.9N, long. 522155.93E; completed
Location
17.12.1956; between drilled depths 6188 and 7075 ft. (B.R.T.).
887 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
Dominantly off-white, chalky or dense lime mudstone. A prominent marly bed at
about the middle provides a good log marker. The lowest +/- 90 ft. also contain
pellet lime wackestone/packstone rarely with scattered ooids and may grade into the
underlying Hith Formation by the development of anhydrite nodules and stringers.
Patchy dolomitization occurs.
Pseudocyclammina Lituus (Yokoyama), Pseudochrysalidina arabica (Henson),
Fossils
Alveosepta cf. jaccardi (Schrodt), rare in lower 700 ft. Anchispirocyclina sp. aff.
Lusitanica (Egger), rare.
Possibly latest Upper Jurassic Valanginian.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hith Formation; contact conformable at top of limestone containing anhydrite
nodules.
Overlying Lekhwair Formation; contact probably disconformably between interbeds of marl
and limestone above and chalky limestone below.
Offshore Abu Dhabi (enclosure 9) Habshan Reference Section
Location
drilled depths 6878 and 7711 ft. (B.R.T.)
833 ft.
Thickness
From top to bottom
Lithology
ft.
Mainly white to buff, partly chalky, partly microcrystalline lime
1
682
mudstone with chert nodules at certain intervals.
Buff, slightly dolomitic lime mudstone with thin bands of
2
100
argillaceous limestone.
Buff, variably argillaceous lime mudstone and ooidal lime
3
36
Grey to buff, dolomitic and partly anhydritic lime mudstone. Minor
4
15
thin beds of ooidal lime packstone/grainstone.
Globochaete alpina Lombard; Pseudocyclammina lituus (Yokoyama).
Fossils
Berriasian Valanginian.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Hith Formation; contact conformable with dense, anhydritic dolomite below and
dolomitic lime mudstone above.
Overlying Lekhwair Formation; contact disconformable with porous lime mudstone below and
dark grey, dense, argillaceous lime mudstone above.
In the western A.D.M.A. concession area, the Habshan Fm. is underlain by a
Remarks
recognizable Hith Anhydrite although its upper part tends to be dolomitic. But in
Zakum and further to the east, the anhydrite of the Hith is replaced almost wholly by
dolomite, the sequence has been therefore named Asab Formation at the 11th
Geological Liaison Meeting
912

Offshore Abu Dhabi (enclosures 9 and 10) Habshan Reference Section
Location
depths 8241 and 9196 ft. (B.R.T.)
955 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
27
1 Interbedding of pellet lime packstone and lime wackestone/mudstone.
37
2 Lime mudstone
packstone/grainstone
grading
downwards
into
lime
3 Lime
107
mudstone/wackestone.
4 Dolomite. Minor lime packstone and lime wackestone/mudstone.
88
Minor interbeds of lime
5 Mainly lime mudstone/wackestone.
106
packstone/grainstone and dolomite.
6 Mainly sucrosic dolomite, minor interbeds of lime mudstone and pellet
92
lime packstone.
7 Lime mudstone and sucrosic dolomite. Minor interbeds of pellet lime
210
74
8 Pellety, intraclastic lime grainstone
9 Interbedding of pellet lime grainstone/packstone, anhydritic in parts and
mostly anhydritic dolomite and lime mudstone and an 8 ft. thick bed of 162
anhydrite
52
10 Pellety, intraclastic, bioclastic, in part ooidal lime grainstone.
Not identified
Fossils
Not indicated
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Asab Formation; contact possibly disconformable with pellet, intraclastic, bioclastic
lime grainstone above and anhydritic dolomite below.
Overlying Lekhwair Formation; contact disconformable, with dense lime mudstone below and
pellet lime packstone and shale above.
In the western A.D.M.A. concession area, the Habshan consists primarily of lime
Remarks
mudstone. However, in central and eastern parts dolomites form significant
proportions (25-30%) of the formation.
913

Offshore Dubai (enclosures 11 and 12) Habshan Reference Section
Location
563 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
1 Tan-grey to grey-tan, micritic, skeletal, pelletoidal, microfossiliferous
95
limestone with rare chert and some 5 ft. of white anhydrite.
2 Light grey tan, micritic, in part chalky limestone interbedded with
pelmicritic limestone and light brown microsucrosic to fine crystalline 170
dolomite.
130
3 Light grey to grey-tan, micritic limestone with dolomite streaks.
50
4 Light medium brown, crystalline dolomite with limestone streaks
5 Interbeds of light tan grey, dolomitic, micritic limestone and tan brown,
95
fine crystalline dolomite with traces of anhydrite and blue green shale.
23
6 Light tan brown, fine crystalline to sucrosic dolomite
Not identified
Fossils
Not indicated
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Asab Formation; contact possibly disconformable between dolomite above and
ooidal lime grainstone below.
Overlying Lekhwair Formation; contact probably conformable between micritic limestone
above and micritic, skeletal, pelletoidal limestone below.
914

Oman (enclosure 16) Habshan Reference Section
P.D.(O) well Lekhwair-6; U.T.M. coordinates, lat 2 528 064 N, long. 333 094 E;
Location
624 ft.
Thickness
Lithology
From top to bottom
ft.
1 Pelletoidal, foraminiferal lime packstone/grainstone with Bacinella lime
94
wackestone/boundstone layers.
200
2 Pelletoidal lime grainstone with occasional hard dolomitised layers.
170
3 Mostly dense, speculate and fine skeletal lime wackestone.
4 Partly chalky, pelletoidal, skeletal lime wackestone/packstone with
110
occasional pelletoidal, skeletal lime packstone/grainstone.
50
5 Spiculate and fine skeletal lime wackestone
Fossils
In 1 & 2 Pseudocyclammina lituus (Yokoyama), Trocholina sp.; Bacinella
irregularis Radoicic; Cladocoropsis mirabilis Felix.
In 3 & 4 Indeterminate benthonic Foraminifera, Trocholina sp., Lenticulina sp.
(rare), Calpionellites darderi (Colom), Calpionellopsis oblonga
(Cadisch), Tintinnopsella carpathica (Murgeanu & Filipescu);
Lithocodium sp. (rare); and abundant sponge spicules.
Valanginian
Age
Of greater stratigraphic value is the recorded calpionellid assemblage which
indicates following ALLEMANN et al. 1971 a Lower Valanginian age.
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Salil Formation; contact conformable, taken at the top of the grey-green marl and
argillaceous limestone of the Salil.
Overlying Lekhwair Formation; contact possibly disconformable, taken at the contact of grey
slightly argillaceous limestone above to clean limestone below.
A clear twofold subdivision exists in parts of Omans subsurface between particle
Remarks
supported limestone (unit 1 and 2) and mud supported limestone (unit 3 and 4). For
those areas a Yamama Member (unit 1 and 2) and a Sulaiy Member (unit 3 and
4) will be used informally within P.D.(O).
Discussion
The age of the Habshan Formation
Pseudocyclammina cylindrical is recorded by REDMOND (1964) from the Yamama Formation of
Saudi Arabia which is of Valanginian age (POWERS 1968). Bramkampella arabica is described
from the Sulaiy Formation of Saudi Arabia (REDMOND 1964), the latter is of ?Tithonian to
Valanginian age (POWERS 1968).
Pseudocyclammina lituus (Yokoyama) ranges from
Kimmeridgian to Valanginian (MAYNC 1959), according to SIGAL (1965) into the Lower
Hauterivian. Munieria baconica Deecke ranges in the Middle East from the lowermost Cretaceous
into the Albian, however outside the Middle East Upper Jurassic occurrences are noted (ELLIOTT
1968). Salpingoporella annulata Carozzi ranges from Kimmeridgian to Valanginian (ELLIOTT
1968). Summarizing the Habshan is of Berriasian to Valanginian age, however, its lowermost parts
may range into the uppermost Jurassic.
Lower boundary of the Habshan Formation
In offshore Dubai, eastern parts of offshore Abu Dhabi and eastern onshore Abu Dhabi the Habshan
rest possibly disconformably on the shallow marine carbonates of the Asab Fm. In southern Oman
the Habshan overlies unconformably Jurassic strata.
915
SALIL FORMATION
Lower Cretaceous
Lower Valanginian
Author
SKERER, 1969. Unpublished report.
Synonymy
Lower Thamama (in part) and Lower Marl in former P.D.(O) usage
P.D.(O) well Lekhwair-6; U.T.M. coordinates, lat. 2 528 064 N, long. 333 094 E;
Location
The formation name comes from Wadi as Salil, a Wadi in the Lekhwair area.
797 ft.
Thickness
ft.
Grey-green, argillaceous, occasionally pyritic lime mudstones and
1
marls, towards the lower part of the unit increasing amounts of
694
argillaceous, speculate lime wackestone and occasionally echinoidal,
micropelletoidal, intraclast lime packstones.
Buff to grey, slightly argillaceous lime mudstone to calpionellid lime
2
103
wackestone/mudstone.
Fossils
In 1 Rare benthonic Foraminifera; Echinoidea fragments, abundant sponge
spicules.
In 2 Radiolaria; Calpionellites darderi (Colon), Tintinnopsella carpathica
(Murgeanu & Filipescu)
Lower Valanginian.
Age
A Valanginian age for the lower part of the formation is indicated by the above
mentioned calpionellid assemblage following ALLEMANN et al. 1971. Since the
Salil Formation is overlain by rocks containing a Lower Valanginian calpionellid
assemblage, its age is Lower Valanginian.
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Rayda Formation; the conformable contact taken between probably turbiditic lime
grainstone below and slightly argillaceous lime mudstone and calpionellid lime
wackestone/mudstone above.
Overlying Habshan Formation; the conformable contact taken between speculate lime
wackestone above and argillaceous lime mudstone and marl below.
Distribution Widespread over northern and central Oman. South of the latitude of Musallim the
deeper marine Salil Formation is represented by the shallow marine carbonates of
the Habshan Formation.
The Musandam limestone section of Jebel Hagab (HUDSON & CHATTON 1959)
Remarks
does not appear to contain rocks comparable with the Salil Fm neither from the
subsurface nor from outcrop in the Jebel Akhdar (Wadi MiAidin).
916
RAYDA FORMATION
Upper Jurassic - Lower Cretaceous

Kimmeridgian - ?Lower Valanginian
Author
Hopping 1971 (unpublished table, Oman Stratigraphy)
Synonymy
Upper part (units h and g) of the Musandam Limestone, HUDSON & CHATTON 1959; Lower
Thamama (in part) in former P.D.(O) usage; Porcellanite Series (in part) in former P.D.(O)
usage; Maseira Formation, P.D.(O) handout 10th Geological Liaison meeting 1971.
P.D.(O) well Lekhwair-6; U.T.M. coordinates, lat. 2 528 064 N, long. 333 094 E;
Location
The formation name is taken from Irq Raydah a sand and gravel area in the
Lekhwair region.
329 ft.
Thickness
ft.
Grey, ooidal lime grainstone/packstone and ooidal lime wackestone
1
53
probably of turbiditic origin.
Grey, speculate lime wackestone/mudstone at the base with rare silt.
102
2
Buff, chalky, calpionellid lime wackestone with scattered anhydrite
3
48
crystals.
Hard lime mudstone with chert (porcellanite).
120
4
Crinoidal lime wackestone/packstone.
6
5
Calpionella alpina Lorenz, Calpionella elliptica Cadisch, Tintinnopsella carpathica
Fossils
(Murgeanu & Filipescu); Cenosphaera sp.; Radiolaria, sponge spicules.
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone; contact conformable or possibly disconformable,
skeletal, lime wackestone/packstone and pelletoidal, skeletal, ooidal lime
grainstone/packstone below and crinoidal lime wackestone/packstone above.
Overlying Salil Formation; contact conformable, between probably turbiditic lime grainstone
below and slightly argillaceous lime mudstone and calpionellid lime
wackestone/mudstone above.
Distribution Widespread over northern and western Central Oman.
Unit g of the Musandam Limestone appears to contain slumped shallow shelf
Remarks
material derived from the swell in the west.
917
Reference Section
Oman (enclosure 18) Rayda Reference Section
Location
283 ft.
Thickness
From top to bottom
Lithology
ft.
181
1 Radiolaria, microbioclastic hash lime mudstone/wackestone.
10
2 Interbeds of lime mudstone and calcareous shale.
92
3 Hard lime mudstone (porcellanite).
Calpionellidae; Radiolaria; Nannoconus spp.
Fossils
Kimmeridgian ?lowermost Valanginian.
Age
Adjacent formations and details of contacts Underlying Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone; contact conformable or possibly disconformable,
between completely dolomitized particle supported limestone below and hard lime
mudstone with chert above
Overlying Salil Formation; contact conformable, between lime mudstone/wackestone below
and argillaceous limestone to marl above.
Discussion
The age of the Rayda Formation
Regional evidence suggests a sudden deepening of the basin in Lower to Middle Kimmeridgian
times. In the subsurface at Lekhwair-6 undated porcellanite overlying shallow marine carbonates
of Oxfordian age is considered to be the lower part of a deeper marine condensed sequence which is
equivalent in age to the Upper Jurassic shallow marine carbonates and evaporites in the west and
south. The calpionellid assemblage reported from the strata overlying the porcellanite in
Lekhwair-6 is uppermost Upper Tithonian to Lower Berriasian in age following ALLEMANN et al.
(1971). Based on the Nannoconus flora, the Rayda might be as young as lowermost Valanginian.
These Nannoconus bearing strata are overlain by rocks of the Salil Formation which contain a
Lower Valanginian calpionellid assemblage.
Alternatively a diastem may exist between the Oxfordian shallow marine carbonates and the
overlying deeper marine sequence of the Rayda Formation. Onset of the sedimentation of the
Rayda Formation would in this case be probably Tithonian (= Middle Kimmeridgian Portlandian
acc. BARTHEL 1969), with certainty pre-Upper Thithonian i.e. before the first occurrence of
calpionellids (ALLEMANN et al. 1971).
918
PUBLISHED REFERENCES
Allemann, F., Catalano, R., Fares, F. & Remane, J., 1971
Standard calpionellid zonation (Upper Tithonian Valanginian) of the western Mediterranean
province. Proc. 2nd plankt. Conf. Rome 1970, pp. 1337 - 1340
Arkell, W.J., Furnish, W.M., Kummel, B., Miller, A.K., Moore, R.C., Schindewolf, O.H.,
Sylvester-Bradley, P.C. & Wright, C.W., 1957
Part L. Mollusca 4. Cephalopoda. Ammonoidea. In: Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology, XXII
& 490 pp.
Banner, F.T., 1970.
A synopsis of the Spirocyclinidae. Rev. Espaola Micropaleont. 2. No. 3, pp. 243 - 290
Barthel, K.W., 1969.
Die obertithonische, regressive Flachwasser-Phase der Neuburger Folge in Bayern. Abh. Bayer.
Akad. Wissensch., Math.-naturw. Kl., N.F., 142, 174 pp.
Colloque sur le Crtac Infrieur, 1963
Mm. Bur. Rech. Gol. Min., 34, Paris 1965. XXI & 840 pp.
Dominguez, J.R., 1965.
Offshore fields of Qatar. 5th Arab Petrol. Congr., Cairo, II & 37 pp.
Dunnington, H.V., 1967.
Stratigraphical distribution of oil fields in the Iran Iraq Arabia Basin. J. Inst. Petrol., 53, No.
520, pp. 129 - 161
Dunnington, H.V., Wetzel, R. & Morton, D.M., 1959
Iraq. Mesozoic and Paleozoic. Lexique Stratigraphique Intern., 3 (Asie), Fasc. 10a, 333 pp.
Elliott, G.F. 1968
Permian to Palaeocene calcareous algae (Dasycladaceae) of the Middle East. Bull. Brit. Mus.
Nat. Hist. (Geol.) Suppl. 4, 111 pp.
Glennie, K.W., Boeuf, M.G.A., Hughes Clarke, M.W., Moody-Stuart, M., Pilaar, W.F.H. &
Reinhardt, B.M., 1973
Late Cretaceous nappes2 in the Oman Mountains and their geologic evolution. Bull. Am. Assoc.
Petrol. Geol., 57, No. 1.
Hajash, G.M., 1967.
The Abu Sheikhdom. The onshore oilfields, history of exploration and development. Proc. 7th
World petrol. Congr., Mexico City, Vol. 2, pp. 129 - 139
Harris, T.J., Hay, J.T.C. & Twombley, B.N., 1968
Contrasting limestone reservoirs in the Murban Field, Abu Dhabi. 2nd Reg. Tech. Symp., Soc.
Petrol. Eng. A.I.M.E., Dhahran, pp. 149 - 182
Henson (F.R.S.), 1948
Larger Imperforate Foraminifera of southwestern Asia. Brit. Mus. Nat. Hist., London, XI & 127
pp.
Hofker, J. jr., 1963
Studies on the genus Orbitolina (Foraminiferida). Leidse Geol. Mededelingen, 29, pp. 181253.
Hottinger, L., 1967
Foraminifres imperfors du Msozoique marocain. Notes Mm. Serv. Gol. Maroc, Rabat,
209, 168 pp.
2
a large mass of rock thrust a considerable distance along a nearly horizontal fault plane or in an overturned anticlinal
fold.
919

Hudson R.G.S. & Chatton, M., 1959
The Musandam Limestone (Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous) of Oman, Arabia. Notes Mm.
Moyen-Orient, 7, pp. 69 - 93
James, G.A. & Wynd, J.G., 1965
Stratigraphic nomenclature of Iranian Oil Consortium Agreement Area. Bull. Am. Assoc.
Petrol. Geol., 49, No. 12, pp. 2182 - 2245
Lees, G.M., 1928
The geology and Tectonics of Oman and part of South-Eastern Arabia. Quart. J. Geol. Soc.
London, 84, No. 336, pp. 585 670.
Maync, W., 1953
Pseudocyclammina hedbergi n. sp. from the Urgo Aptian and Albian of Venezuela. Contrib.
Cushman Found. Foram. Res., 4, No. 3, pp. 101 - 103
Maync, W., 1959.
Biocaractres et analyse morphomtrique des espces Jurassiques du genre Pseudocyclammina
(foraminifres). I. Pseudocyclammina lituus (Yokoyama). Rev. Micropalont., 2, No. 3, pp. 153
- 172
Morton, D.M., 1959
The Geology of Oman. Proc. 5th World Petrol. Congr., sect. 1, Paper 14, pp. 1 - 14
Owen, R.M.s. & Nasr, S.N., 1958.
Stratigraphy of the Kuwait-Basra area. In: Habitat of Oil, a Symposium. Am. Assoc. Petrol.
Geol., pp. 1252 - 1278
Powers (R.W.), 1968.
Arabie Saoudite. Lexique Stratigraphique Intern., 3, (Asie), Fasc. 10b 1. 177 pp.
Powers, R.W., Ramirez, L.F., Redmond, C.D. & Elberg, E.L. Jr., 1966
Geology of the Arabian Peninsula. Sedimentary Geology of Saudi Arabia. U.S. Geol. Surv.,
Profess. Paper 560-D. U.S. Government Printing Office, VI & 147 pp., Washington.
Redmond, C.D., 1964.
Lituolid Foraminifera from the Jurassic and Cretaceous of Saudi Arabia. Micropaleontology,
10, No. 4, pp. 405 414.
Sigal, J., 1965
Etat des connaissances sur les foraminifres du Crtac infrieur. In : Colloque sur le Crtac
Infrieur. Mm. Bur. Gol. Min., 34, pp. 489 - 502
Steineke, M. & Bramkamp, R.A., 1952
Mesozoic rocks of eastern Saudi Arabia (abs.). Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol., 36, No. 5, p. 909
Steineke, M. & Bramkamp, R.A. & Sander, N.J., 1958.
Stratigraphic relations of Arabian Jurassic oil. In: Habitat of oil, a Symposium, Am. Assoc.
Petrol. Geol., pp. 1294 1329.
Sugden, W. & Standring, A.J., in press.
The Qatar Peninsula. Lexique Stratigraphique Intern., 3 (Asie)
Thierstein, H.R., 1971
Tentative Lower Cretaceous Calcareous Nannoplankton Zonation. Eclogae Geol. Helv., 64, No.
3, pp. 459 - 488
Tschopp, R.H., 1967
The general geology of Oman. Proc. 7th World Petrol. Congr., Mexico City, Vol. 2, pp. 231242
Wilson, H.H., 1969
Late Cretaceous eugeosynclinal sedimentation, gravity tectonics, and ophiolite emplacement in
Oman Mountains, Southeast Arabia. Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol., 53, No. 3, pp. 626 671.
920
Enclosure1:Locationmap
scale1:2,500,000
Drawing#:9206
921
Enclosure2:ThamamaandKahmahGroup.Generalizedregionaldevelopmentandnomenclature.Scale:1:2,500,000,Drawing#:9243
922
Enclosure3:QatarOman.SchematizedcorrelationofrockunitsThamamaandKahmahGroup.Scale1:2,500,000,Drawing#:9212
923
SHUAIBAFORMATION
TYPESECTION
WELLZUBAIRNO.3(Iraq)
(AFTERPMVRABANITANDE.HART)
Q.P.C.Pet.Eng.Dept.
QPG.303711171
Enclosure 4
924
Enclosure7:LithologyandpalaeontologyoftheThamamaGroup.ShuaibaFormationreferencesectionBu
Hasa34.Scale:1:1,000.Drawing#:9202
925
Enclosure8:LithologyandpalaeontologyoftheThamamaGroup.TopShuaibatotopHabshanreference
sectionBab2.Scale:1:1,000.Drawing#:9204
926
Enclosure9:ReferencesectionoftheThamamaGroupofUmmShaif3andZakum1.Scale:1:1,000.
Drawing#:9208
927
Enclosure10:ThamamaGroup.A.D.M.A.referencesectionZakum1.Scale:1:1,000.Drawing#:9207
928
Enclosure12:FatehA1,ThamamaGroup,Lithology,GammaRay Neutron laterolog.Scale:1:1,000.

Drawing#:9439
929
Enclosure13:Lekhwair7.StratigraphicaldatasheetShuaibaandtopKharaibFormations.Scale:1:200.
Drawing#:9146
930
Enclosure15:Busayirwellno.1graphicwelllogKharaib LekhwairFormations.Scale:1:1,000.Drawing#:
9298
931
Enclosure16:StratigraphicaldatasheetKahmahGroupLekhwair6.Scale:1:1,000.Drawing#:4343
932
Enclosure17:LithologyandpalaeontologyoftheHabshanFormationBab2.Scale:1:1,000.Drawing#:
9249
933
Enclosure18:StratigraphicaldatasheetRaydaFormationLekhwair3.Scale:1:1,000.Drawing#:9211
934
Appendix 6
935
APPENDIX 6
UNION INTERNATIONALE DES SCIENCES GOLOGIQUES
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES
SOUS-COMMISSION
DU LEXIQUE STRATIGRAPHIQUE
SUB-COMMISSION TO THE
STRATIGRAPHIC LEXICON
COMMISSION DE STRATIGRAPHIE
COMMISSION ON STRATIGRAPHY
Prsident/President: D.J. McLaren
Vice Prsident/Vice-President: H. Hedberg
Secrtaire Gnral/General Secretary: W.W. Nassichuk
Prsident/President: Cl. Lorenz

Secrtaire Gnral/General Secretary: Cl. Guernet
ASIE/ASIA
(Sous la direction de / Under the direction of Louis DUBERTRET)
VOLUME III
Fascicule / Fascicle 10 b 3
QATAR PENINSULA
Par/By W. SUGDEN et/and A.J. STANDRING
TERTIAIRE EN AFFLEUREMENT
TERTIARY IN OUTCROPS
Par/By Cl. CAVELIER
1975
_______________________________________________________________
CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
13, quai Anatole-France, 75700 PARIS
936

Notes du transcripteur et traducteur:
1) Le texte en rouge a t ajout dans cette transcription pour les raisons suivantes :
a. Corriger des fautes dortographe du document original ;
b. Ajouter un mot manquant dans une phrase du document original ;
c. Donner une explication en relation la transcription ;
d. Clarifier un point obscur dans une phrase.
2) Le tableau de Sugden/Standring en page 17 du document original ainsi que les Tableau 1
et Tableau 2 de Cavelier furent tous reproduits.
3) Tous les noms des fossiles ont t indiqus en bleu afin de les faire ressortir du texte.
4) Les textes francais originaux de Cavelier et Dubertret ont t traduits en anglais. Dans ce
document, vous y trouverez les deux versions francaises et anglaises. Je me sens assez
confiant de l'exactitude de la traduction, cependant, puisque je ne suis pas un traducteur
professionnel, en cas de doute je demanderais au lecteur de bien se rfrer la version
francaise.
5) Ce Lexique Stratigraphique du Qatar se trouve aussi sur le site internet suivant :
http://paleopolis.rediris.es/LEXICON/QATAR/index.html
Notes from the transcriptionist and translator:

1) The text in red was added in this transcript in order to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Correct misspelled words in the original document;

Add a missing word in a sentence of the original document;
Explain a point related to the transcription;
Add some clarity to an ambiguous sentence.
2) Sugden/Standrings table on page 17 of the original document together with Caveliers
Table 1 and Table 2 were all reproduced.

3) All the fossil names have been outlined in blue so that they stand out of the text.
4) The original French texts of Cavelier and Dubertret have also been translated into English.
In this document, you will find both French and English texts. I feel fairly confident of the
accuracy of the translation, however, since I am not a professional translator the French text
should always be the main source to refer back to in case of doubt.
5) This Stratigraphic Lexicon of Qatar can also be found at the following website:
http://paleopolis.rediris.es/LEXICON/QATAR/index.html
937
PRSENTATION
Par L. Dubertret
Le 12 juin 1959, W. Sugden, Gologue de lIraq Petroleum Company, dposait la SousCommission du Lexique stratigraphique le texte du fascicule Qatar. Celui-ci tait prsent dans la
mme forme que le fascicule Iraq, rdig par H.V. Dunnington, un fascicule particulirement russi,
qui se trouvait sous presses. Limpression du fascicule Qatar fut cependant diffre, le secrtaire de
la Sous-Commission se proposant de runir dans un mme fascicule les divers Lexiques de la partie
mridionale de la Pninsule Arabique (projet auquel il fallut renoncer par la suite).
La connaissance stratigraphique du Qatar tait, en 1959, en pleine volution, et ds le 6 octobre
1959, F.R.S. Henson, collgue de W. Sugden, crivait au sujet du Lexique de Qatar: Unfortunately
very new events in Qatar suggest that one or more important unconformities may have been
overlooked in the deepest part of the Qatar section, .. Avec le report de limpression du
fascicule, une rvision devenait de jour en jour plus ncessaire.
J. Standring accepta, dbut 1963, de lentreprendre. Il se rendit vite compte de la ncessit dun
remaniement profond, mais il sappliqua respecter autant que possible la version originale de
Sugden. Le 21 fvrier 1971 il crivait :
You will find that the revised Lexicon is still far from perfect and has old-fashioned lithological
descriptions and unchanged faunal lists. I sometimes think that it would have been easier to start
again and write a completely new text, but one endeavours to keep as much of Sugdens original as
possible
Le Lexique Stratigraphique de Qatar de W. Sugden, rvis et complt par J. Standring, fut prsent
la Sous-commission le 30 aot 1971.
Il comporte des particularits :
Comme la plupart des Lexiques du Moyen-Orient, il dfinit les termes en usage courant parmi les
gologues ptroliers.
Ils nont pas toujours t antrieurement formellement dcrits ; nombreux sont ceux qui sont
simplement mentionns dans des descriptions ou rapports de compagnies ou figurant sur des
tableaux de corrlation stratigraphique.
La srie stratigraphique analyse stend depuis le sommet du Palozique (Wajid Formation)
jusquau Quaternaire. Mais puisque seul le Tertiaire affleure Qatar, le matriel dtude consistait
en carottes de forages ; les localits types sont pour la plupart des forages et les coupes types sont
inaccessibles.
*
**
938

Entre-temps, en 1969, le Gouvernement de Qatar avait dcid de doter son territoire de cartes
gologiques au 1/100000 (3 feuilles) et au 1/200000. Lexcution en fut confie au Bureau de
Recherches Gologiques et Minieres, Paris, le travail ralis par une quipe dirige par C. Cavelier.
Les cartes parurent en 1970, compltes par une monographie dcrivant les terrains tertiaires
aflleurant Qatar.
La nomenclature dcrite par C. Cavelier est celle de gologues cartographes et dhydrogologues,
qui netaient pas tenus compltement informs de la stratigraphie profonde, mais avaient intrt
dfinir des coupures stratigraphiques nouvelles dans les formations tertiaires de surface.
J. Standring, par discrtion, na pas incorpor ces donnes stratigraphiques son Lexique. Il fallait
donc les faire prsenter par C. Cavelier lui-mme, dans un document part (dans une lettre du 30
aot 1971, J. Standring reconnaissait ; The work of Cavelier.. is by far the most detailed
description of the Qatar surface geology ).
Comparaison. Les deux Lexiques se chevauchent uniquement pour le Tertiaire. Leur comparaison
prsente de lintrt surtout pour les Rus et Dammam Formation, puisque lUmm er Radhuma
Formation et mme la base de la Rus Formation naffleurent pas.
La coupe de rfrence, Qatar, de la Rus Formation, pour Standring, comme pour Cavelier, se situe
dans les escarpements du Jebel Dukhan. La faune est rare, STANDRING cite des fragments de
coquilles indterminables ; CAVELIER quelques genres de Mollusques et un Tripanaxis cf. daviesi
Cox (dont le type provient des Indes). Au sommet de la Rus Formation, CAVELIER distingue un
Khor limestone bed.
Pour la Dammam Formation, la coupe de rfrence Qatar se situe entre Dukhan et la baie de
Zekrit pour Standring et dans le jebel Dukhan, Fhailil, pour Cavelier. Selon Standring le contact
Rus/Dammam est situ conventionnellement la base des Midra Shales. Il ne subdivise pas le
Dammam. Cavelier introduit un Rujm Ad Velates Limestones Member la base du Dammam et
divise celui-ci en 5 membres ; les faunes sont composes de Mollusques, Echinodermes, grands
Foraminifres, de plus pour le Midra Shale Member, de poissons. A noter que Velates schmiedeli et
Nummulites discorbinus, qui apparaissent dans le Rujm Ad, montent haut dans le Dammam, fait
qui semble bien le rattacher au Dammam.
Au-dessus de la Dammam Formation, Standring, voque les Lower Fars miocnes dIran, formation
prdominance gypseuse, qui ne semble pas exister Qatar. C. Cavelier utilise les termes de Dam
et Hofuf Formation, dfinis en Arabie Saoudite, plus appropris.
Homonymies
La nomenclature stratigraphique propose par C. Cavelier, 1970, comportait deux homonymie avec
celle des gologues ptroliers ; elles sont corriges dans le prsent document :
Le Fhaihil Velates limestones member , ocene moyen, homonyme de la Fahahil formation,
jurassique suprieur, dfinie par Sugden, 1959, est rebaptise Rudjm Ad Velates limestone
member , du nom dune localit voisine de Fhaihil.
939

Le Simsima dolomite and limestone member , ocne moyen, homonyme de la Simsima
formation , maestrichtienne, des gologues ptroliers est rebaptise Umm Bab dolomite and
limestone member , du nom dune localit ou cette unit est bien expose.
La Simsima Formation tait simplement mentionne par Sugden, sous Aruma Formation ,
dans les termes suivants : for local use, the upper divisions (1-3) are sometime separated under
the name Simsima from the lower divisions (4-5) to which the term Ruilat has been applied.
galement, H.V. Dunnington, dans le Lexique Stratigraphique de lIraq (1959), p. 289, mentionne
la Simsima Formation. Il la situe dans un tableau stratigraphique, Pl. 1, in Stratigraphical
Distribution of oilfields in the Iraq-Iran-Arabian Basin , J. Inst. Petrol., 1967, 53, (520), p. 129161.
Avec ces ajustements, les analyses de J. Standring et de C. Cavelier sharmonisent et se compltent
heureusement.
940
INTRODUCTION
By L. Dubertret
(Translated from French)
On June 12th 1959, W. Sugden, Geologist at Iraq Petroleum Company, handed over to the SubCommission of the stratigraphic Lexicon the text of the Qatar fascicle. This text was presented in
the same format as the Iraq fascicle, written by H.V. Dunnington, a fascicle quite well written,
which was then in press. The printing of the Qatar fascicle however had to be postponed because
the secretary of the Sub-Commission was planning to gather into one fascicle the various Lexicons
of the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula (project that was later cancelled).
The stratigraphic knowledge of Qatar was, in 1959, in constant evolution, and as early as October
6th 1959, F.R.S. Henson, colleague of W. Sugden, was writing the following about the Qatar
Lexicon: Unfortunately very new events in Qatar suggest that one or more important
unconformities may have been overlooked in the deepest part of the Qatar section, .. With the
postponment of the printing of the fascicle, a revision was becoming more and more necessary.
J. Standring accepted in early 1963 to undertake it. He became quickly aware of the necessity to
perform a deep reshuffling but he endeavoured to respect as much as possible the original version
from Sugden. On February 21st 1971 he wrote:
You will find that the revised Lexicon is still far from perfect and has old-fashioned lithological
descriptions and unchanged faunal lists. I sometimes think that it would have been easier to start
again and write a completely new text, but one endeavours to keep as much of Sugdens original as
possible
W. Sugdens Stratigraphic Lexicon of Qatar, revised and completed by J. Standring, was presented
to the Sub-Commission on August 30th 1971.
It has the following particularities :
Similarly to most Lexicons of the Middle East, it defines the terms currently in use among
petroleum geologists.
These have not always been previously formally described; many of them have only been
mentioned in the descriptions or reports of companies or contained in stratigraphic correlation
tables.
The analyzed stratigraphic serie spreads from the top of the Paleozoic (Wajid Formation) up to the
Quaternary. But since only the Tertiary outcrops in Qatar, the studied material consisted in cores
taken from wells; the type localities are mostly from drilled wells and the type sections are
inaccessible.
*
**
941

In the mean time, in 1969, the Government of Qatar had decided to endow its territory of geological
maps at scale 1/100000 (3 sheets) and 1/200000. The implementation was entrusted to the Bureau
de Recherches Gologiques et Minieres, Paris, and the work performed by a team directed by C.
Cavelier. The maps appeared in 1970, completed by a monograph describing the tertiary rocks
outcropping in Qatar.
The nomenclature described by C. Cavelier is the one of mapping geologists and hydrogeologists
who were not kept fully informed of the deep stratigraphy but had an interest in defining new
stratigraphic sections in the tertiary surface formations.
J. Standring, by discretion, did not incorporate these stratigraphic data in his Lexicon. They had to
be presented by C. Cavelier himself, in a separate document (in a lettre dated August 30th 1971, J.
Standring admitted; The work of Cavelier.. is by far the most detailed description of the Qatar
surface geology ).
Comparison. The two Lexicons overlap only for the Tertiary. Their comparison is of interest
mostly for the Rus and Dammam Formations, since the Umm er Radhuma Formation and also the
bottom of the Rus Formation do not outcrop.
The reference section in Qatar, for the Rus Formation, for Standring as well as for Cavelier, is
located in the escarpments of Jebel Dukhan. The fauna is rare, STANDRING cited indeterminable
shell fragments; CAVELIER some genus of Molluscs and one Tripanaxis cf. daviesi Cox (for
which the type comes from India). At the top of the Rus Formation, CAVELIER outlines the Khor
limestone bed.
For the Dammam Formation, the reference section in Qatar is located between Dukhan and Zekreet
Bay for Standring and in Jebel Dukhan, at Fhaihil, for Cavelier. According to Standring the
Rus/Dammam contact is located by convention at the base of the Midra Shales. He does not
subdivide the Dammam. Cavelier introduces the Rujm Ad Velates Limestones Member at the base
of the Dammam and divides it in 5 members; the fauna is composed of Molluscs, Echinoderms,
large Foraminifera, in addition of fishes for the Midra Shale Member. Note that Velates schmiedeli
and Nummulites discorbinus, which appear in the Rujm Ad, go up high in the Dammam, a fact
which seems to tie it to the Dammam.
Overlaying the Dammam Formation, Standring evokes the Miocene Lower Fars of Iran, formation
predominantly gypsiferous, which does not seem to exist in Qatar. C. Cavelier uses the more
appropriate terms of Dam and Hofuf Formation, defined in Saudi Arabia.
Homonyms
The stratigraphic nomenclature proposed by C. Cavelier, 1970, had two homonymous terms with
that of the Petroleum Geologists; they are corrected in the present document:
The Middle Eocene Fhaihil Velates limestones member , homonym of the Fahahil Formation,
Upper Jurassic, defined by Sugden, 1959, is renamed Rudjm Ad Velates limestone member ,
from the name of a locality near Fhaihil.
942

The Middle Eocene Simsima dolomite and limestone member , homonymous to the Simsima
Formation, Maestrichthian, of the Petroleum Geologists is renamed Umm Bab dolomite and
limestone member , from the name of a locality where this unit is well exposed.
The Simsima Formation was simply mentioned by Sugden under Aruma Formation , as
follows: for local use, the upper divisions (1-3) are sometime separated under the name
Simsima from the lower divisions (4-5) to which the term Ruilat has been applied.
Similarly, H.V. Dunnington, in the Stratigraphic Lexicon of Iraq (1959), p. 289, mentions the
Simsima Formation. He places it in a stratigraphic table, Pl. 1, in Stratigraphical Distribution of
oilfields in the Iraq-Iran-Arabian Basin , J. Inst. Petrol., 1967, 53, (520), p. 129-161.
With these adjustments, the analysis of J. Standring and C. Cavelier complement each other
perfectly.
943
STRATIGRAPHIC LEXICON
QATAR PENINSULA
by
W. SUGDEN and A. J. STANDRING
JUNE 1972
944
CONTENTS
Introduction
History of Exploration
Geology
Lexicon
Chronological List of Current Rock Units
Chronological List of Obsolete or Informal Rock Units
Bibliography
9
13
15
21
80
82
83
Figures
Fig. 1 Location of type and reference sections Qatar

Peninsula. Scale 1:2 000 000
Fig. 2 Schematised relationship of the Qatar rock units to
those in neighbouring areas.
10
20
945
INTRODUCTION
The Qatar Peninsula (Fig. 1) has an area of some 12,000 sq. km and projects 170 km northwards
into the Gulf from the shore of Arabia. To the north-west lies the island of Bahrain; to the west, the
Hasa Province of Saudi Arabia, and to the southeast, the Sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi, one of the
United Arab Emirates.
The peninsula is formed by a large, broad anticline which exposes a carapace of Eocene limestones,
rising in the interior to a maximum elevation of 60 m. Its surface is largely stony desert, having
little topographical relief. On the west coast, the elongate Jebel Dukhan anticline is marked by the
presence of a series of low jebels. In the south occur small hills composed of Miocene sediments.
Wind-blown sand forms dunes in the south and south-east.
The system of rock unit terminology described herein has been evolved over a period of some 38
years by geologists of the Qatar Petroleum Company (Q.P.C.). The Company held the petroleum
exploration concession for the whole of onshore Qatar and its territorial waters from 1935 to 1961.
Since the latter date Q.P.C. has progressively relinquished parts of the territory, currently retaining
rights to an area of some 2141 sq. km (825 sq. m.), on the west side of the peninsula which includes
the Dukhan oilfield. This oilfield was discovered in 1939, and remains the only producing field in
onshore Qatar.
Exploration rights in offshore Qatar waters were once held fully by Shell Company of Qatar
(S.C.Q.) which, in the period since 1954, has discovered two commercial oilfields, at Id-al-Shargi
and Maydan Mahzam. This company adopted the stratigraphic terminology used by Q.P.C., but
found it necessary to define some additional formations not recognised in the onshore area and also
modified the sense in which certain formation names are applied.
In recent years, S.C.Q. has relinquished a considerable part of its original concession area.
The areas relinquished by Q.P.C. and S.C.Q. have subsequently been explored by other oil
companies, which have, however, made no known contribution to the understanding of the
stratigraphy of Qatar.
Active exploration for oil by Q.P.C. took place at a time when similar activities were being
undertaken in Saudi Arabia, by the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO); in Kuwait, by the
Kuwait Oil Company (K.O.C.) and in Iraq, by the Iraq Petroleum Company (I.P.C.) and its
affiliates, the Basrah Petroleum Company (B.P.C.) and the Mosul Petroleum Company (M.P.C.).
On the opposite side of the Gulf, in Iran, geological exploration was originally undertaken by the
Anglo-Iranian oil Company (A.I.O.C.) and, later, by the Iranian Oil Exploration and Producing
Company.
The outcrop areas of the Trucial Coast, Oman, Dhofar and South Yemen have a long history of
geological exploration. This work was intensified during the last quarter century by oil company
geologists, many of them employees of the I.P.C. and its associates.
946
Figure 1 Position of the type localities of the formations which are here formally described. They
are all subsurface sections in bore-holes. The position of reference sections for formations whose
type locality is outside Qatar is also indicated.
Type Localities
Reference Sections
1 Simsima Formation
A Lower Fars Formation
2 Ruilat Formation
B Dammam Formation
3 Laffan Formation
C Rus Formation
4 Mauddud Formation
D Umm er Radhuma Formation
5 Hawar Formation
E Mishrif Formation
6 Kharaib Formation
F Ahmadi Formation
7 Qatar Formation
G Nahr Umr Formation
8 Fahahil Formation
H Shuaiba Formation
9 Darb Formation
I Ratawi Formation
10 Diyab Formation
J Yamama Formation
11 Araej Formation
K Sulaiy Formation
12 Izhara Formation
L Hith Anhydrite Formation
13 Hamlah Formation
M Khuff Formation
14 Gulailah Formation
N Wajid Sandstone Formation
15 Suwei Formation
947

The stratigraphic nomenclature of the sedimentary sequence of a large part of Arabia is almost
wholly the result of the work of geologists employed by these oil companies. Physical isolation,
together with the commercial requirements of oil exploration led to the setting up of several
separate systems of formation names, and instances arose where the name of a rock unit changes at
a political boundary. More recently, publication of results, together with discussion of mutual
problems, has led to a considerable rationalization of formation names. Local names are so
entrenched by long usage, however, that many anomalies still exist. In spite of these, inter-change
of ideas and material between companies, together, with recent publications, now make it possible
to correlate, with confidence, rock units described from different areas. One such correlation is
shown in Fig. 2.
Q.P.C. is an associate of the Iraq Petroleum Co. Ltd., (I.P.C.). For this reason, early attempts were
made to correlate Qatar rock units with similar formations in Iraq. Several formation names defined
in Iraq are currently in use in Qatar.
It would appear logical to correlate with and adopt names from the neighbouring Saudi Arabia. In
spite of early publication of details of Saudi Arabian outcrop sections, lack of knowledge of
intervening subsurface sections over a long period led to the setting up in Qatar of different
formation names. Recent publication of comprehensive descriptions of Saudi Arabian stratigraphy
now make possible more accurate comparison of rock units defined in the two areas.
The oldest sediments exposed in Qatar are of Lower Eocene age. All older formations have been
studied as small cuttings-samples or cores obtained from the 86 deep wells drilled on the peninsula
by Q.P.C.. In addition to rock samples, numerous thin sections have been examined. As a result,
the criteria on which formations have been erected include microfacies as well as gross lithological
character.
In describing rock units found in Qatar, guidance has been sought from the Code of Stratigraphic
Nomenclature, published and periodically revised by the American Association of Petroleum
Geologists.
The formations defined herein are those currently used by Q.P.C. They have been adopted, with
some modification, by S.C.Q. (Dominguez, 1965). Some have been used by organisations working
further afield, occasionally in a sense different from the original. This publication contains the first
formal description of the Qatar rock units.
Modification and standardisation of the rock unit nomenclature of onshore Qatar was completed, by
W. Sugden, in 1956. By 1959 his work had been accepted for publication as part of the Lexique
Stratigraphique International. New information obtained as a result of the drilling of the Dukhan
Deep Test Well (Dukhan No. 65) made necessary the revision of some sections. These
amendments have now been made, together with other alterations required by changes in regional
and local stratigraphic concepts in the intervening years. A.J. Standring, who is responsible for the
revised text, accepts responsibility for any errors or omissions which may be found.
The increase in understanding of foraminiferal faunas and carbonate-rock classification during the
past few years has coincided with a marked curtailment of active geological exploration in Qatar.
In consequence, the formation descriptions which follow are not couched in the most up-to-date
petrological terminology, and do not contain extensive fossil lists. The descriptions will be revised
at some future date.
948

Acknowledgments
Many geologists employed by Qatar Petroleum Co. have contributed significantly to the
understanding of the stratigraphy of Qatar. Many are mentioned in the text, but special
acknowledgment should be made to the late F.R.S. Henson, who performed much of the original
stratigraphic work and who also gave guidance and direction to subsequent investigations. M.
Chatton undertook much of the local palaeontological and stratigraphical investigation over a long
period.
Fossil records are taken from published and unpublished reports by M. Chatton, J.A. Douglas, A.N.
Dusenbury, G.F. Elliott, F. Gosling, T.J. Harris, F.R.S. Henson, R.G.S. Hudson, R.P.S. Jefferies, A.
Keller, J. Robinson, A.H. Smout, A.J. Standring, and W. Sugden.
The authors are indebted to the Management of the Iraq Petroleum Co. Ltd., for permission to
publish this paper.
949
HISTORY OF EXPLORATION
The geology of Qatar is mentioned by G.E. Pilgrim (1908), Thomas (1932), and Philby (1933), all
of whom paid brief visits. Their work resulted in the knowledge that the surface of the peninsula is
largely made up of Eocene limestone. Miocene sediments were recorded from the south, near
Salwa.
Oil was discovered in Bahrain in 1932. The first serious geological investigation of Qatar was
undertaken in 1933, by E.W. Shaw and P.T. Cox. They recognized that Qatar is formed by a large,
broad, anticline, which causes Middle Eocene limestones to outcrop over much of the peninsula. A
long, narrow anticline on the west coast, forming the Jebel Dukhan, was believed to have the best
oil prospects.
Detailed mapping of the Dukhan anticline and several traverses across the peninsula were
undertaken in 1934 by D.C. Ion and W.E. Browne.
Field work by T.F. Williamson and R. Pomeyrol in 1937-38 resulted in the production of a
geological map of Qatar, which, with minor modification, has remained the standard map used by
Q.P.C.
Exploratory drilling for oil commenced in 1938, on the Dukhan anticline, and, in 1939, the first well
encountered oil in the Number 3 Limestone of the Qatar Formation. When operations were
suspended in 1942, because of the Second World War, three wells had been drilled at Dukhan to
appraise the potential of the No. 3 Limestone.
Drilling on the structure recommenced in 1947 and a total of 80 wells have now been completed in
the Dukhan Field.
In 1949, oil was discovered in the Number 4 Limestone of Dukhan. This proved to be a better
reservoir than the No. 3 Limestone and has given the greatest oil production. A minor oil
accumulation was found in the Middle Jurassic Uwainat Member, in 1954.
Final, detailed mapping of the Dukhan anticline was completed in 1948-49.
Oil production commenced in 1949, Dukhan being linked by pipeline to a terminal at Umm Said,
on the east coast.
The surface of Qatar was surveyed by aerial photography in 1947. Gravity and magnetic surveys
commenced in the same year. Results of early seismic surveys were poor and attempts were made
to further elucidate the structure of the peninsula by drilling a series of shallow wells down to the
top Cretaceous.
Two deep wells were drilled near Kharaib in 1953, in order to investigate the oil-potential of the
crest of the main Qatar anticline as seen at and near the surface. Disappointing results from these
wells led to deeper structure drilling to the north of Kharaib, four wells being sunk to encounter the
Mauddud Formation. North plunge at this level was confirmed.
950

Improved seismic techniques permitted the mapping of deep horizons, demonstrating that these
reach a maximum elevation at the north end of the peninsula. This prospect was tested by a deep
well drilled at Fuwairat in 1960.
Minor structural features were investigated by deep wells at Busaiyir, Musaymir and Abaruk.
One well was drilled by Continental Oil Co. Ltd, at Al Karanah.
951
GEOLOGY
General
The Qatar Peninsula lies on the broadest part of the Interior Platform of the Arabian Shelf which
fringes the exposed basement rocks of the Arabian Shield (R.W. Powers et al., 1966). This
platform extended, through much of geological time, from south Iraq, through eastern Saudi Arabia
and Qatar into parts of the Trucial Coast. It is typified by a flat-lying, relatively thin sequence of
sediments laid down upon gradually subsiding basement.
Qatar is supposed, by R.W. Powers (1966), to lie on an extension of the Central Arabian Arch, a
basement ridge which extends in an E.N.E. direction through the Summan area. A continuation of
this feature is thought to be responsible for the probable extension of the Interior platform into parts
of Iran, north of Qatar.
This simple pattern is slightly complicated by the presence of a number of deep-seated N-S
epeirogenic, anticlinal features which rise above the general level of the Platform. These plains
type structures are typified by very gentle surface dips which increase progressively with depth.
Their growth history can be traced back to the early Mesozoic or late Paleozoic and is probably
related to deep-seated movement of basement blocks. Qatar owes its existence to its position on
one of these structures.
Brief Geological History

The pre-Permian is represented in Qatar by sandstones and quartzites. These were encountered in
the Dukhan Deep Test Well and in well Musaymir No. 1. Fossils of Devonian and Carboniferous
age are recorded from this rock unit which, because of its lithology and stratigraphic position is
compared with the Wajid Formation of Saudi Arabia. This phase of clastic deposition probably
continued into the early Permian, to be followed by a period of widespread quiescent marine
conditions during which the Khuff Formation, a shallow marine limestone unit, was deposited over
much of Arabia.
During the late Permian and early Triassic the Qatar area experienced a further incursion of clastics
from the Arabian Shield. The sequence of fine silts and sands with interbedded dolomites which
make up the Suwei (Sudair) Formation suggests that Qatar is near the limit of clastic deposits
during this period.
The red beds of the Suwei Formation are overlain in Qatar by a series of anhydritic carbonates (the
Gulailah Formation) which are the lateral equivalent of the Jilh Formation of subsurface Saudi
Arabia. The unit was probably laid down under shallow shelf conditions which persisted through a
tectonically quiet phase of the Triassic. The continental sands of the Minjur Formation which mark
the close of the Triassic in Saudi Arabia are not found in Qatar.
The close of the Triassic and beginning of the Jurassic is marked by an important sedimentary
hiatus equivalent to the pre-Marrat unconformity of Saudi Arabia. This truncates the Gulailah
Formation over the main Qatar arch and, possibly, over minor structures and also affects the
thickness and development of the early Jurassic formations. Of the latter, one, the Hamlah
952

Formation has been recognised only in Dukhan, a long, narrow anticline on the west flank of the
main Qatar swell. Its absence from the centre and east of Qatar suggests that the axis of uplift ran
approximately north-south through the eastern part of the peninsula at this time. Only towards the
close of the Mesozoic did the current situation with the maximum of uplift along the centre-line of
the peninsula occur.
With minor exceptions, the Jurassic was a period of relatively quiet, largely shallow-water marine
conditions, accompanied by almost continuous carbonate deposition, terminated by a final
shallowing which gave rise to the thick, economically important anhydrite-limestone cycles of the
Fahahil, Qatar and Hith Formations. Originally considered to be evaporites resulting from the
effect of arid conditions on a silled basin, these anhydrites could now equally be regarded as the
result of early diagenesis in widespread, rapidly forming salt-flat deposits of a type currently seen
on the coast of Abu Dhabi.
Argument as to the age of these terminal anhydrites continues, but the upper limit of the Hith
Formation is conventionally regarded in Qatar as marking the close of the Jurassic. The formation
marks the final infilling of the Jurassic basin.
Another major cycle of carbonate sedimentation commenced with the deposition of the early Lower
Cretaceous, Sulaiy Formation and ended with the widespread, Aptian, Shuaiba Formation. During
this period, Qatar was an area of almost continuous limestone deposition with only slight influence,
during the Barremian and ? Hauterivian of conditions which gave rise to the thick sands of the
Zubair or Biyadh Formations nearer the Arabian Shield.
Uplift over Qatar during the Lower Cretaceous is demonstrated by cut-out and probable
unconformity at the base of the Kharaib Formation and, possibly, at the top of the Yamama
Formation.
The Nahr Umr Formation, which succeeds the Shuaiba, represents the last major clastic phase to
extend as far as Qatar. Regional uplift during the Albian Stage appears to have given rise, over
Qatar, to deltaic or swamp conditions.
The Mauddud Formation marks a return to shallow-water limestone deposition in the late Albian. It
is succeeded by a sequence of Cenomanian shallow-water limestones and marls of the Ahmadi and
Mishrif Formations, terminated by a major unconformity which delineates the boundary between
the Wasia and Aruma Groups.
The Upper Cretaceous was a period of active tectonism over much of Arabia. This resulted, in
Qatar, in a much condensed sequence, the middle part of which has only recently been correlated
with formations in neighbouring areas. The basal unit the Laffan Shale is a valuable marker bed
of widespread occurrence. A major intra-Campanian sedimentary break truncates the succeeding
Halul Formation over the whole of Qatar. It is overlain by the Ruilat Formation, a spicular
limestone reflecting the regional deepening which resulted in the deposition of basinal sediments of
the Fiqa Formation in neighbouring areas. The youngest Mesozoic unit the Simsima Formation
is overlain by the basal shale of the Umm er Radhuma Formation. This state of affairs extends over
much of south-east Arabia, and is accompanied by an abrupt change from a typical Maestrichtian to
a paleocene microfauna.
Shallow, shelf conditions continued through the Paleocene and Lower Eocene, shallow-water
limestone deposits passing upwards into chalks and evaporites of the Rus Formation which
953

marks the close of the depositional cycle. Over Qatar the Rus Formation is thin and shows less
development of anhydrite than in surrounding areas.
The succeeding Dammam Formation marks the final phase of uniform marine carbonate deposition
which typified the Qatar area for so long.
With the extension of minor subsidence during the early Miocene, during which sediments of the
Lower Fars were laid down, the late Tertiary history of Qatar has been one of regional uplift,
erosion, or non-deposition.
The major, late Tertiary, orogenic movements of the Zagros appear to have had no effect upon the
Qatar area.
Structure
Three main structural elements can be recognised in Qatar. The major part of the peninsula is
formed by a broad, north-south trending anticline. This is separated by a syncline from the more
pronounced, narrow, elongate Dukhan anticline which runs parallel to the west coast. All three
features are visible on the surface and have been mapped, using the Alveolina Bed of the
Dammam Formation as a marker horizon.
The surface expression of the main Qatar anticline is a broad, shallow dome having a culmination in
the centre of the peninsula near Kharaib well No. 1. Dips on the flanks and north plunge are of the
order of one half to two metres per kilometre. The south plunge is less clearly defined.
The Qatar anticline retains its domal form in the sub-surface but north plunge disappears at about
the level of the Nahr Umr Formation. At greater depths units rise northwards along the axis of the
fold to reach a maximum elevation in the vicinity of Fuwairat.
Evidence from deep wells suggests the possibility that the Qatar axis of uplift may have originated
to the east of the present-day crest, which was initiated during the late Mesozoic.
The Dukhan anticline extends southwards from Ras Dukhan for some 40 km before swinging S.S.E.
and continuing towards the border with Saudi Arabia. The culmination of this structure is in the
north, near Dukhan. Appreciable flank dips of the order of one to two degrees can be discerned on
the surface. These increase with depth as a result of downflank thickening of the sedimentary
sequence. This flank thickening can be recognized in most formations, a fact which suggests that
the structure has been developing at least since the early Mesozoic.
The geometry and mode of formation of these plains type folds has been discussed by Sugden
(1962). Formation by differential compaction over buried basement highs is rejected.
R.W. Powers et al. (1966) suggest sedimentation over continually developing basement horsts as
the most probable explanation of the broad, N-S- epeirogenic folds found in Qatar and nearby areas.
The Dukhan anticline with its narrow elongate form and relatively steep dips contrasts with most of
the neighbouring folds. This fact has led to the suggestion that its formation may be related to
deepseated salt intrusion (Dominguez, 1965).
954

Notes on Time Stratigraphy
Figure 2 illustrates the correlation of rock units over a large area of eastern Arabia and also
summarises currently available information on their age. One striking feature of this diagram is the
number of formation boundaries which follow time planes. The resulting layer-cake stratigraphy
reflects the effect of widespread epeirogenic movements of the Arabian Shelf which have resulted
in synchronous, region-wide changes in sedimentary regime.
As a result of this fact, it has proved possible to use fossils, whose occurrence is almost certainly
facies-controlled, as local time indices, their age being established by association with accepted
index fossils in a few, widely separated, localities.
Few formations can be assigned definite ages in Qatar on the basis of their contained fauna. The
concept of region-wide isochroniety of certain geological events has, however, permitted their
dating by reference to better established age criteria in neighbouring areas.
When differences of opinion as to the age of a formation exist, they usually involve no more than
one Stage. Widely differing age determinations for similar sequences, such as that of Umm Shaif
(Abu Dhabi) have been shown to be erroneous.
Diachronous formation boundaries are quite common within the framework provided by the major
synchronous events. These usually reflect increasing distances from the source of sediment on the
Arabian Shield.
International practise has been followed in the application of time-stratigraphic terminology, with
one major exception in the Cretaceous System.
Sediments of Cretaceous age can be split into three major rock-stratigraphic units, viz. the Aruma,
Wasia and Thamama Groups. The widespread sedimentary breaks which separate these Groups on
the shelf are approximate time planes. As a result, a tripartite subdivision of the Cretaceous System
has evolved in the Middle East over a long period. It is used, without comment or explanation, by
many authors.
The accepted subdivision is as follows:
SYSTEM
INTERNATIONAL
SUBDIVISION
MIDDLE
EAST
SUBDIVISION
UPPER
UPPER
MIDDLE
CRETACEOUS
LOWER
LOWER
STAGE
MAESTRICHTIAN
CAMPANIAN
SANTONIAN
CONIACIAN
TURONIAN
CENOMANIAN
ALBIAN
APTIAN
BARREMIAN
HAUTERIVIAN
VALANGINIAN
BERRIASIAN
GROUP
ARUMA
WASIA
THAMAMA
955
[Fig. 2]
956
LEXICON
Obsolete terms are marked with asterisks
A
ABARUK BEDS
Eocene
? Middle Eocene
Informal name applied to a sequence of white, hard, leached limestone, underlain by softer chalky
limestones and basal marls, which forms a distinctive topography to the north of Jebel Dukhan ; the
highest member of the Dammam Formation in Qatar.
Most fossils have been leached out and no formal dating is possible. One specimen of
Dictyoconoides sp. was recorded from the highest part of the unit in 1938, but no further discovery
of identifiable foraminifera has been made.
A Middle Eocene age is assigned on the evidence of apparent conformity of the Abaruk Beds with
underlying, datable Lutetian carbonates, together with their similarity to the Alat Member of the
Dammam Formation in the Trucial States could be a correlative unit.
First named and described by E.W. Shaw and P.T. Cox in 1933, during a geological reconnaissance
of Qatar.
AHMADI FORMATION
Cretaceous
Cenomanian
Author
R.M.S. Owen and S.N. Nasr, 1958
Synonymy
Khatiyah Formation, Sugden, 1953. (unpublished) Ahmadi Formation, Dunnington et al. 1959.
Ahmadi Member , James and Wynd, 1965. Khatian Formation , Dominguez, 1965.
Ahmadi Member , Powers et al. 1966. Ahmadi Formation , Dunnington, 1967.
Type Section
K.O.C. Well Burgan No. 62, in Kuwait
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 28, lat 251712 N, long. 504846 E, elevation 32m (106 ft), completed
1.5.1952, between drilled depths 727 and 925m (2384 and 3035 ft).
198 m (651 ft)
Thickness
Top. 1. Limestone ; light grey, fine grained, porous, wackestones and packstones
Lithology
with numerous thin beds of marl and shale, blue-grey to brown. 99 m (326 ft). 2.
Shale, blue-grey and marly towards base. 54 m (176 ft). 3. Limestone ; light grey,
porous wackestones and packstones. 16 m (53 ft). 4. Shale, brown, and blue-grey,
with thin beds of argillaceous sandstone in middle. 29 m (96 ft). Base
In 1. Praealveolina cretacea (dArchiac), Cisalveolina fallax Reichel,
Fossils
Meandropsina vidali Schlumberger, Flabellammina sp. In 2. P. cretacea, M.
vidali, Flabellamina sp., Orbitolinella depressa Henson, Serpula filiformis
Sowerby, Trigonia crenulata Fraas, Corbula truncata Sowerby, Pecten orbicularis
(Sowerby), Mitra cancellata Sowerby, Protocardium hillanum Sowerby,
Cerithium albensis dOrbigny, Turritella difficilis dOrbigny, Aspidiscus cristatus
Knig, Exogyra conica (Sowerby), E. luynesi Lartet, E. larteti Conquand, Fusus
957
Age
Underlying
Overlying
ornatus dOrbigny, Cerithium vibrayeanum dOrbigny, P. cretacea, Trocholina

arabica Henson, Trocholina lenticularis Henson var. minima Henson. In 3. P.
cretacea, T. arabica. In 4. P. orbicularis, P. hillanum, E. conica, E. larteti,
Turritella granulata Sowerby, Alectryonia macroptera Sowerby, Gervillia rostrata
Sowerby, Nucula subrecurva Philippi, Neithea quinquecostata Sowerby, Anomia
laevigata Sowerby, Pteria anomala (Sowerby), Camptonectes curvatus Geinitz, T.
lenticularis, P. cretacea.
The foraminiferal fauna is compatible with a Cenomanian age and this age is
conventionally applied to the whole Ahmadi Formation in Qatar. It was originally
suggested that the macrofauna of units 2 and 4 could indicate an Albian age, but
this is considered unlikely since the youngest Albian formation normally
recognised in areas where accurate dating is possible, is the Orbitolina concava
bearing Mauddud Formation (see Dunnington et al., 1959 and Dunnington, 1967).
Mauddud Formation. The lowest shales of the Ahmadi Formation rest with
apparent conformity upon light grey limestone of the Mauddud
Mishrif Formation. The conformable contact is well defined by rapid upward
passage from shales and marls of the upper Ahmadi into continuous limestones of
the Mishrif formation. The lithologic change is normally sharp but occasionally
gradational.
Other localities
Deep wells throughout the Qatar peninsula and some offshore areas. South Iraq and Kuwait, and
parts of Saudi Arabia. Also recorded as the Ahmadi Member of the Sarvak Formation of S.W. Iran.
Remarks
At its type locality, in Kuwait, the Ahmadi Formation is a relatively thin (76 m) shale unit (the Cap
Rock Shale) with a thin limestone unit near its base. In the Basrah area the name Ahmadi is applied
to a sequence of shales and limestones of Cenomanian age. The succession in Dukhan is so similar
to that in South Iraq that the older name Khatiyah was replaced by Ahmadi Formation in 1961.
The Ahmadi Formation of Qatar overlies the Mauddud Formation and underlies the Mishrif,
occupying the position of the Ahmadi and Wara Formations of South Iraq. The top of the Mauddud
Formation is believed by Dunnington (1959, 1967) to coincide with a widespread regional
unconformity which marks the close of the Albian Stage. The Ahmadi is, therefore, believed to be
wholly Cenomanian in age in Qatar.
Qatar lies close to the eastern limit of the typical, argillaceous facies of the Ahmadi. Progressive
eastwards replacement of shales by limestones occurs until, in Abu Dhabi, the Ahmadi has been
wholly replaced by thick shelf limestone assigned to the Mishrif Formation.
* AIDAH FORMATION
Eocene - Paleocene
Obsolete name originally used in the Basrah area of Iraq, to describe the Lower Eocene to
paleocene carbonates which underlie the Rus Formation. Applied to a comparable unit in Qatar for
a short time. Superseded by the name Umm er Radhuma Formation
ALVEOLINA BED
Middle Eocene
(Lutetian)
Informal name first applied by T.R. Williamson and R. Pomeyrol, 1938, to a thin (maximum 5 m)
unit commonly made up of two limestones, white to yellow, containing an abundant fauna of
Alveolina elliptica var. flosculina, separated by a thin argillaceous bed. Overlies the Midra Shale
Member of the Dammam Formation. Correlates with the Alveolina Limestone Member of the
Dammam Formation in Saudi Arabia and also occurs in Bahrain.
Used as a mappable marker horizon in the geological survey of Qatar
958

*Arab Zone
Upper Jurassic
Informal name commonly applied in Qatar and Abu Dhabi to the combined Qatar and Fahahil
Formations. Adopted from Saudi Arabia where it was first applied to the rock unit which contains
the Arab A, B, C, and D Members. Later defined as the Arab Formation.
The name Arab Zone is obsolete in Saudi Arabia and has never been defined.
See Qatar and Fahahil Formations
*ARADA MEMBER
Cretaceous
(Campanian)
Neritic, shelf-carbonate member of the Fiqa Formation. In Qatar, only found in Dukhan Well No.
51 (Juh-1).
See Fiqa Formation.
ARAEJ Formation
Jurassic
(BathonianCallovian)
Author
Synonymy
Upper and Middle Dhruma Formation Powers et al., 1966. Araej Formation, Dominguez,
1965. Araej Formation, Dunnington, 1967. Araej Formation, Fox and Brown, 1968.
Type Locality
Q.P.C. Well Kharaib No. 1, lat 252709N, long. 511156 E, elevation 41.5 m (136 ft),
completed 29.6.1953, between drilled depths 2137 and 2316 m (7010 and 7600 ft).
The formation takes its name from the Jebel Araej in Southern Qatar
180 m (590 ft)
Thickness
Top 1. Limestone, grey, foraminiferal, pellet-grainstone and packstone with some
Lithology
interbedded wackestone and lime mudstone. Pellets often black and pyritic. Some
horizons argillaceous. 31 m (102 ft). 2. Limestone; buff, medium to coarse
grained, bioclastic pellet-lump grainstone to packstone, porous; particles of buff
colour without pyrite staining. 59 m (193 ft). 3. Limestone, light to dark grey,
compact to dense, comprising interbedded pyrite-stained pellet grainstone and
packstone, wackestone and lime mudstone. Occasional beds of calcite-cemented
oolite 61 m (201 ft). 4. Limestone, grey wackestone to lime mudstone, with some
interbedded pellet packstone and occasional grainstone; pellets rarely pyrite
stained; some horizons silty. 28.6 m (94 ft). Base
In 1. Chlamys curvivarians Dietrich, Terebratula cf. superstes Douville,
Fossils
Trocholina palastiniensis Henson, Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, Kurnubia sp.
In 2. Cladocoropsis cf. zuffardiae Wells, Stromatoporina cf. somaliense ZuffardiComerci, Camptonectes sp., N. oolithica, T. palastiniensis, Pfenderina
neocomiensis Pfender, P. trochoidea Smout and Sugden. In 3. N. oolithica, T.
palastiniensis, Pfenderina sp. In 4. N. oolithica, Pfenderina sp. In addition to the
above, there occur throughout the formation, but particularly in unit 2, a number of
simple arenaceous fossils which have not been named and, also fossils referred to
Paleotrix Farasin. (The fossil recorded above as P. neocomiensis is now believed
to more closely relate to P. salernitana Sartoni and Crescenti).
Callovian to Bathonian based on correlation of the Araej Formation with the
Age
Upper and Middle Dhruma Formation of Saudi Arabia (see Remarks below).
Recently published results of work on ammonites by Imlay (1970) suggest that the
Upper Araej and Uwainat Member should be assigned to the Callovian Stage and
959

Underlying
Overlying
the Lower Araej to the Bathonian.

Izhara Formation. Contact conformable. At junction of impure, silty, pellety, grey
limestones of the basal Araej, above, with buff, pure, wackestone and packstone of
the upper Izhara, below.
Diyab Formation, contact probably disconformable. At sharp junction of highest,
coarse, pyritic, trocholina-bearing grainstone of the Araej Formation with
argillaceous lime mudstones and fine pellet limestones of the basal Diyab.
Other localities
This formation is widespread in S.E. Arabia being known throughout Qatar, in the subsurface, in
Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, underlying much or all of the Trucial States and passing in attenuated
form into Oman.
Remarks
Correlation of the Araej Formation with the Upper and Middle Dhruma Formation of Saudi Arabia
has been accepted for some time. The equivalence of the Fadhili Zone (now the Lower Fadhili
Reservoir) to the Uwainat Member of the Araej (unit 2, above) was the key to this correlation. The
publication of detailed descriptions by R.W. Powers et al., 1966, makes accurate correlation with
the Saudi Arabian outcrop section possible.
The Atash Member of the Upper Dhruma is undoubtedly the equivalent of the Uwainat Member of
the Araej Formation. Both are typified by the Pfenderina trochoidea assemblage which appears to
be restricted to this unit in Arabia.
The Upper Araej (Unit 1), typified in Qatar by pellet grainstone and packstones with abundant
Trocholina palastiniensis, must be related to the Hisyan Member, which contains numerous
limestones bearing the same foraminifera in a similar facies. The Upper Araej is itself widely
recognised in S.E. Arabia. In Qatar the upper limit of the Araej Formation is sharply defined, with
marked lithologic and faunal difference from the overlying Diyab Formation. To the east, away
from the Qatar axis, the unit thickens and passes gradationally into the Diyab by gradual reduction
of coarse pellet debris and increase of fine lime mudstone and fine pellet calcarenite. In such
situations it is not always possible to select a precise formation boundary. The thin Upper Araej
development and its sharp contact with the Diyab, in the Qatar area, is suggestive of a sedimentary
break between the two formations.
The contact of the Uwainat Member with the Upper Araej is abrupt but conformable, with no
evidence of erosion or non-deposition.
The Uwainat Member passes down gradationally into the Lower Araej. The latter is correlated with
the Middle Dhruma because of its conformable position beneath the equivalent of the Upper
Dhruma and above the Izhara Formation, whose upper member is believed to coincide in position
and age with the Dhibi Limestone Member.
ARUMA GROUP
Cretaceous
(Coniacian-Maestrichtian)
Author
R.M. Owen and S.N. Nasr, 1958
Four formations are currently assigned to the Aruma Group in Qatar. These are the Simsima
Formation (Maestrichtian), Ruilat Formation (Campanian), Halul Formation (CampanianSantonian), and Laffan Formation (Santonian-Coniacian). The Group is separated by sedimentary
breaks from the overlying Umm-er Radhuma Formation and the underlying Mishrif Formation. Its
age-range and stratigraphic relationship are similar to those of the Aruma Group of Kuwait and
South Iraq whence it was first formally described.
960

The Aruma Group of Owen and Nasr is similar to the Aruma Formation of Saudi Arabia, where it is
most fully developed in the subsurface. The application of Group status to a thick, heterogeneous
rock unit, which has retained formation rank in its country of origin, results from the fact that many
of its component rock units were validly assigned formation rank at an early date.
An intra-Campanian unconformity described from Kuwait and South Iraq can also be recognised in
Qatar and other regions to the south-east. The type Aruma Formation, which occurs at outcrop in
the scarp of the Al Aramah plateau of Saudi Arabia, includes Upper Campanian to Maestrichtian
sediments which fall wholly above this unconformity. The application of the name Aruma to a
Group or a Formation including units which are separated by an unconformity from the type Aruma
is of doubtful validity (H.V. Dunnington, 1967). The practise has become accepted over so long a
period that it is retained in Qatar.
From 1940 to 1953, a predominantly limestone unit which underlies the Umm er Radhuma
Formation and overlies the Laffan Shale was included, by Q.P.C., in one formation. Because the
only datable section was Maestrichtian, this limestone was named the Tayarat Formation by
comparison with a formation of that age in Iraq.
When this sequence was subsequently subdivided into two rock units, the younger, of Maestrichtian
age (truly synonymous with Tayarat) became known as the Simsima Formation to avoid local
confusion. The underlying, undated, limestone was named the Ruilat Formation. Detailed
structural and palaeontological studies had, meanwhile, proved that a major unconformity occurs
below the Laffan Shale, indicating that it is more closely related to the overlying, conformable
Ruilat Formation. Recent inter-company liaison has resulted in the recognition of an unconformity
within the original Ruilat Formation. The lowest part is therefore segregated from it and assigned
to the Halul Formation, which was originally recognised in offshore Qatar.
At the same time, convincing evidence that the Laffan Shale Formation is no older than Coniacian
was discovered, thus settling a long-standing controversy of regional importance.
Cretaceous
*ASARA FORMATION
(Cenomanian)
Obsolete formation name, originally used in Iraq, which was applied for a short time to the lower,
mainly shale, section of the Ahmadi Formation of Qatar. Adopted when the recognition of the
Mishrif Formation in Qatar necessitated a second revision of status of the Khatiyah Formation. The
name Khatiyah was temporarily abandoned, the section between the Mishrif and Mauddud
Formations being subdivided into an upper limestone-marl unit (named the Rumaila Formation) and
a lower argillaceous unit (the Asara Formation). A 12 m limestone bed within the latter was named
the Tuba Member after a comparable unit in south Iraq.
The names Rumaila and Asara were abandoned in Qatar in 1956, the units to which they were
applied being recombined into an amended Khatiyah Formation. This subsequently became known
as the Ahmadi Formation.
A Turonian age was erroneously ascribed to the Asara Formation when it was first described in
Qatar.
961
B
*BAHRAIN FORMATION
Eocene-Paleocene
G.E. Pilgrim, 1908, applied the name Bahrain Series to the succession of Middle and Lower Eocene
rocks which outcrop on Bahrain Islands. The name was adopted in Qatar and redefined, in 1940, to
describe the total Middle Eocene to base Paleocene succession encountered on the surface and in
wells. Later confined to the surface-outcropping Eocene formations, comparable to the original
section in Bahrain. Became obsolete in 1954 when the name Hasa Group was adopted to describe
the combined Dammam, Rus, and Umm er Radhuma Formations.
Lower
*BUSAIYIR FORMATION
Eocene-Paleocene
Obsolete formation name applied, in 1953, to the predominantly limestone and dolomite sequence
of Lower Eocene and paleocene age which underlies the Rus Formation.
The local name Busaiyir formation was superseded by Umm er Radhuma Formation, described by
N.J. Sander (1952), from Saudi Arabia.
See Umm er Radhuma Formation
D
Cretaceous
?Santonian
The basal member of the Halul Formation of offshore Qatar can be correlated with a thin limestone
section which overlies the Laffan Formation in the Dukhan Field. The contact of the latter with the
overlying Ruilat Formation has the appearance of a sedimentary break. The name Daasah
Member, derived from a location close to the reference section, has been assigned to this
widespread lower section of the Halul Formation
DAASAH MEMBER
See Halul Formation

DAMMAM FORMATION
Eocene
?Lower & Middle Eocene
Author
M. Steineke, R.A. Bramkamp and N.J. Sander, 1958 (first formal definition).
Synonymy
Dammam Formation, Owen and Nasr, 1958. Dammam Formation, van Bellen, 1959.
Formation de Dammam, Sander, 1962. Dammam Formation, Dominguez, 1965. Dammam
Formation, Elder and Grieves, 1965. Dammam Formation, Powers et al., 1966. Dammam
Formation, Hajash, 1967. Dammam Formation, Tschopp, 1967. Dammam Formation, Fox
and Brown, 1968.
Type section
The type section is in the rim rock of the Dammam Dome, Saudi Arabia.
A complete section between Dukhan (lat. 2526 N, long. 5047 E) and the head of Zekrit bay (lat.
2528 N, long. 5049 E).
52 m (ca. 170 ft)
Thickness
Top 1. Limestone light grey, rubbly. 1.8 m (ca. 6 ft). 2. Dolomite, chalk, white,
Lithology
with disseminated silica. 10.6 m (35 ft). 3. Limestone, light grey, interbedded
with white dolomitic chalk. Chert nodules of frequent but irregular occurrence.
33.5 m (110 ft). 4. Shale, light grey, with foliate cleavage, varying to light grey
marl, irregular orange to yellow iron staining. 5.5 m (18 ft). Bottom.
962

Fossils
Age
Underlying
Overlying
In 3. Echinocyamus nummuliticus Duncan and Sladen, Echinolampas ovalis de St.

Vincent, Euspatangus ornatus (Defrance), E. formosus (de Loriol), Schizaster
africanus de Loriol, Sismondia polymorpha Duncan and Sladen, Nummulites
lucasanus dArchiac, N. somaliensis Nuttal and Brighton, N. discorbinus
(Schlotheim), Linderina brugesi Schlumberger, Alveolina elliptica (Sowerby) var.
flosculina Silvestri, A. delicatissima Smout, Dictyoconoides cooki (Carter),
Lockhartia cf. hunti Ovey, L. hunti Ovey var. pustulosa Smout, L. tipperi (Davies),
Covkinolina balsilliei Davies. In 4. Ostrea turkestanensis Romanovski.
Middle Eocene (Lutetian) but unit 4 could be Lower Eocene, as in Saudi Arabia
Rus Formation; contact conformable. At the boundary of shale, above, with chalky
limestone below.
Nothing in the reference section. In the southern part of Qatar the Dammam is
unconformably overlain by the Lower Fars.
Other localities
Forms the surface of a large part of Qatar; also outcrops extensively in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Known from bore-holes in the Basrah area and Kuwait, to the north, and in Abu Dhabi and Oman,
to the south-east.
Remarks
The name Dammam Formation was first used in Qatar in 1953, following the restricted distribution
of Sanders Thesis in 1952. Earlier subdivision of outcropping Eocene into Abaruk Beds, Upper
Limestone and Lower Limestone ceased at that time.
The Abaruk Beds comprise units 1 and 2 of the reference section. No age-diagnostic fossil is
known from them, with the exception of one specimen of Dictyoconoides which was reported in
1938. Failure to find further specimens has caused doubt to be cast upon the Middle Eocene age
assigned on the basis of this record but the similarity of the Abaruk Beds to the Alat Member of
Saudi Arabia and to the White Limestone and Orange Marl of Bahrain supports such an age
determination. In sections other than the reference section, the basal part of the Abaruk Beds is a
thin (1,5 m) marl.
Unit 3 of the reference section is the Upper Limestone of early reports. It forms the main, datable,
Middle Eocene limestone sequence of the Dammam Formation. Its base is defined by a thin, but
persistent, limestone, containing abundant Alveolina elliptica var. flosculina, known as the
Alveolina Bed, which has been used as a marker horizon for mapping purposes. Unit 3 correlates
with the Khobar Member and Alveolina Limestone Member of the Dammam Formation of Saudi
Arabia.
The basal shale member of the Dammam Formation in Qatar is typically yellow-green. It contains
common fish remains and pelecypod casts but no age-diagnostic fossil has been reliably recorded
from it. A Middle Eocene age is conventionally assigned to this shale because no local proof of any
other age is available in Qatar. The name Midra Shale is applied to it.
The above subdivision can be closely compared with that of the type Dammam Formation described
by Steineke et al. (1958). Subsequent addition of the Saila Shale Member, separated from the
Midra Shale Member by a thin limestone, adds complication. Impersistant limestones occur within
the basal shale member in Qatar but no mappable subdivision can be made. It is assumed that the
equivalent of both Midra and Saila Members are to be sought in the basal Shale Member of the
Dammam in Qatar. The name Midra Shale is retained, being established by usage and having
priority.
963

The boundary of the Rus and Dammam Formations is conventionally defined in Qatar and Abu
Dhabi as the base of the Midra Shale. This marker is easily recognized over wide areas in both
surface and subsurface sections and follows described practice in Saudi Arabia (Powers, 1966 and
1968).
DARB FORMATION
Upper Jurassic
Lower Kimmeridgian
Author
Synonymy
None
Type locality
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 51 (formerly Juh. No. 1), Lat 245348 N long. 505955 E, elevation
76.5 m (252 ft), completed 25.10.1952, between drilled depths 2166 and 2377 m (7107 and 7800
ft).
The formation takes its name from the Taas al Darb, a solitary sand dune near the type locality,
which marks the ancient track to Mecca.
211 m (693 ft)
Thickness
Top 1. Limestone, grey and light grey, lime mudstone, compact to dense.
Lithology
Dolomite streaks and bands of pyrite-stained pellet packstone. 50 m (163 ft). 2.
Limestone, dark grey lime mudstone, dense with rare streaks of pyritic pellet
packstone. 53 m (174 ft). 3. Limestone, grey lime mudstone, dense, becoming
argillaceous downwards: numerous thin beds contain scattered, large, pyritestained pellets. 40 m (131 ft). 4. Limestone, dark grey, dense, lime mudstone,
becoming increasingly argillaceous towards the bottom. 68 m (225 ft). Base.
In 1.
Kurnubia jurassica (Henson), Kurnubia cf. wellingsi (Henson),
Fossils
Pseudocyclammina jaccardi (Schrodt). In 2 and 3. K. jurassica, K. cf. wellingsi,
P. jaccardi, Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, Pseudocyclammina cf. virguliania
Koechlin. In 4. P. jaccardi, P. cf. virguliania, N. oolithica, K. jurassica. In the
lowest two feet Exogyra nana (J. Sowerby).
Upper Jurassic. The presence of Pseudocyclammina jaccardi throughout the
Age
sequence and its absence from the underlying Diyab Formation suggests that the
Darb could be the lateral equivalent of the Jubaila and Hanifa Formations of Saudi
Arabia. The determination of the Kurnubia species is based on work prior to
publication (1964) of Redmonds new species. As suggested by R.W. Powers et al.
1966 (page 56), the form determined as K. cf. wellingsi in this formation, could
well be random sections of K. morrisi Redmond, which range through all of the
Jubaila and the upper part at least of the Hanifa Formation. Thus, a largely
Kimmeridgian age is accepted for the Darb Formation, although some Oxfordian
could be represented.
Diyab Formation; contact conformable, placed at the position where dense,
Underlying
argillaceous lime mudstone of the basal Darb Formation rests upon fine,
calcarenitic limestone with interbedded, very argillaceous lime mudstone of the
uppermost Diyab Formation.
Fahahil Formation (Arab No. 4 Limestone); contact conformable. In type section
Overlying
placed at boundary between fine lime mudstone of the Upper Darb Formation and
porous dolomite of the basal Fahahil Formation. At other localities in Dukhan and,
more markedly, to the east, the uppermost Darb Formation becomes increasingly
dolomitised. As a result, an additional porous section is added to the base of the
Fahahil Formation, at the expense of the Darb Formation.
964

Other localities
Well established as a separate formation only in the Qatar area, where it has been encountered in
many deep wells.
Remarks
The typical Darb facies can be traced into the Trucial States, where it has not, however, proved
possible to separate with confidence a Darb and a Diyab Formation within the interval bounded by
the Fahahil Formation and the Araej Formation. It is normally possible to distinguish an
argillaceous lower unit which could be compared in general with the Diyab Formation. This facies
is, however, variably developed and sometimes almost absent.
The Darb Formation must be the lateral equivalent of most, or all, of the Jubaila and Hanifa
Formations of Saudi Arabia. The latter names have not been adopted in Qatar because it has not
proved possible to trace their exact lithological equivalents.
DIYAB FORMATION
Upper Jurassic
Author
Synonymy
None
Type locality
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 51 (formerly Juh. No. 1), lat 245348 N, long 505955 E, elevation
76.5m (252 f.), completed 14.10.1952, between drilled depths 2377 and 2476m (7800 and 8125 ft).
The formation takes its name from a locality on the south part of the Dukhan anticline.
99m (325 ft).
Thickness
Top. 1. Limestone, dark grey, fine grained lime mudstone, dense, thin bedded, very
Lithology
argillaceous, with thin interbeds of dark grey marl and of grey, dense, fine,
calcarenite containing some quartz grains. 23m (77 ft). 2. Anhydrite, white, 0.6m
(2 ft). 3. Limestone, dark grey, fine grained, argillaceous lime mudstone, thin
bedded, with streaks of grey, dense, fine calcarenite, as in unit 1 but with less
quartz. Very rare thin beds of chert. 23 m (72 ft). 4. Anhydrite, white. 1.8 m (6
ft). 5. Limestone, grey, fine grained lime mudstone, dense. 9.4 m (31ft). 6.
Limestone, dark grey to black, very argillaceous, silty, slightly dolomitic, in part
finely fissile, carbonaceous, particularly in lower part; occasional thin streaks of
fine grained calcarenite. 40 m (132 ft). Base.
In 1. Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, Glomospira sp. In 3. N. oolithica,
Fossils
Glomospira sp., Exogyra nana (J. Sowerby), Perisphinctes sp., In 6. Pholadomya
cf. inornata (J. de C. Sowerby), Gryphaea balli (Stefanini), Liostrea arabica
Stefanini, Chlamys macfadyeni Cox, E. nana, Modiolus imbricatus (J. Sowerby),
Dichotomoceras cf., D. anomalus Spath.
Upper Jurassic. The contained fauna gives no precise indication of age, which
Age
must, therefore be sought by correlation with the better dated sections described
from Saudi Arabia. Originally considered to equate with the Tuwaiq Mountain
Limestone, the Diyab Formation is now thought to be possibly correlatable with
the black, argillaceous, ammonite-bearing unit described from the basal Hanifa
formation of Fadhili. If this is correct, a Kimmeridgian age must be ascribed to the
Diyab. Insufficient information is known of the lateral variations of the Hanifa and
Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone to permit the unqualified acceptance of one or other
correlation. An age from Callovian to Kimmeridgian could therefore be possible.
Araej Formation. At sharp contact of dark grey to black argillaceous limestone and
Underlying
fine calcarenites of the Diyab with grey pellet grainstones of the Upper Araej
Formation. The contact is apparently conformable, but could represent a
965

Overlying
considerable break in sedimentation.

Darb Formation; contact conformable. Placed where dense, argillaceous lime
mudstone of the basal Darb overlie very argillaceous lime mudstones with
interbedded fine sandy calcarenites of the Diyab Formation.
Other localities
Recognised as a separate formation only in Qatar, where it has been encountered in many deep
wells. Dark grey argillaceous limestones occur above the Araej Formation to the east in Abu
Dhabi, but a distinct Diyab Formation has not been distinguished.
Remarks
Powers, 1968, states that the basal, argillaceous unit of the Hanifa Formation is separated by an
hiatus from the lower, Cuneolina-bearing beds of the Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone in the central
coastal area of Saudi Arabia, close to Qatar. The Diyab Formation may be the equivalent of the
basal Hanifa. The Cuneolina-bearing beds have not been recognized in Qatar, although their
equivalent may occur to the east, in Umm Shaif, where additional section containing Meyendorffina
sp. occurs between typical Araej and Diyab lithologies. The upper unit of the Araej in Qatar is
equated with the Hisyan Member of the Dhruma Formation. Thus, the Diyab-Araej contact could
represent a considerable break in sedimentation, spanning the Oxfordian and possibly part of the
Callovian eras, resulting from uplift over the Qatar arch. Should the Diyab contain equivalents of
part of the Tuwaiq, there probably still remains a break between it and the Araej, represented by the
Cuneolina-bearing beds and their equivalents (the Meyendorffina-bearing bed) which are present on
either side of the Qatar axis.
*DOHA FORMATION
Upper Jurassic
Obsolete, unpublished formation name proposed by W. Sugden, 1953, to distinguish a unit
composed of limestone containing abundant anhydrite nodules from the underlying massive
anhydrite of the Hith Formation. Now considered to be the upper member of the Hith Formation
F
FAHAHIL FORMATION
Jurassic
Lower Kimmeridgian
Author
W. Sugden (unpublished company report)
Synonymy
Lower, carbonate part of the Arab D Member, Powers, 1968. No. 4 Limestone of Qatar.
Type locality
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 66 [DK-0066], lat 252053 N, long. 504847 E, elevation 23 m (76 ft),
completed 18.5.1960, between drilled depths 1964 and 2021 m (6444 and 6631 ft). The formation
takes its name from a locality on the Dukhan anticline near the type section. [Note: In the original Sugdens
reports of 1953/56, he assigns DK-0026 as type locality (spudded in 1952). Also, the above coordinates are not for DK-0066 but rather for DK-0026.
It is possible that Standring, who took over the Lexicon from Sugden after 1959, wanted to change the type locality from DK-0026 to DK-0066 but
forgot to change the coordinates.]
Thickness
Lithology
57 m (187 ft).
Fossils
In 1. Prethocoprolithus sp., Aeolisaccus dunningtoni Elliott. In 2. Kurnubia

jurassica (Henson), Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, Salpingoporella annulata
Carozzi, Burgundia trinarchii var. Dehorne, Cladocoropsis mirabilis Felix,
Stromatoporina choffati (Dehorne), S. romanica (Dehorne), S. somaliense
(Zuffardi-Comerci), S. annulata, Clypeina jurassica Favre and Richard, C. cf.
hanabatensis Yabe and Toyama, Lithoporella melobesioides Foslie. In 3. K.
(After F. Gosling, unpublished report). Top. 1. Dolomitic lime mudstone with streaks of
dolomite and anhydrite, dolomitic packstone; two foot anhydrite bed near top. 6.4 m (21
ft). 2. Interbedded grainstone, wackestone and packstone of skeletal grains in lime
mudstone matrix. Upper 9m predominantly grainstone. 42 m (139 ft). 3. Alternating
dolomitic lime mudstone and dolomite. 8.2 m (27 ft). Base
966

Age
Underlying
Overlying
jurassica.
An Upper Jurassic, probably Lower Kimmeridgian, age is inferred by the above
fauna and flora, and, also, by the stratigraphic position of the unit above the Darb
Formation, which is itself partly equivalent to the Lower Kimmeridgian, Jubaila
Formation of Saudi Arabia
Darb Formation; contact conformable. At the junction of porous dolomites of the
Fahahil Formation, above, with dense lime mudstones of the Darb Formation,
below.
Qatar Formation; contact conformable. At the junction of dolomite, anhydritic
lime mudstone of the Upper Fahahil Formation, below, with massive anhydrites of
the basal unit of the Qatar formation, above.
Other localities
Extends throughout the oilfield area of Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but is unknown from
Kuwait northwards. Its equivalent can be recognised in Abu Dhabi.
Remarks
This unit is easily defined in western Qatar and much of Saudi Arabia. In eastern Qatar, increasing
dolomitisation of the Upper Darb Formation makes it virtually impossible to distinguish a
stratigraphic equivalent of the base of the formation as defined in Dukhan. Much increased
dolomitisation of this nature, farther to the east, probably is reflected in the conditions met in the
Umm Shaif oilfield, where the name Arab Darb has been introduced.
The lower unit (3) of the reference section could be related to the underlying Darb as easily as to the
Fahahil Formation. It has been demonstrated (F. Gosling, unpublished report) that the Fahahil
marks a transition from deeper to shallower water conditions. It is this transitional nature, together
with the units great commercial value as an oil reservoir, which prompted W. Sugden to segregate
it as a distinct formation, instead of incorporating it either in an Arab Formation (as in Saudi
Arabia) or in the Darb Formation.
FIQA FORMATION
Cretaceous
Campanian-(Coniacian)
Author
A.J. Standring and E. Hart (unpublished report)
Synonymy
Shargi Formation, Dominguez, 1965. Upper Shale, Hajash, 1967. Aruma marl, Fox and
Brown, 1968.
Type locality
A.D.P.C. well Murban No. 44, lat. 231022 N. long. 532035 E, elevation 133.5 m (438 ft),
Top. 1. Light grey, very chalky marl grading into a white chalk with, locally, rare,
Lithology
slightly silty shale partings. Interbeds of chalky, foraminiferal, lime wackestones,
containing fine skeletal debris. 39 m (128 ft). 2. Dark grey-green, calcareous shale
and light grey, chalky marl grading into a white chalk. Thin interbeds of buff detrital,
chalky, foraminiferal lime wackestone containing shell debris and light grey
argillaceous limestone, 42 m (137 ft). 3. Limestone, light buff, slightly argillaceous,
chalky lime wackestone, particles consisting of smaller foraminifera and shell and
echinoid debris. 49 m (161 ft). 4. Shale, dark grey, slightly calcareous, with chalky
marl. 18 m (60 ft). 5. Pale buff, chalky to locally argillaceous limestone interbedded
with dark grey, sometimes calcareous, shale, which tends to predominate in the
lowest 40 ft. 35 m (116 ft). 6. Pale grey to buff, slightly chalky foraminiferal
wackestone with particles consisting of shell debris; interbeds of grey-green shale. 54
967

m (178 ft). 7. Dark grey-green shale grading into grey marl with thin interbeds of
light grey-buff, fine lime wackestone. 30 m (100 ft). 8. Shale, dark grey-green. 71 m
(233 ft). 9. Limestone, light grey, argillaceous, locally pyritic. 11 m (36 ft). Base.
In 1. Monolepidorbis douvillei Astre, Rotalia aff. trochidoformis, aff. Archaecyclus
Fossils
sp. In 2. M. douvillei, R. aff. trochidiformis, aff. Archaecyclus sp., Ataxophagium
sp. In 3. M. douvillei, R. aff. trochidiformis, Rotalia sp., aff. Archaecyclus sp.,
Bryozoa and echinoid debris. In 4 and 5. M. douvillei, R. aff. trochidiformis. In 6.
M. douvillei, M. sanctae-pelagiae Astre, rare Globotruncana sp., crab debris,
echinoid spines, Bryozoa, rudist fragments, fish remains. In 7. M. sanctae-pelagiae,
Pseudedomia aff. multistriata. In 8 and 9. Globotruncana gr. Fornicata Plummer,
Globotruncana arca arca (Cushman), Globotruncana arca (Cushman) caribica
Gandolfi, Globotruncana globigerinoides Brotzen, Globotruncana cf. concavata
(Brotzen), Globotruncana contusa (Cushman), Rugoglobigerina beldingi Gandolfi,
Planoglobulina sp., Gumbelina spp., Ostracoda including Bairdoppilata sp.,
Cytherella sp., Paracypris glabrans ms., Brachycythere wellingsi ms.
Campanian
Age
Underlying Halul Formation, contact disconformable. Grey, argillaceous limestone of the basal
Fiqa Formation rests upon pure, dense, chalky limestone of the Halul
Overlying Simsima Formation, contact probably disconformable, at boundary between pure
lime wackestone and packstone of the Simsima and argillaceous carbonates of the
Fiqa.
Other localities
Found in the subsurface of most of Abu Dhabi and offshore Qatar and in one well section in
onshore Qatar (see remarks). Extends eastwards into Oman, where its age range is extended to
Coniacian, and into Saudi Arabia, where it is fully developed in the subsurface. The basal unit of
the type section of the Aruma Formation probably correlates with part of the Arada Member (see
remarks)
Remarks
The Fiqa Formation includes two distinct members: 1. The Arada Member (units 1 to 7 of the type
section which takes its name from a locality some 33 km S.S.E. of the type locality. This shallowwater unit is probably the equivalent of the shallow-water facies carrying Monolepidorbis sanctaepelagiae reported from the Lower Aruma of Saudi Arabia (R.W. Powers, 1968). 2. The Shargi
Member (units 8 and 9 of the type section) is named from Id-al-Shargi, Qatar, where it is the only
member of the Fiqa Formation present between the Simsima and Halul Formations. A comparable
facies is present in the Lower Aruma of Saudi Arabia.
When both are present, the Arada Member invariably overlies the Shargi Member.
This description is included in the Qatar Lexicon because the Fiqa Formation has been recognised
in one well section to the south of the Dukhan Field in onshore Qatar. The following sequence
occurs in Dukhan Well No. 51 (formerly Juh-1) between the Simsima and Halul Formations: 1.
Limestone, bioclastic wackestone and packstone yielding Monolepidorbis sanctae-pelagiae, Rotalia
trochidoformis. 17 m (55 ft). 2. Shale, blue-grey, containing planktonic foraminifera including
Globotruncana arca, Gl. Lapparenti, Gl. gr. stuarti. 58 m (190 ft).
Unit 1 represents the Arada Member and unit 2 the Shargi Member of the Fiqa Formation. There
is evidence to suggest that the Ruilat Formation which is recorded from all other areas of onshore
Qatar is the lateral equivalent of the Fiqa Formation and, hence, Campanian in age.
968
G
GULAILAH FORMATION
Triassic
? Middle Triassic
Author
Synonymy
Dolomite-Anhydrite series of early unpublished reports on Arabia. Jilh Formation, Steineke
and Bramkamp, 1952
Type locality
Q.P.C. Well Kharaib No. 1, lat. 252709 N, long. 511156 E, elevation 41.5 m (136 ft),
completed 29.6.1953, between drilled depths 2454 and 2615 m (8052 and 8578 ft). The formation
takes its name from a locality near the type section.
160 m (526 ft).
Thickness
Top. 1. Dolomite, grey and dark grey, fine grained, dense, calcareous, anhydrite,
Lithology
partly argillaceous, with interbedded anhydrite, grey and white. Authigenic quartz
common. 27 m (88 ft). 2. Dolomite, grey, fine grained, dense, partly calcareous.
25 m (84 ft). 3. Anhydrite, grey, alternating with calcareous dolomite, grey, fine
grained, dense, argillaceous. Occasional thin beds of shale, dark grey, calcareous.
Authigenic quartz. 11 m (38 ft). 4. Limestone, grey, fine grained, dense, partly
dolomitic, with streaks and nodules of anhydrite. Very argillaceous in upper and
lower few feet. Lower half pellety in parts. 37 m (122 ft). 5. Limestone, grey and
grey-brown, fine grained, dense, pellety in part, dolomitic, grading to dolomite,
grey, fine grained, dense, anhydritic with interbeds of white to grey-brown
anhydrite. Authigenic quartz throughout. 35 m (116 ft). 6. Limestone, grey, fine
grained, dense, grading to dolomite, calcareous, containing a little grey anhydrite.
23.8 m (78 ft). Base.
In unit 4. Rare Ammodiscus sp. and Glomospira sp.
Fossils
A Triassic age is assumed on the basis of the formations stratigraphic position
Age
above the Suwei (Sudair) Formation and its lateral equivalence to the Jilh
Formation. The presence of Lingula tenuissima Alberti in the Gulailah Formation
of Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 65, adds a little support of this age assignment.
Underlying
Overlying
The synonymous Jilh Formation of Saudi Arabia, has been assigned a Middle to
Lower Triassic age, confirmed by palynological studies.
Suwei Formation, contact probably conformable; placed where brown to grey
shales and marls of the upper Suwei underlie limestones and dolomites of the basal
Gulailah Formation.
Izhara Formation; contact unconformable, placed at the top of the highest anhydrite
of the Gulailah.
A similar relationship is seen in Q.P.C. Well Musaiymir No. 1, but in Well Dukhan
No. 65, an additional unit, the Hamlah Formation, intervenes between the Gulailah
and the Izhara See Hamlah Formation.
Other localities
Deep wells on the Dukhan structure and at Musaiymir in eastern Qatar. Probably penetrated by
deep wells in offshore Qatar (Khail Formation Dominguez, 1965). Is the lateral equivalent of the
Jilh Formation as developed in subsurface areas of Saudi Arabia.
969

Remarks
When first penetrated, in Well Kharaib No. 1, the Gulailah was believed to correlate with part of the
Dhruma Formation of Saudi Arabia, while the underlying red beds of the Suwei Formation were
equated with the basal Jurassic, Marrat Formation. With the completion of the Dukhan Deep Test
Well it became apparent that this correlation was incorrect, the Gulailah being lithologically similar
to the Jilh Formation of nearby areas of Saudi Arabia and in the same relative stratigraphic position.
The top of the Gulailah Formation is marked by a widespread unconformity, the equivalent of the
pre-Marrat unconformity of Saudi Arabia. This results from a period of late Triassic to early
Jurassic uplift and erosion which were effective both regionally and locally over individual
structures. The time interval represented by this hiatus saw the deposition of the continental sands
of the Minjur Formation in areas closer to the Arabian Shield.
In Qatar, this unconformity causes cut-out of the Hamlah Formation between Dukhan and Kharaib,
accompanied by marked thinning of the Gulailah in the same, easterly direction.
H
HALUL FORMATION
Cretaceous
Santonian-Campanian
Author
M.W. Hughes-Clarke, 1963 (unpublished report)
Synonymy
Halul Formation, Dominguez, 1965 (first published reference). Ilam Formation, James and
Wynd, 1965. Middle Chalk, Hajash, 1967. Aruma Lower Limestone, Fox and Brown, 1968.
Type locality
S.C.Q. Well Id-al-Shargi No. 1, lat. 252332.9 N, long. 522155.93 E, between drilled depths
1009 and 1081 m (3310 and 3545 ft.). The formation takes its name from the island of Halul, off
the east coast of Qatar.
The following description is adapted from one by W.O. Gigon, P.J.C. Hoogkamer and I.W.G.
Hughes of S.C.Q.
72 m (235 ft).
Thickness
Top. 1. Limestone, light grey, chalky bioclastic lime packstone, particles
Lithology
consisting of larger foraminifera with some smaller foraminifera, ostracods and
shell fragments. 27 m (90 ft). 2. Limestone, light grey, chalky bioclastic lime
wackestones, particles consisting of spicules, small shell fragments with some
smaller foraminifera and larger foraminifera, some pyrite and scattered dolomite
rhombs. 21 m (68 ft). 3. Marl, grey-green, soft with some shale, blue-grey and
some limestones, light grey-light brown, chalky, partly recrystallised. 8.6 m (27 ft).
4. Chalk, light grey, soft, frangible, occasionally slightly marly, with limestones,
light grey and light brown, chalky, partly recrystallised, shell fragments in places.
15 m (50 ft). Base
In 1.
Pseudedomia sp.(p), (P. aff. complanata-globularis), Rotalia aff.
Fossils
trochidiformis Lamarck, Dicyclina cf. schlumbergeri Munier Chalmas, Kathina sp.
nov., Dictyokathina sp. nov., Rotalia sp. nov., ostracods, spicules, echinoid
fragments, ?Oligostegina. In 2. Pseudedomia aff. complanata-globularis, Rotalia
aff. trochidiformis Lamarck, Kathina sp. nov., Rotalia spp. Nov., spicules,
?Oligostegina.
Upper Cretaceous, Santonian-Campanian.
Age
970

Underlying
Overlying
Olive-green shales and marls of the Laffan Formation conformably underlie the
light grey, chalky wackestones of the Halul Formation.
Fiqa Formation; the basal brown calcareous shales of the Fiqa overlie light grey,
chalky lime-packstones of the Halul Formation. Contact believed to be
unconformable.
Other localities
Of limited development in onshore Qatar where only the lower, Daasah Member is recognised.
Well developed in offshore Qatar and in central, north and parts of eastern Abu Dhabi, whence it
thins rapidly to the south and east. Apparently not present in Oman.
The Halul Formation probably equates with a unit containing a faunule composed chiefly of
Kathina sp. and Cosinella sp. which occurs in the subsurface of eastern Saudi Arabia, (R.W.
Powers, 1968). The Sadi Formation of south Iraq and the Ilam Formation of south-west Iran are
equivalents of the Halul Formation.
Remarks
A widespread and persistent rock stratigraphic unit, which can be recognised by its characteristic
foraminiferal assemblage.
The lower part (units 3 and 4) of the type section represent the only part of the Halul Formation to
be recognised in onshore Qatar. This unit has been named the Daasah Member after a locality
south of Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 55, the site of the reference section, described below.
Reference section in onshore Qatar
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 55, lat. 25240 N. long. 504346 E, elevation 7 m (23 ft),
Top. 1. Limestone; light grey, fine, compact, partly silicified lime mudstones to
Lithology
wackestones. 10 m (32 ft). 2. Limestone, grey, argillaceous lime mudstone. 4
m (14 ft).
In 1., small indeterminable foraminifera, probably including Heterohelix sp..
Fossils
Probably Santonian, from stratigraphic position
Age
Underlying Laffan Formation, contact conformable. At sharp change from lime mudstone
above, to shales of the Laffan Formation below.
Overlying Ruilat Formation, contact disconformable. At junction of grey lime wackestone
of the Daasah Member of the Halul Formation with glauconitic limestones of
the basal Ruilat Formation. This contact represents a major hiatus within the
Aruma Group, equivalent to the pre-Hartha unconformity of south Iraq.
The Daasah Member of onshore Qatar was originally the basal part of the Ruilat
Formation. Recent comparison with offshore sections illustrated its similarity to
a basal member of the Halul Formation to which formation it is now assigned.
HAMLAH FORMATION
Lower Jurassic
Author
A.J. Standring (unpublished report)
Synonymy
None
Type locality
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 65, lat. 252738 N, long. 504713 E. elevation 42.6 m (140 ft),
completed 21.10.1960, between drilled depths 2367 and 2436.5 m (7764 and 7992 ft).
971

The formation takes its name from a locality on the west coast of Qatar
69.5 m (228 ft).
Thickness
Top. 1. Dolomite, grey and brown to dark grey, dense to porous, saccharoidal.
Lithology
Stringers and nodules of anhydrite in the upper part. Becoming argillaceous
downwards. 5 m (16 ft). 2. Shale, dark grey-green, with subordinate marl, grey,
and some green glauconitic sandstone and dolomite. 6 m (20 ft). 3. Dolomite,
dark grey, calcareous, with anhydrite streaks, interbedded with green shale, and
grey marl. 9 m (30 ft). 4. Dolomite, grey-brown, interbedded with grey, dense
limestone and some anhydrite. 41 m (135 ft). 5. Sandy marl with beds of shale,
dark grey. 8 m (27 ft)
None
Fossils
Lower Jurassic age inferred. The formations conformable relationship with the
Age
overlying Izhara Formation which is believed to be Middle Jurassic and the
unconformity between it and the Triassic rocks of the underlying Gulailah
Formation support this deduction.
Gulailah Formation; contact unconformable. At contact of sandy marl and shale of
Underlying
the basal Hamlah, above, with dolomites of the Gulailah, below.
Izhara Formation, contact apparently conformable, placed at the horizon where
Overlying
blue-grey shales with interbedded dolomite of the basal Izhara Formation overlie
grey, fine grained dolomite of the Hamlah Formation.
Other localities
Encountered only in the Dukhan Field in Qatar. Possibly represented by part or all of the Gulailah
Formation of Dominguez, which underlies the Izhara Formation in offshore areas of Qatar
Remarks
Originally included in the Gulailah Formation (s.s.) but difficulties arose since this attribution
resulted in an appearance of continuous sedimentation from the Triassic to the Middle Jurassic with
no indication of the widespread pre-Toarcian unconformity known to exist in neighbouring areas.
Discovery of a marked change in structural configuration at a drilled depth of 7992 ft in Well
Dukhan No. 65 made it necessary to separate the unit from the Gulailah.
The Hamlah Formation could be considered to be an additional, lower unit of the Izhara Formation
not present in the type locality. The Izhara can however, be mapped as a distinct rock unit over a
wide area. The lithology of the Hamlah is sufficiently different for it to be considered a valid
formation.
The Izhara Formation is conventionally correlated with the whole Lower Dhruma. For this reason
the Hamlah is correlated with the Marrat Formation and assigned a possibly Lower Jurassic,
Toarcian age.
Although the Hamlah Formation is known only from one part of Qatar, its presence over a large
area which is structurally lower than the present and Mesozoic crests of the Qatar arch can be
reasonably assumed. The thickness of the Hamlah Formation at different localities will depend
upon the degree of structural activity during the late Triassic and early Jurassic.
HASA GROUP
Eocene-Paleocene
The name Hasa Series was first proposed by N.J. Sander, 1952, and published by him in 1962.
Meanwhile, it had been adopted by R.M.S. Owen and S.N. Nasr, 1958, R.C. van Bellen, 1959, and
other workers as the Hasa Group.
The name is applied to the complete sequence which comprises the Dammam, Rus and Umm er
Radhuma Formations, all of which have their type sections and are extensively exposed in the Hasa
972

Province of Saudi Arabia. In proposing this name, Sander rejected the earlier name Bahrain Series,
whose exact significance was open to doubt.
The name has not been officially adopted in Saudi Arabia (R.W. Powers, 1968).
HAWAR FORMATION
Cretaceous
Lower Aptian or
Barremian
Author
Synonymy
None
Type locality
Q.P.C. Well Kharaib No. 1, lat. 252709 N, long. 511156 E, elevation 41 m (136 ft),
16 m (52 ft)
Thickness
Shale and marl, blue-grey.
Lithology
Fossils
Lower Aptian or Barremian
Age
Kharaib Formation; contact conformable, placed at boundary between limestone,
Underlying
below, and shales or marls, above.
Shuaiba Formation; contact conformable; limestones of the Shuaiba rest upon
Overlying
shales of the Hawar Formation
Other localities
Occurs throughout onshore Qatar and can be traced eastwards through offshore Qatar where it
changes progressively into a characteristic limestone unit composed of foraminiferal, pellet
packstones and wackestones and argillaceous lime mudstones, often highly glauconitic and dense.
This limestone can be traced eastwards through Abu Dhabi and probably extends into Oman.
Everywhere it intervenes between the Shuaiba and Kharaib Formations. The shale is present in
Bahrain and forms the highest unit of the Biyadh Formation in eastern areas of Saudi Arabia.
Remarks
Justification for assigning formation rank to this relatively thin unit is its value over a wide area as a
distinctive rock unit which intervenes between the well-defined Shuaiba and Kharaib Formations.
The Hawar Formation was, for many years, considered to be the upper member of a heterogeneous
formation which also included the Kharaib and Ratawi Formations as defined in this Lexicon. The
name Ratawi was assigned to the complete sequence which was considered to be a distant
equivalent of the Zubair / Ratawi clastics complex of south Iraq.
HITH ANHYDRITE FORMATION
Jurassic
Upper Jurassic
Author
M. Steineke, R.A. Bramkamp and N.J. Sander, 1958; amended by R.W. Powers et al, 1966
Synonymy
None
Type locality
In Saudi Arabia
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 25, lat. 252252 N, long. 504550 E, elevation 23 ft., completed
30.12.1951, between drilled depths 1178 [in fact, 1787m] and 1928 m (5862 and 6324 ft).
141 m (462 ft)
Thickness
Top. 1. Limestone, brown and grey-brown, dense, dolomitic, with abundant
Lithology
973

nodules of anhydrite. 12 m (40 ft). 2. Limestone, brown, oolitic, dolomitised. 4 m
(13 ft). 3. White, nodular anhydrite with abundant streaks and stringers of dense or
compact brown dolomite. 35 m (117 ft). 4. Anhydrite, white, massive, rarely with
stringers of dolomite. 30 m (98 ft). 5. White nodular anhydrite with numerous
stringers of brown dolomite. Several thin beds of porous, oolitic or pellety, brown,
dolomitised limestone. 20 m (66 ft). 6. Anhydrite, white to light brown, massive,
partly with stringers of brown dolomite. 29 m (94 ft). 7. Anhydrite, white, nodular,
with numerous stringers of dark brown dolomite changing downwards to dolomite,
grey-brown, with abundant nodules of anhydrite. A six foot bed of dolomitised
oolitic limestone near the base. 10 m (35 ft). Base.
Undeterminable vestiges
Fossils
Not known precisely owing to the lack of fossil evidence. According to the age
Age
attributed to the underlying Qatar Formation it is supposed that the Hith is Upper
Jurassic, possibly Tithonian. This agrees with the latest age proposed for the Hith
Formation in Saudi Arabia (Powers et al., 1966).
Underlying Qatar Formation, contact conformable. The contact is taken at the top of the purely
carbonate upper member of the Qatar Formation. Beds showing gradational change
to massive anhydrite are included in the Hith, contrary to practise in Saudi Arabia
(H. Steineke et al., loc. Cit.). ARAMCO practise has publication priority but the
alternative, long established in Qatar records, is retained as a matter of convenience.
Overlying
Sulaiy Formation, contact conformable. At the highest occurrence of limestones
with abundant nodular anhydrite typical of the upper unit of the Hith Formation.
Other localities
Throughout the oilfield areas of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. The formation can be traced
eastwards into Abu Dhabi but disappears in the eastern part of that State as the result of erosion or
facies change. It is absent from Oman
Remarks
The top of the Hith Anhydrite is commonly accepted as a convenient time boundary between the
Jurassic and Cretaceous Systems in many parts of Arabia. This position is maintained in Saudi
Arabia in spite of suggestions based on palynological studies that the Hith and upper Arab
Formation could be of Lower Cretaceous age (O.D. Hemer, 1965).
Evidence for a lower Cretaceous age assigned to a similar anhydrite unit occurring in Umm Shaif,
Abu Dhabi (F.E. Banner and G. Wood, 1964) was refuted by H.V. Dunnington (1967).
A Jurassic (probably Tithonian) age is applied to the Hith Formation in Qatar in conformity with
majority practise.
The mode of origin of this widespread (Iraq to Abu Dhabi and south Rub-al-Khali) anhydrite unit is
open to conjecture. Originally supposed to result from evaporation in a silled basin, the Hith
Anhydrite could have formed in a shallow, hypersaline sea (W. Sugden, 1963). Some, at least, of
the sequence may result from diagenesis in supratidal sediments resulting from processes similar to
those recorded from present-day coastal sabkhas in Abu Dhabi.
The Hith Anhydrite marks the final shallowing and infilling of the long-established Jurassic sea in
which vast thicknesses of limestone were deposited over much of Arabia.
An equivalent of the Hith Anhydrite can be traced northwards into Iraq, as the Gotnia Formation. It
can also be recognised in south-west Iran. The halite deposits recorded from the south-west Rub-alKhali extend southwards to form the Sabatayn Formation which is found in the salt-domes of the
Shabwa area of western Hadhramaut.
974

*HUWAILA FORMATION
Cretaceous, Lower
Valanginian-Hauterivian
Obsolete formation name proposed, in 1956, to describe the sequence which currently includes the
basal part of the Ratawi Formation and the Yamama Formation in Qatar. The sequence assigned to
the Huwaila Formation had previously been subdivided into four formations, named the Rakan,
Karanah, Qartas and Misfir. These distinctive lithologic units became members of the new
formation.
The Huwaila Formation was subsequently thought to be synonymous with the Yamama Formation
of Saudi Arabia and the latter name was applied to it. The definition of the Yamama Formation was
later revised in Qatar, excluding the upper member, which is now included within the Ratawi
Formation.
I
IZHARA FORMATION
Jurassic
Bajocian - ? Bathonian
Author
Synonymy
Lower Dhruma Formation, Powers, 1968. Izhara formation, Dominguez, 1965.
Type locality
Q.P.C. Well Kharaib No. 1, lat 252709 N, long. 511156 E, elevation 41.5 m (136 ft),
The formation takes its name from a locality near the type section.
137 m (452 ft).
Thickness
Top. 1. Limestone, grey, porous, with scattered dolomite crystals. 24.4 m (80 ft). 2.
Lithology
Limestone, grey to dark grey, fine grained, dense, with streaks containing pellets,
often pyrite-stained, sometimes argillaceous, silty. Lowest part variably dolomitic
and including beds of dark grey marl and shale. 56 m (185 ft). 3. Limestone, grey,
fine-grained, dense in part, very dolomitic. 6 m (20 ft). 4. Dolomite, grey to greybrown, calcareous, dense at top, becoming porous, saccharoidal. 10.6 m (35 ft). 5.
Limestone and dolomite, grey, fine-grained, dense, with argillaceous beds in upper
and lower parts. 40 m (132 ft). Base.
In 1. Rare Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, Glomospira sp., Paleotrix sp. In 2.
Fossils
Haurania sp.
Middle Jurassic, Bajocian possibly to Lower Bathonian. Based on its conformable
Age
position beneath the Callovian to Bathonian limestone of the Araej Formation. Can
be correlated with a fair degree of confidence with the Lower Dhruma Formation of
Saudi Arabia, recently assigned a wholly Bajocian age by Imlay, 1970.
Underlying Gulailah Formation (at type locality), contact unconformable. Placed at the top of
the highest anhydrite bed of the underlying Gulailah Formation. In Well Dukhan
No. 65, the Izhara is underlain conformably by the Hamlah Formation (see Hamlah
Formation).
Araej Formation; contact conformable. At junction of pure, buff-grey, porous,
Overlying
limestone of the Upper Izhara, below, with impure, silty, pellety, grey limestones of
the basal Araej Formation, above.
Other localities
Present in deep wells throughout Qatar. The Izhara Formation has also been recognised in Abu
Dhabi.
975

Remarks
The type description is a modification of the original account written after the formation had been
penetrated for the first time. It emphasises the presence of a 24 m (80 ft) upper member composed
of porous, pure carbonate, predominantly pellet and lump packstones and grainstones with
interbedded lime mudstones, which contrast strongly with the impure, variably developed limestone
of the overlying Araej Formation and the underlying Lower Izhara. This unit contains a
characteristic microfauna including Haurania spp. and forms related to Cockinolinopsis and
Orbitopsella. It is the equivalent of the Dhibi Limestone Member (formerly Haurania Limestone)
of the Lower Dhruma of Saudi Arabia, and can be traced over a large area of Arabia.
The lower part of the Izhara Formation is composed of interbedded pellet grainstones, argillaceous
packstones and lime mudstones, dolomite and shale. These contain increasing quantities of quartz
sand towards the base. Thin, discrete sandstone bodies have been recorded in the lower part.
J
*JALEHA MEMBER
Upper Jurassic
Name proposed, in 1956, to designate, more formally, the Number 1 Limestone of the Qatar
Formation. The name has never been published and has become redundant through long disuse.
JANAAN MEMBER
Cretaceous
Maestrichtian
Lower, major member of the Simsima Formation. Includes the Lepidorbitoides socialis and the
Orbitoides media faunizones in Qatar.
*JUH MEMBER
Upper Jurassic
Name proposed, in 1956, as a more formal designation of the Number 2 Limestone of the Qatar
Formation. The name has not been published and is considered redundant because of long disuse.
The name Juh Formation was applied by R.M. Ramsden (Thesis, 1952) to the Fahahil Formation
(No. 4 Limestone) of Qatar.
K
*KARANAH FORMATION
Cretaceous, Lower
Valanginian
Obsolete name for the upper, porous pellet, coral, stromatoporoid packstone-wackestone unit of the
Yamama Formation of Qatar. Abandoned when correlation with Saudi Arabia became possible.
KHARAIB FORMATION
Cretaceous, Lower
(probably Barremian)
Author
Synonymy
None
Type locality
Q.P.C. Well Kharaib No. 1, lat 252709 N, long. 511156 E, elevation 41 m (136 ft), completed
83 m (273 ft).
Thickness
Top. 1. Limestone, light grey, fine grained, porous, partly crystallised. 24 m (79
Lithology
ft). 2. Limestone, grey to cream, porous to compact, detrital, in parts with large
pellets, interbedded with argillaceous limestone. 41 m (136 ft). 3. Limestone, light
grey, porous, fine grained. 18 m (58 ft). Base
In 1. Orbitolina discoidea Gras, var. delicata Henson, Dictyoconus arabicus
Fossils
Henson. In 2. O. discoidea var. delicata, Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger. In
3. O. discoidea var. delicata, D. arabicus
976

Age
Underlying
Overlying
Probably Barremian
Ratawi Formation; contact apparently conformable but, regionally, considerable
cut-out and condensation of beds beneath the Kharaib Formation can be
demonstrated over the Qatar arch. Boundary placed at the contact of limestones of
the basal Kharaib Formation, above, with marls or shales of the Ratawi Formation,
below.
Hawar Formation; contact conformable. At contact of marl and shale of the
Hawar, above, with limestones of the upper Kharaib Formation, below.
Other localities
Throughout onshore and offshore Qatar and the Trucial States. Probably extends some distance to
the west of Qatar where its equivalent is to be found within the Biyadh Formation.
Remarks
This, predominantly limestone, unit can be traced over a vast area of S.E. Arabia, as a continuous
carbonate development typified by the occurrence of Orbitolina discoidea, associated at two levels
with Dictyoconus arabicus. In Abu Dhabi the Kharaib Formation includes the Zone B plus Zone C
Reservoirs of the Thamama Group limestones, which contains important oil accumulations (G.M.
Hajash, 1967).
To the east of Qatar, the marls and shales of the Ratawi Formation, which underlies the Kharaib,
pass into a predominantly limestone facies. In offshore Qatar the name Kharaib has been applied to
the complete sequence which underlies the Hawar Shale Formation and overlies the Yamama
Formation (J.K. Dominguez, 1965). This application of the name is contrary to majority practise in
the area.
The upper and lower members of the formation are probably better developed equivalents of the
First and Second Orbitolina Limestones recorded from the Biyadh Formation of eastern Saudi
Arabia (Powers, 1968).
*KHATIYAH FORMATION
Middle Cretaceous
Cenomanian
Obsolete formation name whose last and best known application was to describe the Cenomanian
shale, marl and limestone sequence, now named the Ahmadi Formation, which occurs between the
Mishrif and the Mauddud Formations in Qatar.
The name originally applied to the succession, composed predominantly of argillaceous sediments,
encountered in the first Dukhan well, which is now subdivided into the Laffan, Mishrif and Ahmadi
Formations. The Laffan Shale was the first unit to be separated from the Khatiyah, following
recognition of an important unconformity at its base.
The redefined Khatiyah Formation showed strong similarity to sections of the same age in South
Iraq. In consequence, it was subdivided into Mishrif, Rumaila and Asara Formations, the name
Khatiyah falling into disuse. The Mishrif Formation has retained its validity in Qatar but the
remaining, predominantly argillaceous sequence which occurs between it and the Mauddud
Formation was renamed the Khatiyah Formation in 1956, the names Rumaila and Asara being
discarded.
In 1961, the name Ahmadi Formation was applied in Iraq to a shale-limestone succession
comparable to the Khatiyah Formation in Qatar. As a result the name Khatiyah was again
abandoned in Qatar to be replaced by Ahmadi Formation
977

KHUFF FORMATION
Permian
Author
M. Steineke, R.A. Bramkamp and N.J. Sander, 1958. The type section is in Saudi Arabia
Synonymy
Bahrain Unit A, Milne, 1959. Khuff, Dominguez, 1965.
Type locality
In Saudi Arabia
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 65, lat. 252738N, long. 504713 E, elevation 42 m (140 ft),
Thickness
499 m (1638 ft).
Top. 1. Dolomite, grey to buff, dense, with thin beds showing relict pellety, oolitic
Lithology
nature. Generally fine, dense, but some saccharoidal. 81 m (267 ft). 2. Dolomitic
limestone grading to dolomite, with well-preserved original pellety, oolitic texture.
31 m (101 ft). 3. Dolomite, dark grey, occasional relict pellety and oolitic horizons.
Nodules and thin beds of anhydrite in lower part. 134 m (438 ft). 4. Anhydrite with
interbedded dolomite, anhydritic. 15 m (50 ft), 5. Dolomite, grey with occasional
relict limestone textures. Nodules and streaks of anhydrite. 238 m (782 ft). Base.
Hemigordius sp., Padangia sp., Geinitzina cf. ovata Lange, G.sp., Pachyphloia sp.,
Fossils
Ozowainella sp., and ? Permo-calculus sp., have been identified from units 2 to 5.
The above listed fossils are not age diagnostic but are typical of the Khuff Formation
Age
of Arabia, which has been firmly dated as Late Permian in Saudi Arabia.
Underlying Wajid Sandstones Formation; nature of contact not established. At junction of
lowest dolomite of the Khuff, above, with grey-green shales and marls of the Wajid,
below.
Suwei Formation; contact believed to be conformable. Located where the highest
Overlying
dolomite of the Khuff is overlain by grey and brown shales of the basal Suwei.
Other localities
Deep wells in the Dukhan field and Q.P.C. Well Musaiymir No. 1, in eastern Qatar. Also in deep
wells in offshore Qatar and Bahrain. Widespread at outcrop and subsurface in Saudi Arabia and
Oman.
Remarks
The Khuff Formation marks the beginning of widespread shallow-water limestone deposition which
typifies much of the subsequent sedimentary history of Arabia east of the Shield area. It was laid
down in a widespread, shallow, transgressive sea during an interlude in the period of clastic
deposition which typified most of the Palaeozoic.
978
L
LAFFAN SHALE FORMATION
Cretaceous, Upper
Coniacian-Santonian
Author
Synonymy
Laffan Formation, Dominguez, 1965. Middle Shale, Hajash, 1967. Laffan Shale, Fox and
Brown, 1968.
Type locality
Originally described from the interval 610 to 631 m (2002 and 2072 ft) in Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No.
25. The type section is here selected as Well Dukhan No. 55 lat. 25240 N, long. 504546 E.
elevation 7 m (23 ft), completed 17.8.1956, between drilled depths 584 and 613 m (1916 and 2011
ft). The formation takes its name from Ras Laffan, on the north-east coast of Qatar.
29 m (95 ft).
Thickness
Shale, olive-green
Lithology
The Laffan of the type section has yielded few fossils. The typical ostracod fauna
Fossils
of the Laffan Shale of Dukhan has been described in an unpublished thesis by
Sayyab, 1956. All species are new.
Coniacian to Santonian from its stratigraphic position. Palynological investigation
Age
of core samples from the nearby well Dukhan No. 1, indicates an early Senonian
age.
Mishrif Formation, contact unconformable. Shales of the Laffan overlie chalky,
Underlying
fossiliferous limestones of the Mishrif. On the Dukhan structure, crestal cut-out of
beds of the Mishrif beneath the contact can be demonstrated.
Overlying
The Daasah Member of the Halul Formation overlies the Laffan with apparent
conformity. The contact, of shales with argillaceous lime mudstones, is sharp.
Other localities
Found in deep wells throughout onshore and offshore Qatar and much of Abu Dhabi. Also known
from Bahrain and parts of Iraq.
Remarks
The Laffan Formation is typically a marine, ostracod-bearing shale which comprises the basal unit
of the Aruma Group over a wide area. Its age and affinities were in dispute until recent
palynological investigation indicated a Coniacian to Santonian age placing it firmly in the Aruma
Group. This position is also indicated by its unconformable relationship to underlying components
of the Wasia Group.
When first encountered in Qatar the Laffan Shale was included with an older shale-limestone
sequence in the so-called Khatiyah Formation. By 1949 it was apparent that a major unconformity
occurred at the base of the Laffan in Dukhan. The unit was then removed from the Khatiyah
Formation.
LOWER FARS FORMATION
Miocene
(?) Lower, Middle Miocene
Author
H.G. Busk and N.T. Mayo, 1918 (first published reference). The Lower Fars Formation is a
subdivision of the Fars Series, first defined by G.E. Pilgrim, 1908 in the Fars Province of Iran.
Synonymy
?Hadrukh Formation and Dam Formation, Steineke, Bramkamp and Sander, 1958. Fars,
Dominguez, 1965.
979

Jebel Naksh, lat. 2452 N, long. 5054 E, approx. This is the best exposed section in the area
mapped by Q.P.C.
Thickness Ca. 79 m (260 ft)
Top. 1. Chalky limestone, chalky marls and marl varicoloured. Some beds of
Lithology
harder, sometimes shelly or oolitic limestone. Three thin beds of pure gypsum occur
towards the middle, together with gypseous marls and chalks. An 8 ft bed of sandy
limestone occurs at the top. 49 m (161 ft). 2. Varicoloured marls, partly sandy with
interbedded sandy limestone, sandstone and shale. Thin limonitic beds and nodules
occur in marls towards the base. 25 m (82 ft). Base
In 1. Dendritina rangii dOrbigny. Archais sp. In 2. Ostrea Latimarginata
Fossils
Vredenburg. Placuna sp., Discorbis sp., D. rangii.
Lower or Middle Miocene, based on faunal and lithological similarity to the Lower
Age
Fars of Iran.
Underlying Dammam Formation; contact obscured at type locality but, nearby, sandy and marly
basal Fars beds, containing scattered quartz and igneous pebbles, overlie the
Dammam limestones unconformity but without noticeable discordance in individual
outcrops.
Overlying None. A thin layer of loose gravel caps the Miocene of Jebel Naksh and nearby
outcrops
Other localities
Exposed in minor synclines in the Dammam Formation in south Qatar and on the flanks of the
southern part of the Dukhan structure.
In Bahrain, sandy limestone, soft grey clays and marls, assigned to the Miocene, are believed to be
equivalent to the Lower Fars.
The equivalent of the Lower Fars of Qatar should probably be sought in the Dam Formation of
neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which yields a similar fauna and has been compared (R.W. Powers,
1968) with the Lower Fars Formation.
The Lower Fars of Qatar passes eastwards into the thick Fars succession seen in offshore Qatar and
the Trucial States, where it is predominantly formed of gypsum-anhydrite.
Remarks
The Miocene sediments of Qatar are a marginal development of the thicker more typical Fars
deposits which occur in neighbouring areas. The unit can be traced in a continuous development to
its type area in Iran.
The name Lower Fars was first used in Qatar by Shaw and Cox in 1933 and has been retained ever
since. Its synonymy with the Dam Formation of Saudi Arabia is suggested by the use of that name
for the Miocene of South Qatar on U.S.G.S. Geological Maps.
*LOWER LIMESTONE GROUP
Eocene
Lower & (?) Middle Eocene
Obsolete name proposed by Williamson and Pomeyrol (1938) to describe the sequence of Eocene
rocks which outcrops beneath the Alveolina Bed in Qatar. Includes the Midra Shale and the Rus
Formation. The former is now assigned to the Dammam Formation. Name abandoned in 1953.
980
M
MAUDDUD FORMATION
Cretaceous, Albian
Author
F.R.S. Henson, 1940 (unpublished report)
Synonymy
Second Pay Limestone of Bahrain, Anon., 1937. Mauddud Limestone, Smout, 1956.
Mauddud Formation, Owen and Nasr, 1958. Mauddud Formation, Dunnington, 1959.
Mauddud Formation, Dominguez, 1965. Mauddud Member, James and Wynd, 1965.
Mauddud Member, Powers et al., 1966. Mauddud Formation, Dunnington, 1967.
Type locality
Q.P.C. well Dukhan No. 1, lat. 252516 N, long. 504701 E, elevation 39 m (128 ft), completed
The formation takes its name from Ain Mauddud, a locality near Dukhan, Qatar.
55 m (181 ft)
Thickness
Grey, foraminiferal limestone, varying from predominantly compact lime
Lithology
mudstone at the base through wackestones to pellety, skeletal packstones and
wackestones at the top. At many levels the rock is composed predominantly of
tests of Orbitolina and Trocholina.
Orbitolina concava (Lamarck) var. qatarica Henson, Trocholina arabica Henson,
Fossils
Trocholina lenticularis Henson, Trocholina altispira Henson, Cyclammina whitei
Henson.
Originally believed to be of Cenomanian age (Henson, 1948) on account of the
Age
apparent association of Orbitolina concava with Praealveolina cretacea. Records
of the latter fossil from the type section have subsequently proved to be due to
contamination of well samples by cavings from overlying beds.
Underlying
Overlying
Similar rocks, containing the same microfauna have more recently been shown by
H.V. Dunnington (1959) to be Albian in Iraq. This age is now applied to the
Mauddud Formation in its type locality.
Nahr Umr Formation, contact conformable. Defined by change from arenaceous
sediments of the Naht Umr, below, to limestone of the Mauddud, above.
Ahmadi Formation; contact appears conformable. At abrupt change from typical
Orbitolina-Trocholina packstones of the Mauddud to the overlying shales and
marls of the basal Ahmadi Formation.
Other localities
Encountered in all deep wells drilled in onshore Qatar. Known also in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia,
Bahrain, parts of Abu Dhabi and Oman. Recorded from southwest Iran.
Remarks
No formal description of the type section of the Mauddud Formation has previously been published.
The name has, however, been applied for many years to the widespread Orbitolina concava
Limestone found in many parts of the Middle East. The lithofacies of the Mauddud is so
distinctive that there is little doubt that the formation has been correctly identified in the majority of
cases.
The Mauddud Formation represents a quiet phase of widespread shallow shelf carbonate deposition,
marking the close of an Albian cycle of sedimentation which commenced with deposition of the
terrigenous clastic of the Nahr Umr Formation.
981

H.V. Dunnington (1967) records the presence of an unconformity at the top of the Mauddud in
Kuwait and S. Iraq. He believed this sedimentary break to be region-wide and to separate Albian
from younger Cretaceous rock units. No physical evidence of such an unconformity is discernible
in Qatar or neighbouring areas.
MIDRA SHALE MEMBER
Eocene, Middle
The basal member of the Dammam Formation, which immediately underlies the Alveolina Bed.
Typically a yellow-green shale. Sometimes, as in the reference section, pale grey and iron-stained.
Ostrea turkestanensis Romanovski and fish teeth are reliably recorded from this member in Qatar.
Dictyoconoides cooki has frequently been erroneously recorded. Named after the comparable basal
shale member of the Dammam Formation in Saudi Arabia.
Originally included with the Alveolina Bed in the Dictyoconoides Group which formed the
middle unit of the Eocene sediments mapped by D.C. Ion, 1935.
Assigned to the Lower Eocene in its type area but conventionally placed in the Middle Eocene in
Qatar because this age applies to the greater part of the Dammam Formation. A comparable basal
unit of the Dammam has yielded Middle Eocene fossils in deep wells in Abu Dhabi.
*MISFIR FORMATION
Cretaceous
?Valanginian
The lowest unit now included in the Yamama Formation was originally assigned the name Misfir
Formation. When sufficient evidence became available to permit correlation with Saudi Arabian
formations, use of the name Misfir was discontinued. May equate with the upper unit of the revised
Sulaiy Formation described by R.W. Powers (1966).
MISHRIF FORMATION
Cretaceous
Cenomanian-?Turonian
Author
Synonymy
Mishrif Formation, Smout, 1956. Mishrif Formation, Dunnington et al, 1959. Mishrif
Formation, Dominguez, 1965. Mishrif Member, Powers et al., 1966. Mishrif Formation,
Dunnington, 1967.
The type section
Is in B.P.C. Well Zubair No. 3, in South Iraq.
Q.P.C. well Dukhan No. 28, lat 251712 N, long. 504836 E, elevation 32 m (106 ft), completed
1.5.1952, between drilled depth 646 and 727m (2118 and 2384 ft).
81 m (266 ft)
Thickness
Limestone; light grey, soft, porous, shell-fragment, foraminiferal wackestone to
Lithology
packstone. Occasional thin shales towards base.
Dicyclina qatarensis Henson, Zekritia langhami Henson, Qataria dukhani Henson,
Fossils
Praealveolina Cretacea (dArchiac), Pseudochrysalidina conica Henson,
Dictyoconella minima Henson, Dohaia planata Henson, Cuneolina pavonia
dOrbigny, Meandropsina vidali Schlumberger.
A Cenomanian age is assigned in Qatar, as in Iraq, but a Turonian age is possible for
Age
the highest part.
Underlying Ahmadi Formation, contact conformable. Placed at the top of the highest well
developed shale horizon of the Ahmadi. In Qatar is selected at contact of more or
less continuous pure limestone, above, with interbedded shales and limestones of the
underlying Ahmadi. Regionally, the formation boundary is diachronous (see
982

Remarks).
Laffan Formation, contact unconformable. At junction of limestones of the Mishrif,
with olive-green shales of the overlying Laffan Formation. Crestal cut-out of part of
the Mishrif, beneath the Laffan, can be demonstrated on the Dukhan structure.
Other localities
In deep wells throughout the Qatar peninsula and offshore area. Also known from South Iraq,
Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
Remarks
Originally included in the Khatiyah Formation of Dukhan until thicker sections, discovered on the
flanks of the structure, proved lithologically and faunally comparable to the typical Mishrif
Formation of South Iraq.
Overlying
The Mishrif Formation thickens eastwards from Dukhan as a result of progressive replacement of
shales of the Ahmadi Formation by shelf limestones. In onshore Abu Dhabi no vestige of the
Ahmadi remains and the name Mishrif is applied to a very thick shallow-water limestone unit of
Cenomanian age.
Faunal evidence suggests that the Mishrif Formation is of Cenomanian age in Qatar. It has been
assigned to the Turonian in some neighbouring areas and it is not impossible that rocks of that age
could occur in the upper part of the formation in Qatar, in areas where the least erosion has taken
place.
*MSAD GROUP
Cretaceous
Name adopted from Iraq, in 1940, to describe that part of the Qatar succession which occurs
between the Nahr Umr Formation (originally Rutbah Sandstone) and the Halul Formation (then the
basal Tayarat Limestone). The Msad Group included the Mauddud Formation together with the
original Khatiyah Formation which is now subdivided into Ahmadi, Mishrif and Laffan Formations.
The name Msad Group was abandoned in Qatar at an early date.
*MUSANDAM FORMATION
Cretaceous
Name applied, after the drilling of Dukhan well No. 1, to the Cretaceous succession now named the
Thamama Group. The Musandam Limestone of the Ruus al Jibal was the only similar unit known
in S.E. Arabia at that time (1940).
N
NAHR UMR FORMATION
Cretaceous, Albian
Author
Synonymy
Nahr Umr Formation, Dunnington et al., 1959. Nahr Umr, Dominguez, 1965. Wasia Shale,
Hajash, 1967. Nahr Umr Shale Formation, Tschopp, 1967. Wasia Shale and Nahr Umr,
Dunnington, 1967. Nahr Umr, Fox and Brown, 1968. Nahr Umr, Al Naqib, 1967.
The type section
Is in B.P.C. Well Nahr Umr No. 2, in South Iraq.
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 26, lat 252054 N, long. 504847 E, elevation 24.4 m (80 ft),
completed 14.1.1952, between drilled depths 999m and 1167 m (3278 and 3828 ft).
Top. 1. Sandstone, grey and greenish grey, glauconitic, rather marly, with numerous
Lithology
thin beds of blue-grey shale and marl and a few thin beds of grey limestone. 32 m
(105 ft). 2. Shale, blue-grey and brownish grey, with frequent beds of blue-grey
983

marl. Occasional thin beds of marly, glauconitic sandstone in the upper half. The
marl beds commonly contain ferruginous ooliths. 71 m (233 ft). 3. Sand and
sandstone, grey, rather marly and with numerous thin beds of marl and shale of
various colours. Many stringers and occasional thin beds of lignite yield abundant
resin fragments. The more marly parts often incorporate light brown phosphatic
concretions or ferruginous ooliths. 65 m (212 ft). Base.
Fossils
In 1. Trocholina lenticularis Henson, Trocholina arabica Henson, Trocholina
altispira Henson, Cyclammina whitei Henson. In 2. T. lenticularis.
Albian from its stratigraphic position
Age
Underlying Shuaiba Formation; contact believed disconformable. Placed at sharp change from
limestone, below to sands and silts, above.
Overlying Mauddud Formation; contact at conformable boundary between arenaceous to
argillaceous clastic sediments, below, and limestone above.
Other localities
Occurs in the subsurface throughout Qatar. Is present in much of eastern Arabia, from Iraq to
Oman, in varying lithofacies.
Remarks
Qatar is close to the limit of coarse clastic deposition in the Nahr Umr Formation, which becomes
almost wholly composed of shale a short distance to the east.
The application of one formation name to a widespread rock unit which varies from almost pure
sand at one extreme to pure shale or shale with interbedded limestone at the other results from the
nature of the type section of the Nahr Umr. This section includes sand, shale and limestone (K.M.
al Naqib, 1967) and, hence, can be considered as representing all possible facies variations.
With the exception of Cyclammina whitei, the foraminiferal fauna recorded above could have
resulted from contamination of well samples from the overlying Mauddud Formation.
Q
*QARTAS FORMATION
Cretaceous (Lower)
Valanginian
Disused formation name applied to the major, middle part of the Yamama Formation before
correlation with Saudi Arabia was possible. See Yamama Formation.
QATAR FORMATION
Jurassic
Kimmeridgian-?Tithonian
Author
First named by W. Sugden, 1953 in an unpublished report.
Synonymy
None. (The A, B, C and upper, anhydrite, unit of the D Member of the Arab Formation, R.W.
Powers et al., 1966).
Type locality
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 28, lat. 251712 N, long. 504846 E, elevation 32 m (106 ft),
The formation takes its name from the Qatar Peninsula, since it contains the first commercial oil
reservoir discovered in that country.
Top. 1. Limestone, light brown, varying from fine-grained, partly dolomitic and
Lithology
compact to a dolomitised and porous pellety limestone. 11 m (36 ft). 2. Anhydrite,
white or light grey, with frequent stringers of brown dolomite near the top and
984

bottom. 12 m (41 ft). 3. Limestone, brown, pellety and dolomitic, and dolomite,
brown, porous. 5 m (17 ft). 4. Anhydrite, grey, massive, dolomitic near the top and
bottom. 15 m (51 ft). 5. Limestone, grey-brown and brown. 20 ft of dolomitic,
anhydritic limestone is underlain by some 40 ft of pellet grainstone and packstone
interbedded with lime mudstones. These pass down into a basal oolitic grainstone. 25
m (83 ft). 6. Anhydritic, light brown or light grey, with a 4 ft bed of anhydritic
dolomite near the bottom. 17 m (56 ft). Bottom.
In 1. Salpingoporella annulata Carozzi, Favreina salevensis (Parejas). In 3. F.
Fossils
salevensis. In 5. F. salevensis, S. annulata, Trocholina palastiniensis Henson,
Kurnubia jurassica (Henson), Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler, Cerithium ursicinum
de Loriol, Helicryptus cf. pusilus (Roemer), Retusa pellati Cossman, Ovacteonina
pilleti (de Loriol), Isocyprina boonei Cossman
Upper Jurassic, Kimmeridgian - ? Tithonian. A Lower Kimmeridgian age is assigned
Age
to the underlying Fahahil Formation on the basis of its contained fauna and
stratigraphic position. The fauna of the lower member of the Qatar Formation (the
No. 3 Limestone) shows some affinity with that of the Fahahil. It seems reasonable
to regard the Qatar Formation as being Kimmeridgian in age, possibly ranging into
the Tithonian.
Underlying Fahahil Formation; contact conformable, taken at the base of the lowest substantial
anhydrite bed of the Qatar Formation.
Overlying Hith Formation; contact conformable and probably gradational. Picked at junction of
limestone containing nodular anhydrite, above, with limestone and dolomite below.
Other localities
Throughout onshore and offshore Qatar. The clear subdivision into alternating anhydrite and
carbonate members tends to disappear east of Qatar as a result of increasing anhydrite development.
In some areas distinction between the Hith and Qatar Formations cannot be made with any
confidence. The formation thins to the east.
The equivalent of the Qatar Formation occurs in large areas of Saudi Arabia, where it forms the
major, upper, part of the Arab Formation.
Remarks
The three limestone members of the Qatar Formation can be correlated with the A, B, and C
Reservoirs of the Arab Formation of Saudi Arabia (R.W. Powers, 1968). In Qatar these members
are informally named the Number 1, Number 2 and Number 3 Limestone from top to bottom. No
name has been applied to the anhydrite members which separate the limestones.
The equivalent of the Qatar Formation can be traced in the subsurface of large areas of Saudi
Arabia, where it includes important oil reservoirs. The lowest member, the number 3 Limestone,
was the first commercial oil producing reservoir to be discovered in Qatar.
The combined Qatar and Fahahil Formations of Qatar are the lateral equivalents of the Arab
Formation of Saudi Arabia. The Fahahil Formation (No. 4 Limestone) has also been included with
the overlying cyclical carbonate-anhydrite development in the offshore Qatar area. The name Qatar
Formation has here been erroneously applied instead of the synonymous, earlier published name
Arab Formation.
The practise of including all four Arab Zone limestones within one formation has many facts to
recommend it. It is not customary in onshore Qatar for historical reasons and also because it was
believed that the contact of the Fahahil and Qatar Formations marks a fundamental change from
continuous carbonate deposition to the later, cyclical, anhydrite-limestone regime. This fact
985

becomes more obvious to the east of Qatar, where it is often impossible to distinguish the contact of
the Fahahil Formation with the underlying Darb Formation. The base of the Qatar Formation can
still be recognised in such cases, as the base of the lowest significant anhydrite development.
The Number 1, Number 2 and Number 3 Limestones were assigned the names Jaleha Member, Juh
Member and Umm Bab Member respectively. These names have never been published nor have
they been applied locally. They are considered to be redundant.
R
*RAKAN FORMATION
Cretaceous (Lower)
? Hauterivian
Obsolete name originally applied to the argillaceous, pellet limestone which forms the lowest unit
of the Ratawi Formation of Qatar. See Ratawi Formation.
Cretaceous (Lower)
RATAWI FORMATION
?Barremian-Valanginian
Author
Synonymy
Ratawi Formation, H.V. Dunnington, 1959, 1967; Ratawi Formation, K.M. Al Naqib, 1967.
The type section
Is B.P.C. Well Ratawi No. 1, in south Iraq.
Q.P.C. Well Kharaib No. 1, lat 292709 N, long. 511156 E, elevation 41 m (136 ft), completed
Top. 1. Limestone, grey, fine grained, compact, argillaceous, detrital. Pellety in
Lithology
lower part. 26 m (81 ft [85.3 ft]). 2. Marl, grey interbedded with limestone, grey,
argillaceous, pellety. 16 m (52 ft). 3. Marl, grey, with thin interbeds of limestone,
grey, argillaceous, detrital, often pellety. 36.5 m (120 ft). 4. Limestone, buff, pellety.
7 m (23 ft). 5. Marl, blue-grey. 7.5 m (25 ft). 6. Limestone, buff, porous. 4 m (14
ft). 7. Marl, blue-grey. 3 m (10 ft). 8. Limestone, buff, porous. 3.3 m (11 ft). 9.
Limestone, grey, argillaceous, in parts pellety, detrital. 22 m (72 ft). 10. Limestone,
grey, fine grained, compact argillaceous, pellety, 18 m (59 ft). Base.
In 1. Choffatella decipiens Schlumberger, Lituola sp. (Orbitolina discoidea is
Fossils
recorded but probably derived from the overlying Kharaib Formation). In 2 and 3.
C. decipiens, Lituola sp., Cyclammina greigi. In 4. Pseudochrysalidina arabica
Henson, Pseudocyclammina lituus (Yokoyama), Lituola sp., Trocholina sp. In 5.
Pseudocyclammina kelleri Henson, P. lituus, Cardita cf. neocomiensis dOrbigny. In
6. P. arabica, P. lituus. In 8. P. arabica, P. lituus. In 9 and 10. P. kelleri, P.
lituus, P. lituus var. nov.
Hauterivian by regional comparison of microfaunas.
Age
Overlying Kharaib Formation; contact apparently conformable but regional evidence suggests
the presence of a considerable sedimentary break between the Ratawi and Kharaib
Formations over Qatar. The boundary is a sharp one between pure, porous limestone
of the basal Kharaib Formation and argillaceous limestone and marls of the
underlying Ratawi Formation.
Underlying Yamama Formation; contact apparently conformable; placed where grey,
argillaceous, pellety limestone of the basal Ratawi overlies pure, fine grained
carbonates of the upper Yamama. Regionally, there is evidence of possible cut-out of
beds at this boundary which could, therefore, be unconformable.
986

Other localities
Recognised throughout Qatar. An equivalent is known from Bahrain, whence it may be traced
through eastern Saudi Arabia to the type locality in south Iraq. Eastwards from Qatar, the
argillaceous Ratawi Formation is rapidly replaced by shallow-water limestones
Remarks
Correlation of the Ratawi Formation of Qatar with the better-studied cyclical sequence recognised
in Abu Dhabi suggests that a considerable section known in the latter area is absent from the upper
part of the Ratawi Formation over the Qatar arch.
The most widely recognised member of the formation is unit 4 of the reference section. This is the
lateral equivalent of the Chrysalidina Zone of the Buwaib Formation of Saudi Arabia. Similar
limestones are present in the type section, in south Iraq. In Abu Dhabi, the porous Zone F of the
Thamama Group correlates with this limestone bed. Units 6 and 8 can also be traced over a wide
area.
The Ratawi Formation of Qatar is the approximate equivalent of the Ratawi of the type section in
south Iraq. It is a predominantly argillaceous unit interbedded limestone which underlies limestone
containing Orbitolina discoidea and overlies pure carbonates of the Yamama Formation.
Accurate correlation with Saudi Arabia is not possible. It appears probable that the Ratawi of Qatar
is the equivalent of the Buwaib Formation of nearby subsurface sections. Cyclammina greigi,
which is typical of the lower Buwaib Formation in nearby areas occurs in unit 3 of the Qatar
reference section. The form Daxia which apparently replaces it in the upper Buwaib has not been
recognised in Qatar. It is probable that fossils recorded as Choffatella decipiens in Qatar have been
named Daxia in Saudi Arabia. The range of C. decipiens cannot be applied as a criterion in
correlation. The lowest occurrence of Orbitolina and Dictyoconus arabicus in the basal part of the
Kharaib Formation and of the Biyadh Formation is probably more significant.
The lowest part of the Ratawi Formation in Qatar is an argillaceous limestone which may be the
equivalent of the upper part of the Mid Thamama Limestone of Saudi Arabia. It was originally
named the Rakan Formation by Q.P.C.
It is probable that the fossil recorded as Pseudocyclammina kelleri from the Ratawi Formation of
Qatar is not the true P. kelleri of Iraq. In appearance it has some affinity with Cyclammina and
could be similar to Everticyclammina hensoni Redmond from the Buwaib Formation of Saudi
Arabia.
Current usage in Q.P.C. assigns the name Ratawi to the combined Hawar, Kharaib and Ratawi
Formations described herein. This reflects the fact that the unit between the base Shuaiba and top
Yamama Formations is the lateral equivalent of the Zubair-Ratawi clastic sequence of areas to the
north. The system of nomenclature applied in this Lexicon will be re-adopted in Qatar.
*RIYADH GROUP
Upper Jurassic
An informal name, adopted from Saudi Arabia, commonly used in Qatar to describe the succession
of limestones, dolomite and anhydrite which comprises the Hith, Qatar and Fahahil Formations.
The name has been abandoned in Saudi Arabia, but still finds application in Qatar and Abu Dhabi,
especially where accurate subdivision into formations is difficult or impossible.
987

RUILAT FORMATION
Cretaceous
?Campanian
Author
Synonymy
None
Type locality
Originally described from Q.P.C Well Dukhan No. 25. Another section is now designated the type
section. This is Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 55, lat. 25240 N, long. 504346 E, elevation 7 m (23
ft), completed 17.8.1956, between drilled depths 501 and 570 m (1644 and 1870 ft).
Thickness
69 m (226 ft)
Top. 1. Limestone, light grey, compact, lime mudstone to wackestone, particles
Lithology
consisting of fine elongate spicules; some indeterminate calcareous silt. Chert
nodules occur in the upper part of the unit. Fine recrystallisation obscures rare,
small foraminifera. 66 m (216 ft). 2. Limestone as above, with common rounded
phosphatic nodules and glauconite grains. 3 m (10 ft). Base
Small unidentified foraminifera.
Fossils
The age of the Ruilat Formation cannot be determined from its contained fauna but
Age
is assumed to be Campanian from its stratigraphical position between proven
Maestrichtian limestone and the Halul Formation which has a Santonian to early
Campanian age.
Halul Formation, contact unconformable. At the junction of light grey lime
Underlying
mudstones, below, with glauconitic limestone of the basal Ruilat, above.
Simsima Formation; conformable contact at boundary between fossiliferous lime
Overlying
packstones of the Simsima Formation, above, with fine grey, spicular lime
mudstone of the Ruilat Formation.
Other localities
Confined to the Qatar peninsula where it has been recorded from all but one well on the Dukhan
anticline and from Q.P.C. exploration wells.
Remarks
The Ruilat Formation is known only in onshore Qatar. Correlation with the section in Q.P.C. Well
Dukhan No. 51, shows that the Ruilat is the lateral equivalent of all or part of the Fiqa Formation
and therefore of Campanian age. See Fiqa Formation.
*RUMAILA FORMATION
Cretaceous
(Cenomanian)
Author
Type Section
South Iraq.
The name Rumaila Formation was applied for a short time to the sequence of interbedded marls
and limestones which form the upper part of the Ahmadi Formation of present-day Qatar
terminology.
This unit is lithologically and faunally different from the typical Rumaila of Iraq
988

RUS FORMATION
Eocene
Lower Eocene
Author
M. Steineke, R.A. Bramkamp and N.J. Sander, 1958 (First formal description)
Synonymy
Rus Formation, Owen and Nasr, 1958. Rus Formation, van Bellen, 1959. Formation de Rus,
Sander, 1962. Rus, Dominguez, 1965. Rus Formation, Elder and Grieves, 1965. Rus
Formation, Hajash, 1967. Rus Formation, Tschopp, 1967. Rus Formation, Fox and Brown,
1968.
The type section
Is in and below Umm er Rus on the S.E. flank of the Dammam Dome, Saudi Arabia (lat.
261904 N., long 501751 E)
An almost complete section is exposed in cliffs of Jebel Dukhan (lat. 2526 N, long. 5047 E), and
west of that point to the coast
Thickness Ca. 36 m (120 ft)
Dolomite chalk with occasional harder, more calcareous beds which sometimes
Lithology
contain pellety or oolitic debris. Chert nodules or small aggregates of quartz or
chalcedony common.
Rare, unidentifiable fragments
Fossils
Assumed to be Lower Eocene because of its stratigraphic position.
Age
Underlying Not exposed in reference section. Conventionally the base is selected in Qatar at the
contact of soft, chalky limestone of the basal Rus with underlying harder, dolomitic
limestone of the Umm er Radhuma Formation. Contact conformable.
Overlying Dammam Formation; contact conformable. At the junction of the basal shale
member of the Dammam Formation with the underlying pure, chalky limestone of the
Rus Formation.
Other localities
In Qatar the Rus Formation outcrops along the Jebel Dukhan and in central and north-east areas. It
occurs beneath the surface of all other parts of the peninsula and has been penetrated by many
wells. It outcrops in eastern Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Deep wells have proved the existence of
the formation beneath the surface in large areas of Arabia, including Abu Dhabi and Oman to the
south-east and Kuwait and South Iraq to the north.
Remarks
The reference section in Qatar, like the type section, is a wholly carbonate sequence. Most
subsurface sections in Qatar include some bedded or massive gypsum. A thin, soft, pale-coloured
limestone invariably occurs between the gypsum of the Rus and the base of the Dammam
Formation. The contact of the Dammam and Rus Formations is almost always one of shale or
argillaceous limestone, above, and pure, pale-coloured limestone, below.
The gypsum member of the Rus thickens south-eastwards from Qatar, becoming anhydrite when
deeply buried, and reaching a thickness of over 200m in parts of Abu Dhabi. The Rus Formation is
normally thought of as a unit made up predominantly of gypsum or anhydrite. This is the case in
well sections over a large area of Arabia. The fact that most surface outcrops lack this lithology is
due, at least in part, to leaching. In Qatar, evidence of this is seen in sink-holes formed where the
gypsum of the Rus Formation occurs near the surface.
In deep well sections, the base of the Rus is often difficult to select. In the absence of gypsum, the
base is selected at the position where brown, highly dolomitic limestones of the Umm er Radhuma
989

are in contact with pale, often chalky limestones of the Rus.
The Rus Formation is considered to represent the terminal shallow phase of a Paleocene to Lower
Eocene sedimentary cycle.
*RUTBAH SANDSTONE
Cretaceous
(Albian, Cenomanian)
Author
H.V. Dunnington, 1959
A sandstone formation, now recognised only in outcrops in the Rutbah and Wadi Hauran area of
Iraq.
The name was originally applied to Middle Cretaceous sands of Albian or Cenomanian age in
Iraq. It was used, in 1940, to describe the Albian terrigenous clastics encountered beneath the
Mauddud Formation in Dukhan Well No. 1. In 1950, following the definition of a more precise
equivalent unit in south Iraq, the name Rutbah Formation was replaced by Nahr Umr formation in
Qatar
S
*SABSAB FORMATION
Cretaceous (Lower)
Albian
Obsolete formation name originally applied to a lithologic unit which was believed to infill a
channel eroded in the crest of the Dukhan anticline at the close of the Aptian. The Sabsab
Formation was described as an oolitic, pellety limestone containing abundant abraded Orbitolinae
underlain by blue-grey to brown shale. Its relationship to the underlying Shuaiba Formation and
the overlying Nahr Umr Formation was obscure.
The characteristic Sabsab limestone is still recognised in many well sections in Dukhan, where it is
treated as one of many lithofacies units developed within the Shuaiba Formation. Similar rocks
have been recognised in the Shuaiba Formation in parts of Abu Dhabi.
The shale which was recorded from the lower part of the Sabsab in Dukhan has been shown, by
recently acquired Gamma Ray-Neutron logs, to be absent from many sections. This is the case in
the proposed type section in Dukhan Well No. 27. The original records probably result from
contamination of cutting samples by material from the overlying Nahr Umr Formation.
Shale is present in the Shuaiba Formation in some Qatar wells but its distribution is quite different
from that originally accorded to the Sabsab.
Cretaceous
SALWA MEMBER
Maestrichtian
Upper member of the Simsima Formation. Can be distinguished throughout Qatar and also in Saudi
Arabia (Lina Member), Abu Dhabi and Oman.
A minor unconformity is believed to occur beneath the Salwa Member over certain structures, but
this has not been demonstrated in Qatar.
Informally known as the Loftusia Zone. See Simsima Formation.
*SHAMMAR GROUP
Paleocene
Lower Eocene
Obsolete name adopted in Qatar for the combined Rus and Aidah (Umm er Radhuma) Formations
in subsurface sections. The name originated in South Iraq, where its use has long been
discontinued.
990

*SHAMMAR SHALE
Paleocene
Obsolete name for the basal shale-marl member of the Umm er Radhuma Formation. Continued in
use in some areas of south-east Arabia after the name Shammar Group had been abandoned.
SHARGI MEMBER
Cretaceous
Campanian (-Coniacian)
Deep-water member of the Fiqa Formation. In its type area, the Shargi Member is of Campanian
age but to the east, in parts of the Trucial Coast and Oman, the member replaces the Halul and
Laffan Formations, spanning the time interval from Coniacian to late Campanian or even
Maestrichtian.
Known in onshore Qatar only from Dukhan Well No. 51 (Juh-1), where it overlies the Halul
Formation and yields a typical Campanian planktonic microfauna. See Fiqa Formation.
SHUAIBA FORMATION
Cretaceous
(Aptian)
Author
R.M.S. Owen and S.M. Nasr, 1958 (amend. H.V. Dunnington, 1959)
Synonymy
Shuaiba Formation, Dominguez, 1965. Shuaiba Formation, Powers, 1968. Shuaiba
Formation, Harris et al., 1968.
The type section
Is in B.P.C. Well Zubair No. 3, South Iraq.
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 11, lat. 252717 N, long. 504802 E, elevation 41.5 m (136 ft),
Top. 1. Limestone, light grey or white, chalky and white chalk. 26 m (85 ft). 2.
Lithology
Limestone, white to light grey, chalky, containing fine, calcareous, organic debris.
Partly strongly recrystallised. Occasionally dolomitic. Grey and argillaceous in
bottom few feet. 106 m (348 ft). Base
In 1. Arenobulimina sp., Pseudochrysalidina sp., and Orbitolina cf. discoidea Gras.
Fossils
In 2. O. cf. discoidea, Cardita cf. upwarensis.
Aptian
Age
Underlying Hawar Formation; contact conformable. Placed where limestones of the basal
Shuaiba overlie blue-grey shales of the Hawar.
Overlying Nahr Umr Formation; contact probably disconformable; at contact of grey limestone
of the Shuaiba, below, with the shales of Nahr Umr Formation.
Remarks
R.M.S. Owen and S.M. Nasr (1958) describe the Shuaiba Formation as made up of dolomitic
limestones which are coarsely crystalline, porous and cavernous, with recrystallised Rudistae and
with rare Orbitolina discoidea and Choffetella decipiens.
The type section, described by H.V. Dunnington (1959), is quite unlike this, being composed of
fine-grained, chalky and argillaceous limestones, some of which contain globigerinids, interbedded
with shales in their upper and lower parts.
The Shuaiba Formation has recently become an important oil-producing reservoir in the
neighbouring state of Abu Dhabi and has, in consequence, been the subject of detailed study. The
Shuaiba Formation of the Bu Hasa Field is comparable to the coarse rudistid limestones recorded
from Kuwait. The type section in S. Iraq, appears to show more affinity to the equivalent deeperwater sequence which occurs at the top of the Thamama Group in the Bab Dome (T.J. Harris, J.T.C.
991

Hay and B.N. Twombley, 1968).
The Shuaiba Formation of Qatar has been almost exclusively examined as well cuttings and its
detailed lithology cannot, consequently, be determined. It has been described, in general, as a
chalky, Orbitolina-bearing limestone but much lithofacies variation undoubtedly occurs over the
peninsula. It is, probably, more closely related to the shallow platform facies of Bu Hasa and
Kuwait since deeper-water limestones like those seen in the type section and in parts of Abu Dhabi
have not been recognised.
The name Sabsab Formation was at one time assigned to a distinctive lithologic unit, composed of
grainstones or packstones with abundant abraded Orbitolinae, described from many Dukhan wells.
This is now included in the Shuaiba Formation.
SIMSIMA FORMATION
Cretaceous
Maestrichtian
Author
W. Sugden (unpublished report, 1956).
Synonymy
Tayarat Formation, Owen and Nasr, 1958. Simsima Formation, Dominguez, 1965. Simsima
Formation, Dunnington, 1967. Upper Chalk, Hajash, 1967. Aruma Upper Limestone, Fox
and Brown, 1968.
Type locality
The Simsima Formation was originally described by Sugden from Dukhan Well No. 28, but the
type section here designated is Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 55, lat. 25240 N, long. 504546 E,
elevation 7 m (23 ft), completed 17.8.1956, between drilled depths 353 and 502 m (1158 and 1646
ft).
(After W.O. Gigon and P.J.C. Hoogkamer, 1969, unpublished report).
Lithology
Top. 1. Limestone, medium grey, slightly chalky, lime packstone, becoming slightly
argillaceous towards the base. Particles consist of larger and smaller foraminifera,
ostracoda, coral, echinoid and gastropod fragments with dasycladacean algae. 18 m
(58 ft). 2. Shale, greenish-grey, soft, calcareous shale with some pyrite and mainly
smaller foraminifera and ostracoda. 2.75 m (9 ft). 3. Limestone. Alternations of
brown-grey, partly dolomitised, porous lime wackestones and light grey, often chalky
lime packstone. Lower 9m slightly argillaceous. Particles consist of large and small
foraminifera and broken fossils including rudists and echinoids. 98 m (319 ft). 4.
Limestone, medium brown, porous, dolomitised wackestone. Particles which are not
dolomitised consist of mainly broken fossils, e.g. lamellibranchs, etc. 20 m (66 ft). 5.
Limestone, light grey, partly chalky and in the upper part slightly dolomitised lime
packstone. Particles consist of broken fossils and larger and smaller foraminifera. 10
m (34 ft).
In 1. Loftusia gr. minor-morgani, Elphidiella multiscissurata Smout, Fissoelphidium
Fossils
operculiferum Smout, Omphalocyclus macroporus (Lamarck), dasycladacean algae.
In 3. Lepidorbitoides socialis Leymerie, Siderolites calcitrapoides Lamarck, O.
macroporus (Lamarck). In 4 and 5. Orbitoides media (dArchiac), O. macroporus.
Maestrichtian
Age
Underlying Ruilat Formation; contact conformable. Placed where white, chalky foraminiferal
wackestone of the basal Simsima overlies white recrystallised, dolomitised, spicular
lime mudstone of the Ruilat Formation.
Overlying Umm er Radhuma Formation; contact probably disconformable. At boundary of
white, chalky, algal lime packstone of the upper Simsima with dark brown dolomite
992

of the basal Umm er Radhuma Formation. There is an abrupt change from
Maestrichtian to Paleocene fossils at the junction.
This contact is atypical as the Simsima Formation is normally overlain by the basal
shale-marl member of the Umm er Radhuma Formation.
Other localities
Encountered in all deep wells drilled in Qatar. Recognised in offshore Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and
Oman. The equivalent rock unit is recorded from Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In the latter area
it outcrops as part of the Aruma Formation.
Remarks
The Simsima Formation has recently been subdivided into an upper, Salwa Member (units 1 and 2)
and a lower, Janaan Member. The former is typified by a fossil assemblage which includes
common Loftusia spp., leading to application of the informal name Loftusia Zone. The latter
includes two faunizones in Qatar. The higher, Lepidorbitoides Zone, contains an abundance of the
fossil Lepidorbitoides gr. socialis, while the lower, Orbitoides Zone contains O. media with
occasional Omphalocyclus macroporus. The two members can be traced eastwards from Qatar as
far as Oman.
The Salwa Member is the equivalent of the informal Lina Member of the Aruma Formation of
Saudi Arabia, while the Janaan Member correlates with the upper two units of the Atj Member of
that formation.
The Simsima Formation is the most lithologically uniform and widespread rock unit of the Aruma
Group.
Shales occur in the Salwa Member. The uniformity of development of the Member in Qatar allows
easy differentiation between the Simsima and the basal Umm er Radhuma shale. In other areas, the
latter can immediately overlie shales of the Salwa Member, making difficult the accurate selection
of the formation boundary on lithologic grounds.
Early miscorrelation resulted in the complete Upper Cretaceous carbonate succession found in
Dukhan being equated with the Tayarat Formation of Iraq. The upper, Maestrichtian, part of this
limestone is the true equivalent of the Tayarat and was so named for a short while. Difficulties of
exact correlation with the Iraq succession led to the proposal of a new, local, name, the Simsima
Formation. This name has been adopted by several organisations working in S.E. Arabia. Long
usage has established it as a valid formation name which is retained in spite of its demonstrable
synonymy with the earlier published Tayarat Formation.
A large number of foraminifera, including many new forms, were described from the Simsima
Formation by F.R.S. Henson, who undertook detailed work on core material from Well Dukhan No.
1. They include Elphidiella multiscissurata Smout, Fissoelphidium operculiferum Smout, Rotalia
cf. trochidiformis Lamarck, Loftusia gr. minor-morgani, Omphalocyclus macroporus (Lamarck),
Pseudorbitolina marthae Douville, Lepidorbitoides socialis Leymerie, Archaecyclus mid-orientalis
Eames and Smout, Siderolites calcitrapoides Lamarck, Rotalia cf. skourensis Pfender, Orbitoides
media (dArchiac), Loftusia coxi Henson, Lituonella cf. douvillei Davies, Dictyoconus cf. arietinus
Silvestri, Dictyoconella complanata Henson, Dicyclina schlumbergeri Munier Chalmas,
Broeckinella arabica Henson, Lituonelloides compressus Henson, Simplorbites gensacicus
(Leymerie), Pseudedomia multistriata Henson.
993

SULAIY FORMATION
? Jurassic Cretaceous
Authors
Synonymy
Sulaiy Formation, Powers et al., 1966. Sulaiy Formation , Powers, 1968.
The type section
Is in the cliff above Dahl Hit in Saudi Arabia.
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 27, lat. 251754 N, long. 504630 E. elevation 16 m (52 ft), completed
23.2.1952; between drilled depths 1615 and 1753 m (5298 and 5700 ft).
Limestone, light grey to grey, fine grained varying from slightly porous at the top to
Lithology
dense at the bottom. The upper and middle parts are slightly dolomitic. In many
sections, but not in the reference section, a thin bed of pellety or oolitic limestone
occurs at the bottom.
None identified.
Fossils
Not definitely established in Qatar. Conventionally treated as earliest Cretaceous but,
Age
as in Saudi Arabia, its lowest part could be late Jurassic.
Underlying Hith Formation; contact conformable; placed at the top of limestone containing
anhydrite nodules, assigned to the Hith.
Overlying Yamama Formation; contact conformable, placed where porous, chalky, pellety
limestones of the basal Yamama overlie fine mudstones of the underlying Sulaiy.
Other localities
Recognised in all deep wells drilled in Qatar. To the south-east, in Abu Dhabi, a dense lime
mudstone sequence at the base of the Thamama can be compared with the Sulaiy Formation but an
exact distinction between Sulaiy and Yamama Formations cannot be made.
Remarks
The Sulaiy Formation is generally unfossiliferous in Qatar, but its consistent lithology permits
correlation over a wide area.
Recent revision of the upper limit of the Sulaiy Formation in the subsurface of Saudi Arabia (R.W.
Powers, 1966) possibly invalidates the current pick for the formations top in Qatar. The presentday boundary between predominantly dense lime mudstones, below, and porous detrital limestone,
above, still appears the most natural formation contact in Qatar.
The age of the Sulaiy in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia is deduced from long range correlation of the
top of the Hith Formation with the top of the Gotnia Formation of Iraq. The latter is overlain by
limestone containing Tithonian to Berriasian ammonites. This deduction assumes that the end of
anhydrite formations over a wide area is approximately synchronous.
In spite of the above, the base of the Sulaiy Formation is conventionally taken to mark the Jurassic
Cretaceous boundary in Qatar.
The name Wakrah Formation, assigned to this rock unit before the name Sulaiy was adopted, is now
obsolete.
994

SUWEI FORMATION
Lower Triassic
Upper Permian
Author
Synonymy
Approximate equivalent of the Sudair Shale, Steineke et al, 1958. Sudair Formation,
Dominguez, 1965.
Type locality
Originally named from a partial section in Q.P.C. Well Kharaib No. 1, the formation was later fully
penetrated in Well Dukhan No. 65. The section in the latter well is designated the type section.
Location
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 65; lat. 252738 N, long. 504712 E, elevation 42.6 m
(140 ft), completed 21.1.1960, between drilled depths 2695 and 2894 m (8842 and
9494 ft).
The formation takes its name from a locality to the north of Kharaib in central Qatar.
Top. 1. Marl, khaki and brown, passing down into shale, grey-green with thin beds
Lithology
of dolomite, grey and compact. 4.2 m (14 ft). 2. Siltstones, red, green, purple and
brown, micaceous with interbedded thin quartz sandstones, grey, fine grained,
glauconitic, and shale, green and grey. Occasional thin beds of dolomite, grey to
brown, anhydritic, with occasional relict pellety structures. Minor anhydrite
intercalations. 58.5 m (192 ft). 3. Alternating marl, grey and dolomite, grey-brown,
dense. 12,8 m (42 ft). 4. Dolomite, grey to dark grey, fine grained, dense, anhydritic,
with streaks and nodules and some well-developed beds of anhydrite. Occasional
shales and marls, green to grey. 66.7 m (219 ft). 5. Shale, brown, grey, micaceous,
with occasional thin beds of dolomite, grey, dense or, sometimes, saccharoidal.
Dolomite becomes an important part of the sequence in the lowest 13m of this unit.
52.7 m (173 ft). Base.
In 1. Lingula tenuissima Alberti and Estheria minuta Goldfuss. In 2. L. tenuissima,
Fossils
E. minuta and cf. Crenilepis.
Lower Triassic to Upper Permian. The macrofauna recorded above is compatible
Age
with a Triassic age. A Lower Triassic to Upper Permian dating of the Sudair
Formation based on palynological study (Hemer, 1965) is now applied to the Suwei
of Qatar.
Underlying Khuff Formation; contact probably conformable, placed at the position where greygreen shales of the basal Suwei rest upon continuous dolomites of the uppermost
Khuff Formation.
Contact selected where
Overlying Gulailah Formation; contact believed conformable.
dolomites of the basal Gulailah Formation are underlain by brown marls and green
shales of the Suwei Formation. The latter pass down rapidly into red, green and
purple siltstones which typify the upper part of the Suwei Formation
Other localities
Q.P.C. Well Musaiymir No. 1, and deep wells in offshore Qatar (J.K. Dominguez, 1965). Deep test
wells in Bahrain. In many parts of Saudi Arabia both as outcrop and subsurface. Kuwait Oil
Companys Well Burgan 113 (R.M.S. Owen and S.N. Nasr, 1958).
Remarks
The Suwei Formation was originally defined when first encountered in Qatar in Well Kharaib No.
1. The absence of any age-diagnostic fauna from units beneath the upper Izhara Formation
obscured passage from Jurassic to Triassic rocks in a continuous carbonate sequence. The Guilailah
995

Formation was believed to be Jurassic, the underlying Suwei Formation being considered a basal
Jurassic clastic development. The latter was compared with the Toarcian, Marrat Formation of
Saudi Arabia, but, owing to lack of concrete evidence for this correlation, it was decided to define a
new formation in Qatar. The name Suwei has become so entrenched in Qatar geological literature
that the name was retained after evidence obtained from Dukhan Well No. 65 proved the
equivalence of the Suwei to the Sudair Formation.
In fact, the upper limits of the Suwei Formation of Qatar and the Sudair Formation of Saudi Arabia
differ slightly. The top of the latter is placed above bright, variegated siltstones, excluding the thin,
green-brown marls and shales of the upper unit of the Suwei.
The Suwei and Sudair Formations are widespread in Arabia, extending from the Arabian Shield to
Kuwait and Qatar. The formation has not been recognised in Oman (Morton, 1959) or the Jebel
Hagab section. The presence of a considerable proportion of dolomite in the formation in Qatar is
probably an indication of lateral passage to a carbonate facies further from the shield.
T
*TAYARAT FORMATION
Cretaceous
(Maestrichtian)
Author
R.M.S. Owen and S.M. Nasr, 1958.
Name of a shallow-shelf carbonate unit of Maestrichtian age whose type locality is in Iraq.
Approximately synonymous with the Simsima Formation of Qatar.
The name Tayarat was originally adopted in Qatar in 1940, being applied to the limestone unit
which, together with the Laffan Shale, makes up the Aruma Group. It was adopted because the
upper, fossiliferous part of this sequence (now the Simsima Formation) contains a similar
Maestrichtian microfauna to that found in the Tayarat Formation in Iraq.
In 1953 the Tayarat Formation of Qatar was subdivided into two formations. The name Tayarat
was retained for the higher one while the lower, undatable, apparently unfossiliferous unit was
named the Ruilat Formation.
Difficulty was experienced in establishing the exact correlation of the Tayarat of Qatar with the
Upper Cretaceous section in Iraq. In consequence, the name Tayarat was abandoned, in 1956, and
replaced by the local name Simsima Formation.
THAMAMA GROUP
Cretaceous
Berriasian (or
Tithonian) to Aptian
The name Thamama Group is applied in Qatar to a clearly defined sequence of rock units which
overlie the Hith Anhydrite Formation and underlie the terrigenous clastics of the Nahr Umr
Formation. This usage conforms to normal practise in much of Arabia, and is retained in spite of
recently published evidence which could invalidate the customary application of the name (R.W.
Powers et al., 1966). The name continues to be used for comparable subsurface sections in Saudi
Arabia (R.W. Powers, 1968).
The Thamama Group of Qatar contains lithologic units comparable to those described from the
subsurface of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Exact correlation being impossible on the basis
of available evidence, different formation names have been applied to parts of the succession. Even
where names from Saudi Arabia have been applied, it is possible that formation boundaries are
slightly different from those in the type area.
996

In 1956, the Thamama Group of Qatar was subdivided into the following formations:
Shuaiba Formation
Hawar Shale Formation
Kharaib Formation
The Shuaiba Formation is a widespread, transgressive carbonate unit of Aptian age which can be
recognised over much of Arabia, but does not reach the outcrop area of Saudi Arabia. Its inclusion
in the Thamama Group is based upon its apparent conformable relationship and close age affinity
with the underlying units, together with its common erosional contact with the overlying clastics of
the Nahr Umr Formation.
In 1961, it was shown that the Ratawi Formation of south Iraq has a diachronous, laterally
gradational contact with the Zubair Formation. A situation obtained in some areas where shales of
the Ratawi Formation have wholly replaced the Zubair, and include an appreciable proportion of
limestone. The Ratawi in such developments closely resembles the combined Hawar, Kharaib and
Ratawi Formations as originally defined in Qatar. For this reason, the Hawar and Kharaib were
reduced by Q.P.C. to the status of members within a Ratawi Formation including the predominantly
argillaceous sequence which underlies the Shuaiba and overlies the Yamama Formations.
Since 1961 the Thamama Group has attained great economic importance as a source of oil and has,
consequently, been closely studied. One result is evidence of the widespread regional value of a
formation closely comparable to the original Kharaib Formation. The name Kharaib Formation is
now being applied in Abu Dhabi and Oman. It is proposed to reinstate it in Q.P.C. terminology.
The Hawar Formation will be reintroduced, while the name Ratawi will be applied, in the original
sense, to the predominantly argillaceous unit which occurs between the Kharaib and Yamama
Formations. The Ratawi Formation so defined approximates closely in lithology and age to the
Ratawi of the type area.
The units assigned to the Yamama and Sulaiy Formations are believed to be very like rock
sequences similarly named in neighbouring parts of Saudi Arabia. It is probable that a break in
sedimentation occurs at the sharp contact between the Yamama and Ratawi Formations.
The Thamama Group is conventionally assigned a Lower Cretaceous (Berriasian to Aptian) age
in Qatar. Faunal evidence originally believed to prove Jurassic age up to the top of the Yamama
has been discredited. It is possible that the poorly fossiliferous Sulaiy Formation could be partly
Jurassic (? Tithonian) in age but the clearly defined contact between the Hith and Sulaiy Formations
is used as a convenient, conventional boundary between Jurassic and Cretaceous Systems.
*TUBA MEMBER
Cretaceous
Cenomanian
A limestone member of the Ahmadi Formation in south Iraq. The name is occasionally used
informally, in Qatar, to describe a 12m thick limestone which occurs within the lower part of the
Ahmadi Formation
997
U
*UBELA SERIES
Cretaceous-Eocene
Obsolete name applied, from 1940, to the complete sedimentary sequence of Albian to Eocene age
encountered in Dukhan No.1 and subsequent wells. Included all post-Shuaiba formations.
Abandoned in early post-war years. The origin of this name is obscure.
*UMM BAB MEMBER
Upper Jurassic
Name proposed, in 1956, to more formally designate the Number 3 Limestone of the Qatar
Formation. Has not been adopted or used in any report or publication and is considered to be
redundant.
UMM ER RADHUMA FORMATION
Lower Eocene Paleocene
Author
Synonymy
Radhuma Formation, Owen and Nasr, 1958. Umm er Radhuma Formation, van Bellen, 1959.
Formation de lUmm er Radhuma, Sander, 1962. Umm er Radhuma, Elder and Grieves, 1965.
Umm er Radhuma, Dominguez, 1965. Umm er Radhuma Formation, Hajash, 1967. Umm er
Radhuma Formation, Tschopp, 1967. Umm er Radhuma Formation, Fox and Brown, 1968.
Type locality
Near Umm Radmah wells (lat 2841 N, long. 4441 E) in Saudi Arabia.
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 22, lat 252238 N, long. 504834 E, elevation 41 m (146 ft),
Top. 1. Limestone, light brown or light grey, mostly very dolomitic, very porous
Lithology
and with many small aggregates of quartz and chalcedony. 50 m (164 ft). 2.
Dolomite, brown, grey brown and dark grey, saccharoidal, very porous, partly
calcareous. 79 m (260 ft). 3. Limestone, light grey to grey-brown, variable
dolomitic, with streaks of bluish-grey argillaceous limestone towards the bottom. 131
m (430 ft). 4. Argillaceous limestone, bluish-grey, with beds of blue marl. 53 m
(175 ft). 5. Marl, blue-grey, mostly rather pyritic. 12 m (40 ft). Base
Fossils
In 1. Lockhartia tipperi (Davies), L. hunti Ovey, L. hunti var. pustulosa Smout,
Sakesaria cotteri Davies, Rotalia trochidiformis Lamarck, Nummulites globulus
Leymerie. In 3. R. trochidiformis, Miscellanea meandrina (Carter), Sakesaria
dukhani Smout, S. dukhani var. cordata Smout, Miscellanea miscella (dArchiac and
Haime), M. miscella var. dukhani Smout, Operculina sp., Daviesina langhami Smout,
D. khatiyahi Smout, Kathina major Smout, K. selveri Smout, K. delseota Smout,
Lockhartia diversa Smout, L. haimei (Davies), L. conditi (Nuttall), L. conica Smout,
L. altispira Smout, Dictyokathina simplex Smout, Dictyoconus indicus Davies,
Delheidia haydeni Douville. In 4. L. haimei, L. diversa, L. altispira, L. conditi, D.
khatiyahi, Asterigerina dukhani Smout, Rotalia hensoni Smout, R. dukhani Smout,
Lockhartia prehaimei Smout. In 5. L. prehaimei, L. conditi.
Paleocene to Lower Eocene. In the reference section the fauna of unit 1 is typically
Age
Lower Eocene while that of underlying units is Paleocene (Smout, 1954).
Both A.H. Smout, 1954 and N.J. Sander, 1952 are of the opinion that the whole of the
Paleocene is represented in the Umm er Radhuma. No evidence of Danian age has
yet been found in either the Simsima or Umm er Radhuma Formations.
998

Underlying Simsima Formation, contact apparently conformable, but regionally disconformable.
At the contact of grey marls or shales of the basal Umm er Radhuma, above, with
grey argillaceous limestones and marls of the Simsima, below. There is a very
sudden change from Maestrichtian to Paleocene microfaunas at the contact. Without
this faunal change, accurate selection of the formation boundary could sometimes be
very difficult.
Overlying Rus Formation; contact conformable. At contact of grey-brown, dolomitic limestone
of the Umm er Radhuma, below, with white chalk of the basal Rus, above.
Other localities
Found in all deep wells drilled in Qatar. Known to outcrop over large areas of Saudi Arabia, Oman
and South Arabia; also from wells in south Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and the Trucial States.
Remarks
This formation exhibits remarkable uniformity of lithology and fauna over vast areas of Arabia. A
similar rock unit can be found in many other areas of Tethyan sedimentation.
The basal shale-marl member of the Umm er Radhuma is of widespread occurrence, having been
recorded from Hadhramaut to Qatar. The name Shammar Shale was formerly applied to it.
*UPPER LIMESTONE GROUP
Eocene
Lutetian
Obsolete name proposed by Williamson and R. Pomeyrol (1938) to describe the outcropping
Eocene limestones which underlie the Abaruk Beds and overlie the Alveolina Beds. The name
persisted until 1953 when the Upper Limestone was incorporated into the Dammam Formation.
UWAINAT MEMBER
Jurassic
(probably Callovian)
Middle member (Unit 2) of the Araej Formation. Synonymous with the Lower Fadhili Reservoir
and Atash Member of the Dhruma Formation of Saudi Arabia (Powers et al., 1966).
A pure, carbonate, grainstone to packstone with interbedded lime mudstones, which typically yields
a foraminiferal assemblage including Pfenderina trochoidea Smout and Sugden. Can be traced
over a large part of eastern Arabia, where it forms an important oil reservoir. Is the lowest oilproducing reservoir in the Dukhan Field.
See Araej Formation.
W
WAJID SANDSTONE FORMATION
Palaeozoic
Devonian Early Permian
Author
Synonymy
Bahrain Unit B, Milne, 1959. Pre-Khuff Clastic, Dominguez, 1965.
The type section
Is in Jabal al Wajid, south-west Saudi Arabia, where some 950m of sandstone are exposed beneath
the Khuff Formation
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 65, lat. 252738, long. 504763 E, elevation 42.6 m (140 ft),
Thickness 649 m (2129 ft), bottom not penetrated.
Top. 1. Quartzose sandstone, compact, dark grey, composed of medium sized
Lithology
angular to sub angular quartz grains, with grey-brown, micaceous shale at top and
999

fine grained siltstone in lower part. 8.2 m (27 ft). 2. Quartzite, very hard, light grey,
medium, angular to sub angular grains in siliceous matrix. 5.5 m (18 ft). 3.
Sandstone, white and grey, medium to fine grains, some streaks of green and brown
siltstone. 11 m (35 ft). 4. Siltstone, purple, green, and brown, slightly micaceous. 15
m (50 ft). 5. Sandstone, white, medium grained. 10.6 m (38 ft). 6. Siltstone and
fine sandstone, varicoloured with subordinate grey sandstone. 37 m (122 ft). 7.
Sandstone, white, quartzose, interbedded with grey, sandy siltstone. 51 m (168 ft). 8.
Sandstone, white, medium grained, interbedded with thin silty sandstone.
Carbonaceous material at base, 48 m (158 ft). 9. Sandstone as above, interbedded
with siltstone often brown. Slightly micaceous (muscovites) in lower half. 205 m
(672 ft). 10. Grey-brown, sandy, micaceous siltstone. 13 m (43 ft). 11. Sandstone,
as above, with thin, dense, dolomite beds containing some anhydrite in lower half. 67
m (219 ft). 12. Sandstone, grey to white, fine to medium grained, showing
occasional flow structures and ripple marks in cores. Interbeds of siltstone normally
black or grey, micaceous, but green to red towards middle of unit. 177 m (579 ft).
Base.
In unit 11. Indeterminate plant and fish remains and one plate of an arthrodire fish.
Fossils
The arthrodire fish plate indicates a Lower Devonian age for unit 11. Palynology
Age
suggests a Devonian age for unit 10, and a Carboniferous age for the top of unit 9.
The section which immediately underlies the Khuff Formation could be of early
Permian age. The probable age range of the Wajid Formation in Qatar is early
Permian to Lower Devonian.
Underlying The base of the Formation has not been seen in Qatar.
Overlying Khuff Formation, nature of contact not discernible. Placed at contact of the lowest
carbonate of the Khuff, above, with grey-green to brown shale and marl of the
uppermost Wajid, below.
Other localities
Encountered in Q.P.C. Well Musaiymir No. 1, in eastern Qatar. Also in deep wells in Bahrain and
offshore Qatar.
Remarks
Originally, informally named the Bahrain Unit B, this wholly clastic formation is now named
after the Wajid Formation of Saudi Arabia. Both are silico-clastic units which underlie the khuff
Formation and whose minimum age range is Permian to Devonian. The wide separation of Qatar
from the type section of the Wajid is no impediment to adoption of the name. The Wajid Sandstone
is considered to be a useful receptacle for pre-Khuff clastic units found in southeast Arabia which
cannot be fitted in any established stratigraphic scheme. The alternative is the proposal of new,
local formation names for isolated subsurface discoveries, such as those in Qatar.
*WAKRAH FORMATION
? Jurassic Cretaceous
An obsolete synonym of the Sulaiy Formation as defined in Qatar.
See Sulaiy Formation.
WASIA GROUP
Cretaceous
Albian-Turonian
Author
The name Wasia Formation was originally applied to a sandstone unit of Cenomanian age which
outcrops in Saudi Arabia (M. Steineke, R.A. Bramkamp and N.J. Sander, 1958). The practise of
applying the same name to an expanded section, of variable lithology, ranging in age from Albian to
Cenomanian or Turonian, developed informally in the oilfield areas of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, South
Iraq and Qatar. It was formalised with the publication by R.M.S. Owen and S.N. Nasr of the
1000

description of the Wasia Group. In Kuwait and South Iraq this includes all formations occurring
between the post-Cenomanian unconformity which defines the top of the Mishrif and Magwa
Formations and the unconformity at the top of the Shuaiba Formation. The equivalent of the
Wasia Group so defined has retained formation rank in subsurface sections in Saudi Arabia, rock
units defined as formations to the north being assigned member status (R.W. Powers et al., 1966).
The Wasia Group as defined fails to meet the strict requirements of stratigraphic practise (H.V.
Dunnington, 1959, 1967).
In Qatar the Wasia Group comprises, in descending order, the Mishrif, Ahmadi, Mauddud and Nahr
Umr Formations. It is overlain unconformably by the Laffan Formation (Coniacian-Santonian) and
underlain disconformably by the Shuaiba Formation, of Aptian age. The absence of the deeperwater, limestone, Rumaila Formation is the main feature which distinguishes this from the
succession found in south-east Iraq. The general similarity is borne out by the fact that three of the
above formations have their type localities in south Iraq or Kuwait, while the fourth, Mauddud
Formation, first defined in Qatar, is recognised in the area to the north.
The same rock units are recognised in the intervening areas of eastern Saudi Arabia, where they are
assigned member status. Qatar differs from much of east Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the absence
of sandstones from the post-Mauddud sequence. This suggests that Qatar was a little more distant
from the Arabian Shield during the Cenomanian.
Y
YAMAMA FORMATION
Cretaceous, Lower
(Valanginian)
Authors
M. Steineke, R.A. Bramkamp and N.J. Sander, 1958 amend. R.W. Powers et al., 1966
Synonymy
None
Type locality
A number of short exposures on the Al Qusaija upland of Saudi Arabia.
Q.P.C. Well Dukhan No. 26, lat. 252658 N, long. 504847 E, elevation 24.4 m (80 ft),
Top. 1. Limestone, light grey to buff, fine grained, porous to compact, pellety in
Lithology
lower part. 29 m (95 ft). 2. Limestone, grey, hard, fine grained, compact, pellety
with occasional oolitic horizons; often includes coarse to fine detrital carbonate
grains. 66 m (217 ft). 3. Limestone, light grey, chalky to very chalky in upper part,
containing variable proportions of pellet debris. 25 m (83 ft). Base.
In 1. Pseudocyclammina aff. lituus (Yokoyama), Nautiloculina oolithica Mohler,
Fossils
Trocholina sp., Spirocyclina sp., Stromatopora aff. costai Osimo, Polyphylloseris cf.
prae-turoniae (Zuffardi-Commerci). In 2. Pseudocyclammina sp., N. oolithica,
Trocholina sp. In 3. P. aff. lituus (this form is compared by Redmond with his P.
sulaiyana).
Probably Valanginian by comparison with the type Yamama Formation of Saudi
Age
Arabia.
Overlying Ratawi Formation; contact appears conformable in Qatar but regional evidence
placed where clean, porous limestones of the Yamama are overlain by argillaceous
1001

limestones of the basal Ratawi.
Underlying Sulaiy Formation; contact placed at conformable boundary between pellety, porous
limestones of the basal Yamama and fine grained, denser limestones of the Sulaiy
Formation.
Other localities
The Yamama Formation exhibits a similar lithologic development in the subsurface throughout
Qatar. To the east in Abu Dhabi it is predominantly lime mudstone and often difficult to
distinguish from the Sulaiy Formation. The Yamama Formation can be traced north westwards
through Saudi Arabia into Kuwait and South Iraq.
Remarks
The fossil Pseudocyclammina aff. lituus recovered from the lowest unit of the Yamama of Qatar is
the form compared with P. sulaiyana by Redmond. R.W. Powers (1968), states that the top of the
Sulaiy has been revised upwards in Saudi Arabia, to include the Yamama Detrital facies, which
contains P. sulaiyana. It is possible that the Sulaiy-Yamama boundary should be revised upwards
in Qatar to accommodate this change.
Before sufficient evidence was available to permit correlation of this unit with neighbouring
developments, its three component members were named, from top to bottom, the Karanah, Qartas
and Misfir Formations. These names have now fallen into disuse.
Z
*ZEKRIT FORMATION
Jurassic (Upper)
The units now named the Hith, Qatar and Fahahil Formations were originally treated as one, the
Zekrit Formation. Name abandoned in 1950.
1002

CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF CURRENT ROCK UNITS
Lower or Middle Miocene
Paleocene Middle Eocene
Middle Eocene
Middle Eocene
Middle Eocene
Lower Middle Eocene
Lower Eocene
Paleocene Lower Eocene
Coniacian - Maestrichtian
Maestrichtian
Maestrichtian
Maestrichtian
Campanian
Campanian
Campanian
Campanian
Santonian - Campanian
Santonian ?
Coniacian - Santonian
Albian Cenomanian (? Turonian)
Cenomanian (? Turonian)
Cenomanian
Albian
Albian
Berriasian - Aptian
Aptian
Barremian (or Lower Aptian)
Barremian
Hauterivian (-Barremian)
Valanginian
(? Tithonian) - Berriasian
? Jurassic (? Tithonian)
Kimmeridgian (? Tithonian)
Kimmeridgian (? Tithonian)
Kimmeridgian
Kimmeridgian
Lower Kimmeridgian
Lower Kimmeridgian (? Oxfordian)
Upper Jurassic (? Callovian to Kimmeridgian)
Bathonian - Callovian
Callovian
Bajocian L. Bathonian
Lower Jurassic (? Toarcian)
Lower Middle Triassic
Permian Lower Triassic
Upper Permian
Devonian early Permian

Hasa Group
Dammam Formation
Abaruk Beds
Alveolina Bed
Midra Shale Member
Rus Formation
Aruma Group
Simsima Formation
Salwa Member
Janaan Member
Ruilat Formation
Fiqa Formation
Arada Member
Shargi Member
Halul Formation
Daasah Member
Laffan Shale Formation
Wasia Group
Mishrif Formation
Ahmadi Formation
Mauddud Formation
Nahr Umr Formation
Thamama Group
Shuaiba Formation
Hawar Formation
Kharaib Formation
Ratawi Formation
Yamama Formation
Sulaiy Formation
Hith Anhydrite Formation
Qatar Formation
No. 1 Limestone
No. 2 Limestone
No. 3 Limestone
Fahahil Formation = No. 4 Limestone
Darb Formation
Diyab Formation
Araej Formation
Uwainat Member
Izhara Formation
Hamlah Formation
Gulailah Formation
Suwei Formation
Khuff Formation
Wajid Sandstone Formation
1003

CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF OBSOLETE OR INFORMAL ROCK UNITS
(marked with asterisks in the Lexicon)
Middle Eocene
? Middle Lower Eocene
Lower Middle Eocene
Lower Eocene - Paleocene
Paleocene
Maestrichtian (Campanian)
Cenomanian (Coniacian)
Cenomanian
Cenomanian
Cenomanian
Albian
Albian Coniacian
Albian Middle Eocene
Aptian
Valanginian Hauterivian
? Upper Jurassic L. cretaceous
? Hauterivian
Valanginian
Valanginian
Valanginian
? Berriasian Tithonian
Kimmeridgian Tithonian
Kimmeridgian - ? Tithonian
? Tithonian
Kimmeridgian
Kimmeridgian
Upper Limestone Group

Lower limestone Group
Bahrain Formation
Shammar Group
Aidah Formation
Busaiyir Formation
Shammar Shale
Tayarat Formation
Khatiyah Formation
Rumaila Formation
Asara Formation
Tuba Member
Rutbah Sandstone
Msad Group
Ubela Series
Sabsab Formation
Huwaila Formation
Musandam Formation
Rakan Formation
Karanah Formation
Qartas Formation
Misfir Formation
Wakrah Formation
Riyadh Group
Zekrit Formation
Doha Formation
Arab Zone
Jaleha Member
Juh Member
Umm Bab Member
1004
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1005

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Foraminifera of the genus Trocholina in the Middle East. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 11, vol. 14,
No. 115, pp. 445-459, pl. 11-13.
Henson (F.R.S.), 1948a
New Trochamminidae and Verneuilinidae from the Middle East. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 11,
vol. 14, No. 117, pp. 605-630, pl. 14-18.
1006

Henson (F.R.S.), 1948b
Larger Imperforate Foraminifera of South-Western Asia. Monograph Brit. Mus. Nat. Hist., pp. 1127, fig. 1-16
Recent Publications on Larger Imperforate Foraminifera of the Middle East. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist.,
ser. 12, vol. 2, No. 15, pp. 173-177.
Hudson (R.G.S.) & Chatton (M.), 1959
The Musandam Limestone (Jurassic to lower Cretaceous) of Oman, Arabia. Notes Mm. MoyenOrient, t. VII, 69-93
Imlay (R.W.), 1970
Some Jurassic ammonites from Central Saudi Arabia. U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Paper., 643-D.
James (G.A.) & Wynd (J.G.), 1965
Stratigraphic Nomenclature of Iranian Oil Consortium agreement Area. Amer. Assoc. Petr. Geol.
Bull., vol. 49, pp. 2182-2245
Kent (P.E.), Slinger (F.C.) & Thomas (A.N.), 1951
Stratigraphical Exploration Surveys in South-West Persia. Proc. 3rd. World Petr. Congr., sect. 1,
pp. 141-161.
Maync (W.), 1959-1960
Biocaractre et analyse morphomtrique des espces jurassiques du genre Pseudocyclammina
(Foraminifres). I. Pseudocyclammina lituus (Yokoyama). Rev. Micropal., vol. 2, n 3, pp. 153162. II. Pseudocyclammina jaccardi (Schrodt). Rev. Micropal, vol. 3, n 2, pp. 103-118
Maync (W.), 1965
Some comments on C.D. Redmonds New Lituolid Foraminifera from Saudi Arabia. Rev.
Micropal., vol. 8, No. 1, p. 37
Maync (W.), 1966
Microbiostratigraphy of the Jurassic of Israel, Israel Geol. Surv. Bull., No. 40, 55 p., 10 pl.
Milne (R.), 1959
The Dukhan Deep Test. First Arab Petr. Congr., Cairo
Morton (D.M.), 1959.
The Geology of Oman, 5th World Petr. Congr., Proc., sect. 1, pp. 277-294. New York
Naqib (K.M. Al), 1967
Geology of the Arabian Peninsula Southwestern Iraq. U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Paper, 560-G.
Owen (R.M.S.) and Nasr (S.M.), 1958
Stratigraphy of the Kuwait-Basra Area, in Habitat of Oil. Amer. Ass. Petr. Geol., Symposium.
Pilgrim (G.E.), 1908
The Geology of the Persian and the Adjoining Portions of Persia and Arabia. Mem. Geol. Surv.
India, vol. XXXLV.
Powers (R.W.), 1962
Arabian Upper Jurassic Carbonate Reservoir Rocks. Amer. Assoc. Petr. Geol. Bull., Mem. 1, pp.
122-192
Powers (R.W.), 1968
Lexique Stratigraphique International, vol. III, Asie, fasc. 10b1, Saudi Arabia
Powers (R.W.), Ramirez (L.F.), Redmond (C.D.) & Elberg (E.L. Jr.), 1966
Geology of the Arabian Peninsula Sedimentary Geology of Saudi Arabia, U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof.
Paper, 560-D
Qatar Petroleum Co. Staff, 1956
Symposium on the Geological Occurrence of Oil and Gas in Qatar. Symposium Sobre
Yacimientos de Petroleo y Gas, Tom II, pp. 161-169, XXe Congr. Geol. Intern., Mexico
1007

Qatar Petroleum Co. Staff, 1960
Review of the Geological Occurrence of Oil and Gas in Qatar. 2nd Arab Petr. Congr.
Ramsden (R.M.), 1952
Features of Limestones of the Riyadh Group of the South West Persian Gulf Region. Thesis, Dept.
Geology and Mineralogy, Oxford Univ., pp. 1-117, pl. 1-6
Redmond (C.D.), 1964
The Foraminiferal family Pfenderinidae in the Jurassic of Saudi Arabia. Micropalaeontology, vol.
10, No. 42, ppe. 251-263
Redmond (C.D.), 1964b
Lituolid Foraminifera from the Jurassic and Cretaceous of Saudi Arabia. Micropalaeontology, vol.
10, No. 4, pp. 405-414.
Redmond (C.D.), 1965
Three New Genera of Foraminifera from the Jurassic of Saudi Arabia. Micropalaeontology, vol.
II, No. 2, pp. 133-140
Reichel (M.), 1941.
Sur un nouveau genre dAlveolines du Crtac Suprieur. Eclog. Geol. Helv., vol. 34, No. 2, pp.
254-260.
Sander (N.J.), 1952.
I. La stratigraphie de lEocne le long du rivage occidental du Golfe Persique.
II. Essai biomtrique sur les variations des genres Lockhartia et Sakesaria.
Thse, Univ. Paris, pp. 1-216
Sander (N.J.), 1952.
Aperu palontologique et stratigraphique du Palogne en Arabie Saoudite Orientale. Rev.
Micropal., vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 3-40.
Sartoni (S.) & Crescenti (U.), 1962
Richerche biostratigrafiche nel Mesozoico dell Appenino meridionale. Giorn. di Geologia, ser. 2,
29, 279-87.
Sayyab (A.S.), 1956
Cretaceous Ostracods from the Persian Gulf Area. Thesis, State Univ. Iowa, 138 pp.
Smout (A.H.), 1954
Lower Tertiary Foraminifera of the Qatar Peninsula. Monograph Brit. Mus. Nat. Hist., pp. 1-96.
Smout (A.H.), 1955
Reclassification of the Rotaliidae (Foraminifera) and two New Cretaceous Forms Resembling
Elphidium. J. Wash. Acad. Sci., vol. 45, No. 7, pp. 201-210
Smout (A.H.), 1969
Three New Cretaceous Genera of Foraminifera related to the Ceratobuliminidae.
Micropalaeontology, vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 335-348
Smout (A.H.) & Sugden (W.), 1962
New Information on the Foraminiferal Genus Pfenderina. Palaeontology, vol. 14, part 4, pp. 581590
Steineke (M.) & Bramkamp (R.A.), 1952a
Mesozoic Rocks of Eastern Saudi Arabia (abstr.). Amer. Assoc. Petr. Geol. Bull., No. 5, p. 909
Steineke (M.) & Bramkamp (R.A.), 1952b
Stratigraphic Introduction in Arkell, W.J., Jurassic ammonites from Jebel Tuwaiq, Central Arabia.
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Stratigraphic relations of Arabian Jurassic Oil. In Habitat of Oil, Amer. Assoc. Petr. Geol.,
Symposium, pp. 1294-1329.
1008

Steineke (M.) et al., 1958
Geologic map of the Western Persian Gulf Quadrangle, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. U.S. Geol.
Surv., Misc. Geol. Inv., Map 1-208A.
Sudgen (W.), 1962
Structural Analysis, and Geometrical Prediction for Change of form with depth, of some Arabian
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Some Aspects of Sedimentation in the Persian Gulf. J. Sed. Pet., vol. 33, No. 2, p. 355
Sudgen (W.), 1963
The Hydrology of the Persian Gulf and its Significance in respect to Evaporite Deposition, Amer.
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Geology and Oil Resources of Eastern Saudi Arabia. Symposium Sobre Yacimientos de Petroleo y
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The General Geology of Oman. Proc. 7th World Petr. Congr., vol. 2, p. 231
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Geology of the Arabian Peninsula-Bahrain. U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Paper 560E.
Wissman (H. von), Rathjens (C.) & Kossmat (F.), 1942
Beitrage zur Tektonik Arabiens. Geol. Rundsch., Band 33, pp. 221-353
1009
LE TERTIAIRE DU QATAR
EN AFFLEUREMENT
PAR
C. CAVELIER 1
1974
1
Ingnieur gologue au Bureau de Recherches Gologiques et Minires (B.R.G.M.), B.P. 6009 45018 Orleans-Cedex,
France.
1010
TABLE DES MATIRES
Introduction
Lexique
Index chronologique des termes stratigraphiques dun usage
courant
Index chronologique de termes stratigraphiques prims
Rfrences des ouvrages publis cits dans le texte
91
95
117
118
119
Remarque : La pagination ci-dessus est celle du document original et non celle de la prsente transcription
TABLEAUX
Tabl. 1 Srie stratigraphique rsume du Qatar (dpts

tertiaire)
Tabl. 2 La Formation de Dammam: subdivisions en Arabie
Saoudite, Bahrain et au Qatar
98
101
Remarque : La pagination ci-dessus est celle du document original et non celle de la prsente transcription
1011
INTRODUCTION
En 1969, le Gouvernement du Qatar a dcid de doter le territoire relevant de sa souverainet dune
carte gologique rgulire. Le lever et limpression des cartes ont t confis au Bureau de
Recherches Gologiques et Minires. Le travail de terrain, excut davril 1969 avril 1970, a
abouti ldition de 3 coupures 1/100,000, compltes par une carte de synthse 1/200,000
(Cavelier C., Salatt A., Heuze Y., 1970). Chaque carte a fait lobjet dun tirage 1,000
exemplaires, dont le Gouvernement du Qatar (Department of Petroleum Affairs) assure la diffusion.
Paralllement a t assure la publication, 2,000 exemplaires, dune courte monographie
consacre la description gologique du Qatar, mais limite aux formations affleurant (Cavelier C.,
1970). Les subdivisions, essentiellement lithostratigraphiques, retenues sur les cartes et dfinies de
manire dtaille dans la monographie, lont t en tenant compte non seulement des travaux
publis avant 1970, pour la quasi-totalit consacrs des territoires voisins du Qatar ; Arabie
Saoudite (Powers R.W., 1968) ; Bahrain (Willis R.P., 1967) ; domaine offshore dAbu Dhabi (Elder
Y. and Grieves K.F.L., 1965), mais aussi des documents indits consacrs la gologie du Qatar,
dont nous avions pu avoir connaissance sur place, parfois trs tardivement. Ces documents
consistent essentiellement en rapports et cartes vocation ptrolire (QPC, Shell, Conoco) ou
hydrogologique (Legrand-Adsco, Parsons Engineering).
Nos travaux de terrain ayant dbut la frontire du Qatar et de lArabie Saoudite, il nous a t ais
de retrouver les divisions lithostratigraphiques dfinies dans ce pays, den apprcier le bien-fond et
dadopter la terminologie formationnelle propose (Powers R.W., 1968).
Seuls les dpts tertiaires et quaternaires affleurent dans la presqule du Qatar2 ; les plus anciens
appartiennent la moiti suprieure de la Formation de Rus, dge cuisien trs probable. Ils sont
surmonts des dpts de la Formation de Dammam dge luttien, qui occupent environ 80 pour
cent du territoire du Qatar. Cette formation a t subdivise en 2 sous-formations et en 5 membres ;
la terminologie retenue la t en tenant compte de rapports indits antrieurs, vocation ptrolire
ou hydrogologique. Les dfinitions ont parfois du tre prcises ; un seul membre nouveau a t
introduit : le Calcaire Velates de Rujm Ad, lextrme base de la Formation de Dammam.
Aucun dpt dge ocne suprieur et oligocne na t rencontr, la presqule du Qatar ayant
merg vraisemblablement la fin de lEocne moyen. La transgression miocne est tardive au
Qatar, ou les dpts de la Formation dHadrukh, dfinie en Arabie Saoudite, sont inconnus. Les
premiers dpts nognes au Qatar relvent de la Formation de Dam, divise en deux sousformations. La srie Tertiaire sachve avec les dpts essentiellement conglomratiques
dobdience continentales de la Formation dHofuf, attribus au Miocne suprieur (ou MioPliocne).
Peu de dterminations palontologiques avaient pu tre mises en uvre prcdemment pour
dterminer lge relatif des dpts tertiaires du Qatar (Cox L.R. in Lamare, 1936, p. 37 ; Henson
F.R.S., 1948 ; Smout A.H., 1954 ; Cavelier C., 1970) ; les tudes concernant nos rcoltent
palontologiques ne sont pas encore termines ; elles ont t confies differents spcialistes
auxquels sont dues les dterminations mentionnes.
2
Les les dHalul et de Shra Auh montrent au contraire des dpts beaucoup plus anciens, appartenant la Formation
dHormuz (cambrien infrieur), remonts par diapyrisme.
1012

-
Blondeau A. (Facult des Sciences, Paris) : Grands Foraminifres de lEocne moyen ; in

Blondeau A. et Cavelier C., 1972 (voir bibliographie).
Buge E. (Museum, Paris) : Bryozoaires. Le premier examen est termin ; les quelques
espces rcoltes sont pour la plupart nouvelles et donneront lieu publication ultrieure.
Casier E. (Bruxelles) : Ichthyofaune des Midra Shales, in Casier E., 1971 (voir
bibliographie).
Cavelier C. (services gologiques national, B.R.G.M., Orleans) : Mollusques. Les
dterminations, ingalement avances feront lobjet dune monographie.
Lorenz C. (CNRS, Paris) : Grand Foraminifre miocne. 1 seule espce, dont ltude est en
cours.
Poignant A. (Facult des Sciences, Paris) : Algues. Ltude, termine, na abouti
lidentification que dune seule espce.
Roman Y. (Museum, Paris) : Echinodermes. La plupart des espces sont dj dtermines.
Aprs complment, lensemble donnera lieu publication.
Dores et dj la mise en uvre du matriel palontologique rcolt dans lEocne aboutit rectifier
lge ocne infrieur sommital admis antrieurement (Powers R.W., 1968 ; Cavelier C., 1970)
pour la Dammam infrieure : Grands Foraminifres, Poissons et Mollusques concordent en effet
pour situer les dpts de cette sous-formation la base de lEocne moyen.
Au contraire des rsultats acquis dans lEocne, ceux obtenus dans le Miocne restent encore
insuffisants pour prciser les correlations avec les tages dfinis en Europe.
1013

TABLEAU 1
Srie stratigraphique rsume du Qatar
(dpts tertiaires)
Milieux de sdimentation
Quaternaire
Pliocne
Suprieur
Membres
Marin,
peu
profond
Marin,
littoral
Lagunaire et
Continental
vaporitique
Moyen
(Helvtien)
(Burdigalien)
Infrieur
Dam
Miocne
(Pontien)
(Tortonien)
Formations
Hofuf
Ages
Suprieure
Infrieure
(Aquitanien)
(Luttien)
(Cuisien)
(Thantien)
Moyen
(Montien)
Infrieur
(Damien)
Umm er Radhuma
Palocne
Suprieur
Abarug
Umm Bab
Dukhan
Infrieure
Midra (et Saila)

Rujm Ad
Suprieure
Infrieur
(Ilerdien)
Suprieure
Rus
Eocne
Moyen
Dammam
Oligocne
Suprieur
(inclues zones
5 et 6 de
Smout)
Infrieure
(zones 1 a 4
de Smout)
1014
LEXIQUE
Les termes stratigraphiques sont cits sous leur forme anglaise courante. Ceux dont lusage est
abandonn sont prcds dun astrisque. Remarque : La pagination contenue dans tout le texte cidessous est celle du document original et non celle de la prsente transcription.
A
ABARUG Dolomitic Limestone
Eocne moyen
ABARUG Dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member
ABARUG Dolomite Marl
Voir : Dammam Formation, Upper Dammam Sub-formation, p. 106
*ABARUK Bed
*ABARUK Beds
Eocne moyen
*ABARUK Chalk
Voir: Dammam Formation, Abarug dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member, p. 106
*Alveolina Beds
Eocne moyen
Voir: Dammam Formation, Dukhan Alveolina Limestone and Marl Member, p. 103
B
*BAHREIN [Bahrain] Formation
*BAHREIN [Bahrain] Group
Voir: Hasa Series, p. 109
*BUSAIYIR Formation
Voir: Hasa Series, P. 109
Palogne
Palogne
C
Eocne infrieur
*Chalk(y) Zone
Voir: Rus Formation, p. 111
D
Dam Formation, Lower, Upper (Formation de Dam)
Miocne infrieur
- Lower DAM Subformation
moyen ( ?)
- Upper DAM Subformation
Auteurs
Steineke M. et Kock T.W., 1935, rapport indit, Arabie Saoudite
Synonymie
Voir Powers R.W., 1968, Lex. Strat. Intern., Arabie Saoudite; Cavelier C., 1970, Geol. Descr. Qatar
Dfinition
Voir Powers R.W., 1968, Arabie Saoudite ; Cavelier C., 1970, Qatar
Description
Au Qatar, ou la transgression nogne est tardive (absence de la Formation dHadrukh dfinie en
Arabie Saoudite), les premiers dpts marins miocnes reposent en lgre discordance sur lEocne
moyen (Membre dAbarug et surtout de Umm Bab). Ils sont conservs essentiellement en position
synclinale ou la faveur de collapse structures , dans le quart SW de la pninsule.
1015

Souvent appels Lower Fars3 dans les rapports indits anciens vocation ptrolire, par
comparaison avec les sries Iraniennes, les dpts nognes du Qatar ont t ultrieurement
paralleliss avec la Formation de Dam, et parfois celle dHofuf dArabie Saoudite dans les rapports
vocation hydrogologique.
Au contraire des dpts ocnes, les sries miocnes varient trs rapidement de proche en proche et
lapplication stricte des rgles de nomenclature lithologique entrainerait la multiplication des termes
locaux.
A linstar de nos confrres amricains de lARAMCO, nous avons conserv un seul terme
formationnel pour lensemble des dpts alternativement argileux, marneux et calcaires du Miocne
marin du Qatar et vit la cration de membres.
A nos yeux, la comparaison des dpts nognes du Qatar avec ceux de la Formation de Dam
dArabie Saoudite (coupe type in Powers R.W., Ramirez L.F., Redmond L.D. et Elberg E.L., 1966)
justifie lextension de la dfinition au Qatar. Les Lowers Fars iraniens par contre sont en partie
constitus dvaporites, lesquelles jouent un rle particulirement insignifiant dans le Miocne
marin du Qatar pninsulaire ; ce nest que dans le domaine offshore que lemploi du terme est
justifi (Elder J. et Grieves K.F.L., 1965, confirms par Stocklin J., 1968).
Ltude dtaille de deux coupes compltes dans le SW du Qatar, proximit de la frontire
dArabie Saoudite, et dune coupe partielle sur la frontire mme, Qarn Abu Wail, dj tudie
par Cox L.R. in Philby (in Lamare P., 1936, p. 37), a permis de dfinir deux sous-ensembles dans la
formation de Dam, qui ont pu tre distingus cartographiquement dans tout le Qatar (Cavelier C.,
1970) :
LOWER DAM SUBFORMATION
(Sous-Formation de Dam Infrieure)
Cette subdivision, constitue par des alternances de calcaires organognes, calcaires argileux,
marnes ou argiles vertes formes dun mlange dillite, kaolinite, chlorite et smectites, est limite
la base par le dernier dpt ocne et, au sommet, par le dernier niveau calcaire Echinocyamus
abondants (en fait Fibularia), constituant une plate-forme gnralement trs dgage par lrosion.
Dans la rgion dAbu Samra, cette subdivision a une paisseur peine infrieur 30 mtres, mais
celle-ci tend diminuer lgrement vers le N et le NE, alors que les couches argileuses deviennent
progressivement plus calcaires.
Faune
Les mollusques sont trs abondants, mais nont pas encore fait lobjet de dtermination spcifique
systmatique : ct dOstrea latimarginata Vredenburg, parfois frquente, on note des Pectinidae,
Anomia, Spondylus, Lima, Avicula et des empreintes et moules de Clementia papyracea (Gray),
Diplodonta, Chama gryphoides Linne, Venericardia, Trachycardium, Veneridae. et trs
localement des Cyrenidae.
Les Gastropodes, gnralement ltat dempreintes, comprennent des Fissurella, Natica,
Xenophora, Turritella, Cerithidae, Cypraea, Conus, Bulla et trs localement des Hydrobia,
Potamides, et dautres genres deaux saumtres.
3
Nom actuel Gachsaran Formation, base du Fars Group (voir Lexique Stratigraphique International, fasc. Iran, 1972,
p. 319).
1016

Les Echinodermes sont trs frquents, mais se rapportent essentiellement lespce Fibularia
voeltzkowi Tornquist, caractristique de la sous-Formation.
Les Bryozoaires correspondent des formes non dcrites : Steginoporella( ?) sp., Thalamoporella
n.sp. 1 et n.sp. 2.
Les poissons sont peu frquents : Aetobatus arcuatus Ag. et Diodon sp. Indet., ainsi que les dbris
de Reptiles( ?).
Les algues sont abondantes localement : Halimeda eocenica Morellet.
Notons enfin la frquence des dbris de Crustacs et labondance de Grands Foraminifres du genre
Archaias. Les coraux sont prsents trs localement vers lextrme base.
UPPER DAM SUBFORMATION
(Sous-Formation de Dam suprieure)
Cette subdivision prsente une succession lithologique trs comparable, dans le dtail, celle de la
sous-Formation de Dam infrieure : alternances rptes de bancs peu pais de calcaires
organognes, de calcaires argileux, de marnes et dargiles rouges, vertes et grises avec en outre
quelques termes sableux. La fraction argileuse est gnralement analogue celle constate dans le
Dam infrieure, avec en outre une fraction attapulgitique frquente. Des amas de clestite existent
localement la base.
Cet ensemble varie rapidement dans le dtail de proche en proche. Epais denviron 50 mtres dans
la rgion synclinale dAbu Samra, les dpts de la Dam suprieure diminuent rapidement
dpaisseur vers le N et le NE, ou ils deviennent essentiellement calcaires.
A la base, la Dam suprieure est limite par le dernier banc calcaire Echinocyamus (Fibularia)
abondants ; au sommet elle se termine sous le premier niveau dtritique ou argileux de la base de la
Formation dHofuf. En rgle gnrale le contact des deux formations est difficilement tudiable en
raison de la mauvaise tenue des dpts de la Formation dHofuf.
Faune
Dans la rgion synclinale dAbu Samra, les dpts de la Dam suprieure montrent des
caractristiques essentiellement marines, avec intercalations, dans la moiti suprieure, de calcaires
organognes, ou abondent les Clausinella persica Cox et localement des Hydrobiidae, dnotant un
milieu de salinit anormale. Vers le N et le NE, ces niveaux Clausinella persica constituent la
majeure partie de la sous-Formation, dpaisseur rduite.
Les Mollusques des couches marines, ou les Plcypodes prdominent, comprennent Chlamys
senatoria (Gmelin), Anomia sp., Ostrea latimarginata Vredenburg et des empreintes et moulages de
Clementia papyracea (Gray). Capsa lacunosa (Chemn), cf. Capsa fragilis (Linne), Tellina
(peronidia) bipartita basterot, Diplodonta cf. rotundata (Montagu), Barbatia barbata (Linne),
Anadara cf. turonica (Dujardin), Cardiocardita cf. monolifera (Dujardin), Cardiocardita aff.
Turonica (ivolas et Peyrot), Solenocurtus basteroti (Desmoulins), Timoclea (Venus) subspadicea
(Cossm), Modiola (Amygdalum) sp., des Cardium, Lucina, Mactra, Tapes, Eastonia, Panopea
Les Gastropodes, reprsents par des moules internes, appartiennent aux genres Xenophora,
Ampullina, Turritella, Cerithium, Cypraea, Cassis, Fasciolaria, Voluta, Conus, ?Olivella, Bulla
1017

Les Echinodermes sont abondants certains niveaux, mais restent encore en partie indtermins :
vers la base Schizaster sp., Agassizia aff. Persica Olegg et localement vers le sommet dabondants
radioles de Cidaris sp. 1 de Noetling 1901.
Les Bryozoaires sont assez peu frquents, dont ?Cupuladria gr. haidingeri, de mme que les dbris
de Poissons : Seoliodon (ou Physodon) sp.
Les dbris de Crustacs abondent dans les bancs carbonats.
Age des dpots de la Formation Dam

La faune rcolte dans la Formation Dam nest pas encore totalement dtermine et si lge
miocne des dpts apparait indubitable on peut hsiter entre le Miocne infrieur et moyen.
Les Mollusques dtermins sont pour la plupart des formes sans grande signification ; cependant
certaines donnent un net cachet ancien, telles Ostrea latimarginata Vredenburg, espce trs
rpandue dans le Miocne infrieur (Burdigalien) des Indes, de Birmanie, de Java. et Timoclea
(Venus) subspadicea (Cossm), cette dernire limite au Miocne infrieur en Aquitaine.
Le Cidaris sp. 1, dont les radioles abondent localement vers le sommet de la Dam suprieure,
associes Chlamys senatoria et Ostrea latimarginata, a t dcrit initialement par Noettling du
Yenangyoungian (Pegu suprieur) de Basse Birmanie, dont lattribution au Miocne infrieur
semble peu douteuse.
Le type de Fibularia voeltzkowi Tornquist, forme caractristique de la Dam infrieure, qui provient
des calcaires Cyphus de lle de Mahakamby Madagascar, est dge discut, mais cette forme a
t trouve galement dans le Fundi Isa Limestone du Kenya, attribu au Miocne infrieur.
La dent dAetobatus arcuatus indique un ge allant du Burdigalien la fin du Miocne ; elle est de
petite taille, ce qui indiquerait daprs Casier, soit la forme juvnile, soit lespce au dbut de son
volution.
La plupart des autres formes ne prsentent gure de signification, mais on notera la prsence, dans
la Dam suprieure, dune association de Mollusques classique des faluns de Touraine (France)
rputs dge Helvtien infrieur. Ces formes sont pour la totalit identifies sur la base
dempreintes et de moulages et ne sont gure significatives prises sparment ; globalement elles
donnent cependant un cachet un peu plus rcent que le Burdigalien aux dpts de la Dam
suprieure.
Dans les rgions voisines, R.W. Powers, L.F. Ramirez, C.D. Redmond et E.L. Elberg (1966)
donnent une liste des fossiles recueillis dans la Formation de Dam en Arabie Saoudite ; daprs eux,
la prsence dOstrea latimarginata Vredenburg, dEchinocyamus sp. et dArchias sp. indique une
corrlation approximative avec les Lowers Fars dIraq ; sur cette base, la Formation de Dam est
prsume dater du Miocne moyen.
J. Elder et K.F.C Grieves (1965), dcrivant la srie miocne du domaine offshore dAbu Dhabi et
1018

du Qatar, notent les troites ressemblances lithologiques quelle prsente avec les Lower Fars
dIran4 (prsence danhydrite massive). Du point de vue stratigraphique, ils signalent la dcouverte
de Taberina malabarica, forme caractristique du Burdigalien , dans les calcaires infrieurs la
srie anhydritique moyenne.
Lge des Lower Fars iraniens est discut et discutable (Burdigalien-Helvtien). Dans ltat actuel
il ne parait gure possible dattribuer un ge diffrent aux dpts de la Dam du Qatar et des pays
voisins, mais il parait vraisemblable quau moins la Dam infrieure soit dge burdigalien.
Dammam Formation, Lower, Upper (Formation de Dammam)
Lower Dammam Subformation :
- Rujm Ad Velates Limestones Member
- Midra (and Saila) Shales Member
- Dukhan Alveolina Limestone Member
Eocne moyen
Upper Dammam Subformation
- Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone Member
- Abarug dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member
Auteur Dammam Formation:
Bramkamp R.A. (1941, rapport indit, Arabie Saoudite)
Synonymie :
voir Powers R.W., 1968, Lex. Strati. Intern., Arabie Saoudite ; Cavelier C., 1970, Geol. Descr.
Qatar
Dfinition
voir Powers R.W., 1968, Arabie Saoudite ; Willis R.P., 1967, Bahrain ; Cavelier C. 1970, Qatar
Description
Les dpts constituant la Formation de Dammam couvrent environ 80% de la surface du Territoire
du Qatar.
La Formation de Dammam est divise en membres en Arabie Saoudite et Bahrain ; au Qatar, la
terminologie en usage est assez diffrente, bien quelle recouvre une succession lithostratigraphique
trs comparable (voir tableau P. 101).
Au Qatar les subdivisions de la Formation de Dammam ont t regroupes en deux ensembles
(Cavelier C., 1970) : la sous-formation de Dammam infrieur (Lower Dammam Subformation), qui
inclut les trois membres infrieurs (Rujm Ad, Midra (Saila), Dukhan), et la sous-formation de
Dammam suprieure (Upper Dammam Subformation), constitue par les membres de Umm Bab et
dAbarug.
Lower Dammam Subformation
Les affleurements de la sous-formation de Dammam infrieur sont comparables dans leur
distribution ceux de la Formation de Rus. La nature des dpts est trs constante, mais leur
4
Le terme Lower Fars, cr en Iran et tendu lIraq pour dsigner essentiellement les vaporites de la base du Miocne, a t
abandonn, vu limprcision de sa dfinition.
Le Fars Group nouvellement cr (Lexique stratigraphique international, fasc. Iran, 1972, p. 319) comprend, de bas en haut :
Gachsaran Formation, anciennement Lower Fars
Mishan Formation, anciennement Middle Fars
Agha Jari Formation, anciennement Upper Fars
Le Miocne du domaine offshore du Qatar se rapproche donc de la Gachsaran Formation.
1019

paisseur varie considrablement, maximale (8 10 m) lextrme sud aux environs de Sauda
Nathil, moyenne dans le Djebel Dukhan (5 6 m), elle samenuise dans le Nord-Est du Qatar ou les
dpts manquent dans le secteur Khor, Al Mazidah, Sinnah.
Tableau 2
La Formation de Dammam : subdivisions en Arabie Saoudite,
Bahrain et au Qatar
Arabie Saoudite
Bahrain
Qatar
(Powers, R.W. 1968)
Sommet
(Alat Limestone)
Alat Member
(Alat Marl)
Khobar Member
Alveolina Limestone
Member
Saila Shale Member
Midra Shale
Member
(Willis, R.P. 1967)
White Limestone
Orange Marl
Brown crystalline
Limestone
(Alveolina zone)
Shark Tooths
[teeth] Shale
(Cavelier, Cl. 1970)
(Abarug dolomitic
Limestone)
Abarug Member
(Abarug dolomitic Marl)
Umm Bab Member
Dukhan Member
Midra (and Saila)
Member
Rujm Ad Member
Base
Une coupe de rfrence a t leve au Qatar dans le Djebel Dukhan, 1km lE des installations de
la Q.P.C, Fhaihil (Cavelier C., 1970) :
Rujm Ad Velates limestone Member.
Ce membre a t dfini par Cavelier C. (1970) sous le nom de Fhaihil Velates limestone
Member . Mais ce terme, homonyme avec une formation jurassique suprieure des gologues
ptroliers, a du tre abandonn et celui Rujm Ad Velates limestone Member lui est substitu ici
pour la premire fois.
Ce membre est constitu, dans la coupe de rfrence, dun calcaire blanchtre, cristallin, compact et
dur, fossilifre, pais de 1.20m. Il repose sur le Khor Limestone Bed du sommet de la Formation de
Rus (voir p. 111) et est surmont des Shales de Midra (et Saila).
Par sa faune marine et son type lithologique, le Calcaire Velates de Rujm Ad tranche
parfaitement sur le Calcaire de Khor sous-jacent ; il est au contraire trs comparable au Calcaire
dUmm Bab de la Sous-formation de Dammam suprieure. Il a t reconnu dans tout le Qatar,
excepte au NE. En Arabie Saoudite, ou il na pas t distingu formellement, Sander N.J. (1962) et
Powers R.W. (1968), lont signal la base du Midra Shale Member.
La faune est caractrise par labondance plus ou moins grande des Mollusques et en particulier de
Velates schmiedeli (Chemnitz) de petite taille. On y rencontre galement des moules internes de
Gisortia gigantea (Munster), Terebellum, Pleurotomaria et des empreintes de Pelecypodes, dont
Glycimeris cf. jacquoti (Tournouer) var. nobilis Gumbel in Dreger, Cardium et des fragments de
Pectinidae et dOstreidae.
1020

Les Foraminifres dtermins comportent Dictyoconoides cf. koaticus (Davies), Lockhartia conditi
(Davies), Rotalia cf. trochidiformis (Lmk) et une forme ancestrale de Nummulites discorbinus
(Schlotheim).
Midra (and Saila) Shales Member
Le Membre des Shales de Midra (et Saila) est constitu de shales attapulgitiques, gnralement
brunes vertes laffleurement, contenant des pseudomorphoses de pyrite en hmatite, avec une ou
plusieurs intercalations calcaires plus ou moins phosphates apparamment discontinues.
Lensemble est irrgulirement fossilifre et possde 5 m dpaisseur la coupe de rfrence de
Fhaihil, mais peut atteindre 8 mtres dans lextrme sud et ntre pas reprsent dans le NE.
En Arabie Saoudite, tardivement, les Midra Shales (s.l.) ont t subdivises en deux membres :
Midra Shales (s.s.) la base, Saila Shales au sommet. Cette distinction base, surtout sur la couleur
des shales, na pas t retenue au Qatar, ou nous avons introduit un terme composite pour rappeler
la correspondance avec lArabie Saoudite (Cavelier C. 1970). La faune des Shales de Midra (et
Saila) est assez varie et comprend de rare Bryozoaires branchus, indterminables
(Membraniporide ?), des Echinodermes : nombreux radioles et localement une espce dforme
rapporte provisoirement cf. Linthia navillei de Loriol. Les Mollusques sont nombreux dans les
shales et les intercalations carbonates, mais leur dtermination est peu avance. Lespce la plus
frquente dans la moiti suprieure des shales est Cubitostrea multicostata (Desh.) var.
strictiplicata Raulin et Delbos (= Ostrea turkestanensis Romanovski), les Amussium et les Vulsella
sont localement assez abondants. Dans les shales suprieurs, les moules internes en hmatite, plus
ou moins dforms, appartiennent entre autre aux Lucinidae, Corbulidae, Crassatellidae,
Veneridae, Cardiidae, Carditidae Vers la base on note en outre la prsence de Teredo,
Lithocardium sp., Chama sp., Bicorbula sp. et de Phacoides cf. squamula Desh.
Les Gastropodes sont assez peu reprsents, dans les shales, par des Turritella, Natica,
Terebellum, Athleta, Turricula, Acteon
Les intercalations calcaro-phosphates contiennent Pycnodonte archiaci (Bell.), Pseudomiltha cf.
gigantea (Desh.), Pseudomiltha sp., Trachycardium gr. porulosum (Sol), Chama sp., Venericardia
sp., des Ostrea et des Pectinidae. Les Gastropodes sont reprsents par Velates schmiedeli
(Chemn), Campanile sp., Gisortia gigantea (Munster), Gisortia sp., Mitra sp., Bulla sp
Lichthyofaune est trs abondante dans les shales : E. Casier (1971) en a donn une description
dtaille, ou 28 formes sont distingues. Ce sont surtout les Elasmobranches qui dominent, et
parmi eux les Lamniformes et les Carcharhinides. La prsence du genre Galeocerdo, qui napparait
quaprs lYpresien, et despces luttiennes de la Tethys, telles Lamna gafsana White, Propristis
schweinfurthi Dames, Sphyraena fajumensis (Dames), Pycnodus mokattamensis Priem est
particulirement digne dintrt, la plupart de ces formes ayant t rencontres ds la moiti
infrieure des Shales de Midra (et Saila).
Les grands Foraminifres sont parfois frquents dans les shales (Dictyoconoides kohaticus (Davies)
en particulier), mais abondent surtout dans les intercalations calcaro-phosphates : Nummulites
discorbinus (Schloth) var. minor de la Harpe, N. aff. Discorbinus (Schloth), N. cuvillieri Sander,
Dictyoconoides kohaticus (Davies), Alveolina elliptica nuttali Davies.
1021

Dukhan Alveolina Limestone Member
Le Membre du Calcaire Alveolina de Dukhan a t distingu depuis tres longtemps au Qatar sous
des noms varis : Alveolina Bed (Williamson et Pomeyrol, indit, 1938), Middle Eocene
Alveolina Limestone (Smout, 1954) Constitu dun banc de calcaire blanc jauntre plus ou
moins argileux, peu pais (0.60 m Fhaihil), qui se ddouble parfois, il se relie intimement aux
shales de Midra (et Saila), la base, et passe progressivement aux marnes de la base du Calcaire de
Simsima [Umm Bab], au sommet. Son paisseur natteint quexceptionnellement un mtre, mais il
constitue un excellent repre en raison de son extrme abondance en Alveolines. On le suit dans
tout le Qatar lexception de la rgion NE.
La faune comprend de rares Bryozoaires : Sertella sp., des petits Echinodermes comparables aux
Echinocyamus, des Mollusques, surtout frquents la base et au sommet, dans les lits plus argileux.
Les Ostreidae et localement de grandes Vulsella sont assez frquentes, les Pectinidae assez rares.
Les Gastropodes (moules) sont surtout prsents au sommet : Conus, Bulla, Terebellum, grosses
Ampullospira Un Nautile existe aussi ce niveau. Les dbris de Poissons sont assez rares (dents
de Squales et Pycnodus cf. mokattamensis Priem). Les Grands Foraminifres sont marqus par
lextrme abondance dAlveolina elliptica var. flosculina Silvestri ; Linderina buranensis (Nuttall et
Brighton) est abondante ; Nummulites discorbinus (Schlotheim) est prsente ; les Dictyoconoides et
Dictyoconus sont rares.
Reprsents par des dpts beaucoup plus puissants que ceux de la Dammam infrieure, les
affleurements de la Dammam suprieure couvrent la majeure partie de la surface du Qatar, mais le
dtail des couches reste mal connu en labsence de bonne coupe. Lpaisseur des sries les plus
compltes ne parait pas excder 50 mtres.
Dans la majeure partie du Qatar, les dpts de la Dammam suprieure surmontent en continuit
ceux de la Dammam infrieure ; mais dans le NE du Qatar, ils sont directement transgressifs sur le
Calcaire de Khor (banc calcaire couronnant la Rus Formation) ou sur les calcaires blancs tendres
sous-jacents de la mme formation (voir Rus Formation).
Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone Member
Ce membre a t dfini par Cavelier C. (1970) sous le nom de Simsima Dolomite and Limestone
Member correspondant au Simsima Chalk Member (ou Simsima Chalks ) et au Surface
Dolomite Member dfinis par Stevenson, 1959, dans un rapport indit : The fresh water supplies
of Northern Qatar . Mais le terme tant homonyme avec une formation maestrichtienne des
gologues ptroliers, a du tre abandonn, et celui de Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone
Member lui est substitu ici pour la premire fois.
Stevenson avait constat dans le NE du Qatar la superposition assez constante dun horizon
dolomitis des calcaires cristallins blancs, et distingu sur ces bases deux membres. Ltude des
coupes plus compltes dans lW du Qatar montre que lorsque les termes suprieurs de lEocne
moyen sont conservs (Membre dAbarug), lensemble des niveaux sous-jacents est constitus de
calcaires blancs cristallins et quil nexiste aucune intercalation dolomitique comparable la
Surface Dolomite : celle-ci apparait la consquence dune pidiagnse superficielle du sommet
des calcaires de Umm Bab et ne peut servir caractriser un membre.
1022

Le Calcaire et la Dolomie dUmm Bab correspondent lUpper Limestone Group des premiers
gologues ptroliers ayant tudi le Qatar (Williamson T.P., et Pomeyrol R., rapport indit, 1938),
terme qui na pas t retenu.
Signalons enfin la mise en vidence, par Stevenson (1959), du Red Bed , vers le sommet de ses
Simsima Chalks , horizon dolomitique repre, probablement dcel en forage et que nous
navons pas identifier formellement.
En rsum le Membre de Umm Bab est dfini ici (voir Membre de Simsima, Cavelier C., 1970)
comme lensemble des couches intercales entre le Calcaire Alveolina de Dukhan et les marnes
dolomitiques dAbarug. Il na pu tre tudi en dtail dans aucune coupe complte. La base est
frquemment marneuse (attapulgite) et trs fossilifre (de 0 2 ou 3 mtres). Lensemble principal
est constitu de calcaires blancs cristallins compacts, avec intercalations locales de silex et
dattapulgite rouge ; des dolomies bruntres, dures, sont irrgulirement dveloppes dans la moiti
suprieure en labsence dune couverture plus rcente. Lpaisseur totale est inconnue de manire
prcise, mais certainement variable (estime entre 30 et 50 mtres).
La faune est essentiellement reprsente par des Mollusques : les Ostreidae, dont Pycnodonte
archiaci (Bell), les Vulsella et les Pectinidae sont surtout reprsents dans les couches marneuses
basales, avec des moules et empreintes de Lucina et de Venericardia et des moules de
Gastropodes, dont Velates schmiedeli (Chemnitz), Gisortia, Terebellum, Ampullospira, Turritella,
Conus, Acteon, Bulla Dans la masse des calcaires blanc, la faune de Mollusques est assez
homogne, avec une nette prdominance des Gastropodes : Velates schmiedeli (Chemnitz),
Gisortia gigantea (Munster), Gisortia sp., Terebellum, Ampullospira, Natica, Campanile,
Turritella, Xenophora, Rostellaria Les Plcypodes sont reprsents par dassez rares Ostreidae,
dont Pycnodonte archiaci (Bell.), et des empreintes de Trachycardium gr. porulosum (Sol).
Les Echinodermes sont frquents dans la moiti suprieure : Echynocyamus polymorpha (Duncan et
Sladen), Porocidaris aff. Schmiedeli (Munster), et en particulier vers le sommet, ou ils constituent
de riches gisements sur la cte occidentale du Ras Abarug, avec : Porosoma aff. Lamberti
Checchia-Rispoli, Echinocyamus polymorpha (Duncan et Sladen), Echinolampas perrieri de Loriol,
Oppisaster derasmoi Checchia-Rispoli, Schizaster beloutchistanensis (dArchiac), Eupatagus
formosus de Loriol.
Les grands Foraminifres presents dans les couches marneuses basales appartiennent
essentiellement lespce Dictyoconoides cooki (Carter), et accessoirement Nummulites
discorbinus (Schloth).
Ds les premiers niveaux calcaires, Dictyoconoides cooki se rarfie normement, alors que
Nummulites discorbinus devient trs abondante, associe Alveolina elliptica Silvestri,
gnralement peu frquente, de mme que les Linderina. Dans les calcaires crayeux cristallins
apparaissent, ds la base, les premires formes de petite taille, attribuables Nummulites beaumonti
dArch, associes Nummulites discorbinus major Roslosnick.
Dans les niveaux plus levs, les Nummulites deviennent rares et isoles et appartiennent aux
espces Nummulites beaumonti dArch et Nummulites somaliensis Nuttall et Brighton, associes
Dictyoconus daviesi Silvestri, Alveolina cf. elliptica Silvestri et Alveolina cf. delicatissima Smout.
Vers le sommet, dans les couches Echinodermes du Ras Abarug, seules de trs rares Nummulites
1023

beaumonti dArch et une Nummulite granuleuse du phyllum Nummulites fabianii (comparable
Nummulites bullatus Azzaroli) ont t rencontres.
Abarug Dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member
Le Membre de la marne et du calcaire dolomitiques dAbarug a t individualis trs tt au Qatar:
en 1938, Williamson et R. Pomeyrol dfinissaient, dans un rapport rest indit, les Abaruk
Beds , subdivises en Abaruk Chalk la base et Abaruk Bed au sommet. Ces termes ont
t repris par les auteurs successifs ayant travaill au Qatar, en particulier les hydrogologues, mais
jai du en modifier lgrement la forme (et lorthographe) aprs tude dtaille des affleurements du
Ras Abarug (Cavelier C., 1970).
Une coupe de rfrence leve 3 km au Sud de Bir Zekrit, dans la presqule de Ras Abarug,
montre deux units, que lon retrouve partout dans le Ras Abarug : la base, reposant sur les
calcaires cristallins de Umm Bab, un ensemble de marnes dolomitiques et dolomies argileuses
tendres, mais compactes, jaune-orange vertes, noduleuses au sommet, dpaisseur assez constante
(10.40 m Bir Zekrit), dsignes comme Marnes dolomitiques dAbarug (Abarug dolomitic Marl) ;
au sommet, un calcaire irrgulirement dolomitis, passant frquemment une dolomie calcaire (ou
non), gris jauntre brun, dur, rendu caverneux par labondance des empruntes et moules de
Mollusques, gnralement peu pais au Qatar (2 m environ), dsign comme Calcaire dolomitique
dAbarug (Abarug dolomitic Limestone).
Les dpts du membre dAbarug ne sont connus que dans la partie occidentale du Qatar ; typique au
NW dans la presqule du Ras Abarug, ils sont galement reprsents prs de la cte,
pisodiquement entre Dukhan et Umm Bab, et au SW sous le Miocne, ou ils sont tres peu ou non
fossilifres et dpaisseur souvent rduite. On ne possde aucune preuve de leur extension initiale
sur lensemble du Qatar, mais il est certain que dans lW du Qatar ils ont subi une rosion
diffrentielle pendant la priode dvolution continentale correspondant lEocne suprieur,
lOligocne et la base du Miocne.
La faune des Marnes dolomitiques dAbarug est restreinte des empreintes trs frustrs de
Mollusques observes dans le niveau noduleux du sommet. Le Calcaire dolomitique dAbarug est
au contraire trs riche en empreintes et moules de Mollusques plus ou moins dterminables,
appartenant aux Pectinidae, Spondylus, Lima, Mytilus, Barbatia, Arca, Lucina, Venericardia,
Chama (Chama cf. calcarata Lmk), Cardium, ? Sinodia, Corbula (Cicorbula), Teredo Les
Gastropodes sont reprsents par des Cerithidae, Volutidae, Bullidae, Trochidae, Turbidae,
associs Lyria, Turritella, Natica. Une grande forme semble correspondre ( ?) Voluta bericorum
Oppenheim et les tubes de Magilus grandis Tornquist sont frquents. Les Echinodermes sont
rares : Echinolampas fraasi de Loriol, de mme que les grands Foraminifres : Dictyoconoides
cooki (Carter) (1 exemplaire).
A Bahrain, le mme niveau a fourni, au Djebel Hisai (Cox, L.R., 1936), outre Echinolampas sp. :
Terebellum carcassense Leymerie, Mytilus cleopatrae Oppenheim, Spondylus radula Lmk., Lucina
(Loripinus) pharaonis Bellardi, Chama calcarata Lmk., Corbula (Bicorbula) subexarata dArchiac.
Age des dpts de la Formation de Dammam
Les gologues ayant tudi la Formation de Dammam au Qatar (Smout A.H., 1954 ; Cavelier C.,
1970) ou en Arabie Saoudite (Sander N.V., 1962 ; Powers R.W., 1968) rattachaient les Shales de
Midra (et de Saila) lEocne infrieur, sur la base, essentiellement, de la prsence d'une petite
1024

Nummulite dtermine Nummulites globulus aussi bien par Smout A.H. que par Sander N.V.
Cette petite forme, examine en dtail par Blondeau A. (auquel je lavais communique comme
provenant de lEocne infrieur), est en fait distincte de la vraie globulus et se rapporte au phyllum
de Nummulites discorbinus, et est trs voisine de la varit minor.
Un autre lment avanc par Sander N.J. (1962) est bas sur la prsence dune hutre dtermine
Ostrea turkestanensis dans les shales de Midra (et de Saila). A linstar de Cox L.R. (1936),
javais conserv cette dtermination pour lhutre des Shales de Midra (et de Saila), mais aprs
rvision dtaille de cette espce, il mest apparu impossible de la distinguer dOstrea multicostata
var. strictiplicata (Cox R., 1938 tait galement revenu cette interprtation pour la forme en
provenance de Bahrain). Cette hutre tant aussi bien yprsienne que luttienne, elle ne saurait
constituer un lment de datation prcise. Paralllement Casier E., auquel javais communiqu mes
rcoltes ichtyologiques effectues dans les Shales de Midra et de Saila comme provenant de
lYpresien, se trouva, au vu du materiel, dans lobligation dinfirmer cette datation, notant que, ds
la partie infrieure des Shales de Midra, il constatait lexistence de formes du genre Galeocerdo, qui
napparait quaprs lYpresien, associes des espces du Luttien de la Tethys, alors que parmi les
formes apparues ds lEocne infrieur, aucune ntait propre celui-ci.
Le seul Echinoderme, dtermin provisoirement par Roman F.J., provenant du milieu des Shales de
Midra, lest en tant que cf. Linthia navillei de Loriol, forme de lEocne infrieur vers la limite
avec le Luttien infrieur .
Il nest pas douteux, au vu de lensemble de ces dterminations, quaucune forme typiquement
yprsienne nexiste dans les dpts de base de Dammam infrieure, qui prsentent, au contraire,
dj de bonnes espces du Luttien. Il nen est pas moins vrai que lexamen des stades volutifs de
Nummulites discorbinus du Calcaire Velates de Rujm Ad et des Shales de Midra (et Saila)
indique un dbut de phyllum ; le type caractrisant le Luttien moyen et suprieur, il parait logique,
tant au vu du degr dvolution des Nummulites qu celui de lensemble faunique, dattribuer ces
membres au Luttien infrieur.
Le Calcaire Alveolina de Dukhan tait galement rapport par N.J. Sander lYpresien, sur la
base de la dtermination dAlveolina subpyrenaica . Cependant Smout A.H. (1954), attribuant
cette forme Alveolina elliptica var. flosculinna, rattachait ce membre lEocne moyen. La
dtermination a t confirme par Blondeau A.
Sur la base de la microfaune dtermine, tant lAlveolina elliptica que les Linderina tendraient
donner un ge luttien suprieur, par comparaison avec les rgions mditerranennes ou le Bassin
de Paris, mais vers lEst Alveolina elliptica est classique dans le Middle Kirthar indien,
quHottinger L. (1971) attribue la partie infrieure du Luttien. Sur la base du degr dvolution
atteint par Nummulites discorbinus et en tenant compte des observations dHottinger L., le Calcaire
Alveolina de Dukhan semble paralllisable, approximativement, avec le Luttien moyen du Bassin
de Paris. Le Membre dolomitique et calcaire dUmm Bab, au vu de lensemble faunique,
Mollusques et surtout Echinodermes et grands Foraminifres, appartient au Lutetien suprieur.
La Marne et le Calcaire dolomitique dAbarug ont livr peu despces dterminables ; les
Mollusques de Bahrain indiquent un ge ocne moyen, selon Cox L.R. (1936) ; Echinolampas
fraasi est une forme de lEocne moyen et suprieur (non rencontre dans les calcaires dUmm Bab
sous-jacents) ; les rares grands Foraminifres connus : Dictyoconoides cooki, au Qatar, et un grand
Dictyoconus, en Arabie Saoudite, cit par Powers R.W. (1968), feraient plutt attribuer ces niveaux
au Luttien suprieur.
1025

Sur le vu de lensemble faunique, aucune forme typique de lEocne suprieur ny ayant t
rcolte, la Marne et le Calcaire dolomitiques dAbarug, nous semblent encore attribuables au
Luttien suprieur.
Eocne moyen
DUKHAN Alveolina Limestone Member
Voir : Dammam Formation, Lower Dammam Formation, p. 103
F
Fhaihil Velates Limestone Member
Voir : Rujm Ad Velates, Limestone Member, p. 101
Eocne moyen
Ce terme, cr par Cavelier C. (1970), pour dsigner un banc de la base de la Dammam Formation,
ocne moyenne, tombe en homonymie avec celui formellement dfini par Sugden W., en 1959,
pour une formation du Jurassique suprieur. Aussi est-il remplac, dans ce Lexique, par Rujm Ad
Velates Limestone Member, du nom dune localit voisine de Fhaihil, situe entre Dukhan et Umm
Bab.
H
HASA SERIES (Hasa Group, Srie de Hasa)
Palocne-Eocne
Auteur
Sander N.J. (1951 ; rapport indit Arabie Saoudite)
Synonymies
voir Powers R.W., 1968, Lex. Stratigr. Intern., Arabie Saoudite ; Cavelier C., 1970, Geol. Descr.
Qatar.
Les termes Bahrain Group ou Bahrain Formation (Henson, 1940), anciennement utiliss au Qatar,
mais rests indits, sont actuellement abandonns.
Dfinition
(Sander N.J., 1962) : Les couches dge ocne (Palocne inclus) dans la rgion occidentale du
Golfe Persique, sont dsigns sous le terme de Srie de Hasa, du nom de la province dEl Hasa, ou
elles affleurent .
Subdivisions
En Arabie Saoudite orientale, au Qatar, Bahrain et Abu Dhabi, la srie de Hasa est divise en
trois formations, de la plus ancienne la plus rcente : la Formation dUmm er Radhuma, la
Formation de Rus, la Formation de Dammam
Miocne
HOFUF FORMATION (Formation dHofuf)
suprieur ?
Pliocne ?
Auteurs
Steinecke M. et Koch T.W. (1935, rapport indit, Arabie Saoudite)
Synonymie
Voir Powers R.W., 1968, Lex. Strati. Intern., Arabie Saoudite; Cavelier C., 1970, Geol. Descr.
Qatar.
Dfinition
voir Powers R.W., 1968 ; Cavelier C., 1970.
Description
Dfinie en Arabie Saoudite, la Formation dHofuf est reprsente dans le SW du Qatar, ou elle
couronne certaines buttes-tmoins constitues par les dpts de la Dam.
Ce terme a t introduit dans la littrature gologique consacre au Qatar par des hydrogologues,
dont les rapports sont rests indits, et a t repris par C. Cavelier (1970). Aucune coupe complte
1026

na pu tre leve dans les dpts de la formation dHofuf au Qatar. A partir de coupes partielles, la
base apparait souvent constitue dargile rouge ou verte, plus ou moins sableuse, ou de sables
grossiers et de grs.
Le corps principal est constitu de sable, graviers et galets (quartz, jaspe, roches cristallines,
calcaires), en provenance probable de lArabie Saoudite. Lpaisseur des dpts, gnralement
non fossilifres, ne parait pas excder une dizaine de mtres au Qatar.
Au NE de Khararah, le Gurain Al Balbul est couronn de conglomrats avec localement, la base,
un ciment ( ?) calcaire fossilifre : Clausinella persica Cox abondante (formes dgages, avec
charnire), associe de petits Gastropodes mal conservs (Cerithidae ?). Un fragment de
coquille, avec ornementation caractristique dune forme du groupe de Timoclea ovata (Pennant)
(Timoclea cf. subspacidae Cossm), a galement t rencontr.
Cette faunule prsente des rapports certains avec les dpts de la Dam suprieure (pratiquement
absents au Gurain Al Balbul) mais il est difficile de savoir si les conglomrats correspondent, en ce
point extrme de lextension des dpts miocnes conservs dans ce secteur, un facis de la Dam
suprieur, sils ont remani quasi sur place des sdiments de la Dam suprieure ou si la faunule
prcdemment cite est contemporaine de la Formation dHofuf (au sens originel du terme).
A lchelle rgionale, au Qatar, les dpts de la Formation dHofuf reposent sur une srie de plus en
plus rduite de la Dam suprieure et lextrme sur les dpts de la Dam infrieure, lorsquon
sloigne de la rgion dAbu Samra vers le N ou le NE. On peut interprter cette observation
comme la preuve dune discordance rgionale entre les dpts de la Dam et de lHofuf ou comme
une variation latrale de facis des dpts de la Dam suprieure.
Lge de la base des dpts, au Gurain Al Balbul, est vraisemblablement miocne ; ailleurs, en
labsence de faune, on ne peut que suivre linterprtation donne par Powers R.W. : Miocne
suprieur ou Mio-Pliocne
K
Eocne Infrieur
Khor Limestone Bed

Voir Rus Formation, p. 111
L
*Lower Fars Formation (offshore Qatar)
Voir: Dam Formation, p. 96 et 99.
*Lower Limestone Group
Voir : Rus Formation, p. 111
Miocne (?) moyen

Eocne Infrieur
Palocne
Eocne infrieur
*Lower part Bahrein [Bahrain] Formation

Voir : Umm er Radhuma Formation, p. 113
M
*Middle Eocene Alveolina Limestone
Voir : Dammam Formation, Dukhan Alveolina Limestone Member, p. 103.
MIDRA Shales Member (s.s.), Arabie Saoudite
Voir: Dammam Formation, Midra (and Saila) Shales Member, p. 102.
MIDRA (and Saila) Shales Member
Voir: Dammam Formation, Lower Dammam Subformation, p. 102.
Eocne moyen
1027
Eocne moyen
Eocne moyen
R
*Red Bed
Eocne moyen
Voir: Dammam Formation, Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone Member, p. 104.
Eocne infrieur
RUS FORMATION (Formation de Rus)
(Cuisien)
Auteur
Bramkamp R.A. (1946, rapport indit, Arabie Saoudite)
Synonymie
Voir Powers R.W., 1968, Lex. Strati. Intern., Arabie Saoudite; Cavelier C., 1970, Geol. Descr.
Qatar.
Le terme Chalk Zone (ou Chalky Zone) utilis anciennement en Arabie Saoudite et celui de Lower
Limestone Group, qui incluait au sommet les Midra Shales (s.l.), utilis au Qatar (Williamson J.F.
et Pomeyrol R., 1938 ; Brown R.V., 1949), sont rests indits ; le second est abandonn depuis
1956 (Sugden W.)
Dfinition
Voir Powers R.W., 1968 (Arabie Saoudite) ; Willis R.P., 1967 (Bahrain) ; Cavelier C., 1970
(Qatar).
Description
Au Qatar, seule la partie suprieure des dpts de la Formation de Rus affleure, dans le Djebel
Dukhan (cte ouest), prs de Sauda Nathil (extrme sud) et dans le nord-est de la pninsula (Khor,
Simsima, NW de Doha).
La partie sommitale est constitue dun banc de calcaire gristre, granuleux, de duret moyenne,
parfois dolomitis secondairement, souvent fossilifre (empreintes et moules de Corbula et
Cerithidae), reprsent irrgulirement dans toutes les zones du Qatar ou la Rus affleure ; son
paisseur semble assez uniforme (0.80 1 m). Ce niveau repre a t dsign comme Khor
Limestone Bed (Cavelier C., 1970).
Une coupe de rfrence des dpts visibles de la Rus (30 m environ) a t tudie en dtail et
mesure dans le Djebel Dukhan, 1 km lE des installations de la Q.P.C., Fhaihil (Cavelier C.,
1970). Les dpts de la Rus, Fhaihil, sont essentiellement constitus de calcaires plus ou moins
dolomitiss, tendres, gnralement blanchtres, avec fines intercalations dargile et marne
dolomitique verte brune. Quelques bancs plus durs de calcaire gristre, gnralement
dolomitique, sintercalent et constituent les seuls niveaux fossilifres. Vers la base de la coupe, on
observe des accidents siliceux du type sucre candi et des miches qui voquent lexistence
danciens niveaux ou lentilles de gypse. A lW de Dukhan, vers la base visible de la Rus, se situe
un niveau de calcaire tendre, blanchtre, nombreuses godes de quartz. Des nodules de clestite
on t rencontrs dans la region de Khor, ainsi que de lasphalte prs de Simsima, vers le sommet
de la formation.
Ltude de quelques argiles ou marnes de la Rus, Fhaihil, a montr labondance irrgulire de la
dolomite, associe du quartz et de lhalite ; la fraction argileuse est domine par les minraux
micacs (illite) et contient accessoirement des smectites. Un chantillon a montr la prsence
dattapulgite. La kaolinite na pas t dcele.
Dans certains sondages situs en retombe synclinale, la Rus prsente dimportantes intercalations
de gypse ou danhydrite dans sa partie mdiane, analogues celles connues en Arabie Saoudite
1028

(Powers R.W., 1968).
Labsence ou la trs forte rduction des niveaux dvaporites a t constate dans le nord du Qatar :
elle peut tre attribue dune part la situation anticlinale de la rgion (taux de sdimentation
restreint), dautre part aux effets de la dissolution postrieure, prouve par labondance des
collapse-structures en surface.
La base de la Rus, connue uniquement en sondages, semble trs comparable lithologiquement aux
calcaires blanchtres tendres sommitaux.
Lpaisseur totale des dpts de la Rus est variables ; lpaisseur minimale connue est de 28 m
Latariyah, au NW de Doha, en position anticlinale. Dans le secteur affect par le dme de Simsima
(NE du Qatar), elle varie de 30 45 m. En retombe synclinale, la Rus est beaucoup plus paisse
(84 m Doha). Dans le domaine offshore elle atteint 112 m Idd-el-Shargi.
Faune et ge
La faune de la partie suprieure affleurante de la Rus est gnralement peu abondante et localise,
au Qatar, essentiellement dans les bancs de calcaire dolomitique gristre, assez dur, qui sintercalent
dans les calcaires blanchtres tendres et en constituent le sommet (Khor Limestone Bed).
Seuls des empreintes et moules de Mollusques, souvent abondants, mais peu diversifis, ont t
distingus : Cardium sp., cf. Cuneocorbula, petits Veneridae ? et surtout des Cerethidae, dont
Trypanaxis cf. daviesi Cox.
Le type de cette dernire forme provient des Lower Chharat Beds du Kohat District, aux indes
(Cox, 1938). Cette formation, qui prsente bien des points communs avec la Rus et en particulier
des evaporites, est intercale entre le Shekhan Limestone, admis comme un quivalent du Laki le
plus suprieur et les Kohat Shales de la base du Kirthar. Le plus souvent les Lower Chharat Beds
sont classs en parallle avec le Lower Kirthar (au moins basal) et attribus de ce fait lextrme
base de lEocne moyen.
Cependant la rvision, sur la base des Alvolines des ges admis tant pour le Laki que pour le
Middle Kirthar, le premier se plaant dans lIlerdien moyen suprieur, le second (niveaux
Alveolina elliptica) dans la partie infrieure du Luttien (Hottinger C. [L.], 1971), conduit placer
tant les Lower Chharat Beds que le Lower Kirthar dans lYprsien suprieur (Cuisien).
Au Qatar on obtient un ge comparable pour les dpts de la Rus intercals entre le sommet de
lUmm er Radhuma, quivalent du Laki, et la base de la Dammam, attribue au Luttien infrieur
au vu de sa faune.
S
SAILA Shale Member, Arabie Saoudite
Eocne moyen
Voir : Dammam Formation, Midra (and Saila) Shale Member, p. 102
*SIMSIMA Chalk Member
Eocne moyen
Voir: Dammam Formation, Umm Bab dolomite and Limestone Member, p. 104
*SIMSIMA Dolomite and Limestone Member
Eocne moyen
Voir: Dammam Formation, Upper Dammam Subformation
Ce terme, adopt par Cavelier C., 1970, selon Stevenson, 1959, pour dsigner la partie infrieure de
la Sous-Formation de Dammam suprieure, ocne moyenne, tombe en homonymie avec un nom
1029

de formation utilis par les gologues ptroliers, et mentionn par Dunnington H.V. in Lexique
Stratigr. Intern., fasc. Iraq (1959, p. 239) et in J. Inst. Petr., 1967, 53 (520), pl. I, dautre part par
Dominguez J.R., 1965, in 5th Arab Petr. Congr., Le Caire, pour une formation maestrichtienne.
Aussi Cavelier C. presente-t-il ici sa place le terme de Umm Bab dolomite and Limestone
Member. V. p. 104.
*Surface Dolomite Member
Eocne moyen
Voir: Dammam Formation, Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone Member, p. 104.
U
Palocne
Eocne
infrieur
UMM ER RADHUMA FORMATION (Rahhuma Formation, Formation de

lUmm er Radhuma)
Auteurs
Henry S.B. et Brown A.B., 1935 (rapport indit, Arabie Saoudite)
Synonymie
Voir R.W. Powers, 1968, Lex. Strati. Intern., Arabie Saoudite; C. Cavelier, 1970, Geol. Descr.
Qatar.
Les termes Lower part of the Bahrain Formation (Henson, 1940) et Busaiyir Formation
(Sugden W., 1953), anciennement utiliss au Qatar, sont rests indits et abandonns depuis 1956
(Sugden W.)
Dfinition
Voir Powers R.W., 1968 (Arabie Saoudite)
Description
Au Qatar, les dpts de la Formation de lUmm er Radhuma naffleurent pas, mais ils ont t
traverss par de nombreux forages aussi bien dans le Djebel Dukhan que dans le centre et le nord du
Qatar.
Ils sont galement connus dans le domaine offshore. Leur puissance dpasse gnralement 300
mtres. Ils sont essentiellement constitus de dolomies et calcaires de duret varie, souvent
fracturs, avec lits de silex, et intercalations de marnes et argiles.
Faune et ge
Au Qatar, seule la microfaune de lUmm er Radhuma Formation a t dcrite systmatiquement,
par A.H. Smout (1954), qui distingue deux ensembles, lun, suprieur, attribu lEocne infrieur,
le second infrieur, divis en 6 zones de valeur rgionale , qui correspond au Palocne.
Daprs R.W. Powers (1968), seules 3 grandes subdivisions peuvent tre reconnues dans lUmm er
Radhuma dArabie Saoudite et du Qatar, dont les 2 infrieures correspondent au Palocne, la
suprieure tant dge Eocne infrieur.
La subdivision infrieure du Palocne ( = zones 1 4 de Smout) contient au Qatar : Kathina
delseota Smout, Daviesina Khativahi Smout, Lockhartia altispira Smout, L. conica Smout, L.
prehaimei Smout, Asterigerina dukhani Smout, Rotalia hensoni Smout, R. dukhani Smout.
La subdivision suprieure du Palocne ( = zones 5 et 6 de Smout) contient : Miscellanea miscella
(dArchiac et Haime) var. dukhani Smout, M. meandrina (Carter) et Operculina sp. Le genre
Miscellanea est considr par Powers comme limit cette subdivision.
1030

LEocne infrieur basal ( = Lower Eocene de A.H. Smout) est caracteris par Sakesaria cotteri
Davies, Lockhartia tipperi (Davies) et L. hunti Ovey var. pustulosa Smout.
Rcemment, El Khayal (1970) a subdivis la Formation dUmm er Radhuma dArabie Saoudite
orientale en 9 zones ; de haut en bas :
Miscellanea miscella zone
Operculina qatarensis zone
Discocyclina redmondi zone
Lockhartia haimei zone
Lockhartia smouti zone
Lockhartia haimei suturadicata zone
Lockhartia prehaimei zone
Lockhartia haimei vermiculata zone
Rotalia jacobi zone
Selon cet auteur, des Foraminifres planctoniques coexistent avec les grands Foraminifres dans la
zone Discocyclina redmondi , permettant ainsi une corrlation directe avec la zone Globorotalia
pusilla pusilla et la partie infrieure de la zone Globorotalia pseudomenardii de BOLLI (1957).
Daprs ces donnes on pourrait avancer une quivalence approximative de la zone D. redmondi
dEl Khayal avec les Thanets Sands anglais, que Berggren place en regard des mmes zones, ainsi
quavec le Heersien et la base du Landnien belge (El Naggar).
Ces quivalences possibles avec les stratotypes dEurope occidentale ne permettent pas dadmettre
automatiquement, comme le pense El Khayal, que les zones O. qatarensis et M. miscella sont
dge sparnacien : les Thanets Sands anglais ne couvrent pas en effet la partie suprieure du
Thanetien connue des bassins belgo-parisien. Par ailleurs laccord nest pas parfait au sujet de
lquivalence des Thanets Sands avec les zones de Foraminifres planctoniques ; ainsi Bronnimann,
Curry, Pomerol et Szots considrent quil ne serait pas vraisemblable de situer cette formation plus
bas que la zone Globorotalia parva de Szots (correspondant la zone Globorotalia
velascoensis de Bolli).
Smout A.H. corrle par ailleurs la partie suprieure de lUmm er Radhuma, quil classe dans le
Palocne, avec le Ranikot indien. La partie terminale, attribue lEocne infrieur, est
paralllise avec le Laki.
Sander N.J. (1962) admet galement une correspondance du sommet de lUmm er Radhuna,
caractris par Lockhartia tipperi et Sakesaria cotteri, avec le Laki indien. Par contre lensemble
des niveaux infrieurs correspondrait au seul Ranikot suprieur.
En fait, si lon excepte les couches Cardita beaumonti, dge fort discut, mais probablement en
tout ou partie daniennes daprs les Foraminifres planctoniques, et les dpts trs localiss de la
Pondichery Formation et similaires de la cte sud-est de la pninsule indienne, la srie marine
dbute aux indes avec le Ranikot suprieur. Cette formation contient des grands Foraminifres,
dont Miscellanea miscella et M. meandropsina, connus seulement de lensemble suprieur de
lUmm er Radhuma du Qatar (et dArabie Saoudite), attribu au Palocne (zones 5 et 6 de Smout
A.H. et subdivision suprieure du Palocne de Powers).
Il est remarquable par ailleurs que toutes les formes rencontres dans lensemble infrieur de
lUmm er Radhuma, lexception des espces de vaste rpartition qui passent dans lensemble
1031

suprieur, telle Lockhartia conditi, ont du tre considres tant par Smout A.H. que par Sander N.J.
comme nouvelles. Les tudes trs dtailles sur les grands Foraminifres indiens ayant dbut bien
antrieurement aux travaux de A.H. Smout et N.J. Sander, on peut en conclure que la base de
lUmm er Radhuma est trs probablement antrieure en tout ou grande partie au Ranikot suprieur.
Cette dernire formation serait reprsente au Qatar approximativement par les zones 5 et 6 de A.H.
Smout, et le Laki, par lUmm er Radhuma terminal Lockartia tipperi et Sakesaria cotteri.
Rcemment Hottinger L. (1971) a examin les Alvolines du Ranikot suprieur et du Laki indiens
et de leurs quivalents latraux. Il conclut un paralllisme du Ranikot suprieur avec lIlerdien
infrieur pyrnen et du Laki avec lIlerdien moyen suprieur.
Lexacte correspondance de lIlerdien pyrnen avec les sries classiques dEurope nordoccidentale nest pas dmontre, mais la quasi-totalit des auteurs saccordent actuellement pour un
paralllisme avec lYpresien infrieur (Sparnacien + Cuisien basal).
En conclusion, lge de la partie infrieure de lUmm er Radhuma (zones 1 4 de Smout A.H.) est
trs probablement Palocne (indiffrenci, peut-tre uniquement sommital).
Les zones 5 et 6 de Smout A. H. et sa zone suprieure Sakesaria cotteri et Lockhartia tipperi
correspondent vraisemblablement, respectivement, lIlerdien infrieur et lIlerdien moyen
suprieur ; elles doivent tre ranges approximativement en regards de lEocne infrieur basal
(Ypresien infrieur vel Sparnacien ) dEurope nord-occidental.
*Upper Limestone Group
Eocne moyen
Voir : Dammam Formation, Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone Member, p. 104
1032
Index chronologique des termes stratigraphiques

dun usage courant (mmoire Cl. Cavelier, 1970)
Palocne Eocne moyen
Hasa Group
Palocne Eocne infrieur
Eocne infrieur
Rus Formation
Khor Limestone Bed
Eocne moyen
Dammam Formation
Rujm Ad Velates Limestone Member
Midra (and Saila) Shale Member
Umm Bab Dolomite and limestone Member
Midra shales Member, Saudi Arabia
Saila Shales Member, Saudi Arabia
Abarug Dolomitic Marl and Limestone Member
Miocne
? Miocne infrieur
? Miocne moyen
Dam Formation
Lower Dam Subformation
Upper Dam Subformation
Miocne suprieur
Hofuf Formation
1033
Index chronologique des termes stratigraphiques prims

(Mmoire Cl. Cavelier, 1970)
Palocne - Eocne
(Hasa Series)
Bahrein [Bahrain] Formation

Bahrein [Bahrain] Group
Palocne Eocne infrieur

(Umm er Radhuma Formation)
Lower Part of the Bahrein [Bahrain] Formation

Busaiyir Formation
Eocne infrieur
(Rus Formation)
Chalk (y) Zone

Eocne moyen
(Dammam Formation)
(Rujm Ad Member)
(Dukhan Member)
(Midra Shale Member)
(Umm Bab Member)
(Abarug Member)
Miocne
(Gachsaran, Iran)

Alveolina beds
Middle Eocene Alveolina Limestone
Midra Shales (s.l.), Saudi Arabia
Upper limestone Group
Simsima Dolomite and Limestone Member
Simsima Chalk Member
Surface Dolomite Member
Red Bed
Abaruk Beds
Abaruk Chalk
Abaruk Bed
Lower Fars (Iran, Iraq, offshore Qatar)
1034
THE TERTIARY OF QATAR

IN OUTCROPS
BY
C. CAVELIER 5
1974
(Translated from French)
5
Geological engineer of Bureau de Recherches Gologiques et Minires (B.R.G.M.) , B.P. 6009 45018 OrleansCedex, France.
1035
CONTENT
Introduction
Lexicon
Chronological index of commonly used stratigraphic terms
Chronological index of obsolete stratigraphic terms
Reference of published works cited in the text
91
95
117
118
119
TABLES
Table 1 Summary of the stratigraphic serie of Qatar

(Tertiary deposits)
Table 2 The Dammam Formation: subdivisions in Saudi
Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar
98
101
1036
INTRODUCTION
In 1969 the Government of Qatar decided to endow its territory of a standard geological map. The
survey and the printing of the maps were assigned to Bureau de Recherches Gologiques et
Minires. The field work, performed from April 1969 to April 1970, culminated in the publication
of 3 maps at scale 1/100000, completed by a detailed map at scale 1/200000 (Cavelier C., Salatt A.,
Heuze Y., 1970). One thousand copies of each map were made and the Government of Qatar
(Department of Petroleum Affairs) is in charge of the distribution.
At the same time, a short monograph dedicated to the geological description of Qatar, but limited to
the outcropping formations (Cavelier C., 1970) was published at 2,000 copies. The sub-divisions,
essentially lithostratigraphic, written on the maps and defined in great details in the monograph,
were so defined by taking into account not only the published works before 1970 for almost the
entire works dedicated to the territories neighbouring Qatar; Saudi Arabia (Powers R.W., 1968) ;
Bahrain (Willis R.P., 1967) ; offshore of Abu Dhabi (Elder Y. and Grieves K.F.L., 1965), but also
the unpublished material devoted to the geology of Qatar that we were able to view while in the
country, even though very late. These documents consist essentially in petroleum (QPC, Shell,
Conoco) or hydrogeological (Legrand-Adsco, Parsons Engineering) reports and maps.
Our field work having started at the border between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, it was easy to find the
lithostratigraphic divisions defined in this country, to evaluate its merits and to adopt the proposed
formational terminology (Powers R.W., 1968).
Only the Tertiary and Quaternary deposits outcrop on the Qatar6 Peninsula; the oldest belongs to the
upper half of the Rus Formation, probably of cuisien age (the upper half of the ypresian). They
are overlain by the deposits of the Dammam Formation of Lutetian age, which occupy about 80%
of the Qatar territory. This formation has been subdivided in 2 sub-formations and in 5 members;
the terminology was preserved from the earlier unpublished petroleum and hydrogeological reports.
At times, the definitions had to be detailed; only one new member was introduced: the Velates
Limestone of Rujm Ad, at the extreme base of the Dammam Formation. No Late Eocene or
Oligocene deposits were encountered. The Miocene transgression is late in Qatar, where the
deposits of the Hadrukh Formation, defined in Saudi Arabia, are unknown. The first Neogene
deposits in Qatar are from the Dam Formation, divided in two sub-formations. The Tertiary serie
ends with the essentially conglomeratic deposits of continental origins of the Hofuf formation,
attributed to the Upper Miocene (or Mio-Pliocene)
Few paleontological determinations had been carried out previously to determine the relative age of
the Tertiary deposits of Qatar (Cox L.R. in Lamare, 1936, p. 37 ; Henson F.R.S., 1948 ; Smout
A.H., 1954 ; Cavelier C., 1970) ; the studies involving our paleontological collection are not yet
complete; they were assigned to different specialists who must now give the results of their
research.
-
Blondeau A. (Facult des Sciences, Paris) : Grands Foraminifres de lEocne moyen ;

in Blondeau A. et Cavelier C., 1972 (see reference).
6
The islands of Halul and Shra Auh show instead some much older deposits belonging to the Hormuz Formation
(Lower Cambrian) which surfaced due to diapirism.
1037

-
Buge E. (Museum, Paris) : Bryozoaires . The first investigation is complete; the few
species collected are mostly new and their description will be eventually published.
Casier E. (Bruxelles) : Ichthyofaune des Midra Shales , in Casier E., 1971 (see
reference).
Cavelier C. (services gologiques national, B.R.G.M., Orleans) : Mollusques . The
descriptions, showing little progress, will be part of a monograph.
Lorenz C. (CNRS, Paris) : Grand Foraminifre miocne . Only one species for which the
study is proceeding well.
Poignant A. (Facult des Sciences, Paris) : Algues . The completed study resulted in the
identification of only one species.
Roman Y. (Museum, Paris) : Echinodermes . Most of the species have already been
determined. After completion the whole study will be published.
Already the implementation of the paleontological material collected from the Eocene resulted in
the correction of the Lower Eocene age maximale previously admitted (Powers R.W., 1968 ;
Cavelier C., 1970) for the lower Dammam: Indeed, the Large Foraminifera, fishes and Molluscs
agree to place the deposits of this sub-formation at the base of the Middle Eocene.
Unlike the results obtained for the Eocene, those obtained for the Miocene remain still insufficient
to clarify the correlations with the stages defined in Europe.
1038

TABLE 1
Summary of the stratigraphic series of Qatar
(Tertiary deposits)
Quaternary
Pliocene
Upper
Members
Environments of sedimentation
Marine, Marine Lagoonal and
Continental
evaporitic
shallow littoral
Middle
(Helvetian)
(Burdigalian)
Lower
Dam
Miocene
(Pontian)
(Tortonian)
Formations
Hofuf
Age
Upper
Lower
(Aquitanian)
(Lutetian)
(Cuisian)
(Thanetian)
Middle
(Montian)
Lower
(Damian)
Umm er Radhuma
Paleocene
Upper
Abarug
Umm Bab
Dukhan
Lower
Midra (et Saila)

Rujm Ad
Upper
Lower
(Ilerdian)
Upper
Rus
Eocene
Middle
Dammam
Oligocene
Upper
(includes zones
5 and 6 of
Smout)
Lower
(zones 1 to 4 of
Smout)
1039
LEXICON
The stratigraphic terms are listed according to their common English form. Those for which the use
is obsolete are preceded by an asterisk. Remark : The pagination in the text below is from the original
document and not from this transcript.
A
ABARUG Dolomitic Limestone
Middle Eocene
ABARUG Dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member
ABARUG Dolomite Marl
See : Dammam Formation, Upper Dammam Sub-formation, p. 106
*ABARUK Bed
*ABARUK Beds
Middle Eocene
*ABARUK Chalk
See: Dammam Formation, Abarug dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member, p. 106
*Alveolina Beds
Middle Eocene
See: Dammam Formation, Dukhan Alveolina Limestone and Marl Member, p. 103
B
*BAHREIN [Bahrain] Formation
*BAHREIN [Bahrain] Group
See: Hasa Series, p. 109
*BUSAIYIR Formation
See: Hasa Series, P. 109
Paleogene
Paleogene
C
Lower Eocene
*Chalk(y) Zone
See: Rus Formation, p. 111
D
Dam Formation, Lower, Upper
Lower to Middle
- Lower DAM Subformation
Miocene ( ?)
- Upper DAM Subformation
Authors
Steineke M. and Kock T.W., 1935, unpublished report, Saudi Arabia
Synonymy
See Powers R.W., 1968, Lex. Strat. Intern., Saudi Arabia; Cavelier C., 1970, Geol. Descr. Qatar
Definition
See Powers R.W., 1968, Saudi Arabia; Cavelier C., 1970, Qatar
Description
In Qatar, where the neogene transgression is late (absence of the Hadrukh Formation defined in
Saudi Arabia), the first marine Miocene deposits lie unconformably on the Middle Eocene (Abarug
Member but most of all Umm Bab). They are essentially preserved in either synclinal position or in
collapse structures in the SW of the peninsula.
1040

Often called Lower Fars7 in old unpublished petroleum reports, referring to the Iranian series, the
neogene deposits of Qatar were later correlated with the Dam Formation, and sometimes with the
Hofuf of Saudi Arabia in the hydrogeological reports.
Unlike the Eocene deposits, the Miocene series vary rapidly from place to place and the strict
application of the rules of lithological nomenclature would result in the proliferation of local terms.
Like our American colleagues of ARAMCO, we retained only one formational term for all deposits
of alternating clay, marl and limestone of the marine Miocene of Qatar and avoided the creation of
members.
In our view, the comparison of the Neogene deposits of Qatar with those of the Dam Formation of
Saudi Arabia (type section in Powers R.W., Ramirez L.F., Redmond L.D. and Elberg E.L., 1966)
justify the extension of the definition in Qatar. The Iranian "Lower Fars" however are partly
composed of evaporites, which play particularly an insignificant role in the marine Miocene of the
Qatar peninsula; it is only in the offshore area that the term is justified (Elder J. and Grieves K.F.L.,
1965, confirmed by Stocklin J., 1968).
The detailed study of the two complete sections in the SW of Qatar, near the border with Saudi
Arabia, and of a partial section at the border, in Qarn Abu Wail, already studied by Cox L.R. in
Philby (in Lamare P., 1936, p. 37), has allowed to define two subsets in the Dam Formation that
were mapped throughout Qatar (Cavelier C., 1970) :
LOWER DAM SUBFORMATION
This subdivision, which consists of alternating biogenic limestones, argillaceous limestones, marls
or green clays formed from a mixture of illite, kaolinite, chlorite and smectite, is limited at the base
by the last Eocene deposit and, at the top, by the last limestone level with abundant
"Echinocyamus" (in fact Fibularia), forming a platform generally very cleaned by erosion. In the
area of Abu Samra, this subdivision has a thickness of only 30 metres, but it tends to thin out
slightly to the North and Northeast, while the argillaceous layers become progressively more
calcareous.
Fauna
The molluscs are very abundant, but their identification has not yet been studied systematically:
with Ostrea latimarginata Vredenburg, sometimes common, are also found Pectinidae, Anomia,
Spondylus, Lima, Avicula and impressions and molds of Clementia papyracea (Gray),
Diplodonta, Chama gryphoides Linne, Venericardia, Trachycardium, Veneridae. and very
locally some Cyrenidae.
The Gasteropods, generally found as impressions, include Fissurella, Natica, Xenophora,
Turritella, Cerithidae, Cypraea, Conus, Bulla and very locally some Hydrobia, Potamides, and
other brackish water genus.
The Echinoderms are very common but relate primarily to the species Fibularia voeltzkowi
Tornquist, characteristic of the sub-Formation.
7
Actual name Gachsaran Formation, at the base of the Fars Group (see Lexique Stratigraphique International, fasc.
Iran, 1972, p. 319).
1041

The Bryozoa corresponds to species not yet described : Steginoporella( ?) sp., Thalamoporella n.sp.
1 et n.sp. 2.
The fishes are not common : Aetobatus arcuatus Ag. and Diodon sp. Indet., as well as some
remains of Reptiles( ?).
The algae are locally abundant : Halimeda eocenica Morellet.
Lets note finally the frequence of Crustacean remains and the abundance of Large Foraminifera of
the genus Archaias. The corals occur very locally at the extreme base.
UPPER DAM SUBFORMATION
This subdivision has a very similar lithological succession, in detail, of that of the Lower Dam subformation: repeated alternations of thin beds of organogenic limestone, argillaceous limestone, marl
and red, green and gray clays with, among others, some sandy episodes. The clay fraction is
generally similar to that found in the Lower Dam, with a attapulgite fraction also common. Celestite
clusters exist locally at the base.
The whole sub-formation varies rapidly in the detail from place to place. About 50 meters thick in
the synclinal area of Abu Samra, the deposits of the Upper Dam decrease rapidly in thickness
towards the N and NE, where they essentially become limestone.
At the base, the Upper Dam is limited by the last limestone bed of abundant Echinocyamus
(Fibularia); at the top it ends under the first detrital or argillaceous level of the Hofuf Formation. In
general the contact of the two formations is difficult to study because of the poor consolidation of
the deposits of the Hofuf Formation.
Fauna
In the synclinal area of Abu Samra, the Upper Dam deposits display essentially marine features,
with intercalations in the upper half, of organogenic limestones, with loads of Clausinella persica
Cox and locally some Hydrobiidae, indicating an environment abnormal in salinity. Towards the
North and Northeast, these levels with Clausinella persica make up the major part of the subformation, here much thinner.
The Molluscs from the marine layers, where the Pelecypods predominate, include Chlamys
senatoria (Gmelin), Anomia sp., Ostrea latimarginata Vredenburg and impressions and molds of
Clementia papyracea (Gray). Capsa lacunosa (Chemn), cf. Capsa fragilis (Linne), Tellina
(peronidia) bipartita basterot, Diplodonta cf. rotundata (Montagu), Barbatia barbata (Linne),
Anadara cf. turonica (Dujardin), Cardiocardita cf. monolifera (Dujardin), Cardiocardita aff.
Turonica (ivolas et Peyrot), Solenocurtus basteroti (Desmoulins), Timoclea (Venus) subspadicea
(Cossm), Modiola (Amygdalum) sp., some Cardium, Lucina, Mactra, Tapes, Eastonia, Panopea
The Gasteropods, represented by internal molds, belong to the genus Xenophora, Ampullina,
Turritella, Cerithium, Cypraea, Cassis, Fasciolaria, Voluta, Conus, ?Olivella, Bulla
The Echinoderms are abundant at certain levels, but remain in part undetermined: towards the base
Schizaster sp., Agassizia aff. Persica Olegg and locally towards the top are abundant spines of
Cidaris sp. 1 de Noetling 1901.
The Bryozoa are not very common, among them ?Cupuladria gr. haidingeri, as well as remains of
1042

fishes: Seoliodon (ou Physodon) sp.
The remains of Crustaceans are abundant in the carbonate rocks.
Age of the deposits of the Dam Formation

The fauna collected in the Dam Formation has not yet been fully studied, and if the Miocene age of
the deposits appears beyond doubt one may hesitate between the Lower and Middle Miocene.
The known Molluscs are, for most, of little significance, however some have a distinct old
character, such as Ostrea latimarginata Vredenburg, a widespread species in the Lower Miocene
(Burdigalian) of india, Burma, Java.. and Timoclea (Venus) subspadicea (Cossm), the latter
being limited to the Lower Miocene in Aquitaine.
Cidaris sp. 1, of which the spines are plentiful locally towards the top of the Upper Dam, in
association with Chlamys senatoria and Ostrea latimarginata, has been described initially by
Noettling from the Yenangyoungian (upper Pegu) in Lower Burma, and of which the assigned
Lower Miocene age seems to raise little doubt.
The type of Fibularia voeltzkowi Tornquist, characteristic of the Lower Dam, which comes from the
Cyphus limestones of the Mahakamby island in Madagascar, is of a doubtful age, but it has also
been found in the Fundi Isa Limestone of Kenya, attributed to the Lower Miocene.
The tooth of Aetobatus arcuatus indicates an age between Burdigalian to the end of the Miocene ;
its size is very small, which would indicate according to Casier either a juvenile form or a species at
the beginning of its evolution.
Most other forms are of little significance, but note the presence in the upper Dam, of an association
of molluscs classic of "Faluns de Touraine (France)" with a known Lower Helvetian age. These
forms are for all identified on the basis of impressions and casts and are not very significant if taken
separately; however, if taken together they give the deposits of the Upper Dam a character a little
more recent than the Burdigalian.
In the neighbouring regions, R.W. Powers, L.F. Ramirez, C.D. Redmond and E.L. Elberg (1966)
give a list of collected fossils in the Dam Formation of Saudi Arabia; according to them, the
occurrence of Ostrea latimarginata Vredenburg, Echinocyamus sp. and Archias sp. indicate an
approximate correlation with the Lower Fars of Iraq; on this basis, the Dam Formation is presumed
to be dated Middle Miocene.
J. Elder and K.F.C Grieves (1965), describing the offshore Miocene serie of Abu Dhabi and Qatar
note the close lithological similarities between the Lower Fars of Iran8 (occurrence of massive
8
The term Lower Fars, created in Iran and used in Iraq to designate essentially the evaporites at the base of the Miocene, has been
abandoned, due to the vagueness of its definition.
The Fars Group newly created (Lexique stratigraphique international, fasc. Iran, 1972, p. 319) includes, from bottom to top :
Gachsaran Formation, previously Lower Fars
Mishan Formation, previously Middle Fars
Agha Jari Formation, previously Upper Fars
The Miocene of offshore Qatar is therefore similar to the Gachsaran Formation.
1043

anhydrite). From a stratigraphic point of view, this announces the discovery of Taberina
malabarica, a species characteristic of the Burdigalian , in the limestones under the middle
anhydritic serie.
The age of the Iranian Lower Fars is discussed and controversial (Burdigalian-Helvetian). With our
current knowledge, it is not possible to attribute a different age to the Dam deposits of Qatar and the
neighbouring countries, but it is likely that at least the Lower Dam is of Burdigalian age.
Dammam Formation, Lower, Upper
Lower Dammam Subformation :
- Rujm Ad Velates Limestones Member
- Midra (and Saila) Shales Member
- Dukhan Alveolina Limestone Member
Middle Eocene
- Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone Member
- Abarug dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member
Author Dammam Formation:
Bramkamp R.A. (1941, unpublished report, Saudi Arabia)
Synonymy :
See Powers R.W., 1968, Lex. Strati. Intern., Saudi Arabia; Cavelier C., 1970, Geol. Descr. Qatar
Definition
See Powers R.W., 1968, Saudi Arabia; Willis R.P., 1967, Bahrain ; Cavelier C. 1970, Qatar
Description
The deposits composing the Dammam Formation cover about 80% of the surface of the Qatar
Territory.
The Dammam Formation is divided in members in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain; in Qatar, the used
terminology is somewhat different, although it covers a very similar lithostratigraphic succession.
(see table P. 101).
In Qatar, the subdivisions of the Dammam Formation have been regrouped in two sets (Cavelier C.,
1970) : the Lower Dammam Subformation which includes the three lower members (Rujm Ad,
Midra (Saila), Dukhan), and the Upper Dammam SubFormation composed of the Umm Bab and
Abarug members.
The outcrops of the Lower Dammam SubFormation are comparable in their distribution to those of
the Rus Formation. The nature of the deposits is very constant, but their thickness varies
considerably, maximum (8 to 10m) at the extreme south in the area of Sauda Nathil, medium in
Jebel Dukhan (5 to 6 m), it diminishes in the Northeast of Qatar where the deposits disappear in the
sector Khor, Al Mazidah, Sinnah.
1044
Table 2
The Dammam Formation
subdivisions in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Bahrain
Qatar
(Powers, R.W. 1968)
Top
(Alat Limestone)
Alat Member
(Alat Marl)
Khobar Member
Alveolina Limestone
Member
Saila Shale Member
Midra Shale
Member
(Willis, R.P. 1967)
White Limestone
Orange Marl
Brown crystalline
Limestone
(Alveolina zone)
Shark Tooths
[teeth] Shale
(Cavelier, Cl. 1970)
(Abarug dolomitic
Limestone)
Abarug Member
(Abarug dolomitic Marl)
Umm Bab Member
Dukhan Member
Midra (and Saila)
Member
Rujm Ad Member
Base
A reference section has been measured in Qatar in Jebel Dukhan, 1km east of the installations of
Q.P.C., in Fhaihil (Cavelier C., 1970) :
Rujm Ad Velates limestone Member.
This member was defined by Cavelier C. (1970) under the name of Fhaihil Velates limestone
Member . But this term, homonymous with an Upper Jurassic Formation of the petroleum
geologists, was abandoned and replaced here for the first time with Rujm Ad Velates limestone
Member .
In the reference section this member is made of a crystallines, compact, hard fossiliferous whitish
limestone of 1.2m thick. It lies on the Khor Limestone Bed of the top of the Rus Formation (see p.
111) and is overlain by the Midra (et Saila) Shales
With its marine fauna and its lithological type, the Rujm Ad Velates limestone cut perfectly on the
Khor Limestone underneath; it is however very comparable to the Umm Bab Limestone of the
Upper Dammam SubFormation. It has been recognized all over Qatar, with the exception of the
Northeast. In Saudi Arabia, where it has not been formally recognized, Sander N.J. (1962) and
Powers R.W. (1968), have pointed it at the base of the Midra Shale Member
The fauna is characterised by the more or less great abundance of Molluscs and in particular by the
small size Velates schmiedeli (Chemnitz). We found as well internal casts of Gisortia gigantea
(Munster), Terebellum, Pleurotomaria and impressions of Pelecypods, including Glycimeris cf.
jacquoti (Tournouer) var. nobilis Gumbel in Dreger, Cardium and fragments of Pectinidae and
Ostreidae.
The Foraminifera discovered include Dictyoconoides cf. koaticus (Davies), Lockhartia conditi
(Davies), Rotalia cf. trochidiformis (Lmk) and an old form of Nummulites discorbinus
1045

(Schlotheim).
The Midra (and Saila) Shales Member is made up of attapulgitic shales, generally brown to green
on outcrops, containing pseudomorphs of pyrite in hematite, with one or several intercalations of
limestones more or less phosphatic apparently discontinuous. The whole is irregularly fossiliferous
and is 5m thick at the reference section of Fhaihil, but can reach 8 metres in the extreme south and
not be present in the North east.
In Saudi Arabia the Midra Shales (s.l.) were subdivided late in time in two members: Midra Shales
(s.s.) at the base, Saila Shales at the top. This distinction, based mainly on the color of the shales,
was not retained in Qatar, where we have introduced a composite term to remember the similarity
with Saudi Arabia (Cavelier C. 1970). The fauna of the Midra (and Saila) Shales is quite varied
and include rare branched Bryozoa, indeterminable (Membraniporide ?), some Echinoderms :
numerous spines and locally a deformed species referred temporarily to cf. Linthia navillei de
Loriol. The Molluscs are very common in the shales and the carbonate intercalations, their
determination however is not well advanced. The most common species in the upper half of the
shales is Cubitostrea multicostata (Desh.) var. strictiplicata Raulin and Delbos (= Ostrea
turkestanensis Romanovski), the Amussium and the Vulsella are locally abundant. In the upper
shales, the internal casts in hematite, more or less deformed, belong among others to Lucinidae,
Corbulidae, Crassatellidae, Veneridae, Cardiidae, Carditidae Towards the base is noted among
others the occurrence of Teredo, Lithocardium sp., Chama sp., Bicorbula sp. and of Phacoides cf.
squamula Desh.
The Gasteropods are very few and represented in the shales by Turritella, Natica, Terebellum,
Athleta, Turricula, Acteon
The calcaro-phosphatic intercalations contain Pycnodonte archiaci (Bell.), Pseudomiltha cf.
gigantea (Desh.), Pseudomiltha sp., Trachycardium gr. porulosum (Sol), Chama sp., Venericardia
sp., some Ostrea and some Pectinidae. The Gasteropods are represented by Velates schmiedeli
(Chemn), Campanile sp., Gisortia gigantea (Munster), Gisortia sp., Mitra sp., Bulla sp
The ichtyofauna is very abundant in the shales : E. Casier (1971) has given a detailed description,
where 28 types are recognized. It is mainly the Elasmobranchs that prevail, and among them the
Lamniformes and the Carcharhinides. The presence of the genus Galeocerdo, which appear only
after the Ypresian, and of Lutetian species of the Tethys, such as Lamna gafsana White, Propristis
schweinfurthi Dames, Sphyraena fajumensis (Dames), Pycnodus mokattamensis Priem is
particularly interesting, since most of these types have been encountered in the lower half of the
Midra (et Saila) Shales
The Large Foraminifera are sometimes common in the shales (Dictyoconoides kohaticus (Davies)
especially), but are abundant especially in the calcaro-phosphatic intercalations : Nummulites
discorbinus (Schloth) var. minor de la Harpe, N. aff. Discorbinus (Schloth), N. cuvillieri Sander,
Dictyoconoides kohaticus (Davies), Alveolina elliptica nuttali Davies.
The Dukhan Alveolina Limestone Member has been recognized since long time ago in Qatar under
various names: Alveolina Bed (Williamson and Pomeyrol, unpublished, 1938), Middle Eocene
1046

Alveolina Limestone (Smout, 1954) Composed of a bed of white to yellowish limestone more
or less argillaceous, not very thick (0.60 m in Fhaihil), which sometimes splits in two, it is
intimately linked to the Midra (and Saila) shales, at the base, and progressively merge with the
marls at the base of the Simsima [Umm Bab] limestone, at the top. Its thickness rarely reaches one
metre but it is an excellent marker because of its extreme abondance in Alveolina. It can be
observed all over Qatar except in the NE region.
The fauna includes rare Bryozoa : Sertella sp., some small Echinoderms similar to the
Echinocyamus, some Molluscs, common mostly at the base and at the top, in the more argillaceous
beds. The Ostreidae and locally the large Vulsella are quite common, the Pectinidae are fairly rare.
The Gasteropods (molds) are mainly occurring at the top : Conus, Bulla, Terebellum, large
Ampullospira A Nautilus exists as well at this level. The remains of fishes are quite rare (Shark
teeth and Pycnodus cf. mokattamensis Priem). The Large Foraminifera are obvious by the extreme
abundance of Alveolina elliptica var. flosculina Silvestri ; Linderina buranensis (Nuttall and
Brighton) is abundant ; Nummulites discorbinus (Schlotheim) occurs ; the Dictyoconoides and
Dictyoconus are rare.
Represented by much thicker deposits as those of the Lower Dammam, the outcrops of the Upper
Dammam cover the major part of the surface of Qatar, but the details of the layers remain unclear in
the absence of good sections. The thickness of the most complete series does not seem to exceed 50
metres.
In most part of Qatar, the deposits of the Upper Dammam overlie continuously those of the Lower
Dammam; but in the NE of Qatar, they are directly overlying the Khor limestone (the limestone bed
at the top of the Rus Formation) or on the underlying soft white limestones of the same formation
(see Rus Formation).
Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone Member
This member was defined by Cavelier C. (1970) under the name of Simsima Dolomite and
Limestone Member which corresponds to the Simsima Chalk Member (or Simsima
Chalks ) and to the Surface Dolomite Member defined by Stevenson, 1959, in an unpublished
report : The fresh water supplies of Northern Qatar . But since the term is homonymous with a
maestrichtian formation used by the petroleum geologists, it had to be abandoned, and substituted
here for the first time by Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone Member .
Stevenson had noticed in the NE of Qatar the fairly constant overlapping of a dolomitized horizon
to white crystalline limestones, and thus recognized two members. The study of the more complete
sections in western Qatar show that when the upper members of the Middle Eocene are preserved
(Abarug Member), the whole of the underlying levels is made up of white crystalline limestones
and that no dolomitic intercalation exists similar to the Surface Dolomite: the latter seems to be
the consequence of a superficial epidiagenesis of the top of the Umm Bab limestone and cannot be
used in the recognition of a member.
The Limestone and the Dolomite of Umm Bab correspond to the Upper Limestone Group used by
the first petroleum geologists who studied Qatar (Williamson T.P., and Pomeyrol R., unpublished
report, 1938), a term which has not been retained.
1047

Lets note as well the mention by Stevenson (1959), of Red Bed , towards the top of his
Simsima Chalks , a dolomitic horizon used as marker, probably detected while drilling, and that
we have not identified formally.
In short, the Umm Bab Member is defined here (see Simsima Member, Cavelier C., 1970) as the
layers sandwiched between the Dukhan Alveolina Limestone Member and the dolomitic marls of
Abarug. It has not been possible to study it in detail in a complete section. The base is commonly
marly (attapulgite) and very fossiliferous (from 0 to 2 or 3 metres). Its overall composition is of a
compact crystalline white limestone, with local layers of chert and red attapulgite; some hard
brownish dolomite are irregularly developed in the upper half in the absence of a more recent cover.
The total thickness is not accurately known, but certainly variable (estimated between 30 to 50
metres)
The fauna is essentially represented by Molluscs : Ostreidae, among which Pycnodonte archiaci
(Bell), Vulsella and Pectinidae are mainly represented in the basal marly layers, with molds and
impressions of Lucina and Venericardia and molds of Gasteropods, among which Velates
schmiedeli (Chemnitz), Gisortia, Terebellum, Ampullospira, Turritella, Conus, Acteon, Bulla In
the bulk of the limestone beds, the fauna of Molluscs is fairly homogenous, with an obvious
predominance of Gasteropods : Velates schmiedeli (Chemnitz), Gisortia gigantea (Munster),
Gisortia sp., Terebellum, Ampullospira, Natica, Campanile, Turritella, Xenophora, Rostellaria
The Pelecypods are represented by fairly rare Ostreidae, among which Pycnodonte archiaci (Bell.),
as well as impressions of Trachycardium gr. porulosum (Sol).
The Echinoderms are common in the upper half : Echynocyamus polymorpha (Duncan et Sladen),
Porocidaris aff. Schmiedeli (Munster), and especially at the top, where they make up large deposits
on the western coast of Ras Abarug, with : Porosoma aff. Lamberti Checchia-Rispoli,
Echinocyamus polymorpha (Duncan et Sladen), Echinolampas perrieri de Loriol, Oppisaster
derasmoi Checchia-Rispoli, Schizaster beloutchistanensis (dArchiac), Eupatagus formosus de
Loriol.
The Large Foraminifera observed in the basal marly layers belong essentially to the species
Dictyoconoides cooki (Carter), and sometimes to Nummulites discorbinus (Schloth).
When the first limestone beds begin, Dictyoconoides cooki becomes rare while Nummulites
discorbinus is now more abundant, in association with Alveolina elliptica Silvestri, generally not
common, and with Linderina. In the chalky crystalline limestones appear, immediately at the base,
the first small size species identified as Nummulites beaumonti dArch, in association with
Nummulites discorbinus major Roslosnick.
In the upper levels, the Nummulites become rare and isolated and belong to the species Nummulites
beaumonti dArch and Nummulites somaliensis Nuttall et Brighton, in association with Dictyoconus
daviesi Silvestri, Alveolina cf. elliptica Silvestri and Alveolina cf. delicatissima Smout.
Towards the top, in the Echinoderm layers of Ras Abarug, only few rare Nummulites beaumonti
dArch and a granular Nummulite of the phyllum Nummulites fabianii (comparable to Nummulites
bullatus Azzaroli) have been observed.
The Abarug Dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member has been named very early in Qatar: in 1938,
1048

Williamson and R. Pomeyrol defined, in a report which remains unpublished, the Abaruk Beds ,
subdivided in Abaruk Chalk at the base and Abaruk Bed at the top. These terms were used
again by subsequent authors who have worked in Qatar, especially the hydrogeologists, but I had to
slightly modify the form (and orthograph) after detailed study of the outcrops of Ras Abarug
(Cavelier C., 1970).
A reference section surveyed 3 kms South of Bir Zekrit, in the Ras Abarug Peninsula, shows two
units, that are found everywhere in Ras Abarug : at the base, resting on the crystalline limestones of
Umm Bab, a set of dolomitic marls and soft, but compact, argillaceous dolomite, yellow-orange to
green, nodular at the top, of a fairly constant thickness (10.40 m in Bir Zekrit), called Abarug
dolomitic Marl; at the top, an irregularly dolomitized limestone, changing frequently to a calcareous
dolomite (or not), greyish yellow to brown, hard, which has become cavernous by the abundance of
impressions and molds of Molluscs, generally not too thick in Qatar (about 2 metres) called Abarug
dolomitic Limestone.
The deposits of the Abarug Member are not only in the occidental part of Qatar ; typical to the NW
in the Ras Abarug Peninsula, they also occur close to the coast, occasionally between Dukhan and
Umm Bab, and in the SW under the Miocene, where they are very little or not fossiliferous and of a
reduced thickness. There is no proof of their initial extension over Qatar, but it is certain that in
Western Qatar they went through a differential erosion during the period of continental evolution
corresponding to the Upper Eocene, the Oligocene and the base of the Miocene.
The fauna of the Abarug dolomitic Marl is restricted to badly defined Mollusc impressions observed
in the nodular level at the top. The Abarug dolomitic Limestone is rather rich in Mollusc
impressions and molds more or less determinable belonging to Pectinidae, Spondylus, Lima,
Mytilus, Barbatia, Arca, Lucina, Venericardia, Chama (Chama cf. calcarata Lmk), Cardium, ?
Sinodia, Corbula (Cicorbula), Teredo The gasteropods are represented by Cerithidae, Volutidae,
Bullidae, Trochidae, Turbidae, associated with Lyria, Turritella, Natica. A large form seems to
correspond to ( ?) Voluta bericorum Oppenheim and the tubes of Magilus grandis Tornquist are
common. The Echinoderms are rare : Echinolampas fraasi de Loriol, as well as the large
Foraminifa : Dictyoconoides cooki (Carter) (1 sample).
In Bahrain, the same level has provided at Jebel Hisai (Cox, L.R., 1936), other than Echinolampas
sp. : Terebellum carcassense Leymerie, Mytilus cleopatrae Oppenheim, Spondylus radula Lmk.,
Lucina (Loripinus) pharaonis Bellardi, Chama calcarata Lmk., Corbula (Bicorbula) subexarata
dArchiac.
Age of the deposits of the Dammam Formation
The geologists who studied the Dammam Formation in Qatar (Smout A.H., 1954 ; Cavelier C.,
1970) or in Saudi Arabia (Sander N.V., 1962 ; Powers R.W., 1968) included the Midra (and Saila)
Shales in the Lower Eocene, due essentially to the presence of a small Nummulite determined as
Nummulites globulus by Smout A.H. as well as by Sander N.V. This small form, studied in
detail by Blondeau A. (to whom I had communicated to come from the Lower Eocene), is in fact
different from the true globulus and is close to the phyllum of Nummulites discorbinus, and is very
close to the minor variety.
Another element put forward by Sander N.J. (1962) is based on the presence of an oyster called
Ostrea turkestanensis in the Midra (and Saila) Shales. Like Cox L.R. (1936), I had kept this
determination for the Midra (and Saila) Shales oyster, but after a detailed review of this species, it
1049

became impossible to distinguish it from Ostrea multicostata var. strictiplicata (Cox R., 1938 had
also come back to this interpretation for the form coming from Bahrain). This oyster, that is both
Ypresian and Lutetian, can not be an element of accurate dating. Similarly, Casier E., to whom I
had communicated my ichthyological samples from the Midra and Saila Shales as coming from the
Ypresian, was forced, in the presence of the material, to invalidate this dating, noting that, as early
as the lower part of the Midra Shales, he observed the existence of the genus Galeocerdo, which
appears only after the Ypresian, associated with species from the Lutetian of the Tethys, and that
among the forms which appeared as early as Lower Eocene, none pertained to the latter.
The only Echinoderm, determined provisionally by Roman F.J., coming from the Midra Shales is
one of cf. Linthia navillei de Loriol, a form from the Lower Eocene towards the limit with the
lower Lutetian .
It makes no doubt, after considering these determinations, that no form typically Ypresian exist in
the main deposits of the Lower Dammam, which shows, instead, already some good Lutetian
species. It is nonetheless true that the examination of the evolutionary stages of Nummulites
discorbinus from the Velates Limestones of Rujm Ad and of Midra (and Saila) Shales indicates the
start of a phyllum ; the type characterises the Middle and Upper Lutetian, its seems logical, as much
from the degree of evolution of the Nummulites than the whole faunal assemblage, to attribute these
members to the Lower Lutetian.
The Dukhan Alveolina Limestone was also reported by N.J. Sander to the Ypresian, on the basis of
the determination of Alveolina subpyrenaica . However Smout A.H. (1954), attributing this
form to Alveolina elliptica var. flosculinna, linked this member to the Middle Eocene. The
determination has been confirmed by Blondeau A.
On the basis of the determined microfauna, both Alveolina elliptica and the Linderina tend to give
an Upper Lutetian age, by comparison with the mediterranean regions or the Paris Basin, but
eastwards Alveolina elliptica is classic in the Indian Middle Kirthar, that Hottinger L. (1971)
assigns to the lower part of the Lutetian. On the basis of the degree of evolution reached by
Nummulites discorbinus and taking into account the observations from Hottinger L., the Dukhan
Alveolina Limestone seems similar, approximately, with the Middle Lutetian of the Paris Basin.
The Umm Bab dolomitic and limestone Member, from the point of view of the whole faunal
assemblage, Molluscs and mostly Echinoderms and Large Foraminifa, belongs to the Upper
Lutetian.
The Abarug dolomitic Marl and the Abarug dolomitic Limestone have offered few determinable
species; the Molluscs from Bahrain show a Middle Eocene age, according to Cox L.R. (1936) ;
Echinolampas fraasi is a Middle and Upper Eocene form (not encountered in the underlying Umm
Bab Limestones); the rare known Large Foraminifa : Dictyoconoides cooki, in Qatar, and one large
Dictyoconus, in Saudi Arabia, mentioned by Powers R.W. (1968), would rather assign these levels
to the Upper Lutetian.
From the point of view of the whole faunal assemblage, and since no typical Upper Eocene form
have been collected, the Abarug dolomitic Marl and the Abarug dolomitic Limestone seem to still
belong to the Upper Lutetian.
Middle Eocene
DUKHAN Alveolina Limestone Member
See : Dammam Formation, Lower Dammam Formation, p. 103
1050
F
See : Rujm Ad Velates, Limestone Member, p. 101
Middle Eocene
This term, created by Cavelier C. (1970), to designate a bed at the base of the Dammam Formation,
Middle Eocene, is homonymous with the one formally defined by Sugden W., in 1959, for an
Upper Jurassic formation. So it is replaced, in this Lexicon, by Rujm Ad Velates Limestone
Member, from the name of a locality near Fhaihil, located between Dukhan and Umm Bab.
H
HASA SERIES (Hasa Group)
Paleocene-Eocene
Author
Sander N.J. (1951 ; unpublished report, Saudi Arabia)
Synonymy
See Powers R.W., 1968, Lex. Stratigr. Intern., Saudi Arabia; Cavelier C., 1970, Geol. Descr. Qatar.
The terms Bahrain Group or Bahrain Formation (Henson, 1940), previously used in Qatar, but
which remained unpublished, are currently abandoned.
Definition
(Sander N.J., 1962) : The units of Eocene age (Paleocene included) in the western areas of the
Persian Gulf, are designated under the term Hasa Series, from the name of the Hasa Province,
where they outcrop .
Subdivisions
In eastern Saudi Arabia, in Qatar, in Bahrain and in Abu Dhabi, the Hasa Series is divided in three
formations, from the oldest to the youngest: Umm er Radhuma Formation, Rus Formation,
Dammam Formation
Upper Miocene ?
HOFUF FORMATION
to Pliocene ?
Authors
Steinecke M. and Koch T.W. (1935, unpublished report, Saudi Arabia)
Synonymy
see Powers R.W., 1968, Lex. Strati. Intern., Saudi Arabia; Cavelier C., 1970, Geol. Descr. Qatar.
Definition
see Powers R.W., 1968 ; Cavelier C., 1970.
Description
Defined in Saudi Arabia, the Hofuf Formation is represented in the SW of Qatar, where it caps
some outliers made up of deposits from the Dam.
This term has been introduced in the geological literature dedicated to Qatar by the hydrogeologists,
from whom the reports remain unpublished, and has been used again by C. Cavelier (1970). No
complete section has been surveyed in the deposits of the Hofuf Formation in Qatar. From partial
sections, the base appears often made of red and green clay, more or less sandy, or of bulky sands
and sandstones.
The main body is composed of sand, gravels and pebbles (quartz, jasper, crystalline rocks,
limestones,,,), from a probable Saudi Arabian origin. The thickness of the deposits, generally nonfossiliferous, does not seem to exceed 10 metres in Qatar.
In the NE of Khararah, the Gurain Al Balbul is capped by conglomerates with locally, at the base, a
1051

calcareous fossiliferous cement (?) : abundant Clausinella persica Cox (opened form, with hinge),
associated with badly preserved small gastropods (Cerithidae ?). A shell fragment, with an
ornementation characteristic of a form from the group of Timoclea ovata (Pennant) (Timoclea cf.
subspacidae Cossm), has also been found.
This small fauna shows certain affinities with the deposits of the Upper Dam (almost absent at
Gurain Al Balbul) but it is difficult to know if the conglomerates correspond, in this extreme point
of the extension of the Miocene deposits preserved in this sector, to a facies of the Upper Dam, if
they have altered almost on location the sediments of the Upper Dam or if the small fauna
previously mentioned is contemporaneous to the Hofuf Formation (in the original sense of the
term).
At the regional scale, in Qatar, the deposits of the Hofuf Formation rest on a serie more and more
reduced of the Upper Dam and at the extreme over the deposits of the Lower Dam, when one gets
away from the Abu Samra area towards the North or Northeast. This observation can be interpreted
as the proof of a regional unconformity between the deposits of the Dam and the Hofuf or as a
lateral facies variation of the Upper Dam deposits.
The age of the base of the deposits, at Gurain Al Balbul, is very likely Miocene; elsewhere, in the
absence of fauna, we can only use the interpretation given by Powers R.W. : Upper Miocene or
Mio-Pliocene.
K
Lower Eocene
Khor Limestone Bed

See Rus Formation, p. 111
L
*Lower Fars Formation (offshore Qatar)
Middle (?)
Miocene
See: Dam Formation, p. 96 et 99.

*Lower Limestone Group
See : Rus Formation, p. 111
Lower Eocene
*Lower part Bahrein [Bahrain] Formation
Paleocene Lower
Eocene
See : Umm er Radhuma Formation, p. 113
M
*Middle Eocene Alveolina Limestone
See : Dammam Formation, Dukhan Alveolina Limestone Member, p. 103.
MIDRA Shales Member (s.s.), Saudi Arabia
See: Dammam Formation, Midra (and Saila) Shales Member, p. 102.
MIDRA (and Saila) Shales Member
See: Dammam Formation, Lower Dammam Subformation, p. 102.
Middle Eocene
1052
Middle Eocene
Middle Eocene
R
*Red Bed
Middle Eocene
See: Dammam Formation, Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone Member, p. 104.
Lower Eocene
RUS FORMATION
(Cuisian)
Author
Bramkamp R.A. (1946, unpublished report, Saudi Arabia)
Synonymy
See Powers R.W., 1968, Lex. Strati. Intern., Saudi Arabia; Cavelier C., 1970, Geol. Descr. Qatar.
The Chalk Zone (or Chalky Zone) term used previously in Saudi Arabia and the one of Lower
Limestone Group, which included at the top the Midra Shales (s.l.), used in Qatar (Williamson J.F.
and Pomeyrol R., 1938 ; Brown R.V., 1949), have remained unpublished ; the latter is abandoned
since 1956 (Sugden W.)
Definition
See Powers R.W., 1968 (Saudi Arabia) ; Willis R.P., 1967 (Bahrain) ; Cavelier C., 1970 (Qatar).
Description
In Qatar, only the upper part of the Rus Formation deposits outcrops, in the Jebel Dukhan (west
coast), near Sauda Nathil (extreme south) and in the Northeast of the peninsula (Khor, Simsima,
NW of Doha).
The top part is made of a bed of a greyish, granular limestone, with medium hardness, sometimes
with secondary dolomitisation, often fossiliferous (impressions and molds of Corbula and
Cerithidae), represented unevenly in all the zones of Qatar where the Rus outcrops; its thickness
seems fairly uniform (0.80 to 1 m). This level has been assigned as the marker for the Khor
Limestone Bed (Cavelier C., 1970).
A reference section of the visible deposits of the Rus (about 30 m) has been studied in detail and
measured in Jebel Dukhan, 1 km East of the Q.P.C installations, in Fhaihil (Cavelier C., 1970). The
Rus deposits, in Fhaihil, are essentially composed of limestones more or less dolomitized, soft,
generally whitish, with minute argillaceous intercalations and green to brown dolomitic marl. Some
harder greyish limestone beds, generally dolomitic, intercalate and are the only fossiliferous levels.
Towards the base of the section can be observed some rare silica occurrence of the type sugar
candy and loaves that evoke the existence of former levels or gypsum lenses. West of Dukhan,
towards the visible base of the Rus, is seen a soft, whitish level of Limestone, with numerous quartz
geodes. Celestite nodules have been encountered in the Khor area, as well as asphalt near Simsima,
towards the top of the formation.
The study of some clays or marls from the Rus, in Fhaihil, has shown the irregular abundance of the
dolomite, associated with quartz and halite; the clay fraction is dominated by micaceous minerals
(illite) and contains some secondary smectites. A sample has shown the presence of attapulgite.
Kaolinite has not been detected.
In some wells located in synclinal position, the Rus has significant intercalations of gypsum or
anhydrite in its central part, similar to those known in Saudi Arabia (Powers R.W., 1968).
The absence or strong reduction of the evaporite levels has been noted in the north of Qatar: it can
be attributed firstly to the anticlinal position of the area (restricted sedimentation rate), secondly to
1053

the effects of subsequent dissolution, evidenced by the abundance of "collapse-structures" on the
surface.
The base of the Rus, known only in wells, seems very comparable lithologically to the soft whitish
limestones of the top.
The total thickness of the Rus deposits varies ; the minimal known thickness is 28 m at Latariyah,
NW of Doha, in anticlinal position. In the sector affected by the Simsima Dome (NE Qatar), it
varies from 30 to 45 m. In synclinal position, the Rus is a lot thicker (84 m in Doha). In offshore it
reaches 112 m in Idd-el-Shargi.
Fauna and age
The fauna of the outcropping upper part of the Rus is generally localised and not very abundant, in
Qatar, essentially in the fairly hard, greyish dolomitic limestone beds, which intercalate in the soft
whitish limestones that make up the top part (Khor Limestone Bed).
Only the Molluscs impressions and molds, often abundants, but little diversified, were recognized:
Cardium sp., cf. Cuneocorbula, small Veneridae ? and especially Cerethidae, such as Trypanaxis
cf. daviesi Cox.
The type of the latter form comes from the Lower Chharat Beds of the Kohat District in India (Cox,
1938). This formation which displays several common points with the Rus and in particular some
evaporites, is intercalated between the Shekhan Limestone, recognized as an equivalent to the most
upper Laki and the Kohat Shales at the base of Kirthar. Most often, the Lower Chharat Beds are
classified in conjunction with the Lower Kirthar (at least the basal part) and attributed as such to the
extreme base of the Middle Eocene.
However the review, on the basis of the known age of the Alveolina as much for the Laki than for
the Middle Kirthar, the first positioned in the Middle to Upper Ilerdian, the second (levels of
Alveolina elliptica) positioned in the lower part of the Lutetian (Hottinger C. [L.], 1971), leads to
place both the Lower Chharat Beds and the Lower Kirthar in the Upper Ypresian (Cuisian)
In Qatar we get a similar age for the Rus deposits intercalated between the top of the Umm er
Radhuma, equivalent to the Laki, and the base of the Dammam, attributed to the lower Lutetian
because of its fauna
1054
S
SAILA Shale Member, Saudi Arabia
Middle Eocene
See : Dammam Formation, Midra (and Saila) Shale Member, p. 102
*SIMSIMA Chalk Member
Middle Eocene
See: Dammam Formation, Umm Bab dolomite and Limestone Member, p. 104
*SIMSIMA Dolomite and Limestone Member
Middle Eocene
See: Dammam Formation, Upper Dammam Subformation
This term, adopted by Cavelier C., 1970, according to Stevenson, 1959, to designate the lower part
of the Upper Dammam Subformation, Middle Eocene, is homonymous with a formation name used
by the petroleum geologists, and mentioned by Dunnington H.V. in Lexique Stratigr. Intern., fasc.
Iraq (1959, p. 239) and in J. Inst. Petr., 1967, 53 (520), pl. I, as well as by Dominguez J.R., 1965, in
5th Arab Petr. Congr., Le Caire, for a Maestrichtian formation. Therefore, Cavelier C. offers to
replace it here with the term Umm Bab dolomite and Limestone Member. See. p. 104.
*Surface Dolomite Member
Middle Eocene
See: Dammam Formation, Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone Member, p. 104.
U
Paleocene
Lower
Eocene
UMM ER RADHUMA FORMATION
Authors
Henry S.B. and Brown A.B., 1935 (unpublished report, Saudi Arabia)
Synonymy
See R.W. Powers, 1968, Lex. Strati. Intern., Saudi Arabia; C. Cavelier, 1970, Geol. Descr. Qatar.
The terms Lower part of the Bahrain Formation (Henson, 1940) and Busaiyir Formation
(Sugden W., 1953), previously used in Qatar, have remained unpublished and abandoned since
1956 (Sugden W.)
Definition
See Powers R.W., 1968 (Saudi Arabia)
Description
In Qatar, the deposits of the Umm er Radhuma do not outcrop, but have been penetrated by many
wells whether in Jebel Dukhan or in northern or central Qatar.
They are also known offshore. Their thickness is generally greater than 300 metres. They are
essentially made of dolomites and limestones with different hardness, often fractured, with chert
beds, and intercalations of marls and clays.
Fauna and age
In Qatar, only the Umm er Radhuma Formation microfauna has been systematically described, by
A.H. Smout (1954), who recognizes two assemblages, one, upper, assigned to the Lower Eocene,
the second Lower, divided in 6 regional zones, corresponding to the Paleocene.
According to R.W. Powers (1968), only 3 large subdivisions can be recognized in the Umm er
Radhuma of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, of which the lowest 2 correspond to the Paleocene, the upper
falling under the Lower Eocene age.
1055

The lower subdivision of the Paleocene ( = zones 1 to 4 of Smout) contains in Qatar: Kathina
delseota Smout, Daviesina Khativahi Smout, Lockhartia altispira Smout, L. conica Smout, L.
prehaimei Smout, Asterigerina dukhani Smout, Rotalia hensoni Smout, R. dukhani Smout.
The upper subdivision of the Paleocene ( = zones 5 to 6 of Smout) contains : Miscellanea miscella
(dArchiac and Haime) var. dukhani Smout, M. meandrina (Carter) and Operculina sp. The genus
Miscellanea is considered by Powers as limited to this subdivision.
The basal Lower Eocene ( = Lower Eocene of A.H. Smout) is characterized by Sakesaria cotteri
Davies, Lockhartia tipperi (Davies) and L. hunti Ovey var. pustulosa Smout.
Recently, El Khayal (1970) has subdivided the Umm er Radhuma Formation in eastern Saudi
Arabia in 9 zones ; from top to bottom :
Miscellanea miscella zone
Operculina qatarensis zone
Discocyclina redmondi zone
Lockhartia haimei zone
Lockhartia smouti zone
Lockhartia haimei suturadicata zone
Lockhartia prehaimei zone
Lockhartia haimei vermiculata zone
Rotalia jacobi zone
According to this author, planktonic Foraminifera coexist with the Large Foraminifera in the
Discocyclina redmondi zone, allowing a direct correlation with the Globorotalia pusilla pusilla
zone and the lower part of the Globorotalia pseudomenardii zone of BOLLI (1957).
According to these data we could put forward a rough equivalence of the D. redmondi zone of El
Khayal with the English Thanets Sands, that Berggren places up against the same zones, as well as
with the Heersian and the base of the Belgian Landenian (El Naggar).
These possible equivalences with the western Europe stratotypes do not allow to automatically
infer, as suggested by El Khayal, that the O. qatarensis and M. miscella zones are of sparnacian
age: the English Thanets Sands do not indeed cover the upper part of the known Thanetian of the
belgo-parisian basins. Moreover, the agreement is not perfect regarding the equivalence of Thanets
Sands with the zones of planktonic Foraminifera ; therefore Bronnimann, Curry, Pomerol and Szots
consider that it would not be plausible to place this formation below the Globorotalia parva zone of
Szots (which corresponds to the Globorotalia velascoensis zone of Bolli).
Smout A.H., moreover, correlates the upper part of the Umm er Radhuma, which he assigns to the
Paleocene, with the indian Ranikot. The terminal part, assigned to the Lower Eocene, is placed in
parallel with the Laki.
Sander N.J. (1962) admits also a correlation between the top of the Umm er Radhuma,
characterized by Lockhartia tipperi and Sakesaria cotteri, with the indian Laki. However, the
whole lower levels would correspond only to the upper Ranikot.
In fact, if we leave out the Cardita beaumonti layers, of questionable age, but probably all or part
danian according to the planktonic Foraminifera, and the much localized deposits of the Pondichery
1056

Formation and similar to the south-east coast of the indian peninsula, the marine serie starts in India
with the Upper Ranikot. This formation contains Large Foraminifera, among which Miscellanea
miscella and M. meandropsina, known only in the upper assemblage of the Umm er Radhuma of
Qatar (and Saudi Arabia), assigned to the Paleocene (zones 5 and 6 of Smout A.H. and upper
subdivision of the Paleocene of Powers)
It is remarkable also that all forms encountered in the lower assemblage of the Umm er Radhuma,
with the exception of species of wide distribution that continue through the upper assemblage, such
as Lockhartia conditi, had to be considered by both Smout A. H. and Sander N.J. as new. Very
detailed studies on the indian Large Foraminifera having been initiated much before the works of
A.H. Smout and N.J. Sander, we can conclude that the base of the Umm er Radhuma is most likely
older in whole or in large part to the Upper Ranikot. The latter formation would be represented in
Qatar approximately by zones 5 and 6 of A.H. Smout, and the Laki, by the top of the Umm er
Radhuma with Lockartia tipperi and Sakesaria cotteri.
Recently Hottinger L. (1971) examined the Alveolina from the Upper Ranikot and from the indian
Laki for their lateral equivalents. He concludes that a correlation exists between the Upper Ranikot
and the lower Ilerdian Pyrenean and between the Laki and the middle to upper Ilerdian.
The exact correlation between the pyrenean Ilerdian with the classic nortwestern European series
has not been established, however almost all the authors currently agree for a correlation with the
lower Ypresian (Sparnacian + basal Cuisian)
In conclusion, the age of the lower part of the Umm er Radhuma (zones 1 to 4 of Smout A.H.) is
very likely Paleocene (undifferenciated, maybe only at the top).
Zones 5 and 6 of Smout A.H. and his upper zone with Sakesaria cotteri and Lockhartia tipperi
correspond most likely, respectively, to the lower Ilerdian and to the middle to upper Ilerdian; they
must be approximately positioned in regards to the basal Lower Eocene (Lower Ypresian vel
Sparnacian ) of Northwest Europe.
*Upper Limestone Group
Middle Eocene
See : Dammam Formation, Umm Bab Dolomite and Limestone Member, p. 104
1057
Chronological index of commonly used

stratigraphic terms (mmoire Cl. Cavelier, 1970)
Hasa Group
Lower Eocene
Rus Formation
Khor Limestone Bed
Middle Eocene
Dammam Formation
Rujm Ad Velates Limestone Member
Midra (and Saila) Shale Member
Umm Bab Dolomite and limestone Member
Midra shales Member, Saudi Arabia
Saila Shales Member, Saudi Arabia
Abarug Dolomitic Marl and Limestone Member
Miocene
? Lower Miocene
? Middle Miocene
Dam Formation
Upper Miocene
Hofuf Formation
1058
Chronological index of obsolete stratigraphic terms

(Mmoire Cl. Cavelier, 1970)
Paleocene - Eocene
(Hasa Series)
Bahrein [Bahrain] Formation

Bahrein [Bahrain] Group

(Umm er Radhuma Formation)
Lower Part of the Bahrein [Bahrain] Formation

Busaiyir Formation
Lower Eocene
(Rus Formation)
Chalk (y) Zone

Middle Eocene
(Dammam Formation)
(Rujm Ad Member)
(Dukhan Member)
(Midra Shale Member)
(Umm Bab Member)
(Abarug Member)
Miocene
(Gachsaran, Iran)

Alveolina beds
Middle Eocene Alveolina Limestone
Midra Shales (s.l.), Saudi Arabia
Upper limestone Group
Simsima Chalk Member
Surface Dolomite Member
Red Bed
Abaruk Beds
Abaruk Chalk
Abaruk Bed
Lower Fars (Iran, Iraq, offshore Qatar)
1059
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CITS DANS LE TEXTE
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Le Tertiaire de la presqule de Qatar (Golfe Arabique). Donnes nouvelles fournies par les
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(mmoire dpos le 8 novembre 1971).
Bramkamp (R.A.) et Ramirez (L.F.), 1961
Geological Map of the Central Persian Gulf Quadrangle. U.S. Geol. Surv., Misc. Geol. Invest.,
map I-209A
Casier (E.), 1971
Sur un matriel ichthyologique des Midra (and Saila) Shales du Qatar (Golfe Persique). Bull.
Inst. R. Sci. Nat. Belg., t. 47, no 2, 9 p., 1 pl.
Cavelier (C.), 1970
Geological Description of the Qatar Peninsula (Arabian Gulf). Publ. Government of Qatar,
Dept. of Petroleum Affairs. 39 p., 4 coupes h.-t.
Cavelier (C.), Salatt (A.), Heuze (Y.), 1970.
Qatar Geological Map. 3 cartes couleur 1/100 000 et 1 carte couleur 1/200 000. Publ.
Government of Qatar, Dept. of Petroleum Affairs
Clegg (E.L.G.), 1933
Echinoids from the Persian Gulf. Pal. Indica (n.s.), XXII, mem. no 1, 35 p.
Cox (L.R.), 1936
Fossil Molluscs from Southern Persia (Iran) and Bahrain Islands. Pal. Indica (n.s.), XXII, mem.
no 2, 69 p., 8 pl.
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Eocene Mollusca from NorthWestern India. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Serie 11, vol. I, no 2, p. 161177, pl. VI a VIII.
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Abu Dhabi marine areas geology. 1er Congres intern. Le Ptrole et la Mer. Section 1, no 127.
La Revue Ptrolire, no 1073 (juin 1965), 8 p.
El-Khayal, Abd El malik, 1970.
Planktonic and larger Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy of the Uppermost Cretaceous and Lower
Tertiary Formations of Eastern and Northwestern Saudi Arabia. Dissert, Abstracts, Series B,
U.S.A., 30, no 9, p. 4206 B to 4207 B.
Larger Imperforate Foraminifera of South West Asia, families Lituolidae, Orbitolinidae and
Meandropsinidae. British Museum (Nat. Hist.), London, XI, 127 p.
Hottinger (L.), 1971.
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177 p.
1060

Powers (R.W.), Ramirez (L.F.), Redmond (C.D.) and Elberg (E.L. Jr), 1966
Geology of the Arabian Peninsula. Sedimentary Geology of Saudi Arabia. U.S. Geol. Surv.,
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Aperu palontologique et stratigraphique du Palogne en Arabie Saoudite orientale. Revue
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Lower Tertiary Foraminifera of the Qatar Peninsula. British Museum (Nat. History), London,
IX, 96 p., 15 pl.
Steineke (M.) et al. (T. F. Harris, K. P. Parsons, and E. L. Berg), 1958
Geological Map of the Western Persian Gulf Quadrangle. U.S. Geol. Surv., Misc. Geol. Invest.
Map I-208A, Scale 1: 500,000. Reprinted in 1977 as GM-208B, 1958.
Stocklin (J.), 1968.
Salt deposits of the Middle East. Geol. Soc. Am., Special paper 88 (Intern. Conf. on Saline
Deposits, 1962), p. 157-181.
Willis (R.P.), 1967
Geology of the Arabian Peninsula, Bahrain. U.S. Geol. Surv., Prof. paper 560 E. U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, 4 p.
1061
IMPRIMERIE LOUIS-JEAN
Publications Scientifiques et Litraires
TYPO-OFFSET
05002 GAP Tlphone 51-35-23
Dpt lgal 235-1975
1062
Appendix 7
1063

APPENDIX 7
Transcription dune conversation tlphonique (Skype/Tlphone)
Entre M. Jacques LeBlanc et le Dr. Claude Cavelier
Le 14 dcembre 2013.
Remarque : Lentrevue a eu lieu en franais
C = Cavelier
L = LeBlanc
M = Madame Cavelier
Le texte en bleu a t rajout la conversation par lintervieweur (M. LeBlanc) afin de clarifier un
point sur la discussion.
Temps
mm:ss
00:00
Pers.
Questions/Commentaires
L
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OuiBonjour.M.ClaudeCavelierS.V.P.
Oui,jevaisvouslappeler
Mercibien
Ilarrive
Daccordmerci
Allo
M.Cavelier
Oui
CestJacquesLeBlancquivousappelleduQatar
Oui,bienbonjourMonsieur
Bonjour, a me fait plaisir de vous parler finalement. Ca fait depuis 2008 que je vous
cherche
Depuis.
2008
Ahbienditesdont.Javaisdisparucommea?
Jaifaitbeaucoupderecherches surlinternetetpuisjaitrouv beaucoupderfrences
surdespublicationsquevousavezcrites,etquelquesinformationspersonnelles mais
aucun numro de tlphone ou adresse email, alors jai mme contact quelques
gologuesfranaisquejeconnaissais,ainsiquelaBRGM,maisilsnontpaspumaider.
Jenaipasdinternet;pasdadresseemail;jenaipasdetlphoneportable,jenaipas
dordinateur.Jeviscommeonvivaitilya20ansou25ans
Daccord,jecomprends.Maisenfaitjaittrschanceuxparcequilya3semainesou
ilyaunmoisjaifaituneautrerecherchesurvousetparchancejaitrouvlesitedeLa
SainteBarbe[http://www.amicalebrgm.fr/v3/spip.php?article329]quelaBRGMamis
[cr]pour2009etvousytiezuninvit.
Oui,oui,
Del,jaipucontacter MmeLabrot.
Oui,oui,jesuisaucourant
Daccordalorsjai prpar une longue listede questions. Je pense que la meilleure
faondeprocderseraitquejelenvoieMmeLabrotparemail
Oui,oui,biensr.etellemelatransmettra
etvousenprendraicompte
etmoijerpondraicommejepeux
Exactement,etonsedonneraunrendezvoustlphoniqueencoreetsianevousgne
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1064

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pas,etsicestpossible,jaimeraisbienvousrappeler.
oui
Etsivouslepermettezjepourraisenregistrerlaconversation
Biensur
Parfait
Vous,voustesbienorganissijecomprendsbien
Ahoui.Depuis2010quejetravaillesurcettepublicationquejeveuxfinaliserpourlafin
de2014.Cestsur lhistoiredelastratigraphieau Qatar,etmoi,enfaitjaitrouvque
lhistoiredelastratigraphieauQatarcommenceenlanne1784
OuibiencenestpaslecasduQatar
Oui,leQataresteneffetplusjeunequea,mais lesfaitshistoriquesquiont eu lieu
propos de la stratigraphie commencent aux Indes, mais, en fait, de ca ou pourra en
reparlerpendantnotreprochaineentrevue.
adoitcommenceravecPhilby,lesfirmesbritanniques
Bien cela sest en 1908 [Note: javais compris Pilgrim (1908) au lieu de Philby
(1930)].Maisilyaaussiunrelev[pluttunedescription],unrelevpartiel,delileHalul
quiestde1850,ou1859[sefutenfaiten1859]?
AH,AH,cestpossibleparcequeffectivementlesilesduGolfePersiqueenfaitmoijene
mensuispasbeaucoupoccupparceque;bonjesuis all a HaluletShraouh,mais,
bon,sestvraimentunegologiebouleversesurcesdmesdiapiriques
Oui,exactement,exactement.CestduCambrienetenfaitunegologiebiendiffrente.
Oui,oui,oui,sestdustyleiranien,oudustyleduGolfe
Exactement,exactement.Alorscequejevaisfaire,surledocumentquejevaisenvoyer
MmeLabrot,ilyaunpetitsommairesurmoi,quimeprsentevous
Oui
et vous en prendrai compte; et il y a la liste de toutes les questions. Je veux vous
poserdesquestionssurlerelevgologiquede196970
Oui
etaussidesquestionspersonnelles,maispastroppersonnellesetaussisurleLexique
Stratigraphiquesurlequelvousavezcontribude1975
Ahoui,ouisestmadernire uvresurleQatar
Oui,cestcequejemesuisrenducompteenvousrecherchant.
Aprs jai fait..je nai jamais retravaill au Qatar, mais bon, jai travaill en Arabie
Saoudite,enOman,auDhofar
Ahoui,parfait,parfait.Cestintressantsavoir.
Donc jai pu prciser certaines attributions stratigraphiques autant quon puisse les
transporter du Dhofar au Qatar, mais en fait, bon, la gologie est trs semblable [sur
toute]lapninsulearabiquesauflesmontagnes..jaiaussitravaillsurlesmontagnes
dOman,maislsestdiffrent..
Oui bien sr. Moi jen arrive en fait. Je suis all aux Emirats sur la pninsule de
Musandam
Ahoui
asesttrsbeau.Lepermienestlenpleinevue
Oui,sestextraordinairecettechainedOman,duMusandametaupourtourdelachaine
dailleurs, sest vraiment assez extraordinaire.. Ca t malheureux au Qatar pour la
temprature parce quon avait dbut le terrain fin avril; donc on a fait le relev en
pleintetenautomnel,aveclestempraturesmaximales.
50C
Stait souslatente.
Ouch
1065
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Ahbienoui,onnavait aucunconfortcommeondit.
Oui,oui,jecomprends
BienilfautdirequeleQatartaitbiendiffrentdecequecestdevenudaprscequeje
peuxvoirlatlvisionparexemple;staitvraimentunpaysoilnyavaitpersonne
oui,desbdouins
Alpoqueilyavait5,000Qataris,bonetpuis,jenesaispas,lestrangersilyenavait
50,000,peuttre60,000danslepays
Oui,plusdIndiensquedautres[nationalits]
Stait encoretrstraditionnel
Jecomprendstrsbien.aachangnormment
Jenemendoutepas
Cestunemtropolemaintenant[Doha]
Oui.ApparemmentvousavezrencontrM.AbdallahSalatt
Oui,enfaitjelairencontrpourlapremirefoisen2009
Oui.
.Disonsquontaitdansungroupealorssilmevoitaujourdhuiilnemereconnaitrait
pas,maisjeluiaiparlpartlphoneetjevaislerencontrerLundi
Ehbien,transmettezluitoutesmesamitis
Daccord,etjesuiscertainquilvavousappeler.HiersoirMmeLabrotmaenvoyvos
dtails
Oui,oui,
alorsjeluiaiaussienvoyvosdtails.Jesuiscertainquilvavousappeler
Questcequilfaisait.Commentatsacarrire ?
Bien, ce que je sais de lui cest quaprs le relev de 1970, il est rentr dans le
DepartmentofPetroleumAffairsintheMinistryofFinanceandPetroleum;cequi
prcdaitQatarPetroleum.
oui
Etaudbut1980iltaitdirecteur,etaprscailtaitrentrcommetanthautplac
danslacompagniedeQatarPetroleum.ettoutrcemment,trsrcemment,ilyadeux
outroisans,ilyaeuunbranlement,unchangementdegardeenfait.Ildoitavoirenfait
71ansjepense,plusoumoins.
Oui,etbien
Cestcela.Ilestbien.Onvaserencontreretjeprendraidesphotosquejevousenverrai
parlentremisedeMmeLabrot.[Malheureusement,aucunephotonefutprisedurant
monentrevueavecM.Salatt]
Daccord. Vous avez recu.je ne saispas..vous recherchiez,unephotode moi sur la
SainteBarbe2009.Ellevousaenvoylarfrence?
Oui.Enfaitoui,jaibiencettephotoenmapossession.Maisdanslequestionnaireque
jevaisvousenvoyer,jevousdemandesivousavezdesphotos.peuttrepasdurelev
gologiqueparcequellemaditquevousnenaviezpas.
JavaisprisunepelliculeetlorsquejesuisentrenFrancejelaienvoydvelopperet
elletaittouteblanche
Cestdommage
.doncilnyarieneu.Jenai aucunephotodeterrainduQatar.
Daccord.
Jenenavaispasprisbeaucoup;staitpeuttreunede36[unrouleaude36].maisen
faitjenairien
Daccord
Jensuisdsoldailleurs
Cenestpasgrave
1066
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Enfin,jenepeuxpasfairemieux
Pas deproblme. Auriezvousparcontreunephotodevous entrelesannes1968et
1975quesesoitenOmanouenArabieSaoudite
Oui,acestpossible.Javaistoujoursdescollguesquiprenaientbeaucoupdephotos
etparfoisilsmendonnaientune;jevaisregarder.Jenesuispasdutoutphotographe
amateurdonc
Daccord
Oui,ouijevaisregarder.
Cameplairaitbiendavoirunedevosphotospourlapublication
Ah, mais jen ai une de, ou je dois en avoir une de Doha heinqui avait t prise la
Shell.
Ahbien
.unesoiredelaShell.Jesaisquemafemmelavaitressorti,quimasurpris
Ahbiendaccord,amintresserait
.maisanedonnepasleterrain
Cenestpasgrave
Je suis avec deux anglais, en fait un anglais et une anglaise, avec qui javais
sympathiss.lesraresfoisquejtaisDoha.
Daccord.voustieztoujoursauchantier
Moijtaisdansledsert.Jerevenais48heurestousles15jours
Ahok
.pourrefairelesprovisions,leau,etc.
Daccord
.jtaisdehors,sauftout faitlesdernierstempsquandjerdigeaismonrapport
exactement
.maisautrementasestfaitenextrieur
Daccord.maisstaitletravail.Cestpouraquelacompagnievousenvoyaitenfait.
Jenavaispaslechoix.Detoutefaon ilfallaitquejavance
Seulementquepensertredansuncampementaumoisdejuillet,aoutetseptembre
.voila;vousdevriezenfairelexprience
Justelefairepourunenuitsestsuffisant
Maisnon.onavaitunthermomtre enregistreur.Latempraturentaitpasdescendu
audessousde34Clanuitheinoui,pourjuin,juilletetaout.Enfaitstaitdureparce
quenplusstaitextrmementhumide;ontaittrssouventdanslebrouillard
Absolumentoui,
QuandvoustessurlebordduGolfedeSalwaoudansleDjebelDukhansestunpetit
djebelmais..
Ouienfaitlenomde Dukhan veutdire collinedebrouillard
Oui,oui..cestunplaisirhein[enriant]
Ahbiensur
.en plus croyezmoi vous ne pouvez rien faire quand vous ne voyez rien, vous ne
pouvezmmepascirculer;vousnesavezpasouvousmettrenicommentvousmettre.
CommevousnavezpasdeaupourvouslaverdetoutefaonetquallezdansleGolfede
Salwa pour prendre un bain, sest totalement dconseill; il ny a pas deau douce
proximit
Beaucouptropsalebiensur
Ahbienoui,sesttropsale,oui.Ouiacentaitpasfacile
Oui
Commeconditionclimatique,dansmacarrirejenaijamaisrencontrpire
Oui,staitlepire
1067
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Oui,staitlepire
Ilnyavaitpaseulemoyendelefairedumoisdeseptembreaumoisdemai,ouestce
queleprojetvoulaitquevouscommenciezdslasignatureducontrat.
Bienlasignatureducontrat;jenesaisplus,jtaisarriv,jenesaisplus,enfvrierje
crois.Non,non,jtaisarrivenavril
Exactement
et le temps de. Bon normalement je devais avoir des Land Rover, des tentes,
etctoutdevaittreprtmonarrivemaisamaprisdeuxmoispourrunirtoutle
matriel
OK
Cequifaitquonadbut enjuinsurleterrainquoi..
Daccord,ok.Djl,voyezvous,vousrpondezdjquelquesunesdemesquestions
stait trs compliqu.en plus il y avait des britanniques qui ntait pas du tout
contentdevoirarriverdesfranais.
Jimagine,oui
Alpoque..etquandjedispascontent,jedisbienpascontent
ok
Ilsmettaientpluttlesbtonsdanslesrouestouslesniveauxpossibles
Detoutefaon,vouslavezfaitetvouslavezbienfait
Ahbienoui,bienAbdallahpourraitvousraconterjesuppose.parcequilmabienaid.
Iltaitjeunegologueetilnavaitpasencoremislespiedssurleterrain,maisparcontre
il avait lavantage dtre Qatari; et a, avoir un Qatari avec soit, sest
fondamental.enfinstaitfondamental
Oui,etmmeaujourdhui.avousouvredesportes;cargledesproblmes
je dois dire on dpendait du Ptrole et du Affairs Department.stait Ali
Djeddahquitaitlepatronlpoque.Bontrsrapidement,jaitsoutenutousles
niveaux par les Qatari, et de toute faon il a accd lIndpendance; il voulait se
dbarrasser,sivousvoulez,ducarcanbritannique,maisleurpouvoirtaitplusfaibleque
ceuxdesbritanniques.
Ok,Ok,
Lesbritanniquestenaientlapolice,larme,lesfinancesenfintoutuntasdechoses.
Daccord
..ilsnetenaientpasleptrole
Le Qatar par chance a aussi eu son Indpendance une ou deux annes par la suite je
pense.
Oui,bonmaintenantilssontbienindpendants
Oui,pasdeproblmepoura
IlsinvestissentbeaucoupenFrance
Oui,etvoussavez,mmeauCanada,enAngleterre,etunpeupartout
Oui,bienvidemment.Ilsnousontachet unclubdefootball
Oui,ajenesavaispas
Oui, le Paris StGermain est le tout premier du championnat avec tout largent quils
disposent
Ilestqatarien
Bienilestfranais
Ouibiensr,cequejevoulaisdirecest quilestfranais avecdesfondsqatariens
MaisleprsidentduSG(?)estunqatarien
Daccord
Voilbon.voustes canadien,non
Oui,oui,jesuiscanadien,jesuisnauQubec
1068
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Jessayaisdetrouver votreaccent,bonetjemesuisdit,ilnestpassuisse,il,nestpas
belge;doncilestcanadien
Voilexactement,jesuiscanadien.Jesuisn auQubec en1958;etjetravailledansle
ptrole depuis 1986 et je travaille en dehors du Canada depuis 1993 et je nai pas
travaillauCanadadepuis1993;etmaintenantavecQatarPetroleum;etledocument
quejevaisvousenvoyervousdonneraunsommaireplusdtaill
Jelieraiaavecintrt
Alors,jenverraiaMmeLabrot
OK
Savezvoussielletravailletouslesjoursdelasemaine
Non,non,pastouslesjoursdelasemaine.Elleestlaretraitecommemoidailleurs
Daccord
MaisnousavonsuneAmicaleBRGMetelleestsecrtairedelAmicale.
Ahparfait,ok
DoncelletientdepermanencejecroislesLundiaprsmidietJeudiaprsmidi;maiselle
yvatrssouvent;elleytaithier..EllenytaitpasJeudiparcequeJeudijtaispour
allerlavoiravantdeprendrecontactavecvousmaisapparemmentilnyavaitpersonne
lAmicale.Doncjavaislaissunmessageetellemarappelhier.
Daccord
Voil, elle ny est pas tous les jours mais elle vient souvent; au moins deux fois par
semaineengnrale
Trs bien, alors je lui envoie a, et si elle me renvoie un email le lundi..moi je suis
disponiblenimportequellejourneaprs4PMduQatarcequiveutdireaprs2PMde
chezvous.
Oui,sestdirelaprsmidiquoi.pourmoilaprsmidi.
Sestca
Voil
En fait, si vous le permettez on pourrait dj prendre un rendezvous tlphonique,
disonstemporairesivousvoulez
Oui
Etjevousrappelleraicettedateetheureenesprantquevousaurezprisconnaissance
dudocumentdicil.
Oui
Peuttremercredioumardipeuttre
Delasemaineprochaine
Non.Decettesemaine
Oui,moijaitoujourslecalendrierdusensgrgorienduterme
oui
Jeneterminepaslasemainelevendredi maisbienledimanche
Daccord
PourmoilasemaineprochaineacommenceLundi
Oui,etpourmoilafindesemainesesthieretmaintenant
Bienouijesais.Doncdetoutefaon,enrgle gnrale jesuisdisponiblequelesaprs
midi
Ok,sestbonalors.
Le matin il marrive daller faire des courses et des trucs comme a, mais laprsmidi
non.
Ok
Bonlaprsmidiaumaximumjefaisdujardin,maisvuletempsquilfaitencemoment
jenenfaispasbeaucoup
1069
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Sestfroidunpeu.
Doncjesuispluttentraindelire
Daccord
voil
Peutonfairealors2 heures delaFrancelemardile17[dcembre]?
Oui,lemardi172heures,oui,sivousvoulezoui
Etsivousnavezpaseuconnaissancedudocumentdicil,bienvousmelediteseton
reprendraunautrerendezvous
OK,daccord
Parfait.ExcellentM.Cavelier.Jevousremercieinfiniment
Maisjevousenpris
Alorsonsereparlelemardi
Daccord..Salammalekum
AmalekumSalam
Voil
Aurevoir
1070

Questionnaire pour lentrevue du 17 dcembre avec le Dr. Claude Cavelier
Questions - Du cot personnel
En dehors du fait que vous ayez fait le relev de la gologie du Qatar en 1969-70 et que vous ayez
travaill pour le Bureau de Recherches Gologiques et Minires (BRGM), je connais seulement que
deux faits personnels en ce qui vous concerne :
A) Vous tes n en 1932 (http://www.idref.fr/02677318X). Est-ce bien exacte? (Quel est le lieu
et date exacte de votre naissance?) [Preuve quon ne doit pas croire tout ce quon lit sur
linternet]
B) Vous avez reu votre Doctorat s Science en 1971
(http://www.galaxidion.com/personne/claudecavelier/57005/ethttp://www.librairie
richer.com/personne/claudecavelier/57005/).Est-ce bien exacte ? Ce Doctorat, fut-il fait
pendant ou aprs le relev du Qatar ? [Preuve quon ne doit pas croire tout ce quon lit sur
linternet]
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Que faisait vos parents. Leur profession ?

Venez-vous dune grande ou petite famille ? Combien de surs et frres avez-vous ?
A quelle cole(s) tes-vous all ?
Universit(s)
Mari?
Enfants ?
Petits enfants? [ Par erreur dans le questionnaire original javais crit Grands enfants ?
qui est une traduction litraire de langlais Grand-Children ]
8) Combien de langues parlez-vous ?
9) Voyagez-vous maintenant de temps en temps en dehors de la France ?
10) Y-a-t-il dj une biographie ou autobiographie crite sur vous, que se soit courte ou longue.
Si oui, comment puis-je me la procurer ?
11) Est-ce que la BRGM fut votre unique employeur ? Combien de temps y avez-vous
travaill ?
12) Avez-vous une liste complte des articles/publications que vous avez publis au cours de
votre carrire, que se soit sur le Qatar ou dailleurs. Si oui, puis-je en avoir une copie?
QuestionsLerelevgologiquede196970duQatar
A) Le contrat entre la BRGM et le gouvernement du Qatar a t sign le 19 fvrier 1969 et les

travaux de terrain ont dbut en avril de la mme anne. Savez-vous combien de temps ont
pris les ngociations ?
B) Comment avez-vous t impliqu dans ce projet. Etiez-vous nouveau la BRGM et
combien de semaines/mois de pravis la BRGM vous a donn pour vous annoncer que vous
seriez le responsable en charge du projet?
C) Aviez-vous fait un relev similaire ailleurs auparavant, que se soit en France ou
lextrieur ?
D) Il y a du avoir une priode de collection de documents (publications techniques, etc) de
votre part et/ou du personnel qatarien avant votre arriv au pays. Est-ce que tout tait
complet une fois que vous tes arriv au Qatar ou a-t-il fallu prendre une priode pour
accumuler la documentation ncessaire ?
1071

E) Comment avez-vous choisi de commencer la cartographie ? Lavez-vous fait du nord au
sud, du sud au nord, est louest, etc ? et pourquoi lavoir fait ainsi ? Immdiatement
aprs avoir complt le relev, avez-vous pens que vous auriez d le faire autrement.
Quauriez-vous chang ?
F) Aviez-vous un bon guide qatarien qui connaissait trs bien le terrain ; vous rappelez-vous de
son nom ? A propos, en parlant des autres membres de lquipe, savez-vous ce qui en est de
M. Yves Heuz ?
G) Dans les annes 1990 le Qatar a tabli une grille de rfrence pour tous les relevs de
godsie ; cette grille se nomme Qatar National Grid . En 1969-70 cette grille nexistait
pas et il ny avait pas non plus de GPS. Comment avez-vous calcul les lvations et les
coordonnes exactes pour la carte gologique.. quelle rfrence avez-vous choisi ? Avezvous utilis les cartes gologiques en dernires pages ? [Browne1952,Steineke1958,
Bramkamp1961]
H) Vous rappelez-vous de faon spcifique dun ou plusieurs endroits o vous avez install vos
campements (quel en tait le(s) nom(s)) ?. Combien de temps passiez-vous chacun deux ;
quelques jours, ou semaines ?
I) Avez-vous utilis des photos ariennes. [ Dans le questionnaire original javais crit par
erreur images satellites au lieu de photos ariennes .les images satellites
nexistaient pas cette epoque] Y-a-t-il des endroits o vous ne vous tes pas rendu
physiquement mais pour lesquels vous avez utilis que des photos ariennes afin den
extrapoler la gologie.
J) Les rsultats de ce relev sont dcrits dans deux publications:
- GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE QATAR PENINSULA (60 pages)
- GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND MINERAL SUBSTANCES EXPLORATION IN
QATAR (109 pages)
Dans ces deux publications il y a en annexe les Sections de Reference (Reference Sections)
de 1 5, toutefois la section de Reference 2 qui dcrit le Miocne sur la colline de QARN
ABU WAIL, qui dlimite maintenant le Qatar avec l'Arabie Saoudite, est manquante dans
toutes les six copies appartenant Qatar Petroleum ainsi qu' toutes celles appartenant la
BRGM.
La question est la suivante: Est-ce que cette section de rfrence #2 sur la colline du Qarn
Abu Wail a vraiment t faites ou est-ce que se fut un oubli durant limpression des copies
du document de lincorporer. En avez-vous une copie ? Pourrais-je en avoir une copie
digitale ?
K) Vous rappelez-vous des les que vous avez visite ? Halul, Shraouh, Ishat, Hawar ? Vous y
tes-vous rendu en bateau ou en hlicoptre.
L) Les fossiles : partir des publications de dautres auteurs qui ont suivi le relev, je sais que
vous avez collectionn des fossiles durant votre travail.
i.
Les dents de requins de locne ont t dcrit par Dr. Casier en 1971 ;
ii.
Les foraminifres par Dr. Blondeau et Cavelier en 1972
iii.
Les chinides (oursins de mer) par Dr. Roman en 1976
A ma connaissance se sont les trois seules publications en relation au Qatar et ses fossiles,
qui ont suivis la publication des rsultats du relev. En connaissez-vous dautres ? Avezvous gard vous-mme des chantillons de fossiles pour votre collection personnelle. Avezvous ramass des restes de vertbrs tels que des ctes ou des vertbres de mammifres ou
reptiles ? Si oui, vous rappelez-vous des endroits et des priodes gologiques ?
1072

M) Vous avez mentionn madame Labrot que les ngatifs des photos que vous avez prises
durant le relev ont t expos la lumire et donc aucunes na pu tre dveloppes. Savezvous si dautres personnes en ont prises (en passant, je vais rencontrer M. Salatt ce lundi et
lui demander la mme question). Auriez-vous une photo de vous qui date entre les annes
1968 et 1975. (Comme on en a discut, s.v.p, faites-moi parvenir une version digitale de
votre photo de Doha, et toutes autres photos qui pourraient me servir).
N) Quavez-vous fait aprs votre travail au Qatar. Est-ce que la BRGM vous a envoy dans un
autre pays pour faire un travail similaire ou tes-vous retourn en France.
QuestionsLeLexiqueStratigraphiqueduQatar
Entre 1973 et 1975 le Lexique Stratigraphique du Qatar a t publi. Les auteurs furent Sugden,
Standring et vous-mme, pour la stratigraphie de surface.
i. Avez-vous dj rencontr M. Sugden et Standring (avez-vous des Photos ?)
ii. Le Directeur de ce projet tait M. Louis Dubertret. Est-ce bien lui qui vous a approch pour
participer ce Lexique. (avez-vous des Photos de lui?)
iii. Y-a-t-il dautres faits en relation ce lexique qui seraient intressant pour ma recherche.
Tout fait serait le bien venu
Dernire question
Au Qatar il y a un groupe qui sappelle The Qatar Geological Society . Seriez-vous intress
revenir au Qatar si cette Socit vous le demandait afin de participer lune de leur runions ou
prsentations.
1073
Fig. APDX 14-01: Steineke, 1958
1074
A historical account of the Stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2010)
Fig. APDX 14-02: Bramkamp 1961
1075
Fig. APDX 14-03: Browne, 1952
1076

Transcription dune entrevue tlphonique (Skype/Tlphone)
Le 17 dcembre 2013.
Remarque : Lentrevue a eu lieu en franais
C = Cavelier
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Temps
Pers.
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M.Cavelier
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Oui,bonjour
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Bonjour,commentallezvous?
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Bienetvousmme
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Trsbien.avezvousbienreulequestionnaire
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Oui,jelaireuhier
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Daccord,etvousavezeu letempsdevousfamiliariserunpeu
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Oui,jailu
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Daccord;alorsvoustesprt
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Oui,oui,allezy
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Daccord,mepermettezvoustoujoursdenregistrerlaconversation?
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Oui,oui,jevousenpris
Daccord. En passant je vais aussi prendre des notes sur mon ordinateur tout en
parlant,alorssivousentendezmonclaviervoussaurezpourquoi.aussi,enpassantjai
L
fait une erreur sur le questionnaire que je vous ai envoy.jai mentionn images
satellitesaulieudephotosariennes
C
Ahoui.alpoquestaitphotosariennes
Oui exactement; alors estce quil y a des questions que vous prfreriez que je ne
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demandepas?
Non; allezy dans lordre hein; bon ma date de naissanceje ne suis pas n en 1932
maisen1935[unerechercheinternetpralablemavaitindiqueparerreurquiltait
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nen1932(http://www.idref.fr/02677318X)].
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Ah,parfait,sestbon
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Jesuisnle14juin1935Colombe,danslesHautsdeSeine,enFrance
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danslesHautsdeSeine,enFrancele14juin
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Le14juin,oui.
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Jenesaispasdomevientmoninformationde32,maisenfin
Moinonplus.Vousvoulezmevieillir;jenesuispastrsjeune,maisanevautpasla
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peinedemevieillirde3ans
Daccord.Avantdecontinuerjaimeraisdireseulementquepourlenregistrementque
noussommeslemardi17dcembre2013.MoimmejemenommeJacquesLeBlanc
etjemetrouveauQatartandisquemoninterlocuteursenommeM.ClaudeCavelier
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qui se trouveOrlans enFrance. Seulement quepour lenregistrement, voilsest
fait.
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Trsbien
Maintenantladeuximequestion.VousavezreuvotreDoctoraten1971?[uneautre
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recherche internet ((http://www.galaxidion.com/personne/claudecavelier/57005/ et
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cetteanne]
Non,non.
OKdaccord
Je ne sais pas ce que jai reu en 71, en revenant du Qatar.. Non. Jai pass mon
DoctoratdEtaten1976
Ahdaccord
Enjanvier76
Parfait
CasintitulaitLalimiteEoceneOligoceneenEuropeOccidental[Cettethsefutplus
tard reproduite sous Cavelier C. (1979). La limite eoceneoligocene en Europe
occidentale.Sci.Geol.Mem.,ULPStrasbourg54:240pp]
Daccord,ok.Etstaitquelleuniversit
AluniversitPierreetMarieCurieParis6[http://www.upmc.fr/]
Ahoui,elleestbienfameuse.Maintenantducotdelafamille.vosparents,quelles
professions
Alorsoncontinu.Mamretaitlamaisonetmonpretaitinstituteur.
Daccord.dansunecole lmentaire/primaire
Oui,oui.Ilavaittprofesseuraudbutdesacarrire.IltaitprofesseurenAlbanie
Ahdaccord,daccord
Oui, il tait au Lyce Franais de Kora en Albanie. Il appartenait lducation
nationale;jenesaispascommentasappelaitlpoqueenFrance;iladoncfaitses
5ansenAlbanie,etensuiteilestrentrenFrancelademandedemamrequidevait
soccuperdesamrequiavaitperdulavue;doncl,pouravoirunpostetoutdesuite,
ilestdevenuinstituteuraColombe.
Parfait
DoncmoijesuisnColombe
Donc,sestbien.Etvousvenezdunegrandefamille?Plusieurssursetfrres?
Non,non,jenaipasdefrreetjenaipasdesur
Ahbon.unfilsunique
Jesuisfilsunique
Etlcolelmentaire/Primaire,vousmmetesallezquelendroit?
La maternelle, jenen ai pas fait. En fait,pendant laguerre mon pre soccupait des
enfantsrefugisdesvillesetnoustionsdansLaCreuseleDpartementdeLaCreuse
quiestdansleMassifCentraletdoncjesuisalllcoleprimairedansLaCreuseet
la fin de la guerre on est rentr Colombe; jai fait une anne dcole primaire
ColombeetensuitejaipasslexamenpourrentrerauLyce,onnedisaitpaslecollge
lpoque,onentraitdirectementauLyceensixime;etjesuisallauLycePasteur
NeuillysurSeine.
Daccord
.oujaifaitmestudes secondairesetjaiarrt mestudes secondairesaprs leBac
etjesuisrentrtoutdesuiteauBRGGM.
Ah,voustiezquandmme assezjeune
Javais19ans,oui.
A19anslaBRGM.sestunedemesprochainesquestion,alorsamintresse
Donc en suite, jai fait.stait en 55, en janvier 55 je suis rentr au.a sappelait le
BRGGM,heinpasleBRGM
Daccord
CestdevenuleBRGMplustard
Daccord
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Donc, jusquau dbut 56 ou jai fait mon service militaire, je suis revenu et jai repris
mes tudes luniversitenfin jai dbut mes tudes luniversit. LUniversit
CatholiquedeParis,oujaipassmescertificatsdeLicense,lpoqueilenfallaittrois,
pour tre licenci plein, comme on disait.pas du tout comme les tudes de
maintenant.doncjaipassgologie,gominralogieetgologieapplique.
Vousvoustesbienlanc
Oui,bienmoijefaisaisdelagologiedepuislgede11ou12ans,hein.
Daccord,encollectionnantdesfossilesoudesroches?
Bienvoil,sesta.Biensr.Maisjtais passionn parlagologie,sestpoura que
jtaisrentrtoutdesuiteauBRGGMilscherchaientcemomentldestechniciens
gologuesetjemesuisprsent.Jeconnaissaisdjdesgologuesquiytravaillaient
etjaitpristoutdesuitevoil.Doncjaidbutjeunedanslemtier;encoreplus
jeunesurleterrainmaisjeunedanslemtier
Sesttoujourscommeaquoncommenceengologie;avecunintrttrs,trsjeune.
Voil,doncaprsmestudesjaiobtenumondiplmedegologueen1962,jecroisdu
moinsen61ou62.62jecrois.EnfaitjevousenverraiunCV,commeavousaurez
Ahmercibeaucoup.
.vous aurez tous les dtailsle CV doit faire une quarantaine de pages; il faut que
jaillevoirauBRGM
amintressebeaucoup
Bien ouijai bourlingu pas mal. Jai eu une longue carrire. Donc jai t class
ingnieur aprs mon diplme de gologuealors Ingnieur du BRGMle BRGGM a
disparuen59
Daccord
par fusion avec dautres organismes franais, le Bureau Minier de la France
doutremer, le Bureau de Recherche Minires Algriennes, Le Bureau. Enfin bon, et
lesServicesGologiquesAfricains.toutastaitlapriodedeladcolonisation.Donc
laFrancearegrouptoussesorganismesdansleBRGM;doncnen59maisquiavait
quandmmedesantcdents.Doncensuitevousmeposezdoncjaipassmathse,
leDoctoratquitaitunDoctoratdEtat..ilfallaitunevingtainedannescettepoque
lpourprsenterundoctoratdEtat;staituntrsgrosdiplme,maisenfinmoiame
plaisait. Je lai fait en parallle avec mes activits au BRGM et donc je lai pass en
Janvier1976.
EtdoncvotretitretaitDocteurenGologiedEtat
Non. Docteur s Sciences dEtat. Oui, la Gologie tait lune des Sciences mais le
DoctorattaitsSciences
Jevaisavoirtouscesdtails survotreCV,nestcepas
Oui,enfaitjenevousdonneraipastouslesdtailsdecequejaifait,maislessentiel
quandmme.
Daccord,commejevouslaidit,amintressebeaucoup.
..doncjesuismari.Jemesuismarien1955.jaitoujourslammefemme
Cestbonetsestrare
Elleesttoujoursvivante.a faitbientt,jenesaisplus,58ansdemariage
Sestellequimarpondulautrejourjepense?
Ah oui, sest normalementelle quiest appele autlphone alorssest normalement
ellequidcroche
Daccord
enfinl,jevousattendais,alorscenestpaspareil.
Cesta.sonnomsia nevousdrange pas
Maryse.MaryseBourrat,desonnomdejeunefille
Commentvouslpeler
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BOURRAT.sestunejurassienne.Pourlapetitehistoire,jelaiconnuenlevantla
carte gologique de lAnse au Saunier [pas certain comment cela spelle]..jai
commencfairedelacartegologiquetrsjeune,hein..
Voilasertquelquechoselagologiealors.
Staitlunedesdeuxfillesdelhtel oujesjournais
Ahbonjenendemanderaipasplus
Voussaveztout
Daccord
.lesenfants,jenaideux.deuxfilles,Myriamquiestne en1956etFabiennequiest
neen1957..doncvousvoyezellessontplusgequevous
Unanoudeux,sesta exactementdesgrandsenfants ?
onditpetitsenfantscheznous
Cestvrai;jesuistellementhabitudeparleranglaisalorsamaaffect
Oui,oui,jecomprendsmaisamamuse..doncjaiunepetitefillequisappelleClaire
etquiestneen1988;etjenenauraicertainementpasdautres
ClaireestlafilledeFabienneoudeMyriam
DeMyriam.FabiennenapasdenfantetMyriamnenaeuquun
.leslangues.Combienenparlezvous?
BienjeparleleFranais.JaiapprisleLatin,leGrecque.lancienbiensr;maisjene
lesparlepas.Quandlanglais,bon,bienjenesuispasbonenanglaismaisjeparle
langlaisquoi
Daccord
Jelaiappris.bonpourlapetitehistoirejaifaitdelanglaisauLyce,commejefaisais
destudesclassiques,Latin,Grecque,puisensuiteaveclesMath,doncjavaistrspeu
dheure danglais; javais une heure danglais par semaineavec a on est [pas] trs
fort. Quand je suis arriv au Qatar jtais pratiquement incapable de parler un mot
anglais
Ahouisestvrai
Oui,enfinjebredouillaisunpeuquoi.Doncjaifaitdesprogrsenanglaisparcequon
taitsurleterrainsouslatenteavecmonprofesseurquisappelaitAbdallahSalatt
Ahvoil
.parcequeluineparlaitpasunmotdefranaisbienvidemment
Daccord
et donc javais achet des bouquins. Je ncris pas trop mal langlais, mais entre
lcrireetleparlersesttrsdiffrent
Ouibiensur
EtdoncjavaisachetdesbouquinsetonfaisaitdesrptitionsavecYvesHeuzquilui
parlaitbienlanglais.doncjaisurtoutapprisavecAbdallahSalatt.
Daccord.EnpassantjelairencontrM.Salatthier.Jeluiaifaituneentrevueaussiet
jevaistoutorganiseradansmarecherche.Ilvousfaitdirebonjour;jeluiaiditque
jallaisvousparleraujourdhui.
Jelaimaisbien,staitvraimentunhommecharmant
Je me suis bien rendu compte de cela hier. Il va vous appeler; je sais quil va vous
appeler
Oui,bienilvamappeler.enanglais
Ouiexactement,ah,ah
Etcommejaidesproblmes doreilleenplusenvieillissanta vatreterrible
Bonnechance
[en lisant sur le questionnaire] voyagezvous de temps en temps en dehors de la
France?Non.Cafaitdepuislafindesannes90.ljtaisencorePrsident,onen
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parlera plus tard, dun programme international.donc je suis all dans un certain
nombre de pays, et puis pour la gologie je suis all aussi dans le Caucase, etcmais
commejaiarrtcompltementlagologie.jaiditmerde,jesuislaretraite,jai
dautrechosefaire.alorsjecontinuefaireunpeudegologiepourmoimaisje
nenfaisplusofficiellement;doncjenevoyageplus ltranger.LaFrancesestpas
mal du tout; mme si jai beaucoup voyag quand mme en France il y a plein
dendroitsquejeneconnaispas
Jimagine.LaFranceestdelammegrandeurquelaColombie,enAmriqueduSud,et
ilyabeaucoupdechosesyvoir.
Aoui,ilyabeaucoupdechosesvoiretjenauraijamaistoutvu.
Enpassant,jeparledelaColombieenAmrique duSudparcequemonpouse vientde
l.
Bien;lamienneestjurassienne,vousvoyez.DanslAnseauSaunierdansleJuras ;jai
pousunejurassienne
[encontinuantaveclesquestions] Estce quilyaunebiographie.
[enlisantsurlequestionnaire]unebiographieouautobiographiecritesurmoi,qui
soitcourteoulongue.jenepensepas.Ilyapeuttreeutdesdiscoursquandjaieu
desmdaillesoudestrucscommea,maisbondestrucsquienavaitpasbeaucoup.Je
nenaipas.Jenenconnaispasdemoi.IlenexistesurementpeuttrelaSocit
GologiquedeFranceen1980peuttre.jaieuunemdaillepourmathse.
Lautrequestion.enfaitvouslavezdjrpondue..
[enlisantsurlequestionnaire] estcequeleBRGMfut votreuniqueemployeur jai
dbutdansleprBRGMetjaiterminen95auBRGM
Cafaitquoi.afait40ans ?
Oui,oui.
Wowce nest pas beaucoup les gens qui disent quils ont travaill 40 ans dans une
compagnie.
Bienoui,voussavezleBRGMstaitunmonstre.
ilyavaitbeaucoupdechosesfaire
ilyavaitbeaucoupdechoses faire ;etdailleursjai faitbeaucoupdechoses.Jai
commenccommetechnicienettermincommeDirecteur
Ahoui,ajenelesavaispas
maispascommeDirecteurGeneral,maispluttcommeDirecteurauBRGM;quinest
paslammechose.
Dundpartement,ok.
[en lisant sur le questionnaire] avezvous une liste complte des articles,
publicationsdespublicationsjedoisenavoirquelquescentaines;doncjevousferai
laliste
Merci
.surleQatar,vousconnaissezlacartegologique,thegeologicaldescription,les
nummulites, et vous savez que la description gologique du Qatar a t traduite en
Arabe.
Ahoui,nonaucuneide.Jenesavaispas.Vousmapprenezquelquechose.
Ah,Ah,parluniversitdeDoha. UnedemandedelUniversitdeDohaquimavait
critpourmedemandersijautorisaislatraductionen arabe. Jairponduouietjai
reuunexemplaire.jepensequecestaparcequetoutestenarabe
etilyalescartesettout
Ah, je ne sais pas. Je nai pas ouvert. Vous savez quand sest en arabe. Javais la
versionanglaise,alorsamesuffit.Jedoisdirequejenemtaisjamaisreplongdans
le Qatar.quand javais des quipes qui travaillaient en Oman et en particulier au
Dhofaron a tamen.puisquelagologieduDhofarjusqulEocneMoyenest
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pratiquementlamme quecelleduQatar ;commelArabieSaouditeetdonconsest

replongsurleQatarpourrviserlesgesdelUmmErRadhuma,duDammam,etc
Regardez, pour revenir sur la traduction en Arabe, moi jai fait des recherches sur la
versionanglaise,jenesuisjamaistombsuruneversionarabe.avoirunephotocopie
devotredocumentmeseraitbienutile.jesaisquejevousdemandebeaucoup
Attendez.Biennonlaversionarabeatpublieenquatrevingttrstardjecrois
quesesten93ou92parl.
JepeuxpeuttreallerlUniversitetleurdemandersilsontunecopie
Oui
seseraitpeuttreplussimple
LUniversitdeDoha.monpoqueilnyavaitpasdUniversit;commevousvousen
doutez
Ouicentaitquunpetitvillage
Ahoui,Dohastaitsympathiquedailleurs
Daccord
[on peut entendre M. Cavelier qui manipule plusieurs documents] je ne suis pas
tellement tourn sur le pass, alors jai d retourner des papiers pour rpondre
certaines de vos questions et apparemment jai tout mlang.mais je vais vous
donneraumoinslanne.lanneouat.en1993.
En93,parfait
publicationdelUniversitduQatar
Ok,jevaisrechercheraetjevousendiraidesnouvellesquecesoitpartlphoneou
MmeLabrot
Daccord.Jedoismmeavoirlalettrepaslalettrepourmedemanderlautorisation,
maispluttlalettrequandilsmontenvoyunexemplaire.
Daccord
DonccestaussiunepublicationsurleQatarmaisdetoutefaonjenepensepasque
vousytrouverezdeloriginalit;moinsquilssesoienttrompsdanslatraduction.
Ouimaisapeutservirparcequemarechercheesthistoriquealorspourcepaysquiest
unpaysarabe,aumoinspourlesgenslocauxalesintresserait.
Oui,jevousdisapourlapetitehistoire.
Oui,alorssivousvoulezonpasseaurelev.
[enlisantsurlequestionnaire]LecontratentrelaBRGMetlegouvernementduQatar
atsignle19fvrier1969etlestravauxdeterrainontdbutenavrildelamme
anne.. Et bien vous en savez des choses moins que se soit moi qui laie crit
quelquepart
Dansvotrerapportenfait.
[en lisant sur le questionnaire] Savezvous combien de temps ont pris les
ngociations.Bienmaconnaissanceilnyapaseudengociations.
Non.Ilnyenapaseu?
Alors,jevousexplique.etacorresponddesquestionsquevousallezmeposerpar
lasuite;donconyreviendra.
Daccord
[enlisantsurlequestionnaire]Commentavezvoustimpliqudansceprojet.Etiez
vous nouveau la BRGM.. non, je ntais pas nouveau. .et combien de
semaines/moisdepravislaBRGMvousadonnpourvousannoncerquevousseriezle
responsable en charge du projet? Bien a, on ne ma pas donn de pravis. Voil
commentasestpass.
Daccord
A lpoque, je vous ai dit que moi jarrivais du BRGGM. Le BRGGM soccupait
uniquement de la France; France mtropolitaine et par la suite les Dpartements
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ScientifiqueduBRGM.EtnousavionstoujourscomptenceuniquementenFranceet
danslesDpartementsetTerritoiresdoutremercequiexplique,partunemissionau
Antillesen64,missiondelonguedure,moijenavaisjamaistravaillhorsdeFrance
quandjesuisallauQatar.
Daccord.Voustieztoutnouveaualors.
Parce quen tant que gologue ce ntait pas de ma comptence. Il y avait dautres
gologues, et Dieu sait quil y en avait, et donc lautre Direction, compose
essentiellementdegensquiarrivaientdesautrescolonies,enfinquitaientdelAlgrie,
du Maroc, de la Tunisie, de lAfrique, dun peu partout, ont constitu une autre
Direction qui sappelait Direction des Recherches Minires lEtranger. Et sest
cetteDirectionquitravaillaitltranger;commelenomlindique.Ilsavaienttousdes
origineshorsdeFrance;tandisquenous,onavaittousdesoriginesenfinjeparledu
mtier des origines franaises et mtropolitaines. Bon le problme du Qatar.sest
un contrat, je ne sais pas trs bien comment a sest pass. Je sais que sest notre
Directeur de Djeddah, Directeur du BRGM Djeddah, nous tions dj implant en
Arabie Saoudite, qui changeait de poste; il allait donc tre remplac par un autre
Directeur, et qui est pass par Doha. Lui il gagnait le Canada; il quittait lArabie
SaouditepourallerauCanada.
Ahbon,daccord.Ungroschangement
Ahoui.Bienstaitcommea,danscetteDirectiononvoyageaitdanslemondeentier.
EtdoncilestpassparDoha;jenesaispaspourquoiilestpassparDoha,ilnemela
jamaisdit.IlalaissunepropositionauPetroleumAffairsDepartment.DeLevde
la Carte Gologique; de prospection minrale du Territoire du Qatar. Je ne sais pas
exactementquandilestpass;jecroisenfinde68ouquelquechosecommea.Je
nen sais rien. Je ntais pas dans cette direction; jignorais tout du Qatar. Le Qatar
sestrveilldbut69;touteaffairecessante,ilsacceptaientcettepropositionquina
euaucunediscussionetilfallaitimmdiatementenvoyerungologueetsonassistant
pourfaireletravail
Wow,sefutrapidecommeprojet!
Les raisons obscures de cette apprciationje nen suis pas sr; se sont des choses
quonmaracontDohaparlasuiteparcequauBRGMtoutlemondesedemandait
questce que cest que cette proposition, et o est le Qatar lpoque ce ntait
pas vachement connu et questce que cest que a? qui estce qui a laiss une
proposition On ne savait mme pas, bien on a vu que stait Ragou [incertain
commentpelerlenom]quiaditjesuispassparDoha,jailaissuneproposition.
Bon,lapropositionadevaitteniren20lignes.Staitvraiment,pasinformel,mais
..presque
.alorssoustouterserve,moi quandjtais Doha,jaidemandlaquestion,maison
nemapasrpondu.DJevan[incertaindunom]nesavaitpas;AbdallahSalattjenesais
pas sil tait au courant. Puis par mon secrtaire, javais un secrtaire indien, qui lui
tait Doha pendant que moi jtais dans le dsert; javais des bureaux au
MinistreauPalaisduGouvernementcommeondisaitlpoque,javaisunnorme
bureaude60m2ouilfaisaitunfroidglacial.Aveclaclimatisationstaitaffreuxeton
nepouvaitpaslargler;ilfallaitmettreunpulpourrentrerdanslebureau
Caressembleauxbureauxquonaaujourdhuiaveclairclimatis
.et donc mon secrtaire il disait que comme le Qatar venait dintgrer la ligue
ArabeetlaLigueArabeavaitdemandesesMembresdefaireungestevisvisdela
FrancesuiteladcisiondeDeGauledesuspendrelaventedesMiragesIsral
Daccord
.cavautcequeavaut,jenensuispassr,alorsjevousdonnea;sestdelapetite
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histoireincertaine.
Daccord
[enlisantsurlequestionnaire]alorsEtesvousnouveauauBRGMNon.Etcombien
desemainesjevousairpondu
Oui.trscourt.
Donc, la Direction Minire lEtranger a demand la Direction Scientifique sils
avaientquelquunquisintressaitlagologieduTertiaire,quisoitcartographeetqui
soitcapabledtudierlessubstancesminralesutilesparcequonnesattendaitpas
trouverdesminerais.
Pasgrandchoseenfait
Comme dans ma carrire jtais moimme cartographe et javais appartenu pendant
10 ans un service appliqu aux travaux publiques et la recherche des substances
utiles,jtaisleseulavoirleprofilpourallerlbasquoi.
Ahbon,daccord
Bienjaiditetsesto?
Regardonslacartedumonde
Donc jai regard la carte du monde, jai vu le Qatar. Trs peu dinformation.
Apparemmentilyfaisaittrschaud.Onnedisaitpasquestaittrshumidedansla
journelt.Etlanuitsurtoutdailleurs
Trshumidelanuit,Daccord.
Onapuruisselerdesueurcommeondit..bonvoil,touteaffairecessante,en8jours
jepartaisauQatar
Intressant. En fait a sest pass trs viteune autre question. Aviezvous fait un
relevsimilaireailleursauparavant,quesesoitenFranceouailleurs?
Oui,jaicommenclacartographieen55;jtaismoimme.parcequeleservicede
carte de France tait indpendant jusquen 69 ou il a fusionn avec le BRGM mais
jtais collaborateur extrieur du service de la carte gologique de France et donc
javais le grade de collaborateur adjoint, il y avait 3 grades, comme cartographe
chevronn quoi. Collaborateur adjoint stait les chevronns. Javais dj fait avant
dallerauQatar,septouhuitcartes,toujoursenFrance
Oui bien sr.. Avant darriver au Qatar vous avez d faire de la collection de
documentsjimagine
Oui,trsrapidement.LeBRGMlpoque,etencoremaintenantjelespre,avaitune
superbe bibliothque consacre non seulement la France videmment mais
pratiquement tous les pays du monde et donc jai rcupr quelques information
maisjedoisdirequelessentieltaitsurtoutlesinformationsdArabieSaoudite
etlespublicationsptrolires peuttre,oudesrapportscommea
DetypePowersetal
oui
Doncjai faitatrsrapidementetjaidemandauBRGMdecontinuerpendantque
jtais au Qatar, puis du Qatar je leur demandais sil marrivait une rfrence, de
menvoyerunecopie.DonccequifaitquequandjtaisauQatarjavaisunecollection
assez importante, surtout sur les pays avoisinant tels que rares donnes
publies.donc, Philby, Cox, et tout a, mais Cox tait Bahren. Pour le Qatar en lui
mmeilnyavaitpasgrandchosequitrainait
Oui, pour les publications.vous avez vu les 3 cartes que je vous ai envoy [Browne
1952,Steineke1958,Bramkamp1961][Fig. APDX 14-01, 14-02 & 14-03]
Oui,jenelesconnaissaispas
Non.Bondaccord.Cestnouveau[pourvous]
Non, mais sest formidable. Je ne sais pas si je vous lai dit mais les compagnies
ptroliresduQatar,leMinistreavaitdemandquellesfournissentdesdocumentset
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quesilsenavaientquelles melescommuniquent.Jedoisdirequejaieucellesdela
QPC(etsesontlesseulsquejaieupratiquement)lejourojerentraisenFranceen
montantdanslavion.
Ohwow.
Javais dj crit mon rapport, mais a ma servi surtout pour le Lexique
Stratigraphique.amapermisdecomplteravecdesdonnesindites.AuQatarjai
euaussiquelquesrapportsHydrooudestrucscommeamaislesptroliersnavaient
rien,rien,rien,donns
Daccord.etlegouvernementduQatarnavaitpasdebibliothquelpoque
Non,non,ilsnavaientrienetilsnesavaientmme pascequestaitquelagologie
Exactement.M.Salatttaitlepremiergologue qatarienenfait.
Oui, bon, je vous ai rpondu pour accumuler la documentation ncessaire je faisais
venirdeFrancedesdocuments,maisstaitsurtoutdes documents sur lestudes de
substrat,deaudemer,etcCestcequimintressaitleplusauQatar;parcequele
plusintressantstaitcertainementdupointdevueminral
Daccord. Et la prochaine question. comment avezvous choisi de commencer la
cartographie.Etesvousalldusudaunord,nordausud,estouest?
Donc,sestsimple,jesuisall mecoller lafrontire delArabieSaoudite; cot de
Salwa.Dunepartparcequilyavaituneroutedirecte;staitlaseulebonneroutequi
existaitlpoqueauQatarentreDohaetlafrontire;laroutesarrtaitlafrontire.
OuicestlaroutedeSalwaSalwaroad.
Castaituneraison ;etcommejevouslaiditjevaismebaser,sanssavoirlagologie
quejevaisrencontrer,entantproximitdelafrontiredelArabieSaoudite.Ily
avaiteuaussilamentionduQarnAbuWailquiavaittexaminparPhilby[en1933]
Cestvraioui
etdoncjemesuisdit,voil onvacommencerparl ;ilfautbiencommencerquelque
partetenessayantdemebaserjaidbutparleNogne
OuileMiocneetlePliocne
leMiocnedelaDamFormation;boncommejtaisprsdelafrontiredelArabie
SaouditeladescriptiongologiquedelaDamFormation,jelairetrouvtoutdesuite
sur le terrain.Voil, donc de l, on est remont vers le nord. Jai donc mis un
deuximecamp;moncamptaitdoncproximitdeSalwamaisducotqatarieton
estremontverslenordpourmettrelecampdansleDjebelDukhanversFahahil.au
milieudestorchres;jenesaispassilyenaencoresansdoute
Lestorchresptroliresvousvoulezdire..lespuitsdeptrole
Oui,lilsbrulaientdugaz
Ah,oui,oui,dfinitivement ilyenaencore.
.lanuitontaitclair
aaidait[voirpendantlanuit]
deldonconarelevtoutelapartieoccidentaleduQatarjusquaunord.Javaistrois
LandRover,donconpartaitaveclesLandRoveretprogressivementonmontaitversle
nord.EnsuiteonamisuncampcarrmentausudSaudaNatheel
SaudaNatheel,biensr,sestunpostefrontalier.
Stait la frontire avec Abu Dhabi, bon, lpoque avec Abu Dhabi et lArabie
Saoudite;ilyavaitunpostefrontireetilyavaitunepistequiarrtaitdejoindreSauda
NatheelDoha.Parcequepourmoileproblmestaittoujoursleravitaillementen
eau.lescatastrophesaarrivent
Biensr,biensr.
Jenaieuquelquesunesparcequequandlesvhiculestombentenpanne,vousnavez
plusrien,plusdeau.Vousvoulezbienquelederniervhiculevousramnedeleau
Oui,jepeuxsympathiser
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Donc,delonafaittoutelaborduresudetl staitcompliquparcequilnyavaitpas
detopo,pasdecarte
Oui,staitunterritoireunpeuinconnu causedelafrontire
.donc il a fallu faire la carte topographique pour pouvoir mettre la gologie dessus
quoil,amaprisunpeuplusdetemps,enplusonsestperduunefoisdansleRub'
alKhali[ilvoulaitdireKhoralOdaid,puisqueleRub'alKhaliestenArabieSaoudite
etauxEmiratsArabesunis]
danslesdunes..
..la frontire ntait pas matrialise, je voulais rejoindre la cte, et l on a pris
lgrementenoblique
etvoustesarriv enArabieSaoudite
vousmeposezplustardlaquestionsionavaitnonpasdesimagessatellitesmaisdes
photosariennes.Ouionenavait.CestunjeuquiavaittprisparlaHuntingmais
elles avaient t prises par temps de brume; alors stait extrmement difficile
utiliser;staitdugris,dugrisple.Doncenplussanscarte;onavaitbienmontdes
boussolesetunsextantsurnosvhiculespouressayerdeprendrelesbonnesdirections
mais on a lgrement dvi et on sest retrouv dans les champs de dunes du cot
certainementsaoudienoujenesaispasexactementdequelpayscaappartenait.Enfin,
bonstaitunpeudifficile.
EtleKhorAlOdaid,vousytes all finalementpourfairelagologie
Comment
LaMerIntrieurvousytesall
Oui,oui,jysuisallbiensr.Ahsestformidable.Ilyavaitdesflamandsrosesstait
superbe.
..etilssonttoujoursicionenatoujours.
Staitunedcouverte ;staituneeauavecunedensit assezforte;mme leaudu
GolfedeSalwataitbeaucouppluslgre
Oui,onnousditquecest ledeuxime pointleplussal [aumonde]aprslaMerMorte
Oui, oui, cest pour a que jtais trs intress par ces eaux; je le pense toujours
dailleursparcequeleQatarvoulaitdvelopperuneindustrie.Ilvoulaitunesidrurgie
quandonfaitvenirdufer,etcJavaisproposdemonteruneindustriedumagnsium,
dubrome,etc
M.Salattmadithierquevouslavezsurvol enhlicoptre leKhorAlOdaid
Oui,oui,onyestall aterre etonafaitlerelev duchamp dedunequiestausudde
DohajusqulafrontiredAbuDhabi[maintenantArabieSaoudite],doncavecleKhor
alOdaidon afaittoutaenhlicoptre;enfin,onlasurvolenhlicoptre.Cequi
nous intressait surtout stait de faire des arrts l o il y avait les trs rares
affleurementsquipouvaientyavoirdanslinterdunaire
Oui,sestvrai;ilnyenaquedeuxoutroisdailleurs.Ilnyenapasbeaucoup[autres
ceuxduQuaternaire]
En plus staient des dpts probablement extrmement rcent, enfin probablement
duQuaternaire.Staittrsdifficilededterminerlgedesesdpts.avousdonne
une ide de comment nous avons fait le sud, donc le sudest avec lhlicoptre et le
nordestatfaitpartirdeDoha;onnapasfaitdecamp.boncentaitpastrs
varinonplusquandvousroulezsurlereg
ilnyarien.Sesttoujourslammechose
Centaitpasdelagologie trs intressante maisilfallaitlafairequandmme ;donc
onlafaitpartirdeDoha.Doncenfaitjaieutroiscamps
La question F. Aviezvous un bon guide qatarien qui connaissait bien le terrain et
vousrappelezvousdesonnom?
L je peux vous assurer dune chose. Les qataris que nous avions comme chauffeur
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navaientjamaismislespiedsendehorsdeDoha.Lesseulespersonnesquenousavons
rencontr en dehors des rares points de fixation comme Doha, Umm Bab, Khor ou la
cte, staient des bdouins; des bdouins qui eux navaient aucune nationalit
spciale; ils ntaient pas plus qatari, saoudien ou Emirats Arabe Unis, Omanais se
sont des gens qui bourlinguaient comme on dit. Moi jai d rencontr deux ou trois
campstoutetpourtout;descampsdechameaux.Bonsestvidentquonsarrtait
leur camp pour voir sils avaient de besoin de quelque chose, besoin deau pour
barlotter,ducaf,laitdechamelleensuiteonlesinvitaitpourunmchoui.Staitla
grande fte pour les chauffeurs en essayant de rcuprer une petite chvre.
Voilnon,personneneconnaissaitleQatarilnyavaitrien.commerouteilyavaitla
routedeSalwaouilsallaientessayer leurgrossesvoitures.Ilsfaisaientdesalleset
retour sans arrter au maximum de vitesse qui tait trs dangereux, parce que bien
videmment il y avait des nes, des femmes, des enfants, des dromadaires.tout a
pouvait ventuellement crer des accidents. Et il y en avait. Entre la pleursie et les
accidentsdevoiturestaitlescauseslesplusimportantesdemortchezlesqatarisun
peuvolu
Etanapaschangbeaucoup.Surlesroutes,plusieursvoituresroulenttoujours200
kms
Moi,verslafin,quandjerdigeaismonrapport,jtaistoujoursDohaetlEmirstait
mu toujours me voir conduire avec une vieille Land Rover mme si elle tait aux
couleurs du Qatar, et javais t invit aller choisir une voiture dans son parc
automobileetjavaisune???[jenepeuxpascomprendrelenomsurlenregistrement],
oujenesaispasquoiunvhiculeamricainquonluiavaitoffertsansdouteetquine
servait rien. Stait une bagnole qui montait a plus de 200 ou 240 lheure
lpoque, mais pour circuler dans les rues de Doha stait trs biena faisait plus
srieux.Donc,questionguidezro.Zroparcequepersonnenepouvaitmemmener
quelquepart.Cestmoiquidirigeais.Jedirigeaisetstaittrs,trsdangereux.Trs
dangereux, surtout dans la moiti ouest de la pninsule cause de toutes les
dpressions,touslestrousdedissolutiondugypse,etcQuelquesunstaientindiqu
surlefonddecartequejavais,etquelquesunsquonarrivaitrepreraveclesphotos
ariennes qui ntaient pas trop mauvaises, mais pour celles quon ne reprait pas il
fallait rouler lentement. Parce que vous savez, vous pouvez avoir des pics dune
quinzainedemtre
etsanslesavoirlavance
Oui,sanslesavoir.Enfinjauraisbienaimavoireudesguidesmaisjenenavaispas.
Enpassant,enparlantdupersonnel ;savezvouscequienestdeM.YvesHeuz ?
Alorsjevousenverraiunephoto
Ahexcellent
Je vous enverrai une photo parce que ma femme a retrouv trois photos prisent au
mmeendroitetmmemoment.Jepensaisquejenavaisquune,enfaitilyenavait
deuxautresetlesdeuxautressontpriseslachaineetilyaHeuzquiestsurlaphoto
avecmoi.
Daccordexcellent
Cequilestdevenu?AuretourduQatarilestpartiquasiimmdiatementenAlaska
Alorsilestpartide+50C 50C
Oui,ouiIlnestpasrestunesemaineOrlansquiltaitdjenAlaska.Parceque
luiilappartenaitlaDirectiondesAffairesMinirelEtrangeretmoijavaisrintgr
maDirectionScientifiquelpoque.IlestdoncrevenudelAlaska.Ilestrestunpeu
eninstancedaffectationpuisiladisparu.Disparupourquittersafemme,safamilleet
toutessesmaitresses.Ilavaitunevieasseztumultueuse.Etjelairevuunefoisilya
unevingtainedannes.Iltaitremariavecuneautredame.Onadiscutunpeuet
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depuisjenesaispascequilestdevenu.Maisilnestpasrest danslagologie
Ah,ilachangdeprofession.
Oui,maisjenesaispascequilafait.Voussavezquandonfaitunedisparitionausens
vritableduterme;i.e.onaplusdtatcivil,onaplusrienJenaipasvoululuiposer
desquestions.Depuisjenesaispascequilestdevenumaispuisquilestremariildoit
avoirunevienormale
Bon, passons la prochaine [question]. Dans les annes 1990 le Qatar a tabli une
grille de rfrence pour tous les relevs de godsie ; cette grille se nomme Qatar
NationalGrid.En196970cettegrillenexistaitpasetilnyavaitpasnonplusdeGPS.
Comment avezvous calcul les lvations et les coordonnes exactes pour la carte
gologique..quellerfrenceavezvouschoisi?
Bon la rponse est, nous navons pas fait de topo, sauf comme je vous ai dit dans la
rgiondeSaudaNatheelpuisquilnyavaitpasdecarte;doncilfallaitbienquonmette
la gologie sur quelque chose, donc on a fait la topo, mais on a pas fait de godsie
proprementdite,onsestoccupdesaltitudes,maisilnyapresquepasdaltitude,on
est presque toujours de plein pied. A part les buttes de Miocne dans la rgion de
Salwa, le long du Golfe de Salwa, il ny a rien qui sorte de lordinaire.sauf les trous.
Les trous en ngatifs. Sur la carte, comme il ny avait pas de topo indique, des fois
sest trs difficile de comprendre pourquoi. L, il y a du Miocne, et l il y a au
contrairedelaRusetquiapparaitautraversdelaDammam.Donc,ontaitpasdutout
quippourfairedelagodsie;ilauraitfalludesgomtresetjenesaispasquoi.La
rponseonarienfaitdespcial.
Daccord,parfait.Enfaitlaltitudemaximumdupaysestde103mtre
Oui,cestaetpasloindelaroutedeSalwa
LaquestionHvouslavezdjrpondu
Alors.Vousrappelezvousdefaonspcifiquedunouplusieursendroitsovousavez
installvoscampements(quelentaitle(s)nom(s))?.
VousavezditSalwa,AbuSamra[jevoulaisdireSaudaNatheel] etDukhan
Voil,jevousairponduenavance.JevousaiditproximitdeSalwa,Fahahildansle
DjebelDukhan,etSaudaNatheel
Ouiexactement
[en lisant sur le questionnaire] Combien de temps passiezvous chacun deux ;
quelquesjours,ousemaines?Staitpluttdessemaines
Oui,plusieurssemainesenfait.Vousavezeucombiendecampements
trois
Etlerestetaitpass Dohapouralleraunord
oui
Avezvousaaussivouslavezdjrpondu.proposdephotosariennes
Oui
Yatildesendroitsovousnevoustespasrenduphysiquementmaispourlesquels
vousavezutilisquedesphotosariennes[afindenextrapolerlagologie]
Bon,enprincipeilnyenapas,maisenfaitilyenatoujours.Jedoisdirequejenaipas
escaladtouteslesdunesentreDohaetlafrontiredesEmirats.Ljevouslaiditon
lafaitenhlicoptre.Lhlicoptreavaitlavantagenorme.Staitlhlicoptrequi
faisaitlasurveillancedesfrontires.Jemtaisfaitunamiquitaitingnieurmcano
dans la compagnie dhlicoptre justement qui assurait la surveillance des frontires.
Donc,sestparluiquejavaisobtenudepouvoirfairequelquesvols,onarussifaire
quelquesvolsdanscesrgionsl,etilstaientsympa.Onseposaitauxraresendroits
oonvoyaitdelaffleurementquoi.
Staitvraimentdelareconnaissanceenfait
Maislstaitvraimentquedusable,dusable,dusableetcommeenpluslesableest
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tropricheencalcaireetquepourarriver faireduvers.mmequandvoustes plus

loigndunord,avecleventprincipal,leshamal,leventdunordquiimprimesatrace
partout, y compris sur les dunes, le reg1 et les roches et sur les croutes, etc sest
fantastiques, vous avez une boussole par terre ou devant les yeux. Sauf quand les
dunes se tlescopent, parce que l, quand vous rentrez dans le Khor al Odaid sest
difficiledetrouverladirection
Oui,jesuisalldansleRubalKhalijusteenOctobreauxEmirats;lesdunessontdeux
fois,troisfois,plusgrandesquiciauQatar.
Oui,sestquelquechose.Bon, partcettezonel quenousnavonspasparcourue en
LandRoverenaironestallpratiquementpartout.Jenepeuxpasdirequonafait
tout pied.ce nest pas vrai. La prcision tait bien. On aurait pu sortir des
25,000imeou50,000imeconditiondavoirunebonnetoposansdifficult.
Ok,trsbienmerci..Lesrsultatsdecerelevsontdcritsdansdeuxpublications:
1)GEOLOGICALDESCRIPTIONOFTHEQATARPENINSULA(60pages)
2) GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND MINERAL SUBSTANCES EXPLORATION IN QATAR (109
pages)
Oui,asestmonrapport
Jelaitoutretapvotrerapportetsivousenvoulezuneversiondigitalejepeuxvous
lenvoyer
Ohnon,jenenaipasdebesoin.Jenaiunexemplaire
Donc la question. [ Dans ces deux publications il y a en annexe les Sections de
Reference(ReferenceSections)de15,toutefoislasectiondeReference2quidcritle
Miocne sur la colline de QARN ABU WAIL, qui dlimite maintenant le Qatar avec
l'Arabie Saoudite, est manquante dans toutes les six copies appartenant Qatar
PetroleumainsiquedanstoutescellesappartenantlaBRGM.
La question est la suivante: Estce que cette section de rfrence #2 sur la colline du
QarnAbuWailavraimenttfaitesouestcequesefutunoublidurantlimpression
descopiesdudocumentdelincorporer.Enavezvousunecopie?Pourraisjeenavoir
unecopiedigitale?]
Jairegard.Lessectionsderfrencede15.DonclacoupeduQarnAbuWail,na
past.Cestenerreurquesestindiququelacoupeestenannexe.Ellenapast
miseenannexe.ParcequeleQatarAliDjeddaquitaitleDirecteurAdjoint,celuiqui
dirigeaitleptroleenAffairs,aditahleQarnAbuWailsestunpointdisput,sest
notrefrontireetpuisquecestunpointdisputaveclArabieSaouditecamennuierait
beaucouppourinviter.Bononlaremplacparunecoupeplusaunordetprsdu
QarnAbuWail.Maisonalevcettecoupemaisjenenaipluslerelev.
Cestdommage
Peuttre quon pourrait la retrouvervous savez jai quitt la BRGM en 95. Javais
laiss mes dossiers; sest normal se sont des dossiers qui appartenaient au BRGM et
non moi. Pendant longtemps jai pu rutiliser mon bureau et ce qui tait toujours
dedansmaisafaitdjquelquesannesquilsontdmnagmonbureau;i.e.ilya
quelquundautre.Mesdocuments,mesbouquinsquejavaislbasontttransfr
jenesaisou.Jesprequilsnesontpasallalabinordurecestpossible.Donc,les
documents sur le Qatar. Je nai que les documents sur la France chez moi. Jai
rapatrilaFranceetjailaisslerestedumondeentierauBRGM.Donc,lacoupeelle
existemaisjenelaipas.Jenelaipasdanslimmdiat.JevaismerenseignerauBRGM
Ahmerci.Seseraitbiengentil.Jenprendsnotevousvousrenseignez
1
Une surface dun dsert forme principalement par dflation, comprenant du gravier rsistant et bien compact qui
prvient presque plus de dflation
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Bien la question est la suivante.oui elle a bien t faite. Ce nest pas un oubli. En
avezvous une copie? pas encore. Puisje en avoir une copie digitale? Bien si je la
retrouve.Ceseraunecopielittralemaisjevousenverraicequejaisionlaretrouve
Oui, sest bien clair. Tout ce que vous pouvez retrouver sera utile. Jattendrai donc
votrerponseparlentremisedeMmeLabrot
Bon.vousrappelezvousdesiles[quevousavezvisit?Halul,Shraouh,Ishat,Hawar
?Vousytesvousrenduenbateauouenhlicoptre.].Oui,Halul,oui.Jaitinvit
parlaShellquiavaitsabaseHalul.Shraouh,bon AbdallahSalattavaitrcuprun
bateaudelapolicemaritimedonconestallShraouh,onacampShraouh,jyai
mangdesufsdoiseaux.OuielletaitinhabiteShraouh
Staientdesufscuitsoupascuits
Non, ils les avaient fait cuire au campement avec les poissons quon avait pch
pendantlajourne
Ahtrsrustique.
Oui
BonetbienIshat?
Ishat?,moijeconnaisLashatadoittrelammechoseducotedAbuDhabi
Exactement. Dans votre rapport sest bien marqu Lashat mais on ma dit que le
nomofficielestIshat
Bon,okalorscestlammechose.ouijysuisallunbonquaternairejesuppose.Ce
nestpascommeHalulouShraouhanarienvoir.
Cestplus[similaire]commeleMiocneetleDamFormationpeuttre.
Cest plus rcent que la Damsest type formation dAbu Dhabidisons plutt
quaternaire. Jai pas trouv de fossile sest trs riche en fossile mais rien de
distinctifsest vraiment du dpt trs littoral, trs peu profond, rien de trs
caractristique;doncmonavissestpluttduquaternaire
Ilfaudraitquejyailleunjour.
Allezyenbateauetpasenhlicoptreonnepeutpasyatterrir
bon
Hawarjenysuispasall.Hawarstaitextrmement controversentreBahren etle
Qatar. Donc on mavait demand de ne pas y aller. Et dailleurs lEmir tait trs en
colreparcequejenytaispasall.Bon,maismoijeneluiaipasdit,maismoijai
reumesordresduMinistre
luimme
Hawar,deFranceonafaitunephotogologie depuislesphotosariennes,maisjeny
aijamaismislespieds
Daccord
.alorslesfossiles.[partirdespublicationsdedautresauteursquiontsuivilerelev,
jesaisquevousavezcollectionndesfossilesdurantvotretravail.
i.
LesdentsderequinsdelocneonttdcritparDr.Casieren1971;
ii.
LesforaminifresparDr.BlondeauetCavelieren1972
iii.
Leschinides(oursinsdemer)parDr.Romanen1976
A ma connaissance se sont les trois seules publications en relation au Qatar et ses

fossiles, qui ont suivis la publication des rsultats du relev. En connaissezvous
dautres ? Avezvous gard vousmme des chantillons de fossiles pour votre
collectionpersonnelle.Avezvousramassdesrestes devertbrstelsquedesctes
oudesvertbresdemammifresoureptiles?Sioui,vousrappelezvousdesendroitset
despriodesgologiques?]
Oui,lesfossiles,parlonsdeca
Donc il ny a pas eu dautres publications que celles que vous cites. Finalement, les
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mollusques,cequejairussi dterminer,staittoujours desmoulesinternesoudes

empreintes. Ca figure dans les coupes ou dans le Lexique Stratigraphique. Donc les
plus intressants staient les nummulites quon avait tudies avec Blondeau et les
chinidesdeRoman.PourleschinidesdeRomanilmavaitdonnlapluspartdeses
dterminationsavantleLexiqueetilafaitunetrsbellepublicationlui.
Ouijelaimebienaussi.Elleesttrsprcise.Bon,etproposdesdentsderequinselles
taienttrscommunesetproposdesvertbrs,avezvoustrouvdesctes.?
Non, non, aucune dcouvertes autres que les dents du Midra shale qui tait
extrmementrichesurtoutquandellestaientconcentrealasurfacedusol.Jenai
rienvudautre
Vousserezpeuttre curieuxdesavoirquenjuillet2007jaitrouvlapremire ctede
dugongdelEocnedanstoutelapninsuleArabique
Ahbiensestbiena
ElleattudiparunpalontologuedesEtatsUnisetconfirmparunautre;jenai
aussitrouvdautresdepuis[ctesetvertbres].avientduShaleMidra.
anemtonnepas
Et par la suite, jai trouv ce que jappelle un cimetire de dugong dans le Miocne
prochedeSalwa..pourvousendiredesnouvelles
Voil,sestbien
Laprochainequestion M .Vousavezmentionn madameLabrotquelesngatifs
des photos que vous avez prises durant le relev ont t expos la lumire et donc
aucunes na pu tredveloppes. Bona,onenaparl,vous avez ditquevous nen
avezpasetquevousallezmenvoyerunephotodevousDoha
Oui,priselintrieur.PhotoprisedansunesoireorganiseparlaShellouonavait
tinvitcequitaitassezrare
.avameservir
..puisenplusjevousdisquemafemmearecherchetquilyavait3photosmaispas
une seule. Les deux autres il y avait Heuz en mme temps; alors vous aurez une
photodHeuz
Parfait,excellent
alors questce que jai fait aprs mon travail au Qatar? Donc je suis revenu en
France. Jai prpar un second contrat pour le Qatar la demande des qataris. Ce
contratnajamaisthonor,carlorsquAliDjeddahestvenuenFrancepourlesigner,
ilatrefoulOrly.Onapasrussilefairedescendresurlesolfranaisparcequil
navaitpasdevisa.
Ahnon
IlsetrouvequeleQatarcettepoquelnavaitaucunerelationdiplomatiqueavecla
Francebienvidemmentpuisquestaientlesanglaisquiavaientlemonopolecomme
ondit.AlorsonluiavaitbienditdepassersoitparleKowetousoitparBeyrouth.Ilest
pass par Beyrouth et Beyrouth on lui a dit ah mais non, il ny a aucun problme
puisquevousnefaitequunstopde24heuresetpouravousnavezpasdebesoinde
visa. Donc il est arriv un Dimanche; il se rendait en Algrie pour le Congrs de
lOPEC. Alors je suis all le chercher; lpoque stait Orly. On navait quun seul
aroportParis,etonnajamaisrussilefairedescendre.Ilnyavaitpasdepolicier,
ilnyavaitrien.Ilyavaitunpoliciermaislui,bon.Donconnajamaisrussisigner
cecontrat.
Ahsestdevaleur.Etstaituncontratpourfairequoi?
Pourallertudierleseauxdemerdesebkhaetlesdptsdesebkhas,ainsidesuite.
Essayerdedvelopperlesressourcesminrales.
Ahdaccord,sestdommage.
Catdommagepourmoiparcequejtais prt repartir.Donc,jesuisde nouveau
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rest enFrance.JesuisdevenuchefduDpartement delaCarteGologique etdela

GologieauBRGMetdanslesannesfindesannes,jaifaitquelquesmissionsen
Syrie. Quand il sagissait de cartes gologiques ou substances minrales non
concessiblesstaitlaDirectionquisappelaitleServicequiestdevenuen68aprs
fusion avec le Service de la Carte Gologique .cest devenu le leGeological
Surveyenfin,sivousvoulezbonenfinamereviendra,lenomavaitchangsurtout
lesattributions,onavaitledroitdetravaillerhorsdeFrancemaisuniquementdansnos
domaines;nosdomaines scientifiques,delaCarteGologique,conditionquecene
soit pas accompagn de recherches minires, par exemple au Qatar ou en Syrie pour
aller tudier des calcaires asaltiques (incertain du terme) ou des trucs comme a. La
Carte Gologique sest nous qui la faisions. Donc en 74 jai d faire une premire
missionenSyriepourlescalcairesasaltiques,puisjairussisigneruncontratavecle
gouvernement syrien pour entrainer les gologues syriens au lev de la carte
gologique dtaille au 50,000ieme. Donc l jai fait du training pendant plusieurs
mois, et javais aussi une quipe de gologues franais. On avait prlev; i.e., elle
devaitsortirsouslestampilledesgologuessyriens,8ou10cartesau50,000iemedans
ledsertsyrien.Etstaittrs sympathique.Onavaituncampquitait60kms de
Palmyre; et alors l, ce ntait pas un camp comme javais connu au Qatar, parce
quavantnousenSyrieavaientpasslesrusses,etlesrussesavaientfaitconstruiredes
maisonscarrmenttenduesdansledsert
Oui,pluscivilise,quoi.
Voil,etbon,onavaitutilis cecamp,enfinsionappellea uncamponavaitdeslits,
onavaittoutcequilfallaitquoi.Etontait60kmsdePalmyre,cequipermettaitles
vendredis daller boire un Ouzeau et manger un poulet rti. Stait formidable quoi.
Donc jai fait la Syrie; bon ensuite, javais des gologues cartographes en Arabie
Saoudite, donc jallais les voir rgulirement; jai travaill dans diffrentes parties de
lArabetjesuisrevenudailleursDharan;voirleTertiairedelargiondeDharan,
stait formidable. Retrouver la mme srie [quau Qatar]; et l par contre les
mammifres,aljenaivu.Desmammifresfossiles
Oui.Sestbienconnus
A la base de la Damles cordons littoraux, l mon vieux, quest quil y avait comme
dentsetossements
JevaispasserDharanlasemaineprochaineparcequejemenvaisBahren.Jevaisy
conduirelasemaineprochaineetjevaisarrterDharanmaisjenepensepasavoirle
tempsdesortirsurleterrain.
Ahoui,parcequecenestpasDharanmme,il fautallerilfautaller sur leterrain
commeondit.
Etilfautyalleravecquelquunquiconnaisselaplace.
..Apartirde1980jecontinuais allerenArabieSaoudite rgulirementmaisonsest
implantenOmanetdoncenOmanonafaitlinventaire,bonjavaisdesquipes,
cemomentljtaisDirecteurdelaGologie,maismoiilfallaittoujoursquejaillesur
leterrain.etdonc,lesmontagnesdOman,etensuite.Dslafindelarbellionau
Dhofar, je suis all au Dhofar deux jours aprs quils aient rendu les armes. On a
emmenuneKalachnikovimmdiatementsivousallezsurleterrain,ilyenaquine
savent peuttre pas que les hostilits sont termines. Je nai eu aucun problme.
Alorsl,jaieulasurprisederetrouverauDhofarunesuccessionsemblablecelledu
QataroudelArabieSaouditeaumoinspourcequiconcernelEocne.
Oui,mmesurliledeSocotraentrelAfriqueet[leYmen]
JenesuispasallSocotra
Oui,maislagologieestlamme.LaformationRusestlainsiqueleDammam;alors
sestvraimenttendu.
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Oui et sest vraisemblable que si on continuait et quon a pu lire sur le Ymen et la

Somalie, vous savez, il y a des variantes comme on dit mais[cest la mme chose].
Non,cequiestdiffrentsestlagologiesurlespourtoursdesmontagnesdOman.L,
le Tertiaire est trs diffrent, un peu plus profond, plus continue, en particulier, vous
savez,duDanienquisurmonteduMaestrichtienoudestrucscommea,cequevous
navezpasauQatarouenArabieSaoudite,auDhofar.Maisenfinsestvraimentune
autre gologie. Mais pour le reste, sest vraiment quand on regarde les distances
sestfantastique
Oui,autantladistanceverticalequhorizontale
Oui,bon.Oman.Pourlesannes80etdbut90staitlArabieSaouditeetlOman.
Jyallaisentantquepatronmaisunpatronsurleterrain.
Voil,pourpouvoirdirigeraladistance.
Oui,moijavaisbesoindea pourmarer.
Oui,afaitdubiendesortirdubureaudetempsentemps
PassonsmaintenantauLexiqueStratigraphiquede75.Estceen73ou75quilestsorti
leLexique?
Ladatedimpressionsest75
75,daccord.LesauteursfurentSugden,Standringetvousmme,pourlastratigraphie
desurface.AvezvousdjrencontrM.SugdenetM.Standring
Non. Ni lun ni lautre. De toute faon stait Dubertret qui tait le responsable du
LexiqueduMoyenOrient;ProcheetMoyenOrient.Etapparemmentiladrencontrer
luijesupposejepensequestaitStandringquiluiavaitfaitdesobservationssurles
nomsquonavaitdonnacertainmembresdelaDammam.Quiluiaditattention,ce
nestpaspossible,ilsappellentalaSimsimamaisnouslaSimsimaafaitbellelurette
quelenomestutilispouruneformationdesubsurfaceetcEtdonc,Dubertretma
dit.(JaimmepasconversavecStandring);ilsneveulentpascollaboreravecvous
maisilsacceptentquevousfassiezuntextepart.
Ahsestbon
Oui,oui,staitcommea.
Ouistaitbienparcequevotrerelev desurfacetaitbeaucoupmieuxqueleleur ;en
fait,euxnelontjamaisfaitlerelevdesurface
Moilerelevdesurfacejenaifaitquea dailleurs.Jenaijamaistinvit voirun
trucdeforage.PasplusparlaQatarPetroleum,etcommelenomlindique,auraitpu
faireuneffort.LaShell,bon,onlescomprend,puisenpluslaShellelleforaitdansle
Golfe
Ilnyapasgrandchosevoir[ensurface]
amintressaitmoins.Cequimauraitintress auraittdevoir,soitdescutting,ou
mme les logs de forage dans le Qatar. Parce que stait uniquement par oudire
que..,bonjedisbienquonmadonndesdocumentsmaisilnyavaitaucunlog,ilny
avaitriendutoutdanscequilsmontdonn.Staitdesnotes,desdoublesdenotes
deGlenn??oujenesaisplusquimaispourailsntaientpascoopratif.
Daccord,ok
Voil,sestcommea.PourtantjetravaillaispourlePetroleumDepartment.
Etavecleplusdinformationquevousavez,vousfaitesunmeilleurtravail,quoi.
Je navais pas le choix de toute faon. Moi ce qui mintressait stait de faire la
gologie. a toujours t ma passion; plus maintenant parce que je suis vieux.
Disonsvieux,pastropmaisquandmme.Jenaipasencore100ans
Maisjevouscomprendstrsbien.Moiaussilapassionjedoissortirpresquetoutes
lesfinsdesemainesurleterrain
Oui,maissijaibiencomprisvousavezuneSocitGologiqueauQataraveutdire
quilyadesgologuesquiserunissentparfoispourdiscuterdegologie.
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Absolument,ondiscutefrquemment etmoipersonnellementjcrissurlagologie du
Qatar,lagologiedesurface,lapalontologiemintressebeaucoup.Sivouslevoulez
unjour,demandez madameLabrotquellevoustlchargedemonsiteinternet.La
meilleure [publication] est celle de 2009 sur la formation de Dam et cest l que je
dcris.ilyabeaucoupdephotosen faitavec lecimetirededugongetles fossiles;
enfinjevouslaisselibredelaregarderoupas.
Je demanderai lune de mes filles.parce que moi je ne mintresse pas
linformatique,mmejesuiscontre,maisjaimesdeuxfillesquisontinformaticiennes
Ah,bon,bonalaide.
Doncsestfantastique.Sestbienpouraqueamintressera,etaumoinsonparle
dedautreschose.Moijepensequelavieamritedtrevcuedonc,jaiappris
lire, je regarde la tl, je ne suis pas contre. Mais il faut que je moccupe de ma
journe,lextrieure,ilfautquejailleprendrelair.
Cestvrai
Donc,jemoccupedemonjardin, jevaisfumermapipedehors..
Ahdaccordok.
Voil
Avantdeterminer;estcequevousavezdesphotosdeM.Dubertret?
Ahnon.
Daccord
M. Dubertret lpoque tait un trs vieux monsieur que je ne connaissais pas
directement.Onstaitcrit;onstaituniquecorrespondu.Staitungologuequi
avait normment travaill presque toute sa carrire au Moyen/Proche Orient, en
Syrie,enTurquie.Jenelaipasconnudirectement.Sestparcourrierquona.ilma
tlphonunefois.Jecroisquilestmorttrspeudetempsaprs.
Apres1975
Oui,oui.
EnrevenantsurleQatarGeologicalSociety,vousmavezditaudbutdelentrevue
quevousnesortezplusdelaFrance,maissilaSocitvousinvitaitpourvenirauQatar
estcequeavousintresserait
Jaurais envie de vous rpondre oui, pour voir comment a la chang, et entre autre
pouvoir discuter de la gologie du Qatar avec quelquun, mais non. Ma rponse est
nonjenaiplusenvievoussavezendehorsdetouslespaysdontonaparl,etcjai
t galement membre, puis VicePrsident, puis Prsident de la SousCommission
Internationale de Stratigraphie du Palogne de lUnion Internationale des Sciences
Gologiques et donc travers de ces fonctions je me suis balad travers le monde
pourallervoirduPalogne,danstouslescoinsdumonde,etjedoisdirejenaiassez
desvoyages.
..etjecomprends
jesuishonntehein.Jtaisjamaislamaison,enfinetcmafemmeelle,nat
jalousequeduneseuleonnepeutpasdireduneseulefemme,ellenatjalouse
quedelagologie.Etalorsmaintenantelleestcontenteparcequedepuisquejaipris
maretraitejtaisencorePrsidentduntrucetmmedeplusieurstrucs,jesuisall
auCaucase,jesuisallenPatagonie,jesuisallbonmaintenantjaiditasuffit.Jai
termin mes prgrinations en entrant en France de Syrie; stait un sjour, mon
3iemeou4iemesjourenSyrie;unpaysquitaitagrablecommetoutlpoque.
Oui,etprsentement iladesproblmes.
..Etmaintenantjenaiplusenviede,bonjedisbienjeveuxbienallerfaireuntour
avec ma femme; on va bien faire un tour en Bourgogne, quelques jours sur la cte
Atlantique,maisarestedanslepays,envoiture,onrentrequandonveut;
Pasdavion
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Merci pour cette proposition. Il y a dix ans je vous aurais peuttre rpondu avec
plaisirmaismaintenantsurementpas.
Daccord.Nevousenfait pasjecomprends trs bien.
Bon.
Bienvoil,moijaitermin.Jevousremercieinfinimentpourletempsquevousavez
mismadisposition
Moi, donc, je vais essayer de vous faire parvenir un CV, mes titres et travaux
scientifiques, je ne pense pas que vous ayez de besoin de mes rapports indits du
BRGM par contre oui, je vous enverrai la liste des publications; il y en a quelques
centaines
Excellent,excellent,sestbon,sestbon
Etsesttrsclectique.IlyenabienquelquesunessurleMoyenOrient,surlArabie
Saoudite,ousurOman,endehorsduQatar,lerestevoil.Etlesphotos
JevaisenvoyerunemailMmeLabrot.
Vousmavezenvoyunetrsbellephoto[cidessous]oujefigureaumilieu;maisilny
apasHeuz[lapossibilitdavoirHeuzdanslaphotoavaittsouleveparMr.Salatt
quandjelavaisinterview2joursauparavant].Sesontdeuxcollgues,lunquitait
chefsondeur[droite]etquirecevaitunedcorationcejourl.IlrecevaitleMarteau
dor;i.e.questaitluileplusgdelaSainteBarbelejourdelaSainteBarbe.Et
donc stait un chef sondeur que javais bien connu, et lautre [ gauche] sest un
gologue minier dont je serais incapable de vous dire le nom. Je le connais de vue
mais.. Il est plus jeune; lui je ne le connais pas. Donc a vous va comme photo
rcente;avoussuffit?
http://www.amicalebrgm.fr/v3/spip.php?article329(2009)
Oui,commephotorcenteamesuffit.CelledeDohadesannes6970mintresse
beaucoup
Oui,oui,adaccord,pasdeproblme.Ellesonttmisesdecot
Excellent
JessaieraidepasserJeudiaprsmidi pourvoirsiDanielleestauBRGM,jirailavoiret
jen profiterai pour passer la bibliothque et voir si par hasard je retrouve des
informationsdesdocumentssurleQatar.Jiraifaireuntourdanslescollectionsen
faitquandvousdemandezunpaleontologist[palontologue],staitbiencommea
alpoque,debientudierunefaune,vousluiadresseztoutlematrieletvousnele
revoyez jamais. Par exemple, les chinides/echinoides du Qatar ils sont surement au
MuseumdHistoireNaturelle Paris.Lesdentsde squalestudiesparCasiersont
Bruxelles.
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Ilssontprservsquelquepartilsdisparaissentcommevousdites
Une fois quesestdans un muse a,sest bien dailleurs, sestprservquasi pour
lternit,moinsquunebombetombedessus.Doncpourlereste,lematrieljene
leconservaispas. Je neconservaisquelesmollusques. Sily avait dans les Dam des
huitresoutrucscommeaquitrainent.Toutleresteestenmouleinterne;ilnyapas
de coquilles. Pour la palontologie mme, ce nest pas trs intressant. Bon vous
arrivezdterminerunmouleinterneunmouleinterneesttrstypiqueCygorcia??
ou Corbulidae mais encore vous ne savez pas lequel il est mais a napporte pas
grandchosequoi.Lpoqueestpasseouonfaitdesmonographiesavecdesmoules
etdesempreintes.Onestplusau19iemesicleetonestmmeplusau20ieme.
Maintenanttoutsefaitaulaseretimprimantesentroisdimensions
Oui, sest formidable maintenant. Ce qui tait intressant stait essentiellement les
nummulites dune part et les echinoides; donc essentiellement la Dammam ou de la
Damventuellement
RegardezMonsieurCavelier,jevousremercieinfinimentpourletempsquevousavez
mispourrpondretoutescesquestions.Mepermettezvousdevousrappelerjene
saispassijevaisavoirdautresquestions,maisestcequevousmepermettezdevous
rappeler[sijamaisdautresmeviennententte]
Oui,oui.Evidemmentvouspouvez.Nevousinquitezpas.
MercibeaucoupAimeriezvousavoirunecopiedelenregistrement?
Ahnon.Cenestpaslapeine.Jevousremercie.Jenauraisrienpourlcouter
Daccord.Mercibeaucoupetauplaisir
Allez.Auplaisiretboncourage.
Mercibien
Etbonnegologie
Ahaoui.Merci
1096

Transcription dune conversation tlphonique (Skype/Tlphone)
Le 19 mai 2014.
Lentrevue a eu lieu en franais
C = Cavelier
L = LeBlanc
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Oui,Dr.Cavelier
Oui
JacquesLeBlancduQatar,commentallezvous ?
Ah,trsbienmercietvousaussi
Trsbienmerci.estcequejevousprendsdansunbontemps?Estcequevouspouvez
parler?
Ah,jepeuxparlerunpetitmoment
Daccord,vousmeditesquandvousvoulezpartiretonarrte.
Oui, sest parce que jai ma petite fille qui est la maison. Elle ne vient pas tous les
jours.
Je comprends, je comprends. Seulement que quelques minutes pour vous demander
quelquesquestionssicelavousva.
Jevousenpris
Jeprends5minutesdevotretemps.Quandjevousaipassenentrevue,jaioublide
vousdemanderlenomdevotrepreetdevotremre.
AhmonpresappelaitLucienCavelier,
Okay
EtmamresappelaitLucienneVaslin.plusCavelier
VaslinspelleVACELIN
Non,VASLINdoncVaslin
Vaslin L I N, Ok parfait. Maintenant je vais vous demander quelque chose qui fera
appelleunpetitvotremmoire..dansvotrerapportvousditesquedanslesecteurde
Simsima,unvillageducotnordestduQatar,vousaveztrouvdesgodes[dequartz]
quicontenaientdelhuile/ptrole.Jairetrouvlendroitetjaibientrouvdesgodes
et tout a, mais estce que stait bien du ptrole dans les godes? Je sais que du
ptroleonentrouvedanslesgodesauBahrain,maisiciauQatar,saufpourcequiest
mentionndansvotrerapport,jeneconnaispersonnequiaittrouvdesgodesavecdu
ptrole.
Ah, je ne dis pas quil y en avait beaucoup, hein. Comme on a cass beaucoup de
godespouressayerdetrouverlesplusbelles,etc.autantquejemensouvienne,ily
enavaitaumoinsune,peuttredeux,quicontenaientduptroleplusoumoinsbitume
ouvisqueux.
Visqueux,bon,sesttrsbiensavoir.Alorsdaccordmerci.Alorsuneautrequestion,
trs rapidement. Combien de vhicules aviezvous pour faire votre survey. Vous
mentionnez que vous aviez des Land Rover tandis que M. Salatt en a mentionn
dautres.EstcequevousaviezquedesLandRover?
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Non, on avait que des Land Rover, mais on avait aussi un camionun camion qui
transportaitaussilaciterne.
Laciterne,daccord.
Laciternedeau,heinpasdessence.
Okayetquitaittrspratiquedavoirenfait.
Quandlaciternetaitvide,staitlacatastrophe
Jepeuxlimaginer,oui.
Il y a une fois, la citerne stait vide pendant la nuit; elle avait t mal referme et
donclematinilnyavaitplusdeau.DoncjaienvoylecamionentoutevitesseDoha.
Auboutde24heuresilntaitpasrevenu.JaienvoyuneLandRoverpourvoircequi
sepassait.Auboutde48heuresonavaitrien.
Ohwow.Etelleestrevenueaprscombiendetemps.
LaLandRoverestrevenueledeuximesoirbonpas48heuresmaisplutt36heures,
justeavantlecoucherdusoleiletavecquelquesbidonsdeau;endisantquelecamion
tait en rade (panne) le long de la route et quon avait un camion de dpannage qui
devaitpasser.bonfinalementasestbienterminmaisonestrestquandmmeun
bon24heuressanseau.
Ohwow,voustiezplaindre.
Cenestpaspratique;cestlemoinsquonpuissedire
Une autrequestion, encoreducotvhicule. Vousavezdit, qupart les Land Rover,
lEmirvousavaitpassunevoiture.
.Alafin,quandjtaisenville,oui.
Danslenregistrementquejaifaitdelentrevue,cenestpastrsclairequellesortede
voiturequestait.Estcequevouspouvezlerpter?
Stait, autant que je men souviennes, une Thunderbird [prononc avec un accent
franaistrsfort]
UneThunderbird,ah,ah
Staitunetrsbellevoiture.
Jimagine.Unevoituretrssportive.
Oui,enfinpourcirculerlintrieur deDoha,oui.
Daccord
Surtout,qualpoque,Doha;lapluspartdesruestaientencoreensable,encailloux,
la rue principales tait goudronne mais elle ntait pas trs large; il ny avait pas de
grandesavenues.Staitencoreunepetitevilleprovinciale.
Oui,exactement,oui.
Lesautrespoints;jattendstoujoursquelquesinformationdevouspropos
Oui,oui.JenesuispasallauBRGM
Daccord.
DoncjiraiauBRGMmaisjenenaipaseuloccasion
Daccord
EstcequevousavezprparlalistedevospublicationsetvotreCV?
Oui,oui,sestprt.Bon,jairajoutlamaintoutuntasdechoses,hein.
Daccord
Sivousavezdesdifficultsdelecturelatransmission,vousmeposerezdesquestions.
Daccord.Moijaimebienvousappeler
Ah,maissestgentila.
Justepourvousenrappeler,etjesuiscertainquevousvousenrappelez,ilyalalistede
vospublications,votreCV,lesphotosdevousavecHeuz,et
etsijeretrouvelacoupe,maiscommejevousdis,jenesuispasallauBRGMdoncje
nesaispassielleexisteoupas.
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Aussi,seulementquepourvousdonnerdesnouvellesdemapublication,jaidonnmon
premierdraft,premierbrouillon,moncollgueqatarideQatarPetroleum.Ilesten
traindelerviser,delerevoir;bienquilnestpasfaitdecommentaireencore,jespre
toujoursdelemettreenligne,sijailapermission,verslafinde2014.
Oui
Alorsjevouslaisse.Jesaisquevoustesoccup.
Ah, bien je suis occup ? Je vous dis que jai ma petite fille. Elle est avec ma femme
actuellement.Ilfaittrsbeausestjoursci,alorsellessontdehorsdevantlamaisonsur
laterrasse;doncellenestpastouteseule.Nevousinquitezpas.
Okay,Excellent.Aimeriezvousquejevousrappelledansunmoisoudeuxsemaines ?
Oui,rappelezmoiaumoisdejuin.
Etsivousvoulezmenvoyerquelquechoseparemail,commevousdites
Voilsesta,parcequejevaisessayerdallerauBRGMilfautquejyaillesoitlelundi,
soit le jeudi, et que je tlphone dabord savoir si Danielle est l; enfin si on peut
transmettrequelque chose. Parceque parfoiselle ny vapas. Donc, ilny a personne.
Donc, je ne peux pas vous dire si je vais y aller jeudi prochain ou lundi de la semaine
prochaine;ilfautdabordquejetlphone.
Non, je comprends trs bien. De toute faon, je vous rappelle le 19 juin, ou quelque
chosecommea;dansunmoisavousva.
Voil,trsbien,jauraiunandeplus.
Ahoui,sestvrai!!!
Ouimonanniversairesestle14
Oui,oui,biensr.
Jaurai79
Bonnefteenavanceetjevousleresouhaiterez
Mercibeaucoup
Merci,aurevoir,etunbeaubonjourvotrefemmeetvotrepetitefille.
Daccord,merci
Aurevoir
Aurevoir
1099

Transcript of a phone conversation (Skype/Phone)
Between Mr. Jacques LeBlanc and Dr. Claude Cavelier
December 14th 2013
Note: The interview took place in French
C = Cavelier
L = LeBlanc
M = Mrs. Cavelier
The text in blue has been added to the conversation by the interviewer (Mr. LeBlanc) in order to
clarify a point during the discussion.
Time
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Goodmorning.Mr.ClaudeCavelierplease
Iwillcallhimforyou
Thankyouverymuch
Heiscoming
Allright,thankyou
Hello
Mr.Cavelier
Yes
ItsJacquesLeBlanc,callingfromQatar
Yes,averygoodmorningSir
Goodmorning,itisapleasuretofinallybeabletotalktoyou.Ihavebeenlookingfor
yousince2008
Sincewhen.
2008
Wow,amazing.Ihaddisappeared,justlikethat?
I made several internet searches on you; however I was only able to find several
referencesondocumentsyouwroteandverylittlepersonalinformation.Iwasnotable
to find any reference to phone numbers or email addresses; I even contacted some
Frenchgeologists,whoIknow,aswellastheBRGM,butnoluckatall.
Idonothaveinternet,noremailaddress;Idonothaveamobilenoracomputer.Ilive
likeweusedto20or25yearsago.
Allright,Iunderstand.Infact,Iwasveryluckybecauseabout3weeksoronemonthago
IconductedanotherinternetsearchonyouandjustbyluckIfoundthesiteofLaSainte
Barbe[http://www.amicalebrgm.fr/v3/spip.php?article329]thattheBRGMcreatedin
2009andforwhichyouwereoneoftheguests.
Yes,yes
Fromthere,IwasabletocontactMrs.Labrot.
Yes,yes,Iamaware.
All rightI have prepared a long list of questions. I think the best way to proceed
wouldbeformetosendittoMrs.Labrotbyemail.
Yes,yes,excellent.Andshewillforwardittome.
andyoucouldfamiliarizeyourselfwiththelistbeforeourinterview
andIwillanswerthebestican.
Exactly. We could set up a phone appointment once again if it is ok with you. Is it
possibleformetocallyouback?
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yes
IfyouallowitIcouldrecordtheconversation.
Ofcourse.
Perfect
Youareverywellorganized,thewayiseeit
Ahyes.
Since2010IworkonthispublicationwhichIwanttofinalizein2014.Itisonthestoryof
stratigraphyinQatar;andinfactwhileproceedingthroughthisresearchIfoundoutthat
thestoryofstratigraphyinQataractuallystartsinyear1784.
Yeswell,itisnotthecaseforQataritself.
Yes I know, Qatar is indeed much younger but the historical facts which took place
regarding the stratigraphy start in India. We could talk about that during our next
interview.
ItprobablystartedwithPhilby,theBritishcompanies
Wellwhatyouaretalkingabouttookplacein1908[Note:IhadunderstoodPilgrim
(1908) instead of Philby (1930)]. But there was also a survey [more a short
description],apartialsurveyonHalulislandthattookplacein1850or1859[itisactually
in1859]
AH, AH, it is possible because indeed the Gulf islands me, I did not really do a lot
because.;well,IdidgotoHalulandShraouh,butthesediapirdomesreallyrepresenta
verydifferentgeology
Yes,exactly,exactly.ItismainlyCambrianandindeedaverydifferentgeology.
Yes,yes,yes,styleIranorstyleGulf.
Exactly, exactly. Therefore what I will do, with the document that I will send to Mrs.
Labrotforyou,thereisashortsummaryaboutme;thatwillintroducemetoyou
ok
Therewillbeallthelistofquestionforyoutogetfamiliarizedwith.Iwanttoaskyou
questionsregardingthegeologicalsurveyof196970
Yes
and also some personal questions, but not too personal.. and also some questions
regardingtheStratigraphicLexiconof1975forwhichyoucontributed.
Ahyes,yesthisismylastworkonQatar.
Yesindeed.ThisiswhatIrealizedduringallthistimeIspentlookingforyou.
AfterIworked..IneverworkedinQataragain,butIworkedinSaudiArabia,inOman,
Dhofar..
Ahyes,perfect,perfect.Thatisveryinteresting.
I was able to pinpoint certain Stratigraphic attributions for as much as they can be
transposed from Dhofar to Qatar; the geology is very similar [on all] the Arabic
peninsula.exceptthemountains.IalsoworkedinthemountainsofOman,butthereit
isdifferent..
Yes, of course. I just came back from there in fact. I went in the Emirates on the
MusandamPeninsula
Ahyes
Thatisverynice.ThePermianisthererightinfrontofyoureyes.
Yes, this Mountain Chain from Oman/Musandam is extraordinary, together with its
surroundings, it is really extraordinary It was horrible in Qatar for the temperature
because we started working in the field in April; thus we did the survey right in the
middleofsummerandfallwithmaximumtemperatures.
50C
andunderatent
1101

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Ouch
Ahyes,wehadabsolutelynocomfort.
Yes,Iunderstand
ImustsaythatQatarwasmuchdifferentthanwhatithasbecomefromwhatIseeon
television;itwasreallyacountrywherenobodylived
yes,onlyfortheBedouins
Atthattimetherewereonly5,000Qataris,andabout50,000or60,000foreigners inthe
country
Yes,andIimaginemorefromIndia[thanothercountries]
Itwasstillverytraditional
Iunderstand.Ithaschangedverymuch
Ihavenodoubt
Itisametropolisnow[Doha]
Yes
Apparently,youhavemetMr.AbdallahSalatt
Yes,indeed,Imethimforthefirsttimein2009
Yes
.Letsjustsaythatiwasinagroup,thusifhemeetsmetodayhewillnotrecognizeme,
but I talked to him over the phone these past few days and i will meet with him on
Monday.
Verygood,pleasesayhellofromme
Allright.Iknowhewillbecallingyou.
LastnightMrs.Labrotsentmeyourdetails
Yes,yes
thereforeIhavealsoforwardedhimyourdetails.Iamsurehewillcallyou.
Whatdidhedo?Howwashiscareer?
Well, what i know of him is that after the 1970 survey he was assigned in the
DepartmentofPetroleumAffairsintheMinistryofFinanceandPetroleumandthenlater
inQatarPetroleum
Yes
And at the beginning of the 1980s he was Director, and then later he was assigned a
higherpositionwithinQatarPetroleum;andveryrecently,maybe2or3yearsago,some
changesoccurandheretired.Hemustbenowabout71yearsold.
Verygood
He is well. I will meet with him and will take some pictures which I will send to you
through Mrs. Labrot. [unfortunately, no pictures were taken during my scheduled
interviewwithMr.Salatt]
Allright.YouwerelookingforoneofmypicturesonthewebsiteoftheSainteBarbe
2009.Didshesendyouthereference?
Yes,Iamnowinpossessionofthispicture.InthequestionnairethatIwillsendyouIam
askingaswellifyouhavesomepictures;notofthegeologicalsurveybecauseshetold
methatyoudidnothaveany.
I had brought with me only one roll and when I went back to France I sent it to be
developedbutitcameoutallblank[exposedtolight]
Itistoobad
.thereforethereisnothing.IhavenopicturefromthefieldinQatar.
Allright.
Ididnottakethatmany;maybearollof36Ihavenothing.
Allright
Iamsorryinfact
1102
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Itisnothing
Buticannotdoanything
No problem. Would you have on the other hand a picture of yourself between years
1968and1975,whetheritisinOmanorSaudiArabia.
Yes,thatispossible.Ialwayshadsomecolleagueswhowerealwaystakingpicturesand
sometimeIreceivedfewfromthem;Iwilllook.Iamnotatallaphotograph.
Allright
Yes,Iwilllook
Iwouldlovetohaveoneofyourpicturesfromthattimeformypublication].
Ah,butIhaveone,ormusthaveonetakeninDoha;itwastakenattheShell.
Ahverygood
.atoneoftheeveningofthe Shell. Iknowthatmywifetookitout;soIwassurprised.
Allright;Iaminterested
.butyouwillnothave/seethefield
Thatisok
IamwithtwoBritish,infactoneBritishmanandoneBritishladywithwhoIhadmade
friends,thefewtimesiwasinDoha.
Ok.Youwerealwaysinthefield
Iwasinthedesert.Iwascomingbackfor48hoursevery15days.
Ahok
.todosomegroceryshopping,andtorefillourwatertank,etc.
Allright
.Iwasoutside,exceptforthefinalperiodwhenIwaswritingmyreport
exactly
.otherwiseIwasalwaysoutside
Allright.itwasyourwork.Itwasforthat,thatthecompanysentyoutoQatar.
Ididnothaveanychoice;Ihadtogoforward
For me, only to think about being in a camp during the months of July, August and
September
.exactly;youhavetoexperienceityourselftounderstand
Onlyforonenightformeisenough.
We had a thermometer. The temperature did not go below 34C at night for July,
AugustandSeptember.Infactitwasverydifficultbecauseinadditiontobeinghot,it
wasalsoveryhumid;wewereveryoftenexperiencingfogs
Ok
WhenyouareontheshoreoftheGulfofSalwaoronDjebelDukhan..itisasmallDjebel
but..
Yes,infact,thenameofDukhanmeanstheplacewithfog
Yes,yes..itisapleasure[laughing]
Ofcourse
.in addition, believe me, you cannot do anything when you do not see anything, you
cannotevendrive;youdonotknowwheretogoorwhattodo.Sinceyoudonothave
watertowashyourselfandthatgoinginthewateroftheGulfofSalwatotakeabathis
totallynotrecommended;thereisnotalotofpotablewaternearby.
Itistoosaltyofcourse
Ahyesverysalty.Itwasnoteasy.
Yes
Forclimateconditions,inmycareerIhaveneverseenworst
Yes,itwastheworst.
Yesindeed
1103
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WouldithavebeenpossibletodoitfromSeptembertoMay,orwasittheprojectthat
wantedtostartassoonasthecontractwassigned.
The signature of the contract; I do not remember, I arrived in February I think; no, I
arrivedinApril.
Exactly
NormallyiwouldhavehadtheLandRover,thetents,etceverythingwassupposedto
bereadyatmyarrivalbutittookme2monthstogatherallthematerial.
OK
BecauseofthatwestartedthefieldworkinJune
Allright,ok.Alreadyyouareansweringsomeofmyquestions.
it was very complicated.in addition there were some British who were not at all
happytoseesomeFrencharriving.
Icanimagine
andwhenIsaynothappy,Ireallymeannothappy
ok
Theydideverythingtoslowusdownasmuchastheycould ateverypossiblelevels
Attheend,youdidit,andyoudiditwell.
Ah of course, and Abdallah could tell you i suppose because he helped me
tremendously.Hewasayounggeologistandhadneverbeeninthefieldbefore,buthe
had the advantage of being a Qatari; to have a Qatari with you, it is fundamental at
leastitwasamustthen.
Yes,andstilltoday.It opensdoors;itsolves problems muchquicker;etc.
I must say, we were dependent of the Petroleum and Affairs Departments. It was
Ali Djeddah who was the boss at the time. The Qatari helped me at all levels.
Anyway, Qatarwantedtohave its independence;the countrywantedtoget ridof the
BritishweightbuttheirpowerwastooweakcomparedtotheoneheldbytheBritish.
Ok,Ok,
TheBritishownedthepolice,thearmy,thefinancesinfactalotofthings.
Allright
..theydidnotownthepetrol.
QatardidinfactobtainhisIndependenceoneortwoyearslater.
Yes,nowtheyareindependent.
Yes,noproblemwiththat
TheyinvestalotinFrance
Yes,indeed.EveninCanada,England,andabiteverywhere.
Yes,ofcourse.Theyboughtafootballteamfromus.
Yes,Ididnotknow
Yes, the Paris StGermain is the first one in the championshipwith all the money
thatithasathand.
ItisQatari
No,itisFrench
Yesofcourse,ImeantthatitisFrenchwithQatarifunding
ThePresidentofSG(?)isQatari.
Allright.
Verygood.YouareCanadian,isntit
Yes,yes,iamCanadian.IwasborninQuebec.
I was trying to locate your origin by your accent. I told myself He is not from
Switzerland,notfromBelgium;thenhemustbeCanadian
IndeedIamCanadian.IwasborninQuebecin1958;IworkinOil&Gassince1986and
havebeenworkingoutsideCanadasince1993.IhavebeenwithQatarPetroleumsince
1104
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January 2007. The document I will be sending you is going to give you more details
aboutme.
Iwillreaditwithinterest
ThenIwillsendittoMrs.Labrot
OK
Doyouknowifsheworkseverydayoftheweek
No,no,noteverydayoftheweek.Sheisretiredlikeme
Allright
WehaveanAmicaleBRGMandsheisthesecretaryoftheAmicale.[Amicale=A
typeofsocietyorganizedwithinacompany,whichisnormallyusedbytheretireeofthis
companytogettogether]
Perfect
She normally visits the office on Monday and Thursday afternoon; but she also goes
morethanthat;shewasthereyesterday..ShewasnotthereThursdaybecauseIwas
supposed to go see her before making contact with you, but apparently there was
nobodyattheAmicale.Ileftamessageandshecalledmebackyesterday.
Allright
Then,sheisnotthereeverydaybutshegoesoften;atleasttwiceaweekgenerally.
Very good. Then I will be sending that to her, and if she sends me back an email on
Monday.me,Iamavailableanydayafter4PM(ofQatar)whichmeansafter2PMin
France.
Yes,meaningintheafternoonforme.
Thatsit
Correct
Infact,ifyouallowitwecouldalreadymakeatentativephoneappointment.
Yes
I could call you at that date and time, hoping that you would have had received the
documentbythen.
Yes
IsWednesdayorTuesdayokaywithyou?
Ofnextweek
No.Ofthisweek
Yes,me,IamstillusingtheGregoriancalendar
Yes
IdonotendtheweekonFridaybutonSunday
Correct
Forme,nextweekstartsonMonday.
Yes,formetheweekendstartedyesterday
Yes,Iknow.Asageneralrule,iamavailableonlytheafternoon.
Perfect,itwillworkout
During the morning I may go out to do some errands and few other things but the
afternoon,no.
Ok
DuringtheafternoonIwoulddosomegardening,butbecauseofthebadweatherthat
wehavenowidonotdomuchgardening.
Iimagineitisabittoocold.
Therefore,Iammoreintoreadingthesedays
Perfect
Correct
Canwethereforesetameetingfor2PM(Francetime)onTuesdayDecember17th?
1105

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Yes,Tuesday17that2PMisfine
IfbythetimeIcallbackyoustillhavenotreceivedthedocument,youwillletmeknow
andwewillmakesomeotherarrangements.
OK,perfect
ExcellentMr.Cavelier.Ithankyouverymuch
Itisnothingatall.
ThenwewillbetalkingonTuesday
Perfect..Salammalekum
AmalekumSalam
correct
Goodbye
1106

Questionnaire for the December 17th 2013 interview with Dr. Claude Cavelier
Questions - Personal
Aside from the facts that you conducted the 1969-70 Geological Survey of Qatar and that you
worked for the Bureau de Recherches Gologiques et Minires (BRGM) I know only two other
personal facts about you :
C) You were born in 1932 (http://www.idref.fr/02677318X). Is this correct? (What is the exact
date and place?) [Proof that one should not believe everything that we read on the internet]
D) You received your PHD s Science in 1971 (http://www.galaxidion.com/personne/claude
cavelier/57005/andhttp://www.librairiericher.com/personne/claudecavelier/57005/). Is this
correct? Was it done during or after the survey of Qatar? [Proof that one should not believe
everything that we read on the internet]
13) What did your parents do?

14) Do you come from a large or small family? How many brothers and sisters do you have?
15) What school did you go to?
16) University?
17) Married ?
18) Children ?
19) Grand-Children? [In the original French questionnaire I had written Grands enfants ?
which is a word-for-word translation of the English term Grand-Children. This made Dr.
Cavelier laughed during the interview.]
20) How many languages do you know?
21) Do you travel sometimes now outside of France?
22) Is there already a biography or autobiography written on you, whether short or long? If so,
how can I get a copy?
23) Was the BRGM your only employer? How many years have you worked for them?
24) Do you have a complete list of articles/publications that you wrote during your career,
whether they discuss Qatar or not? If so, can I get a copy of the list?
QuestionsThe196970GeologicalSurveyofQatar
O) The contract between the BRGM and the Government of Qatar was signed on February 19th
1969 and the field work was initiated in April of the same year. Do you know how long the
negotiations of the contract took?
P) How did you get involved in this project? Were you new at BRGM and how many
weeks/months of notice did you get from BRGM to tell you that you would be in charge of
this project?
Q) Had you done a similar survey before, whether in France or outside?
R) There must have been a period to gather all the necessary documents (technical publications,
etc..) from your side and/or the Qatari personnel before you arrived in the country. Had
everything been done before your arrival or did you take some time to gather the material
once on site?
S) How did you choose to start mapping? Did you do it from North to South? South to North?
East to West? Etc and why did you do it this way? After completing the survey, did you
think you should have done it differently? What would you have changed?
1107

T) Did you have a good Qatari guide who knew the field inside-out? If so, do you remember
his name? By the way, since we are talking about your team members, do you know what
has become of Mr. Yves Heuz?
U) In the 1990s, Qatar established a reference grid to be used in all mapping surveys; this grid
is called Qatar National Grid . In 1969-70 this grid did not exist and neither did the GPS.
How did you calculate the exact elevations and coordinates for the geological map ..?
Which reference did you use? Did you use the geological maps given in reference? [Browne
1952,Steineke1958,Bramkamp1961]
V) Do you remember specifically of one or several places where you installed your camps
(what were the names?). How long did you spend at each one of these camps; few days?
Few weeks?
W) Did you use any aerial photos? [ In the original questionnaire I had written satellite
images instead of aerial photos .Satellite images did not exist then] Are there any
places where you did not go physically but for which you have used only the aerial photos in
order to extrapolate the geology.
X) The results of this survey are described in two publications:
- GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE QATAR PENINSULA (60 pages)
- GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND MINERAL SUBSTANCES EXPLORATION IN
QATAR (109 pages)
In these two publications there is in appendix the Reference Sections from 1 to 5, however,
Reference Section #2, which describes the Miocene on QARN ABU WAIL - which is now
an official border point between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, is missing in all six copies owned
by Qatar Petroleum and all copies belonging to BRGM.
The question is the following: Was this Reference Section #2 on Qarn Abu Wail really done
or was it an error not to include it during the printing of the document. Would you have a
copy of it? Can I get a digital copy?
Y) Do you remember the islands that you visited? Halul, Shraouh, Ishat, Hawar? Did you get
there by boat or helicopter?
Z) The fossils: from the publications of other authors that have followed the survey, I know that
you collected some fossils.
iv.
The Eocene shark teeth were described by Dr. Casier in 1971 ;
v.
The foraminifera by Dr. Blondeau and Cavelier in 1972
vi.
The echinoids (sea urchins) by Dr. Roman in 1976
To my knowledge, these are the only three publications in relation to Qatar and its fossils
which resulted from the survey. Do you know any others? Have you kept yourself some
fossil specimens for your own personal collection? Did you collect any remains of
vertebrates such as ribs or vertebrae of mammals or reptiles? If so, do you remember the
places and geological periods?
AA)
You mentioned to Mrs. Labrot that the negatives of the pictures you took during the
survey were exposed to light and thus, no pictures of field work are available. Do you know
if any other people have taken some (by the way, I will meet with Mr. Salatt on Monday and
I will ask him the same question). Would you have a picture of yourself between the years
1968 to 1975? (As discussed, please send me a digital version of your picture from Doha
and any other pictures which you think could be of use to me).
1108

BB)
What did you do after your work in Qatar? Did the BRGM send you to another
country in order to perform a similar work or did you go back to France.
QuestionsTheStratigraphicLexiconofQatar
Between 1973 and 1975 the stratigraphic lexicon of Qatar was published. The authors were
Sugden, Standring and yourself, for the surface stratigraphy.
iv. Have you ever met Mr. Sugden and Standring (do you have any pictures?)
v. The Director of this project was Mr. Louis Dubertret. Was it really him who contacted you
to collaborate in this Lexicon? (Do you have any pictures of him?)
vi. Are there any other facts in relation to this lexicon that would be interesting for my
research? Everything would be welcome.
Last question
In Qatar, there is a group called The Qatar Geological Society . Would you be interested to come
back to Qatar if this Society was to invite you to participate in one of their meetings or
presentations?
1109

Transcript of a phone interview (Skype/Phone)
December 17th 2013.
Note: The interview took place in French
C = Cavelier
L = LeBlanc
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Yes,goodmorning
Goodmorning,howareyou?
Goodandyourself
Verygood.haveyoureceivedthequestionnaire?
Yes,Ireceivedityesterday
Excellent,andyouhadenoughtimetostudyit?
Yes,Ireadit
Verygood;thenyouareready
Yes,yes,letsgo
Doyoustillallowmetotapetheconversation?
Yes,yes,byallmeans
Allright.BythewayIwillalsotakesomenotesonmycomputerwhiletalking,soifyou
hear my keyboard you will know why.also, by the way, I made a mistake on the
questionnaire that i sent you I mentioned satellite images instead of aerial
photos.
Ahyes.atthattimeitwasaerialphotos
Yes,exactly;then,arethereanyquestionsthatyouwouldpreferthatidonotask?
No; just lets go in order; my date of birthI was not born in 1932 but in 1935 [an
internet search done earlier had revealed wrongly that he was born in 1932
(http://www.idref.fr/02677318X)].
Ah,perfect,verygood
IwasbornonJune14th1935atColombe,inlesHautsdeSeineinFrance
inlesHautsdeSeineinFranceonJune14
June14,yes
Idonotknowwheremyinformationof1932comesfrombutanycase
Meneither.Youwanttogetmeolder;Iamnotveryyoungbutthereisnoneedtoadd
3yearstomyage.
Allright.BeforewecontinueIwouldliketomentionforthepurposeofthisrecording
that we are Tuesday December 17, 2013. My name is Jacques LeBlanc and I am in
Qatar while the person i am talking with is Mr. Claude Cavelier who is located in
OrlansinFrance.Onlyforthepurposeoftherecording,thatisit.itisdone.
Verygood
Now the second question. You have received your PHD in 1971? [Another internet
search done earlier had also revealed wrongly that he had received his PHD in 1971
(http://www.galaxidion.com/personne/claudecavelier/57005/
and
http://www.librairiericher.com/personne/claudecavelier/57005/)].
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No,no.
Allright
IdonotknowwhatIreceivedin1971,afterreturningfromQatar.No.Ireceivedmy
doctorateDoctoratdEtatin1976
Allright
InJanuary76
Perfect
ItwastitledLalimiteEoceneOligoceneenEuropeOccidentale[thisthesiswaslater
reproduced under Cavelier C. (1979). La limite eoceneoligocene en Europe
occidentale.Sci.Geol.Mem.,ULPStrasbourg54:240pp]
Allright.Anditwasatwhichuniversity
AtUniversitPierreetMarieCurieParis6[http://www.upmc.fr/]
Ah yes, it is a famous one. Now from the family side your parents, which
professions
Yes,letscontinue.Mymotherwasathomeandmyfatherwasaschoolteacher.
Verygood.inanelementaryschool?
Yes,yes.Hewasprofessoratthebeginningofhiscareer;aprofessorinAlbania
Ah,verywell
Yes, he was at Lyce Franais de Kora in Albania. He belonged to the national
education; I do not know how it was called at that time in France; He did 5 years in
Albania,thenhecamebacktoFranceattherequestofmymotherwhoneededtolook
after her mother who had lost her sight; therefore, in order to have a position
immediatelyuponhisreturnhebecameaschoolteacherinColombe.
Perfect
Then,meIwasborninColombe
Verygood.Andyoucomefromalargefamily?Manybrothersandsisters?
No,no,Ihavenobrotherandnosister
Ahgood.anonlyson
Iamanonlyson
Atelementaryschool,wheredidyougoyourself?
Kindergarten,Ididnotdo.Infact,duringthewarmyfatherlookedaftersomerefugee
children from the cities and we were in La Creusethe Dpartement de La
Creuse which is in the Massif Central, therefore I went to elementary school in
LaCreuseandattheendofthewarwecamebacktoColombe;Ididoneyearof
elementaryschoolinColombeandthenItooktheexamtoenterattheLyce,wedid
notsaycollgeatthattime,wewentdirectlytotheLycein6thgrade;andIwent
totheLycePasteuratNeuillysurSeine.
Verywell
.whereididmysecondaryeducation;thenstoppedmysecondaryeducationaftermy
BScandstartedworkingatBRGGM.
Ah,youwerethenfairlyyoung
Iwas19,yes
AtBRGMat19yearsold.itisoneofmynextquestions,soIaminterested.
FromthatIdid.Itwasin55;inJanuary1955IenteredattheBRGGMitwascalled
BRGGMinthosedays,notBRGM.
Ahyes
ItbecameBRGMlater
Allright
Therefore,untilthebeginningof56,whenididmymilitaryservice,IcamebackandI
startedagainmystudiesattheuniversityatUniversitCatholiquedeParis,where
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IpassedmyLicensecertificates,atthattimethreewereneededtobefullylicensed
notatallliketodaysstudiesthereforeIpassedgeology,geomineralogyandapplied
geology.
Itwasnotasmallthing
Yes,me,Iwasdoinggeologysincetheageof11or12,hein.
Bycollectingfossilsandrocks?
Exactly. Of course. Geology was my passion. That is why I entered at BRGM
immediately. They were looking for geologiststechnicians at that time and I
presentedmyself.IknewalreadysomegeologistswhoworkedthereandIwaschosen
immediately. Therefore I started very young in this profession; even younger in the
fieldbutstillyounginthisprofession.
Itisalwayslikethat,thatitstartsingeology;withaninterestvery,veryyoung.
Thatisright.AftermystudiesIobtainmydiplomaasgeologistin1962.InfactIwill
sendyoumyCV,soyouwillknoweverything
Ahthankyouverymuch
.youwillhaveallthedetailstheCVisabout40pages;IneedtogoseeatBRGM
Thisisofgreatinterest
Itravelledquiteabit.Ihadalongcareer.Therefore,aftermydiplomamytitlewas
engineer.engineerattheBRGMtheBRGGMhaddisappearedin59.
Verywell
by merging with other french organisations, Bureau Minier de la France
doutremer, Bureau de Recherche Minires Algriennes, Services Gologiques
Africains, Le Bureau. all that was during the period of the decolonization.
FrancethenregroupedalltheseorganizationsunderBRGM;thereforebornin59but
withalreadyagoodbackground.NowyouareaskingmeIsuccessfullypresentedmy
thesis.Itwasadoctorate(DoctoratdEtat)..twentyyearswereneededinthosedaysto
presentadoctoratdEtat;itwasabigdiploma,butitwasinterestingtome.Ididit
inparallelwithmyactivitiesatBRGMandIpresenteditinJanuary1976.
Thenyourtitlewas DocteurenGologiedEtat
Non. Docteur s Sciences dEtat. Yes, Geology was one of the Sciences but the
doctoratewassSciences
IwillhaveallthesedetailsinyourCV,isntit
Yes,infactIwillnotgiveyouallthedetailsofwhatididbutthemostimportant.
Verygood.AsItoldyou,itisofinteresttome.
..so,Iammarried.Imarriedin1955.Iamstillwiththesamewife
Itisgood.andrare
Sheisstillalive.itismorethan58yearsnow.
Itisherwhoansweredthephonetheotherday,Ithink?
Yes,itsnormallyherwhoiscalledonthephone,soitisnormallyherwhoanswers.
Verygood
Now,Iwaswaitingforyou,soitisnotthesame.
andhernameifitisnottoomuchasking
Maryse.MaryseBourrat,ashermaidenname
Howdoyouspellit
BOURRAT.sheisfromtheJuras.andjustforthestory,Imetherwhiledoingthe
geological map of lAnse au Saunier [not 100% sure it is the right spelling]..I
startedgeologicalmappingveryyoung..
So,itcomesveryhandysometimetoknowgeologicalmapping
ShewasoneoftheyounggirlsatthehotelwhereIstayed.
Iwillnotaskmorequestiononthat
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Youknowitall..
Verywell
.children, I have twotwo daughters, Myriam who was born in 1956 and Fabienne
whowasbornin1957..so,asyoucanseetheyareolderthanyou.
Oneortwoyearsolderindeedandgrandsenfants Grandchildren?
wesaypetitsenfantshere.
And you are absolutely right; I am so used to talking in English, it has affected my
French.
Yes,yes,Iunderstandbutitmademelaugh..so,Ihaveonegranddaughterwiththe
nameClairewhowasbornin1988;andIwillcertainlynothaveanymore.
ClaireisthedaughterofFabienneorMyriam
Myriam.FabiennedoesnothaveanychildandMyriamonlyhadone.
.languages.Howmany doyouspeak?
I speak French. I learnt the Latin and the Old Greek but I do not speak it. As for
English,well,IamnotgoodinEnglish,butIspeakit.
Verywell.
I learnt it.just for the story, I learnt English at the Lyce. Since I was doing some
Classical Studies, Latin, Greek, and then Math, I had very few hours of English; I had
only one hour of English per week with that, one does not become very fluent.
WhenIfirstarrivedinQatarIwaspracticallynotabletospeakEnglishatall.
Ahyes,isthattrue.
Yes, I was just able to mumble few words. I made some progress during that year
becausewewereinthefieldunderthetentwithmyprofessornamedAbdallahSalatt
Ahexcellent
.becauseobviously,him,didnottalkawordofFrench.
Ofcourse.
so,Ihadboughtsomebooks.IdonotwritesobadEnglish,butbetweenwritingand
speaking,thereisabigdifference.
Yes,ofcourse
So,IhadboughtsomebooksandwepracticedwithYvesHeuzwhospokeverywell
English.so,IlearntmainlywithAbdallahSalatt.
Verygood.Bytheway,ImetwithMr.Salattyesterday.Ihadalsoaninterviewwith
him;Iwillputhisandyourstoriesinmyresearch.Hesendshisregards;Itoldhimthat
Iwillbetalkingtoyoutoday.
Ireallylikedhim;hewasreallyagoodman.
Irealizedthatyesterday.Hewillcallyou;Iknowthathewillcallyou.
Yes,wellhewillbecallingme..inEnglish
Yes,exactly.ah,ah
.andsinceIhavehearingproblemsasIgrowolder,itisgoingtobeterrible.
Goodluck
[while reading questionnaire] Do you travel from time to time outside of France?
No.Sincetheyears1990s.IwasstillPresident(wewilltalkaboutthatlater)ofan
internationalprogram.Iwenttoseveralcountries;andforthegeologyIwenttothe
Caucasus, etcbut since I stopped completely doing geology I said enough, I am
retired,Ihaveotherthingstodo.Istillcontinuetodosomegeologyformyselfbut
officiallyno;thusInolongertraveloverseas.Franceisverygood.EvenifItravelleda
lottherearestillplentyofplacesinFrancethatIdonotknow.
I am sure. France is more or less the same size as Colombia in South America, and
therearealsoalottosee.
Yesindeed,therearemanythingstoseeandIwillneverseeitall.
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Bytheway,ImentionColombiainSouthAmericabecausemywifecomesfromthere.
MineisaJurassian,fromlAnseauSaunierintheJuras.ImarriedaJurassian
[Continuingwiththequestions] Isthereabiography.
[reading the questionnaire] a biography or autobiography, either of short or
long..Idontthinkso.MaybethereweresometalkswhenIreceivedsomemedals
orfew thingslikethat, butthesethinksthere are alot. Idonot haveany.Idonot
knowany.ThereareprobablysomeMaybeatlaSocitGologiquedeFrancein
1980maybe.Ihadamedalformythesis.
Theotherquestion.Infactyouhavealreadyansweredit..
[readingthequestionnaire]WasBRGMyourfirstemployerIstartedwiththepre
BRGMandendedin95atBRGM.
Whatdoesitadduptoitis40years?
Yes,yes
Wowthere are not that many people who can say that they have worked 40 years
withthesamecompany.
Yesindeed,butyouknowBRGMwasamonster.
Therewerealotofthingstodo
Therewerealotofthingstodo;andindeedIdidalot.Istartedasatechnicianand
endedasaDirector
Yes,thatIdidnotknow
butnotasGeneralDirector,butmorelikeDirectoratBRGM;whichisnotthesame
thing.
ofadepartment,ok.
[reading the questionnaire] Do you have a complete list of articles, publications
publications,Imusthavefewhundreds;Iwillgiveyouthelist
Thankyou
.on Qatar, you know the geological map, the geological description, the
nummulites,andyouknowthatthegeologicaldescriptionofQatarhasbeentranslated
inArabic.
Ahyes,no,Ihadnoidea.Ididnotknow.Youaretellingmesomethingnew.
Ah, Ah, by the University of Doha [he meant Qatar]. Upon a request from the
University of Doha who wrote to ask me the permission if i would authorize the
translation of the document into Arabic. I answered yes and received a copy of the
finalproduct;itmustbeitbecauseeverythingisinArabic
andthemapsandallarethere?
Ah,Idonotknow.Ididnotopenit.YouknowwhenitisinArabic.IhadtheEnglish
version; it is enough. I must say that I had never involved myself again with Qatar
.whenIhadsometeamsworkinginOman,andmorespecificallyinDhofarwewere
calledto.sincethegeologyofDhofaruptotheMiddleEoceneisessentiallythesame
asQatarandSaudiArabiathenwestudiedQataragaintoreviewtheagesofUmmEr
Radhuma,Dammam,etc
To come back on the Arabic translation, I researched a lot the English version and
neverstumbleduponanArabicversionhavingaphotocopyofyourdocumentwould
beveryusefulIknowIamaskingyoualot
Justwait.notheArabicversionwaspublishedlatein1993or1992Ithink.
Icanprobablygototheuniversityandaskediftheyhaveacopy
Yes
Itwouldprobablybemoresimple
UniversityofDoha.Inmytimetherewasnouniversityasyoumaysuspect;
Yes,itwasonlyasmallvillage
Yes,Dohaitwaseveninteresting
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Correct
[hecanbeheardshufflingsomepapers]Idonotlookbackveryoftenonthepast,
soIhadtodustoffsomepaperstoanswersomeofyourquestions,andapparentlyI
havemixedupeverythingbutIwillgiveyouatleasttheyearherewego1993.
In93,perfect
publicationoftheUniversityofQatar
Ok, I will research this and will keep you informed either by phone or through Mrs.
Labrot
OK.Imustevenhavetheletternotthelettertoaskmethepermission,butrather
theletterwhentheysentmethecopy.
Ok
Therefore it is also a publication on Qatar but I do not think you will find anything
originaltoit;unlesstheymadesomemistakesinthetranslation.
Yes but it can be useful because the topic of my research is historical and for this
countrywhichisArab,atleastforthelocals,itcanbeofinterest.
Yes,Iamtellingyouthisjustaspartofthewholestory.
Yes,ifyouwantwecontinuewiththesurvey.
[Reading the questionnaire] The contract between BRGM and the government of
Qatar was signed on February 19th 1969 and field work was initiated in April of the
sameyear..Youknowalotofthingsunlessitismewhowroteitsomewhere
Inyourreportindeed..
[Readingthequestionnaire] Doyouknowhowlongtookthenegotiations.Tomy
knowledgetherewasnonegotiation.
No.nothing?
Iwillexplainmyselfitcorrespondstosomequestionsyouarealsoaskinglater
Ok.
[Readingthequestionnaire]Howdidyougetinvolvedinthisproject?Wereyounew
atBRGM..no,Iwasnotnew..Andhowmanyweeks/monthsofnoticepriorto
leavingdidtheBRGMgiveyoutotellyouthatyouwillbethepersoninchargeofthis
project?Therewasnonoticeatall.Hereiswhathappened
Perfect
Atthattime,ItoldyouthatIwascomingfromtheBRGGM.TheBRGGMwasincharge
onlyofFrance;metropolitanFrance,whiletheDepartmentswerepartofOverseas.
In practice, the BRGM became la Direction Scientifique du BRGM. We were still
responsible only of France and of the Departments and Overseas Territories, which
explain why, except for a long stay in the Antilles in 64, I had never worked out of
FrancewhenIwenttoQatar.
Ok,thiswasallnewtoyou
Becauseasageologistitwasnotofmyjurisdiction.Therewereothergeologists,and
godknows therewere a lot,thenthe otherDirection,made up essentiallyof people
comingfromtheothercolonies,whowerefromAlgeria,Morocco,Tunisia,Africaanda
biteverywhere,madeupanotherDirectioncalledDirectiondesRecherchesMinires
lEtranger.ItisthisDirectionwhichworkedoverseas;asthenameindicates.Allof
them had some roots/origins outside France; while we, from a professional point of
view, had roots/origins in France and metropolitans. With regards to Qatar .it is a
contract,andIdonotknowexactlyhowitwenton.IknowthatitisourDirectorin
Djeddah,DirectorofBRGMinDjeddah(wealreadyhadanofficeinSaudiArabia)who
was in the process of changing assignment(he was just about to be replaced by
anotherDirector),whodecidedtogothroughDoha.Himself,hadwonCanada;hewas
leavingSaudiArabiatogotoCanada.
Verygood.Quiteachange
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Ah yes. It was like that. In this Direction we travelled the world. As mentioned he
wentthroughDoha;IdonotknowwhyhewenttoDoha,henevertoldme.Helefta
proposal to the Petroleum Affairs Department. To perform a geological mapping
surveyandmineralprospectionoftheTerritoryofQatar.Idonotknowexactlywhen
hewentthroughQatar;Ithinkattheendof68oraroundthattime.Idonotknow.I
was not in that Direction and knew nothing about Qatar. Qatar woke up at the
beginningof69;without anymorediscussion, theyacceptedtheproposal and asked
thatwesendimmediatelyageologistandhisassistanttodothework.
Wow,itwasquick
Thereasonswhyitwentsoquickly.Iamnotsure;thesearethingsthatIwastoldin
Doha later because at the BRGM everybody was asking what is this proposal and
whereisQataratthattimeitwasnotwellknownandwhatisthatandwholefta
proposalWedidnotevenknow,andthenwerealizedthatitwasRagou[unsurehow
to spell the name] who said I went to Qatar and left a proposal. In fact, the
proposalwasprobablyonly20lines.Itwasnotreally,notinformal,but
..almost
.Therefore,whenIwasinDoha,Iaskedthequestionbutreceivednoanswer.DJevan
[unsureofthename]didnotknow;AbdallahSalattIdonotknowifheknew.Andone
day, through my Indian secretary, who was in Doha while I was in the desert(I had
someofficesattheMinistry,attheGovernmentPalacelikeitusedtobecalled,ahuge
60m2officeinwhichitwasfreezingcoldwiththeairconditioningitwashorribleand
couldnotbeadjusted;asweaterneededtobewornatalltime.
Itlooksliketheofficeswehavestilltoday
.then, my secretary used to say that since Qatar had just entered the Arab League
andthatthelatterhadaskeditsMemberstoacknowledgeFrancefollowingDeGaulles
decisiontostopthesaleofMiragestoIsrael
Iunderstand
.itisworthwhatitis,Iamnotsure.Itispartofthestory.
Perfect
[readingthequestionnaire]WereyounewtoBRGMNo.AndHowmanyweeksI
haveansweredthat
Yesveryshort
Therefore,theDirectionMinirelEtrangeraskedDirectionScientifiqueifthey
hadsomeonewhowasinterestedinthegeologyoftheTertiary,knewhowtomapand
abletostudytheusefulmineralsubstances,becausetherewasnoexpectationtofind
minerals.
Nothingmuchindeed
Since in my career I was a cartographer and I had worked 10 years in a service
dedicatedtopublicworksaswellassearchingforusefulsubstances,Iwastheonlyone
withtheperfectprofiletogothere.
Verygood
Andthenisaidandwhereisthat?
letslookattheworldmap
I looked at the world map and i saw Qatar. Very little information was available.
Apparentlyitwasveryhot.Nothingwassaidaboutbeingveryhumidduringsummer
daysandduringthenightaswell.
Veryhumidduringthenight;understood
Wesweatlikeyouwouldnotbelieve..verygood,infactwithin8daysIwas leaving
forQatar.
Interesting.Infacteverythingwentveryfastanotherquestion.Hadyoueverdone
asimilarsurveypriortothisone,whetherinFranceorelsewhere?
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Yes,Istartedmappingin55;TheServicedecartedeFrancewasindependentuntil
69whenitmergedwithBRGM,butIwasanexternalcollaboratoroftheServicedela
cartegologiquedeFrancethusIhadthelevelofDeputyemployee.Therewere
3levelsasexperiencedcartographer.Deputyemployeesweretheexperiencedones.I
hadalreadydonesevenoreightmapsbeforegoingtoQatar,alwaysinFrance.
AndbeforearrivinginQataryoumusthavegatheredalotofdocumentsIimagine
Yes,veryquickly.TheBRGMatthetime,andstilltodayIhope,hadawonderfullibrary
dedicatednotonlytoFranceobviouslybutpracticallyonallthecountriesintheworld;
thereforeIgatheredsomeinformationbutImustsaythatmostoftheinformationwas
aboutSaudiArabia
PublicationsrelatedtotheOil&Gas,orsimilarreports?
OftypePowersetal
Yes
I gathered these very quickly and asked BRGM to continue doing so while I was in
Qatar;andfromQatarIaskedthem,ifareferencecametome,toforwardmeacopy.
So, towards the end I had a fairly important collection in Qatar, especially on the
neighboring countries such as some of the rare published data from Philby, Cox, but
CoxwasmainlyforBahrain.OnQatartherewasnotalotofinformation.
Yes, did you know the 3 maps I sent you [Browne 1952, Steineke 1958, Bramkamp
1961][Fig. APDX 14-01, 14-02 & 14-03]
Ididnotknowthem
No.Ok.Itisnew[toyou]
It is fantastic. I do not know if I told you but the Ministry has asked the petroleum
companies in Qatar to provide me with all useful documents. The only documents I
receivedwerefromQPCbutonlywhenIwasgoinguptheplanetogobacktoFrance.
Ohwow.
I had already written my report but they were useful mainly when I worked on the
StratigraphicLexicon.Itwasusefultocompletewithsomeunpublisheddata.InQatar
I also received some documents related to Hydrology, but from the petroleum
companies,theydidnotgivemeanything,andImeananything.
Correct.andtheGovernment ofQatardidnothaveaLibraryinthosedaysIimagine.
No,no,theyhadnothinganddidnotevenknowwhatgeologywas.
Infact,Mr.SalattwasthefirstQatargeologist.
Yes. I answered with regards to how documents were gathered I had them
forwardedtomefromFrance,buttheyweremainlydocumentsrelatedtosubstrata
studies,seawater,etcThisiswhatinterestedmemostforQatar;becausethemost
interestingwascertainlyfromthemineralpointofview.
Excellent.Andthenextquestion.Howdidyoudecidetostartthemappingsurvey?
DidyougofromSouthtoNorth,NorthtoSouth,Easttowest,etc?
Itissimple,IwentstraighttotheborderwithSaudiArabia;justnexttoSalwa.Tostart
with,becausetherewasalreadyaroadleadingstraighttoSalwa;itwastheonlygood
roadthatexistedatthetimeinQatarbetweenDohaandtheborder;infact,itstopped
attheborder.
Yes,itiscalledSalwaRoad
So,thiswasareason;andasItoldyou,Iwasgoingtherewithoutknowingthegeology
Iwastoencounter,beingveryclosetotheborderwithSaudiArabia.Ihadalsoheard
thenameofQarnAbuWailwhichhadbeenexaminedbyPhilby[in1933]
Yes,thatistrue
thereforeItoldmyself,wearegoingtostartthere;ifwehavetostartsomewhere,
mayaswellstarttheretherefore,IstartedwiththeNeogene
Yes,theMioceneandPliocene.
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The Miocene of the Dam Formation; since I was close to the border with Saudi
Arabia I found fairly quicklythe geologicaldescriptionoftheDamFormation .From
therewewentuptotheNorth.Isetupasecondcamp;thefirstcampwasnearSalwa
ontheQatarisideandwewentupnorthtosetupthesecondcampinDjebelDukhan
byFahahil.inthemiddleofalltheflares;Iimaginetherearestillflarestoday
Theflaresfromtheoilplants
Yes,wheretheyburnedgas
Ah,yes,yes,theycanstillbeseen
.duringthenightwehadlight
Ithelpedalot[toseeinthedark]
fromthere,wesurveyedallthewesternpartofQataruptothenorthernpart.Ihad
three Land Rover; we left with the Land Rover and progressively we went up north.
After,wesetupthethirdcampattheextremesouthinSaudaNatheel.
SaudaNatheel,ofcourse,itisaborderpost.
ItwastheborderwithAbuDhabiatthattimeAbuDhabiandSaudiArabia;therewas
a border post and a trail that stopped at Sauda Natheel from Doha. For me the
problemsweremainlyrelatedtothesupplyofwater.disastersdohappen
Ofcourse
Ihadfewdisasters;whenthevehiclesfail,thereisnothingleft,nomorewater. You
wantthelastvehicletobringbackwaterforyou.
Yes,icanunderstand
From there we did the entire southern border and it was very complicated because
therewasnotopographicalmap,nomap.
Yes,itwasanunknownterritorybecauseofthe[sensitivity]withtheborder.
.we had to do the topographical map in order to overlay the geology it took a
while and in addition, we got lost once in the Rub' al Khali [he really meant to say
KhoralOdaid,sincetheRub'alKhaliislocatedinSaudiArabiaandtheUnitedArab
Emirates]
inthedunes..
..Theborderwasnotreallyobviousandiwantedtoreachthecoast;unfortunatelywe
deviatedslightly
andyouarrivedinSaudiArabia
youaskmelaterifwehadsomeaerialphotos.Yes,wehadsome.Itisasetthathad
been taken by Hunting, but unfortunately taken during a time of fog; therefore they
wereextremelydifficulttouse;itwasallgrey,palegrey.So,wehadnomaps;wehad
setupacompassandsextantonourvehiclestohelpuswiththedirectionsbutwestill
deviated slightly and found ourselves in the dune fields, which were certainly on the
Saudiside,orwhatevercountrythisareausedtobelongto.So,itwasabitdifficult.
AndKhorAlOdaid,youwenttherefinallytodothegeology.
What?
TheInlandSea,youdidgofinally
Yes,yes,Ididgoofcourse.Anditisbeautiful.Therewerepinkflamingostheywere
superb.
..Andtheyarestillhere.westillhavethem.
Itwasquiteadiscovery;andthewaterhadsuch ahigh[salt]density;eventhewaterof
theGulfofSalwawasmuchlighter.
Yes, indeed. We are told that it is the second saltiest point [in the world] after the
DeadSea.
Yes, yes, that is why that I was very interested with this water; I still think the same
way today because Qatar wanted to develop an industry. It wanted a steel industry,
etcIproposedtosetupamagnesiumandbromineindustry,etc..
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Mr.SalatttoldmeyesterdaythatyouflewoverKhorAlOdaidinhelicopter.
Yes, yes, we went by land to do the survey of the field dune south of Doha to the
borderwithAbuDhabi[nowSaudiArabia]andKhoralOdaidwediditbyhelicopter.
What was of interest to us was to stop where we could see the rare outcrops in
betweenthedunes.
Yes, it is true; there are only two or three; not a lot [other than the Quaternary
deposits]
Theywereprobablyrecentdeposits,morethanlikelyQuaternary.Itwasverydifficult
toassigntheageofthedeposits.AllthisgivesyouanideahowwedidtheSouth;the
SouthEast with the helicopter and the NorthEast was done from Doha; i.e.: we did
notsetupacamp.Imustsayalsothatthenorthisverymonotonous.Whenyoudrive
onthereg
thereisnothing.Itisalwaysthesamething.
Itisnotaveryinterestinggeologybutitneededtobedone;sowediditfromDoha.So
intotalIhadthreecamps.
Question F. Did you have a good Qatari guide who knew the field, and do you
rememberhisname?
Icanassureyouofonething.TheQataristhatwehadasdrivershadneversetfoot
outside of Doha. The only people that we met outside of the main centers such as
Doha,UmmBab,Khororonthecoast,weretheBedouins;theseBedouinsdidnothave
any specific nationality; They were no more Qatari, Saudi, Emiratis or Omanis they
were nomads as we say. I probably encountered two or three of these camps. Of
course we stopped at their camp to see if they needed something, such as water,
coffee, camel milk.and we invited them for a mchoui. It was a big party for the
drivers who tried to find a small goat. Thats itno, nobody knew the interior of
Qatartherewasnothing.forroad,therewasSalwaroadwheretheywenttotryto
big cars. They went back and forth without stopping at maximum speed which was
very dangerous, because obviously there were donkeys, women, children, camels ....
All that could possibly cause accidents.and there were some. After pleurisy, car
accidentswerethemostimportantcausesofdeathamongQatari.
Nothinghaschangedtoday.Manystill driveat200kmsontheroads.
Towardstheendofthesurvey,whenIwaswritingmyreport,IwasalwaysinDohaand
the Emir took pity to see me driving an old Land Rover even if it had the colors of
Qatar.IhadbeeninvitedtoselectavehiclefromhisautomobileparkandIchosea???
[cannotmakeoutthenameontherecording],orIdonotknowwhatanAmerican
carthatwascertainlyofferedtohimandthatwasnotbeingused.Itwentupto200or
240kms per hour at that time but to go around Doha it was excellent it was more
serious.So,regardingtheguide,zeroZerobecausenobodycouldtakemeanywhere.
Itismewholead.Ileadanditwasvery,verydangerous.Verydangerous,mainlyin
the western half of the peninsula because of all the ground depressions, all these
gypsum dissolution cavities, etc Some were shown on the map that I had and few
weredetectedusingtheaerialphotoswhichwerenottoobad,butforthosethatwere
not detected, driving slow was a must. Because as you know, there can be some
depressionsassteepas15meters.
andwithoutknowingaheadoftime.
Yes,withoutknowing.Iwouldhavelikedtohavesomeguides,butIdidnothaveany.
Bytheway,sinceweareonthetopicofstaff,doyouknowwhathasbecomeofMr.
YvesHeuz?
Iwillsendyouapicture
Ahexcellent
I will send you a picture because my wife found three pictures taken at the same
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locationandtime.IthoughtIhadonlyonebutinfactthereweretwomore;thetwo
othersaretakenoneaftertheotherandHeuzisonthepicturewithme.
Excellent
Whathasbecomeofhim?AfterreturningfromQatar,heleftalmostimmediatelyfor
Alaska.
Thenheleftfrom+50Ctogoto50C
Yes,yes,HehadnotstayedoneweekinOrlansthathewasalreadyinAlaska,because
he belonged to the Direction des Affaires Minire lEtranger. As for myself, I
settledbackinmyDirectionScientifique.HethenreturnedfromAlaska;waitedabit
foranewpostandthendisappeared.Disappearedtoleavehiswife,hisfamilyandall
hismistresses.Hehadarathertumultuouslife.Isawhimagainonceabout20years
ago.Hehadmarriedagainwithanotherlady.WetalkedabitandsincethenIhave
notheardanythingfromorabouthim.Ijustknowthathestoppedpracticinggeology.
Ah,hechangedprofession!!
Yes,butIdonotknowwhathedidafter.Youknow,whenonedisappearscompletely
intherealsenseoftheword;i.e.nomorecivilstatus,etc.wehavenothingIdidnot
wanttoaskhimquestions.Since,Idonotknowwhathasbecomeofhimbutsincehe
marriedagainhemusthaveanormallife.
Very good, lets go to the next [question]. In the years 1990, Qatar established a
referencegridforallitsmappingsurveys;thisgridiscalledQatarNationalGrid.In
196970 this grid did not exist and neither did the GPS. How did you calculate the
exactelevationsandcoordinatesforthegeologicalmap..?Whichreferencedidyou
use?
The answer is we did not do any topography, except as I mentioned earlier, in the
area of Sauda Natheel since there was no map; we had to overlay the geology on
something,sowedidthetopographybutwedidnotdoanyextensivemappingsurvey;
we looked after the altitudes but there is almost no elevation change in Qatar, it is
almost all flat. Except for the Miocene hills in the area of Salwa, along the Gulf of
Salwa,thereisnothingworthmentioning.exceptthedepressions.Onthemap,since
there was no drawn topography, sometimes it is difficult to understand why. Some
places you see Miocene, other places you the Rus which appears through the
Dammam.So,wewerenotatallequippedtoperformsuchelevationmappingsurvey.
Wewouldhaveneeded speciallytrainedsurveyors,etcSotheanswerwe didnot
doanyofthis.
Perfect.InfactthemaximumelevationinQatarisonly103meters
Yes,thatsit,notfarfromSalwaRoad
QuestionHyouhavealreadyansweredit
. Do you remember specifically one or more places where you setup your camps
(whatwas/werethename(s)?
YousaidSalwa,AbuSamra[ImeanttosaySaudaNatheel]andDukhan
Exactly,Iansweredaheadoftime.IsaidSalwa,FahahilinDjebelDukhan,andSauda
Natheel
Yes,exactly
[reading the questionnaire] How long were you staying at each one of them; few
days,fewweeks?Itwasmorelikeweeks
Yes,howmanycampsdidyouhave
Three
Andfortherest,youstayedinDohawhileexploringthenorth
Yes
Doyouhavethatoneyouhaveansweredalreadyabouttheaerialphotos.
Yes
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Arethereanyplaceswhereyoudidnotgophysicallybutforwhichyouusedonlyaerial
photos[inordertoextrapolatethegeology]
Inprinciplethereisnotany,butinfacttherearealwayssome.ImustsaythatIdidnot
climballthedunesbetweenDohaandtheborderwiththeEmirates.That,Ihavetold
you, we did it in helicopter. The helicopter had an enormous advantage. It was the
helicopterthatwasdoingthebordersurveillance.Ihadafriendwhowasamechanic
engineer in the company in charge of the helicopters doing the border surveillance.
So,withhishelpIreceivedthepermissiontoflyoverinthatarea;thestaffwasvery
friendly.Wewerelandingonlytolookattherareoutcrops.
Itwasreallyreconnaissancework
There,itwasreallyonlysand,sand,sandandsincethatsandistoorichinlimestone
andtosucceedinmakingglassevenwhenyouarefarfromthenorthernarea,with
the main wind, the shamal, that wind which print its trace everywhere, including on
thedunes,thereg2,therocks,andonthecrust,etcitisfantasticbecauseyouhavea
compassatyourfeet.Exceptwhenthedunesstarttogatherwitheachother,because
whenyouenterinKhoralOdaiditisdifficulttofindyourbearing.
Yes, I went to Rub al Khali just last October in the United Arab Emirates; there the
dunesaretwiceorthreetimestheheightofthoseinQatar.
Yes, it is amazing. Except for this area which we did not do with the Land Rover
flying,wewentalmosteverywhere.Icannotsaythatwedideverythingbyfootitis
not true. The accuracy was good. We could have done maps at scale of 25,000 or
50,000ifwehadhadagoodtopographicalmap.
Ok,verygoodthankyou..Theresultsofthissurveyaredescribedintwopublications:
1)GEOLOGICALDESCRIPTIONOFTHEQATARPENINSULA(60pages)
2) GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND MINERAL SUBSTANCES EXPLORATION IN QATAR (109
pages)
Yes,thatismyreport
I transcribed your report [as WORD/PDF document]; if you want a digital copy I can
sendittoyou.
Ohno,Idonotneedit.Ihaveonecopy
So the question. [In these two publications there is in appendix the Reference
Sectionsfrom1to5,however,ReferenceSection#2,whichdescribestheMioceneon
QARN ABY WAIL which is now an official border point between Qatar and Saudi
Arabia,ismissinginallsixcopiesownedbyQatarPetroleumandallcopiesbelonging
toBRGM.
Thequestionisthefollowing:WasthisReferenceSection#2onQarnAbuWailreally
doneorwasitanerrornottoincludeitduringtheprintingofthedocument.Would
youhaveacopyofit?CanIgetadigitalcopy?]
Ilookedforthat.TheReferenceSectionsfrom1to5ThesectionofQarnAbuWail,
was not. It was an error to indicate that the section was in appendix. It was not
insertedinannex.BecauseQatarAliDjeddawhowastheAssistantDirector,theone
whomanagedthePetroleumAffairs,saidahQarnAbuWailisinadisputedzone,itis
ourborderandsinceitisadisputedpointwithSaudiArabiaitwouldbothermealotto
invite.So,wereplaceditwithasectionmoretothenorthbutstillclosetoQarn
AbuWail.WedidmakethissectionbutInolongerhaveit.
Toobad
Maybe we could find it. You know I left BRGM in 1995. I left behind my files; its
2
A desert pavement formed mostly by deflation, comprising closely packed resistant pebbles that almost prevent
further deflation.
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normaltheywerefilesthatbelongedtotheBRGMandnottome.ForalongperiodI
was able to use my office and everything that was in it but it has been already few
yearsthattheymovedeverythingoutmyoffice;now,thereissomeoneelseinit.My
documents,mybooksthatIhadthereweretransferredIdonotknowwhere.Ihope
theydidnotgotothetrash;butitispossible.So,thedocumentsonQatar...Ihavethe
documentsonFranceonlyathome.ItookonlyFrancedocumentswithmeandleftall
therestoftheworldatBRGM.So,thesectionexistsbutIdonothaveit;atleastnot
now.IwillaskaroundatBRGM.
Ahthankyou.Itwouldbeverynice.Itakenote.youwillask
Good, the question is the following.Yes it was done. It is not an oversight. Do you
haveacopy?Notyet.Canihaveadigitalcopyofit?IfIfindit.Itwillbeanormal
copybutwillsendyouwhatIhaveifitisfound.
Yes, it is clear. Everything you can find will be useful. I will wait for your answer
throughMrs.Labrot.
Ok.doyouremember theislands[thatyouvisited?Halul,Shraouh,Ishat,Hawar?
Didyougettherebyboatorhelicopter.].Yes,Halul,yes.IwasinvitedbyShellwho
had its base on Halul. For Shraouh, Abdallah Salatt found a boat belonging to the
maritimepolice[coastguard?]sowewenttoShraouh,wecampedonShraouh;Iate
birdeggs.Shraouhwasinhabited.
Weretheycookedorraweggs
No,theyhadthemcookedatthecampwiththefishescaughtduringtheday
Verygood
Yes
OkandIshat?
Ishat?,IknowLashatitmustbethesamethinginthedirectionofAbuDhabi
Exactly.InyourreportyoudowriteitasLashathoweverIwastoldthattheofficial
nameisIshat
OK,thenitisthesamethingyesiwentthereitisQuaternaryifIremember.Itisnot
likeHalulorShraouhnothingtodo.
Itismore[similar]liketheMioceneandtheDamFormationmaybe.
ItismorerecentthantheDamtypeofformationlikethoseinAbuDhabiletssay
Quaternary. I did not find any fossils it is very rich in fossils but nothing very
characteristicit is really some littoral deposits, shallow, nothing very characteristic;
thereforeinmyopinionmustbeQuaternary
Imustgooneday
Gobyboatandnotbyhelicopter.Itisimpossibletoland
good
IdidnotgotoHawar.HawarwashighlycontroversialbetweenBahrainandQatar.
ThereforeIwastoldnottogo.TheEmirwasfuriousbecauseIdidnotgo;Ididnottell
himbutIhadreceivedmyordersfromtheMinister
himself
ForHawar,fromFranceweputtogethersomephotogeologyusingtheaerialphotos,
butIneversetfootstheremyself.
Ok
.Letsdiscussthefossils.[fromthepublicationsofotherauthorsthathavefollowed
thesurvey,Iknowthatyoucollectedsomefossils.
i.
TheEocenesharkteethweredescribedbyDr.Casierin1971;
ii.
TheforaminiferabyDr.BlondeauandCavelierin1972
iii.
Theechinoids(seaurchins)byDr.Romanin1976
To my knowledge, these are the only three publications in relation to Qatar and its
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fossils which resulted from the survey. Do you know any others? Have you kept
yourselfsomefossilspecimensforyourownpersonalcollection?Didyoucollectany
remainsofvertebratessuchasribsorvertebraeofmammalsorreptiles?Ifso,doyou
remembertheplacesandgeologicalperiods?]
Yes,thefossils;letstalkaboutit
Therehavenotbeenanyotherpublicationsexceptthose youmention.Finally,forthe
mollusks, for what I was able to determined, it was always internal molds or
impressions.ItisshownintheReferenceSectionorintheStratigraphicLexicon.For
me the most interesting were the nummulites which we studied with Blondeau,
togetherwiththeechinoidswithRoman.Fortheechinoids,Romanhadgivenmehis
interpretationsbeforetheLexicon;heproducedabeautifulpublication.
Yes,ilike ittoo.Itisveryaccurate.Good,andwhataboutthesharkteeth,theyare
verycommon;whataboutothervertebrates,didyoufindribs.?
No,no,nospecialdiscoveriesotherthanthesharkteethfromtheMidraShalewhich
were extremely common especially when concentrated at the surface. I did not see
anythingelse.
YoucouldbeinterestedtoknowthatinJuly2007Ifoundthefirstdugongribfromthe
EoceneonthewholeArabianPeninsula.
Ahthatisverygood
It has been studied by a paleontologist from the United States and confirmed by
another one; I have also found more [ribs & vertebrae] since. They come from the
MidraShale.
Iamnotsurprised
AndlaterIfoundwhaticalladugonggraveyardfromtheMiocenenearSalwa..Only
tokeepyouinformed.
Verygood
The next question M. You mentioned to Mrs. Labrot that the negatives of the
picturesyoutookduringthesurveywereexposedtothelightandthus,nopicturesof
fieldworkareavailable.Wediddiscussthissubjectandyousaidthatyoudonothave
anybutthatyouwillsendmeapictureofyourselfinDoha.
Yes,takeninside.ApicturetakenduringaneveningorganizedbyShellandforwhich
wehadbeeninvitedwhichwasquitearareoccurrence.
.itwillbeuseful
..AndinadditionItoldyouthatmywifefoundactually3pictures.Theothertwoare
withHeuz;thusyouwillalsohaveapictureofHeuz.
Perfect,excellent
thenwhatdididoaftermyassignmentinQatar?IcamebacktoFrance.Iprepared
a second contract at the request of the Qataris. This contract, however, was never
honored,becausewhenAliDjeddahcametoFrancetosignit,hewasturnedbackat
Orly.Wedidnotsucceedtomakehimcomedowntheplanebecausehedidnothave
anyvisa.
Ahno
At this time, Qatar did not have any diplomatic relation with France since it was the
Britishwhohadthemonopoly.HewastoldtogothrougheitherKuwaitorBeirut.He
wentthroughBeirutandinBeiruthewastoldahno,thereisabsolutelynoproblem
sinceyoustoponlyfor24hoursandforthatyoudonotneedavisa.Hearriveda
Sunday, on his way to an OPEC Congress in Algeria. I went to pick him up; in those
yearsit wasinOrly. We onlyhadone airportinParis.Andwenever succeededto
[convincetheauthority]tolethimcomedown.Therewerenopolicemen,therewas
nobody.Therewasonepolicemanbuthimthereforeweneversucceededinsigning
thiscontract.
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Ahitistoobad.Andthiscontractwouldhavebeentodowhat?
Tostudytheseawaterofthesabkhasandthesabkhadeposits,etc,Trytodevelop
themineralresources.
Ahok,itistoobad
ItwastoobadformebecauseIwasreadytoleave.So,IstayedinFrance.Ibecame
the Head of the Geological Mapping and Geology Department at the BRGM in the
years. End of years I went to Syria on few missions as well. When it dealt with
geological maps or mineral substances provided with no concession it was the
Direction which was called the Service which became in 68, after merging with
Service de la Carte Gologique the Geological Survey [he forgot the name] it
will come back to me. The name had changed especially the assignments, we now
could work outside of France but only in our expertise; our scientific expertise,
Geological mapping, as long as it was not accompanied by mining research, for
instance in Qatar or Syria to study asaltic limestones (not sure about the term) or
thingslikethat.Geologicalmappingwasforus.So,in74IwenttoSyriaforthefirst
time for the asaltic limestones, and I succeeded in having a contract signed with the
Syrian government to train the Syrian geologists to do detail geological mapping at
scale50,000.So,IdidthistrainingforseveralmonthswithteamsofFrenchgeologists.
ThemapsneededtocomeoutwiththestampoftheSyriangeologists;8or10mapsat
scale50,000foranareaintheSyriandesert.Itwasverynice.Wehadacampat60kms
fromPalmyra;butitwasnotacamplikeIhadinQatarbecausebeforeushadcome
theRussiansandtheyhadbuiltliterallysomehousesinthedesert.
Yes,morecivilized
Thereforeweusedthiscamp;ifyoucancallitthatwehadbedsandeverythingelse.
Alsosincewewereat6kmsfromPalmyrawecould,onaFriday,gohaveadrinkand
eataroastedchicken.Itwasreallygreat.AfterSyria,Ihadsomegeologistsmappingin
SaudiArabiasoIneededtogoseethemfromtimetotime;Iworkedindifferentparts
ofSaudiArabia;alsocamebacktoDharan;toseetheTertiaryintheareaofDharan;it
wasfantastic.Findingagainthesamelayers[thanthoseinQatar];andtheredidIsee
alotofmammals,fossilmammalswow
Yes,itisverywellknown
AtthebaseoftheDambarrierbeaches,theremyfrienditwasquiteamazingtosee
alltheseteethandbones.
IwillbegoingthroughDharannextweekbecauseIamgoing(onholiday]toBahrain.I
willbedrivingnextweekandwillbestoppinginDharan,butIdonotthinkIwillhave
thetimetodoanyfieldoutings.
Yes,becauseitisnotinDharanitself;oneneedstogotothefield.
Andoneneedstogowithsomeonewhoknowsthearea.
..From 1980 I went to Saudi Arabia very frequently and also established ourselves
verywellinOman.InOmanwedidtheinventory,Ihadsometeams,atthistimeI
was the Geological Director but I needed always to go to the field. The Oman
Mountainsandthen.IwenttoDhofartwodaysafterthey[therebels]surrendered.
WebroughtaKalashnikovwithusifyougotothefield;therearesomewhomaynot
know that the war/hostility ended. I never had any problem. In Dhofar I had the
surprisetofindasuccessionsimilarastheonefoundinQatarandSaudiArabiaatleast
withregardstotheEocene.
Yes,evenontheislandofSocotrabetweenAfricaand...[Yemen]
IneverwenttoSocotra
Yes,butthegeologyisthesame.TheRusandDammamFormations;allthatisreally
spreadout.
YesandmorethanlikelyitwouldbethesamethinginYemenandSomalia,withsome
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differences. No, what is very different is the geology at the periphery of the Oman
Mountains.There,theTertiaryisdifferent,abitdeeper,andmorecontinuousandalso
some Danian overlapping some Maestrichtian, or things like that; what you do not
haveinQatar,SaudiArabiaandDhofar.Itisreallyageologythatisverydifferent
whenonelooksatthedistancesitisreallyincredible.
Yes,asmuchtheverticalandhorizontaldistance.
Forthe1980sand90sit wasSaudiArabiaandOman.Iwasgoingasthebossbuta
bossinthefield.
Exactly
Yes,Ineededthattoclearmymind
Yes,itisgoodtogetoutoftheofficesometime
LetsdiscussnowtheStratigraphicLexiconof1975.Isitin73or75thatitcameout?
Theprintingdateis75
75, very good. The authors were Sugden, Standring et yourself for the surface
stratigraphy.HaveyouevermetMr.SugdenandMr.Standring?
No.Neitheronenortheother.InanycaseitwasDubertretwhowastheresponsible
oftheLexiconintheMiddleEast;Near&MiddleEast.IthinkitwasStandringwhohad
made some observations on the names that were given to certain members of the
Dammam. Standring to Dubertret be careful, it is not possible, here some call it
Simsima but for us Simsima is a term used since long time ago in the subsurface
etc. So Dubertret told me. (I never talked to Standring); they do not want to
collaboratewithyoubuttheyacceptthatyoudoaseparatetext.
Ahverygood
Yes,itwaslikethat
Yes, it was good because your survey of the surface geology was much better than
their understanding of the surface geology; they had never done such survey
themselves.
andformeihadonlydonesurfacesurveys.Iwasneverinvitedtoseethedrillingofa
well. Not even from Qatar Petroleum which could have made an effort. It is
understandablefromShell,andinadditionShellwasdrillingintheGulf.
Thereisnotalottosee[atsurfaceintheGulf]
It was not as interesting. What I would have been interested in was to see, either
cuttingsorlogsfromQatar...,Ireceivedsomedocumentsbuttherewerenologsat
all, there was nothing in what they gave me. There were some notes, notes from
Glenn.?? Or i do not know whothey were not very forthcoming with
information.
ok
Itwaslikethat,eventhoughIworkedforthe PetroleumDepartment.
Ifyouhadhadmoreinformationyouwouldhavedoneanevenbetterwork.
I did not have any choice anyway. I was interested in doing geology. It has always
beenmypassion;notanymorebecauseIamold.Oldnottoomuch.Iamstillnot
100yearsold.
I understand very well. Me too I have this passion; I must go out almost every
weekendstogotothefield.
Yes, and if I understood well, you have a Geological Society in Qatar it means that
therearegeologistswhogettogethertodiscussgeology.
Absolutely, we discuss frequently and myself, personally I write on the geology of
Qatar,surfacegeology,paleontologyisofgreatinteresttome.Ifyouwantoneday,
askMrs.Labrottodownloadforyousomeofthepublications.Thebestoneistheone
from 2009 discussing the Dam Formation. There are a lot of pictures in fact on the
dugonggraveyardandthefossils;youarefreetolookatit.
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Iwillaskoneofmydaughters,becausecomputersandIdonotgetalong,Iameven
againstit,butmytwodaughtersarecomputerscientist.
Ah,good,good,ithelps
Fantastic.Itwillbeofinterest,andatleastIwilltalkaboutsomethingelse.Ithinklife
deserves to be lived I read, watch TV (I am not against it). But need to get busy
duringmyday,outside,Ineedtogooutside.
True
So,Ilookaftermygarden,Ismokemypipeoutside..
Verygood.
Yes
Beforeending,doyouhaveanypicturesofMr.Dubertret?
Ahno.
Ok
Mr.Dubertretatthattimewas alreadyanoldmanwhoididnotknowdirectly.We
wrotetoeachothers;weonlycorrespondedinwriting.Hewasageologistwhohad
workedgreatlyduringmostofhiscareerintheNear/MiddleEast,inSyria,inTurkey.I
didnotknowhimpersonally.Wewrotetoeachother.Hephonedmeonce.Ibelieve
hediedsometimeafter.
After1975
Yes,Yes
Comingbacktothe QatarGeologicalSociety ,youtoldmeearlierthatyounolonger
gooutofFrancehoweveriftheSocietywouldinviteyoutocometoQatarwouldthat
beofinteresttoyou.
Iamtemptedtoansweryes,toseehoweverythingchangedandofcoursetobeable
todiscussthegeologyofQatarwithsomeone,butno.MyanswerisnoIdonotfeel
likeitanymoreYouknow,inadditiontoallthecountrieswetalkedabout,Iwasalso
a member, then VicePresident, then President of the International Paleogene
StratigraphicSubCommissionoftheInternationalUnionoftheGeologicalSciences,
sothroughthesefunctionsIwanderedaroundtheworldtoseesomePaleogeneandI
mustsaythatIhaveenoughtotravel.
..andiunderstand
Iamhonest.IwasneverathomemywifehasbeenjealousonlyIcannotsayof
onlyonewoman,butwasjealousonlyofthegeology.Sonow,sheishappybecause
sinceIretiredIwasstillPresidentoffewthings;IwenttoCaucasus,Patagonia,etc
and now I said enough is enough. I finished my travels when I entered France from
Syria.ItwasmyfourthtimeinSyria;acountrythatwasverypleasantatthetime.
Yes,andnowtheyhaveproblems
..AndnowIdonotfeellikeIcangoforaridewithmywife;wegotoBourgogne,few
daysontheAtlanticCoast,butattheenditisstillinthecountry,bycar;wecomeback
whenwefeellikeit;
Noplane
Thank you for the offer. Ten years ago I would probably have answered with
pleasurebutnownotatall.
OK,Dontworry,Iunderstandverywell.
Good
Herewego,Iamdone.Ithankyouverymuchformakingallthistimeavailabletome.
IwilltrytosendyoumyCV,thetitlesofmyarticlesandscientificworks;Idonotthink
youneedmyunpublishedreportsfromtheBRGMbutwillforsuresendyouthelistof
publications;Therearefewhundreds.
Excellent,excellent,verygood
Anditisveryeclectic.TherearefewontheMiddleEastSaudiArabia,Oman,without
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mentioningQatar.andthepictures.
IwillsendanemailtoMrs.Labrot
You sent me a very nice picture [see below] where I am standing in the middle; but
Heuz is not there [the possibility of Heuz being in that picture was raised by Mr.
Salattduringmyinterviewwithhimtwodaysearlier].Thesearetwocolleagues;one
was a driller [right] who was receiving a decoration that day. He was receiving the
Marteaudor;i.e.itwashimtheeldestduringtheeveningoftheSainteBarbeHe
was a chief driller who I had known very well; and the other one [left] is a mining
geologist who I cannot remember the name. I do not know him personally... He is
younger.So,isthatpictureenoughforyou;fortherecentpictures?
http://www.amicalebrgm.fr/v3/spip.php?article329(2009)
Yes,forrecentpictureitwillbeenough.TheonefromDohaintheyears6970isalso
ofgreatinterest.
Yes,noproblem.Ihavealreadyputitaside.
Excellent
IwilltrytogoonThursdayafternoontoseeifDanielleisattheBRGM;Iwillseeher
andtakeadvantageaswelltogotothelibrarytoseeifIcanfindsomeinformationor
documents on Qatar. I will investigate the collections in fact, when you ask a
paleontologist to study a fauna, you make sure to send him all the material but you
never see it again. For example, the Qatar echinoids are certainly in the Musee
dHistoireNaturelleParis.ThesharkteethstudiedbyCasierareinBrussels.
Theyarepreservedsomewheretheydisappearasyousay.
Once it is in a museum it is good anyway, it is preserved almost for the eternity
unlessabombfallsonit.Fortherest,Ididnotkeepit.Ididnotkeepthemollusks.
TherewerealotofoystersintheDamandothersimilarthings,butmostofthemwere
internal molds; no shells per say. For paleontology, it is not very interesting. If you
happen to be able to put a name on an internal mold an internal mold is very
commonCygorcia??orCorbulidaebutyoustilldonotknowwhichoneitisitdoes
not bring much. The time is gone when monographs were done using molds or
impressions.Wearenolongerinthe19thcenturynorareweinthe20thcentury.
Noweverythingisdonewithlaserand3Dprinters.
Yes,itiswonderfulnow.Whatwasveryinterestingwerethenummulitesononeside
andtheechinoidsontheother;so,essentiallytheDammamandtheDam.
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Mr. Cavelier, I thank you very much for your time. Would you allow me. I do not
knowifiwillhavemorequestions,butwouldyouallowmetocallyouback[ifmore
questionscometomind]
Yes,yes,ofcourse,dontworry.
ThankyouverymuchWouldyoulikeacopyoftherecording?
Ahno.Thankyou.Icouldnotevenlistentoit
Ok.Thankyouverymuchanduntilnexttime
Untilnexttime
Thankyou
Goodgeology
Ahthat,forsure
1128

Transcript of a phone interview (Skype/Phone)
May 19th 2014.
The interview took place in French
C = Cavelier
L = LeBlanc
Temps
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Hello
Yes,Dr.Cavelier
Yes
JacquesLeBlancfromQatar,howareyou ?
Ah,verygood,thankyou,andyourself
Verygood,thankyou.Isitagoodtimetotalk?
Ah,Icantalkabit
Excellent,tellmeonlywhenyouhavetogoandwestop.
Yes,becausemygranddaughterishere;youknow,shedoesnotcomeeveryday.
Iunderstand,Iunderstand.Onlyfewminutestoaskyoufewquestionsifitisokay.
Verywell
Iwilltakeonly5minutesofyourtimeDuringourlastinterviewIforgottoaskyouthe
namesofyourfatherandmother.
AhmyfathersnamewasLucienCavelier.
Okay
AndmymothersnamewasLucienneVaslin.inadditiontoCavelier
VaslinitisspelledVACELIN
No,VASLINthenVaslin
VaslinLIN,Okexcellent.
Now,IwillaskyousomethingthatwillrequiretorecallquicklysomefactsaboutQatar
..in your report you mention that in the area of Simsima, a small village in the
northeast of Qatar, you found some [quartz] geodes which contained oil. I found the
area,andalsofoundthegeodes,butisitreallyoilinthem?Iknowthatoilcanbefound
ingeodesinBahrain,buthereinQatar,otherthanwhatismentionedinyourreport,Ido
notknowanybodywhohasfoundgeodeswithoil.
Ah,Iamnotsayingtherewerealot.Sincewebrokeopenalotofthesegeodestotryto
findthemostbeautiful.AsfarasIcanremember,therewasatleastone,maybetwo,
whichcontainedoil,moreorlessviscousoil.
Viscous,good,verygoodtoknow.Thankyou.Onemorequestion,veryquickly. How
many vehicles did you have to do the survey. You mention that you had some Land
RoverwhileMr.Salattmentionedothermakes.DidyouonlyhaveLandRover?
No, we had only Land Rover, but we had also a truck a truck that carried the water
tank.
Thewatertanktruck,ok.
Thewatertanknotforfuel
OkaywhichwasveryusefulIimagine.
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Whenthewatertankwasempty,itwasacatastrophe
Icanimagine,indeed.
Onetime,thewatertank gotemptyovernight ;it hadbeenclosedimproperly,sointhe
morningitwasfoundempty.Thus,IsentthetruckurgentlytoDoha.After24hoursit
wasstillnotback.IthensentaLandRovertoseewhathadhappened.After48hours,
stillnothing.
Ohwow.Howlongdidittaketocomeback.
The Land Rover came back the second night. Ok not really 48 hours but rather 36
hours,justbeforesunsetandwithfewlitresofwater;theyinformedusthatthetruck
brokedownalongtheroadandwaswaitingforatowtruck..attheendallwasokay
butwedidstaywithoutwateragood24hours.
Ohwow,notasituationIwanttobein.
Itisnotverypleasant.
Anotherquestion;stillaboutvehicles.YousaidthatasidefromtheLandRover,theEmir
hadlentyouavehicle
.Attheveryend,yes,whenIwasinthecity,yes.
Intherecordingoftheinterview,itisnotveryclearwhattypeofvehicleitwas.Would
youmindrepeatingthename?
It was, as far as I can remember, a Thunderbird [pronounced with a very strong
Frenchaccent]
AThunderbird,ah,ah
Itwasabeautifulvehicle.
Iimagine.Averysportycar.
Yes,especiallytodriveonlyaroundDoha.
Okay
Especiallythatatthetime,inDohathestreetswereonlymadeofsandandgravel;the
mainstreetswerewithasphaltbutitwasnotverylarge;therewerenowideavenues.It
wasstillasmalltown.
Yes,exactly.
Theotherpoints.Iamstillwaitingforsomeinformationfromyou
Yes,yes.IhavenotgonetoBRGMyet
Okay.
IwillgotoBRGMbutsofarhavenothadanytimeforit.
Okay
HaveyoupreparedthelistofyourpublicationsandyourCV?
Yes,yes,itisready.Ididaddbyhandalotofthings.
Okay
Ifyouhaveanyproblemsafteryoureceivethem,youcanalwaysaskmemorequestions.
Okay.Ilikecallingyou
Ah,veryniceofyoutosaythat
Just to summarize, there is the list of your publications, your CV, the pictures with
Heuz,and
andificanfindthesection,butasItoldyou,IhavenotgoneyettoBRGMsoIdonot
knowifitstillexists.
Also,onlytogiveyousomenewsaboutmypublication,Igavemyfirstdrafttoaqatari
colleagueatQatarPetroleum.Heisreviewingitnow;howevereventhoughhestillhas
notmadeanycommentsonit,Istillhopetobeabletoputitonline,assumingIgetthe
permission,towardstheendof2014.
Yes
Verywell,Iwillletyougo;Iknowyouarebusy.
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Ah,Iambusy?Itoldyouthatmygranddaughterishere.Sheiswithmywifenow.The
weatherhasbeenverynicethesepastfewdays,sotheyareoutsideontheterrasse;she
isnotalone,dontworry.
Okay,Excellent.Wouldyoulikemetocallyoubackinonemonthortwoweeks ?
Yes,callmebackinJune.
Andifyouwanttosendmeanythingbyemail,asyousaid..
Exactlythatisright,becauseIwilltrytogotoBRGMImustgoeitheronaMondayor
Thursday.ImustphonebeforegoingtoknowifDanielleisthere;justtoknowifIcan
emailsomething.Becausesometimesshedoesnotgo,sonobodyisthere.Icannottell
youifIwillgothisThursdayorMondayofnextweek;Imustfirstphone.
No,Iunderstandverywell.Inanycase,IwillbecallingyouonJune19th,orsomething
likethat;inonemonthisthatok.
Verygood,Iwillevenbeoneyearolderthen.
Ahyes,thatistrue!!!
Yes,mybirthdayisonthe14th
Yes,yes,ofcourse
Iwillbe79.
HappyBirthdayaheadoftimeandIwillwishittoyouagain
Thankyouverymuch
Thankyou,goodbye,andsendmyregardstoyourwifeandgranddaughter.
Okay,Thankyou
Goodbye
Goodbye
1131
Appendix 8
1132

APPENDIX 8
Questionnaire for the December 16th 2013 interview with Mr. Abdallah Salatt
1) Miscellaneous
a. I have divided the questions in six categories ;
i. Few personal questions ;
ii. The geological survey of 1969-70 in Qatar
iii. The Department of Petroleum Affairs and your participation in the 1984-85
attempt by QGPC to update the stratigraphic column of Qatar (see the two
1984-85 attached documents)Your involvement in the Department of
Petroleum Affairs as a Director
iv. Anything else
v. General
b. Do you allow me to record our interview with my IPhone?
Questions - Personal
What I know about you is from the QGS newsletter of June 2009. My questions will be to expand
and clarify some of the points in that newsletter but also to ask you new questions
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Place and date of birth?

What was your fathers profession?
Do you come from a large family? How many brothers and sisters?
What school did you go to in Doha?
The 2009 newsletter says that you majored in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M and
then graduated as a geologist from Lamar State College of Technology. You then have two
degrees; one as an engineer and the other as a geologist. Is that correct?
6) Which year did you graduate as an engineer?
7) Which year did you graduate as a geologist?
8) How many kids do you have?
9) How many grand children do you have?
10) How many languages to you speak?
Questions The 1969-70 Geological Survey of Qatar

A) The contract between BRGM and the government of Qatar was signed on February 19th
1969. Do you know how long it took to negotiate the contract?
B) How did you get involved in this project? How many weeks or months before the survey
started were you informed that you would be part of it?
C) Before the French team arrived in Doha, did you conduct a search of all possible
background documents needed for this survey (old publications, old maps, etc) or did
everything take place once everybody was in Doha.
D) In those days, Qatar was under the protection of Britain, and the foreigners among the
geological team were all French. Was there good collaboration between the French and the
British, or did the British try to slow down any progress on this project?
1133

E) How did the survey start? Was there a decision to start from the south and go north? Or
north, going south? Etc.. and why? In retrospect, would you have done something else?
F) Did the party/team have a good local guide? Do you remember his name?
G) In the 1990s, Qatar established the Qatar National Grid. In 1969-70, this grid did not exist,
nor did the GPS. What did you use to calculate elevations and exact coordinates for the
geological map?... what reference did you use? Did you use the geological maps at the end
of this document?
H) Do you remember exactly the location of one or more of your field camps? Do the localities
have names? How many days/weeks did you stay at each one of them? Days? Weeks?
I) Did you use any aerial photos? Are there any places that the team did not physically visit;
and the geology was extrapolated using aerial photos?
J) The results of this survey are described in two publications:
1) GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE QATAR PENINSULA (60 pages)
2) GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND MINERAL SUBSTANCES EXPLORATION IN
QATAR (109 pages)
In these two publications, are found in appendices the Reference sections from 1 to 5 (see
bottom page), however, the reference section #2, which describes the Miocene of Qarn Abu
Wail (Djebel now used as a border point between Qatar and KSA), is missing in all six
copies owned by Qatar Petroleum and the few copies owned by BRGM.
The question is as follows: Was this reference section #2 on Qarn Abu Wail really prepared
or was it an error or omission during the printing of the publication to include it. Would you
have a copy of it by any chance?
K) Did you physically go to any of the islands? Halul, Shraouh, Ishat, Hawar? Did you use a
boat or a helicopter? Which island did you prefer?
L) Did you collect any fossil either for the survey or for your own collection? Did you collect
any vertebrate remains such as vertebra or ribs from mammals or reptiles? Any other
fossils?
M) Do you have any pictures of the field camps or the life of the team out in the field? Do you
have any pictures of the team in Doha? Do you have a picture of yourself between 1968 and
1975? I could use any picture of that period in relation to the team members.
N) Have you heard from Mr. Yves Heuz since then? What can you tell me about him?
O) In the early to mid-1970s the first official Qatar stratigraphic Lexicon got published by
Sugden, Standring and Cavelier. Did you have any part to play in it? Have you ever met
Mr. Standring or Sugden
Questions The Department of Petroleum Affairs and your participation in the 1984-85
attempt by QGPC to update the stratigraphic column of Qatar (see the two 1984-85 attached
documents)
1) Because I am not completely aware of the structure of the Qatar government in those days,
can you please clarify for me the relation between the Department of Petroleum Affairs in
the Ministry of Finance and Petroleum and Qatar Petroleum? To my knowledge the
Department of Petroleum Affairs no longer exist. What was its duty/purpose?
2) As the Director of the Department of Petroleum Affairs you chaired at least one meeting in
1984 to help unifying the stratigraphy of Qatar. My understanding of the purpose behind
the stratigraphic meetings that took place in 1984 (Cobb & Hamam), was to prepare for
1134

OAPEC meetings in 1985. These OAPEC meetings resulted in a lexicon of all Middle
Eastern countries and North African countries. Do you know why the outcomes of the 1984
meetings were not included in the 1985 OAPEC lexicon?
3) Other than what is mentioned above, did you do any work within the Department related to
the Stratigraphy of Qatar?
Questions - Anything else related to Stratigraphic works that I am not aware of and that you
would be willing to share
Questions - General
1) What do you think the Miocene on the south side of Khor al Odaid will look like the new
bit that has just been added.
2) Are you aware that between years 2000-2005 a crocodile skull and few large turtle shells
were collected from the Miocene in Qatar?
This is it !
Would you like a copy of the recording?
Would you allow me to call you again if any questions come to mind?
Thank you very much for your time
Jacques LeBlanc
1135

Transcript of an interview between Mr. Jacques LeBlanc and Mr. Abdallah Salatt
December 16th 2013.
Note: The interview was recorded using an IPhone 5.
S = Salatt
L = LeBlanc
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Questions / Comments
Just for the record, it is December 16th 2013 and I am with Mr. Abdallah Salatt
in his office on the C-Ring [Doha, Qatar]. First of all, we are going to be talking
about some personal questions
Sure
Place and Date of birth?
Place of birth is Doha ; the date is debatable, because at that time people did not
record. most people, did not record the birth of their children. It was not
important ; people did not think it was important. But when I graduated from
high school, the teacher who was writing my application for my University
introduction [application] said Abdallah I think I want to make you 2 years
older because when you go to the United States you will want to have a driver
license . Lets make it 20 years. Although in education I saved a couple of
years.. I was in first grade, when education just started in Qatar, because of the
oil [revenue] ; and the teachers came to the first grader and said there are
smart people and we are going to move them to second grade . That was one
year saved ; in what we called preparatory school or Junior High in the education
system ; and in the second year again the management of the school said look
there are few smart people who are above the average in the class, so lets give
them a chance for a summer education and at the end of the summer we will give
them an exam and these will pass the second year of Junior High , so I did my
12 years education in 10 years. So, my birth now I would estimate was in 1944,
not as we officially stated as being in 1942. That makes me 69 years old.
Excellent. What was your fathers profession?
He was a pearl merchant. Of course until that time the Gulf people had been
dependent on the pearl activities in the Gulf. The pearl diving resulted in big
riches in the past period but at the start of the 20th century, the pearl business
became sluggish, especially when the Japanese cultured pearl were introduced;
so that the value of the natural pearls dipped down; and at the same time you had
the two World Wars and with all their effects on the economy of the world; so
the pearl diving activities had almost died out by the end of the 1940s. But the
pearl merchants used to go out into the sea, go to the pearl divers boats and buy
the pearl at the sea; so these pearl merchants would go on their own boat and
they would go for short periods; like one week, 10 days, 2 weeks. They would
have some money, at that time it was the Indian rupee; it was all in coins; there
was no bank notes at that time. The rupees were kept in jute bags
It must had been heavy
Very. The pearl divers were in the Gulf, on the water, all summer long ; that was
about 4 months that the divers were at sea. The merchants went out to buy and
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came back. So my father was a pearl merchant

So your father was coming back and forth?
Exactly. At the end of the pearl season, which ended in October, some of the
pearl merchants would go to Bahrain to sell their pearls, in addition to selling
and buying in Doha. They would go to Bahrain and Bombay. Bombay was the
centre of all the Gulf, Indian and European merchants. All of them gathered to
do business in Bombay. That was the hearth of the pearl trade.
And your father travelled to Bombay?
My father travelled among many others
OK. Do you come from a large family? How many sisters and brothers do you
have?
Brothers and sisters At that time a lot of children were lost
At birth?
At birth. For those who lived, we were 4 brothers and 4 sisters. Now I have
remaining 2 sisters and 1 brother. The others were much older and died of
natural causes.
So 5 boys and 4 sisters (including yourself) ?
No, 4 boys and 4 sisters
What school did you go to in Doha?
The only school at that time was called the Government school. Initially it was
called the elementary school and there were students of all ages. Of those
parents who were willing to send their children to school to get education a lot
did not.
because they wanted them to mind the business I suppose.
Exactly, exactly. The government in the early 50s I think 53, 54 and 55,
started to pay children to go to school. It was not a lot of money but it was often
more than they use to make; so if it was 20 rupees, 30 rupees, 50 rupees, it
helped the family.
That is good
So I went to the first government school, the first official school. Actually no,
not official because the first one was created maybe 2 years earlier ; however the
one I went to was the first with the proper curriculum in 51, 52.
OK. Excellent
Of course from the elementary school I went to Junior High, High School. That
school was called at that time Junior High/High School. And the location still
exist by the Doha Stadium
Ah yes.
You know the Doha Stadium ?
Yes, yes, of course [ 2517'3.52"N and 5132'26.86"E ]
The school was near the Doha Stadium. In fact the Doha Stadium [its current
location] was our playground ; it was all desert ; we had to pick up the rocks
with our hands and clear that field. We cleared it so that we could play football.
Interesting. The 2009 newsletter of the QGS says that you majored in Petroleum
Engineering at Texas A&M and graduated as a geologist from Lamar State
College of Technology. Just to clarify this letter, does that mean that you have a
degree in engineering and a degree in geology?
No, no. I started at Texas A&M and changed to a college in Baytown Texas. I
was advised by a friend from Baytown, who was with me at Texas A&M. He
said Abdallah this college is too big , at that time there were 12,000 students
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and the last time I visited Texas A&M about 10 years ago there were 50,000. So
he said come to me to Baytown, we have a small college, we are about 2,800
and you can get more attention from the teachers . He was right. I went for a
couple of years and graduated from that college. I tried to go back to Texas
A&M for one semester and was advised I would not fit there, so went back to
College. At Lee College, is where i had Mr. Reed as a geology teacher ; I liked
the way he was teaching so fell in love with geology. It was all about nature ;
we live by the sea here, we love the sea and we love the desert ; so it was all
nature, unlike engineering which was all about calculus. So this was a way of
life I thought I would like. So that is why I chose geology and graduated from
Lamar State College in 1968. So, 1962 at Texas A&M and graduated in 68 from
Lamar State College of technology as it was called at that time; the name was
changed later to Lamar State University
These were two of my questions; so you just answered them
Great
Do you have any children?
I have nine. Four boys and 5 girls. Also many grand-children
How many?
Many
Good. How many languages do you speak ?
Arabic and English. I babble few words here in there I like languages
Do you speak French ?
No. Not really. At that time I had a terrible Texas accent you know. It was for
me impossible to learn French. Every time Claude was trying to teach me how
to speak Francaisbut I failedI had a very terrible Texas accent
It is like chewing tobacco
Yes.
Lets do now the period of the geological survey of 1969-70. As you can see I
have many questions
I said I graduated in 1968 and almost immediately the French came. I was not
involved in the negotiation; I was very junior. I was told to go work with them.
They were very nice; we became like big brothers; Claude, Yves and I. We lived
as friends and they loved Qatar. They enjoyed the desert as much as I did, and
they enjoyed the work quite a lot. Claude was working in Saudi Arabia before
that, so he had great knowledge of the geology of the area.
I did not know that. It was not his first Arabic experience?
No.
Do you know how long it took to negotiate the contract?
No
How did you you just told. How did you get involved in the project?
Before the French team arrived in Doha, did you conduct a search of all possible
background documents needed for this survey (old publications, old maps, etc)
or did everything take place once everybody was in Doha
No [ we did not conduct any document search ]
In those days, Qatar was under the protection of Britain, and the foreigners
among the geological team were all French. Was there good collaboration
between the French and the British, or did the British try to slow down any
progress on this project?
I think there was [ good collaboration ]. We got a lot of help from the civil
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engineering department of that time; under the leadership, if I recall, of a Mr.

Webster. He was a Director of that department for a long time; I think he was
the leader at that time when we started. We got help in the way of how to
prepare for the expedition in the desert; and of course we used Land Rover. It
was the only desert vehicle at that time and a Dodge Power wagon
A Land Rover is a good vehicle for the desert
Our labors were Pakistani and the drivers were bedouins ; those bedouins were
drivers and guides. They knew the area, they knew how to handle the cars in the
sabkhas, sand dunes, soft sands, etc.. They were good.
Any names that stick out in particular?
There was Jaber, Mohammed, and Ahmed. The team, the drivers, the labors; we
had a Somali cook who was from the French Somalia. So it was a good
opportunity for the French. He was aware of their needs.
And the French being particular with the food..
Still, we did not have the luxury.. For some reason, either small generators
were not available then, I do not recall, or we did not have the budget to buy
them, but I do not recall seeing small generators at that time. To produce
[electricity] in the camp, so even our refrigerator was a kerosene refrigerator.
We did not have air conditioning for the tents
It must have been hotbecause the survey was through the summer time, right?
Yes. The first camp was in Abu Samrah, very close to the border, almost on the
beach. The second camp, I think was in Khararah area; the third camp was in
Umm Bab, close to the cement factory
So, west and Central-west
So, I got too busy after that; in the last period I was not always with them in the
north; however I was with them all the time in the camps in the south.
Is there a particular reason why the survey started in Abu Samrah?
Maybe because Claude was aware of the geology of Saudi Arabia, so he wanted
to start nearby
It makes sense
Maybe, I am not too sure. I cannot tell you why, I am not too sure, and of course
Claude was the leader.
I would have done the same if i had known the geology of the neighboring
country. OK. You have already answered that one. Now, in the 1990s,
Qatar established the Qatar National Grid. In 1969-70, this grid did not exist,
nor did the GPS. What did you use to calculate elevations and exact coordinates
for the geological map? what reference did you use? Did you use the geological
maps at the end of this document?
Only with the instruments that were available at that time and with aerial
photographs; which were not accurate, they were not clear. And of course from
the older survey of other people.
Did you use any of these maps ? [Showing Steineke 1968, Bramkamp 1961,
and Browne 1952].
I dont remember them but I suspect we had them because we had some of the
old surveys although they were not that accurate as I mentioned. Some were
done by geologists working with Qatar Petroleum company; not this QP, the old
Anglo-Saxon company (QPC)
It was in 1952 actually that it [QPC] was formed
Exactly
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OK
In some areas they [ the aerial photos ] were not very accurate, I remember that.
You have already mentioned the camps.in the camps, how many days or
weeks did you stay there, for each one of them?
We were working weekly periods. We worked 4 days a week in the camp, sorry,
5 days a week in the camp. We would come back on Wednesday to work in the
office on Thursday and of course Fridays was the weekend and Saturday back
again
in a new camp
No, in the same camp; we were there for some time. The first camp took 3-4
months. From the camps we moved with the Land Rover. From the Abu
Samrah camp we moved all the way to Khor Al Odaid
Covering long distances
Again from Khararah we went to Khor Al Odaid; from Khararah south. My first
visit to Khor Al Odaid was with Claude and Yves and we went on a helicopter
Beautiful
Not too many people had seen Khor Al Odaid before us. When I went there I
felt like out-of-this-world. The sea was so beautiful, so magnificent. The only
thing I regret is to not having taken photographs. I am sure they took
photographs but I did not and regret it. It was one of your questions. I took
photographs during the survey and I am sure I have some in the house
somewhere, but moving from one house to anotherby the way this location
[the office where the interview was conducted] was my house also for a long
time. I moved to different places; they are in there somewhere.
You mentioned that you used aerial photos. Is there a place where the team did
not go to physically but did the work only on aerial photos
Yes. That is confidential [laughing]. At that time Hawar islands
which is part of Bahrain now
where disputed between Qatar and Bahrain. We visited all the places in Qatar
except Hawar islands. The other islands that you mentioned we went there. I
went with the team and in my earlier life I also went with my father as a pearl
merchant. In the survey, all the islands were surveyed. For Hawar island, we
asked for a government boat to take us because at that time there was no
presence of military either from Qatar or from Bahrain. Hawar were never
important; so we were denied by our government. So we worked on the map;
when we produced the map, the first draft, we took it to Sheikh KhalifaWhat
is this? Why is Hawar islands completely black? because we were not
permitted to go there; he saidwell color it, whatever color it is [laughing]
That is the way it got its color on the map
So the only place we did not visit is Hawar
But with the geology you followed the lines [strata] ?
Yes, yes. It is not difficult
The next questions need a little bit of background story: The results of this
survey are described in two publications:
1) GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE QATAR PENINSULA (60
pages)
2) GEOLOGICAL
SURVEY
AND
MINERAL
SUBSTANCES
EXPLORATION IN QATAR (109 pages)
In these two publications, are found in appendices the Reference sections from 1
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to 5 (see bottom of the page), however, the reference section #2, which describes
the Miocene of Qarn Abu Wail (Djebel now used as a border point between
Qatar and KSA), is missing in all six copies owned by Qatar Petroleum and the
few copies owned by BRGM.
No, we worked on Qarn Abu Wail. We worked on it. I do not recall why it is
missing but we worked on Qarn Abu Wail and in fact we worked beyond Qarn
Abu Wail; slightly and we turned back
A little bit in Saudi.
I think Claude and Yves were in Saudi for one night at least.
Were they?
I think they were taken by the Saudi guards. They were their guests for one
night in Salwa.
Do you have a copy of these reports yourself
Honestly, I have a library, I have books that are in boxes
If you ever find them
I have them but again
If you find yours [your copy] and find reference #2call me [laughing]
Ok..
.this one you have answered already. Ok, fossils. Did you collect any
fossils either for the survey or for your own collection ?
We collected for the survey; I did not keep personally any fossils or rock
samples. We gave, I think we gave all of them to the Qatar Museum and some
of the rocks were on display for some time. However, the whole of the Qatar
Museum was demolished to make place to a new one. I do not know what
happened to the collection
I can always ask them
Mr. Darwish Alfar was in charge of the Qatar Museum; I think he is still alive.
He would be the best person to ask
I will ask
His son is working for the Laboratories Measures & Standard Laboratories in
Abu Hamour. I know his son is there.
Ok
This is for all the fossils and rock samples. We had kept some, also in the
Department of Petroleum Affairs such as Gypsum samples from Halul island
which had nice colors. When this department was dis-established, all the
documents, files moved to Qatar Petroleum, and Qatar Petroleum lost them;
lost the records on logs, files
They had not been properly archived
Yes. The archives had to do with border disputes. We had those also in the
Department of Petroleum Affairs. I am glad that my staff and I decided that
those should not be kept in the Department of Petroleum Affairs because our
business had to do with petroleum. These were all the documents for the border
disputes and settlements with Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi
with Barhain ?
Bahrain at that time, the settlement was not agreed. Everything was within our
files; so we decided to write to the Emiri Diwa and suggested that they take over.
We sent them over; we numbered the pages, all of them, and we made records of
all the files and we sent them to Emiri Diwa, after informing them we would do
that. So they should be there somewhere
1141

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Still on fossils. Do you remember collecting any vertebrate remains ?

some
Mammals and reptiles
Dont ask me about details now but I remember a lot of shark teeth
You said that you do not have pictures
No, I have them somewhere but..
By the way when I talked to Mr. Cavelier he said that he only brought one role
of 36 pictures to Doha and when he returned to France to have them developed,
it was blank; so he does not have any pictures himself. You know when one left
a roll of film in the sun and heat for a long period, the quality deteriorates
quickly. However he does have a picture of himself in Doha taken when he was
chatting with a British at a function. He will provide that to me
Good
Do you have any pictures of yourself between years 1968 and 1975?
I am sure I do
If you dont mind. As I said I could use any picture of that time in relation to a
member of the team
Very well
Now you told me about Mr. Yves Heuze
He pronounced it Yves Heuz
Heuz
He was a Basque
From the southern part of France
Something like that
You told me that he could be one of the person on the left of Mr. Cavelier
If he is on the picture that could be him
Ok. I will ask Mr. Cavelier tomorrow. In the early to mid-1970s the first
official Qatar stratigraphic Lexicon got published by Sugden, Standring and
Cavelier. Did you have any part to play in it? Have you ever met Mr. Standring
or Sugden
No
We are done with the 69-70 survey. You are still okay.
Yes
Only one page left. Lets go to the 1984-85 attempt by Department of Petroleum
Affairs to update the stratigraphic column of Qatar. As you know they publish
this document [showing it to Mr. Salatt]
Was that QP or
No, it was OAPEC that produced it in 1985, however two years before 1985 QP
asked some team within QP to get organized and come up with some
stratigraphic names hopefully trying to correlate with. [the neighbouring
countries]
Was Khaled Hamam involved at that time
Pardon me
Dr. Khaled Hamam
Yes, together with a Mr. Cobb. Your name also appears in the minutes of few
meetings.
Possibly yes.
.as the Director of the Department of Petroleum Affairs. My questions in
relation to the minutes and this document is : Do you know why the
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recommendations in the minutes of these two documents [Cobb & Hamam] were
not included in this third document [OAPEC]?
What was the recommendation
They were several. For instance, to include one of the formation, which names
escape me [Hamlah] now in the Triassic instead of the Jurassic.
No, I would not have had anything to do with the technical side at that time. My
role was to facilitate from the Managements perspective
Fair enough. Next question. Because i am not familiar with the structure of the
government in those days, can you please clarify for me the relation between the
Department of Petroleum Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and Petroleum, and
Qatar Petroleum. To my knowledge the Department of Petroleum Affairs no
longer exists
Yes, true. Once I came back from the university, I was attached immediately to
the Department of Petroleum Affairs, however what should have happened is
that I should have been sent to one of the oil companies to get trained, to get
more knowledge and established myself as a geologist, but that did not happen.
So, the government at that time was composed of mostly departments. At that
time we had a Crown Prince and he was also the Prime Minister. There were
some Ministries but some other organizations were called Departments. Sheikh
Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani was the Crown Prince, Heir Apparent, and the
Prime Minister. We had a Minister of Education but Sheikh Khalifa.that was
only Ministries, apart from the Prime Minister, and all the Ministries were in the
Departments underneath him. One of the Departments was the Department of
Petroleum Affairs. The duties of the Department were to overlook the activities
of the two concessions we had at that time. When I came there, it was QPC
(Qatar Petroleum Company) and Shell of Qatar.
Offshore
Yes, one onshore and the other one offshore. So the Department was to
overseein general because the Departments were not allowed to really
intervene a lot in the affairs of those companies. So, this was the general
management of that time. So, the Ministry itself was called the Ministry of
Finance & Petroleumand the Minister was Sheikh Khalifa [Mr. Salatts
phone is ringing and he talks briefly in Arabic]. So the Ministry was the
Ministry of Finance & Petroleum and was overseeing the finance aspects of the
old permits / concessions, like at that time Royal Shell [I think that is what he is
saying] and generally the technical side such as operations, exported crude oil.
During my time, we got.. Of course the concessioners [owners of the
concessions] did operate in that exact sense; they had authority to do whatever
they wanted at that time and the government had the Royalties and taxes; which
was ??? [cannot understand the word]. OPEC decided.and we became a
member of OPEC almost immediately after I joined the Department Qatar
became a member of OPEC Qatar was the first country to become a member
of OPEC after it was established.
..As an addition
The first one to join OPEC after it was founded. During 1969, this is when the
negotiations70.during 1970 when the negotiations between OPEC and the
oil operators started for participation of ownerships of the State into the
companies.
OK
and after several years. First of all, we raised the royalties from 2.5% to
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20%..
Big difference
Exactly. And we raised the taxes from 55% to 80%
OK
sorry, the taxes were from 20% to 55%. After that, the ball started rolling and
went into the participation negotiation. The government, as a result, acquired a
percentage of participation. Some governments opted for complete take over.
Qatar was one of the countries to start with a small step but almost immediately
opted for take over. Kuwait was one. Qatar was one country. So we negotiated
again in the early 70s from 73, 74 and 75, we negotiated with the oil
companies to take over. We bought them out. Some people said it was
Nationalization but it was in fact Negotiated Settlements. We negotiated
compensations and continued the relationships. So, Qatar General Petroleum
Corporation (QGPC), as it was called, was established in 1974 to be the owner
[Mr. Salatts phone rings] to be the owner of the assets that were to be taken
over by the government. QGPC was owned 100% by the government. So, 74
was the establishment of QGPC. Now, ideally the Department of Petroleum
Affairs would have been the political arm of the government; that is why we still
have a Ministry of Energy and Industry the oil & gas part of the energy.as a
political arm; but that ministry is only there in name. QP has become of course
the company that is really involved and does the business of the government on
behalf of the government, which is not the ideal situation to me. So, the
Department of Petroleum Affairs until [since] its establishment was doing that;
the political arm, the supervising arm of all the oil activities. QP replaced the
international companies but still QP is a company that has the supervisor roles
and regulations of a government. And the Department of Petroleum Affairs was
the government
powerful
No, not powerful. To me they were the regulator. The Ministries are the
regulators; companies operate within a national owned, foreign owned. They
operate as companies, as commercial entities; maximize profits, cut down costs;
and the government has to be there to make sure that they are doing their duties;
not only collecting money but also they have duties. I will give you an
example. I was on the board, the first board of QP by the way. I was Head of
the Department of Petroleum Affairs and member of the Board of QP
from which year to which year ?
From the establishment in 1974
And for how long
For a long time [laughing]. I went out and came back. I went out because from
1989 to 1996 I was out of the oil industry and went to the Ministry of
Communication and Transportation; I was Under-Secretary.
I saw that in the newsletter.completely different.
Seven years I was out of the oil business and came back as a member of the
Board until February 2011 when I resigned.
Very good. Thank you
You are welcome.
Now, I have some general questions. Just two. I saw a map where the area
south of Khor Al Odaid is now part of Qatar
South of Khor Al-Odaid?
[showing a map]. Actually it is not even colored on this map. Just south of the
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channel
At that time, we did all this area. You should go back to the present political
boundary
The hills south of Khor Al Odaid, whether they are in Qatar or Saudi Arabia
now, do you think they are. They look very much like Miocene; do you think
it is the case
Yes, probably but the other side is part of Saudi Arabia now. The southern part
of Khor Al Odaid is in Saudi. At that time [1969-70] it was Abu Dhabi by the
way
Yes, I knew that, because people used to drive directly to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia decided, through some arrangements that this area
would be taken by Saudi
I only have one question left. About fossils : Are you aware that between year
2000 and 2005 a crocodile skull and few large turtle shells [carapaces] were
collected from the Miocene somewhere in Qatar?
No I am not aware of that; but that is good. I saw a documentary by the way
which showed that the Gulf was a much smaller water body; apparently it was a
lake and some areas were on land, lush and green; the monsoon came up all the
way to the Qatar Peninsula Now, just to mention something. Prophet
Mohammed in one of his saying said the end of the world will not come until
the Arabian Peninsula will become lush again
Oh, OK
That was 1,400 years ago. He did not know much about stratigraphy and
geology then; or fossils [laughing]. He said the end of the world will not come
until the Arabian Peninsula will become lush again
It is the again that is important here
again. Now, knowing that ice sheets, 11,000 years ago, covered Europe all the
way down to the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula; so one would expect
that the rest of the Arabian Peninsula was lush then like Europe now
Yes, exactly.
Or warmer or lush and different.
And there were crocodiles
Very possible yes. Crocodiles and other animals
Excellent. Thank you very much
You are welcome. And by the way; when we were doing the surveyuntil we
were doing the survey, our winters were much colder. Our rains were much
more.
So you have noticed the change in 44 years
The change has been there. Now, I believe in
..climate change?
Yes, but I do believe that it is cyclical
And I believe the same too.
I am a geologist. How much has human activities affected that, I dont think a
great deal. What we are doing is bad but I think it is a cycle..11,000 years ago
the ice sheet was covering the land; we are a minuscule part
But some governments want to tax you, I am not talking about Qatar, but other
countries want to tax you because of this
But I think the cycle is turning back now ; we see very cold weather that has not
been witnessed they say in the last 100 years. In Syria, Jordan, Palestine and
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even Cairo there was some snow [this year]

That is right
Which is not normal. So maybe we get some snow in Doha [laughing]
We will have to start a ski hill
I am very much interested in your publication. I would like to be re-educated in
geology.
Perfect, perfect.let me just stop [turn off] this [the recording].
1146
Appendix 9
1147
APPENDIX 9
GOVERNMENT OF QATAR
DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM AFFAIRS
GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE QATAR PENINSULA

(Arabian Gulf)
By
Claude CAVELIER
Engineer geologist
Explanation of the 1/100,000 geological maps of Qatar

By Claude CAVELIER, Abdullah SALATT and Yves Heuze
August, 1970
Bureau de recherches gologiques et minires

74, rue de la Fdration
PARIS 15e - France
1148

Notes from the transcriptionist:
1) The text in red was added in this transcript in order to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Correct misspelled words in the original document;

Add a missing word in a sentence of the original document;
Explain a point related to the transcription;
Add some clarity to an ambiguous sentence.
2) In this version of the transcription (V1), two original figures were incorporated (Pages 6 & 39)
due to our lack of access to a draughting service that could reproduce them. In the event that
such service is found in the future, we will update the document to Version 2.
3) All Tables from Caveliers original document were reproduced; including the three main ones on
pages 13, 31 and 45.

4) The cross-sections of the Dam Formation in Qatar were reproduced (pages 56 to 58). Section II
(Qarn Abu Wail) was not included in any of the originals for reasons stated in the transcript of a
conversation the transcriptionist had with Dr. Cavelier in December 2013.
5) The cross-sections of the Dammam Formation were not reproduced; the originals were included.
6) Two publications were written by Mr. Claude Cavelier in relation to the Qatar Geological Map.
The first one is the present document and the second one is Geological Survey and Mineral
substances exploration in Qatar (1970), 105 pages. When the text of the original document
used for the present transcript was either unclear or missing, the text from the second document
was used to fill in the blanks, and then typed in red.
7) In the present document Cavelier uses often the term Nijian while in Geological Survey and
Mineral substances exploration in Qatar (1970), 105 pages he uses equally often the term
Niqian to describe the same large dune area located between Umm Said and Khor al Odeid. A
search on which spelling of the term best applies to this area leads us to believe that Nijian is
the one that should be used. Cavelier also uses the term Nijian on his Qatar geological map.
8) All the fossil names have been outlined in blue so that they stand out of the text.
9) The footnote numbers in this transcript are different than those in the original document.
10) Cavelier also wrote, in part, the 1975 Stratigraphic Lexicon of Qatar. In this document, he
modifies the names of some members of the surface formations. The reader is therefore warned
to refer to this lexicon (or any subsequent lexicon that may post-date it) in order to get the correct
member/formation naming convention formally agreed for Qatar.
1149
CONTENTS
Pages
Introduction
General Features of Qatar

General geographical situation
I
II The north of Qatar
III The south of Qatar
IV Doha, the capital of Qatar
V Economy and rural development
3
3
3
4
4
4
Geological description of the Qatar Peninsula

Previous geological publications
I
II Existing geological maps
III Tertiary stratigraphy of Qatar
A Paleogene: Hasa series
(Eu) Umm er Radhuma Formation
Er
Rus Formation
Edm Dammam Formation
Edm1 Lower Dammam Subformation
a) Fhaihil Velates Limestone Member
b) Midra (and Saila) Shales Member
c) Dukhan Alveolina Limestone Member
Edm2 Upper Dammam Subformation
a) Simsima Dolomite and Limestone Member
b) Abarug dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member
B Neogene
(Mh) Hadrukh Formation
Md
Dam Formation
Md1
Md2
MPhf Hofuf Formation
IV Quaternary and superficial deposits in Qatar
A Marine deposits
Q1
Pseudoolitic and conglomeratic limestones
Qbg Beach gravels of marine terraces
Qmcs Marine calcareous sands
B Continental deposits
Qg
Gravels
Qsm Depression muds and silts
C Marine deposits subjected to continental evolution
Qsb
Sabkha deposits
Qes
Eolian sands
6
6
6
9
10
10
11
12
15
15
15
16
16
16
17
18
18
18
19
20
21
23
23
23
23
24
24
24
25
25
25
26
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V
VI
Major structural surface features of Qatar

Paleogeographical history of Qatar during Tertiary times
27
30
Short geological description of the offshore islands of Qatar

Halul Island
I
II Shra Auh Island
III Las Hat Islets [the real name is Ishat islands]
35
35
36
36
References
38
Remark: The pagination above is from the original document and not from this transcript
1151
INTRODUCTION
Through an agreement made on February 19th 1969 by and between the Government of Qatar,
represented by M. Ali JAIDAH, Deputy Director of the Department of Petroleum Affairs, and the
Bureau de Recherches Gologiques et Minires (B.R.G.M.), represented by M. Jacques RANOUX,
resident Manager in Jeddah, the First Party entrusts the Second Party "to carry out on behalf of the
Government of Qatar, mineral exploration and investigation all over the territory, both the
Peninsula and the islands under Qatar sovereignty".
The general purpose was defined as follows: "The aim of this reconnaissance is to draw up a
programme of detailed investigation and exploration for minerals in the peninsula and the islands
of Qatar in order to assess the possible mineral deposits of the country, with a view towards
exploiting such findings economically. For that purpose, all available geological information
should be gathered and implemented by field work in order to get a good basic, geological map at
a scale ranging from 1/100,000 to 1/200,000 according to the existing topographic or
photographic materials".
The purpose of our mission in Qatar has not only been entirely fulfilled but, without any
exaggeration, surpassed. Initially foreseen to be of 7 to 8 months duration, our sojourn in Qatar
has exceeded 11 months1 of which more than 10 months have been spent on field work; by the end
of the mission, more than 80,000 kms were covered by our both land rovers.
The systematic geological mapping, drawn on a 1/100,000 scale and matching the more detailed
topographical maps actually available in Qatar2, reflect our systematic research into mineral
resources.
We have not, however, overlooked the importance and value of these maps in the planning of
agriculture, public works and the search for water. Particular attention has been paid to surface
formations, such as depression Silts and Muds which are especially suitable for agriculture and
indicate the possibility of underground local water reserves, or deposits of sabkha and eolian sands
that can cause inconvenience in public works.
We would not try to persuade anyone that these maps contain every possible detail. We hope,
though, that our successors will have at their disposal more realistic cartographic support, bearing
in mind, of course, the many difficulties we had to overcome in producing a map covering the
whole of the Qatar peninsula in 10 months and with a really small team3.
In compiling the geological map we had occasion to establish or to revise the stratigraphy of the
Tertiary and Quaternary deposits of Qatar. In most cases the earlier works of Q.P.C. and ADSCOLE-GRAND geologists in subdivisions of Qatar has been proved valid. This is especially true of
the work of the ARAMCO personnel in eastern Saudi Arabia. Working on a more extensive plane
and on a more suitable map scale, we have managed to draw finer subdivisions. Our important
collections of fossils have only had cursory evaluation due to the limitations of the local setup. We
hope, though, that we will be able to study them more intensively in France. This study will allow
us to complete in particular, the chronostratigraphy of Tertiary beds.
From April 25th 1969 to April 16th 1970.

It was necessary to realize a 1/100,000 topographical sketch map of the region of Sauda Nathil (South of Qatar) which
appears on the geological maps.
3
M. Claude CAVELIER, senior engineer geologist, B.R.G.M. Orlans (France). M. Abdullah SALATT, chief of the
geological section of the Department of the Petroleum Affairs, Government of Qatar, Doha (Qatar ). M. Yves HEUZE,
experienced assistant geologist, B.R.G.M. Paris (France).
2
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Main localities and roads of Qatar
1153
GENERAL FEATURES OF QATAR

I
GENERAL GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION

The Qatar peninsula covers some 10,000 km2. It constitutes the eastern appendix to the
Arabian peninsula crossed by the 25th parallel and jutting northwards into the central zone of
the Arabian Gulf.
The independent Arab state of Qatar is a Sheikdom with about 100,000 inhabitants, most of
whom live in Doha, the capital. Qatar governs the offshore islands of Halul, Shra Auh, and
Las Hat [the real name is Ishat islands], of which only the first is inhabited.
Both geographically and geologically, Qatar is a quite distinct entity, the political boundaries
of which are also natural ones. To the north, west and east, the borders with Saudi Arabia,
Bahrain Islands, Iran and Abu Dhabi are maritime ones. To the south, Qatar is separated from
Saudi Arabia and Trucial Sheikdom of Abu Dhabi by an almost continuous belt of salt flats
which, in recent times, were still marine4
Geologically, Qatar may be defined as a wide anticlinal dome gently warped and slightly
folded. The general roughly elliptic configuration, with north-south main axis, is at present
underlined by a wide spread outcrops of Eocene rocks, raised above younger Miocene
deposits which surround them.
Several excellent works were published about the different geographical aspects of Qatar by
MELAMID (1953) - political geography -, JOHNSTONE and WILKINSON (1960) - history
of discovery, tribes and population, glossary of Arabic local topographic words -, MEIGS
(1966) general geographical description -. But the most complete and recent work, is the book
headed "Qatar 1968", published by the Government.
II
THE NORTH OF QATAR

Traditionally, Qatar is classified by geographers among desert countries. The southern half is
sparsely populated but the northern region, especially the NE, is comparatively populated and
agricultural development has commenced. The population is sedentary for the most part;
relatively abundant water is extracted from generally shallow wells; the constantly developing
road network and the numerous tracks in good condition are quite frequented. In fact, it is an
arid region, for there, as over the whole Qatari country, the total volume of rainfalls essentially that of winter - is quite low.
North of the road from Doha to Dukhan, the ground is quite flat and pebbly, showing often
extensive, hardly marked depressions, in which silts and muds accumulated, carrying natural
pasture, in winter, on which graze camels, sheep, goats and oxen. Agriculture is constantly
improving: orchards and kitchen-gardens, but also cereals (rye). Fishing is still carried out in
an artisanal way.
The villages are rather numerous inland, but the small harbours along the shore-line are being
deserted; the main city, however, is Khor on the eastern coast.
4
The oral tradition which reports that Qatar was formerly an island separated from the Saudi province of Al Hasa is practically
confirmed by geology, in particular by the discovery of extensive deposits of calcareous sands with a molluscan fauna
comparable to the present in the sebakh located South of Sauda Nathil.
1154

Between the Doha-Dukhan and Doha-Umm Bab roads, the ground becomes more contrasted.
The plateau is essentially rocky and uneven, especially to the west. The depressions are
generally deeper and sharper; their soil is essentially silty and muddy, but small accumulations
of eolian sand, held by trees, occur especially to the west. The wells, located in important
depressions, are still numerous and deeper.
To the west, along the Salwah Gulf, the rocky massif of Djebel Dukhan carries strongly
marked depressions where the accumulations of eolian sand are considerable. Two important
centres are implanted there: Dukhan, with the Qatar Petroleum Company (Q.P.C,) plant, and
Umm Bab with its cement factory. The road network which connects the numerous oil drillholes exploited in this area since 1949 is broadly developed, but generally in bad condition.
III THE SOUTH OF QATAR
The southern region - from Doha-Umm Bab road to the border - is quite different from the
northern one. The relief is quite contrasting: it is most often a rocky uneven plateau, with
well-marked, sometimes deep, depressions. They are filled with muds and silts in the central
part, where these deposits go beyond Kharanah to the South, but the accumulations of eolian
sands are often rather important. To the southwest and in the central part, steep hillocks of
mesa type form important reliefs; in the SW area, the highest points of Qatar occur (96.66 m
at Qalat al Araej, and 100.87 m at Tuwar el Hamir). To the SW, and more particularly to the
SE, large dune accumulations occur, while in the central part, the dunes of barkan type are
generally isolated and localized.
The population of this area, where wells are scarce and often deep, is quite low, and often
nomadic. However, several sedentary points exist inland; Karanah, Khararah, Al Wukair, and
the small border post of Sauda Nathil to the extreme south. The most important, though
declining cities, are located along the eastern coast: Al Wakrah, formerly prospering harbour,
and Umm Said, Q.P.C. oil harbour, which should make rapid progress thanks to the
implantation of industries : a fertilizer-plant, intended to produce ammonia and urea from
natural gas, is being built. To the SW, Abu Samra which commands the Saudi Arabia border,
and is connected to Doha by an excellent road, is to be developed in the near future.
The road network is comparatively developed, taking into account the small number of
localities; an excellent road with modern features connects Doha to the Saudi Arabia border
(Abu Samra). There is also a connection from Doha to Umm Said through Al Wakrah which
will be improved this year, a fine small road from Al Wakrah to Al Wukair and Khararah, and
a minor road from Umm Said to Umm Bab. The track to Abu Dhabi from Karanah to Sauda
Nathil will be quite soon replaced by another modern road.
IV DOHA, CAPITAL OF QATAR
Doha, the capital is located on the eastern coast, about halfway. Situated at the far end of a
bay where important works [have led to] the installation of a deep-water harbour, provided
with a modern airport, the runways of which are being extended, the city enjoys a rapid
development. The population (estimated at 60-80,000) is mainly Qatari and Arab but includes
large Iranian, Pakistani and Indian minorities, as well as a European [one], essentially British
fraction, amounting to about one thousand by the end of 1967. A census is to be taken.
The town is rapidly extending, especially towards the NW (Raiyan), the North and SW. The
1155

old town, close to the sea side, is being busily restored; the old districts, with their narrow
lanes and their attractive but decayed houses, are being destroyed and replaced by modern
districts with broad streets, of small buildings with shops on ground floor; locally more
important houses and public buildings are constructed.
The inhabitants are mainly employed in administration or commerce; in both fields, business
is intensive; in contrast local handicrafts appear comparatively poorly developed. Intra-urban
connections are exclusively made in taxi or private cars, and motor traffic, already intensive,
does not cease increasing.
V
ECONOMY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The economic resources of Qatar depend essentially on oil production carried by the Q.P.C.
from the important inland field of Djebel Dukhan, and by the Shell-Qatar from the offshore
structures of Idd al Shargi and Maydan Mahzan, located to the south and SW of Halul Island.
Other productions - agricultural products, livestock, cement, fuel, etc... - are at present time
essentially consumed locally, except for frozen shrimps which are exported. All finished
products and most foods are imported.
However, it is worth noting that, though the Qatar Government is looking towards oil
production and investigation (granting of further licenses), its efforts and investments are
directed towards other purposes; especially construction of modern buildings, public hospitals,
educative, recreative edifices [educational, recreational buildings] - there is a broadcasting
station and soon a television one -,development and extension of road network; multiplication
of wells and water-points inland; construction of desalinization plants in Doha, several of
which [are] already operating; development of agriculture and fishing ; construction of plants
intended to ensure a full employment of local labour and allowing a diversification of
production: cement manufacture in Umm Bab operating since 1969, fertilizer plant of Umm
Said under construction and further prospects under study.
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GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF QATAR PENINSULA

I
PREVIOUS GEOLOGICAL PUBLICATIONS

The literature devoted to the surficial geological description of QATAR is extremely poor;
except for the old work of PILGRIM (1908) which gives a short description of Halul Island,
that of LAMARE (1936) which is a synopsis of former work (region of Salwah) and the
publication of HENSON (1951), the only important published works are HENSON (1948) micropaleontology - and especially from SMOUT (1954) devoted to the inventory and
description of the "Lower Tertiary Foraminifera of the Qatar peninsula". Unfortunately, this
micropalaeontological work, the scientific interest of which goes far beyond Qatar, is so
sparing of local geological information, that it is almost impossible, with a single exception5,
to localize directly the species counted and described in the Qatari stratigraphical formations.
However, unpublished literature exists, in reports of oil investigation or hydrogeology, using
an almost constant terminology, that we have adopted for our own use with precisions and
changes.
It is worth noting, besides, that such terminology, essentially introduced in Qatar by Q.P.C.
geologists, and also used in the SHELL and CONACO reports, comes mainly from Saudi
Arabia, where it was originally defined by the ARAMCO geologists.
In SAUDI ARABIA, good definitions, succinct descriptions of type cross-sections, partial
palaeontological inventories, were published particularly by: STEINEKE, BRAMKAMP and
SANDER (1958); SANDER (1962); POWERS et a1. (1966). The entire data are summarized
in the International Lexicon of Stratigraphy for Saudi Arabia (POWERS, 1968).
Such terminology is also used by the oil geologists of BAHRAIN (WILLIS, 1967), at least
for the main terms.
Contrary to the surficial formations of the peninsula, the recent sediments of an important
portion of the coastal and offshore Qatar were studied in detail by HOUBOLT (1957), but the
Bahrain and Salwah Gulfs on the one hand, and the area South of Umm Said on the other
hand, were not described.
This gap is partly filled up by the works of the geologists of the Imperial College of London
engaged, since 1961, in the study of the recent marine sedimentology of the Arabian Gulf
(EVANS, 1965, with references), but more particularly directed towards the TRUCIAL
COAST, and by those of SHINN (1969) and TAYLOR and ILLING (1969) for the Gulf of
Salwah and Dohat al Hussain.
Finally, in a neighbouring field, the hydrology of the Arabian Gulf, and more particularly that
of the Bahrain and Salwah Gulfs, was the subject of an interesting communication by
SUGDEN (1963).
The "Middle Eocene Alveolina Limestone".
1157

II
EXISTING GEOLOGICAL MAPS

1
1/250,000 Q.P.C. maps (unpublished)

A synopsis of the field surveys carried out by the Q.P.C. geologists before 1949 was
made by BROWN (1949) in an unpublished 1/250,000 geological map, revised in 1959
by JAMESON. The five formations determined on this map reflect the original
objectives of the surveys, intended for oil investigation (structural research). Indeed, the
Quaternary deposits are grouped as "post-Miocene", and the Miocene which outlines the
synclinal structures is differentiated but not in detail. On the contrary, the Eocene is
divided into three formations, constituting the "Bahrain Group" with, from top to
bottom:
-
Abaruk6 Beds considered today as the upper member of the Dammam

Formation, and which are only known in the west of Qatar where their outcrops,
in the absence of Miocene deposits, outline the synclinal structures.
Upper Limestones, corresponding essentially to the Simsima Dolomite and
Limestone Member, and quite probably to the Dukhan Alveolina Limestone
Member of the Dammam Formation.
Lower Limestones, corresponding to the Rus Formation, but including upward
the Fhaihil Velates Limestone Member and the Midra (and Saila) Shales
Member of the bottom of the Dammam Formation. As a general rule, the
outcrops of these horizons outline the anticlinal structures.
This map gives a good idea of the general structure of Qatar and localizes the main
groups of outcrops except for the South of Qatar which is not represented. By
comparison with our surveys, presented at a different scale, and taking also into account
the different subdivisions adopted on each map, particularly for the Eocene, the map is
on the whole accurate, though may err [?lack?] in detail: more especially the extension
assigned to the outcrops of the Rus Formation (including the Midra Shales) is often too
exaggerated, particularly in the north-eastern part of Qatar. The divergences in the limits
of the Eocene-Miocene contact in the south-western region of Qatar result probably,
partly, from a difference in interpretation of the poorly fossiliferous nodular calcareous
deposits, lying between the Eocene and Miocene. The Q.P.C. geologists attributed these
beds to the Miocene, while we classify them as Eocene, and parallel them to the Abarug
Member, typical in the region of Dukhan and the Alat Member of Saudi Arabia.
2
1/100,000 maps of LE GRAND ADSCO (unpublished)

These maps (two sheets) were "prepared from surface traverses, sections, drill-cores
and photogeological interpretation", by STEVENSON (1959), geologist of Le Grand
Adsco Ltd. They only cover the northern region of Qatar, extending southward barely to
the present Doha-Dukhan road, and not reaching westward on the portion of DjebelDukhan normally included in this area. They are appendices to an important report
intended to define the fresh water supplies of northern Qatar, and realized by a small
staff provided with considerable material means.
Eight mapping subdivisions were adopted: 4 for the Quaternary deposits, and 4 for the
Eocene. No Miocene deposits occur in this area. A rather detailed description of the
According to the Arabic word pronunciation, it is better to use "Abarug".
1158

formations differentiated is given in the text of the report with a compilation (Table I).
It is worth noting some considerable differences in the indicative thicknesses shown in
this table and those mentioned in the map key.
On a stratigraphical level this report introduces several new terms into the subdivisions
of the Dammam Formation (middle part): the Surface Dolomite Member and the
Simsima Chalk Member including the Red Bed. The names of the further
subdivisions are noted as those used by the Q. P.C.
At first sight, the geological maps appear quite detailed; in fact, after a confrontation
with the field, they appear essentially as photo-interpretation with consequent errors. In
particular the extension of some outcrops of the Rus Formation - whether existing or
not - is often obviously exaggerated, while some other ones, more localized, shown on
the 1/250,000 Q.P.C. map, do not appear. The Quaternary formations, excepting the
Depression muds and silts, clearly visible on air photographs, are extremely
schematized, and most part of the "Miliolite" accumulations are not shown. On a general
level, the distinction between the outcrops of Surface Dolomite and Simsima Chalk
looks quite arbitrary.
It must be remembered that these maps are only appendices to a quite detailed report
devoted to hydrogeological problems, which was more than a solid foundation for
further investigations.. Finally, it is obvious that the geologist, taking into account his
numerous responsibilities (cf. p. 4) could not achieve a complete geological survey in
the field, and, besides, he makes no secret of this fact.
3
1/500,000 map of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Like the topographical maps, these maps were published by the U.S.G.S. and diffused
internationally. Two issues concern Qatar, including the offshore islands :
-
Geologic map of the Western Persian Gulf quadrangle (USGS Misc. Geol. Invest.
map 1 208 A) by STEINEKE et al. (1958).
Geologic map of the Central Persian Gulf quadrangle (USGS Misc. Geol. Invest.
map 1 209 A) by BRAMKAMP and RAMIREZ (1961).
These maps, accompanied by a detailed key, are particularly valuable for their
comprehensive view; northern Qatar was very succinctly studied from undefined
published material, southern Qatar, was realized in much greater detail from field
surveys carried out by HARRIS, BARGER, HOLM et al. supplemented by photointerpretation.
The stratigraphical terminology used is that used in Saudi Arabia, widespread in Qatar; a
particular effort was directed to the subdivision of the Quaternary deposits, at least in the
key.
1159

THE SURFACE ROCKS OF NORTHERN QATAR
(Table I from LE GRAND-ADSCO Report (1959))
SYSTEM
NAME
THICKNESS
RECENT
Blown Sand
Sabkha
Depression muds and silts
0-50 ? feet
0-10 feet
PLEISTOCENE
Middle
Dammam
EOCENE
Lower
Rus
Umm er Rhadhuma
(concealed)
Miliolite
0-60 feet
Abaruk Bed
Abaruk Chalk
Surface Dolomite
Simsima Chalk
including Red bed
Alveolina Beds
Midra Shale
Rus Chalks (base not seen)
ca 6 feet
ca 35 feet
ca 80 feet
(0-60 feet)
ca 30 feet
0-10 feet
180 feet
(40 feet)
60 feet
(55 feet)
4 feet
(0-15 feet)
(110 feet)
Nota: The formational arrangements used for mapping are pointed out by brackets, and the thickness shown in the map
legend added between brackets.
1/250,000 map of PARSONS ENGINEERING

There is little to be written about this printed map, attached to a report (1962) devoted to
the Qatar ground-water survey, which is, as pointed out by the authors, a synthesis resulting
from the compilation of the previous maps. The stratigraphical key is essentially that of the
LEGRAND-ADSCO maps, supplemented for the southern formations by quotations from
the maps of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In this report, a 1/1,000,000 geological sketch-map is included, with a transparent paper
showing the structural lines of the "Alveolina Zone" top, the source of which is not
indicated (Q.P.C. ?).
III Tertiary stratigraphy of Qatar

1
Introduction
Knowledge of the stratigraphic setting of a study is essential and is followed by geological
mapping. This produces the comprehensive or peculiar geological information required
(definition of structural features, geological history of the country or palaeogeography,
relative location of mineralizations and beds, etc.).
Generally speaking, a geologist publishes the results of his scientific work, which serve as
basis to his successors. However, in the case of Qatar, taking into account the confidential
character of oil investigation the geological results obtained by our predecessors in the
stratigraphical fields remained unpublished.
A number of reports or map keys give the stratigraphical terminology which, after
considerable variations, appears to be stabilized, with few exceptions. It is obvious also that
most of the terms used originate from eastern Saudi Arabia, with some local exceptions
(Abarug Member and Simsima Member of the Dammam Formation).
As our research objectives were by far broader than the previous ones, the stratigraphical
tool we needed and our geological maps had to be more accurate. A systematic study of
1160

various cross-sections, showed the existence, in Qatar, of the divisions established in Saudi
Arabia, and the usual terminology was adopted. Further subdivisions or regrouping will be
required in Qatar and several new terms were introduced and others abandoned.
2
Stratigraphical Terminology
The previous geological work revealed that all deposits outcropping in the Qatar peninsula
are of the Tertiary or Quaternary age; the present investigations only confirmed this point
of view. - excluding the offshore Halul and Shra Auh islands -, and therefore the following
discussion in stratigraphical terminology will be limited to the Tertiary) formations, the
base of which, quite thick, is known only from bore-holes. The Quaternary surface deposits
will be studied separately.
Abundant fossils found were subjected only to cursory determination, which will have to be
resumed; the chrono-stratigraphical assignments quoted will have to be considered as
provisional, especially for Miocene formations.
A
Paleogene
Hasa Series or Hasa Group
This term, introduced by SANDER in 1951 in an unpublished ARAMCO report, was
first quoted in a bibliography in 1958 by OWEN and NASR.
SANDER (1962) describes: "Eocene beds (including Palaeocene) in the western
region of the Persian Gulf, are referred to as Series of Hasa, from the name of the Al
Hasa province, where they are outcropping".
The terms Bahrain Group or Bahrain Formation, formerly used by the Q.P.C.
geologists are synonymous (HENSON, 1940). They are no longer used in BAHRAIN
(WILLIS, 1967).
In SAUDI ARABIA, in QATAR and in BAHRAIN the Hasa Series is divided into
three formations, which are as follows, from the early one to the later one: the Umm
er Rhaduma, the Rus and the Dammam Formation.
(Eu)
Umm er Rhaduma Formation; early Palaeocene to Lower Eocene (partially)

This term, introduced by HENRY and BROWN (1935) in an unpublished
ARAMCO report, was first quoted in a bibliography in 1952 by STEINEKE
and BRAMKMP.
The type section is near Umm Rhadma wells (SAUDI ARABIA) but the best
reference section is exposed in Wadi al Batin (Saudi Arabia). Thickness
exceeds 200 m (from SANDER, 1962: 217; from POWERS, 1968: 243.1 m).
In QATAR, the Umm er Rhaduma Formation is known only from boreholes, but this term is used in all the reports consulted, subsequent to 1956
(SUGDEN)7. Formerly, the corresponding deposits encountered in the Q.P.C.
drillings in the Djebel Dukhan, were assigned to the "Lower part of the
Bahrain Formation" (HENSON, 1940)8 and described as Busaiyir
Formation by SUGDEN (1953)9.
Unpublished Q.P.C. reports

9
8
1161

Micro-fauna is abundant in QATAR as well as in SAUDI ARABIA, where its
determination showed the Formation base to date back to early Palaeocene,
while the top was early Eocene (Lower Eocene pars).
In QATAR, SMOUT (1954) divided it into two units: Lower Eocene on the
one hand, Paleocene on the other hand; the latter being divided into 6 zones of
local value. Lately, in SAUDI ARABIA, EL KHAYAL and ABD el MALIK
subdivided it into 9 zones. According to POWERS (1968) three main
subdivisions can be made on faunal grounds.
The two lower subdivisions are Palaeocene in age, the break between them
probably corresponding to the contact between SMOUT's Qatar Palaeocene
zones 4 and 5. These lower subdivisions correspond in part to the Ranikot of
INDIA.
The lowest of the Palaeocene faunal subdivisions contains in QATAR:
Kathina delseota SMOUT, Daviesina khativahi SMOUT, Lockartia altispira
SMOUT, Lockartia conica SMOUT, Lockartia prehaimei SMOUT,
Asterigerina dukhani SMOUT, Rotalia hensoni SMOUT, Rotalia dukhani
SMOUT.
The top of the faunal subdivision is characterized in QATAR by Miscellanea
miscella (d'ARCHIAC and HAIME) var. dukhani SMOUT, Miscellanea
meandrina (CARTER) and Operculina sp. SMOUT. The genus Miscellanea
is considered typical of this subdivision.
The upper division is Lower Eocene in age and equivalent to the Lower
Eocene of Qatar described by SMOUT (1954) and to Laki beds of INDIA; in
QATAR, it carries such species as Sakesaria cotteri DAVIES, Lockartia
tipperi (DAVIES) and Lockartia hunti OVEY var. pustulosa SMOUT.
The deposits of the Umm er Rhaduma were found only in all deep boreholes, in the Djebel Dukhan as well as in central and northern Qatar and in the
offshore area; their thickness generally exceeds 300 m. They are essentially
composed of dolomites of various hardnesses, often fractured, with bands of
chert, and marl and clay intercalations.
Er
Rus Formation: Lower Eocene

This term was introduced in 1946 by BRAMKAMP in an unpublished report
of the ARAMCO: it was first referred to in 1956 by THRALLS and HASSON.
The type-section is in and below Umm ar Ru'us (south-eastern flank of
Dammam Dome (SAUDI ARABIA); it was originally established by HENRY
and HOOVER (1934) as the type section of the Chalk zone or Chalky zone,
informal exact synonymy of the Rus Formation. Thickness is 56.4 m.
In QATAR, the Rus Formation (only the upper part of which outcrops)
constitutes the main part of the Lower Limestone Group of WILLIAMSON
and POMEYROL (1938)10, mentioned in the legend of the geological map of
10
1162

BROWN (1949): the Midra shales were included in the upper part. This
informal term is no longer used since 1956 (SUGDEN)11, as the all reports
consulted use that of Rus Formation, as well as in BAHRAIN (WILLIS,
1967).
Diagnostic fossils are not known to occur in the Rus Formation although it is
underlain and overlain by beds of provent (?) Lower Eocene age.
In SAUDI ARABIA, the Rus Formation may be divided into three
lithological units, from top to bottom:
Unit 1 Limestone, white, soft, chalky, porous, with thin beds of calcarenite
at the top.
Unit 2 Highly variable anhydrite, white, compact, finely crystalline with
interbedded green shale, or grey marl with coarsely crystalline calcite
and interbedded shale and limestone, or (typical section) light
coloured marl with local irregular bodies of crystalline gypsum, and
occasionally thin, harder limestone beds; geodal quartz is present at
several levels.
Unit 3 Gray to buff limestone, compact, commonly partly dolomitized;
minor beds of soft limestone made porous by leaching of small
organic remains. Quartz geodes, typical in uppermost beds, occur but
scarcely in lower part.
In QATAR, a reference section, where the top of the Rus Formation outcrops
over about 25 m, was surveyed, 1 km East of the Q.P.C. plants in Fhaihil, in
the Djebel Dukhan. The visible beds of a facies closely related to that of the
type locality, belong to Unit 1 in Saudi Arabia and to part of Unit 2.
The uppermost part of the Unit 1 of the Rus Formation is formed of a
granular limestone of calcarenite type, of average hardness, greyish,
sometimes with secondary dolomitization and often fossiliferous (Corbula,
Cerithidae), typical of the whole Qatar, where its thickness generally remains
rather uniform (from 0.80 to 1 m). We shall refer to as Khor Limestone bed
(it corresponds to the layer 13 of the cross-section of Fhaihil, where it is partly
dolomitized). It is particularly well exposed in Khor, on the top of the coastal
cliffs, where it was formerly extracted as building material.
The uppermost part only of the Rus Formation is known in outcrops. The
main profiles occur in the Djebel Dukhan (Fhaihil and Dukhan domes), near
Sauda Nathil (Jaub as Salamah, Hamz Sauda Nathil and Uqlat a1 Manasir),
and more restricted in the region of Khor. Elsewhere, in the depression north
of Sauda Nathil as well as in that south of Djebel Dukhan (A1 Julaah, Jaleha)
or in the collapse structures of the central part of Qatar, the uppermost part
only of the deposits are observed (Khor Limestone bed and, sometimes, the
top of the underlying soft white dolomitic limestones).
In the reference section of Fhaihil (Djebel Dukhan) about 30 m thick deposits
belonging to the Rus Formation may be observed on slopes, but the
uppermost 25 m only could be accurately described and measured (crosssection in appendix). As far as we could estimate, this section is fairly
11
1163

representative of the whole outcrops observed with few minor variations
particularly about the intensity of dolomitization and relative abundance of
silicification.
In Fhaihil, the Rus Formation occurs as more or less irregularly dolomitized
limestones, generally whitish or yellowish due to oxidation, soft, of chalky
aspect, with thin intercalations or veins of greenish to brownish clay (from a
few centimetres up to 0.50 m).
Several beds of whitish to greyish dolomitic limestone, compact, rather hard,
vesicular, often spongy or tufaceous in aspect, narrow (under 1 m), are
generally the only fossiliferous beds (Molluscs from the genus or families:
Corbula, Cardium, Hydrobia, Cerithidae ...). They form small bands
intercalated in the white soft limestones. The Khor Limestone bed, which
belongs to this type, lies at the top (0.90 m).
Towards the bottom of the section, the white soft limestones include some
quartz occurrences (cobbles, secondary quartz of saccharoidal sugar type)
which suggest gypseous pseudomorphoses. We did not observe quartz geode
occurrences in Fhaihil, but the latter are present, associated with the white soft
limestones at the basal outcrops W of Dukhan, and were penetrated by various
bore-holes (ADSCO-LE GRAND)12. Celestite nodules occur in the region of
Khor (Umm Abdah) and likewise a crystalline quartz bed with bitumen in
cavities in the upper part of the white limestones in Simsima.
From the lithological sections of eight core-drilled holes carried out by
ADSCO-LE GRAND in the northern half of Qatar, the former description
would apply to the overall deposits of the Rus Formation generally
penetrated (6 out of 8), all of them located in the NE of Qatar.
Both drill-holes in which the lithology of the Rus is sharply different from that
of the reference section and the above mentioned drill-holes, are located at the
western (ADSCO 206 between Zubara and Fhaihil) and south-eastern end
(ADSCO 208 A, SW of Doha) of the area under investigation: thick gypsum
layers were observed. Likewise, gypsum and anhydrite are reported in the
drilling report Karanah 1 (CONACO). The absence or low percentage of
gypsum or anhydrite in the Rus of northern Qatar can be correlated, on the one
hand to the anticlinal situation of the area (restricted sedimentation rate), and
on the other hand with the effects of a subsequent dissolution shown by the
abundance of the collapse structures occurring at the surface of this region.
The total thickness of the Rus deposits can only be estimated from the results
of bore-holes; using those, mentioned in the ADSCO-LE GRAND report
(1959), whose interpretation looks most reliable (particularly, the boundary
with the Umm er Rhaduma is generally doubtful), the Rus Formation
displays a minimal thickness of about 28 m in Latariyah, in a sharp anticlinal
position (Qatari Arch), and hardly more (31 m, 34 or 42 m, 44 m) in the
northern region affected by the Simsima Dome. It is clearly thicker in the W or
SE (Doha: 84 m), where the gypsum layers were observed. In the offshore
area, thickness would be some 112 m in Idd-el Shargi.
12
Unpublished hydrogeological report.
1164

Edm
Dammam Formation: Lower and Middle Eocene

This term was introduced in 1941 by BRAMKAMP in an unpublished
ARAMCO report; it was first referred to in 1956 by THRALLS and
HASSON.
The type section is along Dhahran-Al'Alah road, from where this road
intersects the rimrock northwest to the Eocene-Miocene contact: thickness is
32.5 metres.
At present, this term is used in BAHRAIN (WILLIS, 1967) and in QATAR
since 1956 (SUGDEN)13 (in all reports and maps consulted). Formerly, the
corresponding deposits had been defined by WILLIAMSON and
POMEYROL (1938)14 as Alveolina Bed, Upper Limestone Group and
Abaruk Beds.
Numerous fossils were collected and determined in the formation in SAUDI
ARABIA, in BAHRAIN (Molluscs) and in QATAR (Foraminifera); they
point to a Lower Eocene age for the lowermost basal beds, and a Middle
Eocene one for the overlying beds.
The Dammam Formation is subdivided into several members on lithological
and paleontological grounds in SAUDI ARABIA, in BAHRAIN and in
QATAR; and though succession is the same in the three countries, the
nomenclature used is generally different.
In SAUDI ARABIA, the succession is officially as follows, from top to
bottom:
Alat Member
Dammam Formation
Khobar Member
Alat Limestone
Alat marl
Khobar dolomite
Khobar marl
Alveolina limestone Member

Saila Shale Member
Midra Shale Member
The type locality for pre-Alat members lays to the south west of Umm er
Ru'us.
The Midra Shale Member is 3.0 m thick at type section; originally, it was
referred to as "Shark Tooth shale" an informal and out-dated name. In 1962
(SANDER), this term was much more comprehensive upwards than
nowadays.
Nummulites sff. lucasana (DEFRANCE) occur in the Midra Shale and are
limited to it. Nummulites globulus LEYMERIE also occur in this layer, but is
definitely known to range up into the Saila Shale.
13
14
Unpublished Q.P.C. reports.

1165

From a 1ithological point of view, the Midra shales are essentially constituted
of yellow-brown, earthy clay shale, but they often include an impure limestone
at the bottom, which is not represented everywhere.
The Nummulites quoted above, show the Midra Shales to be Lower Eocene.
The Saila Shale Member, at the type locality, consists of 3.6 m of brownish
yellow subfissile clay shale underlain by 0.6 m grey limestone. This limestone
usually contains a thin Nummulites globulus LEYMERIE which points to a
Lower Eocene age.
This subdivision seems a recent one and is not referred to in former
publications (SANDER, 1962).
The Alveolina Limestone Member, only 1.0 m thick in type section
characteristically contains very abundant Alveolina elliptica (SOWERBY) var.
flosculina SILVESTRI. According to this typical species, the Alveolina
Limestone Member would be Middle Eocene in age, but this attribution does
not seem definitely certain. In particular, SANDER (1962) classifies this
member at the top of Lower Eocene, and considers it only as the upper part of
the Midra Shales (sensu lato).
The Khobar Member is named from the town of A1 Khubar on the eastern
edge of the Dammam Dome rimrock. Characteristically, the upper part of the
unit consists of limestone or dolomite and the lower part of marl; at the type
section thicknesses are about 7.8 and 1.5 m respectively.
The Khobar marl includes abundant micro-fossils, with Nummulites
beaumonti d'ARCHIAC and HAIME, partly differing from those of the
overlying Khobar dolomite; however, the faunal break does not coincide with
the break in litholog.
The principal species of Foraminifera recorded from the Khobar member are:
Coskinolina balsilliei DAVIES, Dictyoconoides cooki (CARTER), Halkyardia
chapmani (HALKYARD), Linderina brugesi SCHLUMBERGER, Linderina
buranensis NUTTALL and BRIGHTON, and Nummulites somaliensis
NUTTALL and BRIGHTON.
According to these forms, the age of the Khobar Member is Middle Eocene.
The Alat Member [takes] its name from Al Alat well 1, where the upper part
of the member is exposed nearby, and the lower part represented by the drilled
interval from 0 down to 67 m.
Alat beds are best displayed in a low hill, latitude 2619'42" N, longitude
5003'24" E, and this section has been marked out as the type locality. Here,
the upper part of the member consists of limestone (9.0 m), the lower part of
marl (6.0 m).
The lower marl was formerly informally referred to as the Orange marl, but
1166

this name is now obsolete.
A very few poorly preserved Foraminifera were observed in the lower part of
the marls. Identification cannot be carried out below the generic level, but the
fauna appears to be much as in the underlying Khobar dolomite.
The Alat limestone, generally dolomitic limestone, contains abundant molds
and casts of Molluscs; it usually lacks Foraminifera, but occasional specimens
of a very large Dictyoconus were observed in the upper beds. Age is probably
Middle Eocene.
The terminology used for the definition of the Dammam Formation
subdivisions in BAHRAIN (WILLIS, 1967) is essentially founded upon the
important lithological changes for, in practice, no paleontological study was
carried out; we may find there some terms considered as definitely obsolete in
Saudi Arabia. The succession is as follows from top to bottom:
Dammam Formation
White Limestone Member

Orange Marl member
Brown crystalline Limestone Member
Sharks tooth Shale Member
The Sharks tooth Shale Member ranges from 9.10 to 15.20 m in thickness;
the upper part is sometimes referred to as the Alveolina zone. This member is
believed to correspond to the Midra Shale of Saudi Arabia (in the broad sense
of the old definition which included the Saila Shale Member and the
Alveolina Limestone Member).
The Brown Crystalline Limestone averages 33.50 m in thickness; it is
correlated with the Khobar Member of Saudi Arabia.
The Orange Marl Member is equivalent of the Alat Marl of Saudi Arabia;
the thickness ranges from 6.10 m up to 19.80 m; the average being
approximately 12.20 m.
The White Limestone Member ranges from 6.10 m to 62.50 m in thickness:
it is correlated with the Alat Limestone of Saudi Arabia. It includes fossils at
Jebal Hisai (near Farsiya) (PILGRIM, 1908, L.R. COX, 1936), with
Echinolampas sp., Terebellum carcassense LEYMERIE, Mytilus cleopatrae
OPPENHEIM, Spondylus radula LAMARCK, Lucina (Loripinus) pharaonis
BELLARDI, Chama calcarata LAMARCK, Corbula (Bicorbula) subexarata
d'ARCHIAC and HAIME. These species indicate a Middle Eocene age.
In QATAR, taking into account the previous unpublished terminology, and in
view of our own requirements, we subdivided the Dammam Formation as
follows, in descending order:
1167
Dammam
Formation
Upper Dammam
Subformation
(Middle Eocene)
Lower Dammam
Subformation
(Lower Eocene)
Abarug dolomitic Limestone and Marl

Member
These subdivisions and their grouping15 must still be considered as

provisional, as our palaeontological collections were studied but rapidly.
Edm1 Lower Dammam Subformation
The deposits of the Lower Dammam are represented or known throughout
Qatar with a succession comparable to that of the Fhaihil reference section,
except for the north-eastern area.
They outcrop generally fairly well and are easily observable (slopes); their
distribution is rather similar to that of the underlying Rus deposits, but
sometimes more extensive (particularly east of Karanah and NE of Umm Bab
- A1 Jubaigib, Umm a1 Adhem).
The thickness of the Lower Dammam deposits varies considerably, from 0 up
to 8-10 m. It may reach a local maximum in southern Qatar, is averaged in the
Djebel Dukhan, and is reduced to zero in north-eastern Qatar. As the known
outcrops are located in an anticlinal position, no information is available on
the thickness and nature of the deposits in synclinal position.
a) Fhaihil Velates Limestone Member
The Fhaihil Velates Limestone Member occurs in the type-locality of
Fhaihil - section surveyed 1 km east of the Q.P.C. plants - as a whitish,
crystalline, compact, hard and fossiliferous limestone: scarce
undetermined Nummulites, radioles of Echinoderms, molds and casts of
Molluscs including Pectinidae, Terebellum sp. and particularly Velates cf.
schmiedeli (CHEMNITZ) of generally small size. In the type-locality (bed
11 of the attached cross-section), its thickness reaches 1.20 m, and
remains almost constant all over Qatar (except in north-eastern region).
From a lithological point of view, the Fhaihil Velates Limestone
displays the same type as the Simsima Limestone: in outcrop, it is
generally highly recrystallized and fragmental, often showing a marked
desert patina, which will require a subsequent palaeoclimatic explanation.
The lithological features, as well as the fauna, mark a sharp difference
with the Khor Limestone bed, from the top of the underlying Rus
Formation and with the overlying Midra (and Saila) Shales.
Taking into account the outcrops, this member seems to occur all over
Qatar - except for the north-eastern region - but, quite locally, it appears
as very restricted, or even absent. It is also likely to be represented in
15
This arrangement, Upper Dammam and Lower Dammam Formation, will, in fact, be actually defined only when the age
of the Dukhan Alveolina Limestone Member and adjacent beds is definitively stated.
1168

SAUDI ARABIA, where it was not named, and may correspond to the
"impure limestone" of the bottom of the Midra Shale Member
(POWERS, 1968) and to the "grey, pyritous crystalline limestone with a
limited number of Foraminifera species", which constitutes the basal
element of the Dammam Formation (SANDER, 1962).
b) Midra (and Saila) Shales Member
The unpublished terminology used in QATAR, systematically employs
the term of Midra Shales to indicate the whole of the beds of the
Dammam Formation ranging from the underlying Rus Formation to the
overlying Alveolina Limestone. This meaning of the term Midra Shale
corresponds, in fact, to the former definition used in SAUDI ARABIA
(SANDER, 1962), and the changes brought to the latter by the
individualization of the Saila Shale Member do not appear justified,
either palaeontologically, or lithologically.
However, the continued use in Qatar of a term defined in Saudi Arabia, in
a broader sense than in this original region may result in some confusion.
Thus, the series of shales with interbedded limestones ranging from the
Fhaihil Velates limestone to the Alveolina Limestone which cannot be
divided in our opinion, will be defined here as Midra (and Saila) Shales
Member. In the reference regional section of Fhaihil, this member refers
to the beds 5 to 10, about 5 m thick, quite fossiliferous: Nummulites,
Echinoderms, Shark teeth, Molluscs including Turkostrea turkestanensis
(ROMANOVSKI).
Two limestone intercalations are worthy of note: one of them near the
bottom (bed 9), which includes Nummulites and Molluscs with Velates cf.
schmiedeli CHEMNITZ, and numerous large-sized Pycnodonte (P,
brongniarti?), the other one near the top (bed 7) with Nummulites and
Alveolines (scarce).
The Midra (and Saila) Shales are made up yellow brown to greenish
grey attapulgite shales, more or less rich in carbonates (calcite and
dolomite), displaying locally numerous lenticular phosphate intercalations
or nodules (essentially in Sauda Nathil region), and secondarily numerous
black iron oxide concretions, the preserved crystal shapes of which (cubic
lattice) show the existence of an iron sulphide (pyrite)16. The fauna
includes essentially Turkostrea turkestanensis, Shark teeth, and
ferruginous casts of Echinoderms and Molluscs.
The variations in carbonate contents result, in the extreme cases, in the
individualization of limestone (or dolomite) intercalations, which are
more or less clayey, whitish to yellowish, generally lenticular and thin,
fossiliferous (Pycnodonte, Nummulites, Alveolina); it is worth noting also
the inconstant, though frequent existence of a crystalline limestone bed,
with numerous small Nummulites cf. globulus, of quite different type
intercalated in the middle of the series.
16
This iron was extracted long ago and molten on the spot in the southern region of Dukhan, close to the sea, where small
dross deposits exist.
1169

c)

The Alveolina Limestone, or the Alveolina bed, has been long
differentiated in QATAR, where it acted as reference-level [marker] for
the oil-geologists and where it was first referred to as "the Middle
Eocene Alveolina Limestone" (SMOUT, 1954); but it was introduced by
WILLIAMSON and POMEYROL (1938) in a Q.P.C. inner report.
As a member must be strictly defined in a reference locality, we shall
select the Djebel Dukhan, where it has been formally recognized and
referred to by SMOUT. In the reference cross-section of Fhaihil, the
Dukhan Alveolina Limestone corresponds to the bed 4, which consists
in a massive, clayey white limestone, sometimes nodular, and quite
fossiliferous (Nummulites, and principally Alveolina elliptica SOWERBY
var. flosculina SILVESTRI, especially near the base), 0.60 m thick.
The Dukhan Alveolina Limestone consists of a whitish to yellowish
limestone (or dolomite) more or less clayey, irregularly rich in Alveolina
elliptica var. flosculina. This bed is fairly continuous and may sometimes
be divided into two beds by intercalated attapulgite shale. It appears to
represent in fact an upper lithological term of the Midra series,
characterized by an abundance of Alveolina.
The spread of the Dukhan Alveolina Limestone appears more restricted
than that of the lower shales in north-eastern Qatar, but it is not likely to
have been recognized in some cases, due to an intensive dolomitization
which obliterates the typical fauna.
Edm2 Upper Dammam Subformation

Contradictorily, the Upper Dammam deposits which occur over the main part
of QATAR, are probably the worst known in detail; if the bottom and top
(Abarug Member) may be easily observed in numerous places, the middle
part - the thickest one - offers no typical section worthy of note, and the
overall thickness of the Simsima Member is not known (from 30 to 50 m).
a) Simsima Dolomite and Limestone Member
The Simsima chalk Member seems to have been introduced and
succinctly defined by STEVENSON (1959) in an unpublished report:
"The fresh water supplies of Northern Qatar".
According to this report, this Member corresponds to the chalky unit
ranging from the Alveolina beds to the Surface Dolomite Member, and
is typical in the Simsima depression (15 km NW of Khor).
This report, defines, as a reference-level [marker] located near the top of
the Simsima Chalks: the Red Bed, which is a "horizon of tough
recrystallized red stained dolomite".
The Surface Dolomite Member is a term introduced also by
STEVENSON (1959), in order to define the dolomitic unit lying between
the Simsima Chalks and the basal Abarug beds. No reference-locality is
1170

quoted.
There is no continuous cross-section in whole Qatar, from the Dukhan
Alveolina Limestone to the Abarug beds, the latter being localized in the
western part of Qatar. However, the inspection of partial cross-sections in
the Abarug peninsula shows that the top of the horizon below the Abarug
beds is slightly dolomitic, when the latter occur (98% CaCO3 in the bed 7
of the reference cross-section of the Abarug beds, surveyed South of Bir
Zekrit). The lithological facies is identical with that of the Simsima
Chalks, and the fauna still includes Molluscs: Campanile sp., Terebellum
sp., Velates cf. schmiedeli CHEMNITZ of large size, Nummulites, small
Echinoderms of Scutellina type ... known from the underlying horizons.
In this way, the surface Dolomite appears to be a lithological facies
resulting from a superficial epidiagenesis of the top of the Simsima
Chalks, and therefore, has not to be kept in the nomenclature.
Without any good reference section, and in order to continue former
practice, we adopted the term Simsima Dolomite and Limestone
Member, equivalent to the Khobar Member in SAUDI ARABIA, to the
Brown Crystalline Limestone Member in BAHRAIN, and probably
wholly or partly to the Upper Limestones of BROWN's map (1949). The
Simsima Member defines all the beds of whitish to brown crystalline
limestones, with local intercalations of chert which display an irregular
dolomitization, ranging from the Dukhan Alveolina Limestone and the
Abarug dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member.
As in SAUDI ARABIA, the basis of the Simsima Dolomite and
Limestone Member is often marly and quite rich in fossils, more
particularly in Nummulites, but a secondary discrimination does not seem
justified at present for this unevenly developed, generally thin horizon. On
the contrary, we believe that a systematic palaeontological inspection of
the Foraminifera, Echinoderms and Molluscs would enable a division of
the Simsima Member into several palaeontological zones, the boundaries
of which are not likely to coincide with lithological breaks.
Finally, according to SMOUT (1954) Nummulites somaliensis NUTTALL
and BRIGHTON seems to be confined in Qatar wholly or partly to the
Simsima Member.
The Simsima Member deposits are represented throughout Qatar, except
for the localized areas over which they were eroded. They are essentially
highly recrystallized chalky limestones.
At the bottom (over a 5 m maximum thickness), they locally include
marls and even thin stringers of attapulgite shales quite rich in fossils
(Pycnodonte sp., Ampullospira sp., Gisortia sp., Alveolina and especially
Nummulites) overlain by an often reddish granular limestone. The
overlying fairly calcareous layers carry less Nummulites; on the contrary,
Echinoderms are abundant (Scutellina, Echinolampas, ...) as well as some
large Molluscs (Campanile sp.. Velates cf. schmiedeli). Further up,
1171

Echinoderms are locally abundant (western coastline of the Ras Abarug
peninsula).
Brown chert intercalations are known essentially from northern Qatar, as
well as quite irregular attapulgite red clay layers.
On the surface, these features may be observed only in the areas where the
upper part of the deposits was eroded during Plio-Quaternary times.
Elsewhere, where the old pre-Miocene surface has been exhumed, an
important breaking up may generally be observed, resulting in a pavement
composed of subangular or even rounded elements which are highly
recrystallized, silicified and unevenly dolomitized, with a stronglymarked desertic "varnish" or "patina". While silicification is apparently
superficial, more or less intensive dolomitization may be locally observed,
especially in the NE of Qatar ("Surface Dolomite") in sometimes
considerable thicknesses.
b) Abarug17 dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member
The Abaruk Beds, subdivided into Abaruk Bed (upper term) and
Abaruk Chalk (lower term), have been long used in QATAR
(WILLIAMSON and POMEYROL, 1938)18. The choice of this
subdivision and its type-locality is broadly justified when observing the
stratigraphy of Qatar, and particularly that of the synclines bordering the
Djebel Dukhan Anticline, where the typical outcrops of the Abarug
Member layers are restricted.
The cross-section of the hills of the Ras Abarug peninsula (NE of
Dukhan) is almost constant; a reference section was surveyed 3 km South
of Bir Zekrit, in the first hillock encountered W of the by-road to Bir
Zekrit after leaving the Doha-Dukhan road.
The lower term (Abarug dolomitic Marl)19, 10.40 m thick, consists
essentially of a slightly calcareous clayed dolomite, often brightly
coloured, compact at depth, but with dusty surface weathering and
nodules at the upper part.
The upper term (Abarug dolomitic Limestone)20, about 2 m thick, is a
slightly calcareous dolomite, yellowish grey to brownish, crystalline,
rather hard, with numerous moulds and casts of uneasily determinable
Molluscs: Corbula (Bicorbula) sp., Cardium, Venericardia, Chama,
Pectinidae, ... Elsewhere, the fauna is better preserved and includes rare
Echinoderms and Foraminifera.
The only variations observed in this area are related to the intensity of the
dolomitization, and to the clay contents of the lower layers. On the other
hand, in the SW of Qatar, we correlated with the Abaruk Member some
clayey, often nodulous limestones, which are whitish sometimes reddish,
17
The best translation of the Arab word seems to be "Abarug" and not "Abaruk".
Unpublished Q.P.C. report.
19
Synonymous with Abaruk Chalk.
20
Synonymous with Abaruk Bed (s.s.).
18
1172

generally without fossils, and inserted between the Eocene and Miocene;
their thickness varies considerably, ranging from 0 to 10 m.
The Abarug dolomitic Limestone and Marl Member of QATAR is
equivalent to the Alat Member of SAUDI ARABIA, and to the White
Limestone Member + Orange Marl Member of BAHRAIN.
B
Neogene
No specific term seems to have been assigned to the Series of the Neogene deposits of
eastern Arabia; as the succession is incomplete in QATAR, the term may only be
sought in SAUDI ARABIA.
The usual terminology in the Qatar peninsula is copied on that of eastern Saudi
Arabia. In this country, the ARAMCO geologists subdivided the Neogene of the
Arabian Gulf shoreline into three formations, named from the older one: Hadrukh,
Dam and Hofuf Formations; the last two only are represented in Qatar, but we
thought it was useful to divide the Dam Formation into Lower and Upper Dam
Subformations.
In the offshore Qatari area, where the depositional facies appear different, the
terminology used by the geologists of the SHELL-Qatar seems to be that defined in
IRAN, where has been recognized for long the Fars Series of Miocene age,
composed of the Lower Fars21, Middle Fars and Upper Fars. The correspondence
between such terms and those used in the Arabian peninsula will be studied.
Mh
Hadrukh Formation: Lower Miocene

This formation is only recalled here, for its detrital deposits are not known
from Qatar.
Md
Dam Formation: Middle to Upper Pliocene

This term was introduced by STEINEKE and KOCH in 1935 in an
unpublished ARAMCO report. In a formal sense, the name first appeared in a
paper by TRALLS and HASSON, in 1956.
The Dam Formation is named from Jabal a1 Lidam (SAUDI ARABIA),
where the lower part of the type-unit crops out. The lower beds of the
formation were measured on the eastern face of Jabal a1 Lidam and the upper
part at Al Umayghir. Thickness ranges about 90 m (89.80 m).
At the type locality, the base of the Dam occurs at the change from the
Hadrukh Formation sandstone below to the fossiliferous marl with
Echinocyamus above. The top is at the contact between marl and limestone
with marine fossils below, and clay, sandstone and gravel of the basal Hofuf
Formation above.
In the type cross-section, a 1 m thick reference bed, located 10 m from the
Formation basis, is likely to correspond to the "Button bed" composed of a
large number of small Echinoids, Echinocyamus sp. Another reference-bed
21
A reference cross-section of the "Lower Fars" in Qatar was formerly studied by SHAW and COX, along the flanks of the
Djebel Nagsh (in SUGDEN 1956, unpublished Q.P.C. report).
1173

"closely associated to the precedent one" is named Archaias sp. bed.
Numerous fossils were collected in the Dam Formation of Saudi Arabia
(POWERS et al. 1966), essentially Echinoderms, Molluscs, Corals, Crustacea
fragments, Foraminifera and Ostracods, about which there is no accurate
information on original levels.
The main species referred to are: Brisus Latitudinensis CLEGG,
Echinocyamus sp., Echinodiscus desori DUNCAN and SLADEN, Lovenia
elongata GRAY, Moira adamthi CLEGG, Temnopleurus persica CLEGG.
Archaias angulatus FlCHTEL and MOLL, Chlamys senatoria (GMELIN),
Clementia papyracea GRAY, Diplodonta cf. incerta (d'ARCHIAC and
HAIME), Ostrea angulata J. de C. SOWERBY, Ostrea latimarginata
VREDENBURG. Ostrea virleti DESHAYES.
On the basis of such species, and particularly Echinocyamus sp., Archaias sp.,
and Ostrea latimarginata, there is an approximate correlation with the Lower
Fars of IRAN. On this basis, the Dam Formation is assumed to be about
Middle Miocene in age (POWERS, 1968). However, according to COX
(1936), the occurrence of Ostrea latimarginata in the Lower Fars would
probably place them in Upper Burdigalian (Upper part of Lower Pliocene).
The same author (in H. St J.B. PHILBY, 1933)22 assigned to the fauna
collected by PHILBY in the Qarn Abu Wail (Qatar-Saudi Arabia border)
which includes Ostrea latimarginata, a Burdigalian-Helvetian age (LowerMiddle Miocene).
In QATAR, the region near Abu Samra, in a synclinal position, appeared to
be the best one to study in detail the Dam Formation beds: 2 complete crosssections and a partial one were surveyed in this area:
Cross-sections I and
Ibis
Cross-section II (part)
Cross-section III
eastern flank of the Hazm Mishabiyah (7.5 km E

from Abu Samra)
top of Qarn Abu Wail (8.5 km SE, of Abu Samra)
Southern flank of the massif 1.5 km N.NE of the
Qarn Abu Wail (7.5 km SE of Abu Samra)
These close cross-sections indicated the importance and rapidity of the

variations of lithological facies in the detail of the Miocene beds in a single
area; this conclusion was broadly checked throughout Qatar. Besides, several
rare beds appeared more constant, among which one at least (apart from the
Echinocyamus beds) occurs in several spots in Qatar (Echinoderm Limestone
of the Upper Dam). Finally, it was thought advisable to divide the Dam
Formation into two Subformations that could be cartographically
differentiated over the whole of Qatar.
Md1
22

This subdivision includes limestone and clay beds with marine fauna of the
basal Dam Formation. It overlies in slight unconformity the last Eocene
beds, and is limited at the top by the last limestone bed with abundant
See LAMARE (1936).
1174

Echinocyamus23 which is quite uniform and determines in all the Miocene
knolls of QATAR an important erosional platform. In the region of Abu
Samra, the thickness of this subformation is slightly less than 30 m but, in the
knolls located to the N and NE, it tends to decrease slightly, while the clayed
facies is substituted essentially by limestone ones, especially eastwards.
The fairly abundant fauna includes: Echinocyamus sp., Anomia sp., Ostrea
latimarginata VREDENBURG, Pectinidae, numerous moulds and casts of
marine Molluscs among which Clementia papyracea (GRAY), Corals, Shark
and Reptiles teeth ... Large Foraminifera associated to Bryozoa were found in
the region of Khararah, casts of Pirenella cf. plicata (BRUGUIERE) occur
rather frequently in the lower levels, particularly near Ali Bin Said.
The deposits of the Lower Dam, the overall thickness of which is always
under 30 m, are essentially localized in the south-western part of the Qatar
peninsula; they make up the basal part of the main hillocks and, generally,
entire hillocks which rise above the "old" ante-Miocene surface in this area;
they were for the main part preserved from erosion due to their synclinal
position, or thanks to collapse structures (Dahl a1 Mudhlam, Umm al
Shabrum ...) Northward, they hardly go beyond the Doha-Umm Bab road
(South of Al Jubaigib, East of Umm Bab), and eastward, the Gurain a1 Balbul
(NE of Al Khararah). Two small Miocene deposits localized in the SW [SE]
of Qatar: Las Hat islets [real name is Ishat] and near the southern end of the
Nijian, were referred, without any convincing paleontological evidence, to
this subdivision (see the chapter devoted to the Qatari Islands).
Lithologically, the comparison between both the sections surveyed in detail in
the region of Abu Samra (Appendix), shows the high variability in the
detailed composition of the different beds. On a regional scale, this
phenomenon is still further emphasized. The variability depends simply on
the complementary changes in clay and carbonate content of the different
beds: when the clayed fraction is quite high, the calcareous clays are typically
green or red, when it is low, rather soft whitish clayed limestones are
developed; all gradations may be observed between the extremes with
corresponding change in colours.
On a regional scale, the predominantly clayey beds are represented near the
Salwah Gulf; their importance gradually decreases towards the inner part of
the peninsula to end in the essentially carbonated series of the hillocks in Al
Khararah region.
The most constant beds consist of several harder, quite fossiliferous
limestones which may often be followed for considerable distances.
In contradistinction to the underlying Eocene beds, the Miocene deposits are
generally rather unweathered on the surface. Among the secondary variations,
let us note an uneven dolomitization of limestones, generally slight, and the
local development of sometimes large crystals of secondary gypsum, and that
of small plates of halite in clay cracks. Clays locally include iron-oxide
concretions probably derived from former sulphides.
23
Very rare Echinocyamus may locally occur in the upper subdivision, especially in the "Echinoderm Limestone", where they
are subordinated to a still undetermined species.
1175

Md2

This subdivision includes the entire limestone and clay beds with lagoonal
fauna, ranging from the last limestone bed with Echinocyamus of the top of
the Lower Dam Subformation, to the first beds of the Hofuf Formation,
which are generally clayey or detrital, even conglomeratic.
In the region near Abu Samra where the deposits are thickest (48 m, N.NE of
the Qarn Abu Wail) and the most marine, the contact with the Hofuf
Formation has been eroded. On the contrary, it may be easily studied in the
hillocks of the Al Qala'il and Qalat al Araej to the east, or in those of the
Raudat Abu Kudhaim to the North where the Upper Dam deposits already
display a more strongly marked lagoonal facies and a slight decrease in
thickness.
The deposits of the Abu Samra region contain still abundant marine fossils,
principally in Qarn Abu Wail (cross-section II)24 and in the next massif,
where the cross-section III was surveyed. Echinoderms are abundant in some
beds, as well as Ostrea latimarginata VREDENBURG, Chlamys senatoria
(GMELIN) and Clementia papyracea (GRAY). However, several limestones
are already peppered with casts of Clausinella persica COX, associated or not
with Hydrobiidae. These latter beds with lagoonal fauna are strongly
developed east and northward, while the beds with marine fauna become less
and less important. This change in depositional conditions is accompanied on
the one hand by a reduction of clay facies to the advantage of limestone ones,
and on the other hand to an obvious decrease in total thickness.
The deposits of the Upper Dam, still more than those of the Lower Dam, are
localized in the southwestern part of the peninsula. Highly developed in the
region near the Salwah Gulf, where their thickness may reach 50 m or so,
they are but episodically preserved on the inland hillocks, where their
thickness is generally low (a few metres).
The considerable lithological variability previously observed follows very
closely the same causes as in the Lower Dam and depends on the influence
of clay-limestone variations. Their regional distribution is the same. The
importance of the clay deposits25 in the Salwah Gulf region contrasts with
their scarcity in the inner region where however a red and green clay bed is
fairly constant in the lowermost part.
The frequent changes in depositional environment give the Upper Dam
deposits a peculiar feature which is revealed, on the one hand, by the presence
of numerous fossil-bearing, limestone beds, with low clay content and on the
other hand, by the reduced thickness of the beds; both characteristics result in
the occurrence of numerous steps and more or less marked terraces. Another
distinctive feature appears in the presence of more or less quartzose sand
intercalations in the deposits of Abu Samra region.
Halite, occurring as small plates in clays, secondary gypsum crystals that are
24
25
Note from the transcriptionist: See our note regarding cross-section II on page 2 of this transcript
A grey clay from the reference section I (layer 75) was subjected to a palynological examination, with negative results.
1176

small in clays, and on the contrary large at the limestone contact (An
Nafkhah) are locally developed. Ultimately, celestite concentrations in
various shapes, from the individualized crystal to bulky clusters, were found
in the red clay of the lowermost part of the series (Taas al Karanah massif).
MPhf
Hofuf Formation: Upper Miocene or Lower Pliocene

This term was introduced in SAUDI ARABIA by STEINEKE and KOCH
(1935) in an unpublished report of the ARAMCO. In a formal sense the name
appeared first in a paper by TRALLS and HASSON, in 1956.
The Hofuf Formation takes its name from the town of Al Hufuf, about 15
km S-SW of the type-locality. Thickness amounts [to] 95 m in [the] reference
section.
The base of the Hofuf is at the contact between the general quartz pebblebearing beds above, and the calcareous rocks of the Dam below. The top is at
the upper limit of the exposures of the A1 Hufuf area.
Four lithological units may be discerned in the reference section from top to
bottom:
4
Conglomerate
Sandstone
Limestone
Conglomerate
Grey marly conglomerate; limestone boulders in a

quartz sand matrix (9.1 m)
Alternating red and white argillaceous sandstone (48.6
m)
off-white, partly impure sandy limestone (18.2 m)
Red and white conglomerate; boulders and pebbles of
limestones in a quartz sand matrix. Greenish-grey to
red basal unit, partly sandy marl (19.1 m).
The fauna encountered is quite poor, with occasional non diagnostic fresh
water fossils including Lymnaea sp., Planorbis sp. and Chara sp. The age is
not specifically established, it may be either late Miocene or Pliocene.
In QATAR, the term of Hofuf Formation is used in some reports or maps,
generally associated with the Dam Formation. However, it is differentiated
in the American 1/500,000 maps of Saudi Arabia including Qatar.
No satisfactory cross-section liable to be used as reference was encountered
in Qatar where this formation - the last one which may be assigned to the
Tertiary with certainty - is much thinner than in the type-region, and where
the loose deposits are reworked on the surface. According to partial crosssections, the base appears to consist of sandy red or greenish clay, even of
coarse sands and sandstones, the main overlying part being composed of
pebbles of various rocks (quartz, limestones, jaspers, etc.) in a sandy matrix.
These deposits, which do not seem to exceed 10 m in thickness, appear as the
lower part of Unit 1 defined in the reference section in Saudi Arabia.
The Gurain Al Balbul, NE of Khararah, is topped by a conglomerate with
calcareous, locally fossiliferous cement, correlated with uncertainty to the
Hofuf Formation. This deposit is the only fossiliferous one encountered in
Qatar.
1177
Miocene
Age
Pliocene
Upper
Formation
Subformation
Equivalence
Hofuf
Middle
Upper
Dam
Lower
Lower
Upper
Middle
Eocene
Member
Dammam
Abarug dolomitic
Limestone and Marl
Alat
(S.A.)
Simsima Dolomite
and Limestone
Khobar
(S.A)
Alveolina
Limestone
(S.A.)
Saila Shale
(S.A.)
Midra Shale
(S.A.)
Dukhan Alveolina
Limestone
Lower
Lower
Midra (and Saila)

Shales
Fhaihil Velates
Limestone
White Limestone
(Bahrain)
Orange marl (Bahrain)
Brown crystalline
Limestone (Bahrain)
Sharks tooth
Shale (Bahrain)
Rus
Palaeocene
Upper
Middle
Umm er
Rhaduma
Lower
Possible
disconformity
Upper Cretaceous
Aruma
Stratigraphical scale of tertiary rocks in Qatar
1178

IV QUATERNARY AND SUPERFICIAL DEPOSITS IN QATAR
Quaternary and superficial deposits often in considerable thickness cover large areas of Qatar;
some of these deposits are of direct marine, some of continental origin, and a third class includes
those of marine material which underwent a continental evolution either in situ or after transport.
A
Marine deposits
Q1
Pseudoolitic and conglomeratic limestones

Various types of limestone of marine origin extend, along or close to the present
coastlines of QATAR. Poorly developed along the western coast where, with a
few exceptions (calcarenites of the Doha-Salwah road, near Ghar a1 Buraid), they
belong to the "beach-rock" type, they may constitute quite extensive accumulations
along the eastern coastline. The term of Miliolite was often used to describe them
but, in fact though Milioles are generally present, they form a quite limited fraction
of the deposit. HOUBOLT (1957), who investigated the late marine sediments of
the offshore Qatari area, describes the majority of the east coast deposits as being
made of "rounded cemented calcarenites"; they can also be classified as
pseudoolitic26 limestones. Southward (Nijian region), limestone deposits are often
coarser and include numerous more or less worn foreign boulders (conglomeratic
limestones).
The rounded calcarenites occur today in the shallow areas near the Qatar coast
(from 3.50 m to 20 m maximum); in close proximity to the coastal zones where
pseudoolitic limestones are developed, their affinity is obvious.
According to HOUBOLT (1957), the rounded calcarenite develop "in the zone
where breakers occur during strong shamal periods; the calcarenite particles thus
formed are rounded by the strong water movement to which they are exposed".
The pseudoolitic limestone deposits occur as typical outliers of an old shore-line;
they most often correspond to the old coastal bank (elongated lined up deposits,
with coarse, foreign elements, or pebbles ...) but locally, huge deposits (as on
Djebel Fuwairat, Djebel Jusasiyah, A1 Wakrah), with more homogeneous
granulometry and abundant cross-bedding, reveal their aeolian blown origin.
The occurrence of these deposits behind the coastal sebakh indicates their marine
origin and the infilling of these areas subsequent to the pseudoolitic limestone
deposition. The location of some limestone deposits in wadi mouths especially
between Doha and Khor, shows the antecedence of the continental river system
over the deposition of the limestones.
The Molluscs fauna frequently observed in the pseudoolitic or conglomeratic
limestones, is similar to the present one; they are probably comparatively recent
and certainly of Quaternary age.
From North to South, the main Quaternary deposits of the eastern coast occur in
Ras Umm Hasa - Al Ghariyah, Djebel Fuwairat, Djebel Jusasiyah, Al Wasait,
Hazm Thelib area, North of Doha, then in Balad Ibrahim and Al Wakrah, where
26
Or pseudo-oolithic.
1179

they were formerly worked for building, and finally along the western border of the
Nijian.
Qbg
Beach gravels of marine terraces

These deposits are of restricted importance in QATAR, where they lie along old
offshore bars, at generally low altitudes (below 10 m).
Made up by coarse sands and limestone or quartz pebbles, often fossiliferous - with
a Molluscs fauna similar to the present one - their thickness, hardly exceeds 2 or 3
m, and sometimes less than 0.10 m. They are known from western Qatar, where
quartz elements abound, as well as from eastern Qatar, where limestone elements
are clearly predominant.
They often overlie Quaternary marine limestones with which they are sometimes
interbedded; elsewhere, they overlap old limestones which show clear traces of seawater attrition.
They are shown on maps only when the deposit was sufficiently extensive.
Qmcs Marine calcareous sands

Sandy deposits of varied extent, principally localized along present coast-lines, but
occurring also at the edge or within the sebakh, outline areas previously covered by
the Quaternary sea.
The granulometry of the sands is generally regular (fair sorting) but often rather
fine; the mainly calcareous sand consists of quite worn elements of rounded
calcarenite type, of still identifiable shell fragments, Foraminifera, etc., and
frequent quartz grains: the latter may be locally abundant, particularly along the
western coast where they were probably redeposited from the Hofuf Formation,
and especially South of Umm Said where they probably derive by wind transport
from the Nijian dunes.
Down to various depths, close to the phreatic water-table, these deposits, carry a
fairly large amount of salt and sulphates, and gradually become similar to those
from the sebakh.
The fauna is unevenly represented but, in all cases observed, the Mollusc
association is a recent one (beaches) or similar to the present one (isolated deposits
related to sebakh). This indicates that sea-water covered until recent times the areas
now transformed sebakh, which divide Qatar from Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
Concerning the depositional environment, Molluscs associations reveal former
variations in salinity; associations with Corbicula or Corbicula and Potamides
reveal a formerly anomalous environment, probably highly saline; they occur
particularly [with] the deposits related to sebakh. Other more normal assemblages
(present Salwah Gulf), occur.
For instance, two samples of calcareous sand from the inner edge of the sabkha
extending South of the Dohat al Hussain, were subjected to micropaleontological
study by P. ANDREIEFF (BRGM): they contain quite similar microfaunas,
characterized by abundant Peneroplidae: Peneroplis plunulatus (FICHTEL and
1180

MOLL), Dendritina antillarum (d'ORBIGNY); Spirolina cf. navarroi COLOMB
CASANOVAS, all of them represented by numerous individuals.
In one of these samples, the preceding population is associated with rather frequent
Miliolidae (Quinqueloculina and Triloculina) and with ornate Ostracods (cf.
Leguminocythereis).
ANDREIEFF concludes: "Such microfaunas of Quaternary age suggest deposition
within a shallow warm water environment (sub-littoral stage), with normal or
almost normal saltness".
The thickness of the marine calcareous sands is not known but, when visible
appears fairly extensive (5-6 m, South of Doha). The age of the observable deposits
ranges from Quaternary when the Arabian Gulf knew its greatest extension and
Qatar was almost an island, up to present times.
B
Continental deposits
Qg
Gravels
Reworked gravel deposits occur in [varying extents] around the Miocene hillocks.
The composition of the pebbles shows a derivation from the Hofuf Formation;
they overlie basal Miocene or occasionally Eocene deposits. Generally then they
extend widely and often mask wholly or partly Miocene deposits (E of the Kraij, Al
Khararah hillocks); only in this latter case were they mapped. They were emplaced
by Plio-Quaternary run-off.
The matrix generally consists of eolian sand compared with recent blown sands,
and secondary gypsum is less frequent than in the Hofuf Formation.
Qsm
Depression muds and silts

Numerous depressions which dissect more or less deeply the surface [of] northern
and central Qatar, are filled by shallow (average 3 m) silts and muds deposits which
were deposited by run-off carrying alteration or weathering products from surface
rocks of neighbouring areas. They are of recent to present day age. Locally
(Khararah), it is obvious that the quite calcareous material originates from the soft
limestone beds of the basal Lower Dam but, generally, the silts and muds derive
from the Eocene with added eolian element (calcareous sands).
Two main types of depression may be differentiated in Qatar: the first consists of
shallow depressions, that are sometimes widespread and of various shapes, often
poorly defined and frequently interconnected by wadis; fairly well developed in
northern Qatar, where they are systematically infilled by silts and muds carrying
"pastures", their origin is complex and difficult to state in detail; they generally
display an original collapse nature, to which superimposed action of run-off or even
of running waters, in conjunction with eolian deflation. As in central Qatar, as far
as the South of Khararah this type of depression may be observed; they may be
much deeper, with meadows and tree vegetation the presence of which often results
in surficial sandy accumulations of eolian origin which increase in size towards the
West and South.
The second type consists of well-marked depressions with often sub vertical and
1181

continuous walls, displaying an uninterrupted stratigraphical sequence; the earlier
rocks outcrop on the bottom of the depression. Such depressions are systematically
located in anticlinal position (Djebel Dukhan and extension towards E.SE, region
of Sauda Nathil- A1 Quseirah, surroundings of Karanah, Simsima ...). The origin of
these depressions located on former reliefs of tectonic nature, can be sought in
several factors, which may be summarized as follows: the important cracking of the
hard rocks overlying the pre-Miocene surface (Dammam Formation), resulting
from tectonic stress, facilitated the penetration of run-off water, and causing of
cracks to widen and leading to the weathering of this overburden, and to its
subsequent removal by running waters and wind. The outcrops of much softer
underlying rocks - themselves fissured - caused a rapid attack by run-off water
along the joints (chemical weathering) and by wind (physical weathering and
removal). Generally, erosion was restricted by the occurrence of the Fhaihil
Velates Limestone27 or the upper beds of the Rus Formation (Khor Limestone
bed); but the latter was weathered on the more marked domes (Djebel Dukhan,
Sauda Nathil).
Some of these depressions (Simsima, E of Karanah, Al Quseirah) contain
accumulated silts and muds, but most of them are floored by rock outcrops and
eolian sand. The distribution of silts and muds is more closely related to the
geographical location of the depressions than to the type of depression.
The distinction between both types of depression is of hydrogeological interest: the
first type, of collapse origin, offers important groundwater resources, while the
second type, due to their tectonic location on the site of marked domes, are of
moderate to low interest.
C
Marine deposits subjected to continental evolution

Qsb
Sabkha deposits
Sabkha (h) (plural: sebakh) is an Arabic term for coastal and inland saline flats or
playas. It is commonly used in international terminology28.
The QATAR peninsula is bordered by coastal sebakh, the extension of which may
be considerable (Nijian, South of Umm Sad), and contains several inland sebakh
(East of Djebel Dukhan, Sauda Nathil). The southern border between Qatar and
Saudi Arabia on the one hand, Abu Dhabi on the other hand, is practically
delimited by or on the edge of important sebakh.
Almost all these areas, including the sebakh of the southern border, were until
recently covered by the sea: some are still inundated by spring-tides; the single
possible exception may be constituted by the sabkha located east of the Djebel
Dukhan, which probably formed an isolated lagoon.
Except for this latter case, the original deposits consisted essentially of generally
fossiliferous marine calcareous sand, sometimes quite fine and clayed. The partly
or untransformed deposits may still be identified locally on the periphery as well as
in isolated islets within the sebakh.
27
It is thus quite possible that the "desert" features displayed by the Fhaihil Velates Limestone in outcrop may be of
comparatively late origin (Plio-Quaternary).
28
The Arabic plural "sebakh", on the contrary is not always used, and the term "sabkhas" is frequently encountered.
1182

For various not yet clarified reasons, which can be neotectonic (slight late uplift of
Qatar), eustatic (slight lowering of sea-level) or physical (gradual isolation of the
bottom of marine gulfs, due to the constitution of sand necks by coastal stream or
wind action ... then filling up of thus formed lagoons by wind born calcareous
sands) ... considerable zones of the marine coastal zones occur within the
continental domain of Qatar.
These very flat areas characteristically contain a shallow (from 0.20 to 2 m)
phreatic water-table, with highly saline water (brine). Locally, these waters may be
directly connected with those of the marine area or of continental water-tables, but
it seems also that standing waters from tidal flooding or from run-off helps to
recharge the sediments.
Relating with the evaporation the essentially calcareous original deposits (calcite
and aragonite) gradually changed into dolomite and gypsum; secondarily,
anhydrite, or even celestite was formed. Salt (halite) is generally abundant and
locally forms a thin surface crust (from 0.05 up to 0.50 cm).
No accurate data are available on the thickness of sabkha deposits in Qatar; they
are quite recent, for they are younger than the marine calcareous sands, which carry
a fauna rather similar to the present one; they are, in part, older than the dune sands
which overlie them in the southern half of Qatar.
Qes
Eolian sands
Numerous sand deposits, of eolian origin, of various shapes and positions, occur in
QATAR mainly in the southern half, and secondarily along the north-eastern
coastline. These sands overlie all former deposits including the most recent ones
and, are still not stationary. As a general rule, the prevailing wind, the shamal,
blows from N.NW or NW through the peninsula, and the sandy deposits on the
whole, overlie, on both ends of the peninsula, two belts of unequal size, trending
NW-SE.
The SW belt is practically limited to the NE to an Al Wukair - Dohat Faishakh axis.
Sand deposits are unevenly developed; the main ones are localized along the
western coastline from Dukhan to Abu Samra, SE of Abu Samra, in the
neighbouring region on both sides of Sauda Nathil, and along the eastern coastline
South of Umm Sad (Nijian Qatar). Within the area, the deposits are more
localized.
Four main deposit types may be discerned:
-
Surface sands in uneven and quite thin sheets; each stone, each bush gives rise
to a small accumulation. This type of deposit has never been mapped.
Sand clusters, of no definite shape, located in depressions; the importance of
these deposits varies as the natural barriers. The main ones may be observed in
very marked depressions, or in those with tree vegetation.
Dunes of barkane type, with the apex of the crescent pointing at slightly
different angles from N.NW to W, which is the shamal direction. From the apex
two, frequently unequal, arms lie parallel to the wind trend.
1183

Such typical dunes are quite numerous to the SE, between Hazm Berich and the
dune field of the Nijian, and to the south between the Tuwar a1 Huraiki and
Sauda Nathil, and isolated elsewhere (Taas al Karanah, Taas a1 Darb ...).
Dune fields and broad deposits encountered to the south east of Abu Samra,
along the southern border, and south of Umm Sad (Nijian). Typical dunes of
barkane type constitute these dune fields, but such is their association that the
shapes are no longer discernible.
In the north-east belt, which extends along the shoreline from Fuwairat to Khor,
mainly developed in the Ras Laffan protuberance, the sands show no well
discernible specific shapes.
With the exception of the NE deposits which are essentially calcareous and similar
in constitution to the marine calcareous sands of the shoreline and marine
pseudoolitic limestones to which they are related, the eolian sands of Qatar are of
silico-calcareous type. The grains are worn, rounded and dull, with rather constant
granulometry. The origin of the material is without doubt, from the variation in
constitution of the deposits, from the western coast towards Qatar inland; the eolian
sands derive from the coastal marine sands which are periodically reworked when
the shamal blows. The dry material is removed and rapidly reworked by repeated
impact on the outcrops which undergo themselves deflation (erosion, NW-SE
trending striae). Small calcareous or siliceous splinters from these outcrops are
also swept away and reworked. Apart from the rather infrequent sand storms, sand
grains advance in successive leaps, following essentially favourable trends which
lead them to pre-existing accumulations, where they temporarily take the place of
preceding ones, as this accumulation is swept along towards another.
Under natural conditions, there are standing sands which exchange part of their
material: and others which are not fixed; the first are essentially formed by surface
sand deposits gathered in marked depressions, or around vegetation (according to
the perenniality of the latter), and by dune fields. The second type consists
essentially of isolated dunes which move the quicker, the smaller they are29.
Indeed, on the scale of a human life, the movement of the small dunes may
sometimes be observed but, generally, it is limited by the disappearance of these
small dunes which move to coalesce with the wider ones of the dune fields. An
important natural barrier will fix permanently sands of the first type.
Owing to the trend of prevailing wind, a large part of the eolian sands which cross
the Qatar peninsula converges on Nijian Qatar, hence on the Arabian Gulf, this
explains the high quartz content of the marine coastal sands of the region south of
Umm Sad; this is also true for the sands of the NE belt, which end on the Arabian
Gulf; those originating in the southern part of the Salwah Gulf finally join the
Rub'al Khali.
V
MAJOR SURFACE STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF QATAR

1
Main structural features

Within a general geological framework including the neighbouring inland and offshore
regions, the peninsula of Qatar immediately appears as an elliptic-shaped giant anticline,
29
There is permanent moisture within the dunes, at quite a shallow depth; such moisture ensures, in fact, the cohesiveness of
grains within the dune, and the movements may take place only on the dune surface.
1184

with N-S main axis, outlined by outcrops of Eocene rocks, essentially without their more
recent cover - particularly Miocene.
A more attentive examination, within a more restricted framework, bears out such
interpretation in its whole, but permits the assertion that this important gently warped
structure is not a simple one and particularly, that it is limited to the west by a long and
narrow well-marked fold, corresponding to the Djebel Dukhan, outlined by the high
outcrop of Lower Eocene rocks (Rus Formation).
In the detail, notwithstanding the lack of systematic levelling, the Qatari broad arch is
comparatively regular; culminating in the central part of Qatar, but it is probably
complicated by secondary anticlinal structures, with NW-SE main axis to the NE (Simsima
Dome), and to the SW (Karanah Dome).
The Djebel Dukhan anticline also is not a simple one: it appears to be constituted by several
quite extensive arches, the most marked of which, that of Jaleha, is relayed to the north by
the Fhaihil and Dukhan Domes, and to the S.SE by those of Qalat a1 Darb and Sauda
Nathil.
To the west, the Djebel Dukhan anticline is bordered by the large Salwah syncline, infilled
with thick Miocene deposits and occupied to a large degree, by the Gulf of Salwah; to the
East, it is divided from the Qatari arch by a narrow syncline, from Bir Zekrit to the Taas el
Karanah, occupied to the north by the large sabkha of Dukhan, and to the south by gently
rising Miocene deposits (Bir Zekrit syncline).
2
Tectonic style
The tectonic style of the Qatar peninsula is essentially gentle and quite soft; in particular,
the maximum dips recorded do not exceed 4 along the eastern side of the Djebel Dukhan
anticline (Dome of Fhaihil).
No fault, with the least throw, could be observed on the surface. However, it is quite
possible that the Djebel Dukhan anticline may be locally faulted at depth, as believed by
HENSON (1951, p. 133), who points out a fault with a 70 foot throw there; which is also
disputed by LEES (in HENSON 1951, p. 130).
As will be seen in the following section, the Qatari Arch appeared during the Tertiary but it
is perhaps only a new start of an old tectonic accident.
During Tertiary, the first slight uplift took place at the boundary Lower Eocene - Middle
Eocene, then again at the end of Middle Eocene. During the Upper Eocene-Oligocene
period, without further precision, the Qatari Arch became sharply individualized. The
upward motion, interrupted during Lower Miocene, resumed at first slightly, then increased
towards a maximum during Upper Miocene - Pliocene, a period during which the Djebel
Dukhan anticline became sharply individualized. Quaternary neo-tectonics, of low
amplitude, is also likely.
Despite often inaccurate dating, of the uplift stages, it appears clear that they are essentially
Pyrenean and principally Alpine ones which resulted in the formation of the Qatari Arch.
1185
Major surface structural features of Qatar
1186

3
Collapse structures
The above section concerns the main structures, the tectonic origin of which was
demonstrated especially through oil investigation drill-holes and geophysics. On a local
scale, in the field, the superimposition of a second phenomenon can be seen, which results
in the formation of numerous structures, a priori anomalous, of varied importance, ranging
from one hundred metres to about ten kilometres, with unexpected shapes from linear to
circular.
The dips may be high locally reaching 30 or so, but generally ranging from about 5 to 10.
Strikes are quite varied, and related to the shape of the "structures" which display negative
("synclinal") amplitudes. This characteristic allows them to be considered as collapse
structures resulting from solution of salt or evaporites at depth.
They affect the pre-Miocene "surface", of which most of the depressions and escarpments
(Umm Taqah, Al Ussainiyah, etc.), result from such phenomenon. The Miocene also is
strongly affected, particularly on the margins of the main massifs, and also within several,
such as the Djebel An Nafkhah, SW of Karanah. In central and southern Qatar, a number of
Miocene deposits have been preserved thanks to this phenomenon which also facilitated
Plio-Quaternary erosion.
The collapse structures are quite certainly past-Miocene, and therefore, are of PlioQuaternary age. No depressions affecting the "ancient" surface of the Eocene deposits,
"infilled" with Miocene deposits were seen: on the contrary, in general, Miocene deposits
(including upper gravels), of normal thickness, are preserved in the depressions (for
instance, in Dahl a1 Mudhlam, where the phenomenon is especially obvious).
STOCKLIN (1968, fig. 5) expresses the hypothesis that the basis of Miocene included
evaporites in Qatar but, in fact, with a few exceptions of limited thickness (2-3 m max.),
evaporites were not observed on these horizons and the eventual dissolution of such
evaporites does not explain why Middle Eocene must be concerned: on the contrary, the
partial and localized dissolution of Lower Eocene gypsum and anhydrites is likely to have
caused the superficial collapse structures30.
30
The local non-recognition of such phenomenon results in a number of errors shown on previous maps. Collapse depressions
are of utmost importance for hydrogeological investigation in Middle Eocene.
1187

VI PALEOGEOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF QATAR DURING TERTIARY TIMES
1
Palaeocene, Lower and Middle Eocene

At the end of Cretaceous (Aruma Formation), QATAR belonged to the maritime area
which clearly extended westward, covering principally the Saudi province of A1 Hasa. In
QATAR, accurately dated marine Maestrichtian known from drill-holes (SMOUT, 1954),
is overlain by the marine deposits of the bottom of the Umm er Rhaduma Formation, of
which the fauna, typical of warm shallow waters, shows it to be of Lower Tertiary
(Palaeocene); however, according to SMOUT (1954), there is "an abrupt faunal nonsequence with no intervening beds" between Cretaceous and Tertiary of Qatar. In SAUDI
ARABIA, "the Aruma is everywhere overlain by the Umm er Radhuma Formation, and
the contact has for many years been considered conformable and gradational, but there is
some subsurface paleontologic evidence that, at least locally, a disconformity separates the
two. Some paleontologists have suggested that the context over all SAUDI ARABIA
represents a disconformity - or more accurately a paraconformity - (contact is a simple
bedding plane)" (POWERS et al. 1966). However, these authors conclude; "The mechanics
of formation of a paraconformity of such magnitude and regularity is difficult to imagine".
SANDER (1962), on seeing a microfauna sequence comparable with that observed by
SMOUT in Qatar, admits some conformity between both formations, while pointing out the
lack of typical Danian forms in SAUDI ARABIA. Recently, however, the typical
planktonic foraminiferal Danian assemblages were discovered at the bottom of the Hiber
Formation in northern Saudi Arabia (EL KHAYAL and ABD el MALIK, 1968). The same
authors date the basis of the Umm el Rhaduma Formation from Early Palaeocene without
further precision.
The history of QATAR, at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary is not yet thoroughly
clarified. Study of outcrops in SAUDI ARABIA did not allow the problem of continuity to
be solved; the micro-paleontologic materials studied by the oil geologists from drill-holes
are inconclusive: however, it is probable that a systematic micropaleontological study of
material sampled in various structural positions would enable to determine whether or not a
gap exists at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary.
The micropaleontological investigations in QATAR (SMOUT, 1954), as well as in SAUDI
ARABIA (SANDER, 1962) show a gradual evolution of the fauna in the Umm er
Rhaduma, where a number of micropaleontological zones could be differentiated. In the
upper part of the Formation, the lithology of which is to be compared with that of the
underlying beds, a Lower Eocene microfauna exists, the elements of which persist up to the
top of the Formation.
Such regular faunistic evolution displays the persistence of the warm shallow marine
environment, without any important fluctuations, over Qatar and eastern Saudi Arabia from
Early Palaeocene to Early Eocene.
The passage from the marine limestone of the Umm er Rhaduma to those of the overlying
Rus Formation, is generally abrupt. In QATAR, where it is only known from drill-holes,
and in SAUDI ARABIA, it is characterized by the complete disappearance of the previous
marine fauna and by the change in the lithological facies. In SAUDI ARABIA, the Rus
basal limestones include, at certain levels, fragments of plants, and at others, numerous
casts of small Pelecypods and Gastropods; these are considered by SANDER 1962, as
evidence of shallow marine environment. These limestones are overlain by an intermediate
1188

zone of variable thickness and lithology which, in SAUDI ARABIA, is constituted of
anhydrites with subordinate green clays of wide extent and, locally, of grey marl or nonfossiliferous limestone. This horizon is likely to be associated with the important gypsum
deposits discovered in several drill-holes in QATAR (Le Grand-Adsco, 1959)31.
The upper part of the Rus Formation, the top of which outcrops in QATAR, comprises of
soft white limestones, with intercalated harder fossiliferous layers, with small casts of
Molluscs, evidence of a fairly shallow marine environment, with anomalous salinity.
Very scarce information is available on the variations of thickness of the Rus in QATAR,
but it is obviously, as in SAUDI ARABIA, fairly important; in northern Qatar, the minimal
thicknesses are observed in anticlinal position, while the maxima, which correspond to the
development of gypsum deposits, occur along the sides of the structures. These differences
in thickness result perhaps partly from dissolution of the evaporites on the structures, of
which numerous examples are known, but more probably, from synchronous differentiated
epirogenic movements.
This depositional succession may be explained as the result of the gradual closing of the
former marine basin, resulting in its restriction and isolation, which reached it during the
deposition of the intermediate beds; a gradual reopening of the confined basin to outside
marine influences followed. It is possible, if not probable, that the temporary isolation of
the basin may have a remote tectonic origin, the consequences of which should be felt
locally, particularly in the NE of Qatar, where the series looks abnormally reduced; equally,
the synclinal zones could have been affected by the subsidence.
The top of the Rus Formation of quite typical granular, even oolithic limestone, known
also in SAUDI ARABIA, is followed by fossiliferous unit of attapulgitic shales, with
intercalation of more or less phosphatic chalky limestone of the Lower Dammam
Formation.
The fauna of these beds, quite varied, indicate a complete return towards normal marine
conditions in shallow warm water environment with shallows (phosphate nodules), and
locally reducing environment (pyrite). It indicates a Lower Eocene age, which consequently
dates the Rus Formation deposits.
The Lower Dammam Formation shows considerable variations in thickness in QATAR;
they are especially reduced or absent in the NE of Qatar in an anticlinal position, which
would indicate that this area was emerging or formed shallows at this time.
At the base of Middle Eocene the warm still shallow sea extended its area, depositing thick
fossiliferous chalky or clayey limestones of the basal Upper Dammam Formation, in
continuity with the previous deposits where they occur, or directly on the upper layer of the
Rus Formation in the NE of Qatar.
The upper beds of the Upper Dammam Formation (Abarug Member), which are known
in outcrop only in the synclines of western Qatar, are lithologically distinct from the
underlying chalky limestones. Highly dolomitized, they are only characterized
palaeontologically on the top, where a fauna of Molluscs and scanty Echinoderms indicates
a quite shallow warm, marine environment, dating back from Middle Eocene.
31
Unpublished hydrogeological report.
1189

These deposits, fairly distinct in QATAR, but extending into SAUDI ARABIA and
BAHRAIN, are the last witnesses of an Eocene sea which covered the whole region, or is
presumed to have done so for there is no evidence that QATAR was still flooded at that
time.
2
Upper Eocene and Oligocene

Consecutively with the regression of the Eocene sea, which must have been comparatively
rapid, the entire region remained emerged. It remained so from the end of Middle Eocene,
to the Upper Eocene, the entire Oligocene and to various levels of the basal Miocene.
During this period32, the Arabian continent underwent tectonic stresses but the fairly stable
region of the Arabian Gulf was only slightly folded.
The climate was very arid, and important surface epidiagenesis caused recrystallisation and
dolomitization (?) of the limestones with formation of a desert "varnish" (silica and iron).
On the contrary, erosion is in general quite small and more marked, however, over the
anticline domes. In QATAR, it is essentially during this period that the cover of Abarug
dolomitic limestone must have disappeared (if ever it did exist) and particularly, that the
pre-Miocene surface was formed, with highly recrystallized, dolomitized and generally
very shattered limestones which are observed today - this old "surface" disappears below
Miocene deposits. However, some emphasizing of its features was likely to take place
during Plio-Quaternary and is still in progress.
Miocene
During Lower Miocene, the sea returned to the Arabian Gulf, the western shore of which
underwent some variations.
The first Miocene deposits, essentially detrital (Hadrukh Formation) known from SAUDI
ARABIA, do not seem to occur in QATAR which therefore was higher than the adjacent
areas.
As the Miocene marine transgression was developing, a coastal belt of eastern Arabia, up to
100 km wide, was invaded by the sea.
The whole or part of QATAR was flooded. The quite fossiliferous Lower Dam Formation
shows a normal marine environment, with quite shallow warm water.
Sedimentation appears fairly rhythmical with repeated sequences of calcareous clays,
clayed limestone, and shelly limestones, in subsiding areas which correspond to synclinal
areas; on the contrary it is essentially calcareous and of more restricted thickness along the
sides of the Qatari arch, where the marine environment was much shallower at least less
than in the Salwah syncline, for example.
The end of this period (Upper Dam Formation) shows clearly regressive features and
indicates a temporary confinement of Qatar: the still quite thick deposits were laid down in
the synclinal areas where sandy intercalations occur; they are extremely narrow along the
sides of the Qatari Arch. At the same time, the marine fauna of the previous deposits gives
way to assemblages typical of anomalous saltness; however, several beds with normal
epicontinental marine fauna, essentially localized in the subsiding synclinal areas, show
that normal marine conditions reoccurred, occasionally.
32
Ranging about from 20 up to 25 million years.
1190

The Qatari Arch was a region of shallows in the Miocene sea of the Dam Formation and it
probably was above sea level towards the end (Upper Dam).
The Hofuf Formation overlies in apparent local continuity, but in regional unconformity,
the Upper Dam Subformation: it is a very different series and is varyingly well
developed. The Hofuf Formation is a continental deposit, with red gypseous clays, sands,
sandstones and especially conglomerates with large pebbles. In SAUDI ARABIA, this
series is well developed and continues upwards into limestones, clayed sandstones and
conglomerates: only the basal beds are present in QATAR. The elements of the
conglomerates are essentially or totally of Saudi Arabian origin. From POWERS et al.
(1966): "Apparently at the end of the Dam time, there was a general tilting of the Arabian
foreland and a rapid erosion of the interior region which furnished the-gravel incorporated
in the Hofuf".
It is quite possible that the first tectonic movements took place during the Upper Dam and
caused periodic temporary closure of the basin.
4
Pliocene and Quaternary

Following the massive deposition of the conglomerates the Qatar peninsula probably
emerged totally or nearly totally. This may have been caused by the complete infilling of
the shallow basin or may have been due to tectonic movements. The emersion is difficult
to date with precision, but must have taken place towards the Miocene-Pliocene boundary.
During the Pliocene, all QATAR and the Arabian Gulf were emerged.
The continental epidiagenetic factors seem to have been of less importance during this
period33, which continues today, than at the end of Eocene and during the Oligocene;
Miocene rocks superficially display an initial recrystallization and a light secondary
dolomitization. On the contrary, erosion was intense, following the uplift of the Qatari
Arch, of tectonic origin, and to the marked individualization of the Djebel Dukhan
anticline; moreover, it must have been peculiarly helped by the settling of the collapse
structures.
The restricted importance of the epidiagenetic factors associated with the importance of the
Miocene erosion, indicates that the climate was less arid, and especially that the rainfall
was higher than in previous periods and than at present.
The importance of rainfall is also indirectly shown by the occurrence of collapse structures,
affecting the Eocene surficial deposits as well as the Miocene ones. Indeed, they result
probably from the localized differential solution of the Rus Formation gypsum and
anhydrite.
During an undetermined period of Early Quaternary, the sea resumed possession of the
Arabian Gulf, along shore lines close to the present ones; however, a number of areas
continental today, were then flooded, especially Nijian Qatar as well as the sebakh of the
southern Qatar: the latter was then almost isolated from the Arabian Peninsula, and was
only recently joined to it.
33
Shorter than the previous one (about 10 m.y.).
1191

Age
Formation
Principal events
Time
Quaternary
2.5 my
Surficial deposits
10 my
Hofuf
Upper
Miocene
Middle
Brackish
Evaporitic
Isolation of Qatar
Qatari dome uplift and

individualization of Djebel Dukhan
anticline
Complete Emergence
Orogenic movements in Western
Arabia Qatari Dome uplift
Pliocene
Upper
Domain
Marine
Very
shallow
shallow
Dam
Tendency to basin isolation

Shoal in NE
Lower
Lower
26 my
(Hadrukh)
First marine invasion (not known in

Qatar)
Oligocene
37 my
Qatari Dome uplift
Upper
Complete emergence
Upper
Middle
Eocene
Dammam
Lower
Shoal in NE
Rus
Basin isolation
Lower
Umm er Radhuma
Paleocene
65 my
Possible disconformity
Maestrichtian
Cretaceous
Aruma
Schematic table summarizing the Qatar Tertiary History

my : million years
1192
Continental
SHORT GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF

THE OFFSHORE ISLANDS OF QATAR
In addition to the islands of the coastal area, three offshore islands of Qatar were visited :
-
Halul
Shra Auh
Las Hat islets [the real name is Ishat islands]
Lacking topographical documents34 , it was not possible to map these islands geologically. Apart
from some Quaternary deposits, only one geological formation was observed in each island.
However, the rocks are quite varied, and a number of the systematic samples collected, were studied
or analysed.
The origins of these islands are different. The Las Hat [Ishat] islets, with their horizontal Miocene
sedimentary deposits, are probably only emerged hills; the northward extension of the Djebel a1
Odeid. The islands of Halul and Shra Auh may be interpreted as piercing domes of deep salt diapir
origin, of the Hormuz plug type.
The age of the Hormuz Formation deposits [gave use to] much discussion but, at present, it has
been shown, in Iran as well as in southern Arabia, that they are pre-Middle Cambrian, i.e. either
Lower Cambrian, or infra-Cambrian in age (STOCKLIN, 1968).
No further element resulting from the study of Halul and Shra Auh sediments enables us to criticize
such [dating] therefore we shall accept it as an unverifiable pre-established datum.
1
Halul Island
The Halul island located about 90 km east of Khor, covers 1.48 km2. Its relief is comparatively
marked and reaches its highest point at 52.8 m (light-house hill). The Shell Qatar plants occupy
the south-east part of the island, which has been inhabited permanently since 1965.
PILGRIM (1908, p. 140 - 141) published a geological description of the island35.
As a matter of fact, the interest of this description is both historical, and general, allowing the
major units to be located.
The Quaternary deposits of the island, though comparatively restricted in extension, consist
essentially of the marine calcareous sands of the beaches (SE and W of the island), more or less
spread out by the wind towards the SW where the sandy surface is uneven due to numerous
hillocks.
Sometimes, raised marine limestones may be observed in the south-east of the Government
Reserve, where elements of reef origin are quite abundant, and to the west where they are
observed as thin and discontinuous layers up to more than 10 m above present sea-level and
essentially belong to the pseudoolitic limestones type.
34
35
A 1/2,000 map of Halul island, was discovered later.

This old publication, the only one giving an accurate geological description of a part of the Qatari territory.
1193

Yellow brown gypseous deposits, of surficial type, occur locally on the hill terraces or slight
slopes. A sample analysis (H 9/3) revealed a CaSO4 content amounting 53.60 %.
In addition to the surficial Quaternary deposits, the island structure consists of varied rocks
assigned to the Hormuz Formation, which outcrop in a number of small cliffs around the
island. They are difficult to study in the island itself where surface weathering, screes and
Quaternary deposits frequently mask the rocks in situ and their relationships.
The deposits of the Hormuz Formation appear highly disordered, cut by faults and fractures,
with numerous breccias and breccia fill, the dips of the hard beds (dolomites) vary but are
generally quite steep and near to vertical. The rocks are mainly of sedimentary origin, but also,
numerous volcanic intrusions of andesitic types as well as localized deposits of hydrothermal
origin may be observed.
II
Shra Auh
The island of Shra Auh, some 63 kms east of the Ras a1 Alaj (N of Umm Said) extends over
about 1 km2, with an elongated shape; on the whole low-lying it shows a few rock outcrops, the
highest of which reaches some 12 m above sea-level. It is not inhabited but harbours numerous
birds.
No former geological description is known. The main part of the island is overlain by
Quaternary marine calcareous sands, reworked by the wind and forming locally small dunes.
At both ends, and in its central part, the island displays some relief due to the outcrops of the
Hormuz Formation, essentially made up here by dipping beds of carbonate rocks, less
fractured than in Halul. The breccia deposits, joint infill and evaporites are of minor
importance as are the rhyolite-type volcanics. In the north-east, a fair iron mineralization
(hematite) was discovered in carbonate rocks at sea-level, probably related to the rhyolitic
intrusions.
III Las Hat [Ishat] islets

These islets, 17 km E-E.SE of the Umm Said oil terminal jetty are about 10 km distant from the
eastern coast of Qatar. They are shown on sheet n 3 of the 1/100,000 map. Very low, they
hardly reach 8 m above sea-level. The area of the main island does not exceed 7 or 8 hectares.
In addition to the marine calcareous sands of the beaches, they consist in horizontal sediments
of Miocene age.
1194

The thickest section was surveyed and sampled. From top to bottom:
Dolomitic (?) clayed limestone, whitish with yellow lineation, rather soft,
compact, as 0.01 to 0.08 m-thick narrow beds ; no fossils observed; slight
Yellowish white clayed limestone, rather compact, including calcareous
lumps and pebbles of various sizes some of which are fossiliferous
L2
(Cardium), from underlying beds ; no fossils observed in the clayey
limestone; strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
White clayed vesicular limestone, quite soft, with some pebbles and
L 3 numerous Mollusc casts edged by iron oxides Pelecypods, Gastropods with
small Cerithidae; moderate reaction with HCl (15 %)
L 4 Yellowish marl; strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
L 5 Fossiliferous yellowish marl; light reaction with HCl (15 %)
Clayed limestone, yellowish grey, slightly greenish, compact with brownish
L6
limestone nodules; scarce fossils (Cardium); strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
Brownish dolomitic (?) limestone, rather compact, quite fossiliferous:
L 7 numerous Cardium associated with small Pelecypods and few Gastropods;
light reaction with HCl (15 %)
Whitish dolomitic (?) limestone fine grained hard, granular several Cardium
L8
casts; slight reaction with HCl (15 %)
Greyish white dolomitic (?) limestone, thinly bedded; no fossils observed;
L9
slight reaction with HCl (15 %)
Clayey limestone, whitish slightly yellowish, soft, granular, of nodular aspect;
L 10
numerous small fossil fragments; quite strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
L1
L 11
L 12
L 13
L 14
L 15
L 16
L 17
L 18
0.35 m
About
0.50 m
From
0.15 to
0.20 m
0.10 m
Not
mentioned
1.10 m
From
0.25 to
0.30 m
0.05 m
0.05 m
Max.
0.15 m
From 0
Dolomitic (?) limestone, lenses, comparable to L 9; Pelecypods casts,
to
including Cardium on upper face; slight reaction with HCl (15%)
0.02 m
Whitish clayed limestone, granular, compact, of uneven hardness resulting in
a jagged aspect when weathered, fossiliferous: Molluscs casts, essentially
2.30 m
Pelecypods with Cardium; four samples a, b, c, d, from top to bottom; strong
Hard whitish limestone, with fine mass: rare casts of Cardium; moderate
0.15 m
Limestone pinkish-white, edged with yellow in the cracks, as slabs, quite
hard, with conchoidal fractures, splintery breakage, algae casts in the upper 0.07 m
part ; strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
Yellowish grey calcareous (?) dolomite (L 15a), quite hard with several
Pelecypod casts including Cardium ; very slight reaction with HCl (15%) ;
0.15 m
grading laterally into soft whitish clayey limestone (L 15b) ; strong reaction
with HCl (15%)
Yellowish limestone, crystalline, granular, strongly perforated to vesicular,
1.05 m
compact, hard; moderate reaction with HCl (15 %)
Yellowish limestone, rather soft, numerous casts of Pelecypods including
0.70 m
Cardium; strong reaction with HCl (15%)
White clayed limestone, rather soft, compact, fossiliferous (Pelecypods),
Not
mentioned
forming the last accessible layer; strong reaction with HCl (15 %)
The accurate dating of the series encountered in Las Hat [Ishat] is not directly possible, as no
1195

typical fossil was found. The whole unit seems to correspond to old calcareous muds deposited
in a quite shallow (abundance of Pelecypods and particularly Cardium) marine environment.
Owing to the evolutive conditions of sediments, a pre-Miocene age must be excluded; these
deposits may be compared to those of the hillocks encountered to the south of the Nijian Qatar,
the Miocene age of which seems to be established with regard to the Djebel al Odeid. A
detailed study of this massif would probably allow the Las Hat [Ishat] deposits to be correlated
with the Miocene series ; however, Djebel al Odeid lies in Abu Dhabi [now reported to be
within Qatar even though it was within Saudi Arabia for a long time] territory and was not
surveyed. As a first estimate, owing to their marine nature, the deposits of Las Hat [Ishat] were
related to the Lower Dam Formation.
1196
REFERENCES
(Only published papers are mentioned below)
ANONYMOUS (1950)
Development of the Dukhan field, Qatar. Petrol. Engineer USA, 22, n 5 pp. B37 - B 42
ANONYMOUS (1968)
Qatar 1968. Qatar Government Publication. V + 96pp.
BRUDERER W (1960)
Le Bassin ptrolier du Golfe Persique. 4me Congrs Nat. Ptrole, Deauville, juin 1960 pp. 7-28
CLEGG E.L.G. (1933)
Echinoidea from the Persian Gulf. Paleont. Indica Calcutta (n . s.), XXII, mem. n 1, 35 pp.
COX L. R. (1936)
Fossil Molluscas from southern Persia (Iran) and Bahrein Islands. Paleont. Indica (n.s.) XXII mem. n2,
69 pp.
DE GROOT K. (1969)
The chemistry of submarine cement formation at Dohat Hussain in the Persian Gulf. Sedimentology 12
(1/2) pp. 63-68.
ELDER S. and GRIEVES K.F.C. (1965)
Abu Dhabi marine areas geology. 1er Congrs Intern. "Le Ptrole et la mer". Section 1, n 127. La
Revue Ptrolire n 1073 (juin 1965), 8 pp.
EL KHAYAL and ABD EL MALIK (1968)
Planktonic and larger Foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Paleocene to Early Middle Eocene of Saudi
Arabia (abstract). Geol. Soc. Am. Program annual meetings in Mexico City. Mexico, p. 89
EVANS G. (1965)
The recent sedimentary facies of the Persian Gulf region. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. 259, n 1099, pp. 291-298
HENSON F. R.S. (1948)
Larger imperforate Foraminifera of South West Asia, families Lituolidae, Orbitolinidae and
Meandropsinidae. British Museum (Nat . Hist.) London XI, 127 pp.
HENSON F. R.S. (1951)
Observations on the geology and petroleum occurrences of the Middle East (with discussion). Third
World Petroleum Congr. The Hague, Proceed. section 1, pp. 118-140
HOUBOLT J.J.H.C. (1957)
Surface sediments of the Persian Gulf near the Qatar Peninsula. Thesis Leiden Monton and Co. Den Haag
Editor, 113 pp.
JOHNSTONE T.M. and WILKINSON J.C. (1960)
Some geographical aspects of Qatar. The Geogr. Jnl. 126, pp. 442-450
LAMARE P. (1936)
Structure gologique de l'Arabie. Paris et Lige Librairie Polytechnique Ch. Beranger, 64 pp.
LEES G.M. (1951)
Discussion (see, HENSON F.R.S. 1951).
MEIGS P. (1966)
Geography of Coastal deserts. Arid zone res. XXVIII, UNESCO pp. 47-48
MELAMID A. (1953)
Political geography of Trucial Oman and Qatar. Geogr. Rev. vol. 43, pp. 194-206
PILGRIM G.E. (1908)
The geology of the Persian Gulf and the adjoining portions of Persia and Arabia. Mem. geol. Surv. India
XXXIV part 4 IV+IV+ 177 pp.
POWERS R.W. (1968)
Lexique stratigraphique international Asie vol. III fasc. 10 1 - Saudi Arabia (CNRS Paris) 177 pp.
1197

POWERS R.W., RAMIREZ L.F., REDMOND C.D and ELBERG E.L. Jr (1966)
Geology of the Arabian Peninsula. Sedimentary Geology of Saudi Arabia. US Geol. Surv. Prof. paper
560 D. US Government Printing Office, Washington, 147 pp.
SANDER N. J. (1962)
Aperu palontologique et stratigraphique du Palogne en Arabie Soudite orientale. Revue Micropal.
vol. 5 n 1 pp. 3-40
SHINN E.A. (1969)
Submarine lithification of Holocene carbonate sediments in the Persian Gulf. Sedimentology 12, pp.
109-144
SMOUT A.H. (1954)
Lower Tertiary Foraminifera of the Qatar Peninsula. British Museum (Nat. History) Lond. IX+ 96 pp.
STEINEKE M., BRANKAMP R.A. and SANDER N.J. (1958)
Stratigraphic relations of Arabian Jurassic oil. In : Habitat of oil. Am. Ass. Petrol. Geol. Symposium,
pp. 1294-1329.
STCKLIN J. (1968)
Salt Deposits of the Middle East. Geol. Soc. Am. Special paper 88 (Intern. Conf. on Saline Deposits
1962), pp. 157-181.
SUGDEN W. (1962)
Structural analysis and geometrical prediction for change of form with depth, of some Arabian plains type folds. Bull. Am. Ass. Petrol. Geol. vol. 46 n 12, pp. 2213-2228.
SUGDEN W. (1963a)
Some aspects of sedimentation in the Persian Gulf Journ. Sedim. Petrol. vol 33 n 2, pp. 355-364
SUGDEN W. (1963b)
The hydrology of the Persian Gulf and its significance in respect to evaporite deposition. Am. Jnl. Sci.
vol. 261 pp. 741-755
TAYLOR J.C.M. and ILLING V.C. (1969)
Holocene intertidal calcium carbonate cementation, Qatar, Persian Gulf. Sedimentology, 12 pp. 69-107
THRALLS H.W. and HASSON R.C. (1956)
Geology and oil resources of eastern Saudi Arabia. Intern. Geol. Cong. 20th, Mexico. Symposium sobre
Yacimentos de Petroleo y Gas, V2, pp. 9-32
WILLIS R.P. (1967)
Geology of the Arabian Peninsula - Bahrain. US. Geol. Surv. Prof. pap. 560 E. US Government Printing
Office. Washington 4 pp.
1198
Reference sections I and Ibis : Eastern flank of the Hazm Mishabiyah

1199
Reference section III: southern flank of the massif 1.5 km NNE of the Qarn Abu Wail
(see legend under: Reference section I and Ibis )
1200
Reference section IV : 1 km east of the Q.P.C. plants in Fhaihil (Djebel Dukhan)

1201
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Yellowish grey dolomite (C = 8%, D = 85%), hard, cristalline, massive, fossiliferous

Brownish grey dolomite (C = 8%, D = 88%), hard to soft, nodular, fossiliferous
Greyish clayed dolomite (C = 5%, D = 75%), hard, compact, nodular (conglomeratic aspect)
Whitish clayed dolomite (C = 3%, D = 78%), including greenish dolomitic clay (C = 3%, D =
13%), compact, rather hard, nodular
Greyish to yellowish clayed dolomite (C = 3%, D = 64%), compact, rather soft
Yellowish brown dolomitic marl (C = 5%, D = 49%), compact, rather hard
Whitish to brownish chalky limestone (C = 98%, D = [no value given]), cristalline, compact,
vacuolar, fossiliferous
Nota: C = calcite ; D = dolomite

Reference section V : 3 km south of Bir Zekrit
1202
On 0.40 to 1 m
1.20 m
2m
2.50 m
3.30 m
2.60 m
On 1.50 m
1203
1204
1205
Appendix 10
1206
AhistoricalaccountofthestratigraphyofQatar,MiddleEast(1816to2015).
Bahrain
(190854)
(Since1954)
M'sad
(194050)
(Tayarat,
194056)
Hasa
Aruma
(since1953)
(since1953)
WASIA
Musandam
(194056)
(since1953)
ArabZone
Riyadh
Thamama
CRETACEOUS
Khatiyah
Khatiyah
Khatiyah
NahrUmr
Sabsab
NahrUmr
Sabsab
Ratawi
Ratawi
Ratawi
1953
1955
1956
1958
LowerFars
LowerFars
LowerFars
LowerFars
Dammam
Dammam
Dammam
Dammam
Zekrit
Zekrit
Dammam
Rus
Rus
Rus
Rus
Rus
Busaiyir
UmmerRadhuma
UmmerRadhuma
UmmerRadhuma
Tayarat
Simsima
Simsima
Simsima
Simsima
Ruilat
Ruilat
Ruilat
Ruilat
Ruilat
Laffan
Mishrif
Laffan
Mishrif
Laffan
Mishrif
Laffan
Mishrif
Rumaila
Asara(inclTubaMbr)
Khatiyah
Khatiyah
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Sabsab
Shuaiba
Hawar
Kharaib
Ratawi
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Sabsab
Shuaiba
Hawar
Kharaib
Ratawi
Rakan,Karanah,Qartas, Rakan,Karanah,Qartas,
Misfir
Misfir
Zekrit
ThetimelineofFormationnamesTerminology
QatarOnshore
(Thicknessnottoscale.Onlymostimportantmembersarementioned)
Formations
1961
1963
1967
1970
1972
Hofuf
Hofuf
LowerFars
LowerFars
LowerFars
Dam
Dam
Busaiyir
Dammam
Dammam
Dammam
Rus
Rus
Rus
UmmerRadhuma UmmerRadhuma UmmerRadhuma
Dammam
1975
Hofuf
Dam
1979
Hofuf
Dam
198485
Hofuf
Dam
Dammam
Dammam
Dammam
Rus
Rus
Rus
Rus
UmmerRadhuma
UmmerRadhuma
UmmerRadhuma
UmmerRadhuma
Laffan
Mishrif
Simsima
Ruilat/Fiqa
Halul
Laffan
Mishrif
Simsima
Ruilat/Fiqa
Halul
Laffan
Mishrif
Simsima
Ruilat/Fiqa
Halul
Laffan
Mishrif
Simsima
Ruilat/Fiqa
Halul
Laffan
Mishrif
Simsima
Ruilat/Fiqa
Halul
Laffan
Mishrif
Simsima
Ruilat/Fiqa
Halul
Laffan
Mishrif
Simsima
Ruilat/Fiqa
Halul
Laffan
Mishrif
Khatiyah
Ahmadi
Ahmadi
Ahmadi
Ahmadi
Ahmadi
Ahmadi
Ahmadi
Ahmadi
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Sabsab
Shuaiba
Hawar
Kharaib
Ratawi
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Mauddud
NahrUmr
Shuaiba
Shuaiba
Shuaiba
Shuaiba
Shuaiba
Shuaiba
Shuaiba
Shuaiba
Shuaiba
Hawar
Kharaib
Ratawi
HawarMbr
KharaibMbr
HawarMbr
KharaibMbr
HawarMbr
KharaibMbr
HawarMbr
KharaibMbr
HawarMbr
KharaibMbr
Hawar
Kharaib
Ratawi
Hawar
Kharaib
Ratawi
Hawar
Kharaib
Lekhwair
Huwaila
Yamama
Yamama
Yamama
Yamama
Yamama
Yamama
Yamama
Yamama
Yamama
Wakrah
Wakrah
Wakrah
Sulaiy
Sulaiy
Sulaiy
Sulaiy
Sulaiy
Sulaiy
Sulaiy
Sulaiy
Sulaiy
Doha
Hith
Doha
Hith
Hith
Hith
Hith
Hith
Hith
Hith
Hith
Hith
Hith
Hith
ZekritNo1Lmst
ZekritNo1Lmst
ZekritNo1Lmst
QatarJalehaMbr
QatarJalehaMbr
QatarJalehaMbr
QatarNo1Lmst
QatarNo1Lmst
QatarNo1Lmst
QatarNo1Lmst
QatarNo1Lmst
QatarNo1Lmst
QatarNo1Lmst
QatarNo1Lmst
QatarArabA
ZekritNo2Lmst
ZekritNo2Lmst
ZekritNo2Lmst
QatarJuhMbr
QatarJuhMbr
QatarJuhMbr
QatarNo2lmst
QatarNo2lmst
QatarNo2lmst
QatarNo2lmst
QatarNo2lmst
QatarNo2lmst
QatarNo2lmst
QatarNo2lmst
QatarArabB
ZekritNo3Lmst
ZekritNo3Lmst
ZekritNo3Lmst
QatarUmmBabMbr QatarUmmBabMbr QatarUmmBabMbr QatarNo3Lmst
QatarNo3Lmst
QatarNo3Lmst
QatarNo3Lmst
QatarNo3Lmst
QatarNo3Lmst
QatarNo3Lmst
QatarNo3Lmst
QatarArabC
ZekritNo4Lmst
ZekritNo4Lmst
ZekritNo4Lmst
DukhanFahahilMbr
Dukhan
Dukhan
AraejUpper
AraejUwainatMbr
AraejLower
Izhara
Hamlah
FahahilNo4Lmst FahahilNo4Lmst
Darb
Darb
Diyab
Diyab
AraejUpper
AraejUpper
AraejUwainatMbr AraejUwainatMbr
AraejLower
AraejLower
Izhara
Izhara
Hamlah
Hamlah
Gulailah
Gulailah
Suwei
Suwei
Khuff
Khuff
FahahilNo4Lmst
TRIASSIC
JURASSIC
1952
LowerFars
LowerFars
LowerFars
UpperLimestone UpperLimestone UpperLimestone
Group
Group
Group
LowerLimestone LowerLimestone LowerLimestone
Group
Group
Group
Shammar
<1956
LwpartBahrain
Aidah
Aidah
RutbahSst
(since1953)
TERTIARY
ThistabledisplaystheformationnamesinonshoreQataruptothelast
QPofficialandrecognizedworkonthissubjectbyCobbs&Hamam
(198485).
Groups
Obsolete
Valid
1940
1950
FahahilNo4Lmst FahahilNo4Lmst FahahilNo4Lmst FahahilNo4Lmst FahahilNo4Lmst FahahilNo4Lmst FahahilNo4Lmst

Darb
Darb
Darb
Darb
Darb
Darb
Darb
Diyab
Diyab
Diyab
Diyab
Diyab
Diyab
Diyab
AraejUpper
AraejUpper
AraejUpper
AraejUpper
AraejUpper
AraejUpper
AraejUpper
AraejUwainatMbr AraejUwainatMbr AraejUwainatMbr AraejUwainatMbr AraejUwainatMbr AraejUwainatMbr AraejUwainatMbr
AraejLower
AraejLower
AraejLower
AraejLower
AraejLower
AraejLower
AraejLower
Izhara
Izhara
Izhara
Izhara
Izhara
Izhara
Izhara
Hamlah
Hamlah
Hamlah
Hamlah
Gulailah
Suwei
PERMIAN
Gulailah
Suwei
DEVONIAN
Gulailah
Suwei
BahrainUnitA
Hamlah
Gulailah
Sudair
Khuff
Gulailah
Suwei
Khuff
Gulailah
Suwei
Khuff
Gulailah
Suwei
Khuff
Gulailah
Suwei
Khuff
Gulailah
Suwei
Khuff
BahrainUnitA
Khuff
Khuff
Khuff
Khuff
Khuff
Khuff
Khuff
Khuff
BahrainUnitB
BahrainUnitB
PreKhuffClastic
PreKhuffClastic
Wajid
Wajid
Wajid
Wajid
Wajid
Wajid
Wajid
Wajid
Haushi
Tawil
PreKhuffClastic PreKhuffClastic
PreKhuffClastic PreKhuffClastic
Sharawra
SILURIAN
ORDOV.
CAMBRIAN
JubailaArabD
Jubaila
Hanifa
AraejUpper
AraejUwainatMbr
AraejLower
Izhara
Hormuz
Hormuz
Hormuz
Hormuz
Hormuz
Hormuz
Hormuz
Hormuz
Hormuz
Hormuz
CompiledbyJacquesLeBlancPage1207
Hormuz
Hormuz
Hormuz
Hormuz
Tabuk
Hormuz
Appendix 11
1208
LEGENO
,I
I LINESTONE
I
LS.
OOLITIC LS.
II I I 01I IARGILACEOVS
II k I '"I? I I CHALKY
DOLONITIC LS.
LS.
I-I"I ,,('"II"ARLY
ANHYDRITIC
I I I I I
I~
COMPILED BY
M. Lababidi a
DR AWN BY
: Hamida Arisha.
AUTHOR: Energy Resources Department.

DATE
December I 1983.
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ONSHORE
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Appendix 12
1212
Langhian
Burdigalian
OLIGOCENE
CENOZOIC
Aquitanian
Chattian
Rupelian
Priabonian
Sh
Dibdibba
Jeribe
Anau
Dam
Dam
33
34
35
Asmari
Asmari
Shurau
EOCENE
PALAEOCENE
Pabdeh
Sediment
Truncation
55
Umm Rijam
Aaliji
(Condensed)
Rus
Umm Er Radhuma
Aaliji
LATE
Coniacian
Turonian
Cenomanian
Albian
Majzir
Umm Er Radhuma
K180
Shiranish
EARLY
Valanginian
Ryazanian Berriasian
Kimmeridgian
Oxfordian
78
Soukhne
Sharwayn
Pg20
8N
Hamzah
Wadi Umm
Gudran
K160
90
92
93
K140
95
K130
Sadi/Kometan?
Sadi
Shuayb
Laffan
Mishrif
Mishrif
Fuheis Shale
Ruwaydha
Tuwayil
Shilaif
Mahliban
Ahmadi
Judea
A
B C
D
Natih
Upper Burgan
Hayyan
Nahr Umr
(undivided)
Fartaq
K90
Cherrife
AP8
Middle Burgan
Nahr Umr
Kazhdumi
Khafji
late Aptian Unconformity
Lower Rutbah
Bab Member
Shu'aiba
Shu'aiba
Zubair
Upper Zubair
Hawar
Middle
Middle Zubair
Kharaib
Nasr
Lower
Lower Zubair
K20
95
K130
K90
K80
123 K60
125
126 K50
Kharaib
Lekhwair
Furt
129 K40
130
Zakum
late Valanginian Unconformity
Ratawi Limestone
Ratawi Shale
138
K140
120 K70
Upper
K40
K30
90
92
93
Qishn
K50
135
136
K150
115
116
Aptian Limestone
K60
129
130
88
AP8
Shu'aiba
Shu'aiba
Blanche
K160
105
106 K100
Rays
Nahr Umr
85
110
111
Kurnub
Kurnub
K170
Harshiyat
Safaniya
Upper Rutbah
K70
K180
98 K120
100
101 K110
Sufla
Mauddud
Albian
Limestone
Lusb
Mishrif
Wara
Aljun/Ajlun
Subeihi
Mishrif
Rumaila
Fahad
M'sad
Aljun/Ajlun
middle Turonian Unconformity
Kifl
Judea
K80
65
Tawilah
Mukalla
Sadi
Derro
Hummar
K100
125
126
Yamama
Minagish
Yamama
Late Valanginian unconformity
Habshan
3
2
140
Habshan
135
136 K30
Salil
138 K20
Naifa
140
Rayda
K10
Sulaiy
147
149
J110
Makhul
Sulaiy
Hith
J80
J60
Thick Najmah
(shoal)
Muaddi
Gotnia
Arab
1
2
Najmah
Thin Najmah (basinal)
J50
Hanifa
Muaddi/Mughanniyya
4
S
Arda/
Azab Hamam
Group
AP7
J30
Haramoun/
Qamchuqa
Muhaiwir
Naokelekan
Tuwaiq
Mountain
Hanifa
Tuwaiq
Mountain
Diyab
Hanifa
Hadriya
Hanifa
Tuwaiq
Mountain
Upper Araej
Jubaila
Hanifa
Upper Araej
Sargelu
Dhruma
Uwainat
Lower Araej
Sandstone
Maximum Flooding Surface (MFS)
147 J110
149
Shale
Arabian Plate (AP) tectonostratigraphic

megasequence (TMS) boundary
154
155
156
Shuqra
Upper Dhruma
Madbi
J90
J80
J70
Dolomite
J60
Anhydrite
J50
Salt
V V
Sargelu
Kohlan
late Bathonian-Callovian Hiatus?

Lower Araej
J40
AP7
J30
J20
Dhruma
Izhara
175
Aalenian
180
Upper
Mafraq
late Toarcian Unconformity
182
Alan
185
J10
Marrat
Uba'id
Nimr
B AC
Marrat/
Hamlah
Marrat
J20
180
182
Hamlah?
185
Mus
J10
Zarqa Group
Adaiyah
190
190
Pliensbachian
Lower
Mafraq
?
195
200
200
205
?
Hussainiyat
Mulussa F
Rhaetian
Mulussa E
Adaya
Hussainiyat
LATE
Alaunian
MIDDLE
LATE
EARLY
TRIASSIC
PERMIAN
PALAEOZOIC
Abu
Ruweis
Tr80
AP6
222
EARLY
Ramtha
Group
Illyrian
235
Olenekian
Induan
238
Aegean
240
Tatarian
Kungurian
Hisban Shale
Ain Musa
245
246
247
Tr30
Tr20
Tr10
249.5
250.5
255
257
Jilh
AP6
Jilh
Mulussa B/Kurrachine Dolomite
222 Tr70
Gulailah
Jilh
225
226 Tr60
Neftex Petroleum Consultants Ltd.
230
Upper Geli Khana
Mulussa B
233 Tr50
235
Upper Sudair?
Lower Geli Khana
238 Tr40
Suwayma
Ma'in
P40
P30
P20
AP5
Dar Dur
Huwayra
Hudayb Group
Amanous Sandstone
Dolaa
Sudair
Sudair
Sudair
Late Permian Unconformity
Chia Zairi oolites
Chia Zairi
Mesozoic and Cenozoic, Enclosure 1

GeoArabia Volume 9, Number 1, 2004
Beduh
Mirga Mir
Amanous Shale/
Mulussa A
P.R. Sharland, D.M. Casey, R.B. Davies,

M.D. Simmons and O.E. Sutcliffe
220
Gulailah
240
252.5
UfimianKazanian
Upper Kurra Chine
Tr40
Spathian
Smithian
Dienerian
Griesbachian
Mulussa
Hisban
Bithynian
Arabian Plate Sequence Stratigraphy
Lower Minjur
Tr50
Pelsonian
Anisian
Baluti
Lower Kurra Chine Evaporite

Lower Kurra Chine Dolomite
Halite
Mulussa B
Salit
210
Minjur
Minjur
Tr60
230
233
Mulussa C/
Kurrachine
Anhydrite
Um-Tina
Upper Minjur
215 Tr80
Abu Ruweis
Zerqa Gypsum
Butmah
Butma
Abu
Ruweis
Tr70
225
226
Mulussa D
Mulussa clastics
Carnian
Fassanian
Butmah
Mafraq?
210
400
Vertical scale: 1 cm = 4 million years
205
200
Km
Hettangian
215
CHRONO-SEQUENCE
STRATIGRAPHY
OF THE ARABIAN PLATE
195
Sediment
Onlap
Sinemurian
Longobardian
Volcanics
165
168
Dhruma
Silal
Ladinian
Preservation = Estimated current preservation of

MFS within area of present day
sedimentary record
1 = plate-wide preservation = c.>75% coverage
2 = sub-regional preservation = 25%-75% coverage
3 = local preservation = c.<25% coverage
160
162
Oil-prone source rock
Upper Araej
Izhara
Dhahab
175
Julian
170
Bajocian
220
Limestone
J100
Sabatayn
Ramla
Jubaila
Diyab
145
150.75
151.25
151.75
152.25
Asab
Jubaila
Hanifa
Hadriya
Najmah
J40
Arab
Jubaila
Hanifa
Naokelekan
162
Sulaiy
Late Jurassic Unconformity
Gotnia
LEGEND
143 K10
v v v v v v v v v v
J100
J90
J70
154
155
156
Lacinian
70
Fiqa/Muti
Halul
Tanuma
Khasib
K110
123
150.75
151.25
151.75
152.25
60
80
170
Tuvalian
50
Pg10
78
Semail
Ophiolite
Hartha
Safawi
Mushorah
M'sad
K120
105
106
Dabut
Wadi
As Sir
K150
168
Norian
40
10
75
Fiqa
Rajil
88
Bathonian
Sevatian
30
C
a
R rlsb
id e
ge rg
55
68
R'mah
Erek
85
165
Toarcian
45
70
Hartha
K170
160
Callovian
Aruma
Shales
Qurna
145
TithoVolgian
nian
INDIAN
OCEAN
60
v
Simsima Hassad
Fayah
Hartha
143
Portlandian
Oil field
Gas field
AP9
Ammam
Hazim
120
Hauterivian
40
58
Aruma
110
111
Barremian
AFRICAN
PLATE
AP10
20
Simsima
Lower Burgan
Aptian
20
y
rra e
Mu idg
R
Tayarat
Tayarat
Muwaqqar
Al-Hisa
68
115
116
INDIAPAKISTAN
PLATE
63
98
100
101
LATE
Jiza
Abat
Jafnayn
30
Makran
25 E
63
80
Santonian
Pg30
49
50
Rus
65
Campanian
33
34
35
Hi
FARAH
BLOCK
AFGHAN
BLOCK
10
Rusayl
Umm Er Radhuma
Pg40
LUT
BLOCK
NE
Group
60
AP9
MIDDLE
Volcanic
pre-Cenozoic Unconformity
Danian
Yemen
Taqiye Marl
Pg10
75
EARLY
Habshiyah
Dammam
Rus
29
30
ZO
ARABIAN
PLATE
Wadi Shallala
Pg50
CENTRAL
IRAN BLOCKS
30
AP11
24.5
IR
JA
Line of
section
LEVANT
PLATE
Mussawa
Pg20
-S
A
SE
PALAEOGENE
Pabdeh
Mayfalah
58
Selandian
Dammam
20
OR
Z
D
RE
Thanetian
v
v
AP10
MEDITERRANEAN
SEA
Ng20
Ng10
18.5
ALB
NA
ND
AJ
v
v
Ypresian
CRETACEOUS
Ma'hm
Pg30
49
50
SA
25
Palani
70
JURASSIC
Shihr
Taqah
40
45
Dammam/Seeb
Maastrichtian
MESOZOIC
Shihr
Ma'an
Lutetian
v
v
Jaddala/Pableh
Bartonian
Sur
Dam
Gachsaran
CASPIAN
SEA
NW Iran
10
Ng40
Ng30
70
40
TURKISH
PLATE
15.5
16.3
60
42 N
40
Baba
Bajawan
Dahabkia?
50
Ibrahim
Sheikh Alas
40
Pontides
Anatolia
v
v
Taqah
Tarjil
30
42 N
Euphrates
Azkand
Pg40
25 E
Mishan
Serikagai
Location Map
Dhiban
Euphrates
Ma
Sarar
Jebel Cap?
Taiyba
29
30
gh au
Hi late
P
Pg50
25
ay
at
b
Sa
Fars Group
Barzaman
Hofuf
AP11
24.5
Ba
n
y'u la
Sa asi
M
a
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Fars
Group
Ng20
Ng10
20
Du
Aw
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de w
en ekh
M L
As
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Ng30
18.5
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tif
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Age
PRESERVATION
JORDAN
No
MAXIMUM
FLOODING
SURFACE
AP BOUNDARY
ERA
PERIOD
EPOCH
Satina Evaporite Member
Khuff
Middle Anhydrite
Khuff
Khuff
Anjara
245 Tr30
246 Tr20
247 Tr10
249.5
250.5
P40
P30
252.5
P20
255
Basal Khuff clastics
Upper Gharif
AP5
257
Published by Gulf PetroLink

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8N
MAXIMUM
FLOODING
SURFACE
AP BOUNDARY
ERA
PERIOD
EPOCH
Age
Tatarian
Ufimian-Kazanian
Sediment Onlap
245
246
247
Tr30
Tr20
Tr10
249.5
250.5
P40
P30
P20
252.5
d
Tu
Hisban Shale
Suwayma
iss
le
Kh
Dar Dur
Amanous Sandstone
Ma'in
Huwayra
es
at
hr rna
p
Eu Qu
ah
R. t Al
sr
a
Ba
is
igr t
T
R. t Ku
a
in
ta
dh
u
Ra
ga
r
Bu
ri
r
Be
li
if
a
Aw
t
Qa
Sakmarian
an s
an
Omcrop
Omce
r
& t
rn
io fa
qf Ou
ste k
er sur
u
t
a
.
H ts
E lan
In ub
M
F
S
air
r
de w
en ekh
M L
n
y'u la
Sa asi
M
za
Je
ba
Sa
n
ay
Location Map
gh au
Hi late
P
Sudair
Chia Zairi
Khuff
Middle Anhydrite
Khuff
Khuff
Upper Gharif
Upper
Ga'ara
clastics
30
ARABIAN
PLATE
Visean
HERCYNIAN OROGENY
(sensu stricto)
330
333
asi
n
y
rra e
Mu idg
R
20
Ow
en
B
Rid
g
310
315
Oil field
Gas field
320
Intra-Carboniferous
Dolomite
AP4
INDIAPAKISTAN
PLATE
Makran
AFRICAN
PLATE
320
Sepukhovian
ma
AFGHAN
BLOCK
300
Lower
Ga'ara
clastics
310
Hi
FARAH
BLOCK
30
20
Al Khlata
pre-Unayzah Unconformity
AP4
HERCYNIAN OROGENY
(sensu lato)
330
333 C10
C10
Berwath
340
10
8N
25 E
INDIAN
OCEAN
30
40
C
a
R rlsb
id e
ge rg
50
10
60
70
340
Belek
Tournaisian
350
Markada
Group
Famennian
D30
v
355 D30
'Upper' Jubah
v v
350
Koprulu
Kaista
Chalki Volcanics
360
Harur
Ora
pre-'Upper' Jubah
Unconformity
v v
360
364
364
Frasnian
'Lower' Jubah
370
Jubah
Givetian
Wajid
(Age approximate
- likely to be many
unconformities
within
the formation)
'Lower' Jubah
380
Eifelian
Misfar
390
393
D20
Hammamiyat
Jauf
400
402
Jauf
D3B Shale
AP3
Tawil
Tawil
Suffi
Mudawwara
Batra Member
440
Ashgill
445
Caradoc
450
453
Llandeilo
460
Llanvirn
Tanf
Akkas
pre-Tawil Unconformity
Burgan Arch
430
Llandovery
S10
pre-Haushi
Unconformity
Sharawra
440 S10
Sarah
Zarqa
Affendi
Bedinan
O30
450
453 O40
Ra'an
Saih
Nihayda
Kahfah
Hiswah
465
pre-Hanadir Unconformity
EARLY
Arenig
Khanasser
AP2
Umm Sahm
Tremadoc
487
490
O20
LATE
494
O10
MIDDLE
500
502
510
Middle
Shale Member
Burj
520
?
Upper Hormuz Salt
Upper Hormuz Salt

SW Turkey
Zabuk/Sadan
Cm10
Pc20
Derik
(now metamorphosed)
Edicara
570
Stromatolites
Ghar Supersuite
AP1
?
?
Burgan
Arch
?
?
Lower Hormuz Salt
Saramuj
Buah
?
540
542 Cm10
Qatar
Arch
?
Lower Hormuz Salt
Derik
Ara
Pc10
Saramuj
Shuram
Lower Kablah
550 Pc20
560
Khufai
S
Upper
Abu Mahara
580
AP1
Shabb
570 Pc10
580
?
590
Veranger
500
502 Cm30
530
560
Volcanics
Fahud Salt Basin
(based on analogy with Iran)
530
550

sedimentary record
Salt
V V
Nimr
Southern Gulf Salt Basin
Northern Gulf Salt Basin
540
542
Dolomite
520
pre-Siq/Saq Unconformity
Huqf Supergroup
NemakitianDaldynian
Limestone
Angudan
Unconformity
Siq?
Salib
Atdabanian
Tommotian

510 Cm20
pre-Saq Unconformity
Lenian
Shale
494 O10
Burj
Salib
470
487 O20
490
Sosink
Cm20
Anhydrite
Lower
Siltstone Member
Cm30
Sandstone
480
Khanasser
Disi
465 O30
AP2
Amdeh
Saq
Saq
LEGEND
460
Hanadir
470
480
445
Hasirah
Quwarah
Toubeiliyat
Swab
430
Sahmah
Qusaiba
pre-Zarqa-Sarah Unconformity
O40
410
418 S20
420
S20
Haima
Supergroup
Ludlow
Non-Deposition
and/or Erosion
Khushsha
418
420
390
393 D20
AP3
Praghian
410
380
400
402 D10
Qasr
D10
Mender-Lekhwair High
LATE
(Pennsylvanian)
EARLY
(Mississippian)
LATE
MIDDLE
EARLY
LUT
BLOCK
NE
290
Wenlock
EARLY
ZO
Akbarah
315
Bashkirian
LATE
LATE
CENTRAL
IRAN BLOCKS
Westphalian
Emsian
MIDDLE
280
300
Namurian
EARLY
JA
SE
CARBONIFEROUS
IR
D
RE
DEVONIAN
-S
Line of
section
AP5
Stephanian
Pridoli
SILURIAN
OR
Z
Lochkovian
ORDOVICIAN
ALB
NA
ND
AJ
MEDITERRANEAN
SEA
270
272 P10
Rahab
370
CAMBRIAN
NW Iran
LEVANT
PLATE
Unayzah B
355
VENDIAN
CASPIAN
SEA
SA
Middle Gharif
Haushi
Limestone
70
40
TURKISH
PLATE
257
260
60
42 N
255
290
PALAEOZOIC
50
252.5
A/B Siltstone
Gzelian
PRECAMBRIAN (SINIAN)
40
Pontides
Anatolia
247
Asselian
Moscovian
30
42 N
245
246
Chia Zairi oolites
Dolaa
280
Kasimovian
25 E
Ma
249.5
250.5
Doubayat Group/
Amanous
AP5
ra
sa
ah Dha
ab
m
Ha
l el )
a
u
As
D eb ast
/B
h/
r
i
J
b
a
o
(c
Ha
Ba
Sh
YEMEN
40
?
P10
OMAN
Sudair
A
270
272
ha
k
Du
ABU DHABI
Sudair
Anjara
257
260
niy
ra
af afa
W S
Beduh
Mirga Mir
Amanous Shale/
Mulussa A
Ain Musa
Hudayb Group
or
sh
Ri
1 ris
h ar- ig h
ile rth . T ata
M ha R t F
T
a
1
a-
Artinskian
EARLY
PERMIAN
Kungurian
aq
r
Az
zs
te
r-a
y
ra
a
r
h
D aw up
Z .E
R
Ow
en
Induan
Spathian
Smithian
Dienerian
Griesbach.
l
ra
nt an
e
d
C or
J
BAH-
KUWAIT
Ch
Rid ain
ge
Olenekian
PRESERVATION
d t)
iel es
Sh thw
ou
(S
IRAQ
No
rth
Ba Som
sin ali
LATE
MESO- TRIASZOIC
SIC EARLY
Ma
SYRIA
JORDAN
Lower
Abu Mahara
590
600
600
610
610
620
620
630
630
640
640
CHRONO-SEQUENCE
STRATIGRAPHY
0
200
400
Km

Sturtian
Palaeozoic and Precambrian, Enclosure 2
650
Basement
650

Tel: (+973) 17 214881; Fax: (+973) 17 214475;
8N
Appendix 12
1212
Langhian
Burdigalian
OLIGOCENE
CENOZOIC
Aquitanian
Chattian
Rupelian
Priabonian
Sh
Dibdibba
Jeribe
Anau
Dam
Dam
33
34
35
Asmari
Asmari
Shurau
EOCENE
PALAEOCENE
Pabdeh
Sediment
Truncation
55
Umm Rijam
Aaliji
(Condensed)
Rus
Umm Er Radhuma
Aaliji
LATE
Coniacian
Turonian
Cenomanian
Albian
Majzir
Umm Er Radhuma
K180
Shiranish
EARLY
Valanginian
Ryazanian Berriasian
Kimmeridgian
Oxfordian
78
Soukhne
Sharwayn
Pg20
8N
Hamzah
Wadi Umm
Gudran
K160
90
92
93
K140
95
K130
Sadi/Kometan?
Sadi
Shuayb
Laffan
Mishrif
Mishrif
Fuheis Shale
Ruwaydha
Tuwayil
Shilaif
Mahliban
Ahmadi
Judea
A
B C
D
Natih
Upper Burgan
Hayyan
Nahr Umr
(undivided)
Fartaq
K90
Cherrife
AP8
Middle Burgan
Nahr Umr
Kazhdumi
Khafji
late Aptian Unconformity
Lower Rutbah
Bab Member
Shu'aiba
Shu'aiba
Zubair
Upper Zubair
Hawar
Middle
Middle Zubair
Kharaib
Nasr
Lower
Lower Zubair
K20
95
K130
K90
K80
123 K60
125
126 K50
Kharaib
Lekhwair
Furt
129 K40
130
Zakum
late Valanginian Unconformity
Ratawi Limestone
Ratawi Shale
138
K140
120 K70
Upper
K40
K30
90
92
93
Qishn
K50
135
136
K150
115
116
Aptian Limestone
K60
129
130
88
AP8
Shu'aiba
Shu'aiba
Blanche
K160
105
106 K100
Rays
Nahr Umr
85
110
111
Kurnub
Kurnub
K170
Harshiyat
Safaniya
Upper Rutbah
K70
K180
98 K120
100
101 K110
Sufla
Mauddud
Albian
Limestone
Lusb
Mishrif
Wara
Aljun/Ajlun
Subeihi
Mishrif
Rumaila
Fahad
M'sad
Aljun/Ajlun
middle Turonian Unconformity
Kifl
Judea
K80
65
Tawilah
Mukalla
Sadi
Derro
Hummar
K100
125
126
Yamama
Minagish
Yamama
Late Valanginian unconformity
Habshan
3
2
140
Habshan
135
136 K30
Salil
138 K20
Naifa
140
Rayda
K10
Sulaiy
147
149
J110
Makhul
Sulaiy
Hith
J80
J60
Thick Najmah
(shoal)
Muaddi
Gotnia
Arab
1
2
Najmah
Thin Najmah (basinal)
J50
Hanifa
Muaddi/Mughanniyya
4
S
Arda/
Azab Hamam
Group
AP7
J30
Haramoun/
Qamchuqa
Muhaiwir
Naokelekan
Tuwaiq
Mountain
Hanifa
Tuwaiq
Mountain
Diyab
Hanifa
Hadriya
Hanifa
Tuwaiq
Mountain
Upper Araej
Jubaila
Hanifa
Upper Araej
Sargelu
Dhruma
Uwainat
Lower Araej
Sandstone
147 J110
149
Shale

154
155
156
Shuqra
Upper Dhruma
Madbi
J90
J80
J70
Dolomite
J60
Anhydrite
J50
Salt
V V
Sargelu
Kohlan
late Bathonian-Callovian Hiatus?

Lower Araej
J40
AP7
J30
J20
Dhruma
Izhara
175
Aalenian
180
Upper
Mafraq
late Toarcian Unconformity
182
Alan
185
J10
Marrat
Uba'id
Nimr
B AC
Marrat/
Hamlah
Marrat
J20
180
182
Hamlah?
185
Mus
J10
Zarqa Group
Adaiyah
190
190
Pliensbachian
Lower
Mafraq
?
195
200
200
205
?
Hussainiyat
Mulussa F
Rhaetian
Mulussa E
Adaya
Hussainiyat
LATE
Alaunian
MIDDLE
LATE
EARLY
TRIASSIC
PERMIAN
PALAEOZOIC
Abu
Ruweis
Tr80
AP6
222
EARLY
Ramtha
Group
Illyrian
235
Olenekian
Induan
238
Aegean
240
Tatarian
Kungurian
Hisban Shale
Ain Musa
245
246
247
Tr30
Tr20
Tr10
249.5
250.5
255
257
Jilh
AP6
Jilh
Mulussa B/Kurrachine Dolomite
222 Tr70
Gulailah
Jilh
225
226 Tr60
230
Upper Geli Khana
Mulussa B
233 Tr50
235
Upper Sudair?
Lower Geli Khana
238 Tr40
Suwayma
Ma'in
P40
P30
P20
AP5
Dar Dur
Huwayra
Hudayb Group
Amanous Sandstone
Dolaa
Sudair
Sudair
Sudair
Chia Zairi oolites
Chia Zairi
Mesozoic and Cenozoic, Enclosure 1

Beduh
Mirga Mir
Amanous Shale/
Mulussa A

220
Gulailah
240
252.5
UfimianKazanian
Upper Kurra Chine
Tr40
Spathian
Smithian
Dienerian
Griesbachian
Mulussa
Hisban
Bithynian
Lower Minjur
Tr50
Pelsonian
Anisian
Baluti
Lower Kurra Chine Evaporite

Lower Kurra Chine Dolomite
Halite
Mulussa B
Salit
210
Minjur
Minjur
Tr60
230
233
Mulussa C/
Kurrachine
Anhydrite
Um-Tina
Upper Minjur
215 Tr80
Abu Ruweis
Zerqa Gypsum
Butmah
Butma
Abu
Ruweis
Tr70
225
226
Mulussa D
Mulussa clastics
Carnian
Fassanian
Butmah
Mafraq?
210
400
205
200
Km
Hettangian
215
CHRONO-SEQUENCE
STRATIGRAPHY
195
Sediment
Onlap
Sinemurian
Longobardian
Volcanics
165
168
Dhruma
Silal
Ladinian

sedimentary record
160
162
Upper Araej
Izhara
Dhahab
175
Julian
170
Bajocian
220
Limestone
J100
Sabatayn
Ramla
Jubaila
Diyab
145
150.75
151.25
151.75
152.25
Asab
Jubaila
Hanifa
Hadriya
Najmah
J40
Arab
Jubaila
Hanifa
Naokelekan
162
Sulaiy
Late Jurassic Unconformity
Gotnia
LEGEND
143 K10
v v v v v v v v v v
J100
J90
J70
154
155
156
Lacinian
70
Fiqa/Muti
Halul
Tanuma
Khasib
K110
123
150.75
151.25
151.75
152.25
60
80
170
Tuvalian
50
Pg10
78
Semail
Ophiolite
Hartha
Safawi
Mushorah
M'sad
K120
105
106
Dabut
Wadi
As Sir
K150
168
Norian
40
10
75
Fiqa
Rajil
88
Bathonian
Sevatian
30
C
a
R rlsb
id e
ge rg
55
68
R'mah
Erek
85
165
Toarcian
45
70
Hartha
K170
160
Callovian
Aruma
Shales
Qurna
145
TithoVolgian
nian
INDIAN
OCEAN
60
v
Simsima Hassad
Fayah
Hartha
143
Portlandian
Oil field
Gas field
AP9
Ammam
Hazim
120
Hauterivian
40
58
Aruma
110
111
Barremian
AFRICAN
PLATE
AP10
20
Simsima
Lower Burgan
Aptian
20
y
rra e
Mu idg
R
Tayarat
Tayarat
Muwaqqar
Al-Hisa
68
115
116
INDIAPAKISTAN
PLATE
63
98
100
101
LATE
Jiza
Abat
Jafnayn
30
Makran
25 E
63
80
Santonian
Pg30
49
50
Rus
65
Campanian
33
34
35
Hi
FARAH
BLOCK
AFGHAN
BLOCK
10
Rusayl
Umm Er Radhuma
Pg40
LUT
BLOCK
NE
Group
60
AP9
MIDDLE
Volcanic
pre-Cenozoic Unconformity
Danian
Yemen
Taqiye Marl
Pg10
75
EARLY
Habshiyah
Dammam
Rus
29
30
ZO
ARABIAN
PLATE
Wadi Shallala
Pg50
CENTRAL
IRAN BLOCKS
30
AP11
24.5
IR
JA
Line of
section
LEVANT
PLATE
Mussawa
Pg20
-S
A
SE
PALAEOGENE
Pabdeh
Mayfalah
58
Selandian
Dammam
20
OR
Z
D
RE
Thanetian
v
v
AP10
MEDITERRANEAN
SEA
Ng20
Ng10
18.5
ALB
NA
ND
AJ
v
v
Ypresian
CRETACEOUS
Ma'hm
Pg30
49
50
SA
25
Palani
70
JURASSIC
Shihr
Taqah
40
45
Dammam/Seeb
Maastrichtian
MESOZOIC
Shihr
Ma'an
Lutetian
v
v
Jaddala/Pableh
Bartonian
Sur
Dam
Gachsaran
CASPIAN
SEA
NW Iran
10
Ng40
Ng30
70
40
TURKISH
PLATE
15.5
16.3
60
42 N
40
Baba
Bajawan
Dahabkia?
50
Ibrahim
Sheikh Alas
40
Pontides
Anatolia
v
v
Taqah
Tarjil
30
42 N
Euphrates
Azkand
Pg40
25 E
Mishan
Serikagai
Location Map
Dhiban
Euphrates
Ma
Sarar
Jebel Cap?
Taiyba
29
30
gh au
Hi late
P
Pg50
25
ay
at
b
Sa
Fars Group
Barzaman
Hofuf
AP11
24.5
Ba
n
y'u la
Sa asi
M
a
ez
Fars
Group
Ng20
Ng10
20
Du
Aw
r air
de w
en ekh
M L
As
/
ah
Ng30
18.5
Qa
B
b/
an
an
m
m ps
O
O
e
rn
& cro
ior fac
qf out
ste
er sur
t
u
In ub
H ts.
Ea lank
S
M
F
v
Ng40
Be
15.5
16.3
Dibdibba
Serravallian
f
Sa
a
kh
ali
tif
10
a
W
rri
Zagros Foredeep
r
Bu
Ra
iy
an
Bakhtiari
fra
ab
asi
n
Tortonian
MIOCENE
NEOGENE
Messinian
v
v
Kh
n
ga
s
Ha
nB
Zanclean
Piacenzian
Tu
at
h
ud
ah ha
lm el D )
a
D b t
ir Je oas
a
(c
H
YEMEN
Ow
e
PLIOCENE
s
Ri
ss
lei
ra
ain
OMAN
QUAT Holocene/Pleistocene
dm
s
te
ra a
h
p rn
Eu Qu
ah
R. t Al
sr
a
a
B
is
gr
Ti ut
.
R tK
a
ABU DHABI
Rid
g
Az
or
ha
1 ris
h ar- ig h
ile rth . T ata
M ha R t F
T
a
-1
en
aq
s
zte
r-a
ra
y
a
Da awr uph
Z .E
R
BAH-
KUWAIT
Ow
l
ra
nt an
e
C ord
J
IRAQ
Ch
Rid ain
ge
Ma
d t
iel es
Sh thw
ou
(S
SYRIA
rth
Ba Som
sin ali
Age
PRESERVATION
JORDAN
No
MAXIMUM
FLOODING
SURFACE
AP BOUNDARY
ERA
PERIOD
EPOCH
Khuff
Middle Anhydrite
Khuff
Khuff
Anjara
245 Tr30
246 Tr20
247 Tr10
249.5
250.5
P40
P30
252.5
P20
255
Upper Gharif
AP5
257

Tel: (+973) 17 214881; Fax: (+973) 17 214475;
8N
MAXIMUM
FLOODING
SURFACE
AP BOUNDARY
ERA
PERIOD
EPOCH
Age
Tatarian
Ufimian-Kazanian
Sediment Onlap
245
246
247
Tr30
Tr20
Tr10
249.5
250.5
P40
P30
P20
252.5
d
Tu
Hisban Shale
Suwayma
iss
le
Kh
Dar Dur
Amanous Sandstone
Ma'in
Huwayra
es
at
hr rna
p
Eu Qu
ah
R. t Al
sr
a
Ba
is
igr t
T
R. t Ku
a
in
ta
dh
u
Ra
ga
r
Bu
ri
r
Be
li
if
a
Aw
t
Qa
Sakmarian
an s
an
Omcrop
Omce
r
& t
rn
io fa
qf Ou
ste k
er sur
u
t
a
.
H ts
E lan
In ub
M
F
S
air
r
de w
en ekh
M L
n
y'u la
Sa asi
M
za
Je
ba
Sa
n
ay
Location Map
gh au
Hi late
P
Sudair
Chia Zairi
Khuff
Middle Anhydrite
Khuff
Khuff
Upper Gharif
Upper
Ga'ara
clastics
30
ARABIAN
PLATE
Visean
HERCYNIAN OROGENY
(sensu stricto)
330
333
asi
n
y
rra e
Mu idg
R
20
Ow
en
B
Rid
g
310
315
Oil field
Gas field
320
Intra-Carboniferous
Dolomite
AP4
INDIAPAKISTAN
PLATE
Makran
AFRICAN
PLATE
320
Sepukhovian
ma
AFGHAN
BLOCK
300
Lower
Ga'ara
clastics
310
Hi
FARAH
BLOCK
30
20
Al Khlata
AP4
HERCYNIAN OROGENY
(sensu lato)
330
333 C10
C10
Berwath
340
10
8N
25 E
INDIAN
OCEAN
30
40
C
a
R rlsb
id e
ge rg
50
10
60
70
340
Belek
Tournaisian
350
Markada
Group
Famennian
D30
v
355 D30
'Upper' Jubah
v v
350
Koprulu
Kaista
Chalki Volcanics
360
Harur
Ora
pre-'Upper' Jubah
Unconformity
v v
360
364
364
Frasnian
'Lower' Jubah
370
Jubah
Givetian
Wajid
(Age approximate
- likely to be many
unconformities
within
the formation)
'Lower' Jubah
380
Eifelian
Misfar
390
393
D20
Hammamiyat
Jauf
400
402
Jauf
D3B Shale
AP3
Tawil
Tawil
Suffi
Mudawwara
Batra Member
440
Ashgill
445
Caradoc
450
453
Llandeilo
460
Llanvirn
Tanf
Akkas
pre-Tawil Unconformity
Burgan Arch
430
Llandovery
S10
pre-Haushi
Unconformity
Sharawra
440 S10
Sarah
Zarqa
Affendi
Bedinan
O30
450
453 O40
Ra'an
Saih
Nihayda
Kahfah
Hiswah
465
pre-Hanadir Unconformity
EARLY
Arenig
Khanasser
AP2
Umm Sahm
Tremadoc
487
490
O20
LATE
494
O10
MIDDLE
500
502
510
Middle
Shale Member
Burj
520
?
Upper Hormuz Salt
Upper Hormuz Salt

SW Turkey
Zabuk/Sadan
Cm10
Pc20
Derik
(now metamorphosed)
Edicara
570
Stromatolites
Ghar Supersuite
AP1
?
?
Burgan
Arch
?
?
Lower Hormuz Salt
Saramuj
Buah
?
540
542 Cm10
Qatar
Arch
?
Lower Hormuz Salt
Derik
Ara
Pc10
Saramuj
Shuram
Lower Kablah
550 Pc20
560
Khufai
S
Upper
Abu Mahara
580
AP1
Shabb
570 Pc10
580
?
590
Veranger
500
502 Cm30
530
560
Volcanics
Fahud Salt Basin
(based on analogy with Iran)
530
550

sedimentary record
Salt
V V
Nimr
Southern Gulf Salt Basin
540
542
Dolomite
520
pre-Siq/Saq Unconformity
Huqf Supergroup
NemakitianDaldynian
Limestone
Angudan
Unconformity
Siq?
Salib
Atdabanian
Tommotian

510 Cm20
pre-Saq Unconformity
Lenian
Shale
494 O10
Burj
Salib
470
487 O20
490
Sosink
Cm20
Anhydrite
Lower
Siltstone Member
Cm30
Sandstone
480
Khanasser
Disi
465 O30
AP2
Amdeh
Saq
Saq
LEGEND
460
Hanadir
470
480
445
Hasirah
Quwarah
Toubeiliyat
Swab
430
Sahmah
Qusaiba
pre-Zarqa-Sarah Unconformity
O40
410
418 S20
420
S20
Haima
Supergroup
Ludlow
Non-Deposition
and/or Erosion
Khushsha
418
420
390
393 D20
AP3
Praghian
410
380
400
402 D10
Qasr
D10
Mender-Lekhwair High
LATE
(Pennsylvanian)
EARLY
(Mississippian)
LATE
MIDDLE
EARLY
LUT
BLOCK
NE
290
Wenlock
EARLY
ZO
Akbarah
315
Bashkirian
LATE
LATE
CENTRAL
IRAN BLOCKS
Westphalian
Emsian
MIDDLE
280
300
Namurian
EARLY
JA
SE
CARBONIFEROUS
IR
D
RE
DEVONIAN
-S
Line of
section
AP5
Stephanian
Pridoli
SILURIAN
OR
Z
Lochkovian
ORDOVICIAN
ALB
NA
ND
AJ
MEDITERRANEAN
SEA
270
272 P10
Rahab
370
CAMBRIAN
NW Iran
LEVANT
PLATE
Unayzah B
355
VENDIAN
CASPIAN
SEA
SA
Middle Gharif
Haushi
Limestone
70
40
TURKISH
PLATE
257
260
60
42 N
255
290
PALAEOZOIC
50
252.5
A/B Siltstone
Gzelian
PRECAMBRIAN (SINIAN)
40
Pontides
Anatolia
247
Asselian
Moscovian
30
42 N
245
246
Chia Zairi oolites
Dolaa
280
Kasimovian
25 E
Ma
249.5
250.5
Doubayat Group/
Amanous
AP5
ra
sa
ah Dha
ab
m
Ha
l el )
a
u
As
D eb ast
/B
h/
r
i
J
b
a
o
(c
Ha
Ba
Sh
YEMEN
40
?
P10
OMAN
Sudair
A
270
272
ha
k
Du
ABU DHABI
Sudair
Anjara
257
260
niy
ra
af afa
W S
Beduh
Mirga Mir
Amanous Shale/
Mulussa A
Ain Musa
Hudayb Group
or
sh
Ri
1 ris
h ar- ig h
ile rth . T ata
M ha R t F
T
a
1
a-
Artinskian
EARLY
PERMIAN
Kungurian
aq
r
Az
zs
te
r-a
y
ra
a
r
h
D aw up
Z .E
R
Ow
en
Induan
Spathian
Smithian
Dienerian
Griesbach.
l
ra
nt an
e
d
C or
J
BAH-
KUWAIT
Ch
Rid ain
ge
Olenekian
PRESERVATION
d t)
iel es
Sh thw
ou
(S
IRAQ
No
rth
Ba Som
sin ali
LATE
MESO- TRIASZOIC
SIC EARLY
Ma
SYRIA
JORDAN
Lower
Abu Mahara
590
600
600
610
610
620
620
630
630
640
640
CHRONO-SEQUENCE
STRATIGRAPHY
0
200
400
Km

Sturtian
Palaeozoic and Precambrian, Enclosure 2
650
Basement
650

Tel: (+973) 17 214881; Fax: (+973) 17 214475;
8N
Appendix 13
1215
Journal of Middle East

Petroleum Geosciences
2008, v. 13, no. 4.
MIDDLE EAST GEOLOGICAL TIMESCALE 2008
Moujahed I. Al-Husseini
Cenozoic Era, Cretaceous and Jurassic Periods of Mesozoic Era
geoarabi@batelco.com.bh
TB 3.9 - 3.11
1.8
TB 3.5 - 3.8
1.6
5.3
TB 3.4
1.5
Zaafarana
Wardan Fm
GOS S80
1.5
1.4
TB 3.2
TB 3.1
1.3
TB 2.5 + 2.6
1.2
Tertiary
Late
24.5
Cha
AG 9
GOS S60
1.1
GOS S40 + S50

1
16.1
2.6
TB 2.1
GOS S20
TB 1.5
TB 1.4
2.4
TB 1.3
2.3
21.0
2.2
29.0
TA 4.5
2.1
33.0
TA 4.4
3.6
TA 4.3
3.5
Pg30
Late
TA 4.2
Bart
Middle
Eocene
40.4 0.2
TA 4.1
TA 3.6
TA 3.5
3.3
TA 3.4
3.2
TA 3.3
Lut
TA 3.1
48.6 0.2
Early
Pg20
50.0
Ypr
Late
55.8 0.2
Tha
Mid
Paleocene
Lower Fars
Fm
Jeribe Fm
Jeribe Fm
Mishan/
Guri Fms
Dhiban Fm
Euphrates Fm
Dhiban Fm
Euphrates Fm
Gachsaran
Pre-Hofuf Unconformity
Unnamed
Limestone
Dam Fm
Dam Fm
Ghar Fm
Burgan Fm
Upper
Nukhul Mbr
Yanbu Fm
22-23 Ma
Miocene
Lower
Nukhul Mbr
Al Wajh Fm
Abu Zenima
Fm
JIZAN
GROUP
Ibrahim Fm
Hadrukh Fm
Oligocene
Tarjil Fm
Palani Fm
Pg10
59.0
Sel
61.7 0.2
TA 2.9
TA 2.8
TA 2.7
TA 2.6
TA 2.5
TA 2.4
TA 2.3
TA 2.2
TA 2.1
TA 1.4
TA 1.3
Dan
TA 1.2
65.5 0.3
TA 1.1
Maa
30.7
K180
70.0
35.5
Red Sea Rift Unconformity
AG 6
Supra-Dammam Unconformity
40.4
AG 5
45.3
Usfan
Fm
Rus Fm
Rus Fm
Rus 1
UER 3
AG 2
Umm er
Radhuma
Fm
4.2
Esna Fm
Umm er
Radhuma
Fm
UER 2
59.8
K160
85.0
K150
88.0
5.5
Dakhla Fm
64.7
?
Lina
Mbr
5.3
Umm er
Radhuma
Fm
5.3
UZA 4.3
5.1
Usfan
Fm
69.6
Umm er
Radhuma
Fm
Khanasir
Mbr
6.5
6.4
UZA 3.4
6.3
79.3
UZA 3.2
UZA 3.1
6.1
Shiranish
Fm
ARUMA
GROUP
ARUMA
GROUP
ARUMA
GROUP
Cretaceous
K100
K90
108.0
UZA 2.3
7.3
110.0
UZA 1.3
UZA 1.2
Wata Fm
89.0
LZB 4.1
"middle"
K80
119.0
Early
93.9
Turonian
Hiatus
124.5
K60
125.5
Mishrif Fm
Mishrif Fm
Mishrif Fm
Mishrif Fm
98.7
Rumaila Mbr
Rumaila Fm
Rumaila Fm
Rumaila Fm
Rumaila Fm
Ahmadi Mbr
Ahmadi Fm
Ahmadi Fm
Ahmadi Fm
Ahmadi Fm
Wara Mbr
Wara Fm
Wara Fm
Wara Fm
Wara Fm
Majma 2
Raha Fm
Overlies
Basement
7.1
7
103.6
Mauddud
Mbr
Majma 1
?
Pre-Majma
Unconformity
8.6
Safaniya Mbr
Upper Khafji
8.5
8.5
108.4
Mauddud Fm
Mauddud Fm
Dair Lst
Huraysan
Fm
8.4
Khafji
Main Sst
Lower Khafji
Nahr Umr
Fm
Nahr Umr
Fm
129.0
EARLY
"early"
K40
134.5
LZB 2.5
LZB 2.3
LZB 2.2
140.0
118.2
9.6
Late Aptian
Hiatus
K10
J110
142.0
145.0
147.0
Malha Fm
9.3
9.3
127.9
152.2
J60
155.25
LATE
Ratawi Fm
10.3 142.5
Pre-Yamama Unconformity
10.2
Sulaiy Fm
10.1
147.3
Late Jurassic
Hiatus
Overlies
Triassic
Qiseib Fm
Hith
Anhydrite
Arab A Reservoir
Arab A Mbr
Arab A Mbr
Arab B Anhydrite
Arab B Reservoir
Arab B Mbr
Arab B Mbr
Arab C Anhydrite
Arab C Reservoir
Arab C Mbr
Arab C Mbr
Arab D Mbr Arab D Anhydrite

Jubaila J2 Arab D Reservoir
Arab D Mbr
Arab D Mbr
Jubaila
JI
LZA 4.1 - 4.3
11.2
Ulayyah Mbr
11.1
Hawtah Mbr
11
161.9
12.6
Kimmeridgian/Oxfordian Boundary
Oxfordian/Callovian Boundary
Polar glaciation
Lower
Jubaila
MIDDLE
12.4
12.3
171.6 3.0
Callovian/Bathonian Boundary
Bathonian/Bajocian Boundary
167.7 3.0
12.3 171.6
LZA 1.1
Bajocian/Aalenian Boundary
T3
T2
T1
Upper
Middle
Lower
13.6
UAB 4.4
13.5
UAB 4.3
13.4
Hanifa Fm
13.3
UAB 3.4
13.2
Tuwaiq Mt
Limestone
2nd Salt
3rd Anh
3rd Salt
4th Anh
196.5 1.0
UAB 3.1 + 3.2
Rutbah 2
Nahr Umr 1
Kazhdoumi
Fm
8.3
1a
8.2
Bab
Basin
Clinoforms
Dariyan Fm
Al-Hassanat
IV
Hiatus
Qishn IV
9.5
Qishn III
9.4
Qishn II
9.3
Lower
Kharaib
Jurf I
9.2
Th E
Lekhwair
Lekhwair
Th F
Habshan 6
Shuaiba Platform
Th D
Zakum
IV
Th G
Habshan 5
Th H
Fahliyan
Fm
9.1
Habshan
II
Habshan 3
10.3
Habshan 2
SalilRayda
A
Habshan 1
Jubayla-Rayda
10.2
10.1
11.6
Arab A
Upper Anh
Hiatus
Arab B
11.5
Lower Anh
Arab C
Najmah
Fm
Arab D
11.4
Diyab IV
Diyab III
Hanifa Fm
11.3
Diyab II
11.2
Hiatus
D5 + D6
D4
D3
Dhruma Fm
Upper Araej
Tuwaiq Mountain
Limestone
Uwainat
Dhruma Fm
12.6
12.5
Uwainat Mbr
Lower Araej
Mbr
D1 + D2
11.1
Qamchuka
Fm
12.4
Lower Araej
Sargelu Fm
Sargelu Fm
Dhruma Fm
?
Izhara Fm
Upper Mafraq Clastics
12.3
?
12.2
Hiatus
Hiatus
Upper Mafraq 3
12.1
176.5
Marrat Fm
Marrat Fm
Marrat Fm
Hiatus
Early Jurassic Hiatus
13.1
10.5
10.4
Hith
Anhydrite
Hith
Anhydrite
RaydaHabshan
B
Habshan 4
Habshan
I
Hiatus
10.6
Habshan
III
Hiatus
A
Alan Fm
13.6
Alan Fm
13.5
B
Seq 3
C
Mus Fm
Qamchuka
Fm
Seq 2
Upper Mafraq 2
Mus Fm
13.4
Marrat Fm
13.3
Hiatus
13.2
Upper Mafraq 1
13.1
Adaiyah Fm
Adaiyah Fm
191.1
14.6
to
14.3
Hiatus
UAB - 2
14
8.1
Gadvan Fm
14.3 to 14.6
UAB - 1
8.4
Pre-Dhruma Unconformity
13
199.6 0.6
8.5
4a
Bab
Member
Hiatus
Upper Araej
Mbr
Seq 1
Sin
Nahr Umr 2
Naokelekan
Fm
Tuwaiq Mt
Limestone
13.3 186.2
Pli
UAB 3.3
8.6
6a
Rutbah 3
Najmah Fm
Marrat Formation
UAB 4.1 + 4.2
189.6 1.5
Nahr Umr
Fm
Hiatus
13.5 181.3
EARLY
2nd Anh
Seq 4
181.0
Nahr Umr 4
12
UAB 4.5
7.1
Nahr Umr 3
4th Salt
Jubaila Fm
D7
Aalenian Hiatus
J10
Natih I - 1 to I - 6
Diyab I
12.1
175.6 2.0
7.2
I S1
1st Salt
12.2
Aal
UAB 4.6
Mauddud
Natih I - 7
Nahr Umr
Fm
Diyab Fm
Tuwaiq Mountain
Limestone
Dhruma Fm
12.5
12.5 166.8
LZA 2.1
7.3
8a
Hith 1st Anh

Hith
Anhydrite
11.5 152.2
164.7 4.0
Baj
Sarvak 1
Manifa Fm
Hith Transition
Main Hith Anhydrite
11.3
LZA 2.2 - 2.4
Shlaif
Hiatus
Pre-Sulaiy Unconformity
Cal
167.5
Sarvak 2
Makhul Fm
Sulaiy Fm
Manifa Mbr
11.6
LZA 3.2
J30
Minagish
Yamama Fm
LZA 4.4
LZA 3.1
Natih II
Nasr
Mbr
Yamama Fm
11.4
162.5
Mishrif
I S2
Zubair Formation
Pre-Buwaib Unconformity
Hanifa Fm
J40
Sarvak 3
Upper Kharaib
Kharaib
Fm
Yamama Fm
10.4
LZA 4.5
159.0
7.4
Hawar Mbr
Ratawi Fm
Oxf
J50
Natih III
Rutbah 5
Dair Lst
Unnamed
Clastics
Formation
Buwaib Fm
11.3 157.0
161.2 4.0
Tuwayil
Fm
Pre-Biyadh Unconformity
10.5
155.7 4.0
J60?
Sarvak 4
132.7
10.6
151.4
J70
7.5
9.1
151.0
151.8
Natih IV
Rutbah 4
Fourth
Sand
7.6
Natih V
Ruwaydah
Fm
Th C
11.5
J80
6.2
Laffan Fm
Lekhwair
Fm
LZA 4.6
J90
6.3
Judea Fm
Shuaiba Platform
Biyadh
Sandstone
150.8 4.0
J100
6.4
Halul/Ilam
Kharaib
Fm
10
LZB 1.1 - 1.3

LZA 4.7
Tit
Fiqa Fm
9.6
Sulaiy Fm
LZB 1.4
6.5
1b
Lower
Fiqa
123.0
10.3
LZB 1.5
6.6
Pre-Wasia Unconformity
Sallah Fm
9.5
LZB 1.6
K20
5.1
1c
Upper
Fiqa
Hiatus
Mauddud Fm
Middle and
Lower
Third Sand
Bab
Member
Hiatus
LZB 2.1
K30
Juwaiza Fm
Hiatus
10.5 137.6
Val
5.2
Rutbah 1
LZB 2.4
136.4 2.0
Al Khod Fm
6.1
113.3
9.2
LZB 3.1
Hau
Mauddud Fm
Upper 3rd Sst
8.2
LZB 3.3
K50
5.3
Muti Fm
Qiba Fm
9.4
LZB 3.4
Thaqab Fm
1a
Mishrif Mbr
LZB 3.2
Jurassic
Ilam Fm
Derro
Volanics
125.0 1.0
MESOZOIC
R'mah Fm
Maliha Fm
9.5
K70
Simsima
Fm
ARUMA
GROUP
Pre-Aruma Unconformity
Abu Qada
Fm
7.2
LZB 3.5
TRIASSIC
Simsima
Fm
Gulneri
8.1
Het
Tarbur
Fm
C2
Adaffa Fm
Late
121.0
5.5
Khasib BI
8.3
183.0 1.5
Shiranish
Fm
B3
8.3
LZB 4.2
4.2
4.1
B2
UZA 1.1
112.0 1.0
Jafnayn
Fm
Tanuma
Fm
84.1
7.5
7.4
UZA 2.1
Umm er
Radhuma
Fm
Sa'adi
Fm
Hiatus
UZA 2.4
UZA 1.4
Alb
Toa
Umm er
Radhuma
Fm
Gurpi Fm
Hiatus
Matulla Fm
UZA 1.5
Bat
4.3
Lower
Hartha C3
Qamchuka Formation
100.5
4.5
4.4
Kolosh 2
C1
6.3
6.2
UZA 2.2
Rusayl Fm
Sinjar Fm
Gotnia Salt
99.0
Rus Fm
Bekhme
Aruma 1
74.4
Tayarrat
Fm
Burgan Formation
95.5
4.6
Aruma 2
6.6
UZA 3.5
UZA 2.5
3.1
Muthaymimah
Fm
Gotnia Formation
K120
K110
Kim
Rus Fm
3.2
Seeb Fm
Hiatus
Simsima
Fm
Hajajah
Mbr
Sudr Fm
7.3
145.5 4.0
Dammam
Fm
5.4
Aruma 3
Cen
Ber
3.4
Aruma 4
Wasia Formation
93.0
Shama Fm
Pre-UER Unconformity
5.4
7.5
K130
140.2 3.0
3.5
Pabdah 1
Dubai
Kolosh 1
UZA 2.6
K140
3.6
Pabdeh 2
Hiatus
UZA 2.7
Tur
130.0 1.5
2.2
Pabdah 3
Dubai
Sinjar 1
7.6
Barr
Hiatus
Laffan Fm
89.3 1.0
2.3
AG 1
Early
Cenozoic Hiatus
5.5
UZA 3.3
San
Apt
2.4
Asmari
Fm
5.6
6.5
83.5 0.7
2.5
5.6
UZA 4.4
UZA 4.1
Sawadi Fm
Taqa Fm
Sinjar 2
UER 1
4.1
Duwi Fm
78.0
Sinjar 3
Rus Fm
Rus 2
4.4
4.3
2.6
Hiatus
PadehJahrum
Fms
Jaddala
Fm
Sagerma
50.1
55.0
1.1
Dammam 1
Pre-Dammam Unconformity
4.5
Jaddala/
Gercus
Fms
Dammam
Fm
Dammam 2
Rus 3
Thebes
Fm
4.3
1.2
3.3
Saila Mbr
AG 3
Cam
K170
Dammam
Fm
Midra Mbr
4.6
4.5
1.3
Dammam 3
Alveolina Mbr
Dammam
Fm
AG 4
3
1.4
Barzaman Fm
Dammam
Fm
Khobar Mbr
3.1
5.2
UZA 4.2
Mid-Cenozoic
Hiatus
Alat Mbr
99.6 0.9
Lower Fars
Fm
"Clastics
and
Evaporites
Fm"
2.1
Matiyah Fm
33-34 Ma
3.3
UZA 4.5
93.5 0.8
Upper Fars
Fm
Chilou
Fm
Hiatus
3.5
3.4
TA 3.2
Early
Fat'ha Fm
Lower Fars
Fm
Jabal Kibrit
Fm
Upper
Rudeis Mbr
Hiatus
Pri
"late"
Upper Fars
Fm
25.8
Con
Injana Fm
GOS T10
GOS S10
2.3
Rup
85.8 0.7
Bakhtiari
Formation
Hiatus
GOS T00
TB 1.1
37.2 0.1
LATE
Kareem
Fm
Lower
Rudeis Mbr
33.9 0.1
Paleogene
Kial Fm
Bakhtiari
Formation
AG 7
Pg40
70.6 0.6
Belayim Fm
Bakhtiari
Formation
GOS T30
GOS S30
GOS T20
AG 8
2.5
TB 1.2
58.7 0.2
Mansiyah
Fm
Dibdibba
Formation
FARS GROUP
11.2 GOS T60
28.4 0.1
Early
Oligocene
Pg50
South Gharib
Fm
Dibdibba
Formation
HADHRAMAUT GROUP
1.3
2.5
23.0
Ghawas
Fm
Hofuf
Formation
ARUMA GROUP
20.0
GOS T70
Zeit Fm
1.5
Hofuf Formation
gravel, erosion
of cover rock
WASIA GROUP
Ng10
Aqu
CENOZOIC
6.4
TB 2.2
20.4
Outcrop
1.6
Agha Jari
Formation
17.5
TB 2.3
Subsurface
Badr Fm
Ifal Fm
Surmeh Formation
Early
TB 2.4
OMAN
KAHMAH GROUP
Ng20
Bur
Subsurface
GOS T50
14.5
15.9
UNITED
ARAB
EMIRATES
IRAN
Lower Red Fm
16.0
Ng40
Ng30
SYRIA
Kashtak Fm
Lurestan
13.8
Lan
IRAQ
Khane Khat Fm
Middle
Ser
KUWAIT
GOS S70
11.6
Miocene
Neogene
Tor
TB 3.3
Outcrop
QATAR
Garau Formation
Late
7.2
Red Sea
BAHRAIN
1.5
Pliocene
Mes
SAUDI ARABIA
Upper Red
Fm
Ma
EGYPT
GULF OF
SUEZ
Qom Fm in Central Iran
MFS
SEQUENCE
BOUNDARY
AROS 2008
UNCONFORMITY
DS SB
Ma
Basarin Fm
Age (Ma)
Haq et al.
(1988)
Aalaji Formation
Pleistocene
ARABIAN
PLATE
Aruma Formation
Stage
Epoch
Quat Period
Era
GTS 2004
AROS
DS
GeoArabia
Pre-Marrat Unconformity
200.8
14.1 and 14.2
Minjur Sandstone
Minjur Fm
Limestone
Hamlah Fm
Dolomite
Minjur Fm
Anhydrite
Butmah Fm
Shale
Sargelu Fm
Sandstone
Dashtak Fm
Marl
Hamlah Fm
Reservoir
Lower Mafraq Clastics
Volcanic
TransgressiveRegressive
Sequence
14.2
and
14.1
GeoArabia
MIDDLE EAST GEOLOGICAL TIMESCALE 2008
Journal of Middle East

Petroleum Geosciences
2008, v. 13, no. 4.
Moujahed I. Al-Husseini
geoarabi@batelco.com.bh
ARABIAN
PLATE
Age (Ma)
MFS
Ma
AROS 2008
DS
SB
Ma
SEQUENCE
BOUNDARY
UNCONFORMITY
SAUDI ARABIA
Outcrop
BAHRAIN
QATAR
KUWAIT
IRAQ
14.3 200.8
Rha
Minjur Sandstone
14
234.8
Lower
Jilh
Gelli
Khana
Formation
Sudair
Formation
Mirga Mir
Formation
U. Khartam
Mbr
* PTr
Boundary
18.6
L. Khartam
Mbr
18.5
18.5 254.2
Midhnab
Mbr
P30
256.0
18.3
18.3 259.1
18.2
Cap
18.1
18
P20
266.0
264.0
19.6
Duhaysan
Mbr
K0
C3
C2
C1
KII
KS1
KS2
KS2
KS3
Upper Anh
KS4
Mid Anh
KS3
KS4
Huqayl Mbr
KS5
D
Ash Shiqqah
Mbr
Kurra Chine
Dolomite
KS5
KIII
Amanus Shale
Amanus
Sandstone
Aghar Shale
Kangan I
Darari
Member
Markada
Formation
II
Upper III
Dalan
Member
IV
KSI
Nar
Member
Lower
Dalan
Member
Basal Khuff
Clastics
Basal Khuff
Clastics
Basal Khuff
Clastics
?
19.3 273.7
19.2
Unayzah
Formation
A Res
278.5
OSPZ4
Art-Kun
20.5
20.5 283.4
OSPZ3
20.4
20.3 288.3
20.2
20
294.6 0.8
293.1
21.6
Ass
OSPZ2
Ass-Sak
20.1
21.5
21.5 298.0
299.0 0.8
21.4
Haushi
Formation
Unayzah
Formation
Juwayl
Member
of the
Wajid
Sandstone
Saiq Sq
Saiq A4
Saiq Sq
21.3 302.8
Ste
21.2
Kas
Faraghan
Formation
Ga'ara
Formation
Haushi
Formation
311.7 1.1
18.2
Saiq A3
Saiq Sq
18.1
P18
P17
Saiq A2
Saiq Sq
1L
Saiq Sq
Saiq A1
1v
B Res
Chal-e
Shah
19.4
Gharif 7
19.3
Gharif 6
Upper
Gharif 4
19.2
19.1
20.6
Lower
20.5
Gharif 2
20.4
Saiwan Fm
Basal Unit
20.3
Gharif 1
Rahab Lake 2
Intra-Rahab
Rahab Lake 1
Rahab
Shale
Blanketing Diamictite
AK PIA Early Lake
AK PIA Unnamed Diamictite
Gondwana Glaciation
in Southwest Arabia
and Oman
Ghazal
Mbr
19.5
Gharif 8
Gharif 3
Jawb
Mbr
19.6
Hiatus
20.2
20.1
21.6
21.5
21.4
Al Khlata AK P5
C Res
21.2
Hiatus
21.1
307.7
Wes
22
Pre-Unayzah Unconformity
318.1 1.3
Nam
22
23
326.4 1.6
2v
P20
Al Khlata AK P9
21
Bas
Ser
2a
P27
P23
18.5
18.3
Gharif 5
Tinat
Mbr
21.1
306.5 1.0
Mos
2b
18.6
21.3
OSPZ1
303.9 0.9
18.4
21.3
Gzh
Saiq Sq
P30
P19
KS7
*
*
Saiq B1-B6
Saiq C1-C5
Wudayhi
Mbr
Juwayl Formation
20.3
Sak
KS5
Basal Khuff
Clastics
UNAYZAH GROUP
20.6
286.0
KS4
Middle
Nuayyim Formation
19
P10
P35
Pre-Khuff Unconformity
19.1
Art
KS3
Upper
19.3
275.6 0.7
19.4
Kun
Upper
Member
P40
KS6
19.5 268.8
270.6 0.7
Mahil
Formation
17
KS2
Satina Evap
Zinnar
Member
Basal Khuff
Clastics
19.5
Roa
Mahil
Formation
Sudair
Formation
KS6
Wor
268.0 0.7
KI
KS1
Chia Zairi Formation
253.0
260.4 0.7
GUADALUPIAN
Middle
Gulailah
Formation
249.4
Wuc
CISURALIAN
Early
Jilh
Formation
Redefined Gharif
Sudair Shale
17
18.4
284.4 0.7
15
Dashtak
Formation
16
Khuff Formation
P40
Sudair
Formation
Khuff Formation
250.0
250.5
14.1
Lower
Khuff Formation
Tr20
Tr10
14.2
Gulailah
Formation
Lower
Jilh
247.7
253.8 0.7
265.8 0.7
Kurra Chine
Salt
Middle Salt
Jilh
Formation
Middle
Khuff Formation
EARLY
LOPINGIAN
Late
Cha
PENNSYLVANIAN
"Late"
East
Kurra Chine
Anhydrite
17
Tr30
251.0 0.4
Jilh Salt
Kurra Chine
Formation
Middle
242.0
16
Adaya Fm
Khuff Formation
Tr40
245.0 1.5
MISSI
"Middle"
Central
Lower
Mafraq
Clastics
Hamlah
Formation
Lower
233.0
Mus Fm
Lower
Tr50
OSPZ6
Wor - Late Permian
MIDDLE
16
237.0 2.0
249.7 0.7
Carnian Salt
Crisis
227.0
228.0 2.0
Ole
Butmah
Formation
AKHDAR GROUP
Tr60
220.2
Jilh Formation
220.0
Upper
Jilh
Upper
Jilh
Upper
15
15
Ani
Minjur
Formation
205.6
208.0
216.5 2.0
Lad
Hamlah
Formation
HAUSHI GROUP
Tr80
Tr70
Triassic
Subsurface
Butma Fm
OSPZ5
Roa-Wor
LATE
Nor
Car
Permian
Minjur
Formation
14.1
203.6 1.5
Carboniferous
OMAN
Sargelu Fm
14.2
MESOZOIC
UNITED
ARAB
EMIRATES
Early Jurassic Hiatus

199.6 0.6
PALEOZOIC
IRAN
Subsurface
Jurassic
Ind
SYRIA
Khuff Formation
Stage
Epoch
Period
Era
GTS 2004
AROS
DS
Triassic, Permian and Late Carboniferous Periods
322.3
Mid-Carboniferous
Hiatus
Limestone
Anhydrite
Sandstone
Reservoir
Dolomite
Shale
Marl
Volcanic
TransgressiveRegressive
Sequence
Pre-Al Khlata Unconformity
22
23
Appendix 14
1218
C6
East
West
0.5
0.0
300
200 +100
-100
Piacenzian
Zanclean
Messinian
E.
Late
Middle
MIOCENE
NEOGENE
C
I
1.0
Basinward
Systems Relative Sea-Level

Tracts
Changes
Dibdibba
Tortonian
Serravalian
Langhian
Burdigalian
Onlap Curve
Landward
1.0
0.5
Sea-Level Curve
Basinward
0.0
300
200 +100
-100
Isthmus of Panama
closes
Arctic glaciation
begins
Closure of Gibralter
Isthmus, isolation of
Mediterranean
Messinian Salinity
Crisis
Red Sea continues to open
Hofuf
Dam
Final submergence of
Iceland-Faroe Ridge
Collision on eastern Arabian
margin (Zagros-Oman
Foldbelt forms)
Ng40 (14.6)
Ng30 (15.9)
Ng20 (18.5)
Hadroukh
Ng10
(20)
Aquitanian
HST
TST
HST
C11
C12
Late
Pg40
Rupelian
Pg30
Priabonian
Bartonian
C21
C22
Middle
C23
C28
C29
C30
70
Late
Early
C26
C27
65
HST
Dammam
Alveolina
HST
Saila
TST
Pg20
HST
(48.6)
TST
40
South Hemisphere
glaciation
Onset of collision of
India with Asia
45
50
HST
TST
HST
Spreading in Norwegian
Greenland sea begins
HST
Umm Er
Radhuma
55
TST
Pg10
(59)
Selandian
HST
TST
60
Danian
K180
Maastrichtian
C31
35
Onset of Antarctic
bottom water regime,
widespread deep
sea hiatuses
Spreading direction
change in north Pacific
Rus
Ypresian
Thanetian
25
South Hemisphere
glaciation
TST
TST
C25
60
Lutetian
C24
PALEOCENE
55
Dammam
Khobar
Midra
Early
50
45
EOCENE
C20
PA L E O G E N E
C19
C18
20
30
Closure of Neo-Tethys, initial

rifting in Red Sea
Collision begins on northern
Arabian margin (Mesopotamian Foredeep of
Zagros Foldbelt forms)
Collision continues today!
Hasbah
Alat
C17
40
15
Further inversion of
Euphrates Graben,
Palmyrids, Sinjar, following
onset of Zagros compression
(29)
(33)
Late
C13C16
Onset of North
Atlantic deep water
Drake Passage breached
35
(24)
Chattian
10
Widespread Cherts
on ocean floor
C10
Early
C8
C9
30
OLIGOCENE
C7
05
Major enlargement
of Antarctic ice sheet
Onset of monsoons
and upwelling in
Arabian Sea
South Hemisphere
glaciation
LST/TST
Pg50
25
Time (Ma)
Onlap Curve
Major MFSs (Age)

Landward
Major Tectonic
Events
Major
Paleoceanographic
and Climatic
Events
Tectonostratigraphic
Megasequences
Member
Arabian Platform Regional Sea-Level Changes
Source
Intervals
Gelasian
L.
Early
20
C5
Reservoir
Intervals
Global Mean
Sea-Level Changes
AP11
Formation
C3
10
15
Standard
Stages / Ages
Generalized
Depositional
Profile (Chronostratigraphic
Extent)
AP10
PLIO.
C2
C4
Generalized
Saudi Arabian
Stratigraphy
Pleistocene-Holocene
C1
05
Series/Epochs
Systems/Periods
ERAS
Magnetic Chrons
Time (Ma)
Jurassic-Neogene Arabian Platform Cycle Chart
(68)
Masirah Ophiolite
obduction on East Arabian
margin and obduction
on North margin drives
Syrian Arc inversion
HST
TST
HST
TST
65
Separation of Seychelles
from India
70
HST
TST
HST
India begins its rapid

northward movement
75
TST
Onset of rifting in
Euphrates and Sinjar
Basins of Syria
HST
TST
C32
HST
75
Campanian
80
C33
Aruma
K170
(78)
TST
HST
HST
TST
HST
TST
AP9
TST
80
Middle Turonian
Unconformity
90
Turonian
Mishrif
95
Rumaila
C34
105
Wara
Safaniya
Albian
Khafji
Ahmadi
(Qatar)
Mauddud
K100
(106)
Khafji
K80
(117)
Shuaiba
K70
(122.5)
Barremian
Zubair
Biyadh
130
Hauterivian
Buwaib
Buwaib
Valanginian
Yamama
Ratawi Sh.
Ratawi LST.
Ratawi
LATE
150
Kimmeridgian
155
Arab
Arab
(A - D)
Jubaila
J2
J1
160
JURASSIC
165
170
Jubaila
Upper
Bathonian
Bajocian
Daddiyah
Maysiyah
Baladiyah
Hisyan
Atash
Hadriya
LST / TST
HST
HST
LST / TST
(Iraq)
Dhruma
Lower
185
Marrat
130
Spreading between India

and Australia-Antarctica
starts
135
140
TST
TST
Rifting of eastern
Mediterranean begins
(Uplift of western margin
of Arabian Arch)
TST
Madagascar separates
from Africa
Atlantic begins to open.
(Unconformity with major
erosion on margin of
Arabian Plate)
TST
TST
TST
J50
HST
(158)
TST
(180)
TST
HST
Major anoxic
event North Sea,
Siberia?
145
150
Major anoxic event

Europe, S. America
155
160
HST
Rifting of Indian Plate from
Africa begins (Rifting in
south Arabian margin,
tilting northward)
Active opening in Gulf of
Mexico and North Atlantic
TST
HST
TST
HST
LST / TST
Long Term
Curve
170
Short
Term
Curve
175
Major anoxic event
(Tethys, Europe)
180
LST / TST
185
Sinemurian
TRIASSIC
210
LATE
Hettangian
Beginning of rifting
between East and
West Gondwanaland
Rhaetian
Norian
Minjur
Upper
Minjur
Shale
Evaporite
Carbonate
Oil Reservoir
Non-associated
Gas Resrvoir
Oil and Non-associated
Gas Reservoir
Proven Source
Interval
Potential Source
Interval
190
195
200
210
Jurassic-Neogene
Arabian Platform Cycle Chart
Sandstone
AP6
between North America
and Africa and in Gulf
of Mexico
Initial breakup of Pangaea
EARLY
(Non-Depositional / Erosional Hiatus)
195
200
165
Tethys Current
establishes
Pliensbachian
190
120
125
HST
J70 (154)
J60
(155)
J10
110
TST
LST / TST
Toarcian
105
HST
HST
Marrat
Major anoxic
event in Europe
Motion ceases between

Madgascar and Africa
Naturaliste Plateau splits
HST
(170)
100
TST
LST / TST
HST
HST
J20
Major anoxic
event on ocean
floor
Opening of Mediterranean
begins (sub-basins form
on Arabian Platform)
LST / TST
J110
(147)
(167)
95
115
HST
HST
J30
Faridah
90
Major anoxic
event on ocean
floor
TST
K10
(144)
J100 (150.75)
J90 (151.5)
Major anoxic
event South
and central
Atlantic
HST
HST
(163)
Lower Fadhili
Middle
HST
K30
(139)
K20
(141)
J40
Upper Fadhili
Sharar
LST / TST
LST / TST
J80 (152.5)
Hawtah
Tuwaiq
Mountain
HST
K50
(129)
Aalenian
175
MIDDLE
Callovian
Hanifa
(Yemen)
Hanifa
Ulayah
Oxfordian
180
(Hith)
Manifa/Hith S.
LST / TST
TST
Sulaiy
Tithonian
HST
HST
LST / TST
K40
(132)
Berriasian
145
Onset of ophiolite
obduction on Northeast
Arabia and inversion
(Fault Reactivation,
warping of plate with
erosion and onlap)
Breakup of AustraliaAntarctica starts
New spreading ridge
forms off the eastern
margin of Arabian
Platform (later obducted
as ophiolite in
Turonian)
HST
LST / TST
HST
TST
K60
(126)
Late Valanginian
Unconformity
135
140
K90
(111)
EARLY
125
85
LST / TST
(U.A.E)
(U.A.E)
120
TST
Safaniya
115
Shuaiba
(88)
K110
(101)
Late Aptian Unconformity
Aptian
HST
K120
(98)
Wara
Mauddud
Wasia
Rumaila
110
Ahmadi
C R E TA C E O U S
Cenomanian
K150
K140
(93)
K130
(95)
Mishrif
Spreading begins
between Australia
and Antarctica in
Tasman Sea
HST
TST
AP8
Lawhah
Coniacian
100
K160
(85)
AP7
Santonian
Accumulation of organic-rich clay in restricted basins
85
LATE
TST
HST
TST
Hiatal Surface
J10
Intra-Formational
Hiatus (Erosional or
non-depositional)
(180)
Scale Change
Major Maximum Flooding

Surface (MFS) [after Sharland
et al. (2004) with ages in Ma
calibrated to GTS, 2004]
Sequence Boundary (SB)
Higher Frequency SB
Inferred MFS
LST = Lowstand Systems Tract

TST = Transgressive Systems Tract
HST = Highstand Systems Tract
PHANEROZOIC CYCLES OF SEA-LEVEL

CHANGE ON THE ARABIAN PLATFORM
Bilal U. Haq and Abdul Motaleb Al-Qahtani
Enclosure 1 of 2
200 +100
-100
1.0
0.5
0.0
300
200 +100
Lower
Upper
Jilh
Upper
Wordian
Roadian
Kungurian
Khuff (A-C)
Duhaysan
Khuff
Huqayl
TST
Tr50
HST
(234)
TST
230
Arabian Plate moves
into equatorial
latitudes
240
P40 (254)
TST
P30 (255)
TST
250
HST
260
HST
LST / TST
Basal Khuff
Aeolian
Playa
Unayzah A
Marine
Opening of Neotethys,
passive margin subsidence
around Arabia
South Hemisphere
glaciation
270
Cimmeria rifts from

South Gondwana
Arabian Plate moves

into subtropical
latitudes, carbonate
sedimentation begins
280
Tethys established
(Oman)
P10
(287)
Fluviolacustrine
Closure of Ural Sea
Stephanian
Unayzah C
Juwayl
Unayzah B
Bashkirian
Serpukhovian
Fluvio-glacial
Incisions
End of Hercynian Orogeny

(Quiescence on Arabian
Plate, rifting of Central Iranian
Blocks from Arabian Plate
Rheic Ocean closed
Fluvioglacial
Westphalian
Paleotethys forms
Namurian
Late
HST
P20
(261)
Unayzah
Early Middle
Tr60
220
Tr30 (249.75)
Lower
Khartam
Midhnab
Artinskian
Late
HST
Hercynian Orogeny (Erosional Hiatus)
C10
Visean
LST / TST
Glaciation on A.P.
310
South Hemisphere
glaciation
320
330
Collision of Gondwana and

Euramerica
Berwath
Effects of Hercynian
Orogeny observed
on Arabian Plate
LST / TST
HST
LST / TST
HST
Tournaisian
390
Givetian
Early
Late
L
500
510
520
530
Late
Middle
Early
Late
Middle
CAMBRIAN
490
Pridolian
Ludfordian
Ludlow.
Gorstian
Jauf
LST / TST
HST
Aeronian
Rhuddanian
Caradocian
Llandeilian
Jauf
HST
LST / TST
(408)
LST / TST
LST / TST
HST
S20
(418)
Qusaiba
Sarah
S10
Mid Qusaiba
Sarah
Sarah
Quwarah
Quwarah
Kahfah
Kahfah
380
390
Short
Term
Curve
400
Indochina rifts from
Gondwana
Iapetus Ocean closed
O20 (483)
HST
O10 (486)
LST / TST
HST
Cm30
(Oman)
LST / TST
(496)
Cm20
Gondwana extends in
South high latitudes
HST
(Ara)
HST
(538)
430
South Hemisphere
glaciation
440
Glaciation on Arabian
Plate followed by
isostatic rebound
450
Major anoxic event

on ocean floor
Paleozoic Gondwana
assembled and Iapetus
and Panthalassa
Oceans established
Onset of subsidence
following peneplanation
on Arabian Plate
Cm10
South Hemisphere
glaciation
South Hemisphere
glaciation
470
490
Major anoxic event

on ocean floor
510
South Hemisphere
glaciation?
Widespread carbonate
platforms in China, Siberia,
North America
LST / TST
(Volcanics)
Shale
Evaporite
Carbonate
Oil Reservoir
Non-associated
Gas Resrvoir
Oil and Non-associated
Gas Reservoir
Proven Source
Interval
Potential Source
Interval
530
550
Cambrian-Triassic
Arabian Platform Cycle Chart
Sandstone
410
Major anoxic event

on ocean floor
Gondwana separates from

Avalonia
LST / TST
(506)
(Oman)
Major anoxic event

on ocean floor
420
LST / TST
(469)
Pre-Siq Unconformity
(Jibalah Group)
Major anoxic event

(Laurassia, North
Africa)
HST
O30
Atdabanian
Tommotian
LST / TST
(454)
Burj
Siq
Botomian
HST
O40
Risha
St. Davids
Onset on Hercynian
Orogeny (sensu lato)
Gentle hinterland uplift on

Arabia
Sajir
Merioneth
HST
(440)
Hanadir
Saq
370
Rheic Ocean connects

Iapetus and Panthalassa
Raan
Qasim
South Hemisphere
glaciation?
HST
LST / TST
Sharawra
Qalibah
Long
Term
Curve
Soft collision of Laurassia

and Gondwana
LST / TST
Pre-Tawil Unconformity
Arenigian
Lenan
Short
Term
Curve
LST / TST
D10
Tawil
Llanvirnian
Tremadocian
(401)
Long Term
Curve
HST
Telychian
Llandoverian
LST / TST
D20
Homerian
Sheirnwoodian
Precambrian
550
Hammamiyat
Subbat
Qasr
Shaiba
Nemakit - Daldynian
540
HST
Murayr (Fiyadh)
Pragian
Ashgillian (Hirnantian)
Early
ORDOVICIAN
480
Emsian
Wenlock
Early
SILURIAN
A
P
470
Lower
Eifelian
Lochkovian
440
450
HST
Middle
LST / TST
410
430
LST / TST
Jubah
400
420
LST / TST
HST
Frasnian
Middle
380
DEVONIAN
Late
370
(361)
360
AP3
Famennian
HST
AP2
Upper
D30
AP1
360
340
350
LST / TST
(Largely second-order cycles)
Early
350
290
300
South Hemisphere
glaciation
Hercynian Carboniferous
unconformity on A.P.
HST
(333)
Stadial/Interstadial
climate on A.P.
AP5
Capitanian
Middle
(220)
210
AP4
Sudair
Unfimian- TataKazanian rian
Early
Lopingian
HST
200
(241)
Wuchiapingian
Guadalupian
Pennsylvanian
Mississippian
CARBONIFEROUS
Tr70
(226)
Lower
Time (Ma)
Tr40
Olenekian
Induan
Changsingian
Gzhelian
Kasimovian
Moscovian
195
LST / TST
HST
LST / TST
(211)
Tectonostratigraphic
Megasequences
-100
AP6
Tr80
Ladinian
C
I
O
300
Basinward
HST
Minjur
Asselian
310
460
0.0
Landward
Sea-Level Curve
Major
Paleoceanographic
and Climatic
Events
Glacial-Interglacial Climate on Arabian Plate
Early
Late
Upper
Minjur
Jilh
300
340
0.5
Onlap Curve
Major Tectonic
Events
between East and
West Gondwanaland
Sakmarian
330
Basinward
Systems Relative Sea-Level

Changes
Tracts
Carnian
290
320
East
West
1.0
Norian
Cisuralian
PERMIAN
260
280
Major MFSs (Age)

Landward
Anisian
250
270
Onlap Curve
Hettangian
Middle
TRIASSIC
Z
O
S
240
Source
Intervals
Sinemurian
230
Member
Global Mean
Sea-Level Changes
Arabian Platform Regional Sea-Level Changes
Rhaetian
210
220
Reservoir
Intervals
Generalized
Depositional
Profile (Chronostratigraphic
Extent)
Initial break up of Pangaea
Series/Epochs
Formation
200
Generalized
Saudi Arabian
Stratigraphy
Standard
Stages / Ages
195
JURASSIC Systems/Periods
ERAS
Time (Ma)
Cambrian-Triassic Arabian Platform Cycle Chart
Hiatal Surface
D20
Intra-Formational
Hiatus (Erosional or
non-depositional)
(401)
Scale Change
Major Maximum Flooding

Surface (MFS) [after Sharland
et al. (2004) with ages in Ma
calibrated to GTS, 2004]
Sequence Boundary (SB)
Higher Frequency SB
Inferred MFS
LST = Lowstand Systems Tract

TST = Transgressive Systems Tract
HST = Highstand Systems Tract
PHANEROZOIC CYCLES OF SEA-LEVEL

CHANGE ON THE ARABIAN PLATFORM
Bilal U. Haq and Abdul Motaleb Al-Qahtani
Enclosure 2 of 2

A Historical Account of The Stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle-East (1816 To 2015)

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A Historical Account of The Stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle-East (1816 To 2015)

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A Historical Account

By: Jacques LeBlanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Al-Dakhira Lagoon, Qatar

Within the QNCC sand quarry south of Umm Bab, Qatar

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Fig. A-03 : Henry John Carter

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

become later the Rus and Dammam Formations,

Equivalent Modern Member

Umm Bab Member of the

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Fig. A-07: Quartz geode with liquid oil

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Halul [Cavelier (1970b)]

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Shraouh [Cavelier (1970b)]

III Ishat islets [Cavelier (1970b)]

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Dolomitic (?) limestone, lenses, comparable to L 9 ; Pelecypods casts,

Whitish clayey limestone, granular, compact, of uneven hardness resulting in

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc

A historical account of the stratigraphy of Qatar, Middle East (1816 to 2015)

Compiled by Jacques Leblanc