RESEARCH ARTICLE

Oil: Source Rock Correlations of Oilfields in the North Western

Desert, Egypt
Mohamed M El Nady1
Abstracts: Liquid chromatographic separation, gas chromatography were used to characterize the crude oil and extract samples
collected from different oilfields in North Western Desert Egypt namely: Meleiha, Misaada and Qarun oilfields to confirm the
indigenous sources for the petroleum generation of the oilfields. The mentioned parameters have been used for the relation
between the produced oils and the potential source rocks showed that the there is a good correlation between the extract
samples of Bahariya and Khatatba formations and crude oils from Qarun and Misaada oilfields. While the extract of Kharita
source rocks and Meleiha oil shows no correlation. These evidences indicate that Bahariya and Khataba source rocks seem to be
act as a source and reservoirs for oil generation in the Qarun and Misaada oilfields.

C17/phytane+n-C18 ratio were discussed by Alexander et al.

(1981); Pool and Claypool (1984); Leythaeuser et al.
(1987) and Philip et al. (1989). These parameters depend
mostly on the pre-burial environments of the living
organisms, the depositional environments of the organic
matter and the diagenetic processes in the source rocks.
The North Western Desert represents an important
part of the unstable shelf of the Northern Africa. It has
been subjected to different tectonic regimes since the
Paleozoic times, which was able to the construction of
many basins, sub-basins, ridges, troughs and platforms.
These structural features encourage both Egyptian and a
foreign oil company for condensed exploration works in
this region. The Western Desert still has a significant
hydrocarbon potential as recent oil and gas discoveries
indicate (Dolson et al., 2001). There are few available
literatures concerning the geochemical characterization of
crude oils and source rocks from the Western Desert of
Egypt. Mostafa et al. (1998) recognized four oil types have
been recognized in the north Western Desert. Oils from
Shushan and Matruh basins are characterized by terrestrial
waxes input, while oils from Abu Gharadig Basin are
generated from marine siliciclastic source rocks, and those
from Alamein Basin are seemed to be derived from mixed
marine/terrigenous sources. Sharaf and El Nady (2003)
recognized that the oils from Alam El Bueib and Bahariya
reservoirs are genetically related, multisourced from
Khatatba and Alam El Bueib source rocks with minor
contribution from Kohla source rocks. El Nady (2009)
recognized that the source environments and maturity of
the oil from Khatatba reservoir is similar to that of the
Khatatba source rock extract. The oil from the Alam El
Bueib reservoir differs from the extracts of the Alam El
Bueib and Kharita formations. El Nady and Harb (2010)
revealed that close genetic relationship and remarkable
similarities in the origin and maturation for the oils and
extracts of the Khatatba and Alam El Bueib source rocks of
some oilfields in the North Western Desert.
The aim of this work is to assess the correlation
between the crude oil and the potential source rocks to
confirm the indigenous sources for the petroleum
generation of some oilfields of the North Western Desert
This target was made through out the study in detail for the
analytical results of three crude oil samples collected from
three oilfields in the North Western Desert (Figure 1)
namely : Meleiha, Misaada and Qarun oilfields. As well as,

INTRODUCTION
An oil-source rock correlation definitively an individual
source rock sample to an individual crude oil using
genetically-based, internally consistent parameter matches.
The importance of these correlations as risk reduction tools
in exploration of mature sedimentary basins (Waples and
Curiale, 1999). Although petroleum geochemists can cite
several accepted oil-source rock involved chemically and
geologically consistent correlative relationship is subjective
to an extent that would be unacceptable in other areas of
organic geochemistry. My objectives are to outline the
reasons for the inherent subjectivity of oil-source
correlations, and to recommend conceptual and practical
approaches for improving them as an approach toward
reducing exploration risk.
An oil-source rock correlation is a causal relationship
established between the two components which are
consistent with all known chemical, geochemical and
geological information established by Hunt et al. (1954).
Specifically: (a) the oil must arise at least in part from the
specified source rock; (b) chemical data used in the
correlation must be comparable and the elemental,
molecular and isotopic data derived from the source rock
must be of the same type as that derived from the oil; and
(c) all available geological data must be supportive and
clear geological evidence must exist which allows the
proposed source rock to have sourced the oil.
In the present work geochemical correlations of oils and
extracts are based on the ability to recognize distinct
physical and chemical similarities, or differences, between
the hydrocarbons in a reservoir and the extractable
bitumen plus the residual in the original source rock
(Williams, 1974). Oil-source rock correlations are more
difficult than oil-oil correlations, due to many problems in
their sampling, analyses and/or interpreting the available
data. Such interpretations must be confirmed by different
parameters, e.g. gross composition of oil and source rock
extracts, biomarker analyses, environmental analysis..
Many parameters for oil-source correlation as, saturates
(%), saturates/aromatics, Cmax, C21+C22/C28+C29, CPI,
and
pristane+npristane/phytane,
pristane/n-C17
1

Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute, Nasr City, Hei Al-Zehour, Cairo11727, Egypt.
E-mail: melnady2021@yahoo.com
*Corresponding author

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Table 1: Geochemical Parameters of Oil: Source Rocks Correlation of Oilfields in the North Western Desert, Egypt
Sat
%

Arom
%

Saturate/
Aromatic

NSO
%

Cmax

C21+C22/
C28+C29

Oils
Meleiha oilfied
Qarun oilfied
Misaada oilfied

28.58
72.15
69.56

15.50
18.45
15.23

1.84
3.91
5.11

55.92
9.40
15.12

15
16
16

1.10
1.1
2.3

Source rocks
Kharita Fm.
Bahariya Fm
Khatatba Fm

13.45
64.59
50.82

22.15
30.12
22.50

0.64
2.14
2.26

64.40
05.29
26.68

29
17
16

2.84
3.33
3.50

Samples

Pr/
ph

Pr/
n-C17

Ph/
n-C18

Pr+n-C17/
ph+n-C18

1.04
0.941.02

3.00
0.63
2.00

0.40
0.28
0.10

0.18
0.47
0.10

1.17
0.90
1.08

2.00
0.92
0.95

1.41
0.42
0.60

0.72
0.41
0.13

0.45
0.45
0.13

2.84
3.33
3.50

CPI

NSO%: (Asphaltenes + resins) percent; Pr/Ph: Pristane/ Phytane ratio. Pr/n-C17: Pristane/normal alkane ratio. Ph/n-C18: Phytane/ normal alkane ratio.
CPI: Carbon preference index = Odd carbon atom/ Even carbon atom

Table 2: A Degree Assessment of Oil: Source Rocks Correlation of Oilfields in the North Western Desert, Egypt
Sat
%
>50

Sat/
Arom
>2.00

Cmax
<22

C21+C22/
C28+C29
>2.00

CPI
1.0+0.1

Pr/ ph
2.0+0.6

Pr/
n-C17
0.7+0.6

Pr+n-C17/
ph+n-C18
1.2+0.6

Score
+=5
0=Nil

P. M
>4/8

C. R
>50

Oils
Meleiha
Qarun
Misaada

0
+++
+++

0
+
+

++
++
++

0
0
+++

+
0
+

0
+++
+++

++
++
++

+++++
+++++
+++++

50
80
100

4/8
6/8
8/8

Nil
Good
Good

Source rocks
Kharita
Bahariya
Khatatba

0
+++
+++

0
++
++

0
+
+

+++
+++
+++

+
0
+

++
0
0

++
++
++

0
0
0

40
55
60

4/8
5/8
6/8

Nil
Good
Good

Samples

P. M: Parameters Matching; C. R: Correlation Rating

three extract samples from Baharia, Kharita and Khataba

formation represent the potential source rocks of the
studied oilfields.

carbon contents, exceeding the aromatic & NSO compounds

in case of Qarun and Misaada oils and Bahariya and
Khatatba extracts (Table 1). This indicates that a great
relation between oils and extracted samples as both are
related to normal oils (Tissot and Welte, 1984). However
the oil samples have high saturates percent range from
69.56 to 72.15 % than the extract samples where it ranges
from 50.82 to 64.59% (Table 1) revealing that the crude
oils appear slightly more mature than the extracts. The
gross composition of oils and extracts of Qarun and Meleiha
oilfields and Bahariya and Khatatba source rocks reveals
marine origin (Zumberge, 1993).On the other hand, the
gross compositions of Meleiha oil and extract of Kharita
source rocks have saturates (%) less than 50% are 28.58
and 13.45%, respectively (Table 1) indicates mixed organic
sources.
NSO%: (Asphaltenes + resins) percent; Pr/Ph: Pristane/
Phytane ratio. Pr/n-C17: Pristane/normal alkane ratio.
Ph/n-C18: Phytane/ normal alkane ratio. CPI: Carbon
preference index = Odd carbon atom/ Even carbon atom.

TECHNIQUES
x About 200g of rock samples were powdered to 250mesh size and then extracted with chloroform by using
Soxhlet extractor.
x The crude oils and extracts samples were separated into
saturate,
aromatics
and
resins
by
column
chromatography. The column was packed with 1:1 (by
weight) alumina overlying silica gel such that the weight
of the sample (asphaltenes free) was about 2% of the
combined weight of the packed materials. Successive
elution with n-heptane, toluene and chloroform yielded
saturates, aromatics and resins component fractions,
respectively. The results are expressed as weight
percent to the whole oils and extracts.
x The saturate fractions of oils and extracts were
analyzed by gas chromatography using (Perkin Elmer
Instrument Model 8700) provided with a flame
ionization detector (FID). Oven temperature was
programmed for 100 to 320C at 5C/min.

n- Alkanes
The carbon distribution of crude oils and source rock extracts
(Figure 2) show that clear similarities in their molecular
distribution between Qarun and Misaada oils and Bahariya
and Khataba extracts indicate a genetic relationship. On the
other hand, Meleiha oil and extract of Kharita source rocks
extracts seem to be similar with each other and dissimilar
with the crude oils of Qarun and Meleiha oilfields.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Gross Composition
Crude oils and source rock extracts of the studied samples
show a remarkable similarities in the gross chemical
composition, as both have high percent of saturated hydro-

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Figure 1: Location map of the studied oilfields in North Western Desert, Egypt

Figure 2: Carbon distribution of crude oil and extract samples of some oilfields in the North Western Desert, Egypt

Figure 3: Plot of Pr/n-C17 versus Ph/n-C18 of crude oil and extract samples of some oilfields in the North Western Desert, Egypt

The isoprenoid/n-alkanes ratios reflects that oils and

extracts of Qarun and Misaada oilfields and extracts of
Bahariya and Khatatba source rocks are genetically related
as they are sourced from marine organic sources and
deposited under reducing conditions (Shanmugam,1985).
The oil and extract samples show a degree of maturation.
Consequently, Meleiha oil and extract of Kharita source
rocks are genetically related seem to be source from mixed
organic sources deposited under transitional conditions
(oxidizing reducing, Figure 3).

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Degree of Assessment
The assessments degree of the correlation between crude
oil and source rocks has been determined by studying the
correlation score for both oils and extracts. Eight
correlation parameters have been studied for this purpose
includes, saturates (%), ratio, Cmax, C21+C22/C28+C29, CPI,
and
pristane+npristane/phytane,
pristane/n-C17
C17/phytane+n-C18, saturates/aromatics (Table 1). The
score points, which have been allotted to different
mentioned parameters according to Alexander et al.,

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RESEARCH ARTICLE
(1981) are 5 score points for each, saturates/aromatics
ratios and CPI, 10 points for each pristane/n-C17 and
carbon maximum (Cmax), 15 points for each saturates (%),
C21+C22/C28+C29 and pristane/phytane ratio, and 25 point
to pristane+n-C17/phytane+n-C18 (Table 2). This is
depending on their powers, which reflect the genetic
relations between oils and potential source rocks.
Based on the above correlation parameters, an overall
correlation score was obtained for each oil and extract by
summing up the contribution from each parameter. The
ratio of correlation parameter to the total parameters
(parameter match) has been also considered in evaluating
the correlation rate. The samples show a score 50 points
and 5/8-parameter match or more, indicating good
correlation. Samples with a score 40-50 points and 4/8parameter match are considered as not correlated.
Table (2) shows the parameters and score points
allotted to the studied oil and source rock extract samples.
From the results we show that the crude oil from Meleiha
oilfield has score point equal 50 and parameter match 4/8
indicates not correlated oil. While the crude oils from
Qarun and Misaada oilfields have score point ranging from
80 to 100 and parameters matches ranging from 6/8 to
8/8, respectively was reflecting good correlated oils. On the
other hand, the extract samples of Kharita source rocks
also is not correlated where it has score point and 4/8
parameters match. Consequently, the extracts of Bahariya
and Khatatba source rocks have score points ranging from
55 to 60 and parameters match are 5/8 and 6/8,
respectively) indicate a good correlations.
Therefore, by correlation between the studied source
rocks and crude oils show that there is a good correlation
between the extract samples of Bahariya and Khatatba
source rocks and oils from Qarun and Misaada oilfields.
While the extract of Kharita source rocks and Meleiha oil
shows no correlation with the previous samples.

REFERENCES AND NOTES

1. Alexander, R., Kagi, R. I., and Woodhouse, G. W. Geochemical
correlation of Windalia oil and extracts of Winning group
(Cretaceous) potential source rocks, Berrow Subbasin,
Western Australia. AAPG Bull, 65: 235-249, 1981.
2. Dolson, J.C., Shann, M.V., Matbouly, S. I., Hammouda, H. and
Rashed, R.M. Egypt in the twenty first century: petroleum
potential in offshore trends, Geo. Arabia, 6: 211-230, 2001.
3. El Nady, M. M. Biomarkers assessment of crude oils and
extracts from Jurassic-Cretaceous rocks, North Qattara
Depression, North Western Desert, Egypt. J. Petrol. Sci. and
Tech, 26(9): 1063-1080, 2009.
4. El Nady, M. M., and Harb. Fatma M. Geochemical Correlation of
Oils and Source Rock Extracts of some Wells in the North
Western Desert, Egypt. J.Energ Sources, 32(13): 1215-1223,
2010.
5. Hunt, J.M., Stewart, F., Dickey, P.A., Origin of hydrocarbons of
Uinta Basin, Utah. AAPG Bull, 38:1671-1698, 1954.
6. Leythaeuser, D., Schaefer, R. G. and Radke. M. On the primary
migration. Proceeding of 12th World Petrol. Congr. Houston,
London Wiley, pp.227-236, 1987.
7. Mostafa, A., El-Gayar, M.Sh., and Barakat, A.O. Relationship
between
petroleum
composition
and
depositional
environment of petroleum source rocks from the Gulf of Suez
and the Western Desert of Egypt. J. Petrol. Sci. and Tech, 16:.
191207, (1998).
8. Philip, R. P., Li, J. G., and Lewis, C. A. An organic geochemical
investigation of crude oils from shanganning, Jianghan,
Chaidamu and Zhungeer Basins, Peoples Republic of China. J.
Org. Geochem, 14:.425-440, 1989.
9. Pool, F. G. and Claypool, G. E. Petroleum source rock potential
and crude oil correlation in Great basin. In J. Woodword, F.F.
Meissner, and J.H. Clayton, (Eds.), Hydrocarbon source rocks
of the Greater Rocky Mountain Region. Denver, Rocky
Mountain Assoc. Geologists, pp. 179-229, 1984.
10. Shanmugam, G. Significance of coniferous rain forests and
related oil, Gippsland basin, Australia, AAPG Bull, 69: 12411254, 1985.
11. Sharaf, L.M., El Nady, M .M. Geochemical characterizations of
source rocks and oil- source rocks correlation in some wells
within South Umbarka area, North Western Desert, Egypt. J.
Egypt. Sedim., 11: 61-76, 2003.
12. Tissot, B. P. and Welte, D. H. Petroleum Formation and
Occurrence, 2nd ed., New York springer Verlage, N.Y. 699p,
1984.
13. Waples, D.W. and Curiale, J.A., Oil-oil and oil-source rock
correlations. Chapter 8 of Exploring for Oil and Gas Traps (eds.
E.A. Beaumont and N.H. Foster). American Association of
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14. Williams, J. A. Characterization of oil types in Williston basin.
AAPG Bull. 58: 1243-1252, 1974.
15. Zumberge, J. E. Organic geochemistry of Estancia Vieja Oils,
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Organic Geochemistry Principals and Applications, N.Y. pp.
461-470, 1993.

CONCLUSIONS
Correlation between the studied source rocks and crude
oils of Qarun, Misaada and Meleiha oils and Bahariya,
Khatatba and Kharita source rocks in the North Western
Desert suggest the following:
x The oils and extracts of Qarun and Misaada oilfields and
extracts of Bahariya and Khatatba source rocks are
genetically related as they are sourced from marine
organic sources and deposited under reducing conditions
the oil and extracts samples show a degree of maturation
x The Meleiha oil and extract of Kharita source rocks are
genetically related, sourced from mixed organic sources
deposited under transitional conditions
x The extract of Kharita source rocks and Meleiha oil
shows no correlation with the previous samples.
Therefore, these evidences indicate that Bahariya and
Khataba source rocks seem to be act as a source and
reservoirs for oil generation in the Qarun and Misaada
oilfields. Consequently, the oil generation of Meleiha
oilfield may be migrated from other source rocks.

Inventi Rapid: Chemical Engineering Vol. 2013, Issue 1

Cite this article as: Mohamed M El Nady. Oil: Source

Rock Correlations of Oilfields in the North Western
Desert, Egypt. Inventi Rapid: Chemical Engineering,
2013(1):1-4, 2012.

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