SPE-195989-MS

3D Petroleum Systems Modeling of Block 18, Sab'atayn Basin, Onshore

Western Yemen: A Quantitative Integrated Assessment of Petroleum
Generation, Migration, Losses, and Saturations of the Unconventional Shale/
Tight Reservoirs of Madbi Formation.

Ameen N. Al-Maqtari, Ahmed A. Saleh, Adel Al-Haygana, Jaber Al-Adashi, and Abdulkhalek Alogily, SAFER E&D
Operations Company; Cassandra Warren, Evangelia Mavridou, Noelle Schoellkopf, Sami Sheyh Husein, Ammar
Ahmad, Zeeshan Baig, Nimuno Achu Teumahji, Surenthar Thiakalingam, Waqar Khan, Nicole Masurek, and Carlos
Andres Sanchez Torres, Schlumberger

Copyright 2019, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 30 Sep - 2 October 2019.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents
of the paper have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect
any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written
consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may
not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
A 3D petroleum systems model (PSM) of Block 18 in the Sab'atayn basin, onshore western Yemen, was
constructed to evaluate the untapped oil and gas potential of the Upper Jurassic Madbi formation. 3D
PSM techniques were used to analyze petroleum generation for conventional reservoirs and the petroleum
saturations retained in the source rock for the unconventional system. Block 18 has several proven petroleum
systems and producing oil and gas fields. The principal source rocks are within the Madbi Formation, which
comprises two units, the Lam and the Meem members. Both contain transgressive organically rich "hot"
shales with total organic carbon (TOC) of 8 to 10%; these are located stratigraphically at the base of each
member. Additional organic-rich intervals within the Lam and Meem are less-effective source rocks, with
lower TOC values.
The PSM consisted of 17 depositional events and 2 hiatuses. To accurately replicate geochemical and
stratigraphic variations, the Lam and Meem members were further divided into sublayers. The model was
calibrated to present-day porosity, permeability, and pressure data, and it incorporated vertical and lateral
lithofacies and organic facies variations. Further calibrations used observed maturities (vitrinite reflectance
and pyrolysis Tmax) and present-day temperatures and considered laterally variable heat flow from the Early
Jurassic to the Late Miocene. Finally, petrophysical analyses from wells provided calculated hydrocarbon
saturations, which were used to calibrate the saturation output from the model. The model satisfactorily
reproduces the distribution of the main gas and oil fields and discoveries in the study area and is aligned
with well test data.
Maturity results indicate that the upper Lam intervals currently sit within the main to early oil window
but are immature at the edges of Block 18 (based on the Sweeney and Burnham Easy R0% kinetics). The
lowest Lam unit enters the wet gas window in the center of the block. The underlying Meem member ranges
from wet gas to early oil window maturity. Like the Lam, the Meem remains immature along the edges
2 SPE-195989-MS

of Block 18. However, in the south of the block, the richest source rocks within the Meem are mainly in
the oil window. The degree of transformation of the Meem and Lam varies throughout the members. The
model predicts that, at present, the lowest part of the Meem, containing the greatest TOC, has 90% of its
kerogen transformed into hydrocarbons.
The model confirms that the Madbi formation is a promising unconventional shale reservoir with a high
quantity of hydrocarbons retained within it. Despite the higher quantity of hydrocarbons retained in the
upper Meem, in terms of liquid and vapor hydrocarbons predicted in this model, the lower Lam is the most-
prospective conventional tight sand reservoir, and the Meem has very small potential as tight sand reservoirs.
This study provided a novel application of 3D PSM technology to assess new unconventional as well as
conventional plays in this frontier area.

Introduction
Block 18 is located in the northwestern portion of the Sab'atayn basin in onshore western Yemen (Fig. 1).
The block is operated by the Safer Exploration & Production Company. The Sab'atayn basin is one of the
two proven petroleum-producing sedimentary rift basins in Yemen. Within the Sab'atayn basin the Jurassic
Cretaceous petroleum systems are proven conventional source reservoir pairs in the basin (Hakimi and
Abdullah, 2013) but these conventional systems are not the focus of this study.

Figure 1—Location map of Block 18 in the Sab'atayn Basin onshore western Yemen

This study focuses on the source rocks and exploration potential of the Kimmeridigian Madbi formation
(Fig. 2). This formation was deposited as syn-rift sediments throughout the Kimmeridigian to Berriasian.
Jurassic source rocks, especially the Kimmeridigian and their associated petroleum systems are known to
be prolific worldwide. The Madbi formation was divided stratigraphically into two infomral members. The
lower unit is the Meem member, containing shales of source rock quality and minor sandy channels and
turbidites. In comparison the upper unit, the Lam member, is mostly comprised of thinly laminated organic-
rich shales interbedded with sandy channels and turbidites.
SPE-195989-MS 3

Figure 2—Stratigraphy of the Sab'atayn basin based on the Lexicon of Stratigraphy (Beydoun etal., 1998). SR; Source rock

A 3D petroleum systems model (PSM) was built to understand this new Jurassic-Jurassic petroleum
system and the exploration potential of the unconventional and conventional plays of the Meem and the
Lam members of the Madbi Formation.

Regional Geology
It is widely accepted that the geological evolution of Yemen was driven by the breakup of the Arabian
plate from the super continent Gondwana, during the Jurassic. The petroleum baring grabens of Yemen
are interpreted to be the result of a failed arm of a triple junction that occurred during the Late Jurassic
(Kimmeridgian). Following the Jurassic rifting, and the subsequent increase in accommodation space,
sediment influx filled the grabens throughout the early Cretaceous. A regional hiatus spanning the Late
Cretaceous to Eocene is interpreted, after which a second phase of rifting occurred (Oligocene to Miocene).
This rift event relates to the opening of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Preceding this rifting and seafloor
spreading another regional hiatus is interpreted to have occurred due to uplift (Fig. 2).

Available Dataset
The available dataset for the study is summarized below:
1. Five depth structure maps for topography, top salt, top Lam, top Meem and top Shuqra
2. Twenty-six interpreted faults in depth
3. Well tops for the top Tawilah, top Saar, top Naifa and top Alif formations, top Lam and top Meem
members, top Shuqra and the base Shuqra formation
4. Calibration point data, for 20 wells with vitrinite reflectance (VR), 44 wells with temperature, 13 wells
with TerraTek porosity, 12 wells with TerraTek permeability, and 10 wells with TerraTek pressure data
5. Petrophysical analysis for 83 wells
4 SPE-195989-MS

6. Well test data for 2 wells, Prospect D3 and Meem-05

Objectives and Scope of Work

The objectives of this work are summarized below:
1. Identify the exploration potential of the Madbi Formation of Block 18 of the Sab'atayn basin, focusing
on the exploration potential of the unconventional and conventional (tight sand and carbonate facies)
plays of the Meem and Lam members using 3D PSM techniques
2. Incorrporate all geological and geophysical data to build and calibrate a full 3D PSM
3. Identify areas of interest and exploration potential for both unconventional and conventional systems
and recommend possible improvements to the model for further work within Block 18 based on 3D
PSM results

Methodology
The methods and procedures adopted for this work are summarized below:
1. A 3D model framework was built from five depth converted surfaces and 26 faults created from
seismic interpretation.
2. Additional depth surfaces were interpolated from available well tops, including the top Tawilah,
top Alif and base Shuquar formations. Supplementary layers for the overburden were created inside
petroleum systems modeling software using layer splitting techniques.
3. Lithology mixtures were created using petrophysical analysis from 83 wells that penetrated the Madbi
Formation. These lithology mixtures (lithofacies) were assigned to different members using gross
depositional environment maps (GDE).
4. Geochemical and stratigraphic variations in Meem and Lam layers were accurately replicated by
sublayering and assigned original total organic carbon (TOC) and hydrogen index (HI) distribution
maps.
5. Boundary condition trends and maps for heat flow (HF), sediment-water-interface-temperature
(SWIT) and paleo-water depth (PWD) were created and calibrated to known present-day values.
6. A 3D PSM model was simulated using Combined (combined Darcy+Inversion Percolation) migration
algorithims (Hantschel and Kauerauf., 2009) using domain decomposition and the output was
iteratively calibrated to measured porosity, permeability, pressure, vitrinite reflectance (VR) and
temperature data from wells.

Model Inputs
Five depth-converted surfaces were created from seismic interpretation and were used as input to build the
initial PSM framework (Fig. 3).
SPE-195989-MS 5

Figure 3—Input model framework for the 3D PSM

Depth surfaces for the top Tawilah, top Alif and base Shuqra Formations were interpolated from available
well tops. Supplementary layers for the overburden were created inside the petroleum systems modeling
software using layer splitting. In total 17 depositional events and 2 hiatuses were incorporated within the
PSM. Further input included 26 faults (Fig. 4).

Figure 4—Location of all 26 modeled normal faults included in the 3D PSM framework on the base Meem depth surface.

Stratigraphic ages were assigned to each layer in the model. Stratigraphic ages were compiled and
assigned based on the International Lexicon of Stratigraphy (Beydoun et al., 1998) (Fig. 5).
6 SPE-195989-MS

Figure 5—Ages assigned to the PSM based on stratigraphic ages from the International Lexicon of Stratigraphy
(Beydoun etal, 1998). The ages of the subsequent sublayers were calculated based on the layer splitting process

The top Meem and base Meem horizons were derived from the original seismic interpretation. However,
it was observed that this member varies stratigraphically vertically and laterally. Four broad regional shale
markers were identified on well logs and were correlated regionally across Block 18 (Fig. 6).
SPE-195989-MS 7

Figure 6—Regional well correlation, showing three potential shale markers that were
tracked across Block 18, dividing the Meem member into four approximately equal layers.

For this reason, the Meem member was split uniformly into four layers, which were then subsequently
sub-layered, to increase the vertical resolution of the model. In total, eight source rock layers (Fig. 7) were
generated in the Meem, enabling facies and TOC distributions to be replicated more accurately within these
source rock layers.

Figure 7—Divisions of the Meem member increased the vertical resolution of the
model, which allowed more accurate representation of facies TOC and HI distributions.

A similar technique was applied to the Lam member. The top Lam and base Lam (or top Meem) were
created from the original seismic interpretation (Fig. 8). From seismic data, three highly reflective markers
could be interpreted regionally, most likely depicting regional shales. This was confirmed by the integration
of the petrophysical results. These markers were used to split the original Lam member into three layers; the
8 SPE-195989-MS

upper Lam, the middle Lam and the lower Lam. These were further sublayered, thus increasing the vertical
resolution of the model (Fig. 9).

Figure 8—Depth surfaces of the Madbi formation; base Meem [A], top Meem (base Lam) [B] and top Lam [C].

Figure 9—The Lam member was subdivided to increase the vertical resolution of the
model, which allowed more detailed representation of facies, TOC and HI distributions.

No erosion was assigned in the 3D model. However, in accordance with the International Lexicon of
Stratigraphy (Fig. 2), two documented hiatuses were incorporated. Following deposition of the Madbi
formation two hiatuses were assigned; the first was from 132.9 Ma to 129.4 Ma and the final hiatus was
modeled from 66 Ma to 2.58 Ma (Beydoun etal., 1998).
Facies maps for the overburden were created based on reports by Simon Petroleum (SPT) (SPT, 1994).
Due to a lack of information on the lithological mixes within the report, lithologies from the petroleum
systems modeling software database were used. Two exceptions include the lithologies mixed for the layers
of the Sean and Yah Formations (of the upper Madi Formation). Two well reports (reports 3267, (1984)
and D-153, (1988)) containing mud-logs, were used to estimate the proportion of shale versus proportion
of sandstone within these layers (Table 1).

Table 1—Overburden lithology mixtures based on literature (SPT, January

1994) and well log reports (Report no. 3267, 1984 and D-153, 1988)

Layer Depositional Lithology

Environment

Quaternary Fluvial 100% Sandstone

Tawilah Fluvial Deltaic 100% Sandstone

Saar Fluvial Deltaic 100 % Sandstone

Shallow marine 100 % Sandstone

siliclastics

Shallow marine 100% Limestone

carbonates
SPE-195989-MS 9

Layer Depositional Lithology

Environment

Turbidities 100 % Sandstone

Offshore siliclastics 100 % Sandstone

Naifa Shallow marine 100 % Sandstone

siliclastics

Offshelf mudstones 100 % Shale

Turbidites 100 % Sandstone

Middle outer shelf 100 % Limestone

carbonates

Shallow marine 100 % Limestone

carbonates

Alif Fluvial Deltaic 100% sandstone

Sean Fluvial Deltaic 60% Shale 40%

Sandstone

Yah Fluvial Deltaic 60% Shale 40%

Sandstone

Safer Hypersaline 100% Halite

100% Anhydrite

Shaqra Marine Middle outer 100% Limestone

shelf carbonates

Shallow marine 100% Limestone

carbonates

For the source rock layers of the Madbi Formation, end-member lithology mixtures were created from
petrophysical analyses, which were completed on 83 wells. From the petrophysical analysis, five broad
facies classes were distinguished (Table 2). Using the petrophysical end member lithology mixes, lithology
mixes representing regional depositional environments per layer were created (Table 3).

Table 2—Five broad rock classes distinguished from petrophysical analysis and used to created
lithological end members. Petrophysical end member lithologies created in the petroleum systems
modeling software (sandstone: Sst, shale: Sh, limestone: Lime, organic-rich shale: OrgShrich)

Petrophysical Facies Name Lithology Mixtures from

Petrophysical Interpretation

End Member Petrophysical Shales (Sh) Ratio 56:19:25 (Sh:Sst:Lime)

Mixtures
Calcareous (Cal) Ratio 14:12:74 (Sst:Sh:Lime)

Organic Shale (OrgSh) Shales organic rich

100_OrgShRich

Sandstones (Sst) Ratio 25:73:2 (Sh:Sst:Lime)

ArkSandstone (ArkSst) Ratio for Arkosic sands of

22:61:17 (Sh:Sst:Lime)
10 SPE-195989-MS

Table 3—All lithology mixes created representing regional deposition environments per layer for the Madbi formation

Formation Depositional Environment Mixture of Petrophysical

Mixtures

Upper Lam member Upper Lam Distal Basin Floor Sh90Cal10

Upper Lam Lower Slope Cal50Sh50

Upper Lam Lower Slope Cal50Sh50

(Bilquis)

Upper Lam Submarine Cal35Sh15Sst10ArkSst40

Channels

Middle Lam member Middle Lam Distal Basin Floor Sh90Cal10

Middle Lam Lower Cal50Sh50

Slope_Upper

Middle Lam Lower Cal50Sh50

Slope_Lower

Middle Lam Submarine Sst15Sh15Cal70

Channels_2

Middle Lam Submarine Sst30Sh40Cal30

Channels_1

Lower Lam member Lower Lam Distal Basin Floor Cal40Sh50ArkSst5OrgSh5

Lower Lam Lower Slope Cal65Sh35

Lower Lam Submarine ArkSst55Cal30Sh10OrgSh5

Channels

Upper Meem member Transgressive Organic Shales Cal40Sh50ArkSst5OrgSh5

Distal Basin Floor Sh95Cal5

Debris Flow_Upper Sh90Cal10

Debris Flow_Lower Sh90Cal10

Lower Meem member Transgressive Organic Shales OrgSh20Sst10Cal60Sh10

Distal Basin Floor SH85Cal15

Submarine Channel South Sst20Cal20SH10OrgSh50

Submarine Channel North Sst10Sh90

Key; ArkSandstone (ArkSst), Sandstones (Sst), Organic Shale (OrgSh), Calcareous (Cal), Shales (Sh)

These lithologies were then assigned to the respective depositional environments of the Meem and the
Lam members on the facies distribution maps (Fig. 10 and Fig. 11).
SPE-195989-MS 11

Figure 10—Facies distribution maps for the Meem members.

Figure 11—Facies distribution maps for the Lam member

The total simulated area of Block 18 was 151 km × 113 km. To obtain a reasonable simulation time, the
input was subsampled 3 × 3 resulting in a grid resolution of 455 m by 340 m (35,497,188 grid nodes). The
total offinite elements in the 3D PSM was 34,441,680, with a simulation time of approximately14 hours.

Source Rocks
Petroleum systems modeling requires input to distinguish how different source rocks behave over geological
time. Required source rock inputs include the initial TOC, inital HI and a kinetic model of organic matter
transformation of oil and gas.
12 SPE-195989-MS

TOC distribution maps were scaled to replicate these intial TOC averages and were assigned as maps to
the PSM with respective HI values. Stratigraphically at the base of each member, the best quality source
rocks were identified as transgressive organic-rich "hot" shales (Fig. 12 and Fig. 13). All other modeled
stratigraphic intervals in the Lam and Meem members are less-effective source rocks, with lower TOC. In
total, 8 original TOC maps were assigned for the Meem and 10 TOC maps assigned for the Lam.

Figure 12—Facies distribution maps and associated original TOC maps assigned for the
transgressive organically rich "hot" shales stratigraphically located at the base of the Meem member.

Figure 13—Facies distribution maps and associated original TOC maps assigned for the
transgressive organically rich "hot" shales stratigraphically located at the base of the Lam member.

All modeled source rocks were assigned a Type II kinetics (Ungerer, 1990), except for those incorporated
in the progradational delta front sands, which were assigned Type III kinetics (Ungerer, 1990). The Ungerer
(1990) kinetics were selected from the petroleum systems modeling software kinetic library because it best
matched the data from Madbi formation in the Masila basin, an analogue for the Sab a'tayn basin (Hakimi
et al., 2015). For the Ungerer (1990) Type II kinetics to best match this analogue data, an activation energy
shift of -1.75 kcal/mol was applied to the Ungerer (1990) kinetics (Fig. 14). Furthermore, the Ungerer (1990)
kinetics are also based on data of the same geological age and lithology (Kimmeridgian shale) as that of the
Madbi Formation. Secondary cracking was also incorporated into the kinetic model.
SPE-195989-MS 13

Figure 14—Ungerer (1990) kinetic with an activation energy shift of -1.75 kcal/mol. The light dotted green
line peaks represent the measured analogue Masila Basin data from the literature. With the activation
energy shift, the four-component kinetics (dark green, solid lines) align with the peaks from the analoge.

For the adsorption model, the Langmuir parameters measured by TerraTekfrom the well AK-strat-01
were applied to all the assigned source rocks in the 3D model (Fig. 15).

Figure 15—Langmuir parameters measured from well AK-strat-01.

Boundary Conditions
To constrain the PSM and to achieve calibration of the model, three boundary conditions were incorporated;
1. SWIT (Fig. 16)
2. PWD (Fig. 17)
3. HF (Fig. 18)
14 SPE-195989-MS

Figure 16—Plot of temperature versus depth. The table gives an estimate of the
surface temperatures as extrapolated from the line of best fit from the three wells.
SPE-195989-MS 15

Figure 17—Well log of Ghamdan-01 with published depositional

interpretation. The lower plot is the 1D PWD trend used in the 3D model.
16 SPE-195989-MS

Figure 18—Heat flow maps assigned to the 3D petroleum system model at the respective ages. Heat maps were
generated by interpolation 1D calibrated heat flow trends from all the wells displayed. The trends interpolated are
consistent with rift events (Fig. 2). Heat flow rapidly increased to 85 mW/m2 during the initial rift during the Jurassic
(150 Ma), coinciding with the breakup of Gondwana at 155 Ma. Heat flow from 150 Ma then exponentially decreased to
60 mW/m2 and continued until the final rifting event that created the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, at 33 Ma causing
heat flow to increase to 85 mW/m2. Heat flow then exponentially decreased to present day basal heat flow values.

All inputs; trends and maps (Fig. 16, Fig. 17 and Fig. 18) were generated based on measured data (surface
heat flow, satellite measurements and latitdue) and interpreted data (well-log depositional environments).
Trends were created based on the geological evolution and tectonic evenets of the Sab ‘atayn basin (Fig. 2).

Model Calibration
The model was calibrated in terms of porosity/permeability and subsequently pore pressure. New measured
porosity and permeability data (from TerraTek) exists for 12 and 11 wells, respectively, inside the modeled
area. Ten wells had pore pressure data. After that, the model was thermally calibrated to 20 wells with
measured VR and 44 wells with corrected temperature data. This sequence of calibration is of great
importance, because porosity has a major influence on the thermal conductivity of the modeled rocks.
Overall, pressure calibration was best for wells where the pressure data was most reliable. The best
available pressure calibration data were available from reservoir engineering measurements. Good pressure
calibration was achieved at Meem-05, Kamaran-01, Baraquish-01 and at Prospect D wells (Fig. 19).
SPE-195989-MS 17

Figure 19—Calibrated porosity, permeability and pressures at well locations across Block 18.
18 SPE-195989-MS

The thermal calibration of the model was made to present-day surface heat flow, VR, and temperature
data. The present-day surface heat flow map (Fig. 20) is consistent with corrected temperature
measurements from wells. Calibration to measured VR and temperature data was satisfactory (Fig. 21 and
Fig. 22), although there were inconsistenies with previously interpretd vitrine trends.

Figure 20—Simulated present-day heat flow map, illustrating good calibration to measured surface heat flow.
SPE-195989-MS 19

Figure 21—Calibration to VR. Where possible calibration to TerraTek measurements used, which show better agreement
with Tmax data. Some existing VR data were incompatible with Tmax and presumably based on incorrect maceral populations.
20 SPE-195989-MS

Figure 22—Calibration to temperature. Where possible calibration

was made to Horner-corrected BHT or fluid test temperatures.

VR data measured from TerraTek (red circles) were used with the greatest confidence. The VR trend
from literature (Hakimi et al., 2014 and Alaug et al., 2011) suggested a much greater maturity compared to
SPE-195989-MS 21

the Tmax trend. However, the Tmax data give a depth to the top of the oil window consistent with the TerraTek
data, which is why the TerraTek data was used with greater confidence.

Simulation Results for the Meem Member

Simulation results for maturity and transformation ratio (TR) are discussed below.

Maturity
Calculated vitrinite reflectance was used to analyze maturity across the study area. The maturity overlay
used in the figures is based on the selected Easy%R0 maturity model of Sweeny and Burnham (1990).
The organic rich shales of the lower Meem sit within the early to late oil window (source layer 1 and
2). The lowest interval of the Meem member, (i.e. the top of source layer 2) reaches the highest levels
of maturity (> 1.2% R0). The base of source layer 1 reached the wet gas window (1.0-2.0% Ro) by the
middle Oligocene. The remaining Meem transgressive shales are predicted to be in the main oil window to
immature at present day (Fig. 23). The basin-floor shales of source layer 2 only reach the wet to dry gas
windows in the deepest intervals of the block.

Figure 23—Vitrinite reflectance maturity of the Meem member, Top of

source layer based on the Sweeney and Burnham Easy%R0 kinetics.

Moving stratigraphically up through the Meem member, the kitchen areas (in the center of the block)
transition up and out of the wet gas window into the oil window. The upper Meem, top of source layer 8
is in the wet gas to early oil windows, with the edges sitting at an immature level of maturity (Fig. 23).
The carbonate debris flow source rock (located only in the upper Meem layers) is in the early to main oil
window throughout the upper Meem intervals.

Transformation Ratio (TR)

TR is a quantitative overlay that, illustrates the percentage of kerogen cracked into oil and gas. It is the
fraction of cumulative primary generation relative to total primary generation potential.
Two source facies exist in the lower Meem, source layer 1 and 2: the transgressive organic shales and
the basin floor shales. The 3D model predicts that at present day 90% of the kerogen in the transgressive
organic-rich shales (surrounding well Bilquis-01), of the lower Meem, source layer 1, was transformed
to petroleum. In regions where the formation thins updip, the source rock is less transformed due to less
burial. The transformation of kerogen in the transgressive organic-rich shales started at ~150 Ma, with the
greatest increase in the rate of transformation occurring at 140 Ma until 130 Ma and a second pulse occurring
at 30 Ma, coinciding with the rift and burial events. The second source facies, the basin floor shales are
22 SPE-195989-MS

nearly 100% transformed in the kitchen areas. Areas surrounding Noon-01 and the Raydan wells are less
transformed at present day (20 to 30% TR) (Fig. 24).

Figure 24—Transformation ratio (TR) overlay and time plots of [A] top
of lower Meem source layer 4 and [B] top of upper Meem source layer 8.

In comparison, the top source layer 8 in the Meem, shows a much lower transformation across Block
18 (Fig. 24). These transgressive organic rich shales are shallower and therefore less mature. However, in
the deepest kitchen areas the source rock has been transformed at nearly 100% at present day. The most
effective kitchen areas follow a northwest-southeast trend and are located within the area where source rock
was deposited as basin shales with an initial TOC of 1.5%, which is fairly low for an effective source rock
(Peters etal., 1993).

Simulation Results for the Lam Member

Simualtion results for maturity and TR for the Lam member are presented below.

Maturity
To analyze maturity, calculated VR was used. The VR overlay is based on the selected maturity model of
Sweeny and Burnham (1990).
The organic rich source rocks of the lower Lam layer (source layer 2) sit within the early oil window
to immature zone (Fig. 25). The moderate source rocks within these layers sit within the early to main oil
window, with only the very basin centers reaching the later oil to wet gas window.
SPE-195989-MS 23

Figure 25—Vitrinite reflectance maturity of the Lam member interval, top source layer 2

Moving upwards stratigraphically through the Lam member, the source rocks in source layers 3 and 4,
are located within the early to main oil window (Fig. 25), with the edges of the block being in the immature
window. The basin center of the top of the middle Lam interval is no longer located in the wet gas window
but in the late to early oil window.
Finally, the upper Lam interval (source layer 5) mainly sits within the immature zone at the block edges
and only the deepest interval reaches the early to main oil windows in the basin center (Fig. 25).

Transformation Ratio (TR)

TR is a quantitative overlay, illustrating the percentage of kerogen transformed into petroleum.
The lower Lam interval (source layer 2) has the greatest transformation within the basin center (Fig. 26).
The transgressive organic-rich shales in source layer 1 and 2 reached a maximum of 3% TR at present day
on the basin margins. However, in the kitchen area in the deepest part of the basin source rocks show 98%
transformation. The transformation of kerogen started at ~150 Ma. There is an increase in TR close to the
center of the basin (highlighted at Alif-01 and Lam-01) at 30 Ma coinciding with the latest rift event.

Figure 26—Transformation ratio overlay (left) and time plots (right) of the top of Lam source layer 2.

In comparison the upper Lam interval (source layer 5) shows very little transformation across Block 18
(Fig. 27). The greatest transformation has occurred in the basin center, with a maximum of 35% TR.
24 SPE-195989-MS

Figure 27—Transformation ratio overlay for the top of the upper Lam (source layer 5).

Petroleum Saturations
Saturation overlays generated show the fraction of pore space occupied by the given phase (liquid and
vapor).
Water saturation and therefore hydrocarbon saturation was calculated by petrophysical analysis
conducted on 83 wells across Block 18. Calculated hydrocarbon saturations were then used to calibrate
the simulated saturation output from the petroleum systems model (Fig. 28 and Fig. 29). Matching the
simulation output with the petrophysical interpretation provides high confidence in the overall model results.

Figure 28—Saturation calibration of the upper Meem source layer 8. Saturation

simulation output was calibrated to well logs for every source rock interval of every layer.
SPE-195989-MS 25

Figure 29—Saturation calibration of the lower Meem source layer 4. Saturation simulation
output was calibrated to well logs for every source rock interval of every layer.

The calculated petrophysical logs show significant vertical saturation variation within the layers. In the
Al Tawilah-01 well source layer 4 of the Meem member has significantly higher saturations compared to
the lower interval. This variation has been reproduced by the PSM simulation results (Fig. 29), whereby
the saturations have increased to 55% in the lower interval from 29% in the upper interval. At the other
well locations, according to the petrophysical logs the saturations are relatively constant, which is what
is observed in the saturation output (Fig. 29). This gives great confidence in the PSM. The same vertical
variation was observed in the model in the lower Meem source layers 1, 2 and 3. (Fig. 30).

Figure 30—Saturation calibration of the lower Meem source layer 3. Saturation simulation
output was calibrated to well logs for every source rock interval of every layer.
26 SPE-195989-MS

The same methodology was applied to all the Lam intervals. A good match was achieved to the
petrophysical saturation logs to the petroleum systems modeling software output for the upper and lower
Lam intervals (Fig. 31 and Fig. 32). On the lower Lam interval (source layer 1) there is a very good
calibration to the transgressive organic-rich shales with a petroleum saturation ranging between 60 and 70%
(Fig. 32).

Figure 31—Saturation calibration of the upper Lam source layer 5.

Figure 32—Saturation calibration of the upper Lam source layer 2.

Petroleum Migration
The model was run using combined (Darcy and inversion percolation) migration. The high permeability
units were simulated using inversion percolation (IP) migration and low permeability units were simulated
using Darcy flow migration. The high permeability units were defined in the simulator with a cut-off of
30% porosity with a permeability of 0.7 logmD. Fig. 33 and Fig. 34 shows the units for the Meem and Lam
members that were considered by the simulator as low permeability units and hence simulated with Darcy
flow migration and which units were simulated with IP migration (high permeability units).
SPE-195989-MS 27

Figure 33—The Meem member layers depicting the units which were considered for Darcy (green) or
IP (yellow) migration. [A] Source layer 1, [B] Source layer 2, [C] Source layer 3 and [D] Source layer 4.

Figure 34—The Lam member layers depicting the units which were considered for Darcy (green) or IP migration (yellow).
[A] Lower lam source layer 2, [B] Source layer 3, [C] Middle Lam, Source layer 4 and [D] Upper Lam, Source layer 5

The final migration pathways for both IP and Darcy are shown in Fig. 35. The solid lines and arrows depict
the areas of IP migration and areas of Darcy migration respectively. It can be observed that some generated
hydrocarbons have migrated up and out of Block 18. The arrows illustrate that there is a great amount of
vertical migration upwards and also migration out of the sides of the model. The only hydrocarbons that
are retained in the conventional traps within Block 18 are those trapped in the tight sands of the lower and
upper Lam, where an anticlinal trap is present on the depth maps. The accumulations present in the Lam
and Meem members according to the PSM simulation results are shown in Fig. 36.
28 SPE-195989-MS

Figure 35—Migration pathways within Block 18. Solid lines depict areas of IP migration and arrows areas of Darcy migration.

Figure 36—Final accumulations in the Lam and Meem members in Block 18. Most accumulations occur in the
tight sands of the Lam interval towards the north of Block 18, where the depth maps show anticlinal traps.
SPE-195989-MS 29

Accumulations calculated per layer are shown in Fig. 37 and Fig. 38. The first conventional
accumulations occur in the Meem source layer 3 towards the southern edge of the block. Source layers 5
to 8 contain very few accumulations. The greatest proportion of accumulations occur in the lower Lam in
the north of the block, accumulating in the tight sand reservoirs. Smaller accumulations are also present in
this area in the upper Lam layer.

Figure 37—Accumulations calculated per layer for the Meem member [A]
Source layer 2, [B] Source layer 4, [C] Source layer 6 and [D] Source layer 8.
30 SPE-195989-MS

Figure 38—Accumulations calculated per layer [A] lower Lam, [B] middle Lam and [C] upper Lam.

Well test information was available for well Meem-05. This well tested gas condensate within the
Lam. Simulated accumulations can be observed in the PSM in the Lam interval, and the properties are
consistent with the information from the well test (Fig. 39). These properties include the reservoir pressure,
temperature, and the molar fraction proportions. An extracted east-west 2D cross section through the
Meem-05 well (Fig. 40) shows the accumulated hydrocarbons have been sourced from the Meem member.
These hydrocarbons have migrated up dip and have been trapped within the anticlinal structures of the Lam
member.
SPE-195989-MS 31

Figure 39—The PSM output for the accumulation around well Meem-05 giving a very good match to the measurements
from the well test. Properties that match include the pressure, temperature, and the molar fraction proportions.

Figure 40—A 2D cross line taken through the Meem-05 well. The marked accumulations are the
accumulations detected from the well test, which is sourced from the underlying Meem member source rock.

A second well test was completed for the Prospect D3 well. The well tested dry gas in the upper Lam
member. However, the area surrounding this well was simulated with Darcy flow migration, therefore only
saturations can be observed and not accumualtions. But saturations can be analyzed, which reach up to
25% (Fig. 41). A 2D cross section through the area highlights the absence of potential traps (Fig. 42). One
32 SPE-195989-MS

recommendation for this area would be to map this part of Block 18 in greater detail, both structurally and
stratigraphically (to determine if any stratigraphic traps are present).

Figure 41—High petroleum saturations were calculated in the 3D model

surrounding the Prospect D3 well, matching the well test information provided.

Figure 42—A 2D cross line through the area illustrating no potential trapping mechanisms in the area surrounding the
Prospect D wells. All generated hydrocarbons will follow the geometry of the depth maps, thus flowing up and out of Block 18.

Conclusion
A fully calibrated 3D PSM, based on depth maps, well data and geochemical data, illustrates the expanded
exploration potential for Block 18. The presented model is very consistent with observed data. Matching the
simulation output with the petrophysical results (petroleum saturations) as well as measured data (porosity,
pressure, permeability, VR, and temperature) gives high confidence in the overall model results.
SPE-195989-MS 33

The transgressive organic rich shales of the Meem interval sit within the early (0.7-1.0% Ro) to late oil
window (1.0-1.3% Ro). Only a small area of the transgressive organic-rich shales at the base of the source
layer 2 have entered the wet gas window (>1.2 Ro%). In the deepest part of the basin (having a north-
west / south-east trend) the Meem interval sits within the wet gas window (1.3 - 2.0% Ro); the lowest Meem
(source 1 and 2) is within the dry gas window (2.0 – 4.0% Ro). At shallower stratigraphic levels where the
transgressive organic-rich shales are present, they are found within the late oil window to immature zone.
The transgressive organic rich shales of the lowest Lam interval sit within the early oil to immature window.
The modeling results predict accumulations in the tight sands close to the Meem wells. This agrees with
the results of the well tests of the Meem-05 well.
The maturity output illustrates that at present day the upper Lam intervals (upper and middle Lam) sit
mainly within the main to early oil window but are immature at the edges of Block 18. The center of Block
18 begins to enter the wet gas window in the lower Lam interval. The Meem member is found to be within
the wet gas to early oil window. Like the Lam member, the edges of the Meem member of Block 18 are
immature. The most organic rich source rocks located in the south of the block are located mainly in the
oil window within the Meem interval.
The model illustrates high hydrocarbon losses out of the block, especially outflow to the sides. To
improve the quality of the PSM further measurements are required for the adsorption model. It is highly
recommended to collect more data or to measure new samples. Aquiring adaitional data to improve thermal
calibration is also recommended. Bottom-hole temperatures must be Horner corrected. Temperatures from
static tests or DST's are generally more reliable because they are more representative of true formation
temperatures. Acquisition of supplementary vitrinite reflectance data are highly recommended because the
new VR measurements (from TerraTek) were too few.
A final recommendation is to improve the interpretation of depth maps and faults to focus on finer
detail, throughout the (seismic cubes are currently too far apart, and details are being lost). In addition to
this, a thorough investigation should be made into the facies distribution of all layers in the study area is
reccommended. Furthermore, greater understanding of fault properties such as shale gauge ration (SGR)
fault permeabilities and sealing behavior, would improve the quality of the 3D PSM.

Acknowledgments
The author and co-authors thank the management of SEPOC for providing the data and for permission to
present this work.

Nomenclature
PSM; Petroleum Systyems Modeling
VR; Vitrinite Reflectance
TR; Transformation Ratio
TOC; Total Organic Carbon
HI; Hydrogen Index
BHT; Bottom Hole Temperature
ArkSst; Arkosic Sandstone
Sst; Sandstone
OrgSh; Organic Shale
Cal; Calcareous
Sh; Shales
Lime; Limestone
34 SPE-195989-MS

References
Alaug, A. S., Leythaeuser, D., Bruns, B. et al 2011. Source Rock Evaluation, Modeling, Maturation and Reservoir
Characterization of the Block 18 Oilfields, Sab-atayn Basin, Yemen. Iranian J. of Earth Sci. 3 (2): 134–152.
Beydoun, Z. R., As-Saruri, M. L., El-Nakhal, H. et al 1998. International Lexicon of Stratigraphy, vol. III, Regional
Geology of Yemen. Asia, (2nd ed.), fascicule 10b2. IUGS Publication No. 34.
Hakimi, M. H., Abdullah, W. H., Mustapha, K. A. et al 2015. Oil-Generation Charateristics of Mesozoic Syn-rift Madbi
Source Rock in the Masila Basin, Eastern Yemen: New Insights from Kerogen Pyrolysis and Bulk Kinetic Modeling.
Marine and Petroleum Geology 59: 336–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2014.09.012
Hakimi, M. H., Abdullah, W. H., Shalaby, M. R. et al 2014. Geochemistry and Organic Petrology Study of
Kimmeridgian Organic-Rich Shales in the Marib-Shabowah Basin, Yemen: Origin and Implication for Depositional
Environments and Oil-Generation Potential. Marine and Petroleum Geology 40: 185–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.marpetgeo.2013.09.012
Hantschel, T. and Kauerauf, A. I. 2009. Fundamentals of Basin and Petroleum Systems Modeling. Springer-Verlag Berlin
Heidelberg.
LeFever, J.A. 2008. Structural Contour and Isopach Maps of the Bakken Formation in North Dakota. North Dakota
Geological Survey Geologic Investigation 59.
Limited, R. R. (October 1984). Report no. 3267 P/F. The Biostratigraphy and palaeoenvironments of the interval 160’ –
13726 T.D. in the Yemen Hunt oil company Alif-1 well drilled onshore Yemen Arab Republic.
Peters, K. E., Walters, C. C., Moldowan, J. M., 1993. The Biomarker Guide, Volume 1. Biomarkers and Isotopes in the
Enviorment and Human History. The Cambridge University Press 2nd Edition.
Sachsenhofer, R. F., Bechtel, A., Dellmour, R. W. et al 2012. Upper Jurassic Source Rocks in the Sab'atay Basin, Yemen:
Depositional Environment, Source Potential and Hydrocarbon Generation. GeoArabia 17 (4): 161–186.
SPT. 1994. Simon Petroleum Technology. The Petroleum Geology of the Sedimentary Basins of the Republic of Yemen,
vol.1 to 7., report no. AM023.
Sweeney, J. J. and Burnham, A. K. 1990. Evaluation of a Simple Model of Vitrinite Reflectance Based on Chemical
Kinetics. AAPG Bulletin 74 (10): 1559–1570. https://doi.org/10.1306/0c9b251f-1710-11d7-8645000102c1865d