The Zohr play in the Cyprus EEZ: geological observations from Miocene reef outcrops and offshore seismic

S. Patruno, I. Abdallah, O. Olanrewaju, V. Scisciani, E. Sarris

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The interpretation of offshore 2D seismic lines has here been integrated with onshore drone-based digital photogrammetry and fieldwork to shed new lights on the stratigraphic and reservoir properties of Eastern Mediterranean Miocene carbonate units. A near-top Miocene carbonate platform seismic reflector has been mapped regionally in and around the Eratosthenes seamount. These shallow-water carbonate units are buried under Messinian evaporites in structurally lower positions; however, such seal layer is missing on the central Eratosthenes high. Pliocene-Quaternary pelagic carbonate layers record a recent history of fast subsidence and platform drowning. Miocene shallow-water carbonates have so far proven poor reservoir units offshore, unlike the world-class Cretaceous reefal reservoir rocks of the Zohr and Calypso discoveries. The preliminary reservoir properties of an isolated Miocene reef outcropping in Cyprus have here been described. Hand-samples generally show low permeability and low-medium porosity; however dense open fracture networks have been mapped. Within the carbonate build-up, several depositional facies were discriminated, each with different reservoir and fracture parameters. These observations suggest that Miocene reefs could serve as a commercial reservoir, although well placement should be optimized by targeting the best intra-platform facies belts through the integration of 3D seismic geomorphology and more detailed reservoir outcrop analogue studies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication3rd EAGE Eastern Mediterranean Workshop
PublisherEAGE Publishing BV
ISBN (Electronic)9789462824041
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Event3rd EAGE Eastern Mediterranean Workshop - Larnaca, Virtual, Cyprus
Duration: 1 Dec 20213 Dec 2021

Publication series

Name3rd EAGE Eastern Mediterranean Workshop

Conference

Conference3rd EAGE Eastern Mediterranean Workshop
Country/TerritoryCyprus
CityLarnaca, Virtual
Period1/12/213/12/21

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