3D Seismic Modeling of the Ashrafi Oil Field: Assessing Hydrocarbon Potential and Characterizing the Belayim Formation in the Southern Gulf of Suez

Abstract The Ashrafi Oil Field, located in the southern Gulf of Suez and closest to the Red Sea, has a complex geological structure shaped by a mix of stratigraphy and tectonic forces influencing its hydrocarbon potential. This study focuses on building a detailed 3D static model of the field, particularly the Hammam Faraun Member of the Belayim Formation. Using seismic data and well logs, we applied advanced geostatistical techniques to tackle challenges like reservoir connectivity, geometry, and variations in rock types. Understanding the intricate structures in this field can also provide valuable insights into the subsurface features of the nearby Red Sea, potentially unlocking new exploration opportunities. The modeling process involved detailed seismic interpretation to delineate subsurface structures, including fault modeling and facies analysis for improved reservoir characterization. Our findings reveal a complex structural trap system with a predominant northwest-southeast fault network and subordinate northeast-southwest trends, exhibiting distinct lithological characteristics within the Hammam Faraun Member, highlighting the predominance of sandy facies in the northern region and carbonate facies in the southwest with porosity values range from 7 to 23%, shale volume from 10 to 55% and water saturation values range from 5 to 55%. The simulation results indicate high reservoir quality in the central and southwestern regions of the study area. This study sheds light on the subsurface geology and reservoir dynamics of the Ashrafi Oil Field, offering insights that can also help us better understand the nearby Red Sea. 3D modeling provides a clearer picture of the region’s complex underground structures, guiding smarter exploration efforts and resource management. These findings could play a key role in unlocking the Red Sea’s hydrocarbon potential and supporting its sustainable development.