Seismic-based structural framework and sequence stratigraphy of the Bakr–Amer–Al Hamd fields, central Gulf of Suez, Egypt: implications for hydrocarbon exploration

Abstract The Miocene succession of the Bakr–Amer–Al Hamd fields, central Gulf of Suez, Egypt, is interpreted using seismic integration and well logs to delineate its structural and sequence stratigraphic framework. Three Tectono-Stratigraphic Megasequences (TSM) of the Miocene rifting phases: pre-Miocene (pre-rift), Oligo-Miocene (syn-rift), and post-Miocene (post-rift) are outlined by forty seismic lines and seven wells. Sequence stratigraphic analysis identifies three third-order depositional sequences: SQ-I (Early Miocene Gharandal Group), SQ-II (Middle Miocene Belayim Formation), and SQ-III Late Miocene (South Gharib and Zeit Formations). A major unconformity at the Middle-Upper Miocene boundary represents a regional depositional hiatus. Structural interpretation reveals a dominant NNW-SSE syn-rift fault system (Clysmic trend) with 50–700 m fault throws, forming half-grabens and horst blocks that have a strong control on reservoir distribution. The Hammam Faraun Member of the Belayim Formation, composed of reefal limestone (Nullipore), is the principal hydrocarbon reservoir with 15–35% porosities. Structural contour maps highlight the compartmentalization of reservoirs and hydrocarbon entrapment by tilted fault blocks. These findings contribute to the knowledge of syn-rift carbonate and clastic reservoirs in extensional basins and provide key analogs for hydrocarbon exploration in rift systems globally, particularly in those characterized by complex fault-controlled deposition and evaporite-sealed traps.