THE JURASSIC SYSTEM IN NORTHERN EGYPT: I. Regional stratigraphy and implications for hydrocarbon prospectivity

A systematic lithostratigraphical description is presented of those Jurassic rocks encountered in Egypt north of 29d̀N, at surface and in the subsurface. Based upon the scheme first proposed by Al‐Far (1966), five formations (Masajid, Khatatba, Bir Maghara, Shusha and Rajabiah) are shown to make up a continuous succession from late Pliensbachian probably up to early Tithonian: the Gebel el Maghara Group. The compositions of stratigraphically‐useful and diverse biotas are outlined, and used to erect a chronostratigraphical framework. From this, reliable comparisons are made with the Jurassic sequences of Palestine and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, this more refined means of correlation enables a fuller understanding of the distribution of potential Jurassic source and reservoir rocks in northern Egypt