Integrated Seismic interpretation for reservoir characterization and petroleum system evaluation of the Khatatba Formation in the El Obayed field of the Northern Western Desert Egypt

The El-Obayed Field is one of the major hydrocarbon-producing fields in Egypt's Northern Western Desert. Located on the western flank of the Matruh Basin, the field contains significant gas accumulations within the Jurassic Khatatba Formation, particularly the Lower and Upper Safa Members. This study integrates geological, petrophysical, and seismic interpretation data to delineate hydrocarbon-bearing intervals, evaluate reservoir geometry, and improve understanding of the petroleum system within the study area. The investigation utilized well-log data from four wells (D-15, D-19, OBA D-32, and OBA D-35) together with seismic interpretation to characterize reservoir architecture and structural controls on hydrocarbon accumulation. Seismic interpretation identified a faulted anticlinal structure bounded by major normal faults forming a horst block, which represents the principal structural trap in the field. The Lower Safa Member, the primary producing reservoir, was subdivided into several reservoir units that exhibit a general increase in thickness toward the northeastern part of the study area. The integrated interpretation demonstrates that combining geological and geophysical data significantly improves reservoir characterization, structural definition, and prediction of hydrocarbon distribution. The results provide a better understanding of the structural evolution and petroleum system of the El-Obayed Field and support more reliable exploration and reservoir development strategies in the Northern Western Desert of Egypt.