Integrated 3D Static Reservoir Modeling and Petrophysical Evaluation of the Lower Cretaceous Alam El‐Bueib Formation, Emry Field, Meleiha Concession, Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

This study presents an integrated reservoir evaluation of the Alam El‐Bueib Formation in the Meleiha Field, Western Desert, Egypt, combining 3D structural and property modeling with detailed petrophysical and diagenetic analysis. Eight wells with complete logging suites (gamma ray, caliper, resistivity, density, neutron, and sonic) and 30 2D seismic lines were interpreted to construct a 3D stochastic reservoir model. Seismic interpretation revealed NW–SE and NNE–SSW trending anticlinal traps controlled by extensional faulting and Late Cretaceous inversion associated with the Syrian Arc movement, with synthetic seismograms providing reliable time‐depth calibration. The Alam El‐Bueib IIIG member is identified as the principal reservoir interval, exhibiting net pay thickness from 121 to 227 ft, effective porosity ranging from 11% to 15%, shale volume as low as 2%, and water saturation as low as 5% in structural highs. The IIID member shows moderate quality with effective porosity of 10%–17%, whereas the IIB member exhibits variable quality with effective porosity of 11%–14%. Facies modeling based on well‐log interpretation (gamma ray, density, and neutron) was incorporated into the 3D property model using sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS). Petrographic analysis of thin sections from the IIIG member confirms quartz arenite composition with subrounded to rounded grains, poor to moderately poor sorting, and variable diagenetic features. A paleo‐redox boundary at approximately 9738.50 ft separates intervals with iron oxide cement (above) from those without (below), whereas syntaxial quartz overgrowths occur throughout. These petrographic and diagenetic observations, combined with petrophysical parameters ( V sh , φ eff , and S w ), were integrated into the 3D stochastic property distribution model. The integrated 3D stochastic model, constructed using SGS, accurately delineated structural heterogeneity, facies distribution, and petrophysical property distribution, enabling robust reserve estimation. The model confirms that the Alam El‐Bueib sandstone reservoirs possess favorable petrophysical characteristics and provides a reliable basis for field development planning, reservoir simulation, and infill drilling optimization.