Enhancing reservoir characterization in the Temsah gas field through high-resolution seismic analysis and three-dimensional modeling

Abstract

Abstract The offshore Temsah Gas Field, located about 65 km NNW of Port Said in the northeastern Nile Delta Basin, is structurally complex, with NE–SW and NW–SE normal faults that control reservoir compartmentalization and hydrocarbon entrapment. The Sidi Salem Formation, the primary reservoir, comprises interbedded sandstone and shale facies with significant hydrocarbon potential. This study integrates high-resolution post-stack time-migrated 2D seismic data and well log analysis from four wells and twenty-nine 2D seismic lines to delineate reservoir structures, evaluates the hydrocarbon potential of the Sidi Salem Formation, and builds a 3D geological model to enhance field productivity, while also clarifying fault geometries, quantifying key petrophysical parameters, and pinpointing new exploration prospects. Seismic interpretation reveals a prominent horst block with a three-way dip closure and several fault-bounded traps. Petrophysical analysis indicates net reservoir thickness of 22–120 m, effective porosity of 19–34%, shale content of 8–27%, and hydrocarbon saturation of 70–79%. Integration of seismic and petrophysical data delineates sandstone-rich zones with enhanced reservoir quality, mainly within the upthrown fault blocks. The resulting 3D model supports volumetric estimation, identifying a new fault-bounded prospect with an estimated GIIP of ~5.33 TCF. This integrated workflow reduces structural uncertainty, refines reservoir characterization, and offers a reproducible approach for exploration in fault-controlled deltaic reservoirs.