Characterization of the Campanian-Maastrichtian Sudr Chalk, Gabal El Bruk, North Sinai, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Science, Port-Said University, Port-Said, Egypt

2 Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Suez University, Suez, Egypt. Center of Integrative Petroleum Research, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

 




The Campanaian – Maastrichtian Sudr Chalk of Gabal El Bruk subdivided into two members, the lower Markha and the upper Abu Zemina members. Nine biostratigraphic zones (CF13-CF2) have been identified from the planktonic foraminiferal content. The qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of the foraminiferal parameters revealed the predominance of Midway type fauna over the Velasco type fauna in the Campanian indicating that the Sudr Chalk was deposited on the continental shelf. The benthonic fauna show an intermediate value between Velasco-type fauna and Midway type fauna indicating an increase in water depth from the continental shelf during the Campanian to lower slope during the Maastrichtian time. Two microfacies associations have been identified from the petrographic analysis of the Sudr Chalk in the study area. Foraminiferal micrite (wackstone) and fossiliferous mudstone (mudstone) revealing the deepening upward from Markha to Abu zenima member.The study area was affected by both sea level fluctuations as well as tectonic instability due to the Syrian arc system from Middle Campanian upward. The total organic carbon (TOC) ranges between 0 to 3.8 %. This variation is controlled by lithology, faunal content, sedimentation rate as well as depositional environmental conditions. There are three intervals of maximum TOC within the studied Sudr Chalk which indicates a fair to good source rock (CF2, CF5+CF6 and CF12).

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