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0 20260304

DOI: https://doi.org/10.11698/PED.20250269

Internal architecture characterization of carbonate reservoirs and its geological significance for reservoir development: An example of Cretaceous Main Mishrif Formation in H oilfield, the Middle East

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  • 1. PetroChina Hangzhou Research Institute of Geology, Hangzhou 310023, China;
    2. CNPC Key Laboratory of Carbonate Reservoirs, Hangzhou 310023, China;
    3. State Energy Key Laboratory for Carbonate Oil & Gas, Hangzhou 310023, China;
    4. PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, Beijing 100083, China

Received date: 2025-05-07

  Revised date: 2026-03-06

  Online published: 2026-03-27

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Abstract

This study investigates the strong heterogeneity and complex internal architecture of carbonate reservoirs, using the Cretaceous Main Mishrif Formation in the Middle East as an example. A multi-scale characterization of sedimentary architecture is conducted based on reservoir genetic analysis. Quantitative calibration of well logs with core thin sections enables semi-quantitative evaluation of dissolution degree in non-cored intervals. Within a coupled depositional-diagenetic framework, reservoir classification is established using depositional-diagenetic facies, allowing delineation of their spatial distribution and connectivity. The results show that three types of architectural units are developed in the Main Mishrif Formation, including tidal channels, bioclastic shoals, and bioclastic tidal deltas, which exhibit fining-upward, coarsening-upward, and coarsening-upward-fining-upward successions, respectively. These units form composite stacking patterns characterized by compensational stacking and aggradational stacking. A dissolution degree index is defined based on thin-section analysis, and a log-based prediction model is developed using principal component analysis and multivariate regression. Dissolution in the MB2 sub-member is controlled by third-order sequence boundary surfaces, with strong dissolution occurring from MC1-1 to MB2-1, forming laterally connected high-permeability zones across architectural units. In contrast, dissolution in the MB1 sub-member is controlled by high-frequency sequences, with stronger dissolution in the upper intervals, favoring the development of high-permeability zones. By combining depositional and dissolution characteristics, a total of 21 depositional-diagenetic facies are identified, and the distributions of high-permeability zones, high-quality, moderate, and poor reservoirs, as well as interlayers are systematically characterized. These findings provide a geological basis for stratified reservoir development, well pattern optimization, and remaining oil recovery in carbonate reservoirs, and are promising for the characterization of giant thick carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Key words： carbonate; internal architecture; reservoir characterization; reservoir development; Cretaceous; Middle East; Persian Gulf Basin; Mesopotamian Basin

Cite this article

QIAO Zhanfeng, ZHU Guangya, SHAO Guanming, FAN Zifei, SUN Xiaowei, ZHANG Yu, NING Chaozhong . Internal architecture characterization of carbonate reservoirs and its geological significance for reservoir development: An example of Cretaceous Main Mishrif Formation in H oilfield, the Middle East[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 0 : 20260304 . DOI: 10.11698/PED.20250269

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