STRATIGRAPHY & PALEONTOLOGY

01-MAASTRICHTIAN OSTRACODS FROM THE DAKHLA FORMATION AT THE KHARGA OASIS, WESTERN DESERT, EGYPT: SYSTEMATICS AND BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC SIGNIFICANCE

ABDEL-MOHSEN M. MORSI, ABDEL-GALIL A. HEWAIDY, AND AHMED SAMIR

Investigation of the Maastrichtian part of the Dakhla Formation in five stratigraphic sections exposed at the Kharga Oasis yielded well-preserved ostracod fauna from the Baris Oyster Mudstone Member. The recorded fauna consists of 15 species assigned to 11 genera belonging to 7 families. Of these, ten species are already known in previous literature and five are either conferred to near species or, owing to scarcity of available material or inconvenient state of preservation, left in open nomenclature. Seven of the known species, Cytherella bassiogeri, Paraschizocythere bifaciefera, Aegyptiana abutarturensis, Aegyptiana anguloreticulata, Cristaeleberis fornicata, Rushdisaidina supracretacea and Brachcythere dakhlaensis, have all their records restricted to the Maastrichtian and can hence be used as biostratigraphic markers and relative age indicators for this time interval

Keywords: Ostracoda; Taxonomy; Biostratigraphy; Maastrichtian; Kharga Oasis; Egypt

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.1-18

02-PALYNOMORPHS BIOSTRATIGRAPHY THE LOWER CRETACEOUS ALAM EL BUEIB FORMATION (NEOCOMIAN -BARREMIAN), NORTH WESTERN DESERT, EGYPT

TAREK, F. MOSTAFA

Recent national and international demand for additional resources lead to accelerated exploration for previously declared as barren reservoir. Among these is the Alam El Bueib Formation, which is currently seen as one of the most vital petroliferous Lower Cretaceous units in northern Egypt. This increased the stress to enrich the lithological correlation of this formation across the north Western Desert to better understand its regional lithological characteristics and thus its potential regional reservoir/source rock quality. Palynostratigraphic analysis of Lower Cretaceous successions in the Nabil-1X well in the Shushan Basin, north Western Desert enabled the recognition of the Alam El Bueib Formation in this well. Marker terrestrial and marine palynomorph taxa recovered from the Alam El Bueib Formation enabled dating it as Neocomian-Barremian and were used to identify three palynological biozones that can be traced out regionally across the Shushan, Matruh, and other nearby basins. These biozones are the early Aptian Murospora florida–Afropollis operculatus–Pseudoceratium securigerum Assemblage Zone, the late Barremian Pseudoceratium anaphrissum–Cyclonephelium vannophorum Assemblage Zone, early Barremian Dicheiropollis etruscus Total Range Zone and Neocomian (Berriasian-Hauterivian) Impradecispora apiverrucata- Aequitriradites spinulosus Assemblage Zone

Palynology, biostratigraphy, paleoecology, regional correlation, Alam El Bueib, Lower Cretaceous, north western Egypt, Shushan Basin.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.19-36

03-ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT ON SEDIMENTS OF EDKU LAGOON, EGYPT: ECOLOGICAL INDICES AND MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY BASED-EVIDENCE

SAID A. SHETAIA, ATEF M. ABU KHATITA, NABIL A. ABDELHAFEZ, IBRAHIM M. SHAKER AND SAMEH B. EL KAFRAWY

Bottom sediment samples were collected from Edku lagoon to evaluate the distributions of grain size, organic matter, total carbonate, heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Hg) and magnetic susceptibility. Several ecological indices were applied to assess the impacts of contamination on the ecological system. The obtained data displayed that the sediments of edku lagoon were dominated by silt loam textures while organic matter and carbonate content varied between 6.51 to 19.89 and 29.03 - 7.28%, respectively. The average concentrations of heavy metals were 67288.6, 1289.5, 871.2, 46.5, 34.8, 4.2 and 0.0334 ppm for Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Hg, respectively. The magnetic susceptibility varied from 6.11 × 10-6 to 26.69 × 10-6 m3g-1. The results were interpreted by the statistical means. The pollution load index (PLI) indicate deterioration of sediments quality and Cd had the most ecological risk

Edku lagoon; sediments; heavy metals; ecological indices; magnetic susceptibility; anthropogenic impact.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.37-55

ECONOMIC GEOLOGY

04-PETROLOGY AND GOLD MINERALIZATION OF UMM UD AREA, EASTERN DESERT, EGYPT

ESMAIL , Y. M.    AND EL SHARKAWI  , M. A

The present study considers the basement rock units and the mineralized zones incorporated in one of the old gold mine (Umm Ud) in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. The study area lies between latitudes 24˚48` and 24˚50`N and longitudes 34˚40` and 34˚44`. This paper aims at investigating the rock units and mineralized veins in the study area in terms of petrography, opaque mineralogy, geochemistry, gold content as well as discussing the possible origin of the mineralization. The study revealed that the main rock units encountered are the ophiolitic serpentinites and related rocks, the island arc metavolcanics and metavolcaniclastic rocks and the subduction-related (G1) granitoid rocks (diorite/ quartz diorite). The mineralized quartz veins show different colorations and develop pronounced alteration zones and contain a relatively high content of Cr and Ni with gold (up to 11.65 ppm). The possible genesis of gold in the study area can be explained by the effect of the dioritic intrusion as a heat engine that led to the mobilization and leaching of gold and other elements from the surrounding ophiolitic and island arc rocks and their deposition in the hydrothermal quartz veins and alteration zones connected with the dioritic intrusion.

Keywords: Ud, gold, petrology, genesis, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.57 - 81

05-GEOLOGY, GEOCHEMISTRY AND GENETIC IMPLICATIONS OF THE GREISEN DEPOSITS, CENTRAL EASTERN DESERT, EGYPT

HATEM M. EL-DESOKY

Sn-Mn-Ga-Zn-Rb-Nb-Ta mineralization-host greisens have been carried out on the properties of the fluids during greisen formation and the distribution of trace and rare earth elements. Tin ore occurs as disseminations of cassiterite in the altered granites and as greisenized zones and quartz veins, which traverse both the alkaline granites and the surrounding metamorphic country rocks. Greisen alteration is common in continental porphyry systems, its most favorable environment is a granite stock or sheet emplaced within argillaceous rock sequences and associated with Ta-Nb-Sn-W mineralization. In this paper, mineralogical and geochemical data focusing on opaque minerals as well as scanning electron microscopy method are presented for trace elements greisen districts in Central Eastern Desert, Egypt. Based on geological, mineralogical and geochemical data three types of greisen have been characterized at the Central Eastern Desert: greisen bodies bearing tin-beryllium mineralization (Igla greisen bodies), series of quartz and quartz greisen veins and zones bearing cassiterite-rare-metal mineralization (Abu Dabbab sheeted quartz greisen veins) and quartz veins adjoining albite granite mass virtually contain tin or rare-metal mineralization (Nuweibi greisen veins). The fluid/vapor-phase has produced variable degrees of alteration and host-rock preparation for the migration of fluids including spectacular evidence of multiple shearing. The anomalous Sn, Mo, W, and base-metals may be attributed to vapor-phase separation under these crystallization conditions. Sn was probably complexed by Cl- under moderately acidic conditions during vapor saturation whereas W and Mo were probably hydroxyl complexes. From the geochemical point of view it should be noted that the greisen deposits are genetically related to the pneumatolytic and hydrothermal activities of acid residual magmas

Keywords: Greisen, Cassiterite, Hydrothermal-pneumatolytic alteration types, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.83 - 121

06-CONTRIBUTION TO THE MINERALOGY OF QUSEIR FORMATION, KHARGA OASIS, WESTERN DESERT, EGYPT

EL-SHATER, A, HASSAN, EL ATTAAR, A. M. AND SOLIMAN,W.

 Valley regions of Egypt. The Quseir Formation in the surroundings of Kharga Oasis, Western Desert forms the uppermost unit of the former ‘‘Nubia Sandstone’’ Group, and consists of alternations of claystone, siltstone and sandstone beds. The shale and sandstone of this unit provides an evidence of a terrestrial, brackish and shallow marine environment.
 These deposits were subjected to intensive laboratorial investigations (XRD, IR, SEM and TEM). The grain size distribution of the studied samples was dominated by silt (13.9–83.1%) with lower quantities of clay (9.7-37.4%) and sand (1.15-83.3%). The bulk rock mineralogy of this formation varies from bed to bed. The bulk mineralogy of the beds from base to top as follows; the lower red bed consists mainly of phyllosilicates (45%), dolomite (minercordite, 20%), feldspars (18%), calcite (9%) and quartz (8%). The bulk rock mineralogy of the green bed  comprises phyllosilicates (63%), feldspars (18%), quartz (11%), calcite (4%), dolomite (2%), and gypsum (2%). The yellow fine sandstone is composed of well crystallized grains of despujolsite (32%), schaurteite (29%), graphite (28%) and quartz (11%). The second green bed 4 contains phyllosilicates (27%), k-feldspars (67%), graphite (9%) and quartz (2%). The purple bed formed of quartz (47%) is the principal mineral followed by calcite (20%) and oxide minerals (triphylite, marokite and geikielite, 28%). The bulk rock mineralogy of whitish grey bed and uppermost beds (grey beds) K-feldspar is the major mineral (61-83%) followed with less amounts of phyllosilicates, quartz and graphite. It is noteworthy and interesting that the new minerals: minrecordite, despujolsite, schaurteite, graphite, triphylite, marokite and geikielite were recorded for the first time in this formation and there is a strong relation between each of them and the color of bed in which it occurs. Also, the recording of graphite among the components of this formation is considered as a second clue for paleo-wildfires in the Campanian of Africa. The illite/smectite mixed-layer clay is the principal components of the clay fraction of this formation.      
The nature of smectite /illite mixed layers differs from bed to bed with respect the illite content ranging between 20-80%. It is interesting to note that there is a gradual increasing of smectite/illite mixed layer mineral from the top to the bottom of Quseir Formation. These mixed–layer clays with ordering types (R0, R1and R3) are found in almost all beds of this formation where the illite content in these I/S generally increase toward the bottom of this formation.
 Pure dioctahedral smectite (Ca-montmorillonites) is recorded only in two beds of this unit. Dioctahedral members of the smectite group typically form through pedogenesis of diverse protoliths under a wide range of environmental conditions. Kaolinites of this formation are poorly crystalline dioctahedral with crystallite sizes ranging from 3 to 16 nm and generally increasing in the upper beds of the formation. The IR spectra also confirms the presence of smectite (montmorillonite), kaolinite, illite and non-clay minerals (quartz, calcite and feldspars) as well as  their variation from one bed to another. Additionally, dioctahedrality and octahedral cation composition were proven in identified montmorillonite.
The SEM micrographs show dominantly clayey size grained fabrics as well flocculation and aggregation. Flocculation and aggregation have major effects on physical, technical and engineering properties of shales. Aggregation increases the viscosity, but not much. Flocculated causes a high yield stress and a high viscosity. Flocculation thus makes the shales very stiff and difficult to work.
TEM photomicrographs revealed two features. Firstly the majority of the particles are subhedral thin laths of varying length and width and only few grain show irregular shape. This type of morphology is a very common feature of illite-smectite having R = 1 ordering with low expandabilities. Secondly it appears that many grains show step like growth probably due to dissolutioning of the older smectite particle and neoformation of illite particles.The TEM images show smectite aggregates and typical morphologies of illite. The smectite aggregates are formed by nano-sized spindle-like anastomosing particles, whereas illite particles show a platy, elongate shape characteristic of illite.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.123 - 149

INDUSTRIAL ROCKS

07-PHYSICAL AND GEO-MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WADI ABU-FANNANI SCHISTS FOR DECORATIVE APPLICATIONS, CENTRAL EASTERN DESERT, EGYPT

SAGHEER, H., SAID, A. AND ABDEL MOTELIB, A

Schistose rocks are of worldwide use in decorative applications. Wadi Abu Fannani schists are of marked importance in the Egyptian Precambrian geology. The present work provides the field, petrographical, physical and geo-mechanical characteristics of the schists cropping out in the Wadi Abu Fannani area (latitudes 25º 59′ 30″ - 26º 1′ 00″ N and longitudes 33º 42′ - 33º 45′ E) to concern their suitability for decorative uses. Petrographical investigation using thin sections, physical (determination of water absorption, sorpitivity of water by capillary action, bulk and real density, apparent porosity and apparent specific gravity) as well as geo-mechanical (uniaxial compressive strength) tests were carried out to achieve the goal of the current study. Petrographical study indicated that schists cropping out in the study area comprise chlorite-mica schists (including muscovite (Silvery type) - and biotite-rich (Greenish type) varieties), quartzo-feldspathic schists (Creamy type), chlorite-actinolite schists and graphite schists. Physical and geo-mechanical tests carried out on the chlorite-mica schists (Both muscovite- and biotite-rich varieties) and the quartzo-feldspathic schists (the other two varieties were not applied in the carried out tests due to their softness and ease of splitting) revealed that quartzo-feldspathic schists would be the most suitable schist type to be used for decorative applications because of their lower water absorption and sorpitivity, lower porosity and their higher hardness and durability shown by their high compressive strength values if compared to the other two studied schist types

Keywords: Schists, petrography, physical tests, geo-mechanical tests, decorative applications, Wadi Abu Fannani, Eastern Desert, Egypt.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.151 – 175

08-ASSESSMENT OF INCORPORATION BETWEEN THE GRANITIC WASTES AND KAOLINITIC CLAYS OF LOWER CRETACEOUS MALHA FORMATION IN THE SEWAGE PIPES INDUSTRY: INSIGHTS ON INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

MOHAMED HEIKAL, SHERIF FAROUK, HATEM EL-DESOKY, MEDHAT EL-MAHALLAWY AND AHMED WAHID

The use of the granitic rocks in industry has grown significantly in the last decades with the privatization trend in the early 1990s, and the flourishing construction industry in Egypt. Generally, the granitic wastes are a highly polluting waste due to both its highly alkaline and abrasive nature, and its manufacturing impose a health threat to the surroundings. In Egypt, there is one of the largest granite industrial areas in the world, named Shaq Al-Thuban industrial cluster, which imposes an alarming threat to the surrounding communities. The present study aims to recycle these wastes through insertion in the sewage pipes industry. Granitic wastes in the form of sludge, obtained from the activities of granite cutting industry, were incorporated in the mixture of the vitrified clay pipes for sewage purposes. The possible replacement of the clay materials with the granitic wastes was investigated. Specimens of different samples of the Malha Formation were produced at the laboratory scale and characterized throughout all the stages of the production process. The experimental results and discussions show that the granitic wastes are suitable for incorporation with kaolinitic clay deposits to form ceramic body matched with the international standards in terms of water absorption, bulk density, apparent porosity, firing shrinkage, modulus of rapture and chemical resistivity

Granitic wastes, kaolinitic clay, sewage pipes, pollution, environmental impacts, ceramics.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.177 – 187

09-HARACTERIZATION AND TECHNICAL BEHAVIOR OF GABBROIC ROCKS IN PORTLAND CEMENT CLINKER PRODUCTION, WADI KHASHIR DISTRICT, SOUTHERN EASTERN DESERT, EGYPT

MAHMOUD M. EL-RAHMANY, HATEM M. EL-DESOKY, ATEF A. AFIFI, ANAS M. EL-SHERIF  AND HAMADA M. EL-AWNY

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.189 - 205

GEOCHEMISTRY

10-GEOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON MIDDLE AND LATE EOCENE CARBONATE ROCKS TO TEST THEIR VALEDITY FOR CEMENT INDUSTRY, EAST HELWAN AREA,  CAIRO,  EGYPT

KAMEL, S. A. IBRAHIM, A. M., AND ABD EL-AZEEZ, M.A

The present study deals with the geochemical studies on Middle and Late Eocene carbonate rocks to test their validity for cement industry, East Helwan area, Egypt. The studied area lies between Latitudes 29º 47' 30ʹʹ and 29º 53 ' 00ʹʹ N. and longitudes 31º 21' 04ʹʹ and 31º 28' 45ʹʹ E.
Lithologic studies of Middle and Late Eocene sediments are sub¬divided into five rock units from base to top: Middle Eocene (Gebel Hof and Observatory Formations); Late Eocene (EL-Qurn, Wadi Garawi and Wadi Hof Formations).
The chemical composition major oxides were done (using x-ray fluorescence) on carbonate sections (East Helwan Area) raw materials are very suitable for cement industry.
 Silica modulus (S.M) factor, Alumina ratio (A.R) and Lime saturation formula (L.S.F) was computed and the results show their validity for cement industry.

Keywords: Geochemical studies, Cement industry, Middle Eocene and Late Eocene carbonate rocks.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.207 – 219

MINING INDUSTRY

11-SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE MINING INDUSTRY

DAWLAT MOHAMED ABDEL LATIF

The present work has attempted to bridge a major gap in the sustainable development and mining literature by clarifying exactly how sustainable development can be applied in the corporate mining context. Since the industry’s operations have the potential to impact a wide range of environmental and socioeconomic entities, by committing to improve environmental performance and addressing the needs of stakeholders and community groups from the outset, mines can put the concept of sustainable development into practice. This research has also offered guidance for mining companies interested in improving the sustainability of their operations. Multiple recommendations were made — to improve planning, environmental management, cleaner technology implementation, increased stakeholder involvement, formation of partnerships, and training — that if followed, would help any mine improves the sustainability of its industrial practices. Finally, case studies of CEMEX a multinational cement company, was presented to illustrate further how mining companies can operationalize sustainable development

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.221 – 233

REMOTE SENSING

12-ALTERATION ZONES AND THEIR MINERAL CHARACTERISTICS AT GEBEL MONQUL AREA, NORTHEASTERN DESERT, EGYPT, USING REMOTE SENSING AND GAMMA-RAY SPECTROMETRY DATA

MAHMOUD A. HEGAB, HANAA A. MEGAHED AND SALEM M. SALEM

The present study aims at re-mapping the rock units and discriminating the potential alteration zones for mineral exploration at Gebel Monqul area. In this study, the processed Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) images and Airborne Gamma Ray Spectrometry data have been applied illustrating the alteration zones and the characteristic minerals distributed at the Gebel Monqul area. Several Remote Sensing (RS) techniques were used in this study, for the lithological mapping, where several techniques were approached as; False Color Composites (FCC), Color Ratio Composites (CRC), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and supervised classification techniques including Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Maximum Liklihood Classification (MLC). For the alteration mapping; Crosta Principal Component (Crosta PC), spectral ratio indices and Constrained Energy Minimization (CEM) techniques were used effectively for detecting the mineralized alteration zones. The automatically extracted lineaments were then integrated with the alteration map to detect the most potential areas for mineralization. Many types of hydrothermally alterations eg; kaolinitization, serecitization, heamatization and chloritization have been detected and differentiated from their host rocks of metavolcanics and plutonics. These alteration zones are characterized by significant minerals for each type of alteration. Kaolinite, Sericite, Hematite, Calcite, Alunite, Epidote and Chlorite are the main altered minerals observed in these zones. An automated lineament density map illustrating the distribution of fractures influenced in the area has been yielded, suggesting the channels and passages of the upcoming fluid minerals and consequent alteration zones as potential areas for mineral exploration. The adopted remote sensing methodology enabled to produce a modified geologic map with enhanced lithologic boundaries between the different exposed rock units in the study area and that consists of varied rock types such as; metasediments, serpentinites, metavolcanics, older granitites, Dokhan volcanics, Hammamat sediments and younger granitoids.

Keywords: Gebel Monqul, Alteration, Remote Sensing, Alteration zones, Gamma Ray Spectrometry, Egypt.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.235 – 252

13-GEO-INTEGRATION OF LANDSAT-8 SATELLITE IMAGE WITH COMPOSITION CHARACTERS OF SHALATEEN PLAIN DEPOSITS, SE OF EASTERN DESERT, EGYPT

AHMED ABDELHALIM, SHIMAA EL-GHAZALI, AND AHMED EL-KAMMAR

Most studies on the Shalateen area concentrate on recognition and characterization of the Basement Complex, which represents the mountainous rough relief, as a part of the Arabian shield during the pan African episode in the southeast of the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Conversely, this paper focuses an integrated remote sensing technique and compositional characterization of Shalateen plain deposits, including the coast area. Hence, this study contributes to the future development planning of a distant secluded countryside.
The principal component analysis (PCA) of Landsat-8 (OLI/TIRS scene) image in addition to the multiple false-color composites of different band-combinations are adopted in this work. Thus, the area was differentiated into five main sectors dominated from east to west; coastal shoreline, Sabkha, wades (streams) outlet, inside wades, and coarse texture zone. The differentiation of the five sectors confirmed by detailed fieldwork and laboratory analyses including lithological description, measuring physical properties and chemical analyses of major and trace elements.
Indiscriminately, the common distributions of derived element concentrations are merely coinciding in almost the five zones. Each zone was examined with band ratios 5/1, 5/7, 5/4*3/4 and 6/7, 5/6, 4/2, to find out a spectral relation with enrichment zone by for instance; silica, lime, alumina and ferrugination

Keywords: Shalateen plain; Landsat-8 application, remote sensing; geo-integration; band ratio, Wadi deposits

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.253 – 264

PETROLEUM GEOLOGY

14-THE RECOGNITION AND FRACTURE CHARACTERIZATION OF UNCONVENTIONAL IGNEOUS INTRUSION RESERVOIR IN RUDEIS-SIDRI FIELD, GULF OF SUEZ, EGYPT

ESSAM ABD EL-GAWAD, MOHAMED FATHY, MOHAMED MOSAD, AHMED REFAAT AND AHMED METWALLY

The present study aims to recognize, characterize and establish the criteria of the Oligo-Miocene unconventional igneous intrusion fractured reservoir in Rudeis-Sidri Field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Recently the Brown field in the Gulf of Suez province started to produce oil from their unconventional igneous intrusions fractured reservoir, that located along the eastern marginal of the field. Fractured unconventional igneous intrusion reservoirs are much more difficult and expensive to evaluate and to build modelling as compared to the conventional reservoirs.
The key of exploration within the heterogens unconventional igneous intrusion reservoirs is to recognize and predict the fracture network and pattern. The present work concerning with the identification of these reservoirs fractures network, using integrated Imaging, Anisotropy and Core data analysis in Rudeis-Sidri Field, Egypt. In general, detected Fractures enhancing porosity and permeability, allowing for hydrocarbon accumulated and trapped. Imaging (OMRI) data interpretation have characterize of the intensity, orientation and types of the fractures, which directly affect the reservoir performance.
As a result, the combination and integration of the available well data (OMRI, Anisotropy and Core Data) have succeeded to recognize and characterize the unconventional igneous intrusions fracture reservoir in Rudeis-Sidri field where high quality reservoir is combined with the presence of intense fracture system, as confirmed from production data.

Keywords: unconventional igneous intrusion, Rudeis-Sidri field, fractured reservoir characterization.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.265 - 276

15-TREATMENT OF SOME DRILLING FLUIDS PROBLEMS BY USING NANOPARTICLES

ABD EL-GAWAD, E. A., HANY E. AHMED, ABD EL-FATTAH, M., AHMED SEDKI, DARDIR, M. M

Filtration properties of water-based mud during drilling operations has a very significant effect on reservoir formation damage, low fluid loss is a characteristic of good drilling fluid and is a key to borehole integrity. In this study, two nanoparticle materials were applied to overcome higher filter loss problems. Nano carboxyl methylcellulose (CMC Np) and hematite nanoparticles (HT Np) were used as an additive to drilling fluid to enhance the rheological properties and filtration loss of the water-based mud. A comparison between the effects of the two nanoparticles was employed based on API. The prepared materials nanoparticles are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The study of rheological properties (plastic viscosity, apparent viscosity, and yield point) and filtration loss of the water-based mud treated with CMC Np and HT Np revealed that the rheological properties are enhanced, the filtration loss is reduced, whereas mud cake thickness

Drilling fluids; Rheology; Nano hematite; Carboxymethyl cellulose nanoparticles; Filtration loss 
  Nomenclatures
API American Petroleum Institute               AV apparent viscosity
CMC carboxymethyl cellulose                         CMC Np  carboxymethyl cellulose nanoparticle
DLS dynamic light scattering                       HPHT high pressure high temperature
HT Np    Hematite nanoparticle                    PV plastic viscosity
SEM scanning electron microscopy              TEM transmission electron microscopy
WBM water-based mud                                XRD  X-ray diffraction
YP yield point

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.277 – 293

16-A SEDIMENTOLOGIC AND PETROPHYSICAL EVALUATION OF THE RESERVOIR ROCKS IN AMAL FIELD, SOUTH WESTERN PART OF GULF OF SUEZ, EGYPT

HESHAM ABUSEDA  AND THARWAT ABDEL HAFEEZ

The Gulf of Suez province has a very important role in the oil accumulation of Egypt. Amal field is one of the most prolific areas in the Gulf of Suez. The present study aims to re-evaluate the principal Miocene reservoirs in the study area (Rudeis, Kareem and Belayim formations). The available open-hole well records contain complete set of logs in the form of composite well logs, such as; Resistivity, Gamma-Ray, Density, Neutron and Sonic, of four wells. These wells are Amal-2, Amal-4, Amal-6 and Amal-7. Petrophysical evaluation and facies identification for the Miocene reservoirs reveal that, the shale volume, effective porosity, water saturation, hydrocarbon saturation and net-pay thickness vary between 0 and 20%, 13.40 and 27%, 10.30 and 47.50%, 52.50 and 89.70%, and 1 and 51m respectively. The main reservoirs in Amal Field were deposited in distinctive environments, which left remarkable effect on the distribution of the petrophysical characteristics. However, Feiran Member decreasing the shale volume and increasing the pay thickness in south north ward directions. Baba Member shows shale volume decreasing south ward, and increasing of the pay thickness south and southeast ward. The effective porosity increasing southward, and the hydrocarbon saturation increases. Markha Member's shale volume decreases northward, and the pay thickness increases, due to the sand in Amal-2 and 6, wells, which increases in thickness north and northwest ward. The Rudeis Formation increasing in the pay-zone thickness in west ward directions.

Keywords: Petrophysical analysis, Reservoir characterization, Feiran Member, Baba Member, Markha Member, Amal field.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.295 - 318

17-WELL LOGS-DERIVED RADIOGENIC HEAT PRODUCTION IN THE NORTH KANSAS SUBSURFACE, USA

THARWAT ABDEL HAFEEZ , MOHAMMAD ABDELWAHHAB , MOHAMED ELMAHDY

This article is a case study illustrating subsurface radiogenic heat production (A) calculated using well logs data recorded in 92 wells located at 12 counties in the North Kansas State, USA. The radiogenic heat is one of the components of the surface heat flow. This heat also represents the essential element in modelling of the hydrocarbon basins, especially in thermal calculation related to the source rocks evaluation. It is declared that the produce of the radiogenic heat results in increasing of the temperature, that process leads to rapid maturation of the organic matter (kerogen). Also, high temperature geothermal reservoirs could provide heat that could be used to produce electricity from steam turbines. To provide domestic hot water, space heating, or process hot water, both low and high temperature geothermal systems could be used. Radiogenic heat production in this study computed using spectral gamma ray and density logs. The results show that radiogenic heat production (A) varies from approximately 0.1 to more than 8 µW/m3, whereas the average arithmetic mean is 1.1 µW/m3 and the average standard deviation is 0.47 µW/m3, which varies with lithology. The high measurements of radiogenic heat production (A) in the studied rocks are predominantly related to the respective increase in uranium content in both shale and carbonate formations that could be future geothermal targets.

Keywords: Well logs; Radiogenic heat production; Spectral gamma ray; North Kansas; Subsurface.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.319 – 339

18- 3D STATIC MODELING OF THE NUBIA SANDSTONE RESERVOIR, GAMMA OFFSHORE FIELD, SOUTH WESTERN PART OF THE GULF OF SUEZ, EGYPT

ADEL A. A. OTHMAN , MOHAMED FATHY , MOHAMED OTHMAN AND MOHAMMED KHALIL

Gamma Oil Field is considered as oil producer from the Nubia Sandstone Formation. It lies in the southwestern part of the Gulf of Suez. The penetrated Nubia Formation in the available wells has good reservoir characteristics. It is mainly sand and shale (kaolinite) facies. The porosity model reflects a good porosity in the area, with values ranging from 11% to 22%. The water saturation values show that all the available wells are located under the oil-water contact and therefore are highly saturated with water. Accordingly, a 3D static model was carried out to distinguish the hydrocarbon distribution, then mapping, and validating any Nubian upside exploration potential in the considered area. The property models and maps results show that, the upside potential blocks at the southeastern direction reflected a highly promising domain for hydrocarbon prospecting where the water saturation values reveal an obvious decrease and the volumetric calculation of the OOIP (original oil in place) in the upside blocks is about 17.4 MMSTB

3D Static Model; Structural Modeling; Facies Modeling; Petrophysical Modeling;  Keywords: Gamma Oil Field; Nubia Sandstone Formation.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.341 – 356

19- COMPARING MATRIX DENSITY FORM CORE DATA WITH MATRIX DENSITY CALCULATED FROM CONVENTIONAL LOGS DATA, CASE STUDY, BELAYIM LAND FIELD, GULF OF SUEZ, EGYPT

HASSAN EL- QADY  AND  MOHAMED SAID

Core data is considered one of the most important source for the data, which cover many aspects as petrophysics, geology and engineering. This paper represents the application of using core data to enhance the petrophysical interpretation.  It represents the results of using the conventional Density-Neutron logs (by using the cross plots) to calculate the matrix density, which used to in the calculation of the porosity from density log and comparing it with the matrix density calculated from core analysis. The most public methods in case of the absence of core data is to use the standard values of different rocks, or in case of the presence of core to get one value which used in all of the wells in the same area. The results of this work show very good match between matrix density from logs and matrix density from core and the data show that we can rely on density neutron in calculating matrix density in case of absence the core data in the studied area. 

Keywords: Matrix density, core log integration.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.357 – 363

20- SATURATION HEIGHT MODELING FOR THE IRREDUCIBLE WATER SATURATION CALCULATION THROUGH THE USE OF CONVENTIONAL LOGS A CASE STUDY, BELAYIM LAND FIELD, GULF OF SUEZ, EGYP

HASSAN EL-QADY  AND  MOHAMED SAID

Belayim land field is located in the central part of the Gulf of Suez, along the coast of the Sinai Peninsula. It is Land is a multilayer field with several separated sandstone reservoirs interbedded with shales and anhydrite intercalations, ranging from Lower to Upper Miocene Age and named (ZeitFm, South GharibFm, Hammam FaraunMbr, FeiranMbr, SidriMbr, Kareem Fm, and RudeisFm). This study deals with sidrimbr in Well X which located in the north east of Belayim land field.
This paper presents the results of using the capillary pressure data,  to calculate the irreducible water saturation (Swirr), where the water saturation (Sw) is calculated from the conventional logs and gives high water saturation values (around 40%). Unfortunately, there is no Nuclear Magnetic Resonance log (NMR) recorded in that well, to calculate the irreducible water saturation, in addition to the well was drilled by oil-base mud (OBM), which means that, the micro-spherical resistivity was not recorded in that well. The GR log shows low percent of clays, which eliminates clay bound water reason, and suggest that water  is either movable or irreducible, but the well was produced with zero water cut.The core cut in that well shows little amount of clays, which reflects the effect of micro-porosity. Irreducible water saturation (Swirr), was calculated by using the capillary pressure data (J function), after using the Flow Zone Indicator (FZI) method, for classifying the core data into Hydraulic Units (HUs). The FZI is used to tie the conventional logs with the core data by an equation, this equation is used later to calculate the Swi from the conventional logs in the uncored intervals. The results shows a good matching between the calculated water Saturation (Sw) from the conventional logs and the determined irreducible water saturation (Swirr) also it is proved the idea of using the capillary pressure data to calculate the irreducible water saturation in addition to, it used to create an equation in integration with Flow zone indicator and Reservoir quality index, by these equation will easily to estimate the irreducible water saturation in uncored wells.

Keywords: Saturation height modeling, irreducible water saturation

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.365 -  372

21- MODELING OF THE HYDROCARBONS GENERATION AND   MIGRATION OF THE MIDDLE-LATE JURASSIC IN WEST KALABSHA FIELD, WESTERN DESERT, EGYPT

ABD-EL GAWAD, E.A , AFIFY, W.  , ALI HAMMAD3 AND SALEM, T.

The evaluation of petroleum source rocks and hydrocarbon generation is a very important skill for explorationists to define the location and type of petroleum prospects in a region. In this stud 67 ditch samples from WKAL P-1X well, in the West Kalabsha Field, were used to determine the source rock characteristics and petroleum generative potentials of source rocks. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the source rock in this Field was done by means of geochemical and geophysical approaches for four rock units Alam El Bueib - 6 (AEB-6), Masajid, Zahra and Upper Safa. It is clear that Upper Safa Member is considered the main source rock in the west calabash Field, in which the organic carbon content reached up to 3.07 wt. %. The rock-Eval pyrolysis data indicated that the types of organic matter mainly type III kerogen and a mixture of types of III/II kerogens. The thermal maturity data reflected that the considered source rock units are in the maturation stage and capable to generate oil and condensate. One-dimensional basin modeling performed using the Petromod software to analyze the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion history. The models indicate that the early hydrocarbon generation in the Upper Safa source rock occurred during the Early Cretaceous and the main hydrocarbon generation reached approximately at Late Cretaceous time. The study indicated that the West Kalabsha Field seems to have been charged directly from the underlying Jurassic source rocks (The Upper Safa, Zahra and AEB-6) Formations by short-distance vertical migration along the fault planes.

Keywords: Source rocks, thermal maturity, basin modeling, hydrocarbon generation modeling, West Kalabsha Field, Faghour basin, Western Desert, Egypt

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.373 – 390                                  

22- USING WELL LOGS TO EVALUATE THE PETROPHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF ABU MADI FORMATION AT BALTIM EAST GAS FIELD, NILE DELTA, EGYPT

TAHER, M. T. MOSTAFA,   HASSAN, H ELKADI , M. FATHY MOHAMED   AND AHMED SALAH S. AHMED

A complete set of well logs were used to recognize the sand levels of Abu Madi Formation and to evaluate their petrophysical parameters in Baltim East field. Well logs of five wells, that penetrated the formation, were used to conduct the present study. The lithological composition of Abu Madi levels was distinguished using several cross plots. Utilizing log responses and lithological identification cross plots, the sand levels of Abu Madi Formation are recognized and evaluated. Out of six levels, four levels of Abu Madi Formation, II upper, II lower, III upper and III lower, are deemed to be the most productive and promising levels. Those four levels were examined and evaluated as gas reservoirs. Both vertical and lateral distributions of the petrophysical parameters are explained for Abu Madi level II upper, II lower, III upper and III lower.

Keywords: Formation Evaluation, Well-log Analysis, Baltim East Field, Offshore Nile Delta.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.391 - 401

HYDROGEOLOGY

23- USING THE SPATIAL MODELING OF SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE DATA TO DEFINE THE PROMISING RECLAMATION AREAS IN THE NORTHWESTERN COAST OF EGYPT

IBRAHIM SALAH ELDIN KHEDR  , EMAN ABDEL-HAMEID   AND OSAMA ABDEL-RAOUF 

Spatial models are important for detecting and planning development principles  especially in the future projects of development areas. This paper aims to study the integration between the surface and subsurface data to develop the most spatial model helping in the master plan of the sustainable development in the study area. This model using some maps as input layers such as geological, geomorphological, soil, land use, digital elevation model, aquifer depth, aquifer thickness and TDS layers. The model using a sets of condition to select the suitable areas that achieve most positive parameters. The raster analysis, buffer zones and mathematical equations are the most process steps of the model.
The subsurface investigations were done to delineate the subsurface sedimentary lithologic sequence and determination of groundwater aquifers. The Direct Current resistivity method of geophysical exploration techniques was applied for that purpose. Qualitative and quantitative interpretation of survey results in the form of layer resistivity and thickness was done for estimating the layered model in the form of resistivity value and thickness. It is an analytical technique for quantitative interpretation. After calibration with the available lithological information. Geoelctric cross section were constructed to explain the vertical and horizontal distribution of the physical properties of the sedimentary layers and mapping different geological and hydrogeological conditions.
The out puts of the model in the form of detailed maps comprises different parameters indicated that the total current land use area which reaches about 88242 feddan  can be extend  to 234370 feddan. An area of about 146126 feddan can be added to current used areas in future development projects

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.403 - 415

24- HYDROMORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF FLASHFLOODS HAZARDS OF WADI RAHABA BASIN, SHALATIN AREA, SOUTH EASTERN DESERT, EGYPT

RANIA M. RAGAB ,  HOSSAM H. ELEWA  AND EZZAT A. KORANY 

Hydromorphometric studies and assessment of flash floods are of utmost importance for the sustainable development of mountainous areas of W. Rahaba. The Red Sea Coast is subjected to sporadic rainfalls, which represent a frequent threat to the coastal plain as well as the main coastal roads, properties and human lives. The aim of this study is to emphasis that the flash floods in W. Rahaba hydrographic basin are the main source of groundwater recharge. Several techniques were used, i.e. digital elevation model (DEM) with 90 m resolution, watershed modeling system (WMS) and geographic information systems (GIS) to determine the hydromorphometric parameters. These parameters include linear, areal and relief aspects. Soil Conservation Service – Curve number (SCS-CN) method was used to estimate the runoff volume and travel times. Davis statistical equations were used for evaluating the flash floods hazards. The values of these morphometric parameters characterized W. Rahaba sub-basins as of promising groundwater recharge possibilities, with a high risk of flooding, except Al Abyad sub-basin. The area of high flooding hazards represents about 15.66% of W. Rahaba basin area. The high groundwater potentiality is a reflection of water percolation, lithological and structural control of the area. The structures in terms of lineaments, fractures, dykes, etc. have their own-bearing on the groundwater occurrence and entrapment in the basement territories (i.e. Birs Gahelia 1 and 2). These hand dug wells in the fractured basement are famously controlled by these structures. The result of the model showed that the groundwater is always recharged with flood water, frequently occurring in the study area, which reflects, its renewable nature and high quality (737 mg/l). This also means that W. Rahaba basin is promising for the implementation of flood water harvesting techniques to maximize the recharge rates of the aquifer. 

Keywords: South Eastern Desert, W. Rahaba watershed, GIS, Remote Sensing, hydro-morphometric parameters, groundwater potentiality, flashfloods hazards

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.417 – 436

25- WASTEWATER CONTAMINATION AND GROUNDWATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN THE AREA WEST OF TAHTA, SOHAG GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

MOSTAFA REDWAN , AHMED M. MASOUD ,  AHMED ABDEL MONEIM   AND NAGAT MOHAMED

The main aim of this research is to determine the effects of wastewater irrigation on the groundwater Quaternary aquifer in the area west of Tahta, Sohag, Egypt. Twenty three groundwater samples in addition to one sample from sewage treated effluent were taken and analyzed for a range of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters using standard methods. Surrounding the wastewater plant, about 52% of collected samples were impacted by wastewater contamination as evidenced by positive detections of fecal coliform bacteria which had been transported through the subsurface. The distribution of major ions in the groundwater is Na+>Ca2+>Mg2+>K+ and Cl->HCO3->SO42->NO3-. The high salinity in the area may be due to leaching of evaporites, chemical fertilizers, irrigation return flow and domestic wastewater. The high sulfate concentration in the study area mainly from the leaching of gypsum, anhydrite, chemical fertilizers and wastewater. Pb, Cd and Zn showed higher enrichment at the agricultural land, suggesting a common source from atmospheric deposition of particles from cities agrochemicals and residential wastes. Variations in NO3-/ Cl- molar ratios with Cl- indicate groundwater polluted by sewage or manure from livestock effluent. Groundwater from the unconfined aquifer around west Tahta treatment plant is unsuitable for drinking purposes and restrictions should be taken for using in irrigation purposes. In order to mitigate this, treatment of wastewater prior to irrigation and careful irrigation management is recommended. The potential effects of groundwater degradation on public health, and the need for guidelines to protect groundwater quality, are discussed.

Keywords: wastewater, Contamination, Groundwater Quality, west Tahta, Sohag Governorate, Egypt.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.437 – 455

GEOPHYSICS

26- THIN BEDS HIGH RESOLUTIONS USING SEISMIC SPECTRAL BLUEING TECHNIQUE: A CASE STUDY FROM WON C&A FIELDS, WEST OF BENI-SUEF,  WESTERN DESERT, EGYPT

HASAAN, H. EL KADI, THARWAT, H. ,ABEL HAFEZ AND RAMY EMADELDIN

western desert. This type of seismic data has been obtained from reflectivity data acquired from wells, that have higher frequencies balanced to higher amplitudes. This behavior is true in a global sense and is pointed to as the spectrum being blue. During the processing of surface seismic data, the amplitudes are often whitened, so losing resolution. Spectral shaping of the seismic data, using the seismic Spectral Blueing (SSB) enhances the seismic resolution, without boosting the noises to an unacceptable level. Restricted vertical and lateral resolutions assessed the limits on detection of the subsurface geologic features, using the surface seismic data. In spite of the great improvements in the acquisition and processing techniques in recent years, seismic data still suffer from limited resolution. Detailed subsurface information on the geologic conditions at depth cannot always be attained from the conventional surface seismic data.

WON C & A oil fields are the area of this study, which locates to the west of the Nile, Beni Suef basin in the Western Desert. The primary reservoir is the Abu Roash “G” sandstones, that are thin and multi-channel complicated system, which is difficult to capture by using the conventional seismic data, high seismic resolution is required for tracking and orienting the main target reservoir. The spectral blueing technique endeavor to enhance the surface seismic data resolution. Well-log data generally show a blue spectrum, with higher-amplitudes at the higher frequencies, than the commonly assumed white reflection series. Applying the blueing operator to the post-stack seismic data was proceeded to possibly improve the seismic resolution and to produce more consistent results, in order to enhance the attenuated high frequencies within the seismic frequency band. Post-stack seismic blueing and the conventional version of the WON 3D seismic data were compared with the synthetic seismograms. The comparison shows that, the post-stack spectral blueing can indeed enhancing the seismic vertical resolution with fewer artifacts associated with it, than the conventional seismic data. The post-stack spectral blueing approach improves the well to seismic tie, in addition to increasing the dominate frequency from 30 Hz in the post-stack original seismic data to 40 Hz in the seismic spectral blueing version, this increasing in the dominant frequency enhanced the seismic data as shown in Fig. 6.
In the present study, we showed that the application of spectral blueing improved seismic resolution in tuned a part of the Abu Roash “G” sandstone reservoir of WON A&C fields and thereby helped in further quantitative and quantitative Interpretation “QI” studies.

Keywords: Thin Beds; High Resolution; Seismic Inversion; Tuning Thickness; Spectral Blueing; Wavelet Operator.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.457 - 465

27- SEISMIC DATA INTERPRETATION OF GPT OIL FIELD, ABU SENNAN AREA, WESTERN DESERT, EGYPT

EMAD MADIAN ,  AFNAN EL GHALBAN  AND HASSAN EL SHAYEB  

GPT oil field is located at the southeast of Abu Gharadig Basin, Western Desert, Egypt. It lies about 200 Km west of the Nile Delta and 15 Km to the southeast of Abu Gharadig oil field. It covers an area of about 53Km2. It lies and located between Latitudes 29° 36`-29° 39`N and Longitudes 28° 36`-28° 42`E.
The present work aims to provide a better interpretation for identifying the directions of subsurface structural trends in the GPT oil field and delineate the new prospective areas, which are interpreted from seismic data. Also, use the structural attributes to improve the structure and stratigraphic image.
Seismic interpretation was conducted to identify and pick Dabaa, Apollonia, Khoman, Abu Roash and Bahariya horizons. The structure contour maps showed that the area was affected by tectonic deformation system. The principle structure responsible for hydrocarbon entrapment in the study area is asymmetrical faulted anticline trending in a northeast-southwest around the center of the area. This folding system is dissected by numerous major normal faults of different lengths, throws, widths and azimuths trending northeast-southwest forming horst and step faults which was very clear on the seismic sections and structure contour maps. Time and depth structure contour maps of formations and members illustrate different structure features that play an important role in the hydrocarbon potentialities, entrapment and prospect identification in the study area.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.467 - 486

28- MINERAL EXPLORATION USING GEOPHYSICAL AND SEISMOLOGICAL DATA AT ABU-DABBAB AREA, SOUTH EASTERN DESERT, EGYPT

ADEL A. A. OTHMAN.  , ARAFFA S. A. S., MEBED M., MUSTAFA ABU BAKR AND M. A. IBRAHIM.

The present study aims to delineate the structural elements that control the distribution of ore deposits at Abu Dabbab area. The study area contains different ore minerals such as Tantalum, Niobium, Cassitrite and sulfides.    analysis, Processing and interpretation of the aeromagnetic and Remote sensing data of the study area, as well as seismological data that recorded on the study area to define the seismic activity zones and its relation with ore deposits distribution. The results of the data interpretation indicate that the study area is dissected by different structural elements of trends NE-SW, NW-SE, E-W and N-S. The results indicated that the most ore deposits located at active fault zone which characterized with high seismic activity. There are high deformation zone trends NE-SW. The importance of conducting this study is related primarily to this area is very important for economic ore minerals deposits which can increase the National income of Egypt

Keywords: Abu Dabbab shear zone, Sukari shear zone, Aeromagnetic, Seismic activity, Band Math, Structure Lineament.

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.487 - 499

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

29- EFFECT OF NANO-SILICA AND NANO-LIME ON CEMENT MORTAR BUILDING MATERIALS, EAST HELWAN AREA, CAIRO, EGYPT

KAMEL., A., S  AND EL-ASHRY, A., N

The present study deals with the effect of nano-silica and nano-lime on cement morter, building materials., The studied area lies between Latitudes 29º 47' 30ʹʹ and 29º 53 ' 00ʹʹ N. and longitudes 31º 21' 04ʹʹ and 31º 28' 45ʹʹ E. (East Helwan area. Cairo, Egypt).
 Nano silica and nano lime introduce a new materials and systems that will affect building materials and thus have a profound impact on the form, high efficiency, environmentally, functionally and aesthetically.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), for nano silica and nano lime were done (at Central Lab for Egyptian Geological Survey and Mining Authority) revealing that after mixing the internal structure of the granules and their adhesion to each other.
 Compressive strength study was measured (at Arab Contractor company Labs) for the different mixtures (nano-silica and nano-lime on cement mortar) at different stresses (150, 250 and 350 kg/cm2.) reveal, high resistance and high compressive strengths with little cement content. Four trials were made after adding additives (nano silica and nano lime) on cement morter with stable metric volume at stresses (150, 250 and 350 kg/cm2 in order to reach the replacement of the proportions of cement present in the cement mixture, 150 kg / cm2, 250 kg / cm2 and 350 kg / cm2, with proportions of those nano silica and nano lime (various trials) to reach the maximum compressive strength with a less cement content, least possible time and least cost

Keywords: nano-silica – nano-lime - nano technology and building materials

Vol. 37 (2020) -pp.501 - 512