Energy Sources, Vol.22, No.9, 771-779, 2000
Hydrocarbon potential of Kuwait
Potential reservoir and seal rocks were evaluated in onshore Kuwait based on lithological descriptions, and probable Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, and Lower Cretaceous source rocks have been identified in eastern Kuwait and along a depositional axis in central Kuwait west of the Burgan high. Time-temperature index (TTI) modeling and structural maps of selected stratigraphic horizons revealed that oil generated in these areas then migrated up-dip into the known production structural highs. Although deeper reservoirs in the known producing horizons appear to be prone to light oil-wet gas accumulations, based on thermal maturation studies, identification of these deep traps may show the greatest potential for additional hydrocarbon discoveries in Kuwait, as in the recent Kraa Al Maru discovery. The possible existence of stratigraphic traps not seen on seismic sections, but present on the oil migration pathways is proposed.