Future Challenges 1

2.3.09

10. FUTURE CHALLENGES

Within the scope of this book, the exploration for which have hitherto been considered
and production of hydrocarbons in Iraq faces two unfavourable by comparison with large-scale
main types of challenge: geological and technical. surface anticlines.
3. Yet another focus will be on stratigraphic
Geological Challenges intervals which have previously been ignored or
bypassed for technical and/or economic reasons.
The stratigraphy of Iraq is still largely based on 4. Sequence stratigraphic studies of Iraq
work by IPC geologists dating from the 1940s and should include detailed sedimentological logging
50s (e.g. van Bellen et al., 1959) together with the of analogue outcrops in the Western Desert and
results of a later regional survey programme by Na and NE of Iraqi Kurdistan.
the State Organization of Minerals (e.g. Buday, 5. New regional seismic data should be
1980). A key advance since then, of course, has acquired and integrated with well and outcrop
been the development of sequence stratigraphy, studies.
and a sequence-stratigraphic framework needs to 6. Deliberate exploration for subtle traps in
be established across the whole country. A Iraq – karst reservoirs and stratigraphic traps
preliminary scheme for the Cretaceous succession (e.g. reefs), for example – has not been attempted.
in southern Iraq was published by Sadooni and 7. Past exploration has focused on drilling
Aqrawi (2000), and Iraq was integrated into the structural traps defined by surface and 2D seismic
regional sequence stratigraphic framework data. For the location and identification of these
compiled by Sharland et al. (2001). An attempt new traps, high resolution seismic data will be
has been made to define sequences spanning the required in order to define the stratigraphic
entire Phanerozoic in this book, but these should architectures of, for example, Cretaceous
not be considered as definitive. The country-wide carbonate platform margins.
adoption of sequence-stratigraphic concepts and 8. Cored wells need to be drilled in many fields
methodologies, together with a reduced emphasis as most of the cores and thin-sections were mislaid
on lithostratigraphy, will be essential components after the events of 2003.
of revised and updated interpretations of Iraq’s 9. Up-to-date databases need to be established
petroleum geology. by the Oil Exloration Company and other regional
It is worth re-emphasizing here that 80% of operating companies throughout Iraq.
past Iraqi production came from just two prolific
reservoirs – the Main Limestone of Kirkuk field Specific Challenges
(discovered in 1927), and the Zubair Main Pay of
Rumaila field (discovered in 1953). A major 1. Palaeozoic
challenge for the future will be to increase The Palaeozoic succession in Iraq is under-
production from other reservoir units such as the explored, little known and as yet contains few
Mishrif and Yamama Formations in SE Iraq. discoveries.

General Challenges 1. Megasequence AP1 (Infracambrian or

1.Future exploration should pay attention to Vendian to Lower Cambrian) has not been drilled
under- and unexplored areas such as the Western to-date. However, drilling into this succession
Desert, Iraqi Kurdistan, the margins of the validate its similarity (or otherwise) with the oil-
Mesopotamian Basin, and the Iraqi offshore in the bearing Infracambrian succession of Oman and
NW part of the Gulf in addition to undiscovered the less productive systems in Turkey and Jordan.
reservoirs older than Cretaceous such as those of Cores will help to define source rock presence,
Jurassic, Triassic and Palaeozoic ages. reservoir quality and depositional environments.
2. Other opportunities will include trap types 2. Megasequence AP2 (Lower Cambrian to
2 Chapter 11

Upper Ordovician) requires investigation in two unconformities and to establish the distribution
respects. Firstly, since the lower portion (Lower of the preserved Silurian succession. The Silurian
Cambrian to lower Upper Cambrian) has not been section may have been removed by erosion over
penetrated, a priority will be to drill this unit and large areas; the limits of this erosion have been
to obtain core samples for analysis. The upper part mapped roughly by Jassim (2006) but a more
of the megasequence has been penetrated in wells detailed overview is required, requiring both
Akkas-1 and Khleisia-1, but no detailed regional seismic lines and geochemical analyses
geochemical or sedimentological studies of the of reservoir oils at shallower levels. An
succession have so far been published. Future understanding of the pre-“Caledonian” subcrop
research should focus on mapping its distribution, will also elucidate stratigraphic traps in the Lower
particularly in the subsurface of western Iraq. Palaeozoic succession. An understanding of the
Particular attention should be paid to studying depth of the base-Silurian will also help in
lithofacies and seismic facies, to investigating the modelling the timing of hydrocarbon generation
presence and nature of possible source rocks in from the Silurian source rocks, which is of critical
the Burj Formation and in overlying flooding importance with respect to the timing of trap
surfaces (Cm30, O10 to O40), and to recording formation. As with Megasequence AP2, an
reservoir properties (such as permeability and improved understanding of seismic facies,
porosity types) and calibrating reservoir quality lithofacies and poroperm characteristics of
versus burial depth. Seismic stratigraphic studies potential reservoir intervals is required, so that
of this interval will be critical in evaluating the reservoir quality can be calibrated against depth
basin models proposed by Jassim (2006) which are and location. In particular, future studies should
based on gravity-magnetic data including the investigate reservoir rocks within the Devonian
possible influence of the Salman Zone on isopachs portion of the Megasequence, equivalent to the
and facies. Irregularities in the Burj reflector Saudi Tawil and Jauf Formations; these have not
should also be mapped, because they may indicate so far been studied in Iraq.
the local presence of build-ups and/or intrashelf Future studies of Megasequence AP4 should
basin successions possibly containing source focus on improved characterization of both
rocks. Instructive data may come from the Risha potential source rocks (e.g. the Ora Shale
gasfield, located in Jordan near the border with Formation) and reservoir rocks (e.g. the Pirispiki
Iraq. A low productivity sandstone reservoir is and Kaista Formations and Harur Limestone
present here and may form a first-order analogue Formation). Palaeontological issues are
for discoveries in Iraq. The trapping mechanism important, since the megasequence appears to be
at this gasfield is not understood and requires dominated by Tournaisian and older units in
further study, as does the ability to locate northern Iraq, whilst the biota reported from the
“sweetspots” of enhanced reservoir quality. Western Desert appear to be Viséan or younger;
Diagenetic studies are required to investigate the these issues need to be resolved. The precise
chlorite coatings on quartz grains which inhibit distribution of the megasequence is not known;
silica overgrowth formation. This mechanism much of the succession may have been eroded
appears to be critical in preserving intergranular during “Hercynian” tectonism, particularly along
porosity at Risha (Aqrawi et al., 2006), but its the Salman Zone (Jassim, 2006 which one exactly
regional extent is uncertain. Biostratigraphic a, b etc), but further studies using modern seismic
studies of Lower Palaeozoic rocks in Iraq will be data will be required to check these preliminary
required as new wells are drilled in order to define observations.
standard type sections. At present, there appear 5. The Ga’ara Sandstones of Megasequence
to be conflicting ages for some stratigrapic units. AP5 are potential reservoir rocks for gas
Thus, the Llanvirn-Llandeilo units at the base of throughout western Iraq, but detailed
wells Akkas-1 and Khleisia-1, as interpreted by stratigraphic, palynological and sedimentological
Al-Hadidy (2007), are inconsistent with the studies are required in order more accurately to
Arenig-Tremadoc ages given by Baban (1996) and subdivide this unit which may be as young as
Al-Ameri and Baban (2000, 2002). These issues Middle Triassic in some areas. Studies are also
are of importance when predicting the likely required to characterize the reservoir quality and
presence or absence of facies in the deeper distribution of this formation.
stratigraphy from seismic data in the absence of
well data. 2. Permo-Liassic
3. A critical factor for the Middle Silurian - 1.The Upper Permian – lowermost Triassic Chia
Lower Devonian Megasequence AP3 will be the Zairi Formation is under-investigated throughout
mapping of Silurian source rocks beneath the Iraq. This Khuff-equivalent, thick dolomitic
Upper Devonian and Upper Carboniferous limestone has the potential to form an important
unconformities. New regional seismic data will be gas reservoir in several parts of the country, and
required to map the subcrop pattern at these should be the focus of regional seismic
 Future Challenges 3

stratigraphic and seismic facies analyses. Detailed degree of vertical heterogeneity; this has not been
stratigraphic and depositional models are appreciated in terms of locating reservoir, source
required for both the carbonate facies belts and and cap rocks within valid configurations.
the westerly siliciclastic facies, in order to Detailed sequence stratigraphic analyses will be
calibrate the seismic-based models and better required to understand the regional distribution
define palaeogeography and facies distributions. of these play elements, although seismic
Data from the few wells which have penetrated stratigraphy may not be of significant help in this
the Chia Zairi Formation should be more fully interval. Pay zones are likely to be thin, but it is
analysed in order to understand reservoir quality possible that multiple pays may occur.
distribution and evolution, and the reasons why Productivity may come from intervals described
the Iraqi stratigraphy appears to be characterized as oolitic, sandy or having dolomitic porosity,
by considerably lower porosities than that in the perhaps associated with specific “Hercynian”
Gulf area. Diagenesis and the timing of palaeostructures. Seals are likely to be
hydrocarbon charge versus porosity occlusion are represented by anhydritic or shaly intervals. This
likely to be critical issues. From these data, burial interval is highly productive in Kuwait (Marrat
limits for economic reservoir quality can be “C” Member oolites), and an understanding of this
estimated, probably excluding exploitation of this analogue may be applied to SE Iraq.
interval in the deeply-buried areas of eastern and
southern Iraq. Potential source rock intervals 3. Middle - Upper Jurassic
occur in lower shaly intervals (Al-Haba et al., The Jurassic petroleum system of Iraq is
1994) and could be investigated further. enigmatic given the abundance of source rocks,
2. The Triassic petroleum system which is particularly since the system has produced large
successful in NW Iraq (Alan. Sufayyah and quantities of oil in neighboring countries.
Butmah fields) requires careful re-evaluation as 1. In fact, the petroleum system in Iraq is more
it may extend to other parts of Iraq. As with the complicated than was at first thought. Source,
Upper Permian carbonates, a regional seismic reservoir and seal are rarely organized to give
stratigraphic and seismic facies analysis would valid traps. Also many transitions are lateral and
be of value, particularly if it were focused on cover large distances, rather than being vertical
identifying potential intrashelf basins (e.g the and being confined to a single structure. In
Kand Basin) which may contain source rock addition, the location of many reservoir facies
succesions in their centres and reservoir facies outside the zones of Zagros deformation, and in
on their margins. In this respect, a better areas where regional dip places reservoir above
understanding of the distribution, types and lateral seals, have worked against this play
effectiveness of Triassic source rocks and the system in Iraq.
controls on reservoir quality are needed from the 2. Future work on the Jurassic should focus
well (log and core) data. Attention should be on defining the genesis and location of porous
focussed on intervals that are oolitic, are strongly dolomitic carbonates in both massive carbonate
dolomitised but relatively massive, contain intervals and in units within the younger
shallow-water siliciclastics or collapse breccias, or evaporite-dominated stratigraphy. Prediction of
have been karstified. These types of potential lateral variations in reservoir quality of dolomites
reservoir occur within the Mirga Mir, Geli Khana in the Najmah Formation will be difficult, since
and Kurra Chine Formations. Secondary issues dolomitising fluids have probably invaded the
include predicting the sealing capacity of platform margin at specific locations controlled
intraformational shales, argillaceous limestones by their stratigraphic architecture and geological
and evaporites, and the extent and reservoir structure. High resolution seismic data is required
quality of interbedded sandstones with a westerly to locate and image the Mid-Upper Jurassic
provenance. As part of this analysis, a detailed carbonate platform margin; this has worked in
sequence stratigraphic scheme will be required offshore areas [Jeremy has a reference that refers
using data from each well. This will necessitate to a seismic in this area: AH]. Prediction of facies
calibration by use of techniques that have been from seismic character, for instance oolitic banks
successfully applied in neighbouring countries but and coral-stromatoporoid build-ups or massive
have not been applied in Iraq, such as palynology, dolomite bodies, will be important. An
conodont biostratigraphy and perhaps Sr isotope understanding of seismic geometries, and by
stratigraphy. implication seismic stratigraphy, will also help to
3. The Rhaetian – Aalenian succession (Baluti map the extent of potential traps. Many wells may
to Alan Formations of the Stable Shelf, and the have failed in the past because trap geometry and
Sarki and Sehkaniyan Formations in the Folded position of sealing facies were unsuitable.
Belt) has no proven hydrocarbon potential in Iraq. 3. It would appear that the prolific Arab
However, although component formations and Formation reservoirs of northern Saudi Arabia
units are laterally persistent, there is a high extend into SE Iraq, in that they are represented
4 Chapter 11

by facies and some accumulation of hydrocarbons with regional and local seals are found within the
in well Abu Khema-1 on the Rimthan Arch. Cretaceous (Sadooni and Aqrawi, 2000), source
However, the extent to which this play fairway is rocks are, in many cases, either Lower Cretaceous
present in Iraq is uncertain; as is the role of or Upper Jurassic shales and marls (Al-Haba and
“Hercynian” highs in controlling reservoir-seal Abdulla, 1989).
distribution. 4. Recent geological data from neighbouring
4. Exploration for fractured Jurassic source countries concerning the Cretaceous succession
rock and dolomitic reservoirs in Iraq will require have raised the possibility of new plays in addition
a multidisciplinary approach. Reservoir quality to those known in the Mesopotamian Basin (e.g.
is likely to be controlled by well-connected as suggested by Sadooni and Aqrawi, 2000). The
permeable fracture systems formed due to high potential is considerable if exploration can be
pore pressure gradients (exceeding fracture focussed on new geographical areas and new
pressure gradients) during oil generation, and stratigraphic traps. These plays may include:
folding events over major structural highs. 3D (a) The Yamama Formation, which represents
seismic data will be required to identify these the most promising carbonate reservoir due both
fracture systems. High-angle wells could target to its wide geographical distribution (it is present
the fractured Sargelu and Naokelekan throughout most of southern Iraq), and the
Formations, but their very high pore pressure presence within it of a relatively thick section of
gradients in southern Iraq present formidable porous oolitic and skeletal limestones (Sadooni
drilling challenges. and Aqrawi, 2000). Challenges lie in two areas;
5. In NW Iraq, the Jurassic section subcrops a firstly, in developing a better understanding of
regional unconformity at the base of the the often microporous reservoir system; and
Cretaceous which may not act as a regional seal secondly, in assessing this reservoir as a deep pay
(Dunnington 1967: Check date: AH). In the folded in southern Iraqi fields where production formerly
zone, large-scale leakage of oil from dolomite came from the younger Mishrif Formation.
reservoirs in the Sargelu Formation up into the Examples include the West Qurna and Nasiriyya
Cretaceous succession is likely to have occurred fields where the Yamama Formation has recently
during later (Tertiary) folding and thrusting. proven to be economic. Reservoir quality in the
Many of the traps in the Iraqi Zagros Folded Zone Yamama is variable. Relatively deep burial and
are likely to be structurally complex and difficult complex diagenesis will make secondary recovery
to image. If exploration and production challenges challenging.
can be overcome, the Jurassic reservoirs in Iraq (b) Basin-margin carbonate build-ups in the
could provide an important future supply of light Shu’aiba, Mauddud and Mishrif Formations.
oil and associated gas. These build-ups may be present on margins which
face open-marine basins (e.g. the Balambo Basin)
4. Cretaceous or intrashelf basins. Similar plays are already
The Cretaceous petroleum system is the most proven, or are in production, in Saudi Arabia,
important in Iraq, particularly in the southern Qatar and the UAE (and Oman ?? CT), although
and central parts of the country (Sadooni and they have not yet been investigated in Iraq. This
Aqrawi, 2000). is because the technology required to delineate
1. The identification of future Cretaceous them is not available, or because they are located
plays, including those considered above other in inaccessible areas.
stratigraphic traps, will require detailed (probably (c) The two major siliciclastic reservoir
3D) seismic surveys. Exploration of the offshore formations, the Zubair and Nahr Umr
parts of the country should also be undertaken, Formations, which were deposited in continental
given the encouraging recent results from the conditions with a marine influence. An improved
Kuwaiti offshore. understanding of these systems will require high-
2. In northern Iraq, future work should aim resolution seismic surveys to better define their
to explore the Cretaceous succession below internal geometry and architecture. Such surveys
producing Tertiary reservoirs in fields such as may led to the identification of stratigraphic traps
Kirkuk and Bai Hassan. Outcropping Cretaceous containing large volumes of oil at some distance
rocks in Iraqi Kurdistan should be carefully from the major producing structures. Delineation
studied as analogues of the subsurface reservoirs. of these high-porosity features will also require
3. Iraq’s largest hydrocarbon reserves (e.g. Al- detailed sedimentological analyses of well
Sakini, 1992; Ibrahim, 1996) occur within the successions. Data from Kuwait suggest that these
Cretaceous succession, particularly within the two formations were deposited in diverse deltaic
Mesopotamian Basin, where Cretaceous to shallow-marine settings. Further detailed
formations represent a unique petroleum system seismic analyses may locate structural traps
which is among the richest in the World. Although adding to those already identified. Following more
both clastic and carbonate reservoir rocks together detailed reservoir characterization, these fields
 Future Challenges 5

may yield much higher reserves due to re- field in the future. However considerable potential
activation projects. still exists within the Tertiary succession.
(d) Reservoir units which have been ignored by Reappraisal of drilled anticlines in NE Iraq
previous exploration programmes, such as the through the acquisition of new seismic data,
Sulaiy, Ratawi and Mauddud Formations. These particularly 3D data, will show how well-located
are known to be oil-bearing in Kuwait and other (or otherwise) were the original wellsites on
countries. individual structures. Challenges to future
(e) Plays in new exploration areas, e.g. the exploration of the Tertiary succession include the
Hartha Formation in northern extensions of the following:
East Baghdad field and in parts of western Iraq, 1. The use of enhanced recovery methods in
and the Khasib Formation in central Iraqi fields producing fields such as Kirkuk and Bai Hassan;
other than East Baghdad (such as Ahdab and wells in these two fields are among the oldest in
Dhefria). the country and are in need of maintenance, with
(f) Other subtle traps, including possible mud applications of techniques such as IOR/EOR.
mounds in the Yamama Formation, dolomite 2. Extension of the Oligocene play to other
reservoirs in the Mauddud Formation, and areas, particularly by correlation with the so-
fractured basinal micrite reservoirs in the Dokan called Mesan Group in fields in SE Iraq near
to Shiranish Formations. Amarah City.
(g) Isolated carbonate build-ups, which may 3. In Iraqi Kurdistan, the Pila Spi Formation
prove to be a significant play type both during occurs as a porous unit at outcrop that may be
phases of platform drowning (generally from the sealed by the Lower Fars Formation. There has
Cenomanian onwards), locally within intrashelf to-date been only limited exploration for this
basins such as the Rumaila Basin, and on the Eocene play, which has been proven successful in
outer parts of carbonate ramps such as within the the Taq Taq and Tawke fields; probably the
Yamama-Garagu system. greatest addition of reserves lies with objectives
(h) Non-reservoir formations which may have that focus on this interval.
reservoir potential in unexplored areas – for 4. Exploration of equivalent formations in the
example, the Ahmadi Limestone Member in the western part of the country, particularly within
Iraqi offshore, by analogy with areas offshore the Anah Graben. However, it may be difficult to
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia (Sadooni and Aqrawi, trap reserves or prevent biodegredation in the
2000). relatively undeformed, uniformly-dipping SW
(i) The Sa’di-Tanuma-Khasib sequence, which margin of the basin.
has recently produced oil in central Iraq at East 5. Investigation of the potential of the
Baghdad field (Aqrawi, 1996). The Hartha Transition Beds in the Lower Fars Formation.
Formation produces oil in Western Iraq, in an area 6. Above end-Cretaceous inversion structures,
located outside the main oil provinces in the there are known to be isolated platforms of
central and the southern parts of the country Palaeocene and Eocene shelf carbonates which are
(Sadooni and Alsharhan, 2004). The Mauddud in turn overlain by younger basinal carbonates
Formation also has high potential in the SE, in (e.g. on Jebels Sinjar in Iraq, and Abd El Aziz and
the Iraq-Iran border area. More studies are Bishri in Syria). Should such platforms be
needed in these areas to explore these nucleated upon buried inversion structures, these
possibilities. could form significant stratigraphic traps.
(j) The Tanjero Clastic Formation, which is 7. Clastic-rich units in the foreland basin are
over 2000 m thick in Iraqi Kurdistan and covers very poorly understood and may have significant
large areas in the Folded Zone. The formation has thicknesses. As with the Tanjero Clastic
thus far been poorly described; it is highly Formation, it is possible that a more detailed
heterogeneous and shows significant lateral analysis of the Kolosh, Khurmala and Gercus
variations. It includes potential reservoir units Formations may reveal significant but probably
(shallow- and deep-marine sandstones, reefal small opportunities.
carbonates); potential caprocks may occur in the
form of intercalated shales. A detailed Technical Challenges
interpretation of this interval may yield
opportunities, even if these prove to be small. Future oil production in Iraq should take place
Along-strike in Iran, the correlative Amiran within the framework of partnership agreements
Formation shows evidence in the field of breached between Iraqi operating companies and
accumulations (Goff, pers. obs., 2007). international oil companies (IOCs), as existing
discoveries are re-evaluated, rehabilitated and
5. Tertiary developed using the modern technology which has
Tertiary fields are dominated by Kirkuk and it is been absent from Iraq for many decades. Most
unlikely that this will be surpassed by any single exploration and development has hitherto been
6 Chapter 11

undertaken with technology which dates at best API oils and low-pressure reservoirs, will be
from the early 1980s. These types of partnership required to maximize flow rates. This will be
agreements are the best way for technology and particularly important in low-porosity and/or thin
competence to be transferred to Iraqi geologists pays, for example in Ordovician sandstones;
during long term projects. Triassic carbonate reservoirs; in reservoirs such
as the Middle-Upper Jurassic overpressured
Specific Technical Challenges source rocks and in fractured Cretaceous basinal
1. In practical terms, most recent wells have made reservoirs; and in shallow Tertiary and
use of expired or low-quality materials. Many Cretaceous reservoirs. This use of modern
wells cannot be re-entered and there is a general development techniques has been suggested on
lack of equipment with which new geological several occasions in the past (e.g. Al-Gailani,
studies can be carried out. It is important to 1996). In parallel, the modernisation and
acquire new subsurface data (including core rehabilitation of the transportation infrastructure
materials) to compensate for the material will be critical for both inland transport and
destroyed in recent years, data to every producing export.
field and discovery. On a larger scale, there is a 6. In terms of human resources, a generation
need for a new and co-ordinated 2D regional of experienced Iraqi geoscientists and managers
seismic exploration across the whole country, will soon reach retiring age; many other geologists
which can be integrated with gravity-magnetic left Iraq during the upheavals of the past three
studies such as those presented by Jassim (2006). decades. However, there is a “missing generation”
2. The Kurdistan region must be covered by of younger geologists and managers who would
all of these types of survey. High-resolution under other circumstances be ready to fill
mapping of outcrops in the Kurdistan region will vacancies in the oil industry, but who have neither
provide an understanding of equivalent strata been recruited nor trained. Many younger Iraqi
which constitute subsurface reservoir rocks both geologists need to improve their foreign language
nearby and in other parts of Iraq. and technical skills and are currently being
3. Little is known in Iraq of the hydrocarbon trained by IOCs for the Iraqi Oil Ministry. A
potential of deep (typically pre-Cretaceous) notable challenge for the future will be to equip
reservoirs. Exploration for deep reservoir units, the next generation of Iraqi geoscientists and
below existing discoveries and producing fields, engineers with the linguistic and technical tools
should take place using modern drilling they need to participate fully in the international
technology as has taken place elsewhere in the petroleum industry.
Middle East – for example, the Palaeozoic plays 7. In addition, the implementation of high
in Saudi Arabia which have been studied since Health & Safety standards in the oil sector will
the 1980s. However, there are likely to be be critical in Iraq. Many exploration areas have
technical obstacles such as high bottom-hole unexploded ordnance as a result of recent military
temperatures at relatively shallow depths, as activities, and these areas will need to cleared
noted in well Akkas-1 (Al-Hadidy, 2007). Other before exploration activities can take place.
reservoir types show very favourable porosity —
depth relationships, and would be ideal candidates Concluding remarks
in deep plays in the Mesopotamian Basin, e.g.
deep porous dolomite reservoirs with secondary Many challenges remain to be overcome in the
porosity, such as those in the Qamchuqa future exploration and production of oil in Iraq;
Formation (Cretaceous) and possibly in the however each challenge, once overcome,
Najmah (Jurassic) and Chia Zairi Formations represents a potential contribution to the
(Permian). country’s oil reserves. The suggestions in this
4. A better understanding of reservoir chapter will hopefully provide a guide to the long-
architecture will help to maximize oil recovery, term development of Iraq’s oil resources. Uniquely
based on the routine use of modern techniques in the Middle East, Iraq accommodates at least
including 3D seismic in complex production areas three major hydrocarbon systems — the Mesozoic;
(such as those in Central Iraq at the East Baghdad the Palaeozoic of the Arabian Plate; and the
and Balad oilfields); the acquisition of new cores; Tertiary of the Zagros margin. The complexity of
and the use of modern logging suites, together future challenges facing the Iraqi oil industry
with the use of modern concepts (sequence matches and perhaps exceeds this diversity in oil
stratigraphy, high resolution biostratigraphy, habitat.
chemostratigraphy).
5. Modern appraisal and development
techniques, such as the application of image logs,
horizontal wells, artificial stimulation, multiple
completions and optimum management of low-