Yamama Reservoir Characterization in the West Qurna Oil Field, Southern Iraq

Abstract

Yamama Formation (Valanginian-Early Hauterivian) is one of the most important oil production reservoirs in southern Mesopotamian Zone. The Yamama Formation in south Iraq comprises outer shelf argillaceous limestones and oolitic, pelloidal, pelletal and pseudo-oolitic shoal limestones. The best oil prospects are within the oolite shoals. Yamama Formation is divided into seven zones: Upper Yamama, Reservoir Units YR-A & YR-B separated by YB-1, and YR-B Lower & two Tight zones: low (porosity, permeability and oil saturation) with variable amounts of bitumen. These reservoir units are thought to be at least partially isolated from each other.