Transpressional and Transtensional Structural Patterns in Abu Dhabi Fields, UAE

Abstract Abu Dhabi fields profitable development starts with understanding structural framework and styles kinematically and dynamically in the context of regional and local exploration resource potential evaluation. This enables to determine and predict the structural controls on deposition and understand the nature and development of trap styles. The fault systems in Abu Dhabi fields investigating the different stages of geometrically, kinematically and dynamically development of strike-slip basins. The seismically mapped stratigraphic succession starts with the Permian, that showing fault systems characterized by Late Mesozoic transpressional wrench tectonics. Abu Dhabi mature basins provide important information on the temporal and spatial changes in sediment source, depositional systems, and uplift history of Abu Dhabi fields. A gap is existing between the faults systems interpreted on the magnetic maps that showing NE lineaments and the Permian-Tertiary succession with main faults tending due NW. Below the deeper Permian interpreted horizons and up to the basement is not clear in Abu Dhabi, as the seismic is not cover the deeper section. Therefore, a tectonic model is required that captured the unknown using the known faulting relations with the depositional and deformed rock units. This work is a multi-disciplined investigation of the complex spatial and temporal relationships between facies distribution and faulting, which exist during basin evolution in a tectonically active intracontinental setting. This exciting field-based study will integrate structural mapping, structural techniques, and seismic interpretation to examine the diverse origins of strike-slip related basins in the UAE. The aim of the fieldwork was to gain a three-dimensional picture for the tectonic system that has operated in Abu Dhabi basins through time, and to understand the interplay between faulting, basin margin deformation, facies distribution, architecture, and adjacent mountain building. Kinematic analysis of faults for stress determination was carried out on Permian up to Tertiary rocks, which revealed various transtensional and/or transpressional regime. Abu Dhabi deformation was segregated into two coeval distinctive states of stress. The Permian-Cretaceous state of stress was compressional, with σ1 oriented in a NW-SE direction and changed by the Tertiary to be due NE. This paper address generating reliable distributions of the deformation zones predictions that can impact the reservoir parameters geodynamically within onshore/offshore Abu Dhabi successions where the development induced modifications and their effects on reservoir permeability can be understood and managed.