GEOLOGY AND HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL OF DALMA ISLAND, OFFSHORE ABU DHABI

There are eight diapiric islands in the United Arab Emirates sector of the Arabian Gulf: Dalma, Zirkouh, Qarnain, Das, Sir Bani Yas, Arzana, Sir Abu Nuwair and Abu Musa. The origin of these islands, and that of Jebel Dhanna (onshore Abu Dhabi), is related to the diapiric movement of Infra‐Cambrian to Cambrian salt. The islands' stratigraphy, surface geology, and tectonic framework are similar. Dalma Island was chosen for detailed study, and the following lithological units were identified at outcrop: (i) the Hormuz Complex (?Infra‐Cambrian to Lower Cambrian) of salt, anhydrite and dolomite with clastic intervals; (ii) the Lower Fars Equivalent (lower to middle Miocene) of interbedded clastics and carbonates; and (iii) mixed clastics and carbonates (Pliocene to Recent).Halokinesis of the Hormuz Salt has strongly influenced the formation of structural traps in a number of oilfields offshore Abu Dhabi. In areas adjacent to the diapiric islands, subtle traps, such as turtle structures, may be present, similar to those at the Hair Dalma and Dalma oilfields, near Dalma Island, and the Mandous oilfield, near Sir Abu Nuwair Island.