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The northern Sinai inverted basins exhibit superb outcrop examples of compressional transfer zones and display the control of these zones on syntectonic and post-tectonic sedimentation. Two main types of transfer zones, hard- and soft-linkage transfer zones, were identified at different scales. Hard-linkage transfer zones form inward and outward fault kinks whereas the soft-linkage transfer zones are expressed by plunging anticline-syncline pairs between overlapping positively inverted fault segments. An example of a wrench-related compressional transfer zone is also displayed by a restraining-bend anticline formed within the strike-slip fault system of the Sinai hinge belt. The displayed examples of compressional transfer zones invariably exerted fundamental control on deposition of syn- and post-tectonic sediments, flow directions of drainage systems, locations of sediment entry points, and the intensity of erosion patterns of the structurally high sediment source areas. This study highlights the close relationship between the transfer zones and hydrocarbon accumulations in clastic syntectonic reservoirs in inverted and wrench basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gulf of Suez-Red Sea rift system exhibits superb outcrop examples of extensional transfer zones and displays the control of these zones on syntectonic and post-tectonic sedimentation. Hard and soft linkage transfer zones were identified at variable scales. Hard linkage transfer zones form inward and outward fault kinks whereas soft linkage transfer zones form relay ramps between overlapping rift-parallel faults. The two types of transfer zones invariably exerted fundamental control on the deposition of syn- and post-tectonic sediments, flow direction of drainage systems and locations of sediment entry points, as well as the intensity of erosion patterns of the structurally high sediment source areas. This study highlights the close relationship between the transfer zones and hydrocarbon accumulations in clastic syntectonic reservoirs in rift basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a fractured dolomite reservoir in the Miocene syn-rift succession of the Gulf of Suez, and the impact of fractures on the increase in the water cut during production from this reservoir and the measures taken to overcome this problem. The Issaran Field includes two dolomite reservoirs (the Upper and Lower Dolomite). The Lower Dolomite reservoir has a highly fractured zone (HFZ) corresponding to a brittle layer that extends down-dip below the highest know water level, allowing the flow of water from the water-wet area to other parts of the reservoir and, thus, causing an increase in the water cut in the wells. Setting an inflatable packer above the HFZ in open holes, perforation above its level in cased holes and reaching total depth of new wells above the HFZ are recommended to decrease the water cut. Accidental hydraulic fractures might develop by steam injection at pressures exceeding rock fracture pressure. These fractures and critically stressed natural fractures allow injected steam to pass laterally through the reservoir along interconnected natural fractures.

Detailed structural study of the eastern (onshore) part of the Gharandal accommodation zone that separates the northern (SW-dipping) and central (NE-dipping) half grabens of the Suez rift helped\decipher the internal structure and deformation of accommodation zones of continental rifts. This 60 km-wide zone is affected by pure normal faulting. The NE-dipping faults of the northern half graben extend southward into the accommodation zone where they interfinger with SW-dipping faults extending from the central half graben. These two sets of rift-parallel faults form several horsts and grabens in the accommodation zone. Areas dipping parallel to the northern or southern half grabens form several intermixing dip domains in the accommodation zone. Smaller-scale accommodation of dip between these dip domains proceeds by the development of rift-parallel folds (twist zones). In contrast to the southern accommodation zone of the Suez rift, the internal structure of the Gharandal accommodation zone is believed to be representative of accommodation zones in regions (a) unaffected by prerift structures lying at high angles to the rift; and (b) experiencing relatively small extension. Accommodation zones in areas having pre-rift structures lying at high angle to the rift have relatively narrow width and are characterized by transverse, strike-slip faults. Strike-slip movement on these faults is related to the torsional strain resulting from the opposite tilt directions and transport of fault blocks of adjacent half grabens.