Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
DOI 10.1007/s12517-016-2506-7
ORIGINAL PAPER
Sedimentological evolution of the Lower Series formation
in the southern area of the Hassi RMel field, Saharan Platform,
Algeria
Salima Talamali 1 & Rabah Chaouchi 1 & Soumya Benayad 1
Received: 3 November 2014 / Accepted: 5 May 2016
# Saudi Society for Geosciences 2016
Abstract The Hassi RMel field, which is the largest
gas field in Algeria, produces principally gas conden-
sate. The produced gas and oil comes from four reser-
voirs of Triassic age (reservoir A, reservoir B, reservoir
C, and the Lower Series). All the previous studies in
this field focused only on the upper reservoirs (A, B,
and C), which have shown an excellent petrophysical
properties. However, due to the presence of shale facies
as well as volcanic intrusions, the Lower Series reser-
voir has been less explored. Thus, our study is mainly
focused on this Lower Series in order to find the best
sandy levels. The aim of this paper was to determine
the facies types in the area, their distribution in the
southern area of the Hassi RMel gas field, and their
depositional environment. The Triassic rocks in this
field are divided into four formations. From the youn-
gest to oldest, these are S4, Lower Shale, Horizon A,
and the Lower Series. The Lower Series formation can
be further divided into three members (shaly sandstone,
andesite, and lower shale). The shaly sandstone member
within the Lower Series is composed of four units that
are present all over the study area with an important
pinch-out toward the northern part. The depositional en-
vironment within the defined units is a braided fluvial
system in the southern part that evolves into a meander-
ing fluvial system toward the north. Thus, the study
* Salima Talamali
stalamali@yahoo.com
1
Faculty of Hydrocarbons and Chemistry (FHC), Laboratory of
Mineral Resources and Energy, University Mhamed Bougara
Boumerdes (UMBB), Avenue de lIndpendance,
35000 Boumerdes, Algeria
area is considered to be a transitional zone between
two depositional systems.
Keywords South Hassi RMel . Lower Series . Shaly
sandstone member . Facies extension . Depositional
environment
Introduction
The Hassi RMel field is the largest gas field in
Algeria. It is located in the Algerian Sahara at 550 km
south of Algiers, lies between latitude 32 N and longi-
tude 30 E, and covers an area of about 3,500 km2.
This field is considered to be one of the largest fields
in the world. The field produces gas condensate, with
an important oil rim toward its eastern and southern
periphery (WEC 2007) (Fig. 1a, b).
The Hassi RMel field has an anticlinal structure
bounded to the north by the Saharan Atlas Mountains,
to the east by the Djemaa Touggourt structure, to the
west by the Benoud Trough, and to the south by the
Idjrane. Mzab structure (Fig. 1a). The field extends to
the southwest toward the anticlinal structure of Djebel
Bissa and contains an oil rim to the east. Its southern
part is the southern Hassi RMel region, which is the
object of our study (WEC 2007) (Fig. 1b).
The Saharan Triassic series reaches 200- to 800-m
thickness and are essentially of continental origin and
contain evaporates series. The palynological data
(Achab 1970; Reyre 1973) indicates the Upper Carnian
to Rhetian for the Triassic deposits. Ladinian-Carnian-
Rhetian in the east area of Saharan Platform (At Salem
1990; Nedjari et al. 2002).
481 Page 2 of 16
Fig. 1 Maps of the study area. a Map showing the location of the Algerian sedimentary basin. b Map showing the area of the Hassi RMel field. c Well
position map of the southern Hassi RMel area
From the bottom to the top, the Hassi RMel gas
field shows four Triassic sandstones levels: the Lower
Series, level C, level B, and level A. The levels C, B,
and A correspond to the Trias Argilo-Grseux
Suprieur (TAGS) (Busson 1970). The Lower Series
is the equivalent of the Trias Argilo-Grseux
Infrieur (TAGI) (Turner et al. 2001). The TAGI basal
fluvial sequences onlap the Hercynian Unconformity, a
major erosional surface that truncates the folded
Palaeozoic sedimentary succession following the Late
Carboniferous Hercynian orogeny (Bourquin et al.
2010). The Lower Series is dated Upper Carnian in
the Hassi RMel field (Achab 1970) (Fig. 2).
This paper focuses on the sedimentology of the Lower
Series to determine the facies types, their extension over the
southern area of the Hassi RMel gas field, and the deposi-
tional environment.
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
Regional setting, tectonic history, and stratigraphy
The tectonic history of the Hassi RMel field was shaped by
the regional tectonic events that affected the Saharan Platform
and can be divided into five main deformation phases
(Boudjema 1987):
The PanAfrican phase: this resulted from the conti-
nental collision between the rigid West African cra-
ton and the plastic East African bloc. This phase is
characterized by sub-meridians and vertical acci-
dents forming the Hassi RMel Arch (Fig. 3a).
The Hercynian tectonic event: this was the major
event to have affected the Saharan Platform. This
phase is characterized by a regional tectonic inver-
sion. The event was followed by intense erosion
that has affected the Cambrian rocks in some area;
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
the less eroded part, where Carboniferous strata are
partially preserved, is in the southeastern part of the
Saharan Platform (Fig. 3a).
The Trias-Lias rifting: this episode is characterized by
tilted block geometry, synsedimentary structures, and
thickness variations compatible with a NWSE extension
direction (Fig. 3b).
The Austrian compressional event: an early Cretaceous
deformation event of Barremian-Aptian age has long
been recognized in Algeria. During this event, the older
structures were reactivated causing local uplift and ero-
sion (Fig. 3b).
The Tertiary inversion: its effects were largely confined
to the Atlas area (Tellian Basin) and North Africa
(Fig. 3b).
The Hassi RMel structure is an anticlinorium of el-
liptical shape, with its major axis oriented NESW. The
most important faults within the study area (South Hassi
RMel) are normal faults trending NESW (Boudjema
1987; WEC 2007) (Fig. 4).
Fig. 2 Palynological zonation of the Triassic sandstone levels of the Hassi RMel fields and their equivalent in the Saharan Platform
Page 3 of 16 481
The sedimentary series covering the study area is
very thick toward the northern region with a gradual
decrease toward the center, where Mesozoic strata lie
directly upon a metamorphic basement (Boote et al.
1998) (Fig. 5a).
Data and methods
The wells used in this study were those that include the Lower
Series. These are as follows: well 1, well 2, well 3, well 4, well
6, well 7, well 8, well 9, well 11, well 12, well 18, well 21,
well 25, well 26, well 27, well 162, well O1, well H1, well A1,
well A2, and well A3, which cover the southern region of the
Hassi RMel gas field (Fig. 1c).
Triassic succession of the study area was undertaken
using well-log analysis as well as core description of
the wells. The depositional environment was deduced
from core description as well as gamma-ray (GR) log
signatures. In this study, the term facies will be used
in a general descriptive sense, including documentation
of lithology, grain size, particle type, stratinomy, and
481 Page 4 of 16
Fig. 3 Structural evolution of the study area. a, b Tectonic phases affecting the Saharan Platform (Badalini et al. 2002)
sedimentary structures. Core analysis as well as
diagraphic interpretation were used to identify the sedi-
mentary structures characterizing a particular facies.
Results
Triassic succession of the southern Hassi RMel field
Wire line log analysis and core description of the wells
of the study area show that the Triassic strata in the
southern area of the Hassi RMel field can be divided
into four formations (WEC 2007; Hamel 1988), which
are listed from the oldest to youngest below:
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
& The Lower Series: present in the entire southern part
of the Hassi RMel field with variable thickness;
formed by alternations of sandshale sequences ly-
ing directly upon the Hercynian Unconformity. The
Lower Series formation shows the presence of vol-
canic intrusions (andesites), overlain by shaly de-
posits in which palaeosoil development has occurred
(Fig. 5b).
& Horizon A: represented by light to dark gray sands,
fine- to medium-grained at the base, with silts
evolving into brown reddish shale upward (Fig. 5b).
& The lower shale: formed essentially of brown
saliferous shale with intercalations of salt (evapo-
rites). The thickness of this unit is much reduced
within the study area (Fig. 5b).
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
Fig. 4 Structural map of the southern Hassi RMel field
& S4: often present in form of layers of crystalline
massif salt (evaporites). Its presence in the southern
part of the south Hassi RMel field is significant
because it is considered to be the main seal rock
in the study area (Fig. 5b).
Page 5 of 16 481
Triassic succession of the Lower Series in the south
of the Hassi RMel field
Based on results obtained from wire-line analysis as well as
core description of the wells covering the study area, the
481 Page 6 of 16 Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481

Fig. 5 Stratigraphic column of the southern Hassi RMel Field. a Stratigraphic column of the southern Hassi RMel field (modified from Sonatrach
internal report). b Triassic succession of the Triassic strata in the south of the Hassi RMel field

Fig. 6 Triassic succession of the

Lower Series in the south of the
Hassi RMel field
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
Fig. 7 Photographs of core sections showing the different lithofacies
observed in the study area. a Gp lithofacies (well 11). b St lithofacies
(well 11). c Stm lithofacies (well 11). d Sp lithofacies (well 11). e Sh
Lower Series can be divided into three members. From the
oldest to youngest, these are as follows.
& The shaly sandstone: this member is present in the
wells of the study area. Its thickness increases grad-
ually along an axis oriented NWSE, reaching a
maximum in the southeastern part of the field
(Fig. 6).
& The andesites: these are present in the wells of the study
area. Their thickness is greater in wells close to the NW
SE trending main fault axes (Fig. 6) (Fig. 7l).
Page 7 of 16 481
lithofacies (well 3). f, g Sr lithofacies (well 4). h Su lithofacies (well 3). i
Sua lithofacies (well 3). j Fsr lithofacies (well 11). k Palaesoils (well 11). l
Andesite (well 162)
& The lower shale: its thickness is variable in the study area
(Fig. 6).
The Lower Series is underlain by the Hercynian
Unconformity and overlain by volcanic intrusions (andesites).
Lithofacies description of the shaly sandstone member
Eighteen lithofacies have been identified within the Triassic
deposits (Lower Series) of the Hassi RMel field. The
481 Page 8 of 16
proportion of each lithofacies varies laterally and vertically.
Sometimes sandstones are predominant, and sometimes
shales (Table 1).
The main lithofacies observed within the shaly sandstone
member of the Lower Series are as follows:
& Lithofacies Gp: thin conglomeratic layers (<0.5 m) with
an erosive base. These conglomerates are composed of
mono- or polygenic elements (shale, sand, carbonate frag-
ments, and nodules), of size generally less than 5 cm,
enclosed in a sandy matrix. We observed the presence of
oblique or planar bedding marked by a shaly passage
(Fig. 7a).
& Lithofacies St: coarse-grained, not well-sorted sandstone,
with oblique bedding (Fig. 7b). The bedding surfaces are
sometimes paved with small pebbles of clay and quartz
(Stm) (Fig. 7c).
& Lithofacies Sp: fine- to medium-grained, well-sorted sand-
stone with oblique or planar bedding with a gentle incli-
nation (Fig. 7d).
& Lithofacies Sh: fine- to medium-grained, well-sorted
sandstones, with horizontal bedding made more ob-
vious by the presence of very thin clay intercalations
(Fig. 7e).
& Lithofacies Sr: asymmetric to symmetric fine-grained
sandstone and silt, sometimes associated with ripple
marks (Fig. 7f, g).
& Lithofacies Su: very fine-grained, massive, well-sorted
sandstone without sedimentary features (Fig. 7h). We
have sometimes observed the presence of pebbles
with anhydritic cement in this lithofacies (Fig. 7i).
Table 1 Lithofacies codification (Miall 1996, modified)
Code Lithofacies
Fr Shaly silt deposits
Fc Shaly silt deposits with dolomite nodules
Fl Laminated shaly silt deposits
Fsr Silty shale deposits with ripple marks
Fsm Massive silty shale deposits
St Sandstone with trough stratifications
Sta Sandstone with trough stratification and anhydritic cement Active channel
Stm Sandstone with trough stratifications and shale pebbles
Stma Sandstone with trough stratifications and shale pebbles
with anhydritic cement
Stg Sandstone with trough stratifications and pebbles
Stga Sandstone with trough stratifications and pebbles with
anhydritic cement
Sp Planned stratified sandstone
Sh Horizontal stratified sandstone
Su Massive sandstone
Sug Granulated massive sandstone
Sua Massive sandstone with anhydritic cement
Sr Rippled sandstone
Gp Conglomerate with planned stratification
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
& Lithofacies Fl: black or greenish shale deposits, some-
times with thin brownish shale levels.
& Lithofacies Fr: black shales with organic traces (roots),
sometimes associated with ripple marks (Fsr) (Fig. 7j).
In general, after the end of the shaly sandstone member, we
observed the development of shaly deposits into pedogenized
clay (palaesoils) (Fig. 7k).
Lithofacies association and depositional environment
The described lithofacies can be classified into three
associations corresponding to a fluvial depositional en-
vironment (Fig. 8). These associations define architec-
tural elements reflecting an arrangement of grains and
sedimentary structures. From the lithofacies descriptions
and their interpretation in terms of hydrodynamic flow
systems, three associations can be distinguished.
& Association 1: related to a high hydrodynamic flow
system, this association is generally composed of a
pebble lag (Gp) with a shaly sandstone matrix at the
base, overlain by a medium sand with trough cross-
bedding (St, Stg, Stga, Stm, and Stma) and layers
with oblique lamination (Sp) or without bedding
(Su, Sug, and Sua). This association is interpreted
Depositional
environment
Flooding plane
Flooding plane
Flooding plane
Crevasse or
flooding plane
Crevasse or
flooding plane
Active channel
Active channel
Active channel
Active channel
Active channel
Channel bar
Channel bar
Active channel
Active channel
Active channel
Crevasse
Torrential channel Fig. 8 Lithological column of the shaly sandstone member succession
showing the facies, the facies associations, and their deposit environments
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481 Page 9 of 16 481

Fig. 9 Sedimentological log type

of well HRC 21 showing the
presence of five positive
sequences present in the Hassi
RMel deposits

as having been deposited in a braided fluvial system
(Fig. 8).
& Association 2: related to a medium hydrodynamic flow
system, this association is composed of a fine to medium
set of sandy layers with horizontal bedding (Sh) overlain
by ripples with or without shale (Sr). This association is
interpreted as having been deposited in a meandering flu-
vial system (Fig. 8).
& Association 3: related to a low hydrodynamic flow sys-
tem, this association is composed of silty shale layers (Fsr
and Fsm) sometimes intercalated with medium-grained
sandstone layers and overlain by shale deposits (Fr, Fc,
and Fl) in which palaesoils are developed. This associa-
tion is interpreted as having been deposited in a flood-
plain system (Fig. 8).
Sedimentological subdivision of the shaly sandstone
member
Our subdivision is based on geometrical reconstruction
of deposits and identification and characterization of se-
quences. As we are in a continental domain, sequence
481 Page 10 of 16 Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481

Fig. 10 Lithofacies description

of the shaly sandstone member
highlighting the presence of four
units

Table 2 Hierarchy of surfaces of erosion and associated scale times (Miall 1996)
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
definition corresponds to sedimentary records delimited
by two erosional surfaces of the same order.
The Hassi RMel Triassic deposits are dominated by
clear cyclic alternations of shale and sandstone. The
limits of the considered sequences are defined by a ma-
jor erosional surface equivalent to the sixth order of
Miall (1978, 1988a, 1988b, 1992) (Table 2). These ma-
jor erosional surfaces define five continuous channel
complexes (multiple piled-up channels), which are cor-
relatable over the entire study area (Fig. 9).
Fig. 11 Photograph of core section showing the presence of the
Hercynian Unconformity at a depth of 2222.20 m
Page 11 of 16 481
Within the region of high vertical aggradation of fine
sediments (silt and clay), the major erosion surfaces are
laterally related to palaesoils. This is the case for the
sequence type including the shaly sandstone member in
the Lower Series. The shaly elements are developed into
palaesoils in the majority of the described core sections.
This observation allows the interpretation of the
palaesoils as sequence boundaries (Wright and Marriott
1993; Mokaddem et al. 2002).
Two types of palaesoils are observed in the Lower
Series of south Hassi RMel field: (1) brownish
palaesoils, containing carbonated concretions (dolocrete),
slickensides, and rare traces of roots, and (2) greenish
palaesoils, containing the memorization spots, related
the oxydo-reduction reaction and the presence of root
traces and carbonated concretions.
The Triassic basal sequence (shaly sandstone mem-
ber) in the south of the Hassi RMel field is the objec-
tive of our study (Fig. 10). This unit is underlain by the
Hercynian Unconformity (HD) (Fig. 11). In terms of
structural context, variations in the spatial thickness of
sediment were controlled by synsedimentary subsidence
accommodated by normal faulting (Ryseth and Ramm
1996; Ryseth et al. 1988; Melvin 1993; Lopez and
Arche 1993). The top part of the base of the sequence
is marked by a paedogenetic surface (palaesoils). The
sequence is subdivided into four positive units (unit 1,
unit 2, unit 3, and unit 4): each unit contains a number
of channels with micro-conglomeratic layers forming the
base of the channel. Upward, medium sand appears pro-
gressively with trough cross-bedding, overlain by layers
with oblique lamination with or without distinct bed-
ding; each unit is topped by flood-plain deposits
(Fig. 10).
To follow the lateral evolution of the defined units
across the study area, two profiles oriented SENW and
SN were constructed (Fig. 1c). Profile 1, which is ori-
ented SENW, confirms the presence of four units (1, 2,
3, and 4) all over the southern part of the southern Hassi
RMel field (Fig. 12). Profile 2, which is oriented SN,
shows the pinch-out of units 1 and 2, and subsequently
unit 3, from south to north (Fig. 13).
The reservoir potential of Triassic sandstones
The Hassi RMel gas field is composed of four reser-
voirs of Triassic sandstones; from the youngest to
oldest, these are reservoir A, reservoir B, reservoir C,
and the Lower Series. These reservoirs are separated by
shaly beds.
481 Page 12 of 16
Fig. 12 SENW profile showing the lateral extension of the four units in the southern part of the study area
Previous studies in this field (Beicip-Franlab 1978,
1997; Hamel 1988; WEC 2007) focused only on the
upper reservoirs (A, B, and C), which have shown ex-
cellent petrophysical properties with an important net
pay. However, because of the presence of shale facies
as well as volcanic intrusions, the Lower Series reser-
voir has been less explored. Thus, our study is mainly
focused on this Lower Series in order to find the best
levels of productive sandstones. The Lower Series for-
mation can be divided into three members: shaly sand-
stone, andesite, and lower shale. In terms of petroleum
exploration, the shaly sandstone member is considered
as a potential reservoir (Figs. 6 and 10).
Discussion
Wire-line log analysis and core description of south Hassi
RMel gas field show that the Lower Series formation can
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
be divided into three members: shaly sandstone, andesite,
and lower shale (Figs. 6, 7l, and 14).
The shaly sandstone member contains four units: unit
1, unit 2, unit 3, and unit 4 (Fig. 10), which is present
throughout the study area and shows an important
pinch-out toward the north. The lateral evolution of
these units from south to north follows the main fault
axes present in the southern Hassi RMel field (Fig. 4).
The sediments forming the Hassi RMel field were
probably derived from erosion of the Ordovician terrains
(Hamel 1988; WEC Sonatrach and Schlumberger 1979,
1995, 2007).
The main lithofacies observed within the shaly sand-
stone member of the Lower Series are: lithofacies Gp,
lithofacies St, lithofacies Stm, lithofacies Sp, lithofacies
Sh, lithofacies Sr, lithofacies Su, lithofacies Sua,
lithofacies Fl, lithofacies Fr, and lithofacies Fsr. These
lithofacies and their interpretation in terms of hydrody-
namic flow systems were used to define facies
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
Fig. 13 SN profile showing the lateral extension of the four units in the southern part of the study area. The profile confirms the presence of a pinch-out
of units 1 and 2 from south to north
associations and depositional environments. The south-
ern part of the study area contains a braided fluvial
system (association 1), confirming that this area was
close to the sediment source (the Amguid-El-Biod-
Hassi Messaoud dome). Further from the source, the
study area contains a meandering fluvial system (asso-
ciation 2). Northward, diminution of the sand fraction
and development of a very fine fraction (association 3)
are observed; this can be explained by the development
of palaesoils.
The shape of a gamma ray log through a sand body
is often thought of as a grain size profile. Three basic
log shapes are recognized: funnel (coarsening upward),
cylindrical (blocky), and bell (fining upward) (Serra
1979, 1985). Log shapes typically reflect changing de-
positional energy from high (clean, coarser sand) to low
(shaly, finer sand). An interpretive jump is usually made
from depositional energy to depositional process and
hence depositional environment. Typically, Funnel
Page 13 of 16 481
shapes imply upward-increasing energy, which may be
found in distributary mouth bars, delta lobe fringes,
deep sea fans, and other environments. Cylindrical
shapes reflect relatively constant energy levels and can
include eolian dunes, low sinuosity distributary chan-
nels, and beaches. Bell shapes represent waning-current
sequences, which can include alluvial point bars, deltaic
distributaries, and deep sea fan channels. Cylindrical
serrated shapes and bell-shaped curves are the most
common GR signatures observed in the study area.
The cylindrical serrated-shaped curve which is defined
in the southern part of the south Hassi RMel suggests
intercalation of thin shale in a sandstone body (near to
the sediment source) (Fig. 15). The bell-shaped curve
which is defined in the northern part of the south
Hassi RMel represents a fining upward sequence with
sand at the base and increasing silt and clay upward (far
from the sediment source); this shape of curve indicates
decreasing depositional energy toward the top of the
481 Page 14 of 16
Fig. 14 Photograph of core section showing the shaly-sand member
(well 162, depth 2211.52213.50 m)
unit (Fig. 16). This response of the GR from the south
to the north of the study area (Fig. 13) confirms the
depositional environment as well as the source of
sediments.
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
Fig. 15 Representative parasequence stacking patterns defined in the
study area. The patterns include cylindrical serrated GR signatures
(example from well 3)
Conclusion
The Triassic deposits in the southern area of the Hassi
RMel field are divided from the bottom to the top into
four formations (Lower Series, Horizon A, Lower Shale,
and S4). The Lower Series formation is dated Upper
Carnian. It is divided into three members (shaly sand-
stone, andesite, and lower shale). In terms of petroleum
exploration, the shaly sandstone member is considered a
potential reservoir. It is divided into four units with an
important pinch-out of units 1 and 2 toward the north.
This lateral evolution of these units from south to north
follows the main fault axes present in the southern
Hassi RMel field. The depositional environment within
the defined units is a braided fluvial system in the
southern part that evolves into a meandering fluvial sys-
tem toward the north. Thus, the study area is considered
to be a transitional zone between these depositional
Arab J Geosci (2016) 9:481
Fig. 16 Representative parasequence stacking patterns defined in the
study area. The patterns include bell-shaped GR signatures (example
from well 2)
systems. A cylindrical serrated-shaped gamma ray curve
is defined in the southern part of the south Hassi RMel
(near to the sediment source); the bell-shaped gamma
ray curve is defined in the northern part of the south
Hassi RMel (far from the sediment source). This gam-
ma ray response from the south to the north confirms
the depositional environment as well as the source of
sediments.
Acknowledgments The authors express their sincere appreciation to
the Algerian National Oil Company (Sonatrach) for providing field data
and samples.
Compliance with ethical standards
Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of
interest.
Page 15 of 16 481
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