Petrophysical Properties and Sedimentology of the Palani Formation (Late Eocene-Early Oligocene) from Kirkuk Oil Field, Northeastern Iraq

The Oligocene sequences in northeastern Iraq encompass nine formations collectively referred to as the Kirkuk Group. This study emphasizes the Palani Formation within the Kirkuk oil field, specifically at well (KX16) located in the Baba Dome. The Palani Formation, dating to the late Eocene to early Oligocene, is predominantly composed of limestone and marly limestone. Its thickness measures approximately 29 meters, spanning depths of 768 to 797 meters. Petrophysical analyses, including Gamma Ray (GR), Neutron, and Density Logs, reveal a significant shale content (V-Shale up to 1.0) and variable porosity across zones. The formation is subdivided into four zones based on reservoir potential: Zone A (poor reservoir rocks), Zone B (moderate porosity), Zone C (poor reservoir rocks), and Zone E (good reservoir rocks with high productivity). Mineralogical identification through cross-plots underscores the limestone dominance, which is crucial for reservoir characterization and secondary porosity assessment. Additionally, the Palani Formation features fine-grained sediments and reflects deposition in a low-energy basinal environment. These findings underscore the importance of detailed petrophysical and mineralogical studies in enhancing the understanding of hydrocarbon reservoirs and evaluating their potential productivity in the context of regional geology.