Master’s Degree Awarded to Mr. Azmi Al-Awdi in Geology

Mr. Azmi Saleh Ali Muthanna Al-Awdi was awarded a Master’s degree in Geology with distinction (Excellent) for his thesis titled: Hydrocarbon Potentiality of the Lam Member of the Madbi Formation in Block 3, Sab’atayn Basin, Yemen, which was submitted to the Faculty of Petroleum and Natural Resources – Sana’a University. The MA defense was held on Monday, September 1, 2025.

The MA Viva-voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:

#	Committee Members	Designation	Position
1	Prof. Baseem Al-Khirbash	Internal Examiner	Chair
2	Prof. Ahmed Al-Aidaroos	Main Supervisor	Member
3	Prof. Hael Mohammed Al-Hakim	External Examiner	Member

The study aimed to evaluate the petroleum potential of the Lam Member in the Shabwa area – southeastern Sab’atayn Basin, with particular focus on identifying new petroleum reservoirs, including unconventional reservoirs (limestone interbedded with shale), as promising alternatives in light of the noticeable depletion of conventional reservoirs (sandstone).

To achieve such an objective, the study employed an integrated analysis of available data, including core data, geochemical analyses, and well logs, with the objectives of:

Characterizing the petrophysical properties of unconventional reservoirs and assessing their storage capacity and permeability.
Investigating source rock properties to evaluate kerogen type, maturity of organic matter, and generative potential.
Correlating petrophysical and geochemical properties with well-log data to develop an integrated model demonstrating the hydrocarbon potential of these sequences.

The study yielded several findings summarized as follows:

The Lam Member in the study area has a complex geological composition, consisting mainly of limestone and argillaceous limestone, interbedded with thin layers of marl and shale, in addition to minor sandstone intervals.
Petrophysical properties in the lower part of the Lam Member are superior to those in the upper part.
Primary intergranular porosity was very limited due to calcite cementation, while secondary porosity resulted from calcite dissolution.
The Lam Member is classified as an unconventional reservoir owing to its structural heterogeneity and very low permeability.
Geochemical analyses revealed that the organic matter (kerogen) ranges between Type II and Type III, with maturity levels from early stage to the oil window; the material is hydrocarbon-saturated.
The study confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons trapped within the pores due to extremely low permeability.

The study presented several recommendations, including:

Drilling exploratory wells penetrating the Lam Member using modern tools, with core sampling, to study petrophysical characteristics and precisely determine facies distribution within unconventional reservoirs.
Applying advanced well-completion techniques, followed by hydraulic fracturing, particularly in the lower sequences of the Lam Member.
Expanding exploration for organic-rich rocks at greater depths to enhance oil production.

The defense session was attended by a number of academics, students, researchers, and specialists.