The Paleozoic
摘要
This chapter offers a detailed examination of the Paleozoic stratigraphy and depositional history of the Arabian Plate, focusing on Qatar and adjacent areas. The Paleozoic rocks of Arabia are categorized into two principal exposure zones: one in the west, from Jordan to Yemen, and another in the east, encompassing Turkey to Oman. Only a few wells penetrated the deeper Paleozoic strata. Contemporary stratigraphic classifications categorize these rocks into groups, including Tayma, Tabuk, Qaliba, and Huj, with most studies concentrated on Saudi Arabia and Oman. The Paleozoic succession in Qatar has been inadequately studied, yet it is crucial for regional correlations and hydrocarbon potential assessment. The Qasim Formation (Middle to Late Ordovician) signifies shallow marine and deltaic settings, but the Silurian Qusaiba and Sharawra formations encompass organic-rich shales essential for oil generation. The Devonian Tawil Formation in Qatar comprises cross-bedded sandstones with minimal marine influence, reflecting river and coastal depositional environments. This chapter examines the most important formations’ regional lithofacies and sedimentary environments, correlating them with their Saudi Arabian equivalents. Such studies improve the comprehension of the Arabian Plate’s stratigraphy and depositional history, especially its Paleozoic hydrocarbon reservoirs, providing significant regional exploration and production insights.