Surface geology, lithostratigraphy and Tertiary growth of the Dammam Dome, Saudi Arabia: A new field guide

Abstract

The surface geology of the Dammam Dome, Saudi Arabia, is documented in the geographic context of the modern and extensive urban and industrial developments in this area. A new geologic road map shows where key Tertiary outcrops occur relative to major roads, and columnar sections and field photographs illustrate the stratigraphic relationships and support the discussion on depositional environments. Surface geology is also used to infer growth rates for the Dammam field. These rates are generally consistent with those determined from subsurface data in the Awali field. The Dammam Dome is here estimated to have risen at time-averaged rates of 7.5 meters per million years for the Neogene and 7 meters per million years for the Oligocene. The nearby Awali Dome below Bahrain Island, likewise cored by Hormuz Salt, grew at 2.5 meters per million years during the Early Cretaceous, accelerated to 9 meters per million years during the Late Cretaceous, and uplift continued at 5.6 meters per million years during the Tertiary and Quaternary. This paper may also serve as a practical field guide for geologists visiting the Eastern Province, whether industry professionals, students or faculty.