Delineating the Proper Shooting Medium for Seismic Reflection Survey in the Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta

Alaminiokuma Gi Emudianughe Je

doi:10.4172/2169-0049.1000134

Abstract

The proper shooting medium for seismic reflection survey was delineated in a prospect within the Greater Ughelli Depobelt of the Niger Delta using a sample density of 37 Uphole surveys. This prospect is characterized by river tributaries with large and extensive column of sand bars lining the entire length of river banks, creeks, rain forests and flooded plains which pose difficult challenges in placing shots in the proper medium. Thickness and velocity of these unconsolidated weathered layer materials were computed. Graphical analysis using the UDISYS Software to plot the surface corrected first-break times, Ts (msec) against hydrophone offsets (m) showed a dominant 1-weathered layer model. The results reveal that the weathered layer velocity ranges between 209 and 593 m/s while the velocity within the consolidated layer ranges between 1131 and 1987 m/s. The weathered layer thickness ranges from 3.2 to 6.8 m with the prospect average of 4.7 m. These results suggest that, where possible, Pattern-shot types should be located at depths of about 7.0 m in the North-Eastern part, 5.5 m in the South-Eastern part and 3.5 m in the Western and East-Central parts. These depths are below the weathered layer where signals travel at velocities devoid of time delays during 3D/4D seismic surveys in this area. This has the advantage of cancellation of ground roll (surface noise) during acquisition thereby focussing all the seismic energy in the vertical direction and by-passing thus minimizing the spurious effects of the low velocity weathered layer during acquisition and initial processing of field data.

Highlights

Determining the proper shooting medium for seismic reflection data acquisition in the Greater Ughelli Depobelt characterized by river tributaries, creeks and tropical rain forests and other logistic hindrances is one of the challenges for seismic exploration within this area
At areas close to the River Niger and other large water bodies, the soil formation is sandy with large and extensive column of sand bars lining the entire length of the river bank
The varying weathered layer thickness of the different parts of the prospect suggests that, where possible as according to Alaminiokuma and Ogagarue, 2013 [8], Pattern-shot types should be located at depths of about 7.0 m in the North-Eastern part, 5.5 m South-Eastern part and 3.5 m in the Western and East-Central parts below the weathered layer where signals travel at velocities devoid of time delays during

Summary

Introduction

Determining the proper shooting medium for seismic reflection data acquisition in the Greater Ughelli Depobelt characterized by river tributaries, creeks and tropical rain forests and other logistic hindrances is one of the challenges for seismic exploration within this area. Studies by Uko, et al, Eze, et al, Amonieah et al Enikanselu, Osagie, Alaminiokuma, et al [3,4,5,6] among others have shown that the information about the near-surface velocities, depths and thicknesses of the layers in the vertical direction can be delineated by this method.

Results

Conclusion