Hydrocarbon Production Induced Faulting in Onshore Fuba Field Niger-Delta, Nigeria, Using 3-D Seismic Time-lapse Data

Abstract

Hydrocarbon Production Induced Faulting in Onshore Fuba Field Niger Delta, Nigeria, are here presented, using 3D seismic time-lapse data. The FUBA Field lies on latitudes 40 50’58’’-4 0 55’19’’N and longitudes 60 18’41’’- 6 0 26’41’’E with aerial extent of 840km2 . The base (1997) and the monitor (2009) seismic surveys resulted in a 4D response difference. The Base and Monitor data have a root-mean-square repeatability ratio (RRR) of 0.38 implying a very good repeatability when considering the acquisition, processing and environmental noises. Data processing and interpretation were carried out using Petrel software. Reservoir pressure decline rate of 0.062psi/day resulted in production decline rate of 1192.21bbl/day. Structural interpretation of seismic data reveals a highly faulted field. Two distinct horizons were mapped. Fault and horizon interpretation shows closures that are collapsed crestal structures bounded by two major faults. All the interpreted faults are normal synthetic and antithetic faults which are common in the Niger Delta basin. The depth structure maps reveal anticlinal faults. Reservoirs are found at a shallower depth from 6500 to 7500 ft and at a deeper depth ranging from 11500 to 13000 ft. The variance edge enhanced the faults or sedimentological bodies within the seismic data volume. There are more discontinuities in the difference volume variance edge which implies that there are more cracks in the field of study due to production. The lengths, dips and orientations of the faults and horizons, in the base and monitor stacks, are not equal indicative of faults reactivation that could have resulted from hydrocarbon production. The results of the work can be applied in the hydrocarbon exploitation scheme to minimize the damages associated with production and to ascertain reactivation of faults in the area of study.