Paleoenvironmental Recontruction of Tertiary Sediments in F-Field, Greater Ughelli Depobelt Niger Delta Basin

Abstract

Paleoenvironmental recontruction of tertiary sediments in F- field, greater Ughellidepobelt Niger delta basin was carried out using Fifty (50) Ditch Cutting samples at different intervals between 2,010ft and 10,170ft, prepared using palynological sample processing technique and analyzed under the microscope. A total of 4,243 palynomorphs were recovered, the presence of diagnostic palynomorphs such as Zonocostites ramonae, Monoporites annulatus, Verrucatosporites usmensis and dinocysts such as spiniferites sp, sumatradinium hispidicum, Lingulodinium machaerophorum aided in the establishment of two varying paleoenvironments which are Continental – Transitional Environment and Paralic (Inner Neritic) Environments. The Continental – Transitional settings is suggested from depths (15ft to 7,800ft) based on the abundance of miospore (pollen and spore) such as Zonocostites ramonae, Monoporites annulatus and Verrucatosporites usmensis and the absence of dinocysts. The Paralic (Inner Neritic) Environment was defined at depths (7,830ft – 10,185ft). This environment was suggested due to the presence of dinocysts such as spiniferites sp, sumatradinium hispidicum and Lingulodinium machaerophorum.