Play fairway evaluation of the Anambra Basin, southeast Nigeria

Abstract

This study is a contribution to the understanding of the play fairway in the Anambra Basin. It was done by estimating the geographic extent of the basin's petroleum system in order to create the areal extent maps. The areal extent maps were generated using the reports of the stratigraphic subsurface horizons of Amansiodo-1, Ihandiagu-1, Igbariam-1, Alo-1, Anambra River-1, Akukwa-1, and Nzam-1 wells. These element maps were then superimposed on one another to also generate the gross depositional environment (GDE) map, which is used to identify the common risk segment (CRS) of the basin. From the GDE map, the basin's play fairway was delineated as to occur in the southwestern part of the basin. It is associated with relatively low regional risk compared to areas outside the play fairway. By applying risk analysis to the play fairway, the exploration risk can be reduced. Hence, the chance of success in the basin can be improved by focusing the exploration efforts to the most prospective area.