Proven and Possible Petroleum Plays of the Eastern Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract As Nigerian operations expand into more challenging and costly operating environments, there is need for critical access to sound stratigraphic, depositional and reservoir facies models. The extraction of geomorphic insights and pattern recognition using predominantly 3D seismic data is a rapidly evolving discipline that facilitates the development of reservoir prediction models linked to significant plays. In this study a regional dataset which comprised of a merged 3D seismic volume, well logs, biostratigraphic, biofacies, paleobathymetry and core data from Eastern Niger Delta was interpreted and reviewed to show the overall structural, stratigraphic and architectural styles within the region to ensure that successes made in the past can be repeated and also make significant advances to ensure future exploration success. Hence, an added goal is to have a low-risk exploration workflow that is capable of correct prediction of reservoir rocks to be encountered in a new play and prospect. Three plays have been identified from this study: (1) Shelf Edge Deltas, (2) Pinch-Out Play and (3) Hanging Wall Play. Each play displays a unique morphology, seismic expression, structural configuration, migration pathway, seal integrity and reservoir dispersal pattern. These prediction models provide play based exploration targets for areas with similar depositional settings. The successful application of this technique serve to encourage exploration in the Niger Delta Basin by adopting strategies where seismic stratigraphy will be the most likely means to provide drilling targets to more independent operators.