Seismic stratigraphic analysis for hydrocarbon exploration in the Beta Field, Coastal Swamp Depobelt, Niger Delta

Hydrocarbon exploration analysis from a seismic stratigraphic approach was carried out within the Beta Field, Coastal Swamp Depobelt, Niger Delta, to identify system tracts and sequence boundaries that could be associated with potential hydrocarbon accumulation. 3D seismic volume and data from four wells were analyzed. Depositional sequences, system tracts, sequence boundaries, and candidate maximum flooding surfaces were picked from logs, while reflection patterns and terminations were interpreted from seismic sections. Log shapes from gamma rays in combination with seismic facies analysis were interpreted in order to delineate lithology, depositional environments and depositional sequences. Seismic attributes were extracted and were draped on gridded surfaces from the interpreted seismic horizons. These were integrated with structure maps to obtain structural and stratigraphic trends, and the possible presence of reservoir sand. Five depositional sequences and nine seismic facies were identified within the field. The depositional sequences were designated Sequences S1 to S5 based on the depth of the occurrences and stacking patterns. This study reveals a progression from fluvial depositional settings to the shelf. The main reservoirs identified are the sand units of the highstand and lowstand within three depositional sequences (S1, S4 and S5) although interbedded sands within the TST of S4 and S5 are also suspected of being potential reservoirs. The channel sand deposits within the study area are suspected to be hydrocarbon bearing as they occurred within the complex fault trapping system popular in the Niger Delta. The application of seismic stratigraphy, as shown in this study, serves to encourage exploration in the Niger Delta where it could be effectively employed for reducing risk in hydrocarbon exploration

Electrical resistivity imaging for characterizing dynamic hydrologic systems.

Includes bibliographical references (p.109-118 )Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) is widely used in hydrogeophysical studies for monitoring spatiotemporal variations in hydrologic properties and processes. Its applications to hydrologic settings found in sandy and other coarse-grained soils have been demonstrated. However, there has been limited use of the method for characterization of dynamic hydrologic systems such as those found in Vertisols (typical heavy-clay soils) and water layers in lakes. One reason for this is that principles that work well in sandy and loamy soils often produce erroneous results in clay soils. In addition, because of the dynamic nature of such systems, detailed empirical and computational studies are required to fully understand various properties, which vary spatially within a few meters or less, and temporally in less than few days. This dissertation investigates the effectiveness of ERI for characterizing dynamic hydrologic systems. Two specific questions are addressed: 1) Can spatiotemporal hydrologic variations in such systems be effectively characterized using ERI? 2) How accurately can the true resistivity distribution in the systems be determined? To address the first question, geoelectric studies of seasonal wetting and drying of a Texas Vertisol were carried out. Data processing involved inversion, temperature corrections and time-lapse analysis. In addition, a van Genuchten water retention function was incorporated into the study to estimate moisture flux. To answer the second question, theoretical and field geoelectric data from Lake Whitney, Texas, USA, were analyzed. Following an introduction to the research in chapter one, results of geoelectric studies of seasonal wetting and drying of the Texas Vertisol are presented in chapter two. Results reveal the seasonal hydrodynamics of the soil as they are controlled by micro-relief topography (gilgai) and cracks. In chapter three, time-lapse analysis and computations of the apparent moisture flux are discussed. This study shows that integrative hydrogeophysical and hydropedological method is a viable approach for visualizing moisture flux in soils. In chapter four, results of geoelectric studies in Lake Whitney are discussed with recommendations for advancing the ERI as a tool in limnological research for mapping freshwater zones within impacted lakes and water reservoirs. Chapter five presents brief summary and conclusion of the research.by Sikiru Adetona Amidu.Ph.D