Thermal ock properties and heat flow were determined from 260 wells in the Niger Delta. The thermal conductivity data provides inputs for the determination of heat flow and for thermal evaluation of the Niger Delta basin. A map has been constructed using lithologic data and geophysical well logs to give an overview of its distribution. The thermal conductivity for sand and shale, the predominant lithology in the Niger Delta, shows wide variations from one well to another. In the Benin Formation, thermal conductivity has an average value of 8 W/mK. The lowest values are found offshore westward, while highest values occur northward. The conductivity values, however, decrease towards the marine paralic section, with an average value of 5 W/mK, the region of highest interest. The thermal conductivity values have been used in calculating heat flow. A significant regional trend of relatively low (20-30 mW/m2) heat flow at the central part of the delta, increases both seaward and northward (40-55 mW/m2). The lowest values of heat flow as low as 20 mW/m2 are recorded in the central part of the delta while the highest values exceeding 50 mW/m2 are recorded in the northern part of the delta. Knowl
edge of thermal properties has direct relevance for hydrocarbon exploration. It has been established that the bulk of hydrocarbon accumulation in the Niger Delta is of thermal origin, hence the importance of this findings
