Application of 3D Seismic Attribute Analyses for Hydrocarbon Prospectivity in Uzot-Field, Onshore Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

Abstract

3D seismic interpretative study was carried out across the Uzot-field in the western Coastal Swamp Depobelt of the onshore Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria, with the aim to identify possible hydrocarbon leads and prospects away from the drilled zone, utilizing seismic amplitude attributes. The method employed in this study involved systematic picking of faults and mapping of horizons/reservoir tops across seismic volume and extraction of seismic attributes. Structural analysis indicates the presence of down-to-basin footwall and hanging wall faults associated with rollover anticlines and horst-block (back-to-back fault). Generated time and depth structural maps from three reservoir intervals (D3100, D5000, and D9000) revealed the presence of fault dependent closure across the field. Analyses of relevant seismic attributes such as root-mean-square (RMS) amplitude, maximum amplitude, average energy amplitude, average magnitude amplitude, maximum magnitude attribute, and standard deviation amplitude, which were applied on reservoir tops, revealed sections with bright spot anomalies. These amplitude anomalies served as direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs), unravelling the presence and possible hydrocarbon prospective zones. In addition, structural top maps show that booming amplitude is seen within the vicinity of fault closures, an indication that these hydrocarbon prospects are structurally controlled. Results from this study have shown that, away from currently producing zone at the central part of the field, additional leads and prospects exist, which could be further evaluated for hydrocarbon production.