Seismic interpretation, structural analysis, and fractal study of the Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

Abstract

A major feature of the habitat of petroleum in the Niger Delta Basin is the association of petroleum traps with growth faults. Because of the significant role of these faults in hydrocarbon accumulation and redistribution in the basin, a good understanding of the timing of fault motion has now been shown to be vital for successful exploration of fault-bounded prospects. In most petroleum habitats, structural elements such as fault patterns, their kinematics, geometry, timing, and size of the structures control the distribution of hydrocarbons in adjacent fault blocks. The success or otherwise of an exploration well in such areas depends on the location of such a well relative to the structural closure interpreted from the seismic data. Experience has shown that detailed structural analysis of prospective fields can provide a reliable kinematic and growth history upon which risks associated with fault movement, trap integrity and structure, geometry/size modification can be evaluated before deciding on the drilling location.