More than 3 500 sq. km of new PGS broadband reprocessed MultiClient data is now available in the West Niger Delta Basin, providing a clearer image of potential targets in blocks OPL 248, 249, 250, 2011, and OML 140.

Map of the survey area with structural domains overlain (modified from Mourgues et al., 2009)

This newly reprocessed dataset targets the West Niger Delta Basin and covers two main structural provinces directly linked to the gravity-driven movement of the Akata Shale Formation.

Geology | West Niger Delta Prospectivity

The east of the survey, situated in the inner fold and thrust belt, is dominated by shale diapirism, rollover anticlines, and closely spaced thrust faults. The west of the survey is located in the transitional detachment fold zone and contains subtle faulting along with low wavelength folding of Eocene to Quaternary stratigraphy.

The Niger Delta Basin formed during the Late Cretaceous and is dominated by up to 12 km of Late Cretaceous to Quaternary aged clastics deposited in an upward-coarsening regressive deltaic sequence. The main source rocks are Akata Formation marine shales and Lower Agbada Formation paralic shales.

Proven reservoirs in the basin are dominated by unconsolidated sandstones of the Agbada Formation deposited as stacked turbidite channel and fan complexes (Tuttle et al., 1999). The largest accumulations are trapped in roll-over anticlines in the hanging-walls of growth faults but hydrocarbons may also be found in fault closures and subtle stratigraphic traps.

Imaging | Reprocessed Data Provides a Clearer Image

Enhanced imaging of targets is achieved with clearer illumination of complex structures associated with the diapiric movement of the Akata Shale Formation (see slider comparison below).

Imaging of potential reservoir targets in Miocene stacked-turbidite channel complexes is significantly improved by broadband reprocessing. Compare vintage data from 1999 (before) with broadband reprocessed data from 2020 (after). New data also offers clearer imaging of faulting related to the diapiric movement of the Akata Shale Formation.

Optimized denoising algorithms and a full deghosting sequence have improved data bandwidth and the signal-to-noise ratio. A multiple attenuation sequence eliminated complex multiples leading to an overall improvement in image integrity.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: PGS