Seismic analysis of growth faults to predict sequence stratigraphic reservoir properties: A case study of the middle to late Miocene Coastal Swamp strata, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

• Published in: Marine and petroleum geology 2022-04, Vol.138, p.105536, Article 105536
• Main Authors: Ogbe, Ovie B., Edegbai, Joel A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Growth fault; Net-to-gross ratio; Reservoir; Seal; Stratigraphic surfaces; T-R cycle; T-Z Plot
• ISSN: 0264-8172; 1873-4073
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2022.105536

This paper presents a graphic relationship between the throw of depositional units across a growth fault and their corresponding depth in the hanging wall on a 2-D seismic profile in predicting lithological variations. A mechanism that elucidates differential stress creating subsidence rate, on account of growth-faulting: topographic creation unthickened-shale and topographic filling thickened-sandstone sedimentation intervals in the hanging wall. The graphic relationship plot was used to analyze a seismic stratigraphic series between 1500 and 2800 ms two-way traveltime. The aim is to test the rare advantage of the method as a stratigraphic predicting tool. In addition, to use the approach to predict sequence stratigraphic reservoir properties of depositional cycles in the subsurface from a seismic profile. In particular, well data have been compared with a synthetically derived lithological column obtained with the plot. The result affirms that the technique is a satisfactory and reliable tool to predict stratigraphic surfaces, lithologies, and the net-to-gross ratio of alternating sand-shale facies sequences from 2-D seismic data. Furthermore, the study documented a relationship between lithologies and the throw-depth plot slope values in relation to sediments compaction to predict potential reservoirs and seals. The prediction technique may be employed to depict syndepositional fault-generated topographic information. Moreover, it can be a predrilled field interpretation tool for petroleum exploration in siliciclastic extensional settings. •T-Z plot bars are the building blocks of the synthetic-derived lithological column.•The T-Z plot sand bars are possible parasequences and/or parasequence sets.•The stratigraphic series displays a strong cyclicity showed by a growth index of 1.46.•T-Z plot & slope values relationship assists in the understanding degree of compaction.•Depositional facies variations are suggestive of the wide range of the T-Z plot slope values.