Application of seismic stratigraphy and structural analysis in the determination of petroleum plays within the Eastern Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria.

The study addresses the need for reliable stratigraphic, depositional and reservoir-facies models as petroleum exploration in Nigeria increasingly moves into deeper and more challenging settings. The authors used 3D seismic data, well logs, biostratigraphic data, biofacies, paleobathymetry and core data from the Eastern Niger Delta Basin to investigate its structural, stratigraphic and depositional architecture. The integrated interpretation was used to develop a low-risk exploration workflow capable of predicting reservoir rocks in new plays and prospects. Three major petroleum plays were identified: (1) shelf-edge delta play, (2) pinch-out play, and (3) hanging-wall play. Each play exhibits distinctive morphology, seismic expression, structural configuration, hydrocarbon migration pathway, seal characteristics and reservoir-distribution patterns. The study concludes that these play-based prediction models can provide effective exploration targets in areas with comparable depositional settings. The authors further emphasize the application of seismic stratigraphy and structural analysis as important approaches for identifying drilling targets and reducing exploration risk in the Niger Delta Basin.