We assembled three views of a Niger Delta region: near-surface, as seen by the geochemist; prospect level in published sub-surface seismic detail and well control; and by the regional structural interpreter in a crustal view from potential field data. We combined these shallow, intermediate, and deep views to illuminate the hydrocarbon plumbing system. Specific basement features, including the deep framework, correlated to detailed published interpretations within the objective sedimentary section. Hydrocarbon access to these features via leakage to surface is detected by piston cores and correlate with oils geochemistries from wells.
Gravity data provided primary control for tectono- structural interpretation, augmented by magnetics, depth, thickness, plus published literature to define the deep rift-phase structure. Broad coverages of detailed 3D seismic and surface geochemical exploration (SGE) programs have been presented in a half-dozen cited papers. From a non-exclusive study used by permission, characteristic oil geochemistry of the Niger Delta was matched to SGE results.
This material facilitated correlation between basement features and shallower drift-phase intrasedimentary structuring showing inferred hydrocarbon leakage pathways to the surface.
We access published FTB (fold-thrust-belt) fault locations; BSR/gas hydrate distributions; published patches of 3D seismic TWTT structure; SGE (piston core survey data); oils analysis; regional gravity and mag coverage to build our illustrations.
