Geochemical Maturity and Paleo-Weathering Indices of Sedimentary Succession in JVField Greater Ughelli Depo-Belt Niger Delta Basin

Abstract

This study evaluates the geochemical maturity and paleo weathering indices of X well JV-Field, Greater UghelliDepo belt Niger Delta Basin, using reflected light microscope and geochemical proxies. The data obtained identified three lithofacies units as Sand, Shale, and Shaly sand facies .The application of source area weathering using Chemical index of alteration (CIA) and Chemical index of weathering (CIW) values for the sampled intervals ranges from (48.6-94.9%) and (60.6-96.7%), and have median values of (83.2 and 90.3) % respectively which is an indication of high weathering at the source. The values are variable and it may be as a result of multiple provenances of the sediments which have variable proportions of source area weathering and related processes or may be due to low concentrations of the alkalis and alkaline earth elements. However, all the samples excluding one with depth (12430ft) show CIA and CIW values greater than 70% indicating high (intensive) weathering either at the source or during transportation before deposition .From the high alteration indices value recorded from the sampled intervals, it can be inferred that the sediments are geochemically and texturally mature.