Velocity profile and subsurface stratification in oil and gas exploration in parts of Niger Delta Nigeria

Abstract

In prospecting for crude oil and gas (hydrocarbon), the most useful and most reliable applicable seismic approach is the reflection method because of its high resolution and deep penetration when seismic shots are taken. However, land surveys require the use of pattern holes for logistic reasons as against deep shooting in swamps and seas. With the use of pattern hole shots, there is the need for further investigation of the stratification of the subsurface structure in a particular field as near surface coherent and random noise tend to obscure useful signals on records. One reliable means of subsurface investigation is by running a velocity profile. Velocity profiles of part of Delta South senatorial district were carried out in swats using seismograph Oyo Mc Seis-160mx from which the subsurface structure of the fields were stratified to enhance interpretation of true hydrocarbon traps. The results show that the consolidated region is mainly compact clay, sand stone, shale argillite and weathered fractured rocks which is indicative of possible hydrocarbon reservoir at far depth. However, in computing for the real hydrocarbon depth, an obscuring depth of up to 20

Journal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics, Volume 15 (November, 2009), pp 329 - 336