Seismic Interpretation and Petrophysical Analysis for

evaluation of Ataga Field

Presentation on Seismic Interpretation and Geological Setting of Ataga Field, Onshore

Niger Delta, Nigeria

1. Introduction

Objective of the Seismic Interpretation Case Study

Identify and Map Subsurface Structures: Utilize seismic data to identify geological

structures such as faults, folds, and stratigraphic features.

Determine Hydrocarbon Potential: Evaluate the presence and distribution of

hydrocarbon reservoirs through seismic reflections and amplitudes.

Characterize Reservoir Properties: Assess porosity, permeability, and thickness using

seismic attributes and well log data.

Optimize Drilling Locations: Recommend optimal drilling sites for exploration and

development wells based on integrated data.

Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate geological risks in hydrocarbon exploration and

production.
2. Geological Setting of Ataga Field, Onshore Niger Delta

Location:

The Ataga Field is located in the onshore region of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. The Niger

Delta is one of the world’s largest deltas and a prolific hydrocarbon province.

Tectonic Setting:

The Niger Delta is situated on the passive continental margin of West Africa,

characterized by extensional tectonics resulting from the opening of the South Atlantic

Ocean. The delta has undergone significant subsidence and sedimentation.

Stratigraphy:

The stratigraphy of the Niger Delta can be divided into three main formations:

Benin Formation (Top Layer): Consists of continental sands and gravels, representing a

fluvial depositional environment.

Agbada Formation (Middle Layer): Comprises alternating sequences of sandstones and

shales, deposited in deltaic to shallow marine environments. This formation contains

the primary hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Akata Formation (Bottom Layer): Composed predominantly of marine shales with

occasional turbiditic sands, serving as the main source rock for hydrocarbons.

Structural Features:

The Ataga Field is characterized by:

Growth Faults: Large normal faults that influence sediment deposition and create

structural traps.

Anticlines and Synclines: Folds formed by differential subsidence and compaction.

Roll-Over Structures: Associated with growth faulting, these structures form potential

hydrocarbon traps.

Hydrocarbon Traps:

The primary hydrocarbon traps in the Ataga Field are structural traps associated with

growth faults and roll-over anticlines. Stratigraphic traps, such as channel sands and

turbidite deposits, also contribute to hydrocarbon accumulation.

Reservoir Characteristics:

Reservoir Rocks: Primarily sandstones of the Agbada Formation.

Porosity and Permeability: Variable, with higher values in cleaner, well-sorted sands.

Seal Rocks: Shales within the Agbada Formation and overlying Akata Formation shales

provide effective seals for hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbon Types:

The field predominantly contains oil and associated gas, with variable API gravities and

gas-oil ratios depending on the reservoir depth and maturity.

This geological and seismic interpretation framework provides a comprehensive

understanding of the Ataga Field, facilitating efficient hydrocarbon exploration and

production.

INTERPRETATION METHODOLOGY

Materials used for this study include:

1. Base Maps: The base map was used in the interpretation process for seismic

data to accurately determine the location and characteristics of geological

 features such as horizons and faults. This was essential in creating a spatial

representation of these features (horizon and fault mapping) for understanding

the subsurface structure.

2. Well-log Suites: The well log suites used for this study were gamma-ray logs

from the four wells: ATA 5, ATA 7, ATA 10, and ATA 11. These logs provide

precise vertical resolution of the geology in the borehole.

3. 3D seismic data: The 3D seismic data refers to the three-dimensional view of

data produced by an exploration method of sending energy waves into the earth

and recording the wave reflections to indicate the type, size, shape and depth of

a subsurface geological layers. The seismic data was used to create seismic

profiles for detailed structural interpretation, reservoir delineation, and prospect

evaluation. It enabled the mapping of faults and horizons, tracing reservoir sand

s, and performing seismic attribute analysis.

For the Ataga Field study, the seismic data was integrated with well-log data to improve

subsurface modelling and create seismic structural maps, aiding in precise hydrocarbon

exploration and volumetric calculations.

Data Processing

The data processing for this study involved multiple steps to ensure accurate

interpretation.
1. Well Data Quality Check

 Log Calibration: Ensured that the well logs were calibrated accurately,

adjusting for any discrepancies in tool measurements to reflect true

subsurface properties

 Noise Reduction: Applied filtering techniques to remove noise and

artifacts from the well logs, ensuring clear and reliable data for

interpretation.

 Depth Matching: Verified the depth correlation between different wells

and logs to maintain consistency across the dataset.

2. Seismic Data Quality Check:

 Signal Processing: Applied processes such as de-noising and de-

multiplexing to improve the clarity and accuracy of the seismic signals.

 Velocity Analysis: Conducted detailed velocity analysis to correct for any

anomalies and ensure the seismic data accurately represents the

subsurface structures.

 Loading Seismic Data: PETREL software was used for loading and

processing the seismic data, providing a robust platform for interpretation.

Data Interpretation

Data interpretation in this Ataga field study involved detailed analysis of seismic and

well log data to map geological structures and identify hydrocarbon reservoirs. This

process provided a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface geology, crucial for

effective exploration and production.

Well Log Data Interpretation

The gamma logs from the four wells (ATA 5, ATA 7, ATA 10, and ATA 11) were analyzed

for lithostratigraphic correlation. This process involved comparing and aligning well log

data from the above-mentioned wells, to differentiate between the two major lithology

types (i.e. sand and shale) dominating in the Ataga field, Niger Delta. The correlation

was also done to identify lithologic units or zones in the Ataga filed likely to contain

hydrocarbons, crucial for mapping reservoir extent and potential.

 Fig. 1: Well correlation across ATA 10, ATA 11, ATA 5, ATA 7

Seismic Data Interpretation

The pretel software was used for fault and horizon interpretation from the seismic data.

This was done to develop a geological framework of present-time structure and

stratigraphy of rock formations in the Ataga field.

1. Horizon Interpretation
 This is a part of seismic interpretation which involved the following steps:

 Identification of Horizons: Horizons are identified as strong seismic

reflections indicating boundaries or geological layers between rock

formations.

 Mapping of Horizons: The Pretel seismic interpretation software was used

to interpret gamma pick horizon points. These points were then connected

to create continuous horizon maps or sections.

2. Fault Interpretation

This is a part of seismic interpretation which involves:

 Identification of Faults: Faults are fractures in formations displacing

horizons and causing horizon to appear distorted on seismic image. Hence

discontinuities or offsets in seismic reflections indicate presence of faults.

 Delineation of Faults: The Pretel software identifies seismic data points

where faults were interpreted to be located and creates a plot of the

interpreted fault traces on maps to visualize their location and orientation.

distance along the seismic profile (ft)

 Depth (ft)

Fig. 2: Vertical Section through ATA 11 showing the faults and mapped

horizon

After fault and horizon interpretation, the interpreted faults and horizons were used to

create structural maps that depicts the geometry of subsurface layers. This structural

map was created to provide understanding of the three-dimensional shape and

arrangement of subsurface geological formation. Structural maps can also be used to

identify structural traps where hydrocarbons can accumulate due to the configuration of

rock layers and faults.

Seismic to Well Tie Interpretation

After well log data has been interpreted, and reservoir sands in well bore were

identified on the well log, the reservoir sands were then traced on the seismic maps or

sections. Tracing orcorrelation of sands on seismic sections enables determination of

the exact position (location in the subsurface), lateral extent (how far it extends

horizontally), and shape (geometry) of the reservoirs. This correlation also ensures that

the seismic horizons and faults are correctly positioned in the subsurface.

Method of tracing reservoir sand on well log to seismic sections include:

1. Inline and Cross-line Seismic Sections: Reservoir tops (upper boundaries) and

bottoms (lower boundaries) identified from well logs were then correlated on

both inline (along the survey line) and cross-line (perpendicular to the survey

line) seismic sections.

2. Base Map Time Horizons: Times on the seismic sections that correspond to

these identified reservoir horizons were selected and marked.

Seismic Attribute Analysis

Seismic amplitude data can help identify depositional features like channels and deltaic

sands, which are important for understanding sediment distribution and reservoir

potential. Variations in seismic amplitudes could indicate changes in lithology (rock

types) and the presence of hydrocarbons or fluids. Sometimes however, the actual

thickness of a layer may be difficult to determine precisely due to amplitude anomalies

caused by net sand fluctuations or line bed tuning effect. Hence careful analysis is

required in distinguishing true geological features from artifacts caused by wave

interference.

For this Analysis the RMS amplitude was used.

RMS Amplitude:

 RMS amplitude can be used as a post-stack seismic attribute calculated from the

seismic data after the seismic traces have been stacked (summing multiple

seismic traces recorded at different locations but reflecting off the same

subsurface p2oint) to improve signal quality. It is determined by taking the

square root of the average of the squared amplitudes within a selected time

frame.

The RMS (Root Mean Square) amplitude formula:

√
N
1
RMS Amplitude= ∑ A2
N i=1 i
 where:

 N is the number of seismic amplitude samples within the specified

window (time or depth interval).

 Ai is the amplitude of the i -th seismic sample.

 RMS amplitudes are particularly sensitive to sand-bearing depositional systems,

making them useful for identifying genetically related depositional successions

(sequences of related sedimentary deposits).

 RMS amplitude anomalies can be associated with the presence of hydrocarbons.

High amplitudes may indicate gas-charged sands or oil reservoirs, whereas low

amplitudes might indicate water-bearing formations.

Due to the characteristic of RMS amplitude of being sensitive to lithology and

hydrocarbon fluids making it a good post-stacked seismic attribute, an RMS amplitude

map was created in the Niger Delta for this study. The RMS amplitude maps was

generated to identify sand-bearing depositional systems and potential hydrocarbon

accumulations. The map was used to highlight areas with significant amplitude

variations, which corresponded to potential reservoir zones.

Hydrocarbon Volume Estimation and Prospect Interpretation:

The area extent of the reservoir is required to calculate the volume of hydrocarbon in

place, but due to lack of seismic data, the values obtained will be in barrels per acre

(bbl/acre). As a result, the volume of original oil in place (OOIP) for the identified oil in

the Ataga field can be calculated using the equations below.

𝑂𝑂𝐼𝑃 = 7758×h×ϕ×(1-Sw) bbl/acre

𝑆𝑇𝑂𝑂𝐼𝑃 =
7758× h ×ϕ ×(1−Sw)
bbl/acre
Boi

Where Boi = 1.2bbl/STB

h = thickness of the reservoir (in ft)

Ø = Effective porosity (in fraction.)

NTG = Net to Gross ratio (in fraction.)

SW = Water saturation (in fraction.)

Boi = Formation Volume Factor

Results

The well logs used were analyzed to evaluate reservoir properties such as shale volume,

porosity, water saturation and permeability in order to obtain the hydrocarbon

potential of the wells.

Well log interpretation: From the first track on the Well section panel showing logs used

for ATA 11, the caliper log was interpreted and the result showed the presence of three

reservoirs A, B and C at different depths. There was a bulge in the log at the depth

interval between Reservoirs A and B indicating the presence of a weak formation or a

cave in which is not a characteristics of a potential Reservoir formation and indicates the

absence of Hydrocarbon.
The gamma ray and as can be seen from figure 9, Reservoir A, B and C have yellow

coloration deflection on the left plot, the bulge indicating sand or sandstone that

warrants additional evaluation.This bulge is more pronounced at Reservoir B than the

other two reservoirs indicating that Reservoir B offers more pay than the other two.

The next track, the Resistivity log shows an increase in amplitude around reservoir A, B

and C which indicates the resistivity variation across the depth and the presence of

hydrocarbon in the formation. Reservoir B's petrophysical measurements revealed that

it has good reservoir characteristics for hydrocarbon accumulation

The Density Neutron Log shows an initial gap between the two logs indicating the

presence of gas and a convergence of the two logs at the different reservoirs which tells

us that we have oil presence and this can be seen at the depths of the different

reservoir horizon.

Seismic Interpretation: From the fault and horizon maps, as illustrated in fig.2, 39

inlines and 24 crosslines were identified and this helped to create a grid system from

which 8 faults were identified. 6 faults were identified to be synthetic (fault in the

direction of the reservoir fault lines) while 2 antithetic (faults in the opposite direction of
the reservoir fault lines) and these fault lines confirmed the presence of a potential

reservoir system because of the barrier from the fault lines opposing one another.

Seismic Attribute Interpretation: The root mean square amplitude can be thought of as

the amplitude of the addition of multiple Fourier Series where the high amplitude RMS

indicates a higher energy reflection and anomalies that can indicate the presence of

hydrocarbons, as they cause an increase in impedance. The structural highs indicates

faults. The bright spot areas of figure 8 was tagged the structural highs which is the

greenish yellow portion of Amplitude attribute map of Reservoir B.

Fig. 3: Calculated petrophysical parameters for Reservoirs A, B and C

Prospect Identification and Petrophysical Analysis:

The reservoirs were characterized by quite large amplitudes in some regions, according

to the seismic amplitude attribute map generated from the top of the mapped Reservoir

B. As a result, three (3) potentials in the Ataga Field were identified.

Fig. 3: Calculated petrophysical parameters for Reservoirs A, B and C

It can be seen from the figure above that the different reservoirs have good

Petrophysical Reservoir characteristics. The Hydrocarbon Volume for Reservoir B

decreased as opposed to the other two, this can be attributed to the decrease in sand

thickness (which is the height of the sandstone Reservoir rock) as a larger sand thickness

generally indicates the presence of a large Hydrocarbon capacity.

Conclusion

Porosity, permeability, water saturation, reservoir thickness and Shale volume have

been estimated for each hydrocarbon bearing zone delineated for each well. The results

obtained have been further analyzed and interpreted quantitatively to estimate the

hydrocarbon reserves in each well as well as the hydrocarbon potentials of the wells.

The volumetric method of reserve estimation using well logs is absolutely a quick and

reliable way of evaluating the reserves of any oil field. We have found that the field has
great hydrocarbon potential although we could not calculate the amount of Oil initially

in place, it was still a useful method of correlating different logging data to check for the

presence of productive

hydrocarbon zones.

References

[1] Petrophysical Analysis of Well Logs for the Estimation of Oil Reserves in Southern

Niger Delta, Paul S. S 1 *, Okwueze, E. E 2, Udo K. I 1

[2] Schlumberger (2005). Oil field glossary. Available at www.slb.com/oilfieldglossary

(Retrieved June, 30th, 2024 at 8:05 p.m.)

[3] Fajana, AO; Ayuk, MA; Enikanselu, PA; Oyebamiji, AR (2018): Seismic

interpretation and petrophysical analysis for hydrocarbon resource evaluation of Pennay’

field, Niger Delta. J. Petrol. Explore. Product. Tech. (2019) 9:1025–1040

[4] Singh, RJ; Kharo, HL; Saha, P; Singh, SN; Chandra, M. (1997). Integration of Well

and 3D Seismic Data for Prospect Evaluation. A Case Study”. Geohorizons. 11, pp. 1-9.

[5] Osisanya, WO; Alile, OM; Eze, SU; Ibitoye, TA. and Oyanameh, O.E. (2021):

Hydrocarbon Play Assessment of “Oswil” Field, Onshore Niger Delta Region. J. Geol.

Res.3(1) 2021
[6] Alao, PA; Ata, AI; Nwoke, CE. (2013a): Subsurface and Petrophysical Studies of

Shaly-Sand Reservoir Targets in Apete Field, Niger Delta. Inter. Scholarly Res. Notices /

2013 / Article

[7] Alao, PA. Olabode, SO; Opeloye, SA. (2013b). Integration of Seismic and

Petrophysics to characterize Reservoirs in ‘‘ALA’’ Oil Field, Niger Delta. The Sci.

World J. 1-15