--> Abstract: Geomicrobial Evaluation of Seismic Prospects Enhances Productivity of Exploration: Case Studies from Indian Basins, by Duggirala E. Nathaniel; #90078 (2008)

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Geomicrobial Evaluation of Seismic Prospects Enhances Productivity of Exploration: Case Studies from Indian Basins

Duggirala E. Nathaniel
Geo-Chemistry-Special Group, Oil&Natural Gas Carporation, Mumbai, India

Geomicrobial exploration method is based on detecting hydrocarbon micro seeps, which directly influence the microbial populations in the near surface of the buried hydrocarbon deposits. It involves collection of soil samples, their laboratory processing and finally interpretation in conjunction with local geology and geophysics.

The technique was conceptualized and standardized after thorough field trials in the year 1986-87 and subsequently applied to augment exploratory initiatives to enhance productivity of exploration. The integrated interpretation of geomicrobial, seismics and geology enlarged the scope of the technique for application not only for rank exploratory areas but also for the development of oil-gas fields. Consequently, this paper describes the geological significance of microbial blooms in understanding the veracity of hydrocarbon charge and entrapment.

Application areas include Narasapur-Saripalle-Razole and deepwater areas of Krishna-Godavari Basin and Panidihing, Charali and Disangmukh areas of Assam Foreland basin.Narasapur-Saripalle-Razole was a semi-explored area with mixed results of success and failures at the time of this application. An excellent bloom corresponding to an untested seismic prospect when tested by exploratory drilling yielded positive results by striking gas deposits. While as in Panidihing, northern prospects as qualified through this technique, struck oil deposits. Although blooms of excellent category were mapped in Disangmukh and Charali, blooms corresponding to stratigraphic features appeared to be genuine in view of intense tectonics of the area. Application to deepwater acreages permitted to grade the area into zones of different priority.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas