Implications for the hydrocarbon presence: An example from Lower Indus Basin

Abstract

The Lower Goru prospect is one of the promising zones for hydrocarbon exploration as proved in many oil and gas fields surrounding the study area. As a part of the Lower Indus Basin, the study area exhibits horst and graben type structures due to the effect of rifting of the Indian Plate. Wells were drilled after a conventional study which proved to be water wet. The present study utilizes seismic data and theoretical models of reflectivity to find the reason for the prospect failure. Rock physics parameters such as Poisson's ratio is helpful in identifying mature sediments and sometimes could serve as the hydrocarbon indicator in clastic sediments. Calculation of Poisson's ratio requires the assessment of shear wave velocity, which was estimated by using Castagna's relationships. Additionally, amplitude variation with different angles was analyzed by approximation of Zoepritz equations. The results show an anomaly zone in the north eastern part of the study area which is a horst structure, other than where wells were drilled. The current results are promising for further detailed modeling and evaluation study for the current prospect.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90218 © 2015 Eastern Section Meeting, Indianapolis, Indiana, September 20-22, 2015