Intergration of Vertical Seismic Profiling in 3-Dimensional Modeling: A Co-Dynamic Approach to Better Reservoir Characterization and Imaging in the Niger Delta

By

Theophilus Ukpohor¹

(1) Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

 The growth Fault system that characterised the potential Niger Delta hydrocarbon reservoirs have defined the archecture of the geological structures of the Agbada formation that serves as the most valuable hydrocarbon formation as being complex. With irregular simple roll-over anticlines associated with fault fronts and diapiric structure of clay-shale compositions confirmed in the offshore region, only 3-dimensional modeling has produced a picture of this complexity.

Conventionally, data for 3-Dimensional modeling has been from surface seismic technology, however the integration of data acquired from Vertical Seismic Profiling have yielded higher resolutions and thus allows for better imaging of objects within the vicinity of the well bore that could not otherwise be defined by surface seismic techniques.

Concisely, this paper will focused on the co-dynamic effect of VSP on 3-Dimensional modeling as it applies to acquiring better reservoir characterization and imaging in the Niger Delta, giving a general overview of this technique. The paper will tend to shy away from detailed discussion on VSP data processing, but highlight the value of the technique as well as the field procedures involved.