EVALUATION OF HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL USING LAND-BASED CONTROL SOURCE ELECTROMAGNETIC (CSEM) DATA IN MKPAT-ENIN LGA, NIGER DELTA, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Evaluation of hydrocarbon potential using land-based control source electromagnetic (CSEM) data in Nkpat-Enin LGA, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria, was carried out to map out prospective areas for hydrocarbons exploration. High resolution CSEM data were obtained using the Bayesian methodology to ascertain the viability for hosting and exploring hydrocarbon potential in the study area. Evaluation of hydrocarbon potential is very important before drilling in order to know risk reduction, cost effectiveness and the best exploration method and tools to use for drilling without potential threat to life and property in the study area in the future. Analysis made shows that there is a very good match between the data obtained from the geophysical parameters, particularly where the reservoirs are shallow as applicable to the study area. Results obtained revealed that the risks update for CSEM line at Nya-Odiong is greater when considering the probability of success and distance compared to other study areas. Evaluation made depicts large probability of brine, oil and natural gas reservoir in Nya-Odiong. As such, exploration of hydrocarbon potentials can be achievable in this study area. Comparing the Project Value, Prior Probability of Success and the Value of CSEM, results obtained suggest that, hydrocarbons will be drilled in the study areas when the initial prospect value is high and the initial probability value of hydrocarbon presence is high. The CSEM data will affect the decision reason being that the prospect (brine, oil and natural gas) can be drilled and in such cases, in the middle zone, the value of CSEM data will be as large as 50mUSD. There are accumulations of hydrocarbon potentials in the study areas and they are readily suitable for exploration. The stable growth of active hydrocarbon reserves ensures their stable production consistently. The CSEM technology is suggestive of having significant potential to increase exploration efficiency, if applied correctly.