Seismic Stratigraphy of Godavari Basin Leading to a Discovery of a Carbonate Buildup, a Probable Reservoir for Oil

The paper gives a three dimensional view of Godavari coastal basin, India, a pericratonic basin, for exploration of hydrocarbons based on seismic stratigraphic interpretation. The whole pile of sediments is divided into three seismic sequences. These seismic sequences are correlated with lithology from well data and outcrop stratigraphy.

Each seismic sequence is divided into various seismic facies based on reflection configuration, amplitude and continuity representing different environments of deposition and energy conditions. The seismic facies recognised are parallel to subparallel reflection configuration with high continuity and high amplitude, low continuity and low amplitude and low continuity and variable amplitude; divergent reflection configuration; progradational reflection configuration including oblique progradational, shingled progradational and hummocky progradational and chaotic reflection configuration.

In seismic sequence 2, patch of carbonate buildup-a probable hydrocarbon reservoir is mapped and a well location is recommended. Carbonate buildups are found to be good stratigraphic traps for oil and gas because of their good permeability and affinity to organic material. They have been reported from all over the world including Bengal basin in India.