Lithofacies controls on hydrocarbon potential of Pliocene-Quaternary sediments in the Lower Kura Depression (Kurovdagh-Neftchala anticline zone)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2713.114.05Keywords:
seismic data, trap, Lower Kura Depression, lithofacies composition, suites, horizon, analysis of thicknesses, porosity, permeability, sediment successionAbstract
Background. The section of the Lower Kura Depression fields mainly consists of the sediments of the Productive series (PS). The thickness of PS sediments is about 4000 m, and consist of molasse formations. Based upon the analysis of well and seismic data obtained in the study area, the lithological-facies, reservoir properties and oil and gas potential of the sediments of the Productive series (PS), Absheron and Aghjagil stages were estimated.
Methods. Using well data and computer programs the lithological composition and distribution of the Baku stage, Quaternary, modern, and Gadim Khazar sediments by area were studied. The thicknesses and lithology of the productive layers, horizons were studied both in the fields and along the study zone, and the regularity of the change in the reservoir properties updip and lateral directions was determined.
Results. The results of the analyses show that the change in the composition, thickness and lithology of the reservoirs of the sediments developed in the zone from northwest to southeast along the Kurovdagh-Neftchala anticline uplift zone located in the southwestern part of the Lower Kura depression does not obey a certain regularity, but a decrease in the values of their physical parameters is noted against the general background.
Conclusions. The study confirms that the hydrocarbon potential of the Pliocene-Quaternary succession in the Lower Kura Depression is largely governed by lithofacies distribution and depositional heterogeneity within the Kurovdagh–Neftchala anticline zone. Sand-dominated facies formed in channelized and deltaic environments constitute the principal reservoir units, whereas laterally extensive fine-grained intervals perform an effective sealing function. The spatial relationship between lithofacies architecture and anticline geometry indicates that hydrocarbon accumulation is controlled by the combined effects of sedimentary processes and structural deformation. This relationship allows the delineation of the most prospective intervals within the studied succession and supports the application of lithofacies-based models in further exploration of the Lower Kura Basin.
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