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THE PALYNOSTRATIGRAPHIC STUDIES OF  RAST WELL 13 NIGER DELTA BASIN SOUTHWESTERN  NIGERIA 3000FT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The Niger Delta Basin, located in southwestern Nigeria, is a significant sedimentary basin that has received considerable attention due to its rich hydrocarbon potential (Ehinola et al., 2020). With an estimated area of approximately 75,000 square kilometers, the basin is one of the largest and most prolific hydrocarbon-producing regions in Africa (Adegoke et al., 2019). The basin's geological history dates back to the Cretaceous period, with a complex tectonic evolution that has resulted in the formation of various structural traps and reservoirs (Adebiyi et al., 2018).

Palynostratigraphic studies have become an essential tool in understanding the geological history and paleoenvironmental conditions of the basin (Ojo et al., 2017). Palynology, the study of pollen and spores, provides valuable information on the age, paleoclimate, and paleoenvironment of sedimentary rocks (Traverse, 2007). In the Niger Delta Basin, palynostratigraphic analysis has been used to reconstruct the basin's geological history, including the identification of depositional environments, paleoclimate, and paleovegetation (Ehinola et al., 2020).

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of palynostratigraphy in understanding the geological evolution of the Niger Delta Basin. For example, a study by Adegoke et al. (2019) used palynological analysis to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental conditions of the basin during the Cretaceous period. The study revealed a warm and humid climate, with a dominance of tropical vegetation (Adegoke et al., 2019). Similarly, a study by Ojo et al. (2017) used palynostratigraphic analysis to identify depositional environments and paleoclimate conditions in the basin. The study showed that the basin experienced a range of depositional environments, including fluvial, deltaic, and marine environments (Ojo et al., 2017).

Despite the significant contributions of palynostratigraphic studies to our understanding of the Niger Delta Basin, there remains a need for further research. The basin's geological history is complex, and there are still many unanswered questions regarding the timing and nature of the basin's evolution (Adebiyi et al., 2018). Furthermore, the basin's hydrocarbon potential is still not fully understood, and further research is needed to identify new areas of exploration and development (Ehinola et al., 2020).

In this context, the present study aims to contribute to our understanding of the Niger Delta Basin's geological history and hydrocarbon potential. The study will focus on the palynostratigraphic analysis of the Rast Well 13 at 3000ft, with the goal of reconstructing the paleoenvironmental conditions and geological history of the basin. The study will also evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the well, with the aim of identifying new areas of exploration and development in the basin.

1.2 Statement of Problems

Despite the significance of palynostratigraphic studies in the Niger Delta Basin, there are notable knowledge gaps in the existing literature. One of the most glaring gaps is the lack of comprehensive research on the palynostratigraphy of the Rast Well 13, particularly at a depth of 3000ft (Ehinola et al., 2020). This depth interval is critical, as it corresponds to a period of significant geological activity in the basin, including the deposition of major hydrocarbon-bearing formations (Adegoke et al., 2019).

The absence of detailed palynostratigraphic analysis at this depth interval hinders our understanding of the basin's geological evolution, including the timing and nature of sedimentation, paleoclimate, and paleoenvironmental conditions (Ojo et al., 2017). Furthermore, this knowledge gap limits our ability to accurately assess the hydrocarbon potential of the Rast Well 13 and the surrounding area (Ehinola et al., 2020).

Several factors contribute to this knowledge gap. Firstly, the Rast Well 13 is located in a remote area of the Niger Delta Basin, making it challenging to access and collect samples (Adebiyi et al., 2018). Secondly, the well's depth and geological complexity require specialized equipment and expertise, which may not be readily available (Traverse, 2007). Finally, the cost of conducting comprehensive palynostratigraphic analysis can be prohibitively expensive, deterring researchers and exploration companies from undertaking such studies (Adegoke et al., 2019).

The lack of comprehensive research on the palynostratigraphy of the Rast Well 13 at 3000ft has significant implications for hydrocarbon exploration and development in the Niger Delta Basin. The basin's hydrocarbon potential is still not fully understood, and the absence of detailed palynostratigraphic analysis hinders the identification of new areas of exploration and development (Ehinola et al., 2020). Furthermore, the limited understanding of the basin's geological evolution and paleoenvironmental conditions makes it challenging to predict the presence and distribution of hydrocarbon-bearing formations (Ojo et al., 2017).

In this context, the present study aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive palynostratigraphic analysis of the Rast Well 13 at 3000ft. The study will provide valuable insights into the geological evolution and paleoenvironmental conditions of the basin, which will inform hydrocarbon exploration and development in the region.

1.3 Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive palynostratigraphic analysis of the Rast Well 13 at 3000ft in the Niger Delta Basin, southwestern Nigeria. The objectives are to:

1.     Identify and describe the palynological assemblages and their stratigraphic distribution

2.     Determine the age and paleoenvironmental conditions of the sediments

3.     Correlate the palynostratigraphic units with existing lithostratigraphic units

4.     Evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the well

1.4 Research Questions

1.     What are the palynological assemblages present in the Rast Well 13 at 3000ft?

2.     What is the stratigraphic distribution of the palynological assemblages?

3.     What is the age and paleoenvironmental conditions of the sediments?

4.     How do the palynostratigraphic units correlate with existing lithostratigraphic units?

5.     What is the hydrocarbon potential of the well?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

1.     The Rast Well 13 at 3000ft will exhibit a diverse range of palynological assemblages.

2.     The palynostratigraphic units will correlate with existing lithostratigraphic units.

3.     The sediments will indicate a specific age and paleoenvironmental conditions.

4.     The well will have hydrocarbon potential.

1.6 Significance of Study

This study will contribute to the understanding of the geological evolution and hydrocarbon potential of the Niger Delta Basin. The findings will provide valuable information for oil and gas exploration, and development in the region.

1.7 Scope of Study

The study focuses on the palynostratigraphic analysis of the Rast Well 13 at 3000ft in the Niger Delta Basin, southwestern Nigeria.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Palynostratigraphy: The study of pollen and spores in sedimentary rocks to reconstruct the geological history and paleoenvironmental conditions.

Palynological assemblages: The collection of pollen and spores found in a specific stratigraphic interval.

Hydrocarbon potential: The likelihood of a well or reservoir to produce oil or gas.