About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 50 (1966)

Issue: 3. (March)

First Page: 634

Last Page: 635

Title: Outline of Geology of Niger Delta: ABSTRACT

Author(s): K. C. Short, A. J. Stauble

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The coastal sedimentary basin of Nigeria has been the scene of three depositional cycles. The first started in middle Cretaceous time with a marine incursion and was terminated by a mild folding phase during Santonian time. The second began with the growth of a proto-Niger delta during Late Cretaceous time and ended in a major Paleocene marine transgression. The third cycle, lasting from Eocene to Recent, was the continuous growth of the main Niger delta.

A new three-fold lithostratigraphic subdivision is introduced for the Eocene-Recent Niger delta subsurface, comprised of an upper sandy unit called the Benin Formation, an intervening unit of alternating sandstone and shale named the Agbada Formation, and a lower shaly unit called the Akata Formation. These three units extend throughout the delta and each ranges in age from early Tertiary to Recent. A separate member of the Benin Formation is distinguished in the Port Harcourt area. The Afam Member is interpreted as an ancient valley fill formed in Miocene sediments. Subsurface structures are interpreted

End_Page 634------------------------------

as the result of movements under the influence of gravity, and their distribution is related to growth stages of the delta. Rollover anticlines on the downthrown sides of growth faults form the main targets for oil exploration, the hydrocarbons being found in sandstone reservoirs of the Agbada Formation.

End_of_Article - Last_Page 635------------

Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists