Source rock potential of Agbada Formation shales: case study, DRM field

This study investigates the source rock intervals within the Agbada Formation in the Niger Delta, utilizing biostratigraphic analysis, source rock assessment, and basin modeling. The study addresses the need to understand the geological history of the formation, focusing on wells DRM1 and DRM2. Biostratigraphic data, integrating foraminifera and palynological analyses, precisely determine the age and stratigraphy of the studied interval, identifying it as the Pliocene to late Miocene paralic Agbada formation. Notable peaks in foraminiferal abundance correspond to specific periods on the Global Sea Level Cycle Chart, geochemical analyses, including Rock-Eval Pyrolysis and vitrinite reflectance, reveal immature to early mature source rocks with a gas-prone nature in the Miocene Agbada Formation. Total organic content and hydrogen index indicate good to very good organic richness, while kerogen type analysis identifies type III kerogen. A one-dimensional basin model, using Petromod software, evaluates burial and thermal histories. The model indicates insufficient burial for thermal maturation and hydrocarbon generation in both wells, despite DRM-1 being within the early oil zone. Differential burial history explains DRM-2's immature source at present-day. This integrated approach offers valuable insights into the age, stratigraphy, and thermal history of the Agbada Formation. The findings contribute to source rock characterization and basin understanding in the Niger Delta, with implications for hydrocarbon exploration and resource assessment. Keywords: one-dimensional modeling; biostratigraphy; Agbada shale; Niger Delta; source rock assessment, hydrocarbon exploration.