Impact of Structural Style Variation on Hydrocarbon Entrapment in Kirthar Foldbelt, and Kirthar Foredeep, of Southern Indus Basin, Pakistan

The style of structural deformation plays a crucial role in the trapping of hydrocarbons within the Kirthar Foldbelt and Foredeep. This investigation explores the factors contributing to the success and challenges of hydrocarbon exploration in these regions of the Southern Indus Basin of Pakistan. Despite the drilling of numerous wells in both geological zones, the success rate persists at approximately 20%. A common reason for unsuccessful drilling is often linked to trap integrity. Many wells have targeted surface structures bounded by major faults. It has been observed that most of these faults, extending to the surface, fail to provide effective sealing, leading to trap breaches. Nevertheless, there are instances within the study area where faults reaching the surface have successfully sealed traps. The current study aims to identify the distinguishing factors between sealing and non-sealing bounding faults in this region. The seismic data from producing and nonproducing fields within the Kirthar Foldbelt and Foredeep has been utilized in the analysis. However, only 3D seismic data of Zamzama Field was available, so it is interpreted while for analyzing the structural style of other fields the published 2D seismic data from available sources have been utilized.