Integrated 3D Seismic Attributes and Well Logs Analysis for Reservoir Characterization of the Adigrat Formation, Hilala Field, Ogaden Basin, Ethiopia: Clue for Comprehending Reservoir Architecture of Frontier Basins

ABSTRACT This study integrates 3D seismic attributes and well log data to characterize the reservoir architecture and hydrocarbon potential of the Adigrat Formation in the Hilala Field, Ogaden Basin, Ethiopia. The dataset comprises pre‐stack time‐migrated 3D seismic data (590 km 2 ) and well logs (gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron porosity, and sonic) from eight wells. Well log analysis identified four distinct reservoir zones: a basal sandstone‐dominated zone (I), two shale‐dominated intervals (II and III), and an upper sandstone‐shale transitional zone (IV). Quantitative petrophysical analysis such as shale volume, porosity, and saturation matched with density‐neutron crossover in Zones I and IV, indicating hydrocarbon‐bearing intervals, though low resistivity in lower Zone I suggests a water contact. Synthetic seismograms generated from well H5 check shot data established a seismic‐to‐well tie, confirming that reservoir tops correspond to high‐impedance contrasts. Seismic attribute analysis shows that high root mean square (RMS) amplitude and sweetness values correlate with porous, hydrocarbon‐saturated sandstones in Zones I and IV. Instantaneous phase and 3D curvature effectively delineate fault systems and stratigraphic boundaries, whereas 3D edge enhancement improves resolution of subtle faults and reservoir compartments. This integrated workflow not only validated the hydrocarbon potential of the Adigrat Formation but also delivered a robust, attribute‐calibrated framework for reservoir management, significantly advancing the delineation of reservoir architecture and supporting future exploration and production strategies in the Ogaden Basin. Additionally, it will provide a useful analogue for reservoir characterization in the contemporaneous frontier Mesozoic sedimentary basins of Ethiopia.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Petroleum Geology
Published
2026-09-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/jpg.70126
Primary Topic
Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Integrated 3D Seismic Attributes and Well Logs Analysis for Reservoir Characterization of the Adigrat Formation, Hilala Field, Ogaden Basin, Ethiopia: Clue for Comprehending Reservoir Architecture of Frontier Basins

Solomon Kassa, Tilahun Mammo, Tefera Alemu
Journal of Petroleum Geology
Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis
article

Integrated 3D Seismic Attributes and Well Logs Analysis for Reservoir Characterization of the Adigrat Formation, Hilala Field, Ogaden Basin, Ethiopia: Clue for Comprehending Reservoir Architecture of Frontier Basins

Solomon Kassa, Tilahun Mammo, Tefera Alemu
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study integrates 3D seismic attributes and well log data to characterize the reservoir architecture and hydrocarbon potential of the Adigrat Formation in the Hilala Field, Ogaden Basin, Ethiopia. The dataset comprises pre‐stack time‐migrated 3D seismic data (590 km 2 ) and well logs (gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron porosity, and sonic) from eight wells. Well log analysis identified four distinct reservoir zones: a basal sandstone‐dominated zone (I), two shale‐dominated intervals (II and III), and an upper sandstone‐shale transitional zone (IV). Quantitative petrophysical analysis such as shale volume, porosity, and saturation matched with density‐neutron crossover in Zones I and IV, indicating hydrocarbon‐bearing intervals, though low resistivity in lower Zone I suggests a water contact. Synthetic seismograms generated from well H5 check shot data established a seismic‐to‐well tie, confirming that reservoir tops correspond to high‐impedance contrasts. Seismic attribute analysis shows that high root mean square (RMS) amplitude and sweetness values correlate with porous, hydrocarbon‐saturated sandstones in Zones I and IV. Instantaneous phase and 3D curvature effectively delineate fault systems and stratigraphic boundaries, whereas 3D edge enhancement improves resolution of subtle faults and reservoir compartments. This integrated workflow not only validated the hydrocarbon potential of the Adigrat Formation but also delivered a robust, attribute‐calibrated framework for reservoir management, significantly advancing the delineation of reservoir architecture and supporting future exploration and production strategies in the Ogaden Basin. Additionally, it will provide a useful analogue for reservoir characterization in the contemporaneous frontier Mesozoic sedimentary basins of Ethiopia.

Journal of Petroleum Geology
Government of Ethiopia (ET), Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (ET), Addis Ababa University (ET)
Openalex Percentile: Top 19%
Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.