P-386

Sub-Surface Understanding of an Oil Field in Cambay Basin

Anirudha Singh*, Indian School of Mines

Summary

It is based on the Sub-surface study of on oil field in Cambay basin. After a brief description of the Cambay basin’s geology, the
other aspects of exploration were discussed. It consists of the basic knowledge of the Geology of Cambay basin, basin analysis,
petroleum geology, study of well logs, seismic data visualization, its interpretation, surface mapping and formation evaluation using
Petrel 2010.1 and Kingdom 2009.

Keywords: Cambay basin, Ahmedabad – Mehsana Block, Ingoli field, Kadi, Kalol.

Introduction Theory

The basic workflow functioned/followed in an oil industry 1.Study Area

to explore an oil field is discussed and applied to an Oil
field of Cambay basin named Ingoli Field. This procedure Cambay Basin, a narrow, elongated, intra-cratonic rift
was also followed while working on software - Petrel garben, came into existence at the close of Cretaceous.
2010.1 and Kingdom 2009 and basic knowledge of software This linear NNW-SSE trending basin. The Deccan Basalt
handling is discussed. This project has been made with help forms the technical basement over which more than 7-11
of software provided by Gujarat State Petroleum km thick piles of Tertiary sediments have been deposited
Corporation, Gandhinagar. during synrift and postrift phases of basin development.

Figure 1: Block boundary and Study area – Ingoli Oil field. Figure 2: 1 Location of Cambay basin, showing
faults and Oil and Gas fields

Room No: 202 D-Wing, Sapphire Hostel, ISM Dhanbad – 826004.

Email : anirudh_singh@ismu.ac.in
 Sub-Surface Understanding of an Oil Field in Cambay Basin

2. Ahmedabad-Mehsana Tectonic Block Basin, Gujarat, India.

This block lies between the Khari River in the north and the 5. Tectonic Setting and Basin Evolution
Vatrak River in the south. Major lineaments in this block
trend in the NNW- SSE direction. Aerially, this is the The rift initiated at the end of Cretaceous. In the later part of
lasrgest block in the basin, extending from Dholka- Late Cretaceous, Seychelles islands were separated from the
Nawagam in the south to Unawa in the north. The Mehsana Indian Plate and the Indian sub-continent drifted northward.
horst is the prominent feature, which is an extension of the Rifting in the basin is marked by eruption of massive
West Patan-Vansa horst. The apical part of this horst did not amount of flood basalt (Deccan Trap). The basalt
have the sedimentation in Eocene-Miocene. (Kundu and constitutes the basement for subsequent tertiary sediments.
Wani, 1992) The structural elements of the basin indicate influence of
the tree major tectonic trends viz. Dharwar (NNW-SSE),
3. Ahmedabad Sub-Block Satpura (ENE- WSW) and Aravalli-Delhit (NE-SW)
trends of Precambrian time. Several cross trends related to
This sub-block lies between Kadi in the north and Satpura and Delhi-Aravalli tectonic trends are responsible
Nawagam in the south, and is traversed by the Sabarmati for creation of tectonic blocks. The basin is divided into five
River. The sedimentary sequence starts with the trap tectonic blocks. They are (i) Sanchor-Patan (ii) Mehsana-
conglomerates succeeded by claystone, trap-wacke, sideritic Ahmedabad (iii) Tarapur-Cambay (iv) Broach-Jambusar (v)
marls. This constitutes the Lower Cambay shale. This Narmada-Tapi blocks from north to south. (DGH, 2011)
sequence is sub-areally exposed from time to time,
creating local development of reservoir facies with The basin has two distinct fault systems: (i) N-S to NNW-
hydrocarbon accumulations in Nawagam. (Kundu and SSE trending listric normal faults of Dharwarian trend and
Wani, 1992) (ii) NE-SW to ENE-WSW trending faults of Aravalli-Delhi
and Satpura trends.
4. Location of Study Area
The basin evolved in three different stages – (i) Synrift
Location: The southern part of exploratory block CB-ONN- stage (extensional stage) during Paleocene-Early Eocene (ii)
2000/1 is located along the western margin of Mehsana- Postrift stage- I (thermal subsidence) during Middle
Ahmedabad tectonic bock. It extends from Longitude 72⁰ Eocene-Early Miocene (iii) Postrift stage-II (structural
17’ 44’’ to 72⁰ 30’ 11’’ and Latitude 23⁰ 00’ 59” to 23⁰ 01’ inversion stage) during Middle Miocene- recent.
42”. The total block area is 1424 Km² (DGH, 2011).
6. Stratigraphy of the Study area (Oil Field)
The study area (Ingoli : 14.03 sq.km.) is located in southern
part of CB-ONN-2000/1 which is limited to the south by the Tarapur Shale ( Late Eocene to Oligocene)
Nawagam – Wasana basement uplift. The NW-SE marginal Kalol Formation (Mid to Late Eocene)
fault located in SW portion of the block. The block is Cambay Shale (Late Paleocene to Early Eocene)
segmented longitudinally (NNW- SSE) into two major half Olpad Formation (Paleocene)
grabens each associated with prominent faults (DGH, The technical basement – Deccan trap (Upper Cretaceous)
2011).

Figure 3: Location of Ahmedabad Sub-Block in Cambay

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 Sub-Surface Understanding of an Oil Field in Cambay Basin

Figure 5: Migration pathway

Methodology
Figure 4: Stratigraphy of the Ingoli oil field and Generalized
stratigraphy of Cambay Basin
1. Seismic Data Visualization
Generalized stratigraphy of Cambay basin exhibits presence
2D and 3D Seismic Data visualization in Map view:
of rocks from Upper Cretaceous to Recent. Deccan Basalt
Associate Lease Maps and Cultural data are imported to
constitutes the basement rock for the major part of the basin
software – Kingdom 2009 to see the geological and
over which 8-11 km thick pile of tertiary sediments have
geophysical data in Map view.
been deposited in synrift and postrift phases.

• The dotted area is representing the extent of 3D

7. Petroleum System of the Study Area – Oil field
seismic data of the field.

Source Rock: Cambay Shale constitutes the major source

• The black colored straight lines are representing the
rock.
2D seismic data of the field.

Reservoir: Fractured Basement – Deccan trap being the

• The red block is our study area i.e. the south of
reservoir marks it as an unconventional oil field. The major
Ahmedabad – Mehsana block (Ingoli Oil Field).
faults are running parallel to the ridge. Shear forces are
parallel to the fractures, favorable for entrapment of
• The green block is the lease area allotted to GSPC in
hydrocarbons.
NELP II.

Migration: The NNE flank of the high area is believed to be

• To see the seismic data along inline, crossline and
on the migration path way from the kitchen located near
random line direction, we can select from Map view
to Nawagaam, northern part of study area.
and open it in an Interpretation window (Seismic
Data Visualization Window) for analysis.
Cap rock/ seal: Cambay shale act as regional seal.

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 Sub-Surface Understanding of an Oil Field in Cambay Basin

Figure 7: Seismic Data in Inline direction showing Seismic reflectors

Figure 6: Extent of 2D and 3D seismic data in the study area
and Faults

Seismic Reflector visualization from Seismic data:

Observation from Cross line Seismic data:
Loading the seismic process data in SEG Y format. Prior to
loading, we check the EBCEDIC header and BINARY
header of SEGY data and get information about Seismic
Survey Area and loading parameter like Line Sequence
Number, Trace Sequence Number and UTM X and UTM
Y. After successful loading of SEGY data, we will start to
see the Inline (E-W direction), Cross line (N-S direction)
and Arbitrary line (Random line). Also make Time slice in
different time and visualize it thoroughly.

Observations from Inline Seismic Data:

• Shallow seismic reflector is dipping towards East.
• Deeper seismic reflector is dipping eastward. We can Figure 8: Seismic Data in Cross line direction showing Seismic
also see the middle part is structurally high and sides reflectors
are dipping.
• Two faults are found forming a horst-graben structure. • Shallow seismic reflector is more or less horizontal.
• Below the deeper reflector, irregular and messy feature • Below the deeper reflector, discontinuous and
is representative fractured zone. chaotic seismic feature indicating fractured zone.
• Deeper seismic reflector is dipping towards north. We
can also see the middle part of deeper reflector is
structurally high and both sides are dipping.

3D Seismic Data Visualization

• Here in 3D View, we collectively see 3D seismic

data with inline section, cross line section, time slice
and interpreted seismic horizon; 2 wells named Y and
Z with their well log data and well tops in a 3D
window are also showed. The green arrow in the

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 Sub-Surface Understanding of an Oil Field in Cambay Basin

bottom left corner is showing the North direction.

 During the course of visualization it has been noted
that the data quality is fair to good in the study area.

Figure 10: TWT versus MD curve (T-D curve) showing linear

relationship

From above Fig, it is observed that velocity of the area is

increased with depth.
• At the beginning, we loaded well data i.e Well
coordinate, Measured depth and Log data (in LAS
format) in study area. Check shot data also used in this
method.
• Then well to seismic tie has been carried out for Y and
Z wells. From well section view, it is observed that
Figure 9: 3D seismic data visualization along with Inline, Cross line, correlation of Seismic and well marker is much
Time slice, Well Y and Z and associate well tops and log data of both closed to each other. Associate seismic
wells
marker/reflector is identifying for Horizon picking.
• This method is useful to correlate well
2. Basic Seismic Interpretation
marker/stratigraphic marker with associate Seismic
Reflector.
Seismic to Well Tie
• Well Seismic Tie is attempted to be generated from
Marker Identification
well logs (Y and Z wells) for correlation with the main
seismic markers/reflectors. Check shot data is loaded
for Y well to generate T-D curve. Same T- D curve is Two wells (Y and Z) provided correlation points with the
shared with other well Z. stratigraphy over the study area. Correlations were made on
• Well data is given in Depth domain. So to correlate it continuous coherent events of marker horizons in the area.
with seismic data we have to convert it into Time
domain. This can be obtained either by velocity model We have marked to horizons – (i) Seismic Horizon 1 at
or by available check shot data. 1276 ms; (ii) Top CBSH at 1226 ms based on correlation
• T-D curve is generated using check shot data of Y points of well Y and Z.
well.
Horizon picking or identification of seismic reflectors
Seismic Horizon 1 and Top CBSH are more consistent
because they are consistent reflectors of high amplitude
throughout the area. But a reduction in amplitude,
reflectivity strength and discontinuity of deeper reflector
has been observed.

Marker Identification has been carried out using Petrel

2010.1 software, at every 5th line in crossline and inline
directions.

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 Sub-Surface Understanding of an Oil Field in Cambay Basin

• Wiggles are showing the amplitude curve of the

seismic data, yellow color filled in the wiggles with
positive amplitude only. Well and logs are also
shown, with Kalol and CBSH stratigraphy tops.

Figure 11: Seismic Horizon 1 showing in Map window (Grid Figure 12: Seismic Markers showing in Interpretation
Interval: 5 by 5)
Window

• To mark a seismic horizon in software – Petrel • Tracking of Seismic Horizon 1 and Top CBSH is
2010.1 we track horizon in Inline and cross line done here in Cross line direction using the seismic
directions in an Interpretation window using the interpretation tool.
Geophysics module of the software – Petrel 2010.1.
• In interpretation window seismic horizon has been
Mapping
marked in both inline-crossline direction and with an
interval of 5m between two consecutive inline -
This aspect of mapping has been carried out to study the
crossline. Manual Horizon picking mode is applied
structural set up of the field. Surface Mapping procedure is
for track the horizon.
the combination of gridding then contouring of a given
• The resulting image of the seismic horizon in the
seismic horizon.
Map window and Interpretation window are shown in
the figures.
• Color range can be changed manually to optimize the
data and map observation method.
• The green colored arrow in the bottom left corner is
showing north direction.
• Wells Y and Z can be seen in this interpretation
window.
• Red is showing highest elevation and pink is
showing lowest elevation in the map area.
• We can see that well Y is more structurally high area
than well Z. Figure 13: Surface mapping with contour for Seismic

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 Sub-Surface Understanding of an Oil Field in Cambay Basin

Horizon 1 and Top CBSH

• Elevation is increasing from color pink to red.
• Well Y is present inside a close contour (TWT=1280
ms). Well Y and Z, both are structurally higher area.
But Y well is much high than X well.
• In the southern part of the surface, slope is very steep
as the contour lines are very closely spaced. We can
interpret the feature as a fault in the southern portion
of the map.
• We can make the contours smooth using the smooth
operation (present in the settings of the surface
generated).
• In the North-eastern part of the surface, slope is very
steep as the contour lines are very closely spaced. We
can interpret that fault is present is this area.
• We can make the contours smooth using the smooth
operation (present in the settings of the surface
generated). Figure 14: Well log correlation and Seismic to Well Tie
Analysis of Wells Y(left) and Z(right).
3. Well Logging Interpretation and Correlation for Wells
Y and Z of Ingoli Field. WELL Y
• As discussed earlier, there are two hydrocarbon zones
Curves given to us are as follows: (Zone A and Zone B) are identified in well Y at
measured depths 1196m-1205m and 1357m – 1364m
a. Gamma Ray Log (0 to 150 GAPI) respectively.
b. Resistivity Log (2 to 2000 OHMM) • Zone A is defined by Marker A top and Marker A
c. Neutron Porosity Log (-2.15 to 0.45 V/V) bottom and Zone B is defined by Marker B top and
d. Bulk Density Log (1.85 to 2.85 g/cc) Marker B bottom.
• Zone A is located within the Kalol formation whereas
Well information i.e Longitude, Latitude, Kelly Busy( kb) Zone B is located within the Lower Cambay Shale.
and Depth values for 2 wells Y and Z are loaded in
software – Petrel 2010.1. Logging data for both wells in
WELL Z
LAS format are also loaded prior to the log interpretation. • There are two hydrocarbon zones (Zone C and Zone
Loaded logs data (GR, Resistivity (LLD, LLS), Bulk D) are identified in well Z at measured depths
Density (RHOB), and Neutron-Porosity (NPHIE)) are 1697m-1708m and 1715m –11754m respectively.
exhibit in Well Section window (Log Interpretation • Zone C is defined by Marker C Top and Marker C
window). Stratigraphical marker Kalol, CBSH, Olpad and Bottom. Zone B is defined by Marker D Top and
Trap has been marked for both the wells. Marker D Bottom.
• Zone C and Zone D both are located nearby Olpad
and Deccan trap Formation.

4. Formation Evaluation

Formation evaluation is used in the exploration, production,

and development phases of the value chain to determine
whether a potential oil and/or gas field is commercially
viable. Tools such as wireline/well logs, well tests, and core

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 Sub-Surface Understanding of an Oil Field in Cambay Basin

samplers — used to detect oil and gas — return a myriad of

data, including porosity, radioactivity, permeability, sonic
velocity, bulk density, resistivity, etc., that are used to Traditional sources for variables in the equation:
determine the economics of a reservoir.

Formation fluid saturation is an important quantity as it is

necessary to determine the volume of fluids (Water and
hydrocarbons) present. It may give us some indication as to
what will be produced.

But for saturation calculation we have to estimate several

parameters. On the basis of standard well logs: Gamma ray The water saturation for different probable zones of
(GR), resistivity (LLD), neutron porosity and density hydrocarbon is calculated by using the Archie’s equation
porosity, water saturation and hydrocarbon saturation can and using the well log data. (O. Serra, Elsevier, 1984)
be calculated.

Procedure for calculation of Sw:

Defining the terms in Archie’s Equation:

 The water saturation is calculated separately for

Φdensity, Φneutron, Φavg and Φeffective.

 The values of Rt and Φneutron are directly read from

the well log chart at points 1 m apart from each other.

 To calculate the Φdensity, following equation is used:

Tortuosity factor (a): called the tortuosity factor,
Φdensity = (₰matrix - ₰log)/ (₰matrix - ₰fluid)
cementation intercept, lithology factor or, lithology
coefficient is sometimes used. It is meant to correct for
 To calculate the Φeffective, first the volume of shale
variation in compaction, pore structure and grain size.
has been calculated using the following equation:
Saturation exponent (n): The saturation exponent n usually Vsh = (Glog – Gmin)/(Gmax – Gmin)
is fixed to values close to 2. The saturation exponent models Where, G log = value of GR in the log observed.
the dependency on the presence of non-conductive fluid Gmin= minimum value of GR in the probable area.
(hydrocarbons) in the pore-space, and is related to the Gmax= maximum value of GR in the probable area.
wettability of the rock. (O. Serra, Elsevier, 1984)

Cementation exponent (m): The cementation exponent  After the Vsh has been found out, Φeffective is
models how much the pore network increases the resistivity, calculated by using following equation:
as the rock itself is assumed to be non-conductive. Φeffective = (X – Vsh * Y)
Cementation exponent is related to the permeability of the Where, X = (₰matrix - ₰log)/ (₰matrix - ₰fluid) And Y
rock, increasing permeability decreases the cementation = (₰matrix - ₰shale)/ (₰matrix - ₰fluid)
exponent.
 Sw is calculated with the help of Archie’s Equation,
Common values for this cementation exponent for
with the constants value being a=1, m=2 and n=2. The
consolidated sandstones are 1.8 < m < 2.0. Generally the
value of Rw is known and is taken equal to 0.4.
value for constants a, m and n are taken 1, 2 and 2
respectively.
 The values calculated are given below in the Table
So, the equation reduces to,
1(Well X) and Table 2(Well Y).

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 Sub-Surface Understanding of an Oil Field in Cambay Basin

Result and Discussion References

• We studied an oil field near to the southern part of the Kundu, J. and Wani, M.R. (1992), Structural style and
Ahmedabad sub-block. tectono stratigraphic framework of Cambay rift basin,
• In the study area both 2D and 3D seismic data are Western India: Indian Journal of Petroleum Geology.
visualize and analyze. Data resolution of 3D data is
more than 2D seismic data. Seismic features are DGH (2011): Cambay basin Information docket.
prominently visible in both 2D-3D seismic data.
• From Seismic data visualization exercise it is O. Serra, Elsevier (1984), Fundamentals of well-log
noticeable that there are two-three prominent shallower interpretation
and deeper reflectors in the study area. Faults and
Horst-Graben structure has been visible in the study Acknowledgement
area. Some discontinuous and chaotic features are
observed in deeper region in study area. Deeper The author is indebted to Mr. U K Ghosh, DGM (G&G), D.
reflector is structurally high in the middle part of the Srinivas, Executive Director (G&G) Jayanta Dutta,
oil field. Sr.Officer (Geophysics), Ms. Rupa Konar Sr.Officer
• From Basic Seismic interpretation and mapping (Geology) along with Mr. Pratayaya Bhadra, Geologist for
exercise, we observed that shallower seismic reflector their guidance and invaluable suggestions during the course
is structurally high in SW part of the oil field whereas of the study.
the NE part is structurally low. Y well is located more
structurally high area than Z well. Views expressed in this paper are that of the authors only
• We studied three wells X, Y and Z. Well Y contains and may not necessarily be of GSPC.
hydrocarbon zone at shallow depths (near to Kalol
formation and Cambay Shale formation). Whereas
well X and Z contain hydrocarbon bearing zone at
deeper depths (near to Deccan Trap). From log data
study it is obvious that there are two different
Petroleum systems operated in the oil field area, one is
shallow reservoir near to Kalol and Cambay Shale
formation and another is deeper reservoir near to the
Olpad and Deccan Trap formation.
• Hydrocarbon to be found in structurally high area in
the oil field i.e. located in the middle part of the area.
• The Sw values indicate that the zones might be
hydrocarbon- bearing (oil and/or gas).

Well X
(Zone 1: 1761 m to 1775 m) Sw range is from 13% to 71%
Well Y
Zone 1 : 1180 m to 1186 m Sw range is from 47% to 83%

Zone 2: 1201 m to 1205 m Sw range is from 35% to 78%

Zone 3: 1238 m to 1242 m Sw range is from 19% to 58%

Zone 4: 1354 m to 1364 m Sw range is from 23% to 54%