Abstract—The quest for optimization in the Oil and Gas Exploration and Production (E&P) industry has been the driving force for the innovation trends experienced in the industry. Amongst others, velocity modelling module has led to the accurate and precise velocity determination for complete interpretation of subsurface inhomogeneity and true depth positioning from the generated time section of the surfaces of TM-Field located between longitudes 6p77’80.11 - 6p80’77.71 (Easting) and latitudes 4p61’74.50 – 4p62’93.33 (Northing) within the western region of the Niger Delta Area. 3D seismic interpretation and three velocity models- LinVel velocity model, Average cube velocity model, polynomial velocity model were used to delineate the subsurface structures and true depth positioning of the TM-Field respectively, using the schlumberger petrel software 2013 version. The processes included but not limited to data loading, frequency analysis, well correlation and top picks, spectrum analysis, fault mapping and horizon picking, time surface generation, attribute analysis, velocity modelling and depth surface positioning and error correction. Two horizon of interest B1 and B6 resulting from the synthetic and seismic tie were identified and mapped, which gave good attribute signature (i.e. amplitude) for Fluid content in conformity with the correlation. A convolution of the different velocity models with the generated time surfaces gave depth positioning. But with the residual corrections of the error analysis, it is observed that the average cube velocity model was better in accurate depth positioning as its error margin from well top is minimal when compared to others. The 3D and the velocity models used, especially average cube velocity model, proved effective in the evaluation, imaging and positioning of the true depth of the TM-Field, which has led to a better understanding of the TMField geologic structural geometry, reservoir architecture for optimal recovery of hydrocarbon accumulation (proven) and to evaluate the potentials identified (unproven).

Index Terms—Traps, faults, velocity model, structure, horizon, Niger Delta

Cite:Duru C. A., Ugwu S. A., and Nwankwoala H. O., "Velocity Modeling for Structural Traps Evaluation and Interpretation of TM-Field in Niger Delta," International Journal of Geology and Earth Science, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 1-13, December 2018.