A seismic stratigraphic analysis and petroleum system characterization of the cretaceous sequence in central Walvis basin, offshore Namibia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The Walvis Basin, situated along Namibia's passive margin, has long been recognized
for its hydrocarbon potential. With only nine (9) exploration wells drilled to date, the
Walvis Basin remains relatively under-explored. The uncertainties concerning the
occurrence and preservation of mature source rocks and good reservoir lithofacies in
the northern and central parts of the Walvis Basin remains exploration risks. This
study aims to address this gap by carrying out a seismic stratigraphic analysis of 2D
seismic data and well data in the Central Walvis Basin. Nine (9) seismic intervals (SI)
have been identified spanning Late Jurassic to Cretaceous based on seismic character
and well log data corresponding to the evolutionary stages of the Walvis Basin. The
proposed seismic sequence stratigraphy model suggests source, reservoir, trap, and
seal rocks in both the syn-rift and post-rift successions of the study area. Source rocks
deposited in Cenomanian to Turonian period, based on well data and modelling the
Cenomanian-Turonian marine source rock is in the early maturity window with total
organic carbon (TOC) levels ranging from 0.63% to 5.86%, averaging at 2.02% in the
study area. Additionally, marine Aptian/Albian oil-prone source rocks were identified
by prominent distinct parallel high-amplitude horizons which can also serve as a seal
rock. Potential Reservoir rocks were identified in Cenomanian and Santonian levels
and at Upper Campanian/Maastrichtian indicating the potential for hydrocarbon
exploration in the basin. This research will contribute to our understanding of the
geological history of the Walvis Basin and offer valuable insights into its hydrocarbon
potential, hydrocarbon prospectivity of this underexplored basin
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Petroleum Geology
Keywords
Hydrocarbon, Lithofacies, Seismic stratigraphy, Petroleum system, Walvis basin, Namibia, University of Namibia