Sedimentology and origin of source rocks in the Tertiary Niger delta
Organic matter in Tertiary strata of the Niger delta is mainly a mixture of types II and III, has a high pristane/phytane ratio (> 1.0), and is composed of the macerals vitrinite and minor liptinite. The main palynofacies are structured woody material, cuticles, pollen, spores, and opaque and minor amorphous organic matter. The distribution and abundance of the organic matter reflects the age and sedimentology of the strata. There is a progressive decline in mean total organic carbon (TOC) content from upper Eocene (2.2% TOC) to Pliocene strata (0.90% TOC) and an associated general decrease in hydrogen index (HI) and pristane/phytane ratio. The decrease in TOC and HI in younger strata mainly reflects increased dilution of a nearly constant supply of terrestrial organic matter associated with the generally higher sedimentation rates of younger strata. The low pristane/phytane ratio of younger strata may reflect less oxidizing depositional conditions. No rich source rocks occur in the Niger delta and, as conventionally measured, the strata have little or no oil generating potential. The poor quality of the source rocks has been compensated for by their greater volume and excellent migration routes. The Niger delta type of source rock - although an end member in terms of general source rock composition - appears to be relatively typical of Tertiary deltas.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver (Canada)
- OSTI ID:
- 5840232
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8809346-
- Journal Information:
- AAPG Bull.; (United States), Vol. 72:8; Conference: Mediterranean Basins conference and exhibition, Nice, France, 25-28 Sep 1988
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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