CENOZOIC SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY OF KRISHNA MOUTH AREA AND BEYOND IN EASTERN OFFSHORE, INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DEPOSITIONAL

SETTING AND HYDROCARBON HABITAT IN MIOCENE SEDIMENTS

A. K. Das R.P.Gupta R.HussamS.N.Maurya Basin Studies Division, KDMIPE , ONGC, Dehradun - 248195

Abstract:
In the light of gas strike in Early Miocene clastic reservoir, the Krishna Mouth and its adjoining Indian offshore area is considered as a possible thrust area for future exploration. The area was mapped with the emphasis on understanding depositional setting and hydrocarbon habitat in Rawa Formation of Miocene age using 1200 line tan of seismic data and information from ten exploratory wells . A total of five major seismic sequences has been mapped in the Cenozoic section , Paleoshelf edges at different stages of basin evolution have been outlined from seismic data. Vadaparru -Rawa petroleum system is considered as the most effective one in the offshore areas. Sands within Rawa Formation are the potential reservoirs and are expected to be sourced by Vadaparru Shale ( Eocene- Oligocene ) and lower part of Rawa Formation. NE- SW trending arcuate listric faults hading basinward played vital role in hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. A deep water turbidite fan has been delineated within Late Miocene sequence, which may stand out as an important target for hydrocarbon exploration.

Keywords : Turbidite fan complex, Rawa Formation, Krishna Mouth, Krishna-Godavari Basin.

Introduction:

growth, faults. The subsurface data of the area covering this discovery and extending further The Eastern Offshore of India has a num- south in the offshore (Fig. 1) have been analysed ber of oil and gas bearing structures located in to work out the Cenozoic stratigraphy and to shallow as well as in deep waters . In shallow evaluate the hydrocarbon prospects. waters off Krishna Mouth, well G has produced gas from Early Miocene elastics, affected by Review of Previous Work : Ravikumar et. al. ( 1984) interpreted seismic data from Krishna Mouth to Kakinada Bay and mapped a number of structural features in Krishna Mouth area Rangaraju (1987) emphasized on understanding the role of turbidites in petroleum exploration . He discussed about concepts and methods of recognizing them with the help of a few examples from Krishna- Godavari Basin . The two approaches to infer a turbidite basin or turbidite system in a basin are (1) paleoshelf edge mapping and (ii) recognition of canyon on shelf and slope. Prabakaran and Ramesh (1991) made an in- depth study of pa1 GEOHORIZONS Vol . 4 No. 2 October 99

Fig 1. Location map showing study area

leogeography of Krishna-Godavari Basin through different geological ages. Das et. al. (1995) reviewed the seismic data of Krishna Mouth area alongwith other geoscientific information and the present paper is broadly the outcome of their work . According to Samanta et. al. (1994) lower part of Rawa Formation and Vadaparru shales are the potential source rocks in deep offshore areas and the growth faults play a major role in hydrocarbon migration and entrapment.

Cenzoic Stratigraphy:

Fig 2: Generalised Stratigraphy, Krishna-Godavari Basin

The available 2D seismic data have been oped in the overlying younger sediments. The interpreted with the help of subsurface geological input from ten exploratory wells drilled in onland and shallow waters (Table 1), Lithostratigraphic nomenclature (Fig.2) proposed by Venkatarengan et. al. (1993) has been adopted with some modifications (Table H). In the land part, some of the litho- units are time transgressive (Nimmakurru Sandstone and Rajahmundry Sandstone) and therefore, they do not exactly correspond with their basmal colmter-parts (Vadaparru Shale, Rawa Formatian and Godavary Clay ). A total of five seismic sequences have been identified between Cretaceous top and MioPliocene unconformity (Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6). Paleoshelf edge positions at the end of Cretaceous, at the end of Paleocene and at the beginning of Miocene demarcated with the help of seismics mapped sequences are described below . are shown in Figs .7, 8, 9. The Cretaceous top , marked by a regional unconformity, formed the Paleocene ( Sequence I ) : base for Cenozoic sedimentation and acted as decollement surface for the growth faults devel Paleocene section is represented by Razole Volcanics and Palakollu Formation in the shelf part and by only Palakollu Shale in the basinal part. Razole Volcanics do not extend beyond Mantripalem, to the northwest of study area , where it is only 25m thick . Palakollu Formation is composed of moderately thick limestone, shale and sandstone in the shelf part. Beyond shelf edge, the sequence is dominantly shaly and increase in thickness in the basinal direction (Fig.7). Deposition of sands attaining a thickness of around 400m on the slope regime due to tur 2 GEOHORIZONS Vol . 4 No. 2 October 99

Fig 3: Seismo-Geological Section Along Seismic Line X-Y

Fig 4: Part of Interpreted Dip Seismic Profile AA

Fig 5: Part of Interpreted Dip Seismic profile BB

GEOHORIZONS Vol . 4 No. 2 October 99

Fig 6: Part of Interpreted Strike Seismic Profile CC

bidity currents (?) has been inferred in the area wells E to F (Fig. 10). However, presence of Paleocene and Eocene sections has been established in the well E- I by log and seismic correlation (Das et. al, 1995), which were earlier included in Miocene (Raju, 1982) without sufficient paleontological control.

Eocene- Oligocene (? ) ( Sequence 2 ) :

This section is lithostratigraphically presented by lower part ofNimmakurru Sandstone ( Early Eocene-Early Miocene ) in the shelf area, the upper age limit of which may well extend upto Middle Miocene . Beyond shelf edge, the sequence is dominantly shaly and named as Vadaparru Shale for the Eocene section (Venkatarengan et.al, 1993). Considering the subjectivity of the Oligocene interval identified by laboratory studies in well 1' and its reported absence in well F, both Eocene and Oligocene have been included in one seismic sequence (Seq. 2), the top and bottom of which have been fixed with the help of log and seismic features (Das et. al , 1995). Fig, 8 indicates a few depositional lows trending NE- SW in the area beyond shelf break. Development of small, subaqueous fan is observed in the area of wells E- I and E- 2.

Fig 7. Isopach of Paleocene (Sequence I)

Fig 8: Isopach of Eocene (Seqence II)

GEOHORIZONS Vol . 4 No. 2 October 99

is within Early Miocene and includes well G paysand. The northern limit of this sequence is Lithostratigraphically , the Miocene se- marked by a NE- SW trending faults (Fig. 14). quence in the shelf area is represented by upper The sequence is predominantly composed of part of Nimmakurru Sandstone and lower part sandstone with minor shale. of Rajahmundry Sandstone (Late MioceneSequence 4, the next overlying unit inPliocene), Narsapur Claystone being remarkably absent. Beyond shelf break, the sequence is cludes the remaining part of Early Miocene upto named as Rawa Formation. Isopach and com- Middle Miocene and persistently present over the posite sand thickness map for total Miocene area with sizeable increase in thickness in the (Figs. 9, 12) indicate a few fan lobes and reduc- basinal part. The sequence is made up of mainly tion in thickness due to Post- Miocene erosional sandstone with shale. In the deeper parts, the top cut. Considering the significance of this sequence of the sequence is marked by the Mio-Pliocene as potential reservoir and cap rock facies, it has unconformity (Figs.3,4,5,6). been mapped as combination of three different The Late Miocene sequence has been seismic sequences (Seq. 3, 4 and 5). Sequence 3

Miocene (Sequences 3,4,5):

Fig 9. Isopach of Total Miocene(SEQ. 3+4+5)

Fig 10.Composite Sand Thickness Map of Paleocene (Seq -1)

Fig 11:Composite Sand Thickness Map of Eocene(Seq 2)

Fig 12.: Composite Sand Thickness Map of Total Miocene (Seq. 3+4+5)

GEOHORIZONS Vol . 4 No. 2 October 99

mapped as Sequence 5, top of which is marked by a widespread erosional unconformity of MioPliocoie age. Within this sequence, an additional sequence (Seq. 5A), sitting over the base of Late Miocene, has been mapped in the area south of wells G and F (Figs. 4,5,6,15). This sequence (Seq.5A) is characterised by a reflection free zone (arenaceous fades) having oblique relationship with the over-and underlying units and interpreted to have deposited as canyon related turbidite fan complex. Time interval map of this sequence indicates a number of depositional lows with maximum thickness of 500 ms TWT (Fig. 16). The sediment input for the fan is from

either northwest or northeast through canyon mouths, close to Middle Miocene shelf edge ; although canyons could not bemapped dueto seismic data quality.

Pliocene- Recent :
The Pliocene sequence is represented by upper part ofRajahmundry Sandstone and its fades equivalent Godavari Clay. The sediments are deposited over a maior erosional surface developed at the end of Miocene A number of cut and fill features are quite apparent within this

Fig 13. Time Structure Map at the base of Miocene

Fig 14. Time Structure Map at the top of Seq 3(Level close to well G pay zone within early Miocene)

Fig 15. Time Structure Map at the top of Seq 5 (Canyon-Related Turbidite Fan Comlex)

GEOHORIZONS Vol . 4 No. 2 October 99

progradation of shelf to the south-east with further fall in sea level (Figs 9, 17). Dumping of elastics by river distributaries had resulted in Depositional Model: active channelling and submarine canyon formaTowards the end of Cretaceous, the south- tion. The canyon is generally associated with a easterly tilt of the Krishna-Godavari Basin and fan system on the downslope. One such feature development of a well defined basin margin - (Seq. 5A) is observed and mapped in the area shelf-slope systemwerewell developed. During beyond wells G to F (Figs. 15, 16, 17). that period, a major part of the study area was in The sedimentation pattern over the area the slope regime resulting in deposition of thick basinal shales. However during Paleocene, with is governed by arcuate, listric, normal faults, further fall in sea level, shelf edge steadily which have originated due to shale bulging in prograded towards southeast exposing a substan- the basinal part during Late Paleocene - Eocene tial part of the shelf area (Figs.7, 8). South-east- and onwards. The general trend of these faults is erly flowing streams constituted a network of NE-SW and they hade towards south to southdelta system which prograded basinward. Mod- east. Time structure maps (Figs. 13, 14) indicate erately thick limestones, sandstones and minor a number of small roll over structures associated shales are the lithotypes in the shelf regime dur- with these growth faults. ing this period, which grade into thick monotonous shales. Deposition of thick sand bodies in Hydrocarbon Prospects: the slope regime due to turbidity currents (?) is envisaged in the area between wells E and F Results of source rock studies carried out (Fig. 10). in six wells are shown in Table III. In general, source rock intervals capable of hydrocarbon genDuring Eocene, position of shelf edge had eration are rare. However, the interval 2335shifted maiginally towards south-east (Figs.8 ,9). 2475m within lower part of Rawa Formation in The sandstone, limestone and claystone gradu- well G and interval 3675-3900m in well E-l ally grade into thick, monotonous shales in the are considered to have marginally better source deeper part. Development of deepwater potential. Also the Eocene and Paleocene shales sandbodies is observed in the well E-l (Fig. 11). may develop into better source rock fades in the downdip areas (in the regime of higher geotherDuring Miocene, there is rapid mal gradient) (Samanta et. al, 1994). sequence.

Fig 16. Time Interval Map of Seq 5A (Canyon Related Turbidite Fan Complex)

GEOHORIZONS Vol . 4 No. 2 October 99

Fig 17 A,B Depositional Model for Miocene Sediments

GEOHORIZONS Vol . 4 No. 2 October 99

Fig 18. Bathymetric Contours for the area of Canyon-Related Turbidite Fan Complex (Seq 5 A)

Fig 19. Standard Litho-Column and Exploration Plays in Study area

GEOHORIZONS Vol . 4 No. 2 October 99

In this area, the Rawa Formation is the most prospective one, which has both reservoir as well as cap rock facies. The NE-SW trending listric normal faults hading basinwards are likely conduits for hydrocarbon migration. Roll over structures on the down thrown sides of these growth faults are the favourable sites for accumulation of hydrocarbons (Figs. 13, 14),

exploration target.

Acknowledgement:

The authors are thankful to Director (Exploration), ONGC for his kind permission to publish this paper. They wish to record their deep sense of gratitude to Shri Kuldeep Chandra , ED (R&D), A. E. Ahmed, G.M. (Geol), S.Sahai, G.M. (BRG) , B.K. Varma, Dy. G.M. and N.K.Lal An interesting stratigraphic feature is the , Dy.G.M. for their keen interest in the work and canyon related turbidite fan complex within early encouragement. They are highly indebted to Shn part of Late Miocene mapped in the area south R. Venkataroigan, Dy G M ., Dr. G . N. Rao CO of wells G and F ,close to the eroded Middle and Shn U. B. Samanta, SC for offering many Miocene shelf break which merits further explo- valuable technical comments. ration (Figs. 15, 16). The fan body is oriented in NE-SW direction covering an area of about 100 References: sq. km. and the water depth ranges between 200m Das, A. K Gupta, R. P., Bisht, S. S Maurya, S. N to more than 500m (Fig. 18). Exploration plays Hussain, R. (1995): Review of seismic data in Krishna in the study area are summarised in Fig. 19. Mouth and Masulipatnam Bay areas of Krishna-

Conclusions:
A total of five seismic sequences (Seq. I to 5) have been mapped in the study area within the Cenozoic section. The seismic markers correspond to Cretaceous top, Paleocenetop, Eocenetop, a level (within Early Miocene) close to well G pay zone, Middle Miocene top and Mio-Pliocene unconformity. All these markers have been integrated with geological and log data. The role of paleo-shelf edge progradation in sediment dispersal pattern through the geological times from Cretaceous end upto beginning of Pliocene has been brought out. A large part of the study area is affected by shale tectonism of Late Paleocene-Eocene age which had further continued during Neogene, when the sediment supply was faster. Arcuate listric faults having NE-SW trend and hading south-eastward have allowed greater sediment influx during Miocene and Pliocene in the basinal directions. Structural features associated with growth faults at the Miocene Base and at top of a level close to well G pay zone (within Early Miocene) are of interest for future exploration. A canyon related turbidite fan complex has been delineated in the deepwater area , south of wells G and F, which may be another 10

Godavari Offshore, to map prospects at Tertiary and Cretaceous level, remap GS-3 to GS-41and assess entrapment situation in Rawa Formation, ONGC unpub. report Prabakaran, S. and Ramesh, P. (1991): Paleogpography of Krishna-Godavari Basin, ONGC unpub. report Rangaraju, M. K. (1987): Turbidites in petroleum exploration, ONGC Bulletin, Vol. 24, No. I, pp31-51 Ravikumar, T., Murthy, VSR, Rao, CVS, Rangachari V, Rao, M. S., Maitra,A. (1984) : Report on reinterpretation of seismic data acquired by RC Dunlop, 1981 in the offshore area from Krishna Mouth to Kaldnada shalf excluding G-l, G-2 & G-3 rollover areas, Krishna- Godavari Basin, ONGC unpub. report Richards, M., Bowman, M., Reading, H. (1998): Submarine fan sustems I : Characterisation and stratigraphic prediction, Marine and Petroleum Geology, Vol. 15, No. 7 , pp 689- 717 Samanta , U., Gupta , A. K., Upadhyay, P., Pande, B. K., Tiwari, G., Yadav, T. (1994): Geochemical evaluation of hydrocarbon prospects of Krishna- Godavari Basin, ONGC unpub. Report Venkataraigan, R., Rao, G. N., Prabhaikar, K. N., Singh, D. N. , Awasthi , A. K Misra, P. K., Reddy, P. K., Roy, S.K. ( 1993) : Lithostratigraphyof Krishna- Godavari Basin, ONGC unpub. Report

GEOHORIZONS Vol . 4 No. 2 October 99