Significance of biozone correlation in understanding the Cretaceous–Paleogene transition and its associated turbidite deposits in the Northern Delta, Niger Delta Basin

Autor: Chidozie Izuchukwu Princeton Dim, Bertram Maduka Ozumba
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Sedimentary Environments. 6:189-199
ISSN: 2447-9462
2662-5571
Popis: Correlation studies using foraminiferal (F) and palynological (P) biozonation data were carried out with the aim of understanding and delineating the Cretaceous (K)–Paleogene (Pg) transition/boundary in the southeastern part of two Nigerian sedimentary basins namely, the Anambra and the Niger Delta. Results from a multiple dip section biozonal correlation across 16 wells in the study area revealed the occurrence of middle-to-upper Cretaceous (P100–P190 and F1700) in the sequence of the Anambra Basin, and lower Paleocene to middle-Miocene (P200–P740 and F3100–F9500) in the Tertiary sequence of Niger Delta Basin. Correlation of biozones in the well Dimneze-001 (up-dip section) and Ihuo-001 (down-dip section) wells shows that the Paleocene (P200) was encountered at variable depths of 3000 ft and 11,000 ft within the two wells, respectively. The intensity of this depth differential of 8000 ft, which is quite uncommon in the up-dip Anambra Basin, is an indication of a possible structural (fault) displacement, which, has been linked to the initiation of the Niger Delta Basin bounded by regional growth faults. This prominent structural feature was seen at the transition between top Cretaceous sequences of P190 and F1700, and the base of P200 and F3100 that marks the onset of Paleogene sequence. Hence, a clear indication of Cretaceous–Paleogene transition/boundary in the southern section of Nigeria. Possible turbidite deposits that were coeval with the initiation and downslope movement of activity across a gravity-driven regional normal growth fault are thought to exist both beneath and within the Cretaceous–Paleogene transition/boundary. These points to the existence of some Cretaceous and Paleogene turbidite plays at deeper intervals of the Cenozoic successions of the Niger Delta Basin that could be prospective.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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