Assessment of Hydrocarbon Prospects in Pre-Tertiary Sequences within the Ganga Basin, India

The assessment of hydrocarbon prospects in the Ganga basin focuses on Pre-Tertiary stratigraphic sequences. Ganga Basin, a Category-3 basin with untapped hydrocarbon potential, is situated along the northern boundary of the Indian shield and is characterized by complex geological formations resulting from the collision of the Indian and Asian plates. The study integrates seismic, and wireline logs to analyze the basin’s petroleum system, identifying potential source rocks, reservoir rocks, and traps. Seismic sections A and B reveal fluvial deposition of Siwalik formations and the presence of major Pre-Tertiary sequences (S1 to S6) with structural and stratigraphic traps. The study identifies potential hydrocarbon trapping zones in the Tilhar, Ujhani, and Bahraich formations, associated with fault-bounded closures and pinch-out zones. Analysis of well data, specifically the X-tended Range Micro-Imager (XRMI) log, indicates fractured rocks in the depth interval of 1693 to 1850 meters. Structural dips, predominantly low-angle, and numerous open fractures are observed, suggesting favorable conditions for structural traps in the Pre-Tertiary sequences. Ganga Basin exhibits a complex geological history, with various traps anticipated across the basin. The study highlights tectonic and depositional conditions conducive to hydrocarbon accumulation, emphasizing the importance of further correlation for a comprehensive understanding of the basin’s petroleum potential.