Biostratigraphic Zonation and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction of Wells ‘MIC-1’ and ‘MIC-2’ in the Southern Niger Delta, Nigeria
Keywords:
Biostratigraphy, Foraminifera, Paleoenvironment, Niger Delta, Biozones, Paleobathymetry, Chronostratigraphy, Hydrocarbon ExplorationAbstract
This study aims to establish biostratigraphic zonation and reconstruct the paleoenvironmental conditions of Wells MIC-1 and MIC-2 in the Southern Niger Delta using foraminiferal assemblages. Foraminiferal samples were collected at various depths, and species were identified to delineate biozones and interpret depositional environments. Key foraminiferal zones, including Globigerinoidesconglobatus, Globigerinoides ruber, and Globigerinoides obliquus, were identified, correlating the strata with late Miocene to early Pliocene depositional periods. The paleoenvironmental reconstruction shows a transition from shallow deltaic to outer neritic conditions, corresponding to global sea-level fluctuations. The benthic foraminiferal species indicated shallow marine environments in the lower sections, while planktonic species dominated the upper sections, suggesting deeper water conditions. Chronostratigraphic correlation between the wells was achieved by identifying bioevents and matching them with global biostratigraphic records. The results provide a detailed understanding of the geological evolution of the Southern Niger Delta, with implications for hydrocarbon exploration. The integration of biostratigraphic data and paleobathymetric analysis highlights the complex depositional history and its impact on reservoir development.
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