10th Biennial International Conference & Exposition

P 178

Sediment Architecture of Half Graben Play and Its Hydrocarbon

Implication in and around Jetalpur Low, North Cambay Basin, India.
C.L.Chatterjee*1, S.K.Das1, G.C.Katiyar1, R.P.Singh1 and Koel Pramanik2
Summary
Tertiary On land Cambay Rift Basin has been formed as an integral part of Western Margin Rift Basins System of India. Early
sixties oil strike near Gulf of Cambay had brought it in the oil map of India. Hitherto exploration and exploitation history of
five decades had established it as a classic Petroleum Province with all ingredients of hydrocarbon habitat mainly for multiple
Eocene clastic reservoirs. Although majority of world known hydrocarbon accumulation is in Synrift setting, meager
conversion (<1%) of presumed oil expulsion capacity could be achieved for synrift play in Cambay Basin leaving a huge scope
of untapped Yet to Find (YTF) oil (>99%) potential. The major portion of synrift oil (>50%) occurrence is from intra basinal
Nawagam High, located at the western rising flank of Jetalpur Low, a principle kitchen of Norrth Cambay Basin.
The Paleocene syn rift sequence of Cambay Basin has been divided into two sub sequences viz. Danian Climax Stage (Olpad
Formation, Lower Paleocene), unconformably overlain by Thanetian Late Stage (Older Cambay Shale ie OCS Formation,
Upper Paleocene). Structural framework of the study area has brought out two prominent intra basinal highs, on each rising
flank of Jetalpur low. N-S to NNW-SSE trending, basement-controlled fault systems have given rise to asymmetrical faultbound half-graben during the Paleocene synrift deposition and concomitant accommodation. Stratistructural entrapment for
faulted rising flanks of Jetalpur Low and stratigraphic accumulation within low are prospective locales for quest of YTF
hydrocarbon. Reverse modeling from log to core from drilled well data of Nawagam, has resembled that reservoir facies
within Olpad sequence has been resulted both during fan progradation (i.e. coarsening up) and fan back stepping (i.e. fining
up) in shallower Olpad sequence. The envisaged Olpad depositional model has brought out geological concept based synrift
prospect along the dissected eastern steeper limb of Nawagam and western gentler limb of Nandej high in both the rising flank
of Jetalpur low as well as within low. A breakthrough can lead to opening up of a new avenue for YTF oil in half graben play
of Cambay Basin for Olpad-Olpad petroleum system (OOPS).
Keywords: Danian, Thanetian, Synrift, Half Graben, Back Stepping and Progradation

Synrift Late Stage Thanetian (OCS) sequence was

deposited as transgressive / pro deltaic shale.

Introduction
The Cambay Basin is an intra cratonic NNW-SSE
trending, sigmoidal aborted rift in the west margin rift
basin system of India (Kundu et at 1993) (Fig.-1).
Evolution of the Cambay Rift Basin could be divided into
pre-rift, syn-rift and post-rift stages. The Cenozoic rift
basin was formed as a result of continental rifting
(separation of Madagascar and Seychelles Basin from
Indian Plate) along western margin of India close to Late
CretaceousTertiary boundary triggered by Deccan
Volcanism. But synrift sequence had culminated during
Danian Rift Climax (Olpad) represented by epiclastics
alluvial fan complex and silici clastic lacustrine facies.

The study area covers Nawagam-Wasna-Nandej field and

the adjoining area surrounding Jetalpur Low and Miroli
High (Fig-2). The rift fill deltaic sediments holds majority
of discovered oil fields of Early to Middle Eocene age
(Fig-2). The trap geometries are often related to N-S to
NNW-SSE trending, basement-controlled fault systems
leading to asymmetric half-graben depocentre. Stratistructural and stratigraphic entrapment have been
envisaged for Paleocene fault controlled syn rift fill
systems along rising flanks of principal kitchen and within
kitchen respectively as prospective locales for quest of
YTF hydrocarbon. This paper dealt with a new insight into

1: Western Onshore Basin, Baroda, 2: CBM DP, Bokaro;

email: [email protected]

hitherto unexplored OOPS of Cambay Basin in synrift half

graben setting based on geological model and mapped
seismic geo bodies.

mainly on structural traps of four-way dip or fault closures

and stratistructural/stratigraphic traps in rift fill sediments.
Sporadic discoveries of Olpad oil from EBM during early
eighties and Khamboi area in WBM during late nineties
had been reported, but restricted in upper part only. In the
study area, altogether around 140 wells atop NawagamWasna ridge have been drilled mainly for top part of
Danian Climax Stage of synrift sediments. Excepting
Well#G and #H in Wasna Field, Well#A to #F in
Nawagam Field and and Well#I in Miroli Area, all the
wells were terminated within upper part
200m) from
Olpad top. Thus, the Cambay Basin is in incipient stage of
exploration for half graben synrift play.

Tectono Stratigraphy

Background
While working on Quantitative Genetic Modeling of
Cambay Basin, it had been suggested by Ray et.al. (2001)
that generation and expulsion potential of Olpad
Formation were 29BT (O+ OEG) and 1.4BT 0.48%)
respectively. The author also opined that expelled
hydrocarbon probably had little scope to migrate across the
overlying OCS and might have been accumulated within
reservoir facies of Olpad/OCS itself envisaging existence
of Olpad-Olpad PS (OOPS). Initial five decades
exploratory efforts could fetch only 57.34MMt in place oil
from Olpad Formation in Cambay Basin. Thus, resource to
discovered hydrocarbon conversion (0.041%) from Olpad
Formation has suggested that huge quantity of YTF oil
potential still exists for conversion to tangible gain, which
acts as the bedrock of present work. The majority of this
converted reserve base (>50%) had contributed from
Nawagam Field itself, rest from Eastern and Western Basin
Margin Fields. But this Olpad oil in Nawagam Field is
encountered only in the top part of formation i.e. within
100 to 150m. Furthermore, worldwide oil occurrence
history in synrift half graben tectonic setting, has prompted
a deliberate search for untapped OOPS.

Structural architecture of the study area has brought out

two prominent intra basinal highs: N to NNWS to SSE
trending MiroliNawagam and N to NNE-S to SSW
trending Nandej Wasna high (Fig-3). Both the highs
merged to EW trending Nawagam-Wasna Ridge that
practically differentiates northern Jetalpur Low from
southern Tarapur Depression: two principle kitchens of
North Cambay Basin (Fig-3b). Towards north beyond
Miroli area, the high amplitude has further reduced and
flattened. The area has undergone polyphase tectonic
disturbance and imprint of tectonic inversion has been
manifested. Time mapping at Danian (Olpad) and
Thanetian (OCS) Sequence top and fault correlation have
brought out structural architecture of the study area as
asymmetric faulted half graben. Towards eastern rising
flank of Jetalpur Low, domino fault has been observed
with seismic roll over against an east dipping fault both in
Olpad and OCS level (Fig.-3). Paleo tectonic analysis
(Fig.:-4) along the seismic inline X,

Present Exploration Scenario

Although, initial success for synrift hydrocarbon within
Upper part of Olpad Formation could be traced way back
in early sixties itself in the Nawagam cross trend, past five
decades exploration history in Cambay Basin was focused

cross line Y and NE-SW trending RC Lines have depicted

basin floor morphology and subsequent synrift
accommodation. A conspicuous shift of paleo depositional

faulting (Fig.-7). E-W trending transfer/cross faults have

subdivided these longitudinal segments into different
rotating fault blocks offsetting longitudinal faults.

Fig.- 3b: Structural disposition of Nawagam-Wasna Ridge.

low from W to E has been observed from Olpad to

Shallower Level, corroborating observation of
isochronopach maps also. Time thickness of Olpad
sequence (Fig.-5) has indicated high axis passing west of
Nawagam structure and the entire Nawagam-Wasna area
was depositional low during Olpad deposition with depo
centre in the northern part of Jetalpur low. Isochronopach
of OCS sequence (Fig.-6) indicates that the area
experienced structural reversal and Nandej-Wasna became
structural high during OCS deposition. Minimum OCS
thickness is observed in Eastern rising flank of Jetalpur
while deepest part being North of Nawagam structure. The
structural style shows NNW to SSE trending longitudinal
fault system associated with synthetic faulting.

The fault controlled negative areas were seats for

successive deposition of thick pile of epiclastic alluvial fan
sediments derived from Trap escarpments followed by
marine (? Pro deltaic) shale punctuated with occasional
high energy (sand/silt) pulse. Concomitant subsidence
along half graben marginal growth fault with dumping load
has resulted in creating new accommodation and
subsequent reduction of intra basinal irregularities.

Depositional Model and Sediment Architecture

The eastern limb of Nawagam has further been dissected

into three structural segments by longitudinal and synthetic

Worldwide prolific existence of half graben petroleum

province is in incipient stage in Indian Basin Scenario.
Thus, a conceptualize Geological Model of half graben
(Fig.-8) tectonic setting has been prepared for synrift
sedimentation. The model envisaged both transverse (EW)
and axial (NS) drainage pattern to decipher the probable
locale for reservoir development. The transverse drainage
pattern from steeper foot wall derived alluvial fans of
Nawagam flank and gentler hanging wall dip slope alluvial
fans of Nandej/Wasna flank has resulted in deposition of
reservoir facies within Olpad. The steep footwall slope is
blanketed by coarse debris but the dip slope fans dominate
the half graben fill (Miall, 1996). Depositional
environment of the synrift sediments were all directly
affected by episodic movement on half graben bounding

normal fault. Topography and uplift/subsidence pattern

created by Extensional Faulting directly influenced nearly
every aspects of synrift sedimentation e.g. thickness,
texture, sediment transport direction, litho facies etc. The
envisaged trunk channel remained consistently confined
towards the axial part of Jetalpur low, flowing both from
north and south towards paleo lows (Lacustrine Fill). This
low fill sediments of lacustrine facies in the reducing
condition has been envisaged to act as a possible source in
the model.

Olpad synrift sequence is characterized by admixture of

highly heterogeneous lithology comprising of epiclastics
representing alluvial fan complex and different clay facies
of lacustrine origin. Half grabens setting have accumulated
epiclastic conglomerate, lithic sandstone/siltstones and
wide spectrum of clay stone ranging from trap wash to
highly oxidized haematitic reddish brown clay stones to
thinly laminated sideritic organic rich chert (verve deposit,
typical of lacustrine facies) to variegated clay stone. These
overlies unconformably to chemically weathered and
highly altered Deccan Basalt. The sequence comprising of
very fine volcani clastic (epiclastics) siltstones, clay
stones/shales deposited during synrift phase of basin
evolution have represented distal fan to lacustrine
conditions, while coarser epiclastics for proximal and mid
fan complexes. Quality Olpad reservoir unit is mainly
represented by mid fan epiclastic sandstone /siltstone. The
sediment influx consisted of detritus from Deccan Trap
escarpments. Rapid erosion accompanied by rapid infilling
by coarse detritus has occurred concomitant to fault bound
subsidence creating accommodation.

gross shale/clay stone is envisaged as proper

progradational/fore stepping) delta in a transgressive
setting (back stepping beaches) (Catuneanu, 2006). Three
geo bodies have been identified in Olpad based on
geological model to divulge OOPS. One geobody in OCS
(Fig.-: 9 and 10) has been identified for exploration inputs
for synrift half graben play.

Olpad accommodation pattern indicates both large scale

coarsening upward (Fig.-11) owing to continuous faulting
and fan progradation and fining upward sequence due to
short faulting phase followed by retreat of scarp front and
lowering of relief in the source area or lateral shifting or
abandonment of fan (Gerhard 2000). Individual fan lobe
progradation has also been observed by small scale
coarsening upward cycle pattern in the drilled wells of
Nawagam Field. Reverse modeling of core to log data has
envisaged both back stepping and pro grading fan complex
as possible reservoir locale (Fig.-12).

Synrift Play Concept

Based on the paleo tectonic analysis and sediment filled
architecture of synrift sequence concomitant to positive

OCS consists of lenticular/discrete silts/very fine

sandstone partings within gross marine/pro deltaic shale.
This lenticular encased high energy sand/silt pulses within

accommodation and the exploratory leads established so

far from drilled wells in the Basin, following play types
have envisaged for Synrift Play:

combination of footwall uplift and hanging wall

subsidence by half graben bounding fault.

A) Within Tectonic Low :

Half Graben Fault Closure model for both the

rising flanks of Jetalpur low for probing OlpadOlpad PS.

Wedge out/ Pinch out Prospect against paleo highs.

Vertically Drained High Impedence PS.

B) Within Tectonic High/Flank:

Synchronous sands on structural highs

Fanglomerate deposits adjacent to highs

C) Irrespective of Structural Component:

Encapsulated sand/silt partings/body within OCS

Coarser Clastics inputs along Transfer Zone.

Olpad accumulation within the study area is mainly stratistructural located around palaeo/basement highs and rising
flanks of adjacent lows with good reservoir facies
development. Hydrocarbon distribution pattern within
OCS is found to be stratigraphic with reservoir facies
development.

Conclusion
A deliberate attempt has been made to probe the existence
of OOPS in Cambay Basin with huge envisaged YTF
hydrocarbon potential. Tectonic slopes are produced by

The steep footwall slope is blanketed by coarse debris.

Half graben setting in the deeper part of Olpad sediments
have been targeted taking analogy from existing
worldwide entrapment model. Lacustrine facies of Olpad
has been considered for source rock. Reverse modeling of
core to well log have suggested reservoir facies
development in both fan progradation and back stepping as
observed from drilled wells of Nawagam in the shallower
part of Olpad Formation. Fault bound fanglomerate
deposits against episodic movement of half graben
bounding fault is also identified as possible prospect. The
electro log calibration with SWC and conventional core
data has brought out higher Rt values for coarser clastics
reservoir facies. Both high amplitude and low amplitude
seismic facies for the deeper event has been found.
Domino fault prospect towards gentler rising flank along
with roll over feature against east dipping fault has been
identified for exploratory inputs. Altogether, four
prospects have been identified. Drilling of these, if found
wet, may lead to paradigm shift in hitherto exploration
history of Cambay Basin to half graben YTF oil.

Acknowledgement
The authors express their deep gratitude to Shri.
N.K.Verma, Director (Exploration), ONGC for granting
permission to publish this paper. Special thanks to Shri
Tarun Shah, GMHead BMG, ONGC, Baroda. The authors
are indebted to Shri Amitabh Mishra, CG(S) and Shri P.K.
Yadav, CG(S), BlockII, W.O.Basin, ONGC, Baroda for
their constant assistance and kind help during execution of
work itself. The views expressed by the authors in this
paper are their own and may not be the view of company.

References
Catuneanu, Dr. O (2006): Principles of Sequence
Stratigraphy, First Edition, Elesvier, P-374
Chatterjee, C.L., Minz, P. K., Nagasudha,V., C. Prakash, ,
Raina,K. L., and Ramakrishna, M., (1999):
Lithostratigraphy and Depositional Environment of
Subsurface Sequence from South Patan and Khamboi
Area, Mehsana Block, Unpublished ONGC Report.
Gerhard Einsele, (2000): Sedimentary Basins: Evolution,
Facies and Sediment Budget, 2nd Ed., Springer, P. 792.
Kundu, J., Wani, M.R. and Thakur, R. K. (1993):
Structural styles in South Cambay Rift Basin and its
control on post rift deltaic sedimentation: Proc. of the 2nd
Seminar on Petroliferous Basins of India, eds. S. K. Biswas
et al., Indian Petroleum Pub., Dehradun, Vol. 2, P. 79-96.
Mial, Andrew. D, (1996): The Geology of Fluvial
Deposits, First Edition, Springer, P. 582.
Pratap, V. and Sonare. S.C., (2005): Insights on Olpad
Formation: - Assessment of Hydrocarbon Play Types in
North Cambay Basin, India, Petrotech 2005, pp 897-903.
Ray., G. K, et.al. (2001): Quantitative Genetic Modeling
of Cambay Basin, KDMIPE, ONGC Unpublished Report.