SPE 128668

Depositional Environment and Sequence Stratigraphy of Eocene Reservoirs,

Assam Shelf, India: A Multiwell Log Study
Copyright 2010, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Oil and Gas India Conference and Exhibition held in Mumbai, India, 20–22 January 2010.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been reviewed
by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or
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Abstract

Although the Palaeocene-Eocene reservoirs of the Assam shelf have been prolific producers of oil and gas, the production profiles
of various fields have caused concerns because of their departure from the geological model originally envisaged. An attempt is
made to understand the temporal and spatial reservoir heterogeneity within a broader depositional model framework using micro-
resistivity image and open hole log data from four fields in the assam Shelf; Baghjan, Katahloni, Bhogpara and Nahorkatia. Using
image data, whole cores, dip patterns, openhole logs, image derived neural network facies and image derived textural facies, the
key reservoir facies associations are identified. Facies associations in different wells are made use of to reconstruct depositional
sequences, which enable to conceive a broader depositional model for the sedimentation of major Plaeocene to Eocene formations,
namely Langpar, Lakadong, Narpuh, Prang and Kopili.

This study infers marginal marine to coastal plain channelized sedimentation for the Langpar formation with reservoirs likely to be
oriented in a NW-SE to E-W direction. These basal clastics are overlain by lagoon–barrier island to coastal plain channel
environment of the Lakadong formation with reservoir orientation along E-W to NW-SE direction. Beach-strand plain to chenier
plain depositional environment is encountered in the Narpuh formation with the reservoir appearing to have an extension along N-
S to NW-SE direction. Overlying Prang and Kopili formations are inferred as restricted marginal marine deposits. The Prang
shows occurrences of carbonate facies whereas the Kopili shows feeder channels facies of thick argillaceous sequence. Overall, the
Eocene-Oligocene petroleum system seems to have been deposited in a marginal marine depositional setting. Analysis of
depositional units in a sequence stratigraphic context suggests that the overall sequence has evolved in a transgressive system.
Using a sequence stratigraphic framework allowed us to better define reservoir distribution patterns of the Assam Shelf, and these
facies associations may prove useful in future reservoir modeling studies.

Introduction

The Upper Assam basin, an onshore petroleum province of India has been producing oil and gas for more than a century, from
Barail and Tipam group (upper Oligocene- Miocene) which have been studied extensively 4,8. In recent years, commercial
hydrocarbon accumulations have been discovered in the upper Paleocene–Eocene clastic sediments, known as the Eocene
Petroleum system (Wnadrey, 2000). These Eocene reservoirs now contribute approximately 60% (1.5MMT) of the crude oil
production of Oil India Limited. The North Eastern Indian basin has been studied for depositional pattern and basin evolution
pattern 8 as well as broad depositional environment and petroleum system potential using geochemical data and production data 5,
9
. The present study focuses on detailed facies analysis to address the reservoir distribution pattern in the light of exisiting
literature.

Among the Eocene reservoirs of the Assam shelf, which are distributed among various formations, the Langpar, Lakadong and
Narpuh formations in particular show variable facies distribution across four different fields, namely Baghjan, Katahloni,
Bhogpara and Nahorkatia. This variable facies distribution causes early water cut in a few reservoirs, unlike good oil production
seen in a few others. To address this inconsistent production behavior, an attempt is made to reconstruct reservoir distribution
2 [SPE 128668]

pattern in the context of conceptual depositional environment using detailed facies analysis from high resolution microresitivity
image and openhole log data from these fields.

Key facies are identified by integrating FMI image facies, dip pattern, image resitivity derived texture and open hole log derived
facies using neural network. Based on the facies association, this study frames a conceptual geological model for the sedimentation
of Eocene Petroleum system in Assam shelf. Such log based geological analysis are of critical importance, specially in reservoir
like Eocene reservoirs in Assam shelf where the seismic data is of very coarse resolution due to limitations of acquisition design in
these deepseated (3500-4500m) targets. Moreover, seismic data also looses resolution due to frequency loss in thick Kopili shales
overlying on these Eocene reservoirs.

Geolgical Setting

Structurally, the Assam geologic province consists of two primary sub-parallel features trending SW-NE, which developed just
prior to, and as a result of plate collision (Fig. 1). The Assam Shelf, which is presently being subducted beneath both the Eurasian
plate to the north and the Burma plate to the southeast (Fig. 1) is the northernmost structural feature of the province. The south-
ernmost feature consists of en-echelon folds of the Naga Hills overthrust belt and the northernmost Indo-Burman Ranges, which
are continually developing as the shelf undergoes subduction (Fig. 1). The present-day Assam geologic province, a cratonic
margin, reflects three distinct tectonic phases. The earliest phase involved Late Cretaceous to Eocene block faulting and the
development of a southeasterly dipping shelf. During the second phase, in Oligocene time, uplift and erosion occurred north of the
Dukai fault, reactivating many basement faults. Many basement-controlled structures became prominent during this phase 7.
Oligocene uplift and erosion were followed by extensive alluvial deposition throughout the late Miocene through Pliocene
extensive alluvial deposition. At its thickest, the sedimentary column is as much as 7,000 m thick and thinnest section lies along
the axis of the central basement ridge, where it is less than 2,000 m thick 9.

Within the Assam geologic province, the oldest sedimentary rocks are the continental to lagoonal sandstones and interbedded
shales of the Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene Dergaon and Disang formations which are absent in the study area. The top of the
Dergaon and Disang is marked by an unconformity and overlain by the medium-grained massive sandstones of the Paleocene and
Eocene Jaintia Group (the Tura and Langpar formations) 9 (Fig. 2). The Tura and Langpar were deposited in a fluvial to marginal
marine environment 9. The overlying Eocene Sylhet Formation was deposited in a range of environments and is subdivided into
members (Fig. 2). The lower Lakadong members were deposited in a lagoonal environment 9. The middle part of the Lakadong
member typically consists of the thick sands of strand plain or barrier-bar environments 9. The upper part of the Lakadong member
is calcareous sandstone of a restricted shallow-water platform 5. The overlying Narpuh member consists of claystones and
siltstones of a shelf environment. The upper member of the Sylhet, the Prang member, is a shelf carbonate with interbedded
siltstones and clay 9. Within the Assam geologic province, the Sylhet Formation is depositionally thicker from northwest to
southeast due to contemporaneous platform tilting and basement-sourced block faulting. The top of the Sylhet is marked by a
regional unconformity on which shallow marine to lagoonal shales and interbedded limestones of the Eocene Kopili Formation
accumulated 9 (Fig. 2).

Methodology

The deciphering of geological facies association has been attempted by integrating three different methodologies of image facies,
textural facies and neural network derived facies. The key facies are identified in each stratigraphic horizon (Langpar, Lakadong,
Narpuh and Prang) of all the studied wells (two wells in the Bagjhan field, one well in the Bhogpara field, one well in the
Kathaloni field and one in the Nahorkatia field). The facies association of these key facies is used to infer depositional
environments. Eight facies were identified using openhole log data (density log, neutron log, and gamma ray log) in supervised
neural network analysis (Fig. 3). These facies are Sandstone, Calcretized Sandstone, Siltstone, Shale, Carbonaceous shale,
Calcretized shale, Coal and Carbonate (Fig. 3).

Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) is one of several algorithms used by geoscientists to define lithofacies based on log curves and
to perform multi-well facies classification10. Neural Networks use a set of processing elements (or nodes) loosely analogous to
neurons in the brain, hence the name, neural networks. These nodes are interconnected in a network that can then identify patterns
in dataset as it is exposed to the data. In a sense, the network learns from experience just as people do. This distinguishes neural
networks from traditional computing programs that simply follow instructions in a fixed sequential order. In this multi-well study
the same number and type of log curve inputs (density log, neutron log and gamma ray log) for every well is taken. First, in an
[SPE 128668] 3

approach called supervised neural network, a training zone is created whereby key facies identified on core and FMI images were
selected directly from a targeted number of boreholes or Key Wells. This set then went through a training phase where the set of
log curves was optimized with the defined facies to create a neural network model. In other words, for a given input, the network
should compute an output close to the expected one. The performance of a neural network was assessed in terms of an error called
root mean-squared error or RMSE. This error was computed from the difference between the expected and network results.
Basically, the smaller the error the better it fits the model. RMSE was computed on the training set and expected to decrease
steadily approaching lower values with successive iterations. In this study, since the network was supervised, the error was
expected to be minimal. The same procedure was applied to all the four wells. The lithofacies logs were also provided with 3
output curves ranking the probability of their respective occurrence from the most probable, the second most probable and the third
most probable facies. The most probable facies is displayed in the final plots and delivered with the results as the lithofacies curve.

Textural analysis of facies was carried out on high resolution micro-resitivity images11. This technique calculates depth wise
relative distribution of reisitivity and gives a distribution in histogram format. An image resistivity distribution can be viewed as a
histogram or VDL display. The VDL is a convenient way to look at a large amount of data. After locating the peak of the
distribution, it is possible to set boundaries that define the extent of a well sorted distribution. Points falling outside the boundaries
can then be examined independently. The methodology assumes distribution of resistivity in a particular lithology is guided by its
textural affect and primarily by sorting in a clean formation. The resistivity distribution is carried out in separates zones to address
the affect of different fluids. A sorting index is calculated based on relative distribution of resitvity. Lower the sorting index and
lower the distribution of micro-resitivity in histogram, better the sorting. Facies are integrated to find facies associations from
different wells11.

Based on vertical superposition of facies association of integrated key facies in different wells, depositional sequences are
identified which in turn are used for sequence stratigraphic analysis. Broad formation boundaries are given by client. Therefore,
no fresh correlation is attempted; rather boundaries are refined to match with facies variation across the wells in different field
(Bagjhan, Bhogpara, kathaloni and Nahorkatia).

Facies Analysis

1. Facies Association A (Langpar member):

Dominant facies in this formation is cross bedded to plane bedded sandstone dipping E, NE & SE. This facies is interbedded with
lenticular-flaser to plane bedded carbonaceous argillaceous facies in Baghjan and Kathaloni field (Fig. 4, 5). The cross bedded
sandstone is moderately to well sorted (Fig. 4, 5). On the contrary, facies are mottled and shale dominated interbedded with thin
parallel bedded to completely bioturbated and poorly sorted sandstone in Bhogpara field (Fig. 6). In some wells the basal facies is
5-8m thick, coarse grained lenticualar-flaser bedded sandstone. The argillaceous facies are calcretized and also contain reducing
minerals and shows pedoturbation. Shale facies are looking resistive in image due to presence of carbonaceous material. Three
dominant facies are identified in the Langpar formation from core analysis namely plane bedded to lenticualr –flaser bedded fine
sandstone (Fig. 7a, b); Plane bedded to cross bedded, medium to coarse grained sandstone (Fig. 7c) and massive, medium to coarse
grained sandy grain flows with floated carbonaceous shale fragments (Fig. 7d). Among these three facies, the most dominant
facies is plane bedded to cross bedded sandstone.

Presence of bedded carbonaceous silt, occasionally reducing mineral in fine grained facies represent largely oxidizing
environment, intermittently subjected to reducing conditions which may prevail in coastal plain channels. Langpar is attributed to
fluvial to marginal marine setting 5, 9. In the light of existing studies coupled with our observation, the facies association A is
interpreted as coastal plain facies of channel and overbank facies, subjected to wave/tidal condition intermittently. The cross
bedded fining upward trend of sand bodies with high variability in palaoeflow in Bagjhan and Katahloni is attributed to coastal
plain channel sedimentation. However, shale dominated, parallel laminated facies in kathaloni are interpreted as low energy
coastal plain overbank fines and channels. This lateral variation is facies is attributed to prevailing coastal geomorphology. In
general, The Langpar formation is lenticular –flaser bedded to wave rippled sandstone at base which become cross bedded to plane
bedded with carbonaceous fragments along bed sets towards top inter-bedded with laminated carbonaceous and calcretized shale.
This facies association is inferred as coastal flat sand- shale and coastal channel sandstone
2. Facies Association B (Lakadong member):

Lakadong member shows characteristic facies variation up section. Cross bedded to low angle cross bedded sandstone showing
bimodality in flow. The dominant flow direction is E-SE with variance to NE -N. This sand facies occurs at two intervals and is of
4 [SPE 128668]

variable thickness in different fields (Fig. 11, 13). This sandy facies is interbedded with mottled argillaceous coaly and
carbonaceous shaly facies association (Fig. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12). These facies variations are documented systematically from base to
top and named as sub-facies B1 to B7. The facies charcteristics are almost similar in all the wells except there thickness variation.
B1 sub-facies show completely bioturbated sand at base overlain by calcretised shale and thin sand beds. Approximately 3.5m
thick basal sand body shows a coarsening upwards trend in gamma curve (Fig. 8). B2 facies is largely calcretized shale with rarely
occurring bioturbated sand and carbonaceous shale facies (Fig. 9). B3 subfacies are dominantly carbonaceous shale and coal
interbeded with rare occurrence of calcareous shale and siltstone (Fig. 10). B4 subfacies shows cross bedded sandstone in cosets
showing a bimodal distribution (Fig. 11). Coset boundaries are separated by shale draped surfaces. Low sorting index and VDL
display of resistivity distribution shows moderately sorted texture (Fig. 11). B5 sub facies shows interbedding of calcretized shale.
In general facies shows variable distribution of conductive nodules (Fe, Mn, pyrite) and their abundance increases in calcretized
shale (Fig. 12). B6 shows cross bedded sandstone in cosets. Dominantly flow is easterly with minor variance towards SE. Gamma
ray forms a feeble fining upward trend. Sand is well to moderately sorted as observed from resistivity VDL display and sorting
index (Fig. 13). B7 subfacies shows thinly laminated southerly dipping silty-shaly facies.

Completely bioturbated sand body forming a coarsening upwards trend overlain by shale facies of B1 are interpreted as washover
fan/flood delta facies in lagoon basin. Largely calcretized shale with rare occurrence of bioturbated siltstone facies of B2 sub
facies are interpreted as lagoon margin shales. Predominantly coal and carbonaceous shale with few shale facies in B3 sub facies is
interpreted as lagoon margin swamp. Cross bedded sandstone is cosets with bimodal paleoflow and moderately sorted sand of B4
sub facies is interpreted as barrier island and flood-ebb tidal channel sand. Calcareous shale interbedded with shales having
reducing mineral concentration is interpreted as lagoon margin shales suffering repeated oxidation-reducing due to water level
variation. Cross bedded sandstone in cosets having dominantly easterly flow with low variance to SE and well to moderately
sorted texture of sand is interpreted as barrier island sand where cross bed sets are easterly driven by prevailing longshore currents.
Thinly laminated silty-shaly facies in B7 is interpreted as tidal flat facies. Facies superposition cycle is almost similar in all the
wells, however thickness of facies is variable in different wells.

Sub facies B1 to B7 shows a systematic facies association up section. The basal flood delta to washover sand of B1 is overlain by
caclretized lagoon margin shale of B2 and then coaly and carbonaceous material bearing B3 of swampy/marshy land and further
overlain by cross bedded barrier island-flood-ebb tidal channel sand of B4. This vertical superposition of facies suggests a lagoon
retrograding cycle where deep lagoon facies are gradually overlain by barier island facies. Further up section B5 shows repeated
oxidizing-reducing conditions probably in low low lying areas of abnoned flood-ebb channels which is further overlain by cross
bedded barrier island sand of B6 and finally at top thinly bedded tidal flat facies of B7. The second sedimentation cycle represent
barrier island development. In general, from B1 to B7 the facies association may be interpreted as transgressive barrier island
facies succession where deep lagoon facies of B1, B2 are overlain by lagoon margin swamp facies of B3 and finally overlain by
barrier island building facies of B4 and B6. The dominant easterly flow direction of bedforms in barrier island suggest the axis of
barrier island is approximately E-W and minor ebb-flood channels oblique to it. Such detailed facies analysis is of critical
importance to understand reservoir facies distribution in sub surface and to infer broad reservoir heterogeneity.

3. Facies Association C (Narpuh member):

The documented facies in this formation shows lateral variation. The dominant facies is plane bedded, bioturbated sandstone
occasionally having vertical burrows (Fig. 15). Beds are almost horizontal. This sandstone shows good peak in resistivity
distribution VDL display and low sorting index which indicates sediments are mature and well sorted. However, the same sand in
Bhogpara field shows poorly sorted texture (as observed in resistivity distribution of VDL display) and calcretised facies
interbedded with calcretized shale and shale facies (Fig. 16).

This facies is attributed to slow sedimentation and reworking conditions of sediments in sandflat to mix flat environment enabling
better sorting of sediments and bioturbation. However, the lateral variability in facies may be due to prevailing tectonics or
variable coastal morphology. The calcretisation of sand and shale facies towards Bhogpara may be attributed to post depositional
sub-aerial exposure of elevated areas and subsequent vadose cementation due to tectonic upliftment. However, appearance of
thicker shale facies interbedded with sand in Bhogapara field as opposed to clean massive, well sorted sand in Baghjan field
suggest lateral variability in facies, probably controlled by coastal morphology.
4. Facies Association D (Prang member):

Prang member shows dominantly argillaceous facies. Argillaceous facies is largely massive, bioturbated and occasionally shows
sharp based sand beds which are internally relict bedded (Fig. 17). Solely based on comparision of restivity image pattern with
[SPE 128668] 5

field published photographs, the bioturbation fabric look like colonized Anchonichnus, (opportunistic event bed association) to
low energy ichnofabric (Palaeopycus, Planolites, Phoebichnus, Anconichnus, Arenocolite) (cf. Morris et al, 2006, Fig. 4, 6, Table
2). Similar ichnofabric analysis is carried out by Prosser et al, (1999) using image logs. Tight carbonate facies of 3-8m thickness
occur in all the fields in Prang member and act as marker beds (Fig. 17). The internal laminated fabric of these marker beds
appears like microbial laminate to bindstone. These carbonate facies are presnt in most of thr wells but shows thickness variation
and inferred as patch reefs.

This facies is interpreted marginal marine, restricted basin sedimentation. Few bioturbated, sharp based sand beds may be storm
beds in this restricted marginal marine setting. The texture of bioturbation also suggests low energy restricted water condition.
About 5-6m thick bindstone to microbial laminate suggest shallow water, calm conditions in restricted water body.

5. Facies Association E: (Kopili member):

This member shows dominance of highly bioturbated shale facies. Bioturbation texture is similar to Prang shales. The shale facies
are occasionally interbedded with calcareous shale and siltstone facies. (Fig. 19). However, gradually toward top in the section,
abundance of sand bed increases and their thickness also increases upsection. Approximately 7-10m thick, plane bedded to low
angle cross bedded, well sorted sand body is observed in all the wells (Fig. 20) toward top of Kopili. Bedforms in such sand bodies
are northerly to easterly dipping. Thick Kopili causes lot of borehole unstability issues due to wahouts, eliiptisity and breakouts.

The shale facies with similar ichnofabric to Prang along with presence of occasional calcareous shale and silt is interpreted as
restricted marginal marine basin sedimentation. Gradually increasing abundance of sand bodies towards top in the well suggest
basin filling by feeder channels and basin margin silty-sandy facies similar to lacustrine basin fill facies.

Depostional Sequence and Sequence Stratigrapy

Depositional sequences are inferred based on vertical superposition of facies association in different wells and are summarized in
Table 1 with paleoflow directions. Major reservoir facies bearing formations (Langpar, Lakdong and Narpuh) show both vertical
and lateral facies variations (Fig. 21, 22). Based on high-resolution facies variation, the present study has refined a pre-existing
correlation, which was based on log response, biostratigraphy and lithology (OIL internal reports).

The Langapr formation is dominated by both low-angle and cross bedded sand bodies, as well as massive sands with numerous
carbonaceous fragments. Langpar sand bodies are capped with fine-grained shale in the Baghjan field. In the Bhogpara, Kathaloni
and Nahorkatia fields, these facies are dominated by calcareous shale toward the top and thick sand bodies at the base. The
Lakadong formation exhibits very high variability in sand body stacking patterns, both vertically and laterally across the fields. In
the Bagjhan field, it is dominated more by shale toward the top. In the Bhogpara field, it is dominated by sand toward the top. Coal
and carbonaceous facies are consistent across the fields. Two barrier island sand bodies are separated by a thick shale facies in the
Bagjhan field, whereas in the Bhogpara field they are almost connected. Basal washover fan/flood delta sands are also consistent
across the fields (Fig. 21, 22). In general, the Narpuh formation consists of two well-sorted, bioturbated silty-sand bodies separated
by shale facies. However, in the Bhogpara field, these sand bodies are considerably thinner and calcretised (Fig. 21, 22).

This study presents a refined facies analysis and addresses subtle reservoir heterogeneity as compared to the previously published
generalized studies on depositional environment 5, 9. On integrating the facies documented in various wells and summarized in
Table 1, it is evident that coastal plain facies of Langpar formation are overlain by trasgressive lagoon-barrier island facies of
Lakadong. The Lakadong facies is overlain by sand flat/mix flat facies of Narpuh and finally capped by restricted marginal marine
basin fill shale facies of Prang and Kopili formation. The thick shale of Prang and Kopili formations may correspond to a high
stand system tract. This sequence of facies associations can be inferred as transgressive depositional sequence, which is consistent
with previous studies 5, 9. Applying a sequence stratigraphic solution to the depositional environment is critical to inferring the
petroleum system and reservoir facies distribution pattern in the basin. It is especially vital in the Eocene Petroleum system of the
Assam Shelf, where seismic data is of poor quality
6 [SPE 128668]

Conclusions
1. Beacuse the seismic resolution is coarse in these deep seated formations, depostional sequences were reconstructed
using microresitivity imaging tool which in turn helped to understand likely reservoir facies distribution in the field.
2. Coastal plain channel sand of Langpar formation likely to have reservoir extension in E-W to NW-SE direction.
Langpar sand is moderately sorted, capped with coastal plane shale which are highly calcretized in Bhogapra and
Kathaloni field.
3. Lakadong sands evolved through lagoon-barrier island time tarnsgressive sedimentation. Lagoon-barrier island sand
facies of the Lakadong seem to extend along shoreline strike in the E-W to NW-SE direction. However, few ebb-tidal
flood channel may be oriented oblique to this. The Lakadong member appears to contain a complete petroleum
system (lagoon shale as source and seal whereas Barrier Island as reservoir sand).
4. On analyzing the quality of reservoir sand in terms of its flow performance, sand flat/ mix flat to Chenier plane sand
of Narpuh seems to be productive because of good sorting, lack of permeability barrier, and a good seal of overlying
Prang shale. Lateral variability of these facies is is attributed to basin tectonics or coastal morphology. Facies are
dipping easterly.
5. The Prang formation is largely argillaceous, except few sandy facies and microbial laminite/bindstone carbonate beds
of possible patch reef origin. These reefs may be future exploration target.
6. The thick Kopili formation is largely argillaceous at the base, gradually becoming sandy towards the top, which is
attributed to feeder fluvial channel/basin margin sedimentation. These basin margin feeder channel sand could be
good prospect as they overly thik Kopili source rock shales. There extension is quite variable but mostly N-S to NW-
SE oriented.
7. Sequence analysis suggests a transgressive system tract during Langpar-Lakadong-Narpuh sedimentation followed
by highstand during Prang-Kopili sedimentation. These transgressive plays exhibit all the elements of a petroleum
system in the basin, including source, reservoir and seal.

Acknowledgement

Authors are thankful to the management of Oil India Limited and Schlumberger for allowing to publish this study.

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8 [SPE 128668]

JONAI
H ASSAM
DES
L PRA JONAI

HA
AC MECHAKI
UN
AR SIMEN CHAPORI
R
E
V BAGHJAN
DHEMAJI I KUMCHAI
KHAGORIJAN
R
TINSUKIA HAPJAN
DIKOM MANABHUM
A
DIBRUGARH BHOGPARA KHARSANG
R
KATHALONI
DULIAJAN
T

NORTH LAKHIMPUR JORAJAN

DHAKUAKHANA-1 NAHORKATIYA
U

NIJLALUK-
NIJLALUK-1
PANIGAON NAMRUP
P

MORAN
BIHPURIA-
BIHPURIA-1 MAJDEURI GAON
A

M
BIHPURIA H
GARMUR
LAKWA
A
MADHUPUR-
MADHUPUR-1 SIBSAGAR
R
B GELEKI DISCOVERED FIELDS

JORHAT
STRUCTURE UNDER EXPLORATION/
TO BE EXPLORED
0 10 20

GOLAGHAT
KM

Fig. 1: Geological map of Assam shelf with broad structural trend (after Berger et al, 1983) and location of studied fields
(Baghajan, Kathaloni, Bhogpara and Nahorkatia marked with blue color).
[SPE 128668] 9

Fig. 2: Generalized stratigraphy of the basin (After Mathur et al, 2001)

10 [SPE 128668]

Fig. 3: Snapshot of the log

legend. From left to right, first
tracsk shows GR and FMI
image, second track shows
caliper data, third track shows
Dynamic image and dip classes,
fourth track shows neutron and
density log, fifth track shows
resistivity log, sixth track shows
eight neural net derived facies
and seventh track shows sorting
amplitude distribution and
sorting index

.
[SPE 128668] 11

Fig. 7a and 7b showing carbonaceous shale bedded with

plane bedded to lenticular-flaser bedded sand. Fig. 7c is
plane bedded to cross bedded sandstone. Fig. 7d is sandy
grain flow facies with floated carbonaceous shale
fragment facies

Fig. 7b Fig. 7c Fig. 7d

12 [SPE 128668]
[SPE 128668] 13
14 [SPE 128668]
[SPE 128668] 15

Langpar
Lakadong

Prang and Kopili

Fig. 22: Conceptual depositional model of Eocene Petroleum system in Assam shelf

Formation Thickness Facies association Inference Palaeoflow

Kopili Top not logged Bioturbated, argillaceous facies with thin high CU filling cycles of
proportion of silty sandy, plane bedded facies restricted marginal marine
towards top. basin by feeder channel &
basin margin facies
Prang 115-120m Massive bioturbated argillaceous facies having few Restricted, marginal
sharp based sand beds. Stromatolitic Limestone. marine basin fill with
occur towards top. variable basin topography
Narpuh 50-70m Plane bedded, well sorted, mature, bioturbated Transgressive reworked
sand dominated facies separated by comparatively chenier plane to sandflat-
thinner shales, dipping N, NE. Laterally facies are mix flat facies
variable and become calcretized.

Lakadong 140-160m Following facies association occur from base to B1 represents

top: washover/flood tidal
Plane bedded to completely bioturbated sand (B1). delta/fan delta facies in
Mottled, calcretized argillaceous facies (B2). lagoon. B2 and B3
Carbonaceous shale to coal (B3). Easterly flowing represent littoral to
cross bedded sand with flow variability toward S marginal lagoon fill facies.
(B4). Reducing mineral bearing calcretized B4 represent barrier island
argillaceous facies (B5). Easterly flowing cross facies. B5 represent lagoon
bedded sand with flow variability toward S (B6). fill facies. B6 represent
Thinly interbedded silty shale facies (B7). barier island facies. B7
represent tidal flat facies
Langpar 35-45m 4-10m thick cross bedded sand stone dipping N, Coastal plain channel and
NE, E interbedded with 2-5m thick pedoturbated, overbank fine facies
clacretized argillaceous facies.

Table 1: Summary of facies with Palaeoflow direction.