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Document (1) (68)

Uploaded by

adebolaakande1
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Techniques of Pollution

3. Stratigraphy

4. Depositional Beds

5. Hydrocarbon Potential

6. Conclusion

7. References

1. Introduction
The Niger Delta Basin, situated on the Gulf of Guinea along Nigeria’s western
coast, is a prolific hydrocarbon province renowned for its extensive oil and
gas reserves. Spanning approximately 75,000 km² subaerially and covering a
total area of 300,000 km², the basin boasts a sedimentary fill of about
500,000 km³, with depths ranging between 9 to 12 km. Its complex
geological history and structural features have made it a focal point for
geological studies and petroleum exploration.

2. Techniques of Pollution

Pollution in the Niger Delta arises from several activities related to oil
extraction, transportation, and spills. These techniques include:

1. Oil Spills: Common due to pipeline ruptures, sabotage, or equipment


failure, leading to soil and water contamination.

2. Gas Flaring: Involves the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere,
causing air pollution.

3. Improper Waste Disposal: Includes the dumping of drilling fluids and


other waste products into the environment.

4. Seepage: Oil seepage from abandoned wells and facilities


contaminates groundwater and surrounding areas.
These pollutants significantly affect the environment, damaging ecosystems,
reducing soil fertility, and harming aquatic life.

3. Stratigraphy

The stratigraphy of the Niger Delta Basin highlights its complex depositional
history.

1. Akata Formation:

Age: Paleocene

Composition: Thick marine shales, turbidite sands, and silt.

Role: The primary source rock for hydrocarbons.

2. Agbada Formation:

Age: Eocene
Composition: Alternating sandstone and shale layers.

Role: The major reservoir unit for oil and gas.

3. Benin Formation:

Age: Oligocene to Recent

Composition: Continental sands and alluvial deposits.

Role: Overburden unit with no hydrocarbon potential.

4. Depositional Beds

The depositional beds in the Niger Delta Basin represent a transition from
deep marine to fluvial environments.

1. Marine Deposits: Akata Formation represents lowstand deposits in deep


water under anoxic conditions.
2. Deltaic Deposits: Agbada sandstones indicate delta-front and
distributary channel environments.

3. Fluvial Deposits: Benin Formation sandstones reflect deposition by


braided streams and on floodplains.

These beds are shaped by sediment supply, sea-level changes, and tectonic
activity.

4. Hydrocarbon Potential

The Niger Delta Basin is one of the most prolific hydrocarbon-producing


regions in the world, featuring:

Oil Reserves: Estimated at 34.5 billion barrels.

Gas Reserves: Approximately 94 trillion cubic feet.

Source Rocks: Marine shales from the Akata Formation.

Reservoir Rocks: Sandstones from the Agbada Formation.


Traps: Formed by growth faults, rollovers, and shale diapirs.

Hydrocarbon exploration remains a key economic activity, although its


environmental consequences require mitigation.

5. Conclusion

The Niger Delta Basin’s geological complexity and hydrocarbon resources are
integral to Nigeria’s economy. However, the environmental impacts of oil and
gas extraction necessitate sustainable management practices. By balancing
economic gains with ecological preservation, the basin can remain
productive for future generations.

6. References

1. Tuttle, M., Charpentier, R., & Brownfield, M. (1999). The Niger Delta
Petroleum System: Niger Delta Province, Nigeria, Cameroon, and
Equatorial Guinea, Africa. United States Geological Survey.

2. Doust, H., & Omatsola, E. (1990). Niger Delta Stratigraphy and Petroleum
Systems.

3.

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