Semiliki Basin (Albertine Graben) project report.

Abstract

This report gives details of the field study that was conducted between march 15th to March 24th in the Semliki basin in the Albertine Graben. The study was conducted by forth year students of petroleum geoscience with major aim of training (and learning) how to collect and interpret stratigraphic, petrographic, sedimentologic and structural data; which are very important in hydrocarbon exploration. Various methods were employed to obtain the results. The methods employed ranged from; Geological methods – the studying of outcrops, logging, and structural measurements, to geophysical methods - the seismic and well log interpretations. The materials and techniques used ranged from handy geologic tools, such as hand lens and geological hammers to laboratory equipment and software such as Geosoft, techlog. The lithologies encountered during the study are; unconsolidated sands, clays, silts, and conglomerates. The stratigraphy had alternating argillaceous and arenaceous formations. The observed structures and facies succession were used to determine / relate the different deposition processes and environments (fluvial, deltaic and lacustrine), and paleocurrent directions. The observations and interpretation made from the field study area revealed great hydrocarbons potential in Semliki basin, with a complete petroleum system. The stratigraphic logging revealed thick clays, sand layers proceeding and succeeding each other thus making a seal and a reservoir rock respectively. Turaco fault system and flower structures interpreted from seismic data are important structural traps for hydrocarbons. Although the basin sediments are of Tertiary age making them young, there are clear indications of oil seeps in the area for example in kibuku observed and the high temperatures (geothermal gradient) as witnessed at Sempaya hot springs, are positive indications of a high hydrocarbon potential of the area.