Using 3D seismic data, the researchers traced how the history of sediment deposition in the basin can be deciphered using 3D seismic data, which in turn can pave the way for hydrocarbon exploration and provide insight into geo- or seismo-tectonics. Region.
The Upper Assam Basin in northeastern India is surrounded by the Himalayan range in the north, the Naga Hills in the south and the Mishmi Hills in the east. Most of the sediments belong to the Tertiary period (66 – 2.5 million years ago) and the recent alluvium cover. Seismic data can play an important role in unraveling the depositional environment of these sediments in the basin.
Dr. Kalachand Sain, Director, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. from India, along with Dr. Priyadarshi Chinmoy Kumar, WIHG scientist, examined textural responses from high-resolution 3D seismic data in the Dibrugarh field in the Upper Assam Basin to tease apart the depositional environment of the sedimentary succession.
The study shows that the textural characteristics of the Barail Oligocene Coal Shale Unit (deposited between 33.9 and 20.4 million years ago) are associated with a deformed, wavy, chaotic and heterogeneous texture, indicating a deeper basinal condition prevailing during its deposition (as indicated in the maps).
While the overlying Miocene Tipam Sandstone Unit (deposited between 20.4 and 11.6 million years ago) is associated with less chaotic and highly homogeneous textures (molasse type), suggesting a fluvial environment during its deposition (as shown on the maps).
This research was carried out by the Seismic Interpretation Laboratory (SIL) based at WIHG, Dehradun and is published in the journal Geological Society of India. Such a study is not only useful for hydrocarbon exploration in the thrust fold zone, but can also provide insightful implications for finer-scale geo- or seismo-tectonics of the area.
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