Low velocities at depth: implications for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery in onshore Niger delta

Low velocities corresponding to the distorted reflections at depth has been examined with respect to the implications they could have on the enhancement of hydrocarbon recovery in onshore Niger delta. Detailed velocity analysis using VITAL revealed these low velocities, which were observed to remain low with increase in depth beyond 3seconds. Prestack Depth Migrated sections using the result of the detailed velocity analysis showed that although we might have multiple reflections to contend with (especially at the footwall of main boundary faults), the lower velocities give us better imaging at depth than the higher velocities that were conventionally used for previous depth migrations in the study location. Thus, if we could considerably attenuate multiples, account for anisotropy and settle overpressure concerns which are other likely causes of low velocities, then properly estimating low velocities will help us unlock hydrocarbon potentials hidden behind poor seismic imaging at depth.