Palynofacies Analysis of Ida 5 -well, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

Abstract

Palynofacies analyses of the strata penetrated by Ida-5 well were carried out with the aim of establishing palynostratigraphic zones, biochronology and paleoenvironment of deposition of the stratigraphic sequence of the well. Fifty ditch cutting samples within the interval of 2207 – 3569 m were analyzed. The acid method of sample preparation for palynofacies analyses was followed. The analyses yielded low to abundant pollen and spores, small to large sized palynomacerals 1 and 2, with few palynomacerals 3 and 4. The lithology showed alternation of shale and sandstone units as well as sandy shale. The studied intervals were dated middle Miocene to late Miocene based on the recovered age diagnostic species such as Multiareolites formosus, Verrutricolporites rotundiporus, Crassoretitriletes vanraadshoveni and Racemonocolpites hians. The lithology, indicates that the entire studied interval belongs to the Agbada Formation. Using the International Stratigraphic Guide for establishment of biozones, three interval range zones were established. These are: Multiareolites formosus– Monoporites annulatus, Verrutricolporites rotundiporus–Crassoretitriletes vanraadshoveni and Striatricolporites catatumbus–Racemonocolpites hians Zones. Paleoenvironmental interpretation based on the lithology and palynofacies association revealed that the stratigraphic interval was in the coastal-deltaic environments. Palynofacies, Biochronlogy, Paleoenvironment, Ida-5 well, Niger Delta Basin