Seismic Characterization of Tertiary-Cretaceous Formations of Lake Sub-Basin, Borno. Nigeria
Main Article Content
Abstract
The Borno Basin is a frontier basin within the Mesozoic–Tertiary African rift system that originated in the Early Cretaceous period, situated in northeastern Nigeria and part of the Mega-Chad Basin. During this rifting phase, several kilometres of Lower Cretaceous clastic sediments, mainly lacustrine sandstones and shales, were deposited. This study applies 3D seismic interpretation supported by limited well control to evaluate the subsurface structural framework of Block 1 in the Lake Sub-Basin. Interpreted horizons range from 250 ms to 3000 ms, showing regional thinning of sediment packages toward the eastern part of the area. Structural interpretation reveals simple anticlines within the Cretaceous section as the primary traps, while faulting is highly deformed with poor lateral continuity. Most faults terminate at the angular unconformity separating Cretaceous sediments from overlying Tertiary deposits. Two fault types were identified: (i) deep-seated synthetic faults propagating upward from the basement and displacing overlying strata, and (ii) antithetic relief faults restricted within the sedimentary succession. Fault orientation analysis shows that about 45% of faults trend NW-SE, while E-W, N-S, and NE-SW orientations account for 7%, 21%, and 27%, respectively. This modifies earlier reports that emphasised NE-SW orientations as dominant. This study demonstrates that the Borno Basin’s structural style is characterized by simple anticlines and diverse fault orientations, with regional variations in sediment thickness and fault termination at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary. These findings provide insights into the basin’s tectonostratigraphic evolution and implications for hydrocarbon exploration.
Downloads
Article Details
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
References
1. Didi, C.N.; Osinowo, O.O.; Okey E.A.; Usman, M.B.: Re-evaluation of the stratigraphy, structural, and depositional environment of Kolmani field, Gongola sub-basin, northeast Nigeria using outcrop data, ditch cutting data, and well log data for enhanced hydrocarbon exploration. Discover Geoscience, 3(1) (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44288-025-00207-5
2. Tijani, M.N.: Geology of Nigeria. Landscapes and Landforms of Nigeria, 3–32 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17972-3_1
3. Didi, C.N.; Osinowo, O.O.; Akpunonu, O.E.; Usman, M.B.: Biostratigraphy, palynostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, and structural interpretation of Kolmani field, Gongola sub-basin, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 175, 107332. (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2025.107332
4. Didi, C.N.; Osinowo, O.O.; Okey E.A.; Osmond I.N.: Petroleum system and hydrocarbon potential of the Kolmani Basin, Northeast Nigeria. Journal of Sedimentary Environments, 9(1), 145–171 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43217-023-00162-6
5. Jia, Y.; Suhail, H.A.; Zhou, G.; Hou, Y.; Tian, J.; Liu, D.; Yin, L.: Impact of Inversion Tectonics on Hydrocarbon Trapping in Delo Depression, Bongor Basin, Southwestern Chad. Doklady Earth Sciences, 522(1) (2025). https://doi.org/10.1134/s1028334x24605686
6. Isyaku, A.A.; Rust, D.; Teeuw, R.; Whitworth, M.: Integrated well log and 2-D seismic data interpretation to image the subsurface stratigraphy and structure in north-eastern Bornu (Chad) basin: Journal of African Earth Sciences, 121, 1-12 (2016)
7. Chinwuko, A.I.; Onwuemesi, A.G.; Anakwuba, E.K.; Onuba, L.O.; Nwokeabia, N.: Interpretation of aeromagnetic anomalies over parts of upper Benue Trough and southern Chad basin, Nigeria. Vol. 3: Adv. Appl. Sci. Res., 3, 1757-1766 (2012)
8. Obaje, N.G.: Geology and Mineral Resources of Nigeria, Vol. 120. Springer (2009)
9. Boboye, O.; Akaegbobi, I.: Sedimentological and Palyno-environmental appraisal of the Late Quaternary sediments, north-eastern Bornu Basin. Quaternary International, 262, 14-19 (2012)
10. Alalade, B.; Tyson, R.V.: Hydrocarbon Potential of the Late Cretaceous Gongila and Fika Formations, Bornu (Chad) Basin, NE Nigeria. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 33, 339-353 (2010)
11. Okpikoro, F.; Olorunniwo, M.: Seismic sequence architecture and structural analysis of northeastern Nigeria Chad (Bornu) basin. Cont. J. Earth Sci. 5, 1-9 (2010)
12. Moumouni, A.; Obaje, N.G.; Chaanda, M.; Goki, N.: Geochemical evaluation of the hydrocarbon prospects in the Nigerian sector of the Chad Basin. Pet. Sci. Res. Prog. p. 1-12 (2007)
13. Adedosu, T.A.; Ogungbesan G.: Geochemical Characterization and Petroleum Source-Rock Potential of Fika Formation Tuma-1 Well, Chad Basin, Nigeria. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Datapages/Search and Discovery Article No. 90332 (2018)
14. Adepelumi, A.A.; Alao, O.A.; Kutemi, T.F.: Reservoir Characterization and Evaluation of depositional trend of Gombe sandstone, southern Chad basin Nigeria: Journal of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, 2, 118-131 (2011)
15. Obaje N.G.; Wehner H.; Hamza H.; Scheeder G.: New geochemical data from the Nigerian sector of the Chad Basin: Implications on hydrocarbon prospectivity. J African Earth Sci 38, 477-487 (2004b)
16. Obaje N.G.; Wehner H.; Scheeder G.; Abubakar M.B.; and Jauro A.: Hydrocarbon prospectivity of Nigeria’s inland basins: From the viewpoint of organic geochemistry and organic petrology, AAPG Bulletin 87, 325-353 (2004a)
17. Olugbemiro, O.R.; Ligouis, B.: Thermal maturity and hydrocarbon potential of the Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Santonian) sediments in the Bornu (Chad) Basin, NE Nigeria. Bulletin de la Société Géologique de France (1999)
18. Olugbemiro, O.R.: The hydrocarbon potential, thermal maturity, and paleoenvironment of the Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Santonian) series in the Bornu (Chad) Basin, NE Nigeria. Unpublished Ph.D. Tubingen. 145 p (1997)
19. Ola-Buraimo A.; Olatunji. T.; Yunusa, A.: Palynology and stratigraphy of the Upper Miocene Chad Formation, Bornu Basin, northeastern Nigeria Journal of Palaeogeography, Vol, 6, (2) (2017). https://doi.org/108e116 (00117)
20. Eyike A.; Werner C.S.; Ebbing J.; Manuelle E.D.: On the use of global potential field models for regional interpretation of the West and Central African Rift System: Tectonophysics (2010). doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2010.04.026
21. Binks, R.M.; Fairhead, J.D.: A plate tectonic setting for the Mesozoic rifts of Western and Central Africa. In: Ziegler, P.A. (Ed.), Geodynamics of Rifting, Volume II. Case History Studies on Rifts North and South America: Tectonophysics, 213, 141–151 (1992)
22. Burke, K.: The Chad Basin: an active intra-continental basin, Vol. 36: Tectonophysics, 1-3. p. 197-206 (1976)
23. Genik G.J.: Petroleum geology of cretaceous-tertiary rift basins in Niger, Chad, and the Central African Republic. AAPG Bulletin, 77, 1405-1434 (1993)
24. Avbovbo, A.A.; Ayoola, E.O.; Osahon, G.A.: Depositional and structural styles in Chad basin of Northeastern Nigeria, Vol. 70: The American Association of Petroleum Geologist Bulletin, 12. p. 1787-1798 (1986)
25. Giedt, N. R.: Unity Field, Muglad Rift Basin, Upper Nile Province. In: Beaumont, E.A., Foster, N.H. (ed), Structural Traps; III, Tectonic Fold and Fault Traps, American Association of Petroleum Geologists Treatise of Petroleum Geology, Atlas of Oil and Gas Fields, A-019, p. 177-197 (1990)
26. Schull, T. J.: Rift basins of interior Sudan: petroleum exploration and discovery. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 72, 1128-1142 (1988)
27. Guiraud, M.: Early Cretaceous rifts of Western and Central Africa: An overview. In: Ziegler PA (ed), Geodynamics of Rifting, Volume II. Case history studies on rifts: North and South America and Africa. Tectonophysics 213, 153-168 (1992)
28. Petters, S.W.; Ekweozor, C.M.: Petroleum geology of Benue trough and southeastern Chad Basin Nigeria. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 66, 1141–1149 (1982)
29. Guiraud, M.: Mécanisme de formation du basin Crétacé sur décrochements multiples de la Haute-Bénoué (Nigéria). Bull. Centres Rech. Explor-Prod. Elf-Aquitaine, 15, 1-67 (1991)
30. Omolaiye G.E.; Olatunji S.; Ajadi, J.; Jimoh, A.Y.: Velocity Analysis for Depth Conversion: A Case Study of Block A, Baga/Lake Sub-basin in the Borno Basin, Northeastern Nigeria, Vol 5: Minna Journal of Geosciences, 1&2, 33-57 (2021)
31. Guiraud, M.: Tectono-sedimentary framework of the early Cretaceous continental Bima Formation (Upper Benue trough, NE Nigeria). Journal of African Earth Sciences, 10, 341-353 (1990)
32. Suleiman, A.A.; Bomai, A.; Dauda, R.; Nwaobi G.O.: Petroleum Systems of the Nigerian Sector of Chad Basin: Insights from Field and Subsurface Data: American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2017, abstract #T13C-0541Pub December 2017 Bibcode: 2017 AGUFMT13C0541S (2017)
33. Adekoya J.A.; Ola P.S.; & Olabode S.O.: Possible Borno Basin Hydrocarbon Habitat- A Review. International Journal of Geosciences, 5, 983-996 (2014)
34. Umar, T.: Geologie petroliere du secteur Nigerian du basin du Lac Tchad. Unpublished Ph.D. Dissertation. Universite de pau et des pays de l’ adour. Centre Universitaire de Recherche Scientifique Laboratoire de Geodynamique et Modelisation des Bassins Sedimentaires (1999)
35. Isiorho, S.A.; Nkereuwem, T.O.: Reconnaissance study of the relationship between lineaments and fractures in the Southwest portion of the Lake Chad Basin. J. Environ. Eng. Geophysics, 1, 47-54 (1996)
36. Okosun E.A.: Review of the geology of Bornu Basin. Journal of Mining Geology 31, 113- 122 (1995)
37. Genik G.J.: Regional framework, structural and petroleum aspects of rift basins in Niger, Chad, and Central African Republic (C.A.R.). Tectonophysics, 213, 169-185 (1992)
38. Ola, P.S.; Adekoya, J.A.; Olabode S.O.: Source Rock Evaluation in the Lake Chad Area of the Bornu Basin, Nigeria. Journal of Petroleum and Environmental Biotechnology, 8, 346-345 (2017). https://doi.org/ 10.4172/2157-7463.1000346
39. Moumouni, A.; Obaje, N.G.; Nzegbuna, A.I.; Chaana, M.S.: Bulk Geochemical Parameters and Biomarker Characteristics of Organic Matter in Two Wells (Gaibu-1 and Kasade-1) from the Bornu Basin: Implication on Hydrocarbon Potentials. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering 58, 275–282 (2007)
40. Adegoke, O.S.; Agamanu A.E.; Benkhelil, M.J.; Ajayi, P.O.: New Stratigraphic, Sedimentologic and Structural data on Keri-Keri Formation, Bauchi Borno State Nigeria. Journal African Earth Sciences, 5, 249-277 (1986)
41. Onuoha, K.M.: Structural Features of Nigeria’s Coastal Margin: An Assessment Based on Age Data from Wells. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 29, 485-499 (1999). https://doi.org /10.1016/S0899-5362(99)00111-6
42. Carter, J.D.; Barber W.; Jones G.P.: The geology of parts Adamawa, Bauchi, and Borno Provinces in northeastern Nigeria. Geological Survey of Nigeria Bulletin, 30, 1-108 (1963)
43. Nwaezeapu, R.U.: Petroleum Exploration Challenges in the Chad Basin. The Technical Session Meeting of the Maiduguri Chapter of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, 37 p (1994)
44. Odusina, A.S.; Mubarak, O.; Beka, F.T.; Nwangu, U.: Geology and Petroleum Potential of the Nigerian Sector of the Chad Basin. Research Bulletin III, Exploration Research Section (R&D), Project No. ER/RD/43, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Port-Harcourt, Nigeria, 47 p (1983)
45. Baker H.: Atlas of log responses, Baker Hughes INTEQ Formation Evaluation. (2002) www.bakerhugesdirect.com
46. Mencos, J.; Carrera N.; Muñoz J. A.: Influence of rift basin geometry on the subsequent post-rift sedimentation and basin inversion: The Organyà Basin and the Bóixols thrust sheet (SC Pyrenees), Tectonics, 34, 1452–1474 (2015)
47. Aderoju, A.B.; Ojo S.B.; Adepelumi, A.A.; Edino, F.: A Reassessment of Hydrocarbon prospectivity of the Chad Basin, Nigeria, using magnetic hydrocarbon indicators from high-resolution Aeromagnetic Imaging. Journal of Science, 18. 503-520 (2016)
48. Udoh, J.S.; Idiong, E.A.: Fault Patterns within part of Bornu Basin, North-Eastern Nigeria, using Seismic Data, Vol. 6: African Journal of Physical Science, 2, 128-133 (2013)
49. Ajakaiye, D. E.; Ajayi, C. I.: Geophysical Investigations in the Benue Trough – A Review, Vol. 5: Earth Exploration Society, 2, p. 110-125 (1981)
50. Freund, A.; Merzer, A. M.: The formation of rift valleys and their zigzag fault patterns: Geological Magazine, 113, 561-568 (1976)