The role of geomechanical-based structural restoration in reservoir analysis of deepwater Niger Delta, Nigeria

Recent advancements in fields of geomechanics and structural geology have given rise to geomechanical-based structural restoration method. This study investigated the role geomechanical-based structural restoration in reservoir analysis for Boko discovery in the proximal part of the outer fold thrust belt, deepwater Niger Delta, Nigeria. Results of the study revealed the significance of the geomechanical-based structural restoration method in validating interpretation, re-constructing structural history, and gathering insight into the deformation mechanisms and rock property evolution. The main advantage of this method over the more conventional methods is that the conventional method is not imposed as an input. In addition, several quantitative deformation parameters can be output to enable us understand the structural genesis and potential effect on petroleum system. Finally, quantitative estimates of deformation and stress may be used to respond to challenging questions related to trap history, evolution of reservoir and seal, and permeability heterogeneity within reservoirs in the near future.