Exploration Maturity and Reserves Discovery Relations in the Niger Delta

Phantom surfaces of the normal deviates of well density and discovered oil reserves in place (DORIP) describe the areal variation in exploration maturity and success in the Niger Delta basin. The prolific centres and the prolific belt are clearly defined on the well density map as a high-maturity zone and suggest that the prolific belt is a reflection of exploration maturity. Cross-matching of the similarity maps (cross-product and difference maps) of the normal deviates of well density and DORIP expresses the degree of association between maturity and success and gives a pictorial view of variations in the degree of advancement of exploration in this province. Six relationships (A, B₁, B₂, D, E₁, and E₂) are recognised and can be correlated with local geology to provide a basis for determining the favourability of any area for future significant reserves discovery and hence in exploration planning.