Palynology in hydrocarbon exploration: High impact palynological studies in western offshore and Krishna-Godavari Basins

This paper presents an updated account of palynostratigraphic, source rock evaluation and palaeoenvironment data on Western Offshore and Krishna Godavari (K-G) Basins. Forty three dinoflagellate biohorizons have been identified in the Tertiary subsurface of Mumbai Offshore, facilitating a high resolution correlation of oil bearing horizons. In K-G Basin integrated palynostratigraphic data and the composite general lithologies for the Mesozoic and Cenozoic have been presented in a tabular form; Eighty two dinoflagellate biohorizons have been identified. A very fine dinoflagellate based stratigraphic resolution has been achieved at most levels making it useful in geological modelling for hydrocarbon exploration in both Western Offshore and K-G Basin. Useful information on matured organic matter facies distribution in Panna Formation (Western Offshore) and Cretaceous of K-G Basin has been summarized. Recently, potential source rock facies have been identified in Panna Formation in Western Offshore. Limitations of present studies and future areas of focus have been outlined.