Palynostratigraphic and palynofacies interpretations of the Muller–1 Well, Niger Delta

Abstract

The sedimentary intervals of Muller-1 Well, located in the Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria, have been subjected to palynological and sedimentological studies, to biozonation and paleoenvironmental results. Ten (10) samples from 8920-9054 ft have been analyzed. There were a few common occurrences of pollen and spores with other organic-walled microfossils such as Botryoccus braunii, fungal spores, and diatom frustules. The sedimentological characteristics include shale intercalations with coarse-to-medium to fine-grained sandstones, indicating energy conditions that are typical of deltaic systems. The entire intervals belong to the Agbada Formation. One palynostratigraphic zone of Cyathidites sp. was established for the studied intervals using the International Stratigraphic Guide. The zone is an assemblage biozone, and a Paleocene (Thanetian) age was assigned to the interval based on the stratigraphic age range of diagnostic markers such as Longerapertites sp., Cyathidites minor, Tricolporopollenites sp., and Monocolpites marginatus. Hydrocarbon potential is suggested by deltaic deposits with terrestrial pollen/spores (likely gas-prone) and shale interbeds, consistent with the Agbada Formation’s proven gas reservoirs in the Niger Delta Basin.