Geo-seismic model for petroleum plays an assessment of the Zamzama area, Southern Indus Basin, Pakistan

Seismic as well as structural techniques were exploited to elucidate the subsurface structure of the Zamzama area that directly led to petroleum system. Zamzama gas field is located in the Kirthar Foredeep, southern Indus Basin, Pakistan. The current research is based on data scrutinized systematically through eight seismic lines (796-JH-01, 02, 03, 07, 10, GHPK-98A-32, 34 and 40) and three wells (Zamzama-02, 03 and 05) drilled in the Zamzama field. Seismic interpretation reveals that Tertiary and Cretaceous sequence is deformed by transpressive tectonics, and a reverse fault is located from 400 to 3400 ms deep on the vertical seismic section. The hanging wall moves up along the fault plane under the action of eastward directed stress as a result an extensive North-South oriented and eastward verging thrusted anticline is formed. Stratigraphically, area encompasses well-developed Mesozoic-Cenozoic sequence. The Late Cretaceous Pab Formation is well-known primary hydrocarbon reservoir capped by the shale of the Paleocene Ranikot Formation that acts as a regional seal rock. The Jurassic and Cretaceous shales of the Sember and Goru formations are substantiated as main source rocks. The execution and portrayal of seismic and subsurface geological data provide the clues that area contains appropriate petroleum play potential. Present study suggests a worthwhile regional geo-seismic model that might be significant for future exploration in the Kirther Foredeep and adjacent areas.

Automated summary

Seismic and structural techniques were used to investigate the subsurface structure of the Zamzama area, revealing potential for petroleum systems. The area is characterized by deformed Tertiary and Cretaceous sequences, indicating a promising petroleum play potential.