Modeling stratigraphic architecture and prediction of petroleum potential of the Paleocene sedimentary deposits at the northern Rio Del Rey Basin, Cameroon

The Rio Del Rey (RDR) basin is located in the Gulf of Guinea and belongs to the deltaic basins along the West African margin. This study investigates the stratigraphic architecture of the northern part of the basin, with a focus on the nature and association of the electrofacies, the depositional system, and the prediction of petroleum potential. Based on the gamma ray (GR) curve shapes, qualitative interpretation of eleven well logs and electrofacies association allowed the delineation and modelling of three stratigraphic units organised into four global sedimentary environments and three sub-environments. It is a prodelta interspersed with a submarine canyon from the Eocene erosion in the Atlantic margin; a delta front consisting of deltaic alternations; a deltaic plain (with tidal channels) and an overlying alluvial plain (with fluvial-tidal channels). Three major 2nd-order transgressive–regressive sequences (S1; S2 and S3), consisting of 18 system tracts, indicate the major stages of stratigraphic evolution in the study area. Facies analysis using cross plots (NPHI-RHOB and DT-RHOB) of some identified potential reservoirs shows on average highly porous formations (20% ≤ ɸ ≤ 40%) with an additional mineralogical composition dominated by quartz with traces of calcite, dolomite and muscovite. The Oongue turbidite sandstones (Eocene) recognised in the deepwater shales of the study area suggest a dual origin of turbidites in the RDR basin. These are excellent hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Niger Delta basin. This study also provided an inventory of potential petroleum systems to guide future hydrocarbon exploration campaigns in the study area.