ABSTRACT

The Niger Delta Basin, renowned for its extensive sedimentary sequences and complex depositional history, has long been a focal point for petroleum exploration. However, the diverse and variable composition of oils across different fields presents a significant challenge in classifying and correlating them. The study aims to enhance the understanding of the geological factors influencing oil composition and their implications for exploration and production strategies.

This research addresses this issue by employing advanced statistical methods in petroleum geochemistry, namely Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and Ternary Diagrams. A dataset comprising 42 oil samples from 10 fields within the Niger Delta basin was subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for biomarker analysis. The methodology involved a rigorous process of data preparation, including the selection of consistent biomarker parameters through Pearson correlation analysis. The chosen parameters, reflecting both depositional environment and thermal maturity, were then subjected to PCA and HCA to identify distinct oil families. Additionally, Ternary Diagrams were employed to visualise compositional variations and group oils according to their source. The results were statistically analysed to evaluate the performance of each method in discriminating between oil families and origins.

The findings reveal compelling insights into the geological factors shaping oil characteristics in the Niger Delta Basin. The clustering patterns identified through PCA, HCA, and Ternary diagrams indicate shared depositional environments, thermal maturity levels, and genetic characteristics among oils from different fields. This suggests common geological influences, such as tectonic histories, burial depths, and migration pathways. The research recommends further investigation into inconsistent oils and encourages the integration of advanced statistical methods with additional geological data for a more comprehensive understanding of petroleum systems. Overall, this study underscores the significance of advanced statistical techniques in advancing our comprehension of petroleum geochemistry and optimising exploration and production strategies in complex sedimentary basins like the Niger Delta.