ISSN: 2996-2544

Research Article Journal of Research and Education

Depositional Structures, Tectonic and Stratigraphic Units and Their Effect on
The Reservoir Rock Units of South Lake Albert Basin, Albertine Rift, Uganda.
Tumushabe, M. W.1*, Helland-Hansen, W.2, Nagudi, B.1, Echegu, S.1 and Aanyu, K.1

Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, Makerere *Corresponding Author

1

University, Norway Tumushabe, M. W, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, Makerere

University, Norway.
2
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway
Submitted: 2024, Jan 15; Accepted: 2024, Feb 20; Published: 2024, Feb 28

Citation: Tumushabe, M. W., Helland-Hansen, W., Nagudi, B., Echegu, S., Aanyu, K. (2024). Depositional Structures, Tectonic and
Stratigraphic Units and Their Effect on The Reservoir Rock Units of South Lake Albert Basin, albertine rift, uganda. J Res Edu, 2(1),
01-16.

Abstract
The study focused on interpretation of three-dimension (3D) seismic and suites of wireline log datasets, to construct and
interpret models and facies analysis to assess the depositional structures, tectonic and stratigraphic unit’ settings. Challenges
and uncertainties of low to moderate reservoir quality parameters attributed to limited understanding of depositional structures,
tectonic and stratigraphic units had been identified in previous studies within the study area. From the study undertaken, the
study area is structurally complex with compartments and flower structures. The stratigraphic interpretation, realized that
sediments were highly intercalated (clay, silt, fine and coarse sands) majorly attributed to the short changes in climatic (wet
and dry) conditions. It was further deduced that compartmentalization and intercalations of sediments had a very high effect
on the reservoir rock properties which might affect the recovery of the available fluids.

Keywords: SouthLake AlbertBasin, Reservoir Rock Units, Flower Structures, Compartmentalization and Intercalation.

1. Introduction and general techniques in petroleum exploration among others,

1.1 Background however, little emphasis had been put on the detailed understanding
South Lake Albert Basin (SLAB), forms part of the Albertine of depositional structures, tectonic and stratigraphic units and
[1]. (Fig. 1), and had been subjected to intensive research and their effect on the reservoir quality. Successful delineation and
petroleum exploration activities for many years [2-8]. SLAB is understanding of reservoir rock units is guided by depositional
composed of Kaiso-Tonya and Kingfisher areas (Fig. 1). structures, tectonic and stratigraphic units’ interpretations of the
stratigraphic section in a given basin [1-2]. Their interpretation
A number of studies conducted in the Albertine graben include basin is conducted by tectonic and stratigraphic modelling processes
evolution, sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural, geochemical, using seismic and wireline datasets. Lithofacies analysis was also
core analyses specifically to investigate the depositional systems, conducted to understand the architectural units within a given
depositional environments, reservoir rock types, source rock sedimentary section.

J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 1

 to understand the architectural units within a given sedimentary section.

Figure 1: Map showing the Extent of South Lake Albert basin (modified from Abeinomugisha and Njabire, 2012).
Figure 1: Map showing the Extent of South Lake Albert basin (modified from Abeinomugisha
According to Wilson et al., (1977) and Martinius et al., (2014), correlation of stratigraphic packages. Hence, undertaking studies
investigating theandtectonic
Njabire,and
2012).
depositional factors guide the on the depositional structures or tectonic and stratigraphic units
understanding of the control and effect on the reservoir quality. Thus, and facies analysis will guide the understanding of reservoir
the different studies conducted in SLAB highlighted challenges quality. In conclusion, the causes of the highlighted challenges and
and uncertainties of low to moderate porosity, permeability and uncertainties of low to moderate porosity,3 | P apermeability
ge and high
high volume of shale i.e., poor reservoir rock parameters that were volume of shale would be better understood. Thus, this study was
attributed to limited understanding of depositional structures, aimed at understanding the depositional structures, tectonic and
tectonic and stratigraphic units, and its effect on the reservoir stratigraphic units, and their effect on the reservoir quality.
quality. These challenges may affect the recovery of petroleum
resource volumes within a given field. According to Galloway, 1.2 Geological Setting
(1989), successful interpretation and delineation of depositional 1.2.1 Structure and Evolution of The Albertine Graben
systems, and basin-scale facies require the recognition and The East African Rift System (EARS) represents the world’s

J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 2

best example of an active rift system, although its deep origins miocene age and late pliocene age had been suggested from cuttings
remain poorly understood [9]. The Albertine graben forms the of Mputa-1 and Waraga-1 wells on the basis of palynomorphs
northernmost part of the western arm of the East African Rift [14,15] This formation was deposited in the marginal lacustrine
System and it is a tertiary intra-continental rift developed on the to deltaic deposits, and dominated areas towards the lake shores
precambrian orogenic belt of the African craton [1-2]. It stretches [16]. Whereas coarser alluvial fan and fluvial deposits were more
from the Aswa shear zone at the border between Uganda and common towards the graben’s marginal escarpment [17,15].
South Sudan in the north to Lake Edward in the south, a distance Nyaweiga formation was suggested to be of mid-miocene and
of over 500 km. The graben has an average width of around 45km late pliocene to early Pleistocene on the basis of Mputa Formation
and runs the entire length of Uganda’s western boundary with the was of mid-miocene age and had been suggested in the Mputa-1
Democratic Republic of Congo. The graben is a NW-SE striking and Waraga-1 wells on the basis of palynomorphs, whereas
trans-tensional pull apart depression [10]. RPS Energy suggested a late Pliocene age and the Formation’s
sandstones represent deltaic to fluvial sequences.
Structurally, the Albertine graben is segmented into a series of
asymmetric graben depocenters, or domains, each being separated Kisegi Formation was interpreted as the best potential reservoir
by trending basement highs most of which are associated with rock and Kasande Formation was interpreted to be a very good
volcanic [1,11-13]. However, comparison of Lake Albert rift with potential source rock [18]. Kosgei Formation was generally
data available in the rifts of both Western and Eastern branches of composed of thick, channeled and cross bedded sandstones with
the EARS showed that most of the sedimentary basins experienced thin beds of suspected tuff, bleached silts and clays, and had
the geometrical evolution from large basins with limited fault conflicting ages of early miocene to early miocene. This was
control [8]. conducted using sediments from Turaco wells by polymorphs and
it was further suggested to be pre-dominantly fluvial environment
1.2.2 Geochronology and Sedimentology of The Albertine in a relatively quiescent tectonic regime, with low energy small-
Graben scale channel systems. In the Kasande Formation, transgression
A number of formations had been identified within the SLAB led to the development of mud flats with meandering channels,
(Tables 1&2). Claystones in lower parts of the Nkondo formation interfingering with near-shore lacustrine deposits, replacing the
in the subsurface contained isolated thin sandstone stringers which totally sand-dominated alluvial deposits of Kisegi Formation
provided the main oil reservoirs in the area and conflicting mid- [3,18,6].

SN Age Formation
1 G7 – 0.5 Ma Absent in Kaiso-Tonya
2 G6 – 1.8 Ma Absent in Kaiso-Tonya
3 GX – 2.3 Ma Kaiso Village
4 GX - 2.6 Ma Hohwa
5 G5 – 3 Ma Kyehoro
6 G4c – 3.4 Ma Upper Warwire (above Kyampanga Tuff)
7 G4b – 3.7 Ma Middle Warwire (Sebugoro)
8 G4a - 4.5 Ma Lower Warwire
9 ---------------- Extinction event
10 G3b – 4.9 Ma Uppermost Nkondo (Nyaweiga Member)
11 G3a – 6.5 Ma Upper Nkondo shaley member
12 G2b – 7 Ma Not exposed
8 G2a – 8 Ma Not exposed
9 G1 – 12-9 Ma Not exposed
10 G0 – 13 Ma Not exposed
Table 1: Kaiso exposures display only 10 of the complete succession of molluscan associations known in the Albertine Rift, for
reasons to be discussed herein (Gautier 1970; Pickford et al., 1993; Senut & Pickford., 1994; Van Damme & Pickford., 1995,
1999, 2003, 2010).

J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 3

 SN Age Formation
1 G7 -0.5 Ma Rwebishengo Beds
2 G6 -2-1.5 Ma Nyabusosi Fm
3 GX -2.3 Ma Absent in Kis-Nyab area
4 GX -2.6 Ma Absent in Kis-Nyab area
5 G5 -3 Ma Nyakabingo Fm
6 G4 -3.5 Ma Upper Nyaburogo Fm
7 G3b -4.9 Ma Lower Nyaburogo Fm
8 G3a -6.2 Ma Upper Oluka Fm
9 G2b -7.1 Ma Lower Oluka Fm
10 G2a -8 Ma In Congo
11 G1 -12-9 Ma Kakara Fm
12 G0 -13 Ma Kisegi Fm (upper part)
Table 2: Semliki exposures display the most complete succession of molluscan associations known in the Albertine Rift, but three
associations (shown in blue) are absent (based on Gautier, 1970; Pickford et al., 1993; Senut & Pickford 1994; Van Damme &
Pickford, 1993, 1995, 2003, 2010).

2. Material and Methods i.e., Base Nkondo, Base Mputa and Base Nyaweiga, the identified
Available data used for this project was acquired from Ugandan reservoir rock units (Fig. 3).
exploration areas 2 and 3A in the SLAB that covers the Kaiso-
Tonya and Kingfisher area situated under the Coordinate Faults were interpreted on the two 3D seismic volumes. Fault
Reference System (CRS); WGS 84 UTM84 – zone 36 North (Fig. interpretation was enhanced using structural seismic volume
2). Datasets included; 350 and 230sq.km of 3D seismic data from attributes such as structural smoothing, anti-tracking and variance
Kingfisher and Kaiso-Tonya areas respectively, and suites of wire (edge detection). During horizon mapping, to define the area of
logs. Two softwares were used during this study, that is Petrel interest, a boundary polygon was generated by digitizing on the
and Techlog. According to Ali et al., (2021), the integrated study survey map and all data within this boundary was modelled and
using multidisciplinary datasets (3D seismic and wireline logs) mapped. The interpreted horizon interpretations and faults were
to understand the structural, stratigraphic, depositional and facies used as input in generating structural maps defined by the boundary
characteristics can be used to investigate the complex geometry of polygon. The generation of these structural maps involved the use
any basin. That is why these datasets were identified to be used in of convergent interpolation algorithm using seismic lines with
this study. high density.

Within the two (Kaiso-Tonya and Kingfisher) surveys, wells A velocity model was created using surfaces as inputs and this
with density, sonic velocity and Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) velocity model was used for depth conversion. The surfaces were
data were used to run seismic-well tie thus creating a well time used to define the value at each xy location and covered the whole
depth relationship (TDR) between the seismic volumes and the area of the velocity zone. The velocity model used was; v =vo+
corresponding wells. During seismic well-tie process, density kZ, v = vo = vint (assuming k=0), Where v -calculated velocity at
and sonic logs were multiplied to get acoustic impedance as per xy location in zone, vo = Velocity at datum (SRD), vint = Interval
the equation below; z=ρv, z-Acoustic Impendence, ρ -density. v= Velocity (all these were generated using seismic well-tie process).
√(E/ρ), v-Sound wave velocity, E=Elastic modulus, ρ -density. The z-Acoustic Impendence and k- Instantaneous velocity gradient.
obtained acoustic impedance across two formations of different
densities and sonic velocity were convolved with a selected wavelet Horizon and fault interpretations were depth converted using
in petrel thus generating a synthetic seismogram. The generated the calibrated seismic velocity cube modelling method and then
seismograms for Mputa 5 and Kingfisher 1A wells were used in used in structural modeling. To build a structural model, a fault
picking formations on the two 3D seismic volumes (Kaiso-Tonya framework was first generated under structural frame work
and Kingfisher areas respectively). Correlation of different wells modeling method. The depth converted horizon and fault frame
was also conducted to identify formations. It was conducted on work were then modelled using Volume Based Modelling (VBM)
the Kaiso Tonya wells using, Nzizi-1, Nzizi-2, Mputa-1, Mputa-2, method thus creating zoned model.
Mputa-4 and Mputa-5 wells to identifying the different formations

J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 4

 Figure
Figure 2: Seismic
2: Seismic andand Well
Well datacoverage
data coverageininSouth
SouthLake
LakeAlbert
Albert basin.
basin.

9|Page

FigureFigure
3: Well Correlation
3: Well for Kaiso
Correlation Tonya
for Kaiso wells
Tonya wellsusing,
using,Nzizi-2,
Nzizi-2, Nzizi-1, Mputa-3,Mputa-4,
Nzizi-1, Mputa-3, Mputa-4, Mputa-1,
Mputa-1, Mputa-2
Mputa-2 wells,
wells, identifying
identifying the the
different
different formations,
formations, withwith
BaseBase Nkondo
Nkondo at 1320m,Base
at 1320m, BaseMputa
Mputa at
at 1200m
1200m and
andBase
BaseNyaweiga
Nyaweigaat 885m all were
at 885m picked
all were usingusing
picked measured
measured
depth (mD). Base Nkondo, Base Mputa and Base Nyaweiga zones were observed to have majorly sand and taken as potential reservoir
depth (mD).
rock. Base Nkondo, Base Mputa and Base Nyaweiga zones were observed to have majorly sand and taken as potential reservoir
rock.

J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 5

Velocity Model Building (VMB) is the platform that helps convert 3. Results
seismic volumes, lines and/or events from seismic time to depth. 3.1 Formation Mapping
There are different methods of building velocity models depending From uninterpreted datasets of seismic data (Fig. 4), and after
on the available data (Abrahamsen, 1993). Some of the available interpretation, different formations were mapped on seismic dataset
techniques include; calibrated seismic velocity cube, polynomial as indicated in Figs. 5&6. From the studied section in the Kaiso
method and the vo -K (Instantaneous Velocity-Gradient) Function Tonya area. The stratigraphic profile started with basement at the
[19,20]. VMB involves creating a meshed volume then computing bottom, followed by Base Nkondo, Base Mputa, Base Nyaweiga,
a stratigraphy property within the meshed volume in order to Base Warwire Formations in this order. Base Nyaweiga, Base
calculate relative age of the geological layers. As constraint, iso- Mputa and Base Nkondo Formations were mapped out to be
values of the stratigraphy property would go through data points. potential reservoir rock units from the correlation that was made
during this study (Fig.3). From the study that was conducted
The stratigraphy property was then used to subdivide the volume within Kingfisher area, the basement was followed by Base Kisegi,
into layers. The structural grid was then built from the volume Base Kasande, Base Kakara and Base Oluka Formations in that
subdivisions. A depth structural grid was finally generated under sequence. Base Kisegi, Base Kakara and Base Oluka Formations
structural gridding process in petrel with different formations and were identified as reservoir rock units. It was further realized that
Formations
depth maps. Facies were not
were generated very
from continuous
their as they were
respective upscaled the affected by the different
mapped Formations were notfault
veryregimes within
continuous as they were
logs from facies modelling processes in petrel and finally the affected by the different fault regimes
the basin. Thus, their lateral extent was affected by the faulting regime within the study area. within the basin. Thus, their
property maps were created through an average method run based lateral extent was affected by the faulting regime within the study
on a particular zone hence a zone-based property map. These area.
property maps were used to identify the different facies that were
3.2 Facies
used in this study. modelling
Depositional and
setting analysis
analysis was conducted 3.2 Facies modelling and analysis
using Root Mean Square
Facies (RMS)
were amplitude
generated attribute
using in Kaiso
upscaled fromFacies
Tonya
logs facieswere generated
modelling using upscaled
processes logs and
in petrel fromfinally
facies modelling
area and variance in Kingfisher area. These attributes of petrel processes in petrel and finally the property maps were created
were varied andthe appropriate
property maps
shapeswere
werecreated
obtainedthrough an average
for sediments method
through run based
an average methodonruna particular zone hence
based on a particular zone hence a
in the study area and thereafter, the sediment depositional settings zone-based property map. Then, these property maps were used to
a zone-based property map. Then, these property maps were used to identify the different facies
were generated. identify the different facies on the formations that were mapped.
on the formations that were mapped.

Figure 4: RawFigure
seismic dataseismic
4: Raw for basin
databounding fault in Kaiso
for basin bounding fault in Tonya area. area.
Kaiso Tonya

J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 6

 Figure
Figure 5: Formation tops 5: Formation
mapped tops mapped
from Seismic from
data using RootSeismic data using
Mean Square (RMS)Root Meanattribute
Amplitude Squarein(RMS) Amplitude
Kaiso Tonya area showing
Base Nkondo (purple), Base Mputa (Red), Base Nyaweiga (yellow) and Base Warwire (light green).
attribute in Kaiso Tonya area showing Base Nkondo (purple), Base Mputa (Red), Base Nyaweiga
(yellow) and Base Warwire (light green).

Figure
Figure 6: Formations 6: Formations
mapped mapped
from Seismic from Root
data using Seismic
Meandata using(RMS)
Square Root Mean Square
Amplitude (RMS)in Amplitude
attribute Kingfisher area, showing Base
Kisegi (yellow), Base Kasande (light green), Base Kakara (blue) and Base Oluka (purple).
attribute in Kingfisher area, showing Base Kisegi (yellow), Base Kasande (light green), Base
KakaraFormation,
In the Base Nyaweiga (blue) and Base
it wasOluka (purple).
observed that Mputa Formation, Mputa field was composed of silt, pockets of fine
field was composed of fine sands with pockets of silt, Nzizi field sands and coarse sands, Nzizi field had silt and pockets of coarse
had fine sands with silts, Waraga field was composed of majorly sands, Waraga field was composed of coarse sands, Ngassa field
In the Base Nyaweiga Formation, it was observed that Mputa field was composed of fine sands
fine sands, Ngassa field had coarse sands, silt and clay, and the had fine and coarse sands, and the section under Lake Albert was
with
section under Lake pockets
Albert hadofcoarse
silt, Nzizi field
sands, silthad
andfine
finesands
sandswithcomposed
silts, Waraga fieldsands
of fine was with
composed of of
pockets majorly
silt, coarse sand and clay
(Fig. 7).Base Mputa Formation was also present in the Mputa-2, (Fig. 7).From Base Nkondo Formation,
fine sands, Ngassa field had coarse sands, silt and clay, and the section under Lake Albert had 13 Mputa field
| Pwas
a gcomposed
e
3, 4 and 5, Waraga-1 and Nzizi-1 and 2 wells. In the Base Mputa of fine sands and silts, Nzizi field was composed of fine sands
coarse sands, silt and fine sands (Fig. 7).Base Mputa Formation was also present in the Mputa-2,
J Res Edu, 2024 3, 4 and 5, Waraga-1 and Nzizi-1 and 2 wells. In the Base Mputa Formation, Mputa fieldVolume
was 2 | Issue 1 | 7
composed of silt, pockets of fine sands and coarse sands, Nzizi field had silt and pockets of
coarse sands, Waraga field was composed of coarse sands, Ngassa field had fine and coarse
sands, and the section under Lake Albert was composed of fine sands with pockets of silt, coarse
and pockets of silt.Waraga field was composed of fine and coarse the short changes in climatic conditions that happened over time
sands.Ngassa field was composed of fine sands and pockets of clay during the sediment deposition processes.
and the section under Lake Albert had fine sands with pockets of
coarse sands, silt and clay (Fig. 7). Base Kakara Formation was composed of silts towards the basin
boundary fault, fine sands and coarse sands towards the Lake
From the cross section through Ngassa field and section under Albert (Fig. 9). Base Oluka Formation had fine sands, pockets of
Lake Albert i.e., section parallel to the basin bounding fault, it coarse sands and silt. Base Kasande Formation had coarse sands
could be interpreted that sediment deposition in Kaiso-Tonya area towards the basin boundary fault, clay towards the bottom of Lake
was highly intercalated (interbeds of different facies i.e., there Albert, pockets of fine sands in the south and east direction (Fig.
were thin lithofacies with different interbedded lithologies (clay, 10). It should also be noted that Base Kisegi Formation could not
silt, fine and coarse sands) deposited at very shorter intervals (Fig. be modeled due to the poor distribution of facies in wireline logs
8). It was also interpreted that the deposition was influenced by of the existing wells in the study area.

Figure
Figure 7: Facies
7: Facies maps formaps for Base Nyaweiga,
Base Nyaweiga, Base Mputa Base Mputa
and Base andformations
Nkondo Base Nkondo formations
of Kaiso Tonya area.of Kaiso Tonya area.

16 | P a g e

J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 8

Figure Figure
8: Cross8:section
Cross section
throughthrough
differentdifferent
sectionssections using imaginary
using imaginary lines through
lines through themodel
the facies faciesofmodel
KaisoofTonya
Kaisoarea.
Tonya area.

17 | P a g e

Figure 9: Facies map for Base Kakara and Oluka formations of Kingfisher area indicated the facies distributions within the model as
Figure 9: Facies map for Base Kakara and Oluka formations of Kingfisher area indicated the facies distributions within the model as
coarse sand (yellow), fine sand (brown), silt (pink) and clay (grey).
coarse sand (yellow), fine sand (brown), silt (pink) and clay (grey).
J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 9
Figure 10: Facies map for Base Kasande formation of Kingfisher area indicated facies distributions within the model as coarse sand
(yellow), fineFigure 10: Facies
sand (brown), map
silt (pink) andfor
clayBase
(grey).Kasande formation of Kingfisher area indicated facies
distributions within the model as coarse sand (yellow), fine sand (brown), silt (pink) and clay
3.3 Structural Analysis and Mapping Nyaweiga as yellow and Warwire as light green (Fig.5).
(grey).
A cross section through the model of Kaiso Tonya area was
made through Mputa-5, Mputa-1, Mputa-2 and Ngassa-2 wells 3.4 Depositional Setting Analysis
northwards using an imaginary line from NW-SE direction (Fig. Using Root mean square (RMS) amplitude attribute, within the
11). From this cross section, it was observed that, Kaiso Tonya Mputa Formation, a distinctive channel (distributary fluvial
area had different compartments separated by different normal deposits) was mapped around the Mputa and Nzizi fields, alluvial
faults and was highly compartmentalized. It was also realized that deposits were mapped around the Waraga field and deltaic and
different wells were drilled within different compartments and lacustrine deposits were identified 19around
| P a gthe
e Ngassa field and
Kaiso Tonya area had a major fault that makes a terrace around the section under Lake Albert (Figs. 13 and 14). Using variance
Ngassa field (Fig.5) with faults within the basin that were identified attribute, within Kisegi Formation, a channel (fluvial deposits) was
as flower structure (Fig.12).Formations were also mapped from mapped on 3D seismic dataset in the Kingfisher area originating
Seismic data using Root Mean Square (RMS) amplitude attribute from the basin boundary fault, towards the Lake Albert and
in Kaiso Tonya area showing Nkondo as purple, Mputa as Red, distinctive deltaic deposits were interpreted at a point where

J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 10

sediments interface with Lake Albert sediments (Fig. 15).

Figure 11:Figure
Cross 11:
section through
Cross formations
section using an imaginary
through formations using anline in the NW-SE
imaginary line in direction
the NW-SE for Kaiso Tonya
direction for area.
Kaiso Tonya area.

21 | P a g e

Figure 12:
Figure 12: Seismic
Seismic section
section showing
showingpositive
positiveflower
flowerstructure-like faults
structure-like persisting
faults up toupthe
persisting to top
the oftoptheofsection, indicating
the section, a recenta recent
indicating
compressional
compressional episode in
in Kaiso
KaisoTonya
Tonyaarea.
area.

J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 11

Figure 13: Depositional
Figure settingsetting
13: Depositional analysis in the
analysis Mputa
in the Mputaformation usingRoot
formation using RootMean
Mean Square
Square (RMS)
(RMS) Amplitude
Amplitude attributeattribute
in Kaiso in Kaiso Tonya
Tonya
area within
areaMputa, Nzizi and
within Mputa, NziziWaraga fields.
and Waraga Alluvial
fields. Alluvialdeposits
deposits are depositedclose
are deposited close to the
to the basinbasin boundary
boundary fault
fault and the and the channel/fluvial
channel/fluvial
deposits are deposited within the basin by the river (s) originating from the basin boundary fault.
deposits are deposited within the basin by the river (s) originating from the basin boundary fault.
23 | P a g e

Figure 14:Figure
Depositional settingsetting
14: Depositional analysis in Mputa
analysis formation
in Mputa formationtop
top using RootMean
using Root Mean Square
Square (RMS)(RMS) Amplitude
Amplitude attributeattribute
in Kaiso in Kaiso Tonya
Tonya
area within the Ngassa field and section under the Lake Albert. Deltaic deposits are identified near the fault that makes a terrace as it
area within the Ngassa field and section under the Lake Albert. Deltaic deposits are identified near the fault that makes a terrace as it
gets in contact with Lake Albert water.
gets in contact with Lake Albert water.

J Res Edu, 2024 Volume

24 2
| P| Issue
a g e 1 | 12
Figure 15: Depositional
Figure 15:setting analysis in the
Depositional Kisegi
setting formation
analysis in using variance
the Kisegi attribute using
formation in Kingfisher
variancearea. Channel/fluvial
attribute in deposits
are deposited within the basin by the river/rivers originating from the basin boundary fault and deltaic deposits are identified at section
Kingfisher
where basin sediments get in area.
contactChannel/fluvial
with Lake Albertdeposits
water. are deposited within the basin by the river/rivers

4. Discussion originating from the basin boundary fault and deltaic deposits are identified at section where
moderate to poor sorting and deltaic deposits are thick, expanded
From the previousbasinstudies, SLABget
sediments encountered low toLake
in contact with moderate sections of predominantly clastic sedimentary facies [21]. This
Albert water.
porosity, permeability and high volume of shale i.e., poor reservoir study also discovered that sediments in the sections close to the
parameters that were attributed to limited understanding of basin boundary fault are mainly composed of fluvial and alluvial
depositional structures, tectonic and stratigraphic units, [12,13,15]. deposits, and the sediments close to the lake margins are comprised
4. Discussion
This study realized that the different wells were drilled within of deltaic and lacustrine deposits.
From theand
different compartments, previous studies,
Kaiso Tonya area SLAB
has a encountered
major fault low to moderate porosity, permeability and high
that makes a terrace
volume towards the i.e.,
of shale lake poor
and the area gets
reservoir deeper that
parameters Thiswere
studyattributed
further deduced that tectonically,
to limited understanding SLABof is structurally
towards the lake. It was also deduced that the study area was complex with normal faults that make compartments and flower
depositional
comprised of alluvial, structures,and
fluvial, lacustrine, tectonic
deltaicand stratigraphic
deposits, units, [12,13,15].
and structure. This study
These structural realized
features might that
havethe
a serious effect
all make the reservoir rock units.
different wells were drilled within different compartments, and Kaiso Tonya area has a major the different
on the connectivity and fluid saturation within
compartments thus affecting the fluid flow from one compartment
According to Nurfault that
et al., makesdeltas
(2017), a terrace towards
are major sitesthe lake and
of sand and the
to area getsIfdeeper
another. this istowards
the case,the lake.
this willIthave
was aalso
big effect on the
mud deposition and contain significant volumes of hydrocarbons recovery of the petroleum resource
deduced that the study area was comprised of alluvial, fluvial, lacustrine, and deltaic deposits, volumes from fields within the
worldwide, and these include; the Niger Delta in West Africa, the study area. According to Moore and Wade, (2013), in the petroleum
Mahakam Delta and all makethetheCaspian
in Borneo, reservoirSea,rock
andunits.
the Maracaibo industry, it has been hard to identify and predict the effect of
Basin in Venezuela. Fluvial deposits are sediments that are reservoir compartmentalization on fluid flow through a field and
transported and deposited by rivers in a continental environment currently, forensic level of reservoir analysis coupled with use of
and are major reservoir units in sedimentary basins. Furthermore, dynamic signals from production is being 25 |used
P a gtoe understand the
the contribution of lacustrine environment as the hydrocarbon fluid flow from one compartment to another. However, this may
reservoir has been widely known. Alluvial deposits consist be very difficult to undertake in this study since no petroleum
of silt, sand, clay, and gravel, as well as much organic matter, production has been undertaken in the study area. Thus, another
fluvial deposits consist of sand and gravel grain size and mud study can be undertaken when petroleum production commences
in floodplain deposits of meandering systems, and they have that is anticipated in the near future.

J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 13

From facies interpretation, it was realized that sediment deposition in Kingfisher area was not of good quality. This was attributed
in Kaiso Tonya area was highly intercalated (interbeds of different to a scenario where the Kisegi formation could not be modelled
lithofacies i.e., there were thin lithofacies with different interbedded majorly due to the poor facies’ distributions in wireline data from
lithologies (clay, silt, fine and coarse sands) or in some cases existing wells.
stacked i.e., deposited at shorter intervals. This attribute influences
the reservoir characteristics [22,23]. Hence, stratigraphically, the Acknowledgement
study area had different lithologies that were deposited at very This work has been sponsored by Norwegian Government under
short intervals or stacked deposits, and was interpreted to have EnPe project and special thanks go to the management of EnPe
been caused by the short changes in climatic conditions (wet and project who provided the financial support, the management
dry) that happened over time during sedimentation processes. of Department of Geology and Petroleum studies of Makerere
University who secured the sponsorship and provided the software
According to Martinius et al., (2014), investigating tectonic and requirements forthe study, the management of Directorate of
stratigraphic features guide the understanding of the control Petroleum under Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development,
and effect on the reservoir quality. It was deduced therefore that Uganda who provided all the seismic and well data,and to my
sediments/basins with compartmentalization, flower structure supervisors; Dr. Betty Nagudi, Dr. Echegu Simon, Dr. Aanyu
(tectonic features), and those that are highly intercalated Kevin and Prof. William Helland-Hansen who reviewed the
(stratigraphic features) generally presented low to moderate manuscript up to the end and lastly to my wife, Ms. Jane Ninsiima
reservoir quality parameters. Secondly, the quantity of clay matrix Tumushabe and my children, Wyre Emma Tumushabe, Walsh
in the sediment sample affects the reservoir rock properties i.e., Anderson Tumushabe, Whitley Dorcus Tumushabe and Willis
sediments with high clay matrix have low or poor porosities and Elam Tumushabe who endured my continued absence from home
permeabilities, and sediments with low clay matrix high or good while accomplishing this work.
porosities and permeabilities. All these factors have adverse effect
on the recovery of petroleum resource volumes during production References
phase. Thus, investigating the structural and sedimentological 1. Abeinomugisha, D., & Njabire, N. (2012). Transfer Zones and
settings, and stratigraphic orientation has identified the causes of Hydrocarbon Accumulation in the Albertine Graben of the
the challenges of the reservoir rock properties that were originally East African Rift System. AAPG Annu. Conv. Exhib, 10401,
identified by the different studies. 8.
2. Wayland, E. (1925). Geological survey of uganda: Petroleum
In addition, it was further deduced that when sediments are subjected in uganda. Menoi r, 63, 431-433.
to intensive tectonic activity, climatic changes, with availability 3. Wayland, E. J. (1934). Rifts, rivers, rains and early man in
of accommodation space, sediment supply and base level Uganda. The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute of
changes, there is a likelihood of creating compartmentalization, Great Britain and Ireland, 64, 333-352.
flower structure-like faults (due to compression at later stages of 4. Russell, J. M., Johnson, T. C., Kelts, K. R., Lærdal, T., &
sedimentation) and sediment intercalations (majorly due to short Talbot, M. R. (2003). An 11 000-year lithostratigraphic and
climatic changes during sedimentation process). These factors paleohydrologic record from equatorial Africa: Lake Edward,
may result into reduced connectivity (reduced permeability), Uganda–Congo. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology,
reduced or compaction/cementation of pore spaces (reduced Palaeoecology, 193(1), 25-49.
porosity) and increased clay matrix (increased Vshale) within 5. Abeinomugisha, D, Kasande, R, 2009. Tectonic control on
sediments. This entire process may lead to low to moderate hydrocarbon accumulation in the intracontinental Albertine
reservoir quality parameters, thus affecting the recovery of Graben of the East African Rift System, in: Gao, D. (Ed.),
available fluid in particular sediments. This derivative provides Tectonics and Sedimentation: Implications for Petroleum
for a predictive reservoir quality model that can be used in future Systems. AAPG Memoir 100, pp. 209–228.
studies where similar sedimentological and structural settings have 6. Hinderer, M, Roller, S, Hornung, J, Bauer, F, Glasmacher,
been identified [24-42]. U. A, 2010. Major and trace elements including REE from
synrift sediments in western uganda. Water-Rock Interaction,
5. Conclusions 721–724.
The tectonic and stratigraphy of the study area realized a number 7. Karp, T, Scholz, C. A,McGlue, M, 2012. Structure and
of compartments and flower structure and sediments were highly stratigraphy of the Lake Albert Rift, East Africa: observations
intercalated (interbeds of different lithofacies i.e., there were thin from seismic reflections and gravity data. Lacustrine
lithofacies with different interbedded lithologies (clay, silt, fine Sandstone Reservoirs and Hydrocarbon Systems, 299–318.
and coarse sands) or in some cases stacked deposited at shorter 8. Simon, B., Guillocheau, F., Robin, C., Dauteuil, O., Nalpas,
intervals majorly caused by short changes in climatic conditions T., Pickford, M., ... & Bez, M. (2017). Deformation and
(wet and dry) that happened over time during the sedimentation sedimentary evolution of the Lake Albert rift (Uganda, east
processes. These factors might have an effect on the reservoir African rift system). Marine and Petroleum Geology, 86, 17-
quality of sediments. The study also realized that well dataset 37.
J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 14
9. Macgregor, D, 2015. History of the development of the East Inc. Chapters.
African Rift System: A series of interpreted maps through 23. Mutebi, S., Sen, S., Sserubiri, T., Rudra, A., Ganguli, S. S.,
time. MacGeology Ltd., 26 Gingells Farm Road, Charvil, & Radwan, A. E. (2021). Geological characterization of the
Berkshire RG10 9DJ, UK Miocene–Pliocene succession in the Semliki Basin, Uganda:
10. Ebinger, C. J., Bechtel, T. D., Forsyth, D. W., & Bowin, C. Implications for hydrocarbon exploration and drilling in the
O. (1989). Effective elastic plate thickness beneath the East East African Rift System. Natural Resources Research, 30,
African and Afar plateaus and dynamic compensation of 4329-4354.
the uplifts. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 24. Ali, A. M., Radwan, A. E., Abd El-Gawad, E. A., & Abdel-
94(B3), 2883-2901. Latief, A. S. A. (2022). 3D integrated structural, facies and
11. Upcott, N. M, Mukasa R. K, Ebinger, C. J, and Karner, G. petrophysical static modeling approach for complex sandstone
D, 1996.Along‐axis segmentation and isostasy in the Western reservoirs: A case study from the coniacian–santonian matulla
rift, East Africa, J. Geophys. Res., 101( B1), 3247– 3268. formation, july oilfield, gulf of suez, Egypt. Natural Resources
12. Roller, S., Hornung, J., Hinderer, M., & Ssemmanda, I. (2010). Research, 31(1), 385-413.
Middle Miocene to Pleistocene sedimentary record of rift 25. Galloway, W. E. (1989). Genetic stratigraphic sequences in
evolution in the southern Albert Rift (Uganda). International basin analysis I: architecture and genesis of flooding-surface
Journal of Earth Sciences, 99, 1643-1661. bounded depositional units. AAPG bulletin, 73(2), 125-142.
13. Nicholas, C. J., Newth, I. R., Abeinomugisha, D., Tumushabe, 26. Gawthorpe, R. L., & Hurst, J. M. (1993). Transfer zones
W. M., & Twinomujuni, L. (2016). Geology and stratigraphy of in extensional basins: their structural style and influence
the south-eastern Lake Edward basin (Petroleum Exploration on drainage development and stratigraphy. Journal of the
Area 4B), Albertine Rift Valley, Uganda. Journal of Maps, Geological Society, 150(6), 1137-1152.
12(2), 237-248. 27. Karner, G. D, Byamungu, B. R, Ebinger, C. J, Kampunzu, A.
14. Van Damme, D., & Pickford, M. (2003). The late Cenozoic B, Mukasa, R. K, Nyakaana et al., 2000. Distribution of crustal
Thiaridae (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Cerithioidea) of the extension and regional basin architecture of the Albertine rift
Albertine Rift Valley (Uganda-Congo) and their bearing systems, East Africa. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 17(10),
on the origin and evolution of the Tanganyikan thalassoid 1131–1150.
malacofauna. Hydrobiologia, 498, 1-83. 28. Faulds, J. E., Hinz, N. H., Coolbaugh, M. F., Cashman, P. H.,
15. Lukaye, J., Sserubiri, T., Tumushabe, W. M., & Worsley, D. Kratt, C., Dering, G., ... & McLachlan, H. (2011). Assessment
(2015). Developing a Coherent Stratigraphic Scheme of the of favorable structural settings of geothermal systems in the
Albertine Graben, East Africa. Great Basin, western USA. Geothermal Resources Council
16. Bishop, W. W., Miller, J. A., & Fitch, F. J. (1969). New Transactions, 35, 777-783.
potassium-argon age determinations relevant to the Miocene 29. Lang, J., Dixon, R. J., Le Heron, D. P., & Winsemann, J.
fossil mammal sequence in East Africa. American Journal of (2012). Depositional architecture and sequence stratigraphic
Science, 267(6), 669-699. correlation of Upper Ordovician glaciogenic deposits,
17. Lirong, D., Dingsheng, C., Jianjun, W., Rubondo, E. Illizi Basin, Algeria. Geological Society, London, Special
N., Kasande, R., Byakagaba, A., & Mugisha, F. (2004). Publications, 368(1), 293-317.
Geochemical significance of seepage oils and bituminous 30. Lukaye, J. M. (2009). Biostratigraphy and palynofacies of
sandstones in the Albertine graben, Uganda. Journal of four exploration wells from the Albertine Graben, Uganda.
Petroleum geology, 27(3), 299-312. American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Search &
18. van Damme, D., & Pickford, M. (1995). The late Cenozoic Discovery Article, 50169.
Ampullariidae (Mollusca, Gastropoda) of the Albertine Rift 31. Morley, C. K. (2010). Stress re-orientation along zones of
Valley (Uganda-Zaire). Hydrobiologia, 316, 1-32. weak fabrics in rifts: An explanation for pure extension in
19. Kjartansson, E. (1979). Constant Q‐wave propagation and ‘oblique’rift segments?. Earth and Planetary Science Letters,
attenuation. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 297(3-4), 667-673.
84(B9), 4737-4748. 32. Morley, C. K. (1999). AAPG Studies in Geology# 44, Chapter
20. Ogbamikhumi, A., & Aderibigbe, O. T. (2019). Velocity 10: Aspects of Transfer Zone Geometry and Evolution in East
modelling and depth conversion uncertainty analysis of African Rifts.
onshore reservoirs in the Niger Delta basin. Journal of the 33. Sumery, N. M., Lo, S. Z., & Salim, A. M. A. (2017, October).
Cameroon Academy of Sciences, 14(3), 239-247. Lacustrine environment reservoir properties on sandstone
21. Gagnevin, D, Tyrrell, S, Morton, A.C, Leather, J, Lee, N, minerals and hydrocarbon content: A case study on Doba
Bordas‐Le Floch, N, Frei, D, and Lukaye, J,2017.Sand supply Basin, southern Chad. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and
to the Lake Albert Basin (Uganda) during the Miocene‐ Environmental Science (Vol. 88, No. 1, p. 012005). IOP
Pliocene: A multiproxy provenance approach, Geochem. Publishing.
Geophys. Geosyst., 18, 2133– 2148, 34. Pickford, M., Senut, B., Roche, H., Mein, P., Ndaati, G.,
22. Moore, C. H., & Wade, W. J. (2013). Carbonate Reservoirs: & Obwona, P. (1989). Uganda palaeontology expedition:
Chapter 10. Burial Diagenetic Environment (Vol. 67). Elsevier résultats de la deuxieme mission (1987) dans la région de
J Res Edu, 2024 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 15
 Kisegi-Nyabusosi (bassin du lac Albert, Ouganda). Comptes Uganda, with implications for vegetation and climatic changes
rendus de l'Académie des sciences. Série 2, Mécanique, in East Africa. Search and Discovery Article, 50180.
Physique, Chimie, Sciences de l'univers, Sciences de la Terre, 39. Stefan M.L, 2010. The effect of relay ramps on sediment
308(19), 1751-1758. routes and deposition, Delft University of Technology,
35. Pickford, M., Senut, B., Poupeau, G., Brown, F. H., & Haileab, Department of Geotechnology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft,
B. (1991). Correlation of tephra layers from the western Rift The Netherlands.
Valley (Uganda) to the Turkana Basin (Ethiopia/Kenya) and 40. Vail, P. R., Mitchum Jr, R. M., & Thompson III, S. (1977).
the Gulf of Aden. Stratigraphy, 313, 223-229. Seismic stratigraphy and global changes of sea level: Part
36. Pickford, M., Senut, B., & Hadoto, D. (1993). Geology 4. Global cycles of relative changes of sea level.: Section 2.
and palaeobiology of the Albertine Rift valley, Uganda- Application of seismic reflection configuration to stratigraphic
Zaire. Volume I: geology. Publication occasionnelle-Centre interpretation.
international pour la formation et les échanges géologiques, 41. Van Damme, D, Pickford, M, 1999. The Late Cenozoic
(24). Viviparidae (Mollusca, Gastropoda) of the Albertine Rift
37. Ring, U. (2008). Extreme uplift of the Rwenzori Mountains Valley (Uganda-Congo). Hydrobiologia 390, 169-21.
in the East African Rift, Uganda: Structural framework and 42. Van Damme, D., & Pickford, M. (2010). The Late Cenozoic
possible role of glaciations. Tectonics, 27(4). bivalves of the Albertine Basin (Uganda-Congo). Geo-Pal
38. Shaw, D., Logan, P. C., & Weston, J. (2008). A palynological Uganda, (2), 1-128.
study of Neogene and Holocene sediments from Lake Albert,

Copyright: ©2024 Tumushabe, M. W, et al. This is an open-access article

distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any
medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

J Res Edu, 2024 https://opastpublishers.com Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 16