Sedimentary Basins

Summary
The sedimentary basins of India, onland and offshore up to the 200m isobath, have an
areal extent of about 1.79 million sq. km. So far, 26 basins have been recognized and they
have been divided into four categories based on their degree of prospectivity as presently
known.
In the deep waters beyond the 200m isobath, the sedimentary area has been estimated to
be about 1.35 millon sq. km. The total thus works out to 3.14 million sq. km. of which
about 30% is unexplored. Although this appears to be a sizeable proportion, it is a marked
improvement over the corresponding figure of 50% in 1995-96. Also, exploration has
been initiated in about 33% of unexplored areas vis-a-vis the 18% in 1995-96. Thus,
across eight years, there have been significant forward steps in exploring the hydrocarbon
potential of the sedimentary basins of India.
Credit for this achievement goes in large measure to surveys carried out by DGH in
unexplored/poorly explored areas of the country especially Deepwaters off west coast,
east coast and in Andaman sea. Based on these surveys, blocks were carved out and
offered under various rounds of NELP for exploration of oil and gas. This is responsible
for the above mentioned reduction from 50% to 30% in unexplored areas. The
unexplored area will further be reduced to 28% with the award of blocks identified for
NELP-V round for which data packages have been prepared during the year 2003-04
Categorization of Sedimentary Basins
Sedimentary Basinal Areas
E & P Status
SUMMARY
A. Resources and Reserves

Total hydrocarbon resources, inclusive of deep waters, are estimated at around 28

billion tonnes oil and oil-equivalent of gas (O+OEG). As on 01.04.2004, initial inplace oil of 7.89 billion tonnes and ultimate reserves of 2.94 billion tonnes have
been established. The resources estimated by DGH for its internal use, for the
country, are 32 billion tonnes (O+OEG).

B. Seismic Surveys

During the year 2003-04, 2-D seismic data acquisition comprised 6,797.81 LKM
onland and 27,509.35 LKM offshore data.
In respect of 3-D seismic data, 1,988.20 Sq. Km onland and 27,615.09 Sq.Km
offshore data were acquired.

A total of 27 2D seismic parties and 21 3D seismic parties were deployed in

onland areas. 16 seismic vessels were engaged to carryout 2D and 3D seismic
surveys in offshore areas.

C. Drilling

Of the total of 404 wells drilled, 179 were exploratory and 225 development
wells. As in the previous year, the national oil companies contributed to the bulk
of the drilling with a total of 933,240 meters drilled, of which, 458,150 meters
exploratory and 475,090 meters development.

D. Production

Total oil production during the year was over 33.37 MMT and that of gas 31.64
BCM. The contribution of Pvt / Joint Venture companies was about 17% of the
total Oil & OEG production.

E. Privatization Efforts by Pvt / JV companies in E&P Sector

Investments made by Private/J.V. Companies in exploration and development

activities till March, 2004 : US$ 3.22 billion (provisional).
Oil production rates from the Ravva field (K-G Offshore) ranged from 53,000 to
54,000 BOPD
E & P Status

BASIN-WISE HYDROCARBON RESOURCES (MMT)

BASIN

OFFSHORE

ONLAND

TOTAL

MUMBAI (MUM)

9,190

---

9,190

ASSAM-ARAKAN FOLD BELT (AAFB)

---

1,860

1,860

CAMBAY (CBY)

---

2,050

2,050

UPPER ASSAM (UA)

---

3,180

3,180

KRISHNA-GODAVARI (K-G)

555

575

1,130

CAUVERY (CY)

270

430

700

RAJASTHAN (RAJ)

---

380

380

KUTCH (KUT)

550

210

760

ANDAMAN-NICOBAR (AN)

180

---

180

KERALA-KONKAN (K-K)

660

---

660

SAURASHTRA OFFSHORE (SAU)

280

280

GANGA VALLEY (GV)

---

230

230

BENGAL (BEN)

30

160

190

HIMALAYAN FORELAND (HF)

---

150

150

MAHANADI (MN)

100

45

145

DEEP WATER (OW) *

7000

---

7000

GRAND TOTAL

18,815

9,270

28,085

* HC resources in Deep water off East Coast likely to increase further by about
4,000 MMT as per interpretation results of reconnaissance surveys carried out by
DGH
PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY DGH
SUMMARY
> The DGH has carried out, either alone or in collaboration with reputed companies,
several projects to upgrade information in hitherto unexplored/less explored areas. These
total to 1.96 million sq kms. and cover both offshore (86%) and onland (14%).
> Of this total, satellite gravity surveys over the eastern and western offshore areas and
Andaman account for 1.642 million sq. kms. (84%). Joint venture offshore speculative
geophysical surveys within the same area in eastern offshore and Andaman cover about
0.246 million sq. kms. (13%). These latter surveys have given valuable clues to structure,
tectonics, sedimentary thickness and play recognition in the deep waters, and have
provided inputs for modelling studies and for the preparation of a hydrocarbon prospect
map of the area.
> A 2D seismic coverage of 0.053 million sq. km. was achieved in 1997-98 in the onland
areas of U.P., Bihar and M.P. 2D seismic survey was repeated in Bihar in 2002-03 over

0.05 million sq. km. These surveys were carried out to assess the hydrocarbon potential
of Vindhyan and Ganga basins. A new lower Vindhyan paleo-embayment comprising of a
number of high and low basement features has been mapped for the first time. These
studies have led to the demarcation of certain prospective areas and 1 block each in
Vindhyan basin and Ganga basin with new data has been offered under second round of
NELP. One more block is offered in NELP-IV round. In 2003-04, 805.0 GLK 2D seismic
data have been acquired from Chambal Valley area to assess the prospectivity of the
western part of the Vindhyan basin.
> In the deep waters of the Andamans, and of the east and west coasts of India including
the southern tip, 2D seismic surveys were carried out between 1999 and 2003, acquiring a
total of about 25,000 LKM of data.
> Geochemical surveys were carried out in the Chambal Valley of the Vindhyan basin
over 0.035 million sq. km. and over 0.043 million sq. km. of Kutch onland. Out of this
0.043 million sq.km. area, 0.033 million sq.km. falls within the Kutch reconnaissance
(aero-magnetic) survey area of 0.038 million sq.km., and hence not included for purposes
of totaling.The samples collected in these areas show maturity of sediments and have
revealed the presence of C2+ gases. During 2003-04, 350 soil samples were collected to
carry out geochemical studies in Chattisgarh basin, covering an area of 0.035 million
sq.km.
> Integrated geophysical surveys were carried out jointly by DGH and NGRI in the
northwestern part of the Deccan Syneclise revealed sub-trappean Mesozoic-Gondwana
sediments with a maximum thickness of 3 Kms.
BOUGUER GRAVITY MAP DERIVED FROM SATELLITE ALTIMETRY WESTERN
OFFSHORE
Agency DGH & PETROSCAN
Objective To provide Bouguer and free air gravity maps over the Western offshore area
Coverage 0.805 Million Sq. Km.
Findings

West shelf margin is characterised by two strings of gravity highs extending

parallel to coastline
Discrete high features along and away from shelf margin could be future
prospective areas

BOUGUER GRAVITY MAP DERIVED FROM SATELLITE ALTIMETRY EASTERN

OFFSHORE
Agency DGH & PETROSCAN
Objective To provide Bouguer and free air gravity maps over the Eastern offshore area
Coverage 0.545 Million Sq. Km.
Findings

Two pronounced gravity high features trending sub-parallel to coastline and

separated
by
intermittent
areas
of
gravity
lows

BOUGUER GRAVITY MAP

ANDAMAN OFFSHORE

DERIVED

FROM

SATELLITE

ALTIMETRY

Agency DGH & PETROSCAN

Objective To provide Bouguer and free air gravity maps over the Andaman-Nicobar
offshore area
Coverage 0.292 Million Sq. Km.
Findings

Nicobar islands are part of the inner volcanic arc rather than of outer non-volcanic
area

The fore-arc basin located west of Nicobar island could be prospective

Areas

of

spreading

centre

are

well

brought

out

JV SPECULATIVE SEISMIC SURVEYS IN VINDHYAN AND GANGA VALLEY

BASINS
Agency : DGH & ALPHA GEO(INDIA) LTD.
Objective

To map basement configuration, sediment fill, structural-stratigraphic plays, and

to
broadly
assess
the
hydrocarbon potential. .

Volume of Work

1200 GLK ( 634 GLK in

in Vindhyan block).
Reprocessed
and
interpreted
the blocks.

Ganga
455

Valley
GLK

block
of

&

earlier

566
data

GLK
in

Status

Data acquisition, processing & interpretation in Vindhyan Basin and Ganga Valley
blocks completed

Findings
Interpretation of data suggests that conditions conducive to hydrocarbon
generation and accumulation Exist along the Narmada-Son lineament between
Jabera and Madhubani.
Identified several strati-structural plays such as basement highs, fault closures,
build-ups, regressive and transgressive sequences.

A new lower Vindhyan, paleo-embayment comprising of a number of high and

low basement features has been mapped.

AEROMAGNETIC SURVEYS IN RANN OF KUTCH AND CONTIGUOUS AREAS

Agency:DGH & NRSA

Objectives

To map basement configuration and tectonic framework

To obtain information on sedimentary thickness

23,730 LKM covering 48,000 Sq. Km.

Findings

E-W trending horst and graben basement features which possibly represent a
failed-arm of proven Cambay Basin

Findings

Sedimentary thickness of 4-6 km. indicated in the Banni, Samakhiali and north
Bhuj depressions, suggest high prospectivity

Western part of Kutch Basin shows high volcanic activity with extensive Deccan
trap flows

MAGNETOTELLURIC (MT) STUDIES IN NAGPUR

-WARDHA AREA & ALONG REGIONAL
PROFILE FROM NAGPUR TO BELGAUM
Agency : DGH & NGRI
Objectives

To map basement configuration

To obtain information on Mesozoic/

Palaeozoic sedimentary thickness underlying Deccan trap
Coverage
352 Stns. (196 in Nagpur-Wardha area and 156
along Nagpur-Belgaum Regional Profile)

Findings
NAGPUR-WARDHA AREA

Presence of sub-basins separated by ridges

Thickness of sediments up to 4 km.

Maximum trap thickness of 400 m.

NAGPUR-BELGAUM REGIONAL PROFILE

Presence of minor rift basins with sedimentary thickness of 1.5 km.

PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY DGH

RECENT DISCOVERIES

SUMMARY
National Oil Companies
In the last 4 years, the NOCs viz. ONGC and OIL, made 25 significant hydrocarbon
discoveries of which 10 are in offshore and 15 onland.
Out of 10 offshore discoveries, 6 were made in Kutch & Mumbai Basins, Western
Offshore and 4 in K-G Basin, Eastern offshore. All these Offshore discoveries were made
by ONGC. The Western Offshore discoveries were GK-39-1 (Gas) in Kutch offshore;
WO-24-1 (Gas), B-14-2 (Gas), Vasai West (Oil & Gas), Vasai East (Oil) and NMT-2
(Gas) in Mumbai offshore. The Vasai East and Vasai West discoveries are considered to
be the major discoveries in Western Offshore. The Eastern Offshore discoveries were
KD-1-1 (Gas), GS-KW-1 (Oil & Gas), GS-49-2 (Gas) in K-G shallow waters and G-4-2
(Gas) in K-G deep waters. The significance of GS-KW-1 and GS-49-2 discoveries are
that these have highlighted the prospectivity of land-sea transition zones.
Out of the 15 Onland discoveries, 5 discoveries were made by OIL in Upper Assam Shelf
and 10 discoveries were made by ONGC in Rajasthan, Cambay, Cauvery, K-G and in
Assam Arakan Basins. The discoveries made by OIL were Chandmari-1 (Oil & Gas),
Matimekhana-2 (Oil), Baghjan-1 (Oil & Gas), Chabua-6 (Oil) and North Chandmari-1
(Oil & Gas). The discoveries made by ONGC were Chinnewala Tibba-1 (Gas) in
Rajasthan Basin, Katpur-1 (Gas) in Cambay; PBS-1-1 (Gas) in Cauvery; SU-1 (Oil),
GM-1 (Oil), AK-1 (Gas) and Endumuru-9 (Gas) in K-G; Sonamura (Gas) in AssamArakan Fold Belt and Banamali (Oil & Gas), Liapling Gaon-1 (Oil), in Upper Assam
Shelf.
RECENT DISCOVERIES
Private / JV Companies
In the last 4 years, Pvt/JV companies have made 32 significant hydrocarbon discoveries,
both in the NELP and Pre-NELP blocks. These discoveries were made in five major
areas: Mahanadi NEC offshore, Krishna-Godavari offshore, Gulf of Cambay, onland
Rajasthan and Cambay Basins
The recent gas discoveries, namely Dhirubhai-9, 10, 11 and 15 made by Reliance India
Ltd. (RIL) in shallow offshore block NEC-OSN-97/2 located in Mahanadi NEC basin
have upgraded the category of the basin from Cat.-III to Cat.-II. When these discoveries
are put on production, the category of the basin will be further upgraded to Cat.-I and will
become
the
8th
basin
with
established
commercial
production.
In deep-water block KG-DWN-98/2, Cairn Energy Pty. Ltd. (CEIL) made three
important discoveries: Annapurna, Padmavati and Kanaka Durga. While the first tested
gas, the other two tested oil. The consortium of RIL and Niko Resources Ltd. made a
spectacular series of gas discoveries in their deep water block KG-DWN-98/3 through
the drilling and testing of Dhirubhai wells 1 to 8 and 16. In fact, the Dhirubhai-1
discovery was the worlds largest gas discovery in 2002. These eight wells were drilled in
merely 20% of the block and they have already established gas reserves of about 12-14
TCF.

In the Gulf of Cambay block CB-OS/2, operated by Cairn Energy, five hydrocarbon
bearing structures: Lakshmi, Gauri, Ambe, Parvati and CBX-1 were discovered. The
Lakshmi field has been on regular gas production at the rate of 3.0 MMSCMD since
November, 2002. The gas production from the second field Gauri has also commenced
from April, 2004. The rate of gas production from this field is 1.3 MMSCMD.
In block CB-ONN-2000/2 of onland Cambay basin, Niko Resources struck natural gas in
Well Bheema-1. This is the first block awarded under NELP-II to establish substantial
hydrocarbon potential, and that too in a very short span of 15 months from the signing of
the PSC. In addition, significant quantities of shallow gas (NS-A field) have been
discovered in the block which is first of its kind in India. The NS-A field is on gas
production at a rate of 0.14 MMSCMD from May, 2004. Recently, in block CB-ONN2000/1, GSPC has discovered oil in PK-2 structure and produced oil @ 120m3 / day
during
initial
testing
from
Olpad
formation
(Paleocene).
In the Rajasthan onland block RJ-ON-90/1 in Barmer-Sanchor Sub-basin, Cairn has
made a string of oil discoveries viz. Saraswati, Raageshwari, GR-F, Kameshwari,
Mangala, N-A, N-C and N-V-1. These discoveries have put Rajasthan firmly on the oil
map of India. In fact, Mangala discovery is considered one of the major onland oil
discoveries since Gandhar field having in-place reserves of 116 MMT.