The study presents a comprehensive analysis of well log data from the “XRO” oil field in the Central Swamp Depobelt of the Niger Delta, analyzing gamma ray, resistivity, neutron, density, and sonic logs to determine lithology and pore fluid content, computing geomechanical properties (bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, Vp/Vs ratio) and petrophysical parameters (porosity, permeability, water saturation, shale volume, bulk volume of water) using Interactive Petrophysics v4.6, identifying two distinct reservoir sands across five wells (RO5–RO9) with unique geomechanical and petrophysical characteristics, net pay thicknesses ranging from 234.51 ft to 993.57 ft, porosity and permeability in RO5’s sand units 1 and 2 at 0.386/0.338 and 91.36 mD/73.11 mD respectively, and high resistivity values indicating hydrocarbon presence except in RO8’s sand unit 1 where low resistivity suggests brine, thereby enhancing reservoir characterization and supporting efficient hydrocarbon development strategies.

East of the Matadi square degree, the transition from the metasedimentary protoliths of the Mayumbian Group to the clayey-sandy deposits of the Sansikwa Subgroup recalls a similar sedimentological history but distinct in their paleoenvironmental evolution, contrary to previous work establishing a discontinuity for these two lithostratigraphic units. Microscopic analysis coupled with field data interpretation revealed a depositional uniformity from the metasedimentary protoliths of the Mayumbian Group to the Sansikwa schists, a deformation synchronism and the absence of erosional unconformity at the base of the Sansikwa Subgroup, demonstrating a sedimentation singularity between the two units. This continuity places the Sansikwa Subgroup at the top of the Mayumbian Group and brings the Lower Diamictite to the base of the West Congolian Group.

Groundwater is a vital natural resource for sustaining human and ecosystem needs. The advent of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has revolutionized groundwater research by providing a spatial framework for data integration, analysis, and visualization. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the applications of GIS in groundwater research. The review covers the use of GIS in groundwater exploration, monitoring, assessment, management, and modelling. Additionally, the paper highlights the advantages and limitations of using GIS in groundwater research and the future research directions.

The study investigated the importance and image behavior of integrated geophysical methods in mapping contaminant spread beneath the surface of a pollution site in Ogoniland, Southern Nigeria. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) techniques constrained by Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) data were employed to investigate the electrical properties of hydrocarbon contaminated soils that resulted from recent oil spills/leakage into the environment. Five (5) ERT and GPR lines and twenty-nine (29) VES data were acquired at the spill site. Basically, the electrical signatures from the resistivity measurements were able to image the subsurface layers and the associated contamination zone. GPR equally imaged the subsurface stratigraphy to a depth of 10.0 m beneath the surface. The interpretation of the five (5) ERT data showed consistency in the resistivity structure indicative of contaminant plumes with anomalously high electrical resistivity in the range of 1000-10,000 Ωm, a possible indication of hydrocarbon contamination. On the GPR radargram, regions of high electrical resistivities were in agreement with reduced GPR reflection behavior (shadow zones) and were limited to the near surface of the surveyed areas. Vertical electrical sounding delineated layers with high resistivity predominantly within the second and fourth geoelectric layers within pollution depths of 2.4 m and 11.9 m, respectively. As a result, the underground aquifer, relatively between 7.5 and 10.5 m, has been infiltrated by hydrocarbons. It can be seen from the study that geoelectric measurements on the surface can describe the distribution of hydrocarbon resistive zones as well as their conductive behavior that may be linked with the biodegradation of oil spills in the subsurface. Thus, the employment of these integrated methods for contaminant monitoring, hydrogeologic studies and remediation planning reduced the uncertainties, and they are of extensive relevance in mapping the geological behavior of polluted soils in contamination sites.

The purpose of this study was to use petrophysical parameters to estimate the Total Oil in Place (TOIP) and the area extent of hydrocarbon accumulations in reservoirs from an oilfield in the Niger Delta basin. During the project, each hydrocarbon bearing zone identified from two oilfield wells was measured for porosity, permeability, water saturation, reservoir thickness, and shale volume. Using the average results of petrophysical characteristics, twelve reservoir zones of interest (sand bodies) were identified, correlated throughout the field, and ranked. The area extents of the accumulations were then calculated using volumetric equations. It was determined that the recoverable oil reserves for Well-001 and Well-002 were 148.45MMBB and 145.91MMBB, respectively. The accumulation’s respective area extents in W-001 and W-002 were determined to be 0.974 acres and 2.92 acres. According to the obtained results, we assert that there is oil and gas that may be exploited in the field under study. We also assert that W-001 may be more productive than W-002 in terms of oil accumulation, while W-002 has greater gas accumulations than W-001. The study’s outcome is quite helpful since it gives field asset managers valuable insights they need to create their oilfield exploitation and recovery plans.

Mud logging is a vital process used to monitor, collect, process, analyze, and interpret drilling cuttings in relation to lag time, gas data, and drilling depth. This operation is conducted in a mobile laboratory, known as the mud logging unit, located at the well site during drilling. Equipped with specialized tools, the unit continuously detects gas in the drilling mud and intermittently analyzes gas in the cuttings. Often referred to as the “Eagle Eye” and the “General Secretary” of rig operations, mud logging plays a critical role in both real-time monitoring and comprehensive documentation. It provides uninterrupted surveillance of the drilling process, identifying changes in subsurface conditions, detecting potential hazards, and ensuring safety and efficiency. By observing and recording data such as gas shows, cuttings, and drilling parameters in real time, mud logging enables swift, informed decision-making and strategic adjustments to optimize performance and prevent costly incidents. Beyond its operational significance, mud logging enhances the understanding of subsurface conditions, contributing to improved reservoir characterization and guiding future exploration efforts. The data collected serves as a valuable archive for geological analysis, decision-making, and strategic planning. As such, mud logging is an indispensable component for the success and sustainability of drilling operations.

This study presents an integrated geophysical-geotechnical assessment of sand resources in Nung Ikono Ufok, Nigeria, to evaluate their suitability for large-scale dredging operations. Combining Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) with borehole sampling and laboratory analysis, we characterized subsurface sand deposits, identified constraints, and developed a Dredging Suitability Index (DSI) to guide extraction. Key findings reveal 32,000 m³ of high-quality, well-graded sand (USCS: SW) within 15 m depth, meeting ASTM C33 standards for construction. ERT delineated sand bodies (150–500 Ωm) with over 85% accuracy compared to borehole data, though discontinuous clay layers and saline intrusions reduced recoverable volumes by 15–20% locally. The integration of geophysical and geotechnical data reduced exploration costs by 40% by minimizing unnecessary drilling. The paper recommends prioritizing extraction in zones with DSI >0.7 (e.g., near BH1–BH2), employing real-time resistivity monitoring to avoid clay/saline contamination, and implementing environmental safeguards to mitigate turbidity and coastal erosion. This work provides a replicable model for sustainable sand resource assessment in deltaic regions, balancing economic viability with geological and ecological constraints.

This study has focused on the distribution and systematic paleontology are presented with more emphasis on their modern nomenclatural aspects and ecology of 27 new Recent foraminiferal species, belonging to 22 genera, were identified from three marine bodies in western, central and eastern Mediterranean Sea. 17 species of them (~63%) are recorded from Western Mediterranean Sea (WMS), 7 species (~26%) from Central Mediterranean Sea (CMS), while only 3 species (~11%) from Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMS). Eight species of them are belonging to the Suborder Textulariina, 6 to Miliolina, 2 to Lagenina and 11 species to Rotaliina. These new species are: Turritellella cimermani, Reophax langeri, Haplophragmoides mediterranensis, Spiroplectinella milkeri, Sahulia saidi, Textularia kaminskii, T. mediterranensis, T. schmiedli, Spirophthalmidium milkeri, Spiroloculina schmiedli, Siphonaperta mallorcaensis, Lachlanella alboranensis, Affinetrina alboranensis, A. alboranica, Tollmannia aegeanea, Globulina alboranica, Siphouvigerina oranica, Uvigerinatella mediterranea, Trimosina mallorcaensis, Sigmavirgulina oranica, Mississippina alboranensis, M. alboranensis, Rosalina mallorcaensis, Discorbinoides oranica, D. alboranensis, Falsocibicides levantinea and Elphidium alboranica.

The use of well logs is significant to obtain accurate and improved porosity, permeability and watersaturation. This accounts for the ability of the wells to store and transmit fluid (hydrocarbon) and itsavailability potential. Three wells (OB-14, OB-15, OB-16, OB-13 and OB-52) data were available for thisresearch. The software used for data analysis and processing is Interactive Petrophysics. The researchoutcomes from the five wells show that low volume of shale as the clean sand is greater than 70%; all themean permeability values noted were highly permeable as all the values obtained were more than 1000mdexcept wells OB-13 and OB-52 whose values are in the very good class. The mean porosity results from allthe wells defined the formation as highly porous. Therefore, the reservoirs are highly porous and permeablefor the storage and migration of fluids. They strongly recommended for development and hydrocarbonexploration.

Interpretation of airborne magnetic and radiometric data in Birin Gwari area of Northcentral Nigeria reveal some anomalous areas which were further explored using ground Geophysics information of magnetic, induced polarization and resistivity survey. Combined results of the geophysical methods, reveal a wide range of linear structures likely veins, which are believed to host ore mineralization. Careful interpretation and technical assessment of the results, attributes some of these structures as probably mineralized veins with varying degrees of characterization. Their responses to physical parameters also revealed some as conductive and the others as non-conductive. Some are conductors within a resistive host while others are within a conductive host. Several of such bodies trending mostly N-S, NE-SW and NW-SE were identified. And it is instructive to note the high degree of correlation between the airborne and ground geophysical data. About seven of the anomalous zones characterized by high chargeability and high resistivity were identified from nine IP profiles within the study area. The geophysical characteristics of the identified vein lengths range from less than 50m to maximally 600m while the width ranges from few cm to maximally 20m. The identified veins were plotted on their mineral prospective maps. Test drilling should be carried out on the priority targets to authenticate the above submission. The mineral prospective priority target maps should be used as guides for the drilling. Other exploration methods such as geochemical sampling of soil and rock samples should be integrated with this geophysical report to see if high concentration of gold coincides with geophysical anomaly and priority targets; this will assist in more precise drilling of target location.