Geological Behavior (GBR)

Exploration success in hydrocarbon-rich provinces like the Niger Delta Basin is often constrained by subsurface uncertainties, particularly in structurally complex regions. In the onshore Niger Delta, fault seal behavior remains underexplored compared to offshore areas. This study investigates fault seal characteristics in the Akos Field, onshore Niger Delta, with the aim of mitigating exploration risk and improving hydrocarbon prospectivity. The analysis integrates 3D seismic interpretation, petrophysical data, and Shale Gouge Ratio (SGR) modelling to evaluate fault sealing capacity and the likelihood of cross-fault hydrocarbon migration. Two major faults (F1 and F2) were analyzed in detail. Fault F1 exhibited partial sealing with SGR values between 35–40%, suggesting a moderate barrier to fluid flow, while fault F2 showed enhanced sealing potential with SGR values exceeding 40%, indicating a more effective trap. These variations suggest significant implications for hydrocarbon entrapment, reservoir compartmentalization, and field development planning. Comparative insights from analogous offshore fields further highlight the structural dependence of hydrocarbon accumulation in Akos. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating fault seal analysis in exploration workflows to reduce risk and enhance predictive models in similar tectonically influenced basins.