Journal of Earth Sciences and Geotechnical Engineering

Determination of Geothermal Gradient in the Eastern Niger Delta Sedimentary Basin from Bottom Hole Temperatures

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• Abstract

  The geothermal gradient of the eastern Niger delta have been obtained from bottom hole temperature for 19 exploratory oil wells. The geothermal gradients vary from 13.46oC/km to 33.66⁰  C/km with an average of 23.56⁰ C/km. The geothermal gradients have low values in the northwest-southeast direction and increases seaward and northward. The distribution of geothermal gradient is directly related to the overburden thickness, lithology, tectonic activities (growth faults), and hydrodynamics of the basin. The computed geothermal gradient map could be used in the application of the liquid hydrocarbon -window concept for oil exploration.