INTEGRATED INTERPRETATION OF THE L59 PROFILE IN THE CENTRAL BASIN (DRC): STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS, SEISMOSTRATIGRAPHY, AND PETROPHYSICAL MODELING OF RESERVOIRS

Abstract

This study takes us to the heart of the Central Basin of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a sedimentary giant still shrouded in geological mystery. To uncover its oil potential, we carefully examined seismic profile L59. Over 180 km, cross-analysis of key attributes such as envelope, RMS amplitude, and sweetness enabled us to redraw the subsurface architecture. We identified six major sedimentary sequences that tell the story of the basin: an alternation of promising sandstone reservoirs and clay layers acting as natural caps. The discovery of “bright spots” is particularly encouraging, as these anomalies often indicate the presence of hydrocarbons trapped by the movements of salt and crystalline bedrock. To transform these acoustic images into concrete data, we used Wyllie's formula to estimate a porosity of approximately 13.4% at the Gilson well. Based on Tarantola's theories (2005), we then extrapolated these properties to the entire reservoir using an exponential decay model. This approach led us to an initial estimate of the original oil in place (OOIP). Although these calculations are based on mathematical models, they confirm that the L59 profile area is a prime target for future exploration drilling.