Correlation of Structural Lineaments with Oil Discoveries in Potwar Sub-Basin, Pakistan

Abstract

The Potwar sub-basin is located in the foothills of western Himalayas. It is developed as a result of continent to continent collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. This sub-basin is one of the major oil and gas producing-region of the country. Clastics of Cambrian, Permian, Jurassic, .Paleocene, and .carbonates of Permian, Paleocene, and Eocene are producing reservoirs. Fractured Eocene carbonate reservoirs (Sakesar & Chorgali) are the main producing horizons in the region. Shale of infra-Cambrian- Cambrian, and Paleocene are the main source rocks in the area.
Interpretation of satellite data for lineament analysis coupled with stress models indicate that 63% of oil and gas fields fall along and 37% within 2-5 km radius of extensional lineaments and their corresponding open fractured zones developed due to various stress regimes. It is therefore suggested that exploration for hydrocarbon may be targeted in the strike extension of the mentioned lineaments in areas where optimum conditions for hydrocarbon generation exist.