Sand Distribution Pattern and Depositional Model of Kopili Formation (Eocene) with Special Reference to

Sequence Stratigraphic Framework from North Assam Shelf, Assam-Arakan Basin, India*
S.K. Roy Moulik1, H.J. Singh1, R.K. Singh Rawat1, Md. S.Akhtar1, S. Mayor1, and M. Asthana1
Search and Discovery Article 50196 (2009)
Posted July 28, 2009

*Adapted from manuscript prepared for oral presentation at AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 7-10, 2009
1

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Dehradun,India (sujitrmoulik@rediffmail.com)

Abstract
This study has incorporated enhanced quality 3D data (PSTM/PSDM) along with high resolution biostratigraphic and available G&G
inputs to bring out the sand distribution pattern and building of a depositional model within sequence stratigraphic framework of the
upper part of middle Eocene to upper Eocene Kopili Formation for better understanding of the reservoir distribution for the entire
North Assam Shelf.
Sequence stratigraphy has an important built-in interpretation component, which addresses issues such as the reconstruction of the
allogenic controls at the time of sedimentation, and predictions of facies architecture in yet unexplored areas. It is a process response
model, thus leading to the interpretation of paleoenvironments which are much more critical for sequence stratigraphy than for
lithostratigraphy. As a result, current sequence stratigraphic concept is being used globally in place of lithostraigraphic concept, in
particular, to bring out the facies distribution pattern and depositional model in basinal scale analysis.
The North Assam Shelf is in the mature stage of exploration for relatively shallow horizons and has established an oil province from
Neogene (Oligocene and Miocene) age. A good number of wells have been drilled through deeper sections(Eocene and Paleocene)
and has established leads from strata of Paleogene age.
Kopili Formation (middle to late Eocene) of North Assam Shelf could be further subdivided into three higher order sequences; viz.,
Sequence I, II, and III, primarily based on logs and available biostratigraphic and paleobathymetric data as the seismic imaging is
found to be very poor within the Kopili section. Sequence I is the lowermost sequence; Sequence III is the uppermost sequence,
whereas Sequence II is the intermediate sequence identified within Kopili Formation. Two types of system tracts (viz., TST
(Transgressive System Tract) and HST (High stand System Tract)) are found to be present in each sequence. System tract analysis has

brought out facies distribution pattern and barrier bar- lagoon - tidal inlet - tidal bar - bay head delta depositional model has been
envisaged for Kopili Formation in the entire North Assam Shelf. This model will certainly aid in proper planning for exploration of
Kopili Formation in North Assam Shelf.
Introduction
The study area lies in the North Assam Shelf of Assam and Assam-Arakan Basin, northeast India. (Figure 1). The North Assam Shelf
is in the mature stage of exploration for relatively shallow horizons in Barail and Tipam groups and has established an oil province
from Neogene (Oligocene and Miocene) age. A good number of wells have been drilled through the deeper section and has
established leads from Paleogene age. In Geleki area alone, a number of wells have been drilled to probe the HC potential of Kopili
Formation but except for #E, none has fully penetrated the Kopili section, although Kopili sands in some of those drilled wells are
found to be HC-bearing. In adjoining Lakwa structure a total of 5 wells #S, #U, #V, #W, and #Y have been drilled through the Kopili
section, which show encouraging electrolog characters, along with oil and gas shows during drilling. Therefore, it was an urgent need
to have a basinal scale study applying sequence stratigraphic concept to prepare a sand facies map and developing a depositional
model of Kopili Formation for better understanding of the reservoir using available G&G data and latest PSTM/PSDM seismic data
for the entire North Assam Shelf.
Geological Setting
Assam Shelf, a part of Assam-Arakan Basin covering an area of about 40,000 square kilometers, has long been established as a
hydrocarbon-producing basin (Figure 2). Most of the area is covered with alluvium except for a thin veneer of Cretaceous and Tertiary
shelf sediments skirting Mikir Hills and Shillong Plateau. It extends westward beyond Bangladesh and West Bengal up to Orissa,
including part of Burma in the east and south. The shelf consists of Shillong Plateau, Mikir Hills, the Garo, Khasi, Jaintia Hills and the
Upper Assam Valley. Geologically, this is the northeastern prolongation of the Indian Peninsular Shield with Garo -Rajmahal traps in
between (Murty, 1983). Metamorphics of Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh occur towards the northeast of the shelf. Hill ranges of
Nagaland, Cachar, and Mizoram belonging to the mobile belt mark the southern and southeastern edge of the shelf. To the north, the
Himalayan Foredeep, exposing Siwalik molasse, bound the shelf sediments. The Shillong Plateau and Mikir Hills, with relatively
undisturbed cover of Cretaceous-Tertiary sediments, form the western and southwestern extension. The Assam Shelf has been further
subdivided into two parts: North Assam/Upper Assam Shelf and South Assam Shelf by Jorhat fault. Present study area is the entire
North Assam/Upper Assam Shelf (Figure 2).

Stratigraphy
Stratigraphic succession of Assam Shelf has been widely discussed by Evans (1932), Mathur and Evans (1964), Dasgupta (1977), and
Deshpande et al. (1993). Regionally, Assam Shelf exhibits a Weimerian layer cake (Weimer et al., 1965) stratigraphy typical of
epicontinental basins overlying the Precambrian granite basement. Up to this time, more than 1200 wells have been drilled on Upper
Assam Shelf, and subsurface sedimentary records have been confirmed from Paleocene to Recent in age with a major break in
sedimentation during Oligocene, late Miocene, and Pliocene times. The standardized lithostratigraphic succession (Deshpande et. al.,
1993) for Assam Shelf, shown in Figure 3, depicts the generalized stratigraphy of Upper Assam.
In Assam Shelf area, the Paleogene sediments are mostly deposited in shallow marine to transitional environments. Thickness of
these sediments increases from northwest to southeast, suggesting the basinal system towards the southeast (Bhandari et al., 1973;
Murty, 1983). The end of Paleogene is marked by the widespread well recognized Oligocene unconformity.
Tertiary rocks rest directly over the granite gneiss and are divisible into two supergroups (Bhandari et al., 1973). The older Naga
Supergroup of Paleogene age is further divided into Jaintia and Barail groups.
Jaintia Group (Paleocene- Eocene) is composed of:
Therria/Tura/Basal Sandstone of Paleocene to early Eocene age consisting of calcareous sandstones with basal conglomerate
deposited in a fluvial to shallow-marine environment.
Sylhet Limestone of middle Eocene age includes fossiliferous limestones with shale and sandstone bands deposited in shallowmarine shelf. The clastic intercalations represent periods of regression.
Kopili alternations consisting of shale and fine-grained sandstones with marl streaks deposited in a shallow-marine to lagoonal
environment during late Eocene period.
This Study
Objectives
The primary objectives of this study were:
to develop a depositional model for Kopili Formation;
to determine the extent and orientation of sand bodies within Kopili Formation,
to identify prospective areas

Methodology
In the present study concerted efforts have been made, based on sequence stratigraphic approach, to collate well logs, seismic, and
other G&G data. The stepwise approach was followed in the present study:
Well data study (to understand nature of contacts, thickness variations, sand / shale distribution, etc.) and analyze the logs by
adopting sequence stratigraphic approach to develop a chronostratigraphic framework of Kopili Formation for the entire Upper
Assam Shelf.
Identification of higher order sequence boundaries on the logs along dip, as well as strike, profile using biostratigraphic data in
order to understand the spatial and vertical distribution of different sequences and sand bodies within the identified sequences.
Calibration of sequence tops on seismic by using the available VSP data in the area.
Preparation of time contour map close to top of identified sequences.
Preparation of isochronopach maps to understand basinal slope.
Analysis of system tract and preparation of HST maps to bring out facies distribution map for each sequence.
Development of a comprehensive depositional model for Kopili reservoirs.
Data Used

Seismic as well as well data for this study was provided in 8 and 32 bit display format.
Total of 18 PSDM volumes.
Geo-scientific data of 45 wells including core data, cutting sample descriptions, sidewall cores, well testing details, dipmeter
data, etc.
Inputs from linked laboratory projects.

G&G Analysis
Well Log Profiles
Forty-five deep wells in the area have been studied, and 6 regional electrolog profiles (Figure 4; showing 3 dip and 3 strike profiles)
were prepared for 22 wells; in most of them the entire Kopili sections are represented.

Figure 1. Map showing study area.

Figure 2. Map showing various structural elements of Assam and Assam-Arakan Basin.

Figure 3. Generalized stratigraphy of Assam Shelf.

Figure 4. Well location map showing various log correlation profiles.

Thickness Distribution Trends

Overall, Kopili isochronopach map suggests four thickness maxima (Figure 5a and b). Three thickness maxima are Amguri, CharliRudrasagar, and Geleki-Nazira low areas. Another maximum is indicated towards the northwest and northeast of Lakwa area. The
isochronopach map shows gradual thinning in the updip direction and thickening in downdip direction. The thickness of Kopili
Formation indicates a gentle slope towards northeast, whereas towards south and southeast directions the dip is quite steep at places,
as shown in Figure 5. The areas shown as red has thinner Kopili sediments indicative of paleohighs. Areas shown as yellow received
more sediments and green shows maximum Kopili thickness, suggesting paleoslope in southeast and northeast directions (Figure 5b).
Reflection configuration of Kopili Formation
The deposits of sand/shale alternations that broadly constitute a major part of the Kopili Formation overlie the Sylhet Formation .
Seismically the Kopili sequence is mostly transparent with low amplitude, moderate frequency, discontinuous to patchy reflections.
The high amplitude seismic reflections are inferred to be the seismic expression of the reservoir bodies.
Application of Sequence Stratigraphy vs. Lithostratigraphy
The lithostratigraphic analysis provides only descriptive information of lithologic distribution, which in some instances could combine
the products of sedimentation of various depositional environments. Simple maps of lithologic distribution give little insight as to the
general paleogeography and, as a result, are of little use in predicting lithologies away from known data points. On the other hand,
sequence stratigraphic correlations depend on interpretation to develop the correlation model. Therefore, sequence stratigraphy has an
important built-in interpretation component, which addresses issues such as the reconstruction of the allogenic controls at the time of
sedimentation and predictions of facies architecture in yet unexplored areas (Catuneanu et al., 2005).
Figure 6 shows the inherent difference between lithostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy; both analyze the same sedimentary
succession but with the focus on different stratigraphic aspects, or rock properties. Lithostratigraphy deals with the lithology of strata
and with their organization into units based on lithological character.The boundaries between lithostratigraphic units are often highly
diachronous facies contacts, in which case they develop within the sedimentary packages bounded by sequence stratigraphic surfaces.
Sequence stratigraphy deals with the correlation of coeval stratal units, irrespective of the lateral changes of facies that commonly
occur across a basin and which are bounded by low diachroneity (i.e., nearly synchronous) surfaces. It is also important to note that
facies analyses leading to the interpretation of paleoenvironments are much more critical for sequence stratigraphy than for
lithostratigraphy. Understanding what constitutes a reasonable vertical and lateral relationship between facies within a time framework
assists in correlating the same time lines through varying lithologies. Thus, the concepts of sequence stratigraphy may ultimately

provide the framework that will allow previously defined types of stratigraphic units and surfaces to obtain a clear status in relation to
each other and within the bigger picture of genetic stratigraphy. The present study has dealt with the sequence stratigraphy of Kopili
Formation in a detailed manner.
Van Wagoner (1990) performed sequence stratigraphic analysis using wireline logs. A well log sequence is a depositional sequence
identified on a well-log cross section. Multi-well studies using a suite of wireline logs provide invaluable information to sequence
analysis and help in developing an architectural and space-time reconstruction of the formation. As the imaging for Kopili Formation
is not always conspicuous, this study could be firmed up in conjunction with the well-log analysis, biostratigraphic studies, and
paleobathymetric data and finally integrated to define various depositional sequences, which are subsequently mapped to bring out
regional depositional pattern of the entire area.
Biostratigraphy
Palynofacies
Palynological marine index (PMI) has been calculated for a few wells. PMI helps in the recognition of sequence boundaries and
maximum flooding surfaces (Figure 7). Normally, sequence boundaries can be found in the intervals with upward-decreasing values
of PMI, whereas maximum flooding surfaces usually will be near the maximum values of PMI in each sequence. PMI values, when
calibrated with the well data, indicate good match and, therefore, provide an excellent support of the sequence stratigraphic analysis.
The characteristic dinoflagellate cysts include: Polysphaeridium congregatum, Achomosphaera sp., Spiniferites sp.,
Cleistosphaeridium sp., and Diphyes colligerum. A few age marker species recognized in Kopili Formation are: Muratodinium
fimbriatum (44 Ma), Apectodinium homomorphum (41 Ma), Adnatosphaeridium multispinosum (39.5 Ma), and Glaphyrocysta
exuberans (38 Ma). The percentage ratio of dinocysts and pollen spore has been used to interpret the depositional environment.
(Rawat et.al., 1999)
Biofacies
Biostratigraphically, Kopili is characterized by the presence of calcareous foraminifera. The overall faunal frequency and the size of
the forams decrease towards the upper part. A few arenaceous forams, like Trochammina and Haplophragmoides (normal growth), are
also seen. The diminutive calcareous forms and the presence of the above arenaceous forams suggest the possible deposition in
estuarine conditions, with salinity ranging from 100-20,000 ppm. (Mohan and Pandey, 1973).

Figure 5. (a) Isochronopach map of Kopili Formation along with (b) 3D view.

Figure 6. Conceptual contrast between lithostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy. Sequence stratigraphic surfaces are eventsignificant and mark changes in depositional trends. In this case, their timing is controlled by the turnaround points between
transgressions and regressions.
Lithostratigraphic surfaces are highly diachronous facies contacts. Note that the system tracts and sequence boundaries cross the
formation boundaries. Each system tract is composed of three depositional systems in this example and is defined by a particular
depositional trend; i.e., progradational or retrogradational (after Catuneanu et al., 2005).

Figure 7. Biostratigraphic data of well #E.

Figure 8. Type log, along with seismic response, showing sequence stratigraphic analysis in well G#250 depicting identified sequence
boundary, maxiumum flooding surfaces, and system tracts.

Sequence Straigraphic Analysis

Three higher order sequences have been identified within Kopili Formation. Sequence boundaries and maximum flooding surfaces
have been determined from the biostratigraphy and subsequently integrated with the well logs and the paleobathymetry data.
However, the identified sequences are not distinguishable in seismic sections. The identified sequences have been correlated
regionally through six regional log correlations profiles (Figure 4). The type log and sequence stratigraphic analysis in well #E,
depicting sequence boundaries, maximum flooding surfaces, and system tracts with the biostratigraphy, are shown in Figure 8.
Detailed sequence stratigraphic analysis carried out for the entire north Assam Shelf has been presented in Figures 9, 10, and 11.
Sequences identified are summarized as below.
Sequence I
It is the lowermost sequence identified within Kopili Formation. As the seismic imaging is very poor (Figure 8), in order to utilize
sequence stratigraphy, the top of this sequence has been determined by integrating biostratigraphic data with the logs. Thickness of
this sequence is almost uniform. Maximum Flooding Surface (MFS) divides Sequence I into two system tracts (Trangressive System
Tract (TST) and Highstand System Tract (HST)). TST is primarily a shaly facies, whereas HST consists of sandy facies. By
integrating logs with available biostratigraphy, cores, paleobathymetric data, and various seismic attribute maps, HST of Sequence I
has been mapped (Figure 12), showing the sand distribution pattern as well as paleoenvironmetal setting of the study area for
Sequence I. It is observed that sand thickness ranges from 8m (#M) to 42m (#A) within this sequence. In general sand thickness is
found to increase towards east-southeast. HST map reveals the pattern of discrete, elongate type of sand distribution trending NE-SW
(parallel to the structural grain of the basin). Coarsening-up, funnel-shaped electrolog motif and dipmeter data indicate the
development of barrier bars in Geleki and Lakwa area. Based on the attribute maps and with the analogy of Geleki and Lakwa area the
discrete, elongate NE-SW trending sand bodies found in Amguri Charali and Moran areas are also interpreted as barrier bars, which
were formed as a result of reworking of sediments during normal regressive phase. Dipmeter data indicate that the bars thicken
towards the SE. However, in Rudrasagar-Demulgaon area, sand geometry indicates an orthogonal relationship with the barrier bars
described earlier. The sand body trends NW-SE and log motif suggests tidal bar deposits for this sand (Figure 12). Between Charali
and Lakwa area, one tidal pass/inlet is clearly visible in the map. Towards the west in Disangmukh-North Rudrasagar-Rajmai and
Panidihing areas, the distribution pattern and the log motifs suggest bayhead delta deposits. (Figure 12).

Seismic Response Close to Sequence I (Kopili) Base

As stated earlier, sequence top identified on logs is not resolved in seismic data. However, the reflection event close to Sequence I;
i.e., Kopili base is fairly correlatable in the entire area, except in some part of southeastern area, where it is patchy and diminished.
The event mapped is quite conformable to the reflections corresponding to Sylhet top. The reflection time of this event ranges from
3300 to 3600 msec. Most of the structures are aligned along the major NE-SW fault trends and bounded by significant lows in the
area. The structural picture at this level is more or less conformable to the above-mentioned level; i.e., Sequence I (Figure 13a and b).
Sequence II
Sedimentary thickness of this, the middle, sequence is less than that of the other two sequences. Thickness is more or less uniform.
Two types of system tracts (HST and TST) are present within this sequence. HST of this sequence has been mapped and the analysis
of the map is presented below:
Sand thickness ranges from 10m in #L to 33m in #A. In Amguri area thickness varies from 22-33m and from 14-27m in CharaliDemulgaon-Kuargaon area. In Lakwa-Moran-Sonari area thickness of sand ranges between 14-20m, whereas in Rudrasagar-North
Rudrasagar-Rajmai area sand thickness is between 10-18m. In Panidihing, sand thickness is in the range of 10-26m. Again in
Dikhowmukh-Disangmukh area comparatively greater thickness of sand (22-29m) is observed. Sands are found to be distributed as
elongate, discrete bodies particularly in Amguri-Geleki area, Charali-Demulgaon-Kuargaon area, and Lakwa-Moran-Sonari area along
a linear trend (Figure 14). These elongate bodies strike NE-SW, the direction which is also parallel to the strike of the basin. Based on
log motif, dipmeter data, and available sedimentological data, those bodies are interpreted as barrier bars that thicken towards SE.
Sand geometry is indicative of bayhead deltaic setting environment.
Seismic Response Close to Sequence II Top
As the seismic reflection event corresponding to the top of Sequence II boundary is beyond seismic resolution, reflector corresponding
to lower Kopili top, which is fairly close to Sequence II boundary, has been mapped (Figure 15a and b). The reflection event of this
horizon is found as a moderate to high amplitude event. The sand-rich package corresponds to a high impedance contrast, except in
some areas towards the east and southeastern parts of the study area, where reflection below Barail is difficult to decipher. The
reflection time of this event ranges from 2800 to 3200 msec. The structural trend is the same as that of other sequences. East-west
fault trends, clearly visible in the 3-D view of the sequence structural map, perhaps developed during the latter phase of the tectonic
events.

Sequence III
This is the uppermost sequence of three identified sequences. The thickness of it is greater than that of the other two sequences.
Gradually the thickness increases towards the southeast of the study area. Two types of system tracts (HST and TST) are present
within this sequence. A map has been prepared for the HST to show the distribution pattern of sands within this sequence (Figure 16).
Based on the sand distribution pattern, it is interpreted that in Geleki, Amguri, Charali, Lakwa, Moran and Sonari areas sands have
been deposited as offshore bars. Towards the southwest and northwest, the depositional environment graded to lagoon. Farther
towards the west the depositional setting changed to a bayhead delta.
Seismic Response Close to Sequence III Top
The reflector ranges from 2600 msec in Disangmukh area to 5100 msec in SonariNazira low area. It is discontinuous and patchy in
the whole area. TWT relief (structure) map with 3-D view has been prepared, after correlation of this event (Figure 17a and b).
Attribute Analysis
Kopili Formation is primarily an argillaceous section with some isolated, scattered, discrete sands distributed on the entire North
Assam Shelf. Sand thickness is found to be on the order of 8-30m. The depth of occurrence makes it difficult to resolve its
heterogeneity and spatial geometry with confidence. Delineation of these individual sands within the formation is difficult due to the
following reasons:
thin and discrete nature.
high degree of vertical and lateral variability in net sand thickness.
weak impedance contrasts at sandstone interfaces.
high impedance of underlying limestones.
limited bandwidth of seismic data.
To identify the prospective areas, locales of sand maxima coupled with structural advantageous positions have been our main interest.
To achieve this objective, the sand thickness trends were calculated from logs and a reasonable horizon window was calculated to
accommodate most of the sands from the Kopili package to avoid tuning constraints. Accordingly, a window of 100 msec above
Sequence II top was taken for generating attribute maps.
Instantaneous frequency and amplitude attributes were extracted, and spectral decomposition technique was also attempted. Several
discrete sand geometries are observed in the area. Kopili sands could be recognized by the moderate to high amplitude and low to

moderate frequency anomalies in the above-mentioned attributes. Low to moderate frequencies have been identified to be the
anomalous pattern corresponding to the sands within thick shales of Kopili Formation (Figure 18).
Depositional Model
As there is hardly any core data available for the Kopili section for the entire North Assam Shelf, depositional environment has been
estimated on the basis of sequence stratigraphic analysis. Log data have been integrated with the seismic attribute maps and other
sedimentological and biostratigraphic data. Different maps (isochronopach, HST) of various identified sequences have been prepared.
The present study reveals a barrier bar - tidal inlet - tidal bar - tidal flat lagoonal - bayhead delta depositional model for Kopili
Formation deposited in an inner shelf to coastal-transitional setting. The HST maps of each of three sequences (Figures 12, 14, and
16), indicate an almost similar setting during deposition of all three sequences. The environmental mosaics, like barrier bars, tidal
inlet, tidal bar, tidal flat, lagoon, are the typical components of an estuary-embayment setting. A previous worker (Naik et al., 2001)
has also expressed the same view in this regard. In this setting, sediments are received by tide, wave, and fluvial processes. Elongate,
shore-parallel sand bars separate estuaries from open sea at the mouths of the rivers that have low-sediment loads. Different
subenvironmental element identified within Kopili section is discussed below.
Barrier Bar - Lagoonal System
It is basically a shoreline strike system, sediments transported by longshore currents. In Upper Assam Shelf a linear NE-SW trend of
Amguri-Geleki-Charali-LakwaMoran consists of the elongate, discrete offshore bars. Relative lowering of sea level or increase in
rate of sediment supply causes depositional regression (Curray, 1964) or normal regression (Posamentier, 1992) .Net effect was the
seaward accretion of littoral sediments which were subsequently redistributed by longshore currents and deposited as offshore bar
sands. These sand bodies grade landward into lagoonal muds and basinward into shelf muds and act as a barrier between estuary and
the open sea. Towards the west of the mapped area (Figures 12, 14, and 16) lay a lagoonal environment.
Tidal Inlet-Tidal Bar System
Intermittently, along its length the barrier bars were cut by tidal channels, or tidal inlets. Two such tidal inlets are observed between
Charali and Lakwa bars and Lakwa and Moran bars. Area around wells R-134, R-156 and D-31was influenced by tidal bar deposits.
Landward, towards the west, lagoonal conditions prevailed.

Bayhead Delta
Area farther west; i.e., the whole stretch from Dikhowmukh in the southwest to Panidihing in northwest, was under the influence of
bayhead delta environment. A shore-parallel sand geometry marks the imprint of bayhead delta deposits.
Overall Pattern
Based on the above analysis, one composite sand geometry map has been prepared for the entire Kopili Formation of the North Assam
Shelf to demonstrate the environmental setting during deposition of Kopili Formation (Figure 19). Different subenvironments and
sediment input direction are clearly shown in this map Therefore, it can be concluded that Kopili Formation was deposited in a
shallow-marine nearshore to coastal-transitional setting under medium to low hydrodynamic energy conditions. In general, the faunal,
floral, and sedimentological data (including granulometric studies) infer that the Lower Kopili sediments were deposited in shallow,
inner shelf conditions while the Upper Kopili was deposited in a marginal marine to transitional setting (Goswami et.al., 2000).
Overall, the depositional setting of Kopili Formation can be compared to a typical estuarine-embayment type of deposition. The
diagram shown in the Figure 20 seems to be analogous to the strata of our study area.
Hydrocarbon Prospectivity Analysis
Geleki field is the only established commercial hydrocarbon producer from the sands of Kopili Formation in the entire Upper Assam
Shelf. A very few wells have produced significant amounts of liquid hydrocarbon from Koplil sands. In Lakwa, a few deep wells have
reported hydrocarbon shows during drilling, and Kopili sands are also interpreted as hydrocarbon-bearing in logs of a few such wells.
Apart from these two areas Kopili sands did not show encouraging results. West of Geleki-Lakwa trend, sands are found to be waterbearing. It appears that structures closest to the kitchen (farther southeast of Geleki-Lakwa trend) were charged and the structures
farthest from the kitchen were not charged. System tract analysis has shown good development of offshore bars towards the eastern
and southeasterns part of the entire area. These offshore bars lie in close proximity to the kitchen area and also have good structural
advantage. Keeping this view in mind we have analyzed the prospectivity of Kopili Formation in the Upper Assam Shelf. This is
likely to open good exploration opportunity, especially in the areas east and southeast of Geleki, Charaideo-Bihubar-Laxmijan and
Lakwa-Sonari Nazira low and adjoining areas of North Assam Shelf (Figure 21).

Figure 9. Sequence stratigraphic analysis in profile through wells #E, #D, and #Y.

Figure 10. Sequence stratigraphic analysis along profile III.

Figure 11. Sequence stratigraphic analysis along profile IV.

Figure 12, HST sand map of Sequence I, Kopili Formation, North Assam Shelf.

Figure 13. a. TWT structure map close to Sequence I. b. 3-D view close to Sequence I.

Figure 14. HST sand map of Sequence II, Kopili Formation, North Assam Shelf.

Figure 15. a. TWT structure map close to top of Sequence II. b. 3-D view close to top of Sequence II.

Figure 16. HST sand map of Sequence III, Kopili Formation, North Assam Shelf.

Figure 17. a. TWT structure map close to top of Sequence III. b. 3-D view close to top of Sequence III.

Figure 18. 3-D view of average instantaneous attributes (100 msec above Sequence II top).

Figure 19. Composite depositional environment map.

Figure 20. Tidal and wave ravinement surfaces in a wave-dominated estuarine setting (modified from Reinson, 1992; Dalrymple et al.,
1992; Zaitlin, 1994; Shanmugam et al., 2000).

Figure 21. Map showing the prospective areas identified within Kopili Formation for the North Assam Shelf.

Conclusions
With the established leads from the Kopili play in Geleki and Lakwa areas this study has incorporated enhanced quality 3D data
(PSTM/PSDM) inputs along with the G&G data within sequence stratigraphic framework to arrive at the following conclusions:
In this study stratigraphic analysis is based on the concepts of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy, which is essentially a
time stratigraphic concept being used globally as a reliable tool for basin-scale correlation. Previously, stratigraphic correlation
of different sand units within Kopili Formation was done based on classical concept of lithostratigraphy, which is found to be
ineffective in basin-scale correlation.
Kopili Formation is divided into three higher order sequences ( Sequence I, II, and III) primarily based on logs and available
biostratigraphic and paleobathymetric data as the seismic imaging is found to be very poor within Kopili section
Sequence I is the lowermost sequence; Sequence III is the uppermost sequence, whereas Sequence II is the intermediate
sequence identified within Kopili Formation.
Two types of system tracts (TST and HST) are found to be present in each sequence.
Integrated study has mapped facies distribution pattern and Barrier Bar- Lagoon-Tidal inlet-Tidal bar-Bay Head Delta
depositional model has been envisaged for Kopili Formation in the entire North Assam Shelf.
The study has shown Kopili to be a new play, rather than merely as a source rock with significant reserve potential. This is
likely to open a very good exploration opportunity especially in the areas east and southeast of Geleki, Charaideo-BihubarLaxmijan and Lakwa-Sonari Nazira low and adjoining areas of North Assam Shelf.

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Acknowledgements
The authors are highly indebted to ONGC Limited for giving an opportunity to work on this topic Authors express their deep gratitude
to D. K. Pande, Director (Exploration) for permission to publish this article. This work could not have been successfully completed
without the valuable support and guidance provided by P.K.Bhowmick, EDHead KDMIPE. The authors also highly appreciate the
constructive suggestions of Shri. Jokhan Ram, the then - Executive Director and Head KDMIPE towards the progress of the project.
Continuous inspiration and motivation from Dr. Manoj Asthana,GGM&Head BRG and Shri Sanjive Mayor,GM(Geology) are highly
acknowledged. Authors also acknowledge the encouragement given by peers and colleagues. System group KDMIPE is thankfully
acknowledged for their cooperation in carrying out the present work on IIWS. Support/inferences taken from the reports of various
authors is also gratefully acknowledged. Views expressed in this paper are those of the authors only and may not necessarily be those
of ONGC.