Available on: www.bahria.edu.pk/bukc/burjes2016
2, Issue 1, June 2017
Gamma Ray-Based Facies Modelling of Lower Goru Formation: A Case
Study in Hakeem Daho Well, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan
Muhammad Jahangir Khan, Mubarik Ali, Mehrab Khan
Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Bahria University Karachi Campus, Pakistan.
Corresponding Author Email: mjahangir.bukc@bahria.edu.pk
Abstract – Contemporary study on producing hydrocarbon
fields open new windows to review the previous successful
work. This study focuses on qualitative interpretation of
gamma ray log to delineate the geophysical signature of Lower
Goru formation encountered in Hakeem Daho well. Lower
Goru formation represents the early Cretaceous age in lower
indus basin, Pakistan. The gamma ray log response shows
different shapes sampled at specified intervals, provide an
insight of heterogeneities in subsurface and depositional
environment of Lower Goru formation. keeping in view the
importance of gamma ray log, initially, qualitative
interpretation method is adopted to get substantial information
related to depositional setting, grain size, depositional energy of
Lower Goru formation by expanding gamma ray response
recorded in sand pockets sandwiched in Lower Goru formation
in understudy well. The integration of petrophysical
parameters derived from other geophysical logs of understudy
well help to interpret a gas bearing zone ranging from 3143-
3166 meter in Massive sands (a member of Lower Goru
formation). Four intervals studied but due to thickness issues a
relatively best thickness zone is suggested. The results show that
there is a good quality reservoir sands attributed with average
porosity of the zone is ranging between 5 -13 % (averaging 7-
9% effective porosity) and Sw 40%.
Keywords – Sinjhoro field, Lower Goru, Hakeem Daho
well, Depositional environment
INTRODUCTION
Understudy area lies in Sinjhoro which is an oil & gas
producing field of Lower Indus Basin (LIB), Pakistan
operated by national E&P company (Oil and Gas
Development Company Limited, Pakistan). The Sinjhoro
field is covering an area of 179.31 square kilometers, typified
with multiple fields (such as Baloch, Chak-2, Chak-63,
Chak-63SE, Chak-66, Chak-66NE, Chak-7, Hakeem Daho,
Lala Jamali and Resham) currently producing overall 3000
BOPD Oil, 30 MMCFD gas and 155 MTD LPG. The
successful discoveries from concessions of Sanghar north
and south unearth a new oil province “Sinjhoro field” after
the Potwar oil province in the up country.
Conventionally, subsurface model is prepared with
integration of seismic interpretation and geophysical logs.
Seismic reflection profiles provide better understanding of
sedimentary cover and geological architecture of basin fill
deposits such as in LIB, Pakistan. The producing reservoirs
of LIB are characterized with sand packages of Cretaceous
age, deposited in marine-deltaic environments. The
resolution of seismic reflection is optimum up to several
meters scale thus pitiable to pick the thin beds particularly
deformed sands with interbeded shale which are commonly
associated in LIB, Pakistan. The geophysical wireline logs
Page 40
Bahria University Research Journal of Earth Sciences Vol.
can provide physical behavior of geological layers on
centimeter scale, therefore relatively detailed geological
signatures can be interpreted when geophysical logs
integrated with seismic reflection profiles with an aim to
construct virtual geological model. Moreover, in one
dimensional modelling (like logs interpretation in one well)
the scale of study depends on instrument length and sensor
position inside the borehole, to study the laminas and
sedimentation pattern of reservoir there is a need of an
attempt to incorporate core data of subsurface layers or field
samples of exposed rocks. Presently, unavailability of the
core data restrict us to interpret the geophysical response of
Lower Goru formation only up to meter’s scale.
The gamma ray log is one of the most powerful tools
used in geological sequences and stratigraphic studies. The
gamma ray (GR) magnitude recorded in borehole indicates
the radioactive emission from a particular formation, thus
serves as lithology log due to its capability to distinguish
shale beds (characterized with high GR magnitude) from
interbeded sandstone and carbonates (characterized with
relatively low GR magnitude).
The gamma ray response depends on the measure of the
rock radioactivity which reflects the clay-mineral content,
the grain size and depositional energy. Nazeer et al., (2016)
suggested that the radioactive content is present in geological
layers as an ingredient of their mineralogical composition
and depositional environment and can be utilized as key
component in geological modelling of basin fill deposits,
even if 3D seismic and core data are not available.
Several foreign researchers like Selley (1978), Rider
(1990), Cant (1992), Chow et al., (2005), Sarhan (2015) and
national researchers like Nazeer et al., (2016) inferred
depositional facies from shapes of gamma ray curves
because GR log shapes observed in specific intervals of the
reservoir are related with geological characters such as grain
size, bedding of layer succession, depositional energy and
may help in lateral distribution of subsurface facies (in case
of correlating spatially distributed wells).
AN OVERVIEW OF GEOLOGY
Understudy well is producing hydrocarbons from main
reservoir (Lower Goru sands) of southern LIB. In In
stratigraphic succession of LIB, the Lower Goru formation
represents early Cretaceous age and comprises shoreface
sands, with transgressive marine shales which providing top
seal in petroleum system. Regionally, the trapping
mechanism is a complex combination of structural dip,
sealing faults and loss of reservoir quality to the north in LIB.
Three tectonic events are responsible for the structural
configuration of the hydrocarbon producing fields in LIB: a)
ISSN 2415-2234 © BURJES
Available on: www.bahria.edu.pk/bukc/burjes2016 Bahria University Research Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 2, Issue 1, June 2017

Late Cretaceous uplift and erosion, b) Late Paleocene

wrench faulting, and c) Late Tertiary to Recent Horizon Horizon Top Thickness
uplift/inversion of the Jacobabad High (Kazmi and Jan, (meter) (meter)
1997). The oldest Cretaceous strata is the organic-rich shales Alluvium 0 -
of Sembar formation, which is the presumed source of much Laki 613 613
of the gas in the middle and lower Indus basin, overlie by Ranikot 1163 550
sandy Lower Goru and shaley Upper Goru formations. The Khadro 1554.0 391
systematic stratigraphic chart (nearest to the understudy Parh 1644.0 90
area) of LIB is given in figure 1. Upper goru 1911.0 267
Lower Goru 2292.0 381
DATA SET Basal sand 2955.0 663
Talhar shale 2982.0 27
The geographical address of Hakeem Daho well is
Massive sands 3061.0 79
26.101834 degrees north of equator and 68.739069 degrees
east of prime meridian. The dataset utilized in this study is
FACIES INTERPRETATION
awarded by Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions,
Pakistan, which is summarized in table-1. The well spud up
In present work, we have observed five styles of gamma
to 3.210 kilometer in the basin fill deposits of LIB. Ten
ray log response in sandy beds (having low shale content
geological formations are encountered including the primary
characterized with less API values) in understudy formation.
producing reservoir, top seal and importantly, Talhar shales
The alternative shale beds have much high shale content so
which are considered as futuristic potential target of shale
GR scale is adjusted between 0-200 API units. The gamma
gas in southern LIB, Pakistan. The horizon tops of geological
ray log response vary in Lower Goru formation (at bottom of
layers encountered in understudy well are given in table-2.
log older beds to top of log the younger beds) that shows
geological heterogeneities. The qualitative interpretation of
Table 1. Data Set
gamma ray log response is described in accordance with
nomenclature introduced by Rider (1990). The observed GR
Geophysical well logs/ Depth Range log shapes in specific intervals are comprehensively
Data Type (z-Dimension) described in figure 2. Moreover, increase in measured
radioactivity in Lower Goru formation reflects the increase
Total Depth 3210 in clay content and hence decrease in the depositional energy
Gamma Ray log 0-3207 thus help in understanding the influence of sea-level changes
(Cretaceous times) due to either eustatic or tectonic factors
Density log 2800-3209
which principally affected the formation’s depositional
Caliper log 2800-3219 history.
CNCF 2800-3209 The detailed study of depositional environment
characterized with “tide-dominated” identified from
Sonic 2244-3202 coarsening upward or funnel shape GR trend observed at
Photoelectric effect 2801-3207 multiple intervals mentioned in figure 2. Funnel shape
(Coarsening upward trend with abrupt top) forms when
Radioactive (K, Th, U) 2800-3191 GR values decrease upward consistently from maximum
Resistivity (deep, Medium) 625-2274 value of GR log reading, or may decrease relatively from
maximum values, indicating decrease of shale content
Resistivity (Micro) 2800-3219 upward, forming coarsening upward trend overall reveals
relatively thick sediments with rapid deposition in clastics
METHODOLOGY depositional environment. Chow et al, (2005)
interpreted two types of funnel shapes: a) thick funnel
The methodology of present study emphasizes on shape succession and b ) thin funnel shape succession.
qualitative and quantitative interpretation of geophysical Accordingly, in Lower Goru formation, thin funnel-shaped
logs run in Hakeekm Daho -01 well to infer the paramount successions are identified which are less than 8 meter thick
geological characters and an intuition of hydrocarbon lie at multiple depth intervals ranging from 2955-2958 meter,
bearing zone. In second part, analytical reservoir analysis is 2973-2979 meter, 3108-3111 meter, 3156-3161 meter which
done by computing shale content (Vsh), effective porosity are geologically expounded as crevasse splay of a
(Øeff), hydrocarbon saturation (Shc) and water saturation deltaic channel such thin packages do not considered for
(Sw) and correlation of petrophysical properties with derived predicting a prograding delta.
results. Also, the vertical variations of reservoir parameters
(zone of interest) are studied through constructing the cross
plots. Moreover, some parameters (resistivity of formation
water (Rw)) are derived to find out water saturation (Sw).
Table 2. Geological horizons in Hakeem Daho-01 Well

Page 41 ISSN 2415-2234 © BURJES

Available on: www.bahria.edu.pk/bukc/burjes2016
Fig. 1 Generalized stratigraphic section of LIB, Pakistan
The depositional environment “tidal flat sub-
environment” is characterized by Left bow shape of GR log
response that is observed at three very thin beds having unit
thickness (1 meter) ranging from 2336-2337 meter, 2340-
2341 meter, 2665-2666 meter interval of Lower Goru
formation in understudy well. Left boxcar trend of GR log
defined by consistent trend of GR with low values observed
in two intervals ranging from 2959-2963 meter, 3065-3069
meter in Lower Goru formation. Left boxcar trend of GR log
associated with wave dominated deltaic environment in
which very fine- to medium grained sand layers deposited as
tide channel sandstone characterized with fine grain at the
base with mud drapes followed by very fine-grained facies.
In the light of interpretation by Siddiqui et al. (2013) the
muddy tidal flat are favorable depositional environment for
left boxcar.
The depositional environment known as Tidal channel
sandstone is characterized with finning upward or bell shape.
GR log values increases upward consistently from minimum
value of log reading in trend, or may increases relatively
from minimum values, indicating increasing shale content,
forming fining upward trend with abrupt base. The bell-
shaped successions are usually indicative of a transgressive
sand, tidal channel or deep tidal channel and fluvial or deltaic
channel system. The observed trends of fining upward are
not smooth suggesting as varying lithology in respective
sand intervals of Lower Goru formation ranging from 3099-
3103 meter.
The cylindrical trend of gamma ray log is identified by
“even block with sharp top base” or left blocky boxcar
characterized with sharp boundaries at the upper and bottom
Page 42
Bahria University Research Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 2, Issue 1, June 2017
Badin
Badin
Adam X-1, Badin
Adam
of the interval with relatively consistent gamma log readings
that indicate uniform lithology. The consistent GR cycle is
observed in front of multiple beds ranging from 3111-3116
meter, 3145-3151 meter, 3165-3166 meter having thickness
5 to 6 meter represents aggradational stacking of sand beds
in Lower Goru formation at specified intervals in under study
wells.
INTERPRETAION OF MASSIVE SANDS
In second part of the present work, a hydrocarbon
bearing zone is identified in Hakeem Daho-01 by utilizing
additional geophysical logs. The logs interpretation is shown
in figure 3a. Geophysical log analysis is done through
available windows based computer application. The log
analysis is depends on formulae calculations and pre-
established crossplots and chart for evaluating necessary
petrophysical parameters concerning lithology, porosity,
volume of shale, saturation of water and derived saturation
of hydrocarbons in the specific zone.
Conventionally, a reservoir zone is characterized with
low gamma ray values, high resistivity values, Neutron
density cross over, and less water saturation. All these
ingredients are successfully found in a 23 meter thick bed of
sandstone (Massive Sands which is a stratigraphic member
of Lower Goru formation) extending from 3143-3166 meter
encountered in under study well.
ISSN 2415-2234 © BURJES
Available on: www.bahria.edu.pk/bukc/burjes2016 Bahria University Research Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 2, Issue 1, June 2017

Sr. No. GR log Response GR log Shape Interval Key description of Facieses Depositional
(API Scale) Depth (in accordance with Rider 1990) Environment
0 200 (meter)

Multiple intervals of 10 meters

2303-2317
Coarsening maximum to 3 meter minimum
2955-2958
upward/ associated with sandstone with poorly Tide-
A 2973-2979
Funnel sorted grains having mud interclasts, dominated
3108-3111
shape planner cross-bedding and may have an
3156-3161
erosional base.

Multiple thin intervals 1 meters beds

2336-2337
Left bow-shape/ associated with unidentified structures Tidal flat sub-
B 2340-2341
Symmetrical with very fine- to fine-grained sand environment
2665-2666
body in between thick muddy deposit

Multiple intervals of 4 meter thick

Wave-
deposited with very fine- to medium
2959-2963 dominated
C Left boxcar trend grained sand bodies with thin
3065-3069
lamination, wave Ripples, planner
cross-bedding, ripple marks.

Fining A four meter thick bed characterized

Tidal channel
upward/ with fine grain at the base with mud rich
D sandstone
bell 3099-3103 and carbonaceous material followed by
shape very fine-grained.

Multiple beds having 5 to 6 meter

Cylindrical/ 3111-3116 thickness characterized with very fine-
Wave-
E Left Blocky 3145-3151 to medium grained sand bodies with
dominated
boxcar 3165-3166 thin lamination, wave ripples, planner
cross-bedding,

Fig. 2 Facies description from GR log respone in Lower Goru sand pockets

Fig. 3a Comparison of logs and petrophysical analysis in hydrocarbon bearing zone.

Page 43 ISSN 2415-2234 © BURJES

Available on: www.bahria.edu.pk/bukc/burjes2016
ZDEN (g/cm3)
Fig. 3b
Permeability (mD)
Fig. 3c
Figure 3b depicts the petrophysical measurements in
zone of interest fall above and sandatone package on
standard Schlumberger cross plot (neutron and density chart)
suggesting the type of hydrocarbon i.e. gas bearing zone
characterized with low density points emerging above the
sandstone level (green line).
The computed effective porosity values are plotted
verses permeability of the proposed zone, shown in figure
3c. The average porosity of the zone is ranging between 5 -
13 % (averaging 7-9% effective porosity).
Several successful discoveries from conventional
structural traps of early Cretaceous Lower Goru sands force
the researchers from oil and gas exploration & development
to unearth more plays in mature fields.
Page 44
Bahria University Research Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 2, Issue 1, June 2017
CNCF (%)
Neutron and Density chart in selected zone
Porosity (%)
Porosity – Permeability cross plot of selected zone
CONCLUSIONS
 The objective of present study is achieved by expending
gamma ray response to unearth the fluvial deltaic facies
of Lower Goru formation in understudy well.
 Facies modelling shows that Lower Goru formation is
part of continental shelf with shallow marine sand
bodies belong to Shoreface sand. Change in grain size
shows that deposition of Lower Goru formation has
eustatic controlled environment.
 Five types of GR based facies are identified. Hakeem
Daho -01 well is a productive well and it has more
potential as indicated by the present petrophysical
studies.
 Massive Sand is considered as main reservoir for
petrophysical interpretation.
ISSN 2415-2234 © BURJES
Available on: www.bahria.edu.pk/bukc/burjes2016 Bahria University Research Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 2, Issue 1, June 2017

 Average water saturation found in massive sand is 40%.

The average porosity of the proposed zone is ranging
between 5 -13 % (averaging 7-9% effective porosity).

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Authors are thankful to Directorate General of

Petroleum Concessions, Islamabad for providing the well
data. We acknowledge the potential reviewers for their
technical guidance and critical review of the scrip.

REFERENCES

[1] Kazmi A.H., Jan M.Q., (1997). Geology and Tectonics of

Pakistan, Graphic Publishers, Karachi, Pakistan, pp. 540-560.
[2] Chow JJ, Ming- Ching Li, Fuh S.(2005). Geophysical well of
study on the paleoenvironment of the hydrocarbon producing
zones in the Erchungchi Formation, Hsinyin, SW Taiwan.
TAO 2005;16(3):531- 543
[3] Emery, D., Myers, K., (1996). Sequence Stratigraphy.
Blackwell Scie. Ltd., Oxford, pp.297.
[4] Nazeer A, et al., (2016). Sedimentary facies interpretation of
Gamma Ray (GR) log as basic well logs in Central and Lower
Indus Basin of Pakistan, Geodesy and Geodynamic,7,432-443.
[5] Rider, M.H., (1996). The Geologic Interpretation of Well
Logs. 2nd Edn., Gulf Publishing Co., Houston, pp: 280
[6] Rider, M.H., (1990). Gamma-ray Log Shape used as a Facies
Indicator Critical Analysis of an Oversimplified
Methodology. In: Hurst, A., M.A. Lovell and A.C.
Morton (Eds.), Geological Applications of Wireline Logs.
Geological Society of London Special publication, London,
pp: 406, ISBN: 090331780X.
[7] Selley RC. (1978) Concepts and methods of subsurface facies
analysis: American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
Continued education Course Notes Series
[8] Sarhan, M.A (2015). High resolution sequence stratigraphic
analysis of the Late Miocene AbuMadi Formation, Northern
Nile Delta Basin. NRIAG Journal of Astronomy and
Geophysics
[9] Siddiqui N.A., El-Ghali M.A., Mijinyawa A., ben-Awuah J.
(2013). Depositional Environment of Shallow-Marine
Sandstones from Outcrop Gamma-Ray Logs, Belait
Formation, Meragang Beach, Brunei Darussalam. Res J.
Environ. Earth Sci. 5(6): 305-324.
[10] Zhang, T., Ellis, G. S., Ruppel, S. C. (2012). Effect of
Organic-Matter Type and Thermal Maturity on Methane
Adsorption in Shale-Gas Systems. Organic Geochemistry, 47:
120-131
[11] Zhang, T., Ellis, G. E., Ruppel, S. C. (2013). Effect of Organic
Matter Properties Clay Mineral Type and Thermal Maturity
on Gas Adsorption in Organic-Rich Shale Systems.
Unconventional Resources Technology Conference.

_____________________________________________________

Received : 5th May, 2017

Revised : 31st May, 2017

Accepted : 15th June, 2017

____________________________________________________________________

Page 45 ISSN 2415-2234 © BURJES