Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy of Well Ad, Western Niger Delta

Micropaleontological analysis of sixty (62) ditch cuttings rock samples collected from interval, 7800 feet to 12,002 well AD, located offshore western Niger Delta was carried out for the investigation their age and paleodepositional environment. Standard methods techniques foraminiferal sample processing were followed disaggregate microfauna matrix. The studied interval is predominantly made up 80 100 % sandstone, minor shale siltstone with variable textural properties. Foraminifera study revealed preserved diverse species dominated by calcareous benthic forms. A total seventy-four (74) recovered among which fifty (52) two are benthic, six (6) agglutinating forms while sixteen (16) planktonic foraminifera. On basis faunal assemblage, abundance diversity important events, four (4) zones (Valvulineria spp, Brizalina mandoroveensis, Hanzawaia concentrica Lenticulina inornata) recognised correlated F300 F500 assign an early middle Miocene sediments. Paleoenvironmental deductions based primarily on richness categories. presence or absence foraminifera aided in deciphering open ocean environments. dominant biofacies associations recorded within section Well-AD Ammonia beccarii defined rare common occurrences beccarii, Bolivina scalpratamiocenica, Florilus atlanticus Epistominella vitrea. mandoroveensis species, inornata, strattoni, Eponides eshira, Cribroelphidium galvestonensis also association. indicative Shallow/Inner Neritic Paleoenvironment, Inner Neritic/Middle Setting characterized top occurrence Valvulineria a rich continuous paleoenvironment dominantly inner neritic concomitant incursion outer setting.