Tectonic subsidence modelling and Gondwana source rock hydrocarbon potential, Northwest Bangladesh Modelling of Kuchma, Singra and Hazipur wells

The northwestern part of Bangladesh is in terms of hydrocarbon exploration still under-explored. This paper presents the basin development from a structural point of view and includes the results of thermal and maturity modelling using numerical tools of basin modelling. One regional seismic section and three exploration wells have been investigated to unravel a conceptual model for the subsidence and thermal history of the region. According to the findings it is very likely that up to 2900 m of Triassic/Jurassic and partly Permian sediments have been eroded prior to the break-up of Gondwana. During continental break-up a peak heat flow is considered. This was necessary for calibrating maturity profiles using vitrinite reflectance (VR) derived from modelled wells. A significant gas generation phase during Lower Jurassic is predicted. At modelled well locations, although renewed subsidence occurred during Tertiary to present day, a second phase of gas generation has not occurred, as past maximum temperatures were not exceeded. According to the interpreted regional seismic sections in the region, the area southeast of the ‘Hinge Zone’ can be regarded as the main kitchen area for gas generation from the Gondwana source rock. The petroleum system in the northwestern part of Bangladesh remains high risk due to uncertainties in source rock distribution and generation.