Structural Interpretation and Modeling of Salt Induced Anticlines In Pindori and Bhangali Fields, Eastern Potwar, Pakistan

Abstract

The Potwar Sub-basin in northern Pakistan is part of the Himalayan foreland fold-and-thrust belt. It has complicated thin-skinned tectonics, salt detachments, and several anticlines that hold hydrocarbons. This study examines the structural interpretation and modeling of salt-induced anticlines in the Pindori and Bhangali fields, incorporating ideas from the Adhi and Tanwin-Bains structures. The primary aims were to characterize subsurface geometries, comprehend the influence of salt tectonics on fold-thrust development, and assess the reservoir potential of significant formations. We used G-VERSE and MOVE software to look at seismic reflection data, which included five dip profiles and two strike profiles. The Kamlial, Murree, Chorgali, and Salt Range formations were recognized and plotted as horizons. Synthetic seismograms from the Pindori-3 and Bhangali-01 wells were used to calibrate the maps. We created time-structure and depth-structure contour maps, and then we restored the structure by using 2D flexural-slip unfolding and removing fault displacement. A petrophysical investigation of four wells yielded estimates of shale volume, effective porosity, and water saturation, which were subsequently combined with seismic interpretations. The findings indicate that the Pindori, Tanwin-Bains, and Adhi anticlines are interconnected salt-cured thrust-related folds, developed along a basal detachment within the Salt Range Formation. Fault F1 was the main thrust in the Pindori anticline, while Faults F2–F3 were back-thrusts that made up for it. In the Tanwin-Bains and Adhi anticlines, Fault F6 with F4–F5 and Fault F9 with F7–F8 did the same thing. These interactions show how the foreland wedge is slowly changing shape and breaking apart as it is compressed from NNW to SSE. Petrophysical data show that the Chorgali and Sakesar formations have the potential to be reservoirs. Their moderate porosity and hydrocarbon saturation ranges are similar to those of producing fields in the area. This comprehensive method shows how salt tectonics shape structural traps in the Potwar Basin and provide important information about hydrocarbon prospectivity, structural evolution, and the restoration of complex foreland geometries.vii