Surface Deformation Risk Assessment in Hydrocarbon Fields: Insights from the Niger Delta Nigeria

Monitoring and identifying surface deformation in hydrocarbon fields are fundamental for assessing and managing risks associated with hydrocarbon exploration. Gaining a clear understanding of the scale and characteristics of surface deformation within production areas is critical for managing potential environmental impacts. This knowledge enables the development of effective strategies to mitigate risks, ensuring that exploration and production activities are carried out in a way that minimizes environmental harm and supports long-term sustainability.

In this study, we identify risk-prone areas within the hydrocarbon-rich Niger Delta Nigeria region using wide-area PSI displacement maps. The most prominent Active Deformation Areas (ADAs) are analyzed to derive key outputs: the Gradient Intensity Map, Gradient Vectors and Time Series, and the Potential Damage Map. These outputs facilitate the identification of infrastructure within the study area that may be at risk of damage. This preliminary identification can be further refined through detailed, infrastructure-specific vulnerability and risk assessments.

The findings offer essential insights into the connection between surface deformation and hydrocarbon production activities in the Niger Delta. These insights are crucial for promoting sustainable resource management, guiding infrastructure development, and mitigating environmental impacts in regions rich in hydrocarbons.