Oil and gas Exploration Activities in Nepal

Abstract

Systematic geological investigations in Nepal started late in comparison with the start of such studies in other countries. The topographical feature of Nepal varies from 100 meters in south to 8848 meters in altitude in north. Physiographically, Nepal is separated into four zones similar to the geological zones. They are Terai plain (Indo Gangetic plain), Siwalik range (Churia range), lesser Himalaya and higher Himalaya region. The Terai and Siwalik region in the foreland of Nepal Himalaya are known for sedimentary basins with considerable thickness. These regions are targeted for hydrocarbon exploration. In this paper, we describe the possibility of occurring oil and gas in Siwalik, Surkhet, Gondwana and Lakharpata (Vindhyana) groups of rocks based on the results from field investigation and geochemical analysis of collected samples. The seismic interpretation of Terai region indicate the evidence of unconformities between Siwalik sediments and the under lying meta sediments group of rock which are equivalent to the oil bearing formation of unnamed formation in the northern India. This group contains potential source and seal rocks. One exploration well drilled though dry gave valuable information to petroleum exploration.