Abstract
Computer-generated exploration intensity maps were constructed for the Lower Cretaceous J and D sandstones of the Dakota Group in the Denver basin as part of the US Geological Survey's Federal Lands Assessment Program (FLAP). These maps illustrate producing and non-producing areas, distribution of hydrocarbon shows, and explored areas. They were compared with existing or generated maps of depositional environment, structure, thermal maturity, core porosity and permeability, and production data to delineate trends and to assess oil and gas resources for the Denver basin. Data from more than 36,000 drill holes in the Denver basin were entered into drill intensity programs, developed by the US Geological Survey, which tabulate show and production data for drill holes within 0.5 mi/sup 2/ grid cells. Primary production in the Denver basin is from stratigraphic traps of the J and D sandstones of the Dakota Group. Production and shows within the Dakota group are present in northeast-southwest-trending zones on the eastern flank of the basin in Colorado. Based on the incorporation of maps of depositional environment, porosity, and permeability, the trends may represent distributary-channel systems in this portion of the basin. Thermal maturation studies of J and D sandstone hydrocarbon source rocks indicate that muchmore » of the oil and gas present in the Dakota Group was generated deeper in the Denver basin. Hydrocarbon migration pathways from deep in the basin may also be indicated by these northeastern trends. Using drill intensity maps to illustrate zones of production is useful for delineating large-scale trends within plays and, therefore, for helping assess petroleum resources within the Denver basin. It may also be used to outline potential exploration targets by extending and analyzing the trends.« less
Published Version
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