Exploration for Oil and Gas in the Michigan Basin: A Historical Review

Abstract

Abstract The Michigan Basin, which is centered in Michigan's southern pennisula, has been an oil and gas producing province for decades. The first substantial oil production in Michigan was obtained in 1925. Various structural and stratigraphic traps of different geological age have since been discovered and have produced oil and gas. All Paleozoic systems in Michigan, except the Cambrian, have produced oil and gas. The Mississippian rocks were the major target of explorations during the 1930's and 40's while Devonian rocks became the major producers during the 1950's. The Ordovician reservoirs contributed most of the oil produced in the state during the 1960's. The discovery of the Niagaran reefs in southeastern Michigan during the late 1950's, which was followed by extensive exploration of the northern reef trend during the 1970's, resulted in the development of the Niagaran Reef Belt which has been the most prolific producing formation in Michigan. The Niagaran Reef Belt still has good potential for future development especially in the southern and western parts of the state. In recent years, however, attention has been focused on a new deep target zone of Early Ordovician age in the central part of the basin termed Prairie du Chien. The first discovery well was drilled in 1980 with additional discoveries during the past two years. The recent discoveries suggest that the wells, which are drilled in the existing Devonian fields, are most favorable to encounter Prairie du Chien structures. This paper reviews the exploration and developmental activities in Michigan and provides geological background as well as reserves estimates and reservoir characteristics for the selected producing formations. The emphasis is placed on those formations which have the most potential for future exploration and/or development.