Geothermal and Geopressure Relations as Tool for Petroleum Exploration: ABSTRACT

Abstract

The Uinta basin represents a timely model for the study of many interesting geologic and geochemical problems that are pertinent to current exploration research investigations and to technical problems concerning petroleum production which face the petroleum industry, particularly in light of the present energy crisis. The primary areas of investigation in this reported study on the Uinta basin concern the complexities in the exploration of ultraparaffinic crudes from fresh- and brackish-water lacustrine sedimentary deposits. An investigative study of the subsurface temperature and pressure distribution patterns within the potentially productive section of the Wasatch Formation (Eocene) has produced highly favorable results as an exploration tool in predicting the recent successful exploratory trends within the Uinta basin. A direct relation has been documented between the occurrence of productive hydrocarbons within the Wasatch Formation and the simultaneous occurrences of high geotemperatures, abnormally high pressures, and the presence of an organic-rich shale facies. These relations currently are being investigated as a potential tool for the exploration of stratigraphic traps in Tertiary basins. In addition, this study illustrates an application of computer techniques to geologic evaluations on a regional basis: rapid data-processing methods, data banks, computer-contoured maps, and statistical analysis of geologic data. End_of_Article - Last_Page 916------------