Prediction of Abnormal Pressures in Wyoming Sedimentary Basins Using Well Logs

Abstract

Abstract Abnormal formation pressures are present in lower tertiary - upper cretaceous formations of Wyoming sedimentary basins. Calibration curves for predicting pore pressures were established for these formations using conductivity and acoustic log responses from existing wells in these basins. Comparison was made between the predicted pore pressures using the calibration curves and some actual measured pressures. It was found that the calibration curves had an accuracy of pore pressure predictions of approximately ±0.03 psi/ft of depth, or 300 psi at depths below 10,000 feet for the comparison well.