Shallow Oil Shale Deposits of Southern Uinta Basin, Utah: ABSTRACT

Abstract

In the southern part of the Uinta basin of northeastern Utah, the Mahogany zone of the Green River Formation occurs at or near the ground surface. This shallow Mahogany zone represents a resource of oil shale at depths of up to 200 ft (61 m), developable by horizontal in-situ methods such as demonstrated by Geokinetics Inc., which is operating in the study area. The geologic sections potentially attractive for near-surface oil production are described. The Mahogany zone is divided into seven correlatable units. Three cross sections constructed from oil-yield histograms detail the correlations. Thickness, average oil yield, and oil resource in place are used to create contour maps defining the resource. Production of shale oil from near-surface horizontal retorts involves creating permeability by blasting. This method lifts the surface, providing subsurface void space. Horizontal in-situ production of shale oil uses this void space to permit passage of air and product gasses. To this date, successful experimental horizontal retorts have been created to depths of about 60 ft (18 m) and further experimentation is expected to increase that depth limit. To determine and define the resource characteristics of this potentially developable section of the Green River Formation, the Laramie Energy Technology Center has drilled 12 core holes in the southern Uinta basin during the past 3 years. Data for 10 of these core holes are included. Information from 12 other cores taken by private companies is incorporated and 18 other test holes provided some data used in construction of structural contour and overburden maps. End_of_Article - Last_Page 696------------