Alabama's Appalachian overthrust amid exploratory drilling resurgence

Journal Article · Mon Jun 24 00:00:00 EDT 1991 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:6130592

Taylor, J D ^[1]; Epsman, M L

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1. J.R. Holland and Associates, Northport, AL (US)

Oil and gas exploration has been carried out sporadically in the Appalachian overthrust region of Alabama for years, but recently interest in the play has had a major resurgence. The Appalachian overthrust region of Alabama is best exposed in the valley and ridge physiographic province in the northeast part of the state. Resistant ridges of sandstone and chert and valleys of shales and carbonate have been thrust toward the northwest. Seismic data show that this structural style continues under the Cretaceous overlap. The surface and subsurface expression of the Alabama overthrust extends for more than 4,000 sq miles. Oil and gas have been produced for many years from Cambro-Ordovician, Ordovician, Mississippian, and Pennsylvanian rocks in the nearby Black Warrior basin in Alabama and Mississippi and the Cumberland plateau in Tennessee. The same zones are also potential producing horizons in the Alabama overthrust region.

• OSTI ID: 6130592
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Vol. 89:25; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS
SEISMIC SURVEYS
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
GEOPHYSICS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
ALABAMA
CARBONATE ROCKS
CHERT
SANDSTONES
SHALES
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
FEDERAL REGION IV
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
MINERAL RESOURCES
MOUNTAINS
NORTH AMERICA
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SURVEYS
USA
020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
030200 - Natural Gas- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration