Coal-bed methane resources and subsurface definition of the middle Pennsylvanian Allegheny Formation in northern West Virginia
- West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, Morgantown, WV (United States)
Traditional correlation methods have not proven effective in the subsurface definition of the Allegheny Formation. Sandstones are discontinuous, of channel fill origin, and have log signatures that are not uniquely traceable on a regional basis. Erosion and/or non-deposition associated with fluvial-deltaic channels were responsible for observed coal-bed discontinuities and resulted in preservation of incomplete depositional sequences. Lowermost Allegheny Formation and underlying Pottsville Group sandstones often coalesce and/or split. The regional unconformity between Mississippian and Pennsylvanian systems effectively prohibits correlation of sandstones above the middle Mississippian Greenbrier Limestone due to gross variations in sediment thickness and lithology. In the overlying Conemaugh Group, core descriptions are helpful in locating marine zones and red beds, which may then be located on geophysical logs and used in correlations. The combined use of data from coal exploration core holes, gamma-ray and density logs, oil and gas well drillers' logs, and interval thicknesses derived from outcrop studies has allowed tentative subsurface definition of the Allegheny Formation. The number and thicknesses of Allegheny coal beds, associated sandstones, and reported gas shows have been mapped for use in future coal-bed methane development. The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey developed this integrated approach to correlation while studying the coal-bed methane potential of the Allegheny Formation in northern West Virginia under contract to the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology and funded by the Gas Research Institute.
- OSTI ID:
- 6701327
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-930981-; CODEN: AABUD2
- Journal Information:
- AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States), Vol. 77:8; Conference: Eastern Section meeting of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists: eastern energy, environment and education for the 21st century, Williamsburg, VA (United States), 19-21 Sep 1993; ISSN 0149-1423
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Subsurface stratigraphy and gas production of the Devonian shales in West Virginia
Stratigraphic comparison of six oil fields (WV) producing from Big Injun sandstones
Related Subjects
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
MAPPING
COAL DEPOSITS
GAMMA LOGGING
GAMMA-GAMMA LOGGING
LITHOLOGY
METHANE
SANDSTONES
WELL LOGGING
WEST VIRGINIA
ALKANES
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGY
HYDROCARBONS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLOGY
RADIOACTIVITY LOGGING
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
USA
030200* - Natural Gas- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration