A prediction investigated: Antrim gas fields in central and southern Michigan
- R.D. Matthews, Incs., Chicago, IL (United States)
- Michigan Petroleum Geologists, Inc., Litchfield, MI (United States)
An exploration rationale based on observations in the Appalachian basin has been applied to Michigan. The rationale assumes that not all shale gas is indigenous and that gas production is related to both a greater gas content and a greater fracture density than regional average. Areas [open quotes]charged with gas[close quotes] can be expected where methane has migrated from downdip Antrim or from older sources into stratigraphic traps created by shale facies change. Increased fracturing requires geologically [open quotes]new[close quotes] crustal movement. Small areas of predicted shale gas potential were identified using (1) mapped facies changes, (2) bitumen concentrations, (3) Traverse Lime structure, and (4) glacial hinge lines. Three areas, about 6 by 15 mi, in south central Michigan showed an organic matter (bitumen) equal to or greater than in Otsego County. Each area was crossed by a shale to shale facies change with less permeable shale positioned updip of expected gas movement. All three areas lie along projections of glacial hinge lines, where geologically [open quotes]new[close quotes] flexing ([approximately]13,000 YBP) is postulated to have created [open quotes]fresh[close quotes], localized breakage. The areas were superimposed on an oil and gas map and well records in and around the areas were searched for evidence of gas, water, or lost circulation. Antrim [open quotes]gas[close quotes] occurred in two areas; specifically, seven wells in or near the southern, shallowest area and in four wells in or bordering another. Although the evidence is inconclusive, the gas reported where gas was predicted is presented as support for the exploration methodology advanced.
- OSTI ID:
- 6749376
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-940988-; CODEN: AABUD2
- Journal Information:
- AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States), Vol. 78:8; Conference: Annual meeting of the Eastern Section of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), East Lansing, MI (United States), 18-21 Sep 1994; ISSN 0149-1423
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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