Geologic setting and natural gas potential of Niobrara formation, Williston Basin
Chalk units in the Niobrara Formation (Upper Cretaceous) have potential for generation and accumulation of shallow, biogenic gas in the central and eastern Williston basin. Similar to area of Niobrara gas production in the eastern Denver basin, Niobrara chalks in South and North Dakota were deposited on carbonate ramps sloping westward off the stable eastern platform of the Western Interior seaway. Within the Williston basin, the Niobrara of the western Dakotas, eastern North Dakota, and central South Dakota has different stratigraphic relationships. These three areas can be further subdivided and ranked into six areas that have different exploration potential. The south margin of the Williston basin in central South Dakota is the most attractive exploration area. Niobrara chalk reservoirs, source rocks, and structural traps in the southern Williston basin are similar to those in the eastern Denver basin. Chalk porosities are probably adequate for gas production, although porosity is controlled by burial depth. Organic carbon content of the chalk is high and shows of biogenic gas are reported. Large, low-relief structural features, which could serve as traps, are present.
- Research Organization:
- St. Cloud State Univ., MN
- OSTI ID:
- 6108593
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8506201-
- Journal Information:
- Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Vol. 69:5; Conference: AAPG Rocky Mountain Section meeting, Denver, CO, USA, 2 Jun 1985
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Cretaceous Niobrara play
Regional setting of Niobrara formation in Northern Great Plains
Related Subjects
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
EXPLORATION
ORIGIN
WILLISTON BASIN
CRETACEOUS PERIOD
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
NORTH DAKOTA
POROSITY
SOUTH DAKOTA
FEDERAL REGION VIII
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MESOZOIC ERA
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
RESOURCES
USA
030200* - Natural Gas- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration