Results of exploration in Mesozoic shelf-edge carbonates, Baltimore Canyon basin
The Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous carbonate shelf margins of the Baltimore Canyon basin were drilled in three exploration wells by Shell Offshore Inc. and partners. Drilled during 1983-1984, the wells were in record-setting water depths (maximum of 2119 m). The most updip well, OCS-A 0336-1, tested two structures. It penetrated thick oolitic grainstones of an Aptian bar complex and, deeper in section, a rollover anticline of lower Kimmeridgian, lime mudstone-dominated, shelf-interior facies. Intercalated sandstones in the lower structure gave minor gas shows, which were the only hydrocarbons found in the three wells. The OCS-A 0337-1 well, 5.5 km farther downdip, tested a mesa, penetrating sponge and tubiphytes-rich chalky (allodapic.) wackestone. Drilling below the mesa penetrated upper Kimmeridgian-Berriasian back-reef and lower Kimmeridgian foreslope deposits. The most downdip well, OCS-A 0317-1, 1 km seaward in strike projection, tested a pinnacle reef. The well was sited on the back side of the reef, 49 m below the reef crest. It encountered a cap of sponge and tubiphytes-rich limestone overlying hexacoral and stromatoporoid skeletal grainstones, and boundstones.
- Research Organization:
- Shell Offshore Inc., New Orleans, LA
- OSTI ID:
- 5162047
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-860624-
- Journal Information:
- Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Vol. 70:5; ISSN AAPGB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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