Mature, deep Illinois basin is target

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992 · AAPG Explorer; (United States)

OSTI ID:5425832

Shirley, K

This paper discusses the potential oil reserves available in the deeper strata of the Illinois basin which have been virtually untouched by a drill bit. The paper discusses the potential for significant reef deposits yet to be discovered in the Silurian-age strata. The author also discusses the potential for oil in the Sauk Sequence (Lower Ordovician) and the Middle Ordovician Tippecanoe Sequence. Because of the lack of source rocks, these deeper portions of the Illinois basin have been largely neglected. However, limited information in the Middle Ordovician Decorah Formation has excellent source rock potential with total organic carbon contents as high as 50%. The paper goes on to discuss the geologic history of the basin, emphasizing the tectonics and rifting which resulted from the breakup of the Supercontinent and the opening of the proto-Atlantic Ocean. Finally the paper discusses the use of computers to assist it locating exploration targets to minimize costs of collecting and analyzing raw data.

• OSTI ID: 5425832
• Journal Information: AAPG Explorer; (United States), Journal Name: AAPG Explorer; (United States) Vol. 13:1; ISSN AAPEE; ISSN 0195-2986
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
COMPUTER CALCULATIONS
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
EXPLORATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC HISTORY
GEOLOGY
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
GRAVITY SURVEYS
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
ILLINOIS
ILLINOIS BASIN
INDIANA
KENTUCKY
MAGNETIC SURVEYS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
RESOURCES
SEISMIC SURVEYS
SOURCE ROCKS
SURVEYS
TECTONICS
USA