Stratigraphic framework and regional subsurface geology of upper Cretaceous through lower Eocene rocks in Wind River basin, Wyoming
A detailed stratigraphic study of over 6000 m of Upper Cretaceous through lower Eocene sedimentary rocks in the Wind River basin. Wyoming, has refined and expanded previous work and conclusions. A much larger data base than previously available was assembled to include a correlation net of 325 geophysical well logs, 36 drill holes with palynological age dates, lithology logs of drill hoes, and limited surface exposures. The most significant results and conclusions from this study are summarized below. (1) The lower part of the Mesaverde Formation intertongues with marine sandstones and shales of the upper Cody Shale to the east and with marine sandstones of the lower Mesaverde Formation in the Big Horn basin to the north. (2) An unconformity between the Mesaverde and Fort Union Formations in the southwestern part of the basin can be traced into the subsurface. (3) During the latest Cretaceous and Paleocene, over 2100 m of Lance Formation and over 2700 m of Fort Union Formation were deposited in the northeastern part of the basin. Ponding during the Paleocene is demonstrated by correlation and subsurface mapping of over 900 m of shale and siltstone in the Waltman Shale Member of the Fort Union Formation. (4) The Lance and Fort Union Formations can be mapped in the subsurface throughout much of the basin. The Lance Formation pinches out in the western part of the basin. (5) Coal beds can be traced for short distances in the subsurface; coal bed occurrence is documented for the Mesaverde, lower Fort Union, and Meeteetse Formations in the southwestern, northern and central, and northwestern parts of the basin, respectively.
- Research Organization:
- Geological Survey of Wyoming, Laramie (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6085580
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-890404-
- Journal Information:
- AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States), Vol. 73:3; Conference: AAPG annual convention with DPA/EMD Divisions and SEPM, San Antonio, TX, USA, 23 Apr 1989
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Upper Cretaceous and lower Tertiary rocks of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming: a new look at the basin's stratigraphy and tectonic history
The sequence stratigraphy of the latest Cretaceous sediments of northern Wyoming: The interplay of tectonic and eustatic controls on foreland basin sedimentation
Related Subjects
WYOMING
STRATIGRAPHY
COAL DEPOSITS
CRETACEOUS PERIOD
DATA ANALYSIS
DRILL CORES
EOCENE EPOCH
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
LITHOLOGY
SANDSTONES
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
SHALES
CENOZOIC ERA
FEDERAL REGION VIII
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
MESOZOIC ERA
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
TERTIARY PERIOD
USA
020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration