Structural evolution of three geopressured-geothermal areas in the Texas Gulf Coast

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:6206598

Winker, C D; Morton, R A; Garcia, D D

Detailed analysis of geological and seismic data from several geopressured geothermal areas (Cuero, Blessing, Pleasant Bayou) reveals similarities in structural-stratigraphic relationships that form geopressured aquifers as well as differences in structural complexity and evolution that characterize the different areas. In these examples, geopressured sandstones are isolated on the updip side by downfaulting against shelf-slope shales, and on the downdip side by upfaulting against transgressive marine shales. Moreover, they are isolated above and below by thick sequences of transgressive shale or interbedded sandstone and shale. Prospective reservoirs are found where delatic and associated sandstones (distributary channel, delta front, barrie-strandplain) were deposited seaward of major growth faults and near the shelf margin. Structural development in these areas began with rapid movement of relatively straight to sinuous down-to-the basin growth faults with narrow to wide spacings and varying amounts of rollover. Later structural movement was characterized by continued but slower movement of most growth faults. In the Pleasant Bayou area, late salt diapirism superimposed a dome-and-withdrawal-basin pattern on the earlier growth-fault style.

• Research Organization: Texas Univ., Austin (USA). Bureau of Economic Geology
• DOE Contract Number: AC08-79ET27111
• OSTI ID: 6206598
• Report Number(s): CONF-811026-9; ON: DE81029799
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150201* -- Geology & Hydrology of Geothermal Systems-- USA-- (-1989)
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FLUIDS
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
GEOPRESSURED SYSTEMS
GEOTHERMAL FLUIDS
GULF COAST
Geothermal Legacy
NORTH AMERICA
RESERVOIR ROCK
SEISMIC SURVEYS
SOUTHWEST REGION
STRATIGRAPHY
SURVEYS
TEXAS
USA