Paleotectonic controls on carbonate reservoir development in central Williston basin
The Williston basin has been portrayed as the archetype intracratonic basin, wherein tectonics have played only a minor role in geologic history. This may be demonstrated in the subtle manner in which tectonics have controlled the locus and development of most of the producing reservoirs in the Paleozoic sedimentary sequence. The pattern of the initial sedimentary sequence covering the crystalline basement is that of a westerly to southwesterly thickening wedge. Limited penetration of the Deadwood sequence has restrictted full understanding of its hydrocarbon potential. Major unconformities mark tectonic episodes at the close of the Silurian and near the close of the Devonian. Mississippian seas flooded across the late Devonian unconformity and deposited thick sequences of carbonates and evaporites again in a predominantly basin-centered pattern. Rapid subsidence and rapid sedimentation caused a filling of the basin, and a strong regressive pattern of facies developed. Peritidal sedimentary facies dominate in development of reservoir and seal. Traps are thus influenced by very subtle tectonic topographic variations throughout the basin. Late Paleozoic to early Mesozoic uplift, tilting, and erosion, followed by deposition of early Mesozoic seals has had a profound effect on the distribution of hydrocarbons in the previously developed traps. A more complete understanding of this final episode and its relation to source rock maturation and migration holds the key to much of the future development of the basin.
- Research Organization:
- Kerr and Associates, Denver, CO
- OSTI ID:
- 6525674
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8309274-
- Journal Information:
- Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Vol. 67:8; ISSN AAPGB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
CARBONATE ROCKS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGIC TRAPS
MINERAL RESOURCES
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SEDIMENTATION
TECTONICS