1974 Austin Cretaceous discovery opened new frontiers in south Texas

Journal Article · Mon May 16 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6560579

Scott, R J; Scott, R J

The Austin chalk-Buda trend of S. Texas does not offer glamorous per well reserve figures. However, it does offer large reserves. With monthly production in Pearsall field alone, already up over one-half million bbl, there is little question that production from the entire trend will eventually be measured in hundreds of millions of barrels. The trend offers a 50% success ratio on commercial production. On Nov. 7, 1974, Southland Royalty 1-A Harris was completed in the Austin Cretaceous chalk flowing 208 bpd. The well was fractured wiht 100,000 gal of fluid plus 190,000 lb of sand. This well has had a tremendous impact on oil and gas exploration in S. Texas. The activity is not confined to Frio County. In a 150-mile strip from the Rio Grande to Milam and Burleson counties, there are 20 smaller fields currently developing plus a number of wildcats scattered along the trend. It is quite possible that the Austin chalk is not a chalk at all. If it is a chalk, it will be a detrital chalk as it certainly is not a pelagic chalk. The lithology and regional geology indicate the Austin chalk was deposited on a wide shallow, low energy shelf. There were periodic influxes of shale-sized clastics as the formation is interbedded with thin shale units.

• Research Organization: Fountain and Assocs
• OSTI ID: 6560579
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 75:20; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
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& Exploration
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COMMINUTION
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EXPLORATION
FEDERAL REGION VI
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURING
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GASES
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GEOLOGIC HISTORY
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LIMESTONE
LITHOLOGY
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NORTH AMERICA
OIL FIELDS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PRODUCTION
RESERVES
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SHALES
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WELL DRILLING