Combined microbial, seismic surveys predict oil and gas occurrences in Bolivia

Journal Article · Mon Oct 24 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:6965772

Lopez, J P ^[1]; Hitzman, D; Tucker, J ^[2]

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1. Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Bolivianos, Santa Cruz (Bolivia)
2. Geo-Microbial Technologies Inc., Ochelata, OK (United States)

Microbial and geophysical surveys in the jungles of Bolivia's extensive Sub-Andean region have combined for three successful predictions of deep oil and gas reserves in as many tries. Hydrocarbon microseepage measured by microbial soil samples predicted the Carrasco, Katari, and Surubi structures of Bolivia's Chapare region in 1991--92, detecting traps with reserves at depths exceeding 4,500 m. Approximately 800 km of seismic lines covering 3,500 sq km was completed by Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) for evaluation of the YPFB reserve block. For 1 month each year at the end of the field season, seismic lines were quickly traversed by several microbial sampling teams. Using hand augers or shovels, the teams collected more than 3,200 samples approximately 20 cm (8 in.) deep at intervals of 250 m next to staked seismic locations. Microbial results were directly compared with seismic profiles for identification and ranking of traps and structures. The paper discusses the survey predictions and the microbial approach.

• OSTI ID: 6965772
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 92:43; ISSN OIGJAV; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
03 NATURAL GAS
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
BOLIVIA
CHEMISTRY
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
GEOCHEMICAL SURVEYS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGIC TRAPS
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
LATIN AMERICA
MICROORGANISMS
MINERAL RESOURCES
MONITORING
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PERFORMANCE
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCES
SEEPS
SEISMIC SURVEYS
SOIL CHEMISTRY
SOUTH AMERICA
SURVEYS